#LetGaryDebate

I've been a frustrated voter for many, many years.

But now I'm a voter with hope. For the first time ever I have now contributed to a political campaign. Johnson/Weld 2016.

I urge everyone to take a look at what they have to offer. www.johnsonweld.com.  They offer a glimmer of sanity and common sense in the middle of the political circus that Clinton and Trump offer. More importantly - I feel they represent my views, my needs and my desires for how I want to see this great nation be run.

1989 Waggy

1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

I bought this one from the Carolina's several years ago.

Overall in good shape. Only major rust is rear passenger quarter panel - and that isn't even through the panel. Headliner was cut out after it sagged but the panels are still in place so new fabric could be easily installed. Goes in and out of 4WD with no issues. Shifts from 1st to 2nd at a higher engine revs than I like but I never got around to adjusting the bands to take care of this.

Two Waggys

For Sale - Two Jeep Grand Wagoneers - 1989 and 1991 (214K and 168K miles). 

Both run. The 89 is currently on the road. The 91 needs minor work to be road worthy.

$2500. Located in Massena, NY

1989 Waggy on the Left, 1991 on the right.

1991 Waggy

1989 Waggy

91 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Mom's Manhatten Clam Chowder

There has always been a debate over whose was better, Aunt Helene's or Mom's. Both - good, both - different.

I love this recipe. No measurements - who needs them anyhow. Of course this is my kind of cooking - a little of this, a lot of that. It always comes together anyhow.

Clams - chopped.
Onions, carrots, celery and potatoes - diced.
Oregano, paprika - to taste.
Accent, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley.
Little bit of dill.
2 cans tomato soup (diluted with 2 cans of water).

In a medium soup pan, brown onions in one stick of butter. Add remaining ingredients plus water to partially fill and simmer for a half hour.

From recipe card from Mom - 2009.

Progress

We've morphed from Spring, through Summer and now hints of Autumn are in the air. I've not completed everything that was planned for the summer but still have a couple of good months left in which to whittle away at the list.

The colors are starting to show on the trees. The maple by St. Josephs is in full color already which is not a surprise as it is always the first to go in this area. The beauty of nature is awe inspiring.

10%

I have a goal.... Actually, I have several.

Possibly late for a mid life crisis here as I'm about a decade past mid life.

It's time to do something about that extra bit of me that I've been carrying around for the last 30 years. I'll admit that I've finally come to the point where I've decided that if I don't do it now, it may never get done.

It all started with Lent. I spent 40 days, 40 long days, depriving myself of dessert. Lo and behold I managed to drop a little weight.

Hmmm...

This machine called the human body makes use of only so many calories per day. As my weight was fairly stable I was at an equilibrium where the calories consumed equalled those burned on a day to day basis. By cutting back (by approximately 500 calories a day) the weight started to drop.

Hmmm...

Could it be this easy?

For now, it is.

The first step in this process.

Yes, I know that I'll need to deal with adding some exercise into my routine in the near future (way overdue). Yes, I know that I should most likely modify the overall diet a bit too.

But for now,... I'm happy to see the weight slowly drop away with nothing more than a little will power in avoiding temptation.

10%?

I have several goals in place, but no real end goal in mind. We'll just see where I next reach equilibrium.

The first goal is to drop 10% body weight. The best part is that I am over halfway there. A great feeling.

After that, I have several other milestones in mind. Each a few pounds away from the last. No big leaps here. Just a number of small, hopefully easily reached goals.

We'll see how it goes.