Pheresis

My blood took a spin today. Donated platelets to the red cross today. It was a good experience. This valuable substance is used in many medical setting. As we approach Summer donations start to go down. The platelets that are donated have a short shelf life. So the need is greater.

Think about doanting to the Red Cross blood center. You never know when a family member, a neighbor or a total stranger may need this valuable substance.

Think about it, you are not donating money, you are donating your time and energy, to assist someone who is in need.

Infrastructure- What a mess

Have you driven around town lately. The Potholes are pavement are in need of work.

The State and Cities are in need of funds, not sure how we can get a fix on the infrastructure.

It would be great if the economy would turn around and get us out of this mess.

Christmas 2009 and the Economy

Went shopping today. Not nearly the crowds at Grand Prairie. Went out Northwoods Mall and ran into a good friend, was not as crowded as I would have expected. Went to Deals and Big Lots. That was a different story. These places were packed.

Did also go to UFS. Never know what you will find there. It was a very worthwhile trip.

Good Luck in your shopping endeavors.

The Smell of Bleach in the Morning

From the It's always Something Department...

The sewer pipe broke in the basement. What a mess to start a Friday Morning. The Plumber did a quick good job of replacing the pipes. The Cleanup goes on.

Elbow grease and the lingering smell of Chlorine Bleach is making the project come to a good conclusion.

On the positive side the garden is coming along great. Tomatoes on the vine, Marigolds and Zinnias are popping up. Rabbits munching on the Hostas.

An unusual site in Downtown Peoria

Tonight while heading Downtown to the Peoria Post Office I neared Oak Street and Washington. You know the spot, Every weekend and most weeknights Photographers are down there taking pictures against the older buildings. Many a wedding shot has been taken on Oak Street, Senior Pictures etc.

Today was not one of those days, there was a train coming up the tracks near What would be the start of Water street. I looked and saw a movement. No it was not Willie York. As I came up to the corner there it was standing at the Corner of Oak and Washington. It was a Deer. Maybe the Deer wanted its picture taken and was looking for a photographer.

This was my second sighting of deer along Washington. The other siting was two deer in the lot of Deluxe Limousine on morning at 4:45.

Watch out when you drive Downtown, you never know what will pop out of a side street.

The economy- an observation for a Saturday Night

After a day of Yardwork decided to go out for supper. Traveled to a dinin spot in Peoria and got in immediately. Normally on Saturday Night at 6:30 I would have expected a wait. Not last night. The place was half empty. Talking to the staff they inferred that it was dead all day. Had a good meal and left.

On the way home I stopped at a retailer. It was 7:45 and there was hardly anyone there. In checking out I was talking to the clerk. She said she came on in the afternoon and it was not busy all day.

With the county unemployment rate over 9% and the City above 10% the town was showing it last night. Groceries are on the agenda today. People shopping for staples will probably be a different look.

The River is finally falling- Some visitors to the area

The river is finally going down. We may get below flood stage for the first time in Three months.

If you have been watching the skies you may have seen a large population of large birds. The flooding seems to have brought in a lot of Vultures. While traveling along 474 and crossing the Shade Lohman bridge there was a large group of Vultures resting on top of the oil tanks along Wesley Road.

It also time to get out and visit some of the festivals and sights of the weekend. Strawberries in Elmwood, Titanic Exhibit at Grand Prairie and opening weekend for the new Peoria Zoo.

Enjoy the weekend, check the skies for those unusual visitors.