I got a new UPS truck yesterday.

This post is being typed to you on my MDA cell phone. We will see how long my thumbs can do this. For those unaware, I have always suffered from FFF disease. That stands for Fat Flat Fingers. This condition makes it very difficult to type on this mini-keyboard, among other things.

The accompanying photo was taken a few minutes ago as I walked up here to my haunt, the local Starbucks. Gresham in the summer. I have a feeling that the beautiful, warm days of summer are waning for Gresham.

But I will deal wifit.

Time to continue my afternoon constitutional.

Okay, granted, the three of you readers probably have more important things to do with your time than comment on my blog. But seriously, am I going to be forced to MAKE UP comments, posing as readers? Please don't let it come to that.

Yes folks, it's time to see who's really out there! It's our semi-occasional Readership Drive! Well, actually, it's not a drive, it's more of a survey. I KNOW there are more readers out there than just my niece, Jenni, and so I would like ANYONE and EVERYONE who reads this blog to post a comment RIGHT NOW.

You don't have to say anything. Just type in "Here," if you want. I just want to know if anyone reads this.

I am planning on listing this blog in some blog list thingys in order to garner more readers, but I want to know how many people are out there. Anonymous comments are fine. Just. Please. Post.

Thank you belly belly much. Without you, I'd just be typing in the wind.

A cucumber, sliced and drenched in vinegar.
A plumb.
An apple.
Grape Nuts.
Milk.
Slice of bread.
Cottage Cheese.
Various other things...

I saw the new movie "World Trade Center," staring Nicholas Cage today. It was very good. More than once I found myself wiping my eyes.

Of course, there was really no plot; I mean there was no suspense as far as knowing what was going to happen. But nevertheless, the movie kept your attention. I thought I'd have a hard time picturing Nicholas Cage as a policeman on 9/11, but actually he did such a good job, I never really looked at the actor-- only the character. The other actors were very good as well.

I would heartily recommend this movie. When the credits rolled at the end, I just sat there. It was a very somber moment. I was the last to leave the theater. Granted, it was a matinee showing, and there was hardly anyone in the theater, but nonetheless, it was hard to just get up and resume life as usual.

Yes, the time has come. I am officially OLD. How do I know? Because I have LOW THYROID! Oh man, that is so exciting! It's like the ultimate in maladies!

I mean, how many times have you been sitting at the laundromat, watching the clothes spin in the glass window of the dryer, and the overweight woman sitting beside you turns to you and says, "I have low thyroid."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. My doctor has me on thyroid pills."

"I see."

It's almost a parody of itself! It's just perfect! What a conversation starter!

Anyway, it's also a great excuse for just about anything. "I'd be happy to help you move next weekend, but... I have low thyroid." Or, "I really should balance my checkbook, but... I have low thyroid." Or, here's one that I plan on using A LOT: "I really should eat better, but my doctor says I have low thyroid."

Yep, that's me!

I've updated my HOME PAGE with some pictures of my trip to South Carolina (and a few from Augusta, GA). Click HERE to see!

It's good to be home.

Looking forward to another week of R&R and organizationalization.

I'm in historic Charleston. Here's a little travel log:

Sunday Evening, I drove over the new, spectacular Ravenel Bridge (by mistake because the map didn't tell me that the route I was taking was ONLY going over the
bridge). It's cool.

Monday morning I went down to the old Market; they used to sell slaves there. Now, it's an open air marked where people sell their wares. Really cool. I walked down by the battery, too and got some pictures. It was so nice, I returned in the evening for another liesurely stroll and more pictures.

Monday night I had grits and shrimp at A.W.Schucks. It's a chain down here in the South, recommended to me by Eric's wife, Amy. Had fried green tomatoes as an appetizer. Mmmm. Awesome.

I had lunch at an open air restaurant, the Noisy Oyster. Although it was probably well over 90 degrees outside (and humid), the ceiling fans (and possibly-- air conditioning blowing on the area?) made it very comfortable-- even though the huge windows were open to the street. Delicious blackened salmon with collard greens and hush puppies. I'm making a point to have key lime pie for desert everywhere while I'm here, although if I find some pecan pie I might change that plan.

Anyway, there's been lots of shopping and strolling. Charleston is a vibrant town. Many tourists and residents taking in the sights.

More to come...