What’s the best way to explore an unfamiliar city?
I realize that wasn’t what you asked—my apologies. The thought simply crossed my mind. After centuries of growth, most cities have become well-established, and many have rightfully earned their status as historic destinations.
That said, your question brought to mind a brief time I spent in Yuma. The city itself is quite charming, though I wouldn’t suggest visiting during summer. During my several-week winter stay, I found it genuinely pleasant for that season.
During my time in the Marines, duty took me there. Having already seen other desert cities, I wasn’t particularly eager about the assignment. Summer would have driven me to volunteer for kitchen duty just to escape. But January was surprisingly manageable. In fact, I could genuinely see myself enjoying a winter getaway there.
The surrounding areas offer plenty of worthwhile destinations and attractions worth exploring.
One fine day when I had some time off, I decided to take in a movie. I found one in the paper. Not being at all familiar, I made the mistake of assuming that since it was on Second Street, it had to be close to downtown. And it was Yuma. How far would I need to walk, given the size of the city? Well, I found out.
I don’t know how long the street is, but I must have walked many miles looking for that theater. There was not one theater. In fact, after a few blocks, there was hardly anything.
I was about to give up and catch the next bus back to the base when I looked up at a street sign and realized where I might have gone wrong. I was looking at the markings of Second and 3rd.
After walking one block, I was at the corner of Second and 2nd Avenue. I checked and, yes, there was a First and 1st as well. Strangely, the pattern more or less held up throughout the downtown area.
And so it was I explored an old city that was new to me. And, I’m pleased to report, I also saw the complete movie. Though I can’t remember what it was for the life of me. But I will never forget the way the streets are laid out in the little city of Yuma, Arizona.
Monthly Archives: September 2026
Simple Decision
The genie grants you a wish. What is it?
An end to telemarketing calls—particularly those fraudulent Medicare scams. Receiving twenty-five to thirty daily is excessive. What makes it worse is their recorded messages that play after I pick up. Most frustrating of all, these interruptions have caused me to miss important calls I needed to take. They’ve essentially eliminated any benefit or convenience my phone provides.
It Don’t Surprise Me None
A little over a year ago, I walked into a Wendy’s. Three employees stood chatting while ignoring me—their only customer. I tried twice to get their attention. When they didn’t respond, I waved goodbye and left. I haven’t returned since.
I came across a news story yesterday about one of Wendy’s largest franchises filing for bankruptcy. That said, I’m not entirely surprised. Based on my own experience with their customer service, it appears they may have prioritized other customers.
I came across an article today attributing their difficulties to beef prices. While that’s likely a contributing factor, it hardly accounts for the full picture. Other establishments in the industry are thriving despite the same market conditions.
I do wonder how the other franchises are doing.
A fundamental business truth: no matter how exceptional the product, success remains impossible without adequately solid service. I also observed that seven locations operate in Mississippi, while twenty-four are situated in Tennessee. I suspect several of these fall within the Memphis/DeSoto County region—essentially, my local area. Whenever I drive past one nearby, they appear notably vacant these days. I passed the one just off I-55 recently and observed no activity whatsoever. It strikes me as peculiar, given its proximity to the interstate.
I’m not convinced Dave, the company’s founder, would endorse this direction. Under his leadership, the service was exceptional. This follows a familiar pattern, unfortunately. Numerous businesses have declined once ownership transferred to the next generation.
May I Please Revisit That Exercise Thing
I drafted a reasonably solid post in response to the prompt. Frustratingly, my strongest ideas often surface only after I’ve published. This instance proved no exception—I overlooked one of the most powerful exercises I’ve encountered.
Let me start by explaining that I once weighed between 260 and 270 pounds—perhaps even hitting 280 on occasion. I genuinely attempted to maintain my weight, yet I hesitated to suggest to my wife that I disliked her cooking. Besides, she was an excellent cook.
Then one day, I broke my ankle. What’s the connection? Let me explain. By the time I ditched the crutches, I weighed 220 pounds. My arms had grown much stronger. Now I understand what it’s like for people who use crutches permanently.
Real Intelligence
Sometimes we need to be reminded: Artificial Intelligence is not always Real Intelligent. Sometimes it can be downright dumb.
My 5 Exercises
Housework, Yard work, repair, cooking, other incidentals. I waa supposed to take it easy now that I am old and retired. I have less trouble losing weight now than I ever did and my blood pressure is so low the doctor had cut my medication in half and he might do it again.
A Salad in a Salad
It may not be the conventional answer, but it’s the one I prefer.
Begin with a basic tuna salad by combining tuna, sweet pickles, celery, and bell peppers. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Then fold in a modest amount of mayo or salad dressing, seasoning to your liking.
Toss together a crisp salad with lettuce, cabbage, tomato, and spinach, add some shredded carrots, and finish it off with a generous drizzle of thousand island dressing—my favorite for this part, though I will let you use others.
Mix well, then add a generous scoop of the tuna salad you made into your salad. Whether you fold it in completely or leave it layered is entirely up to you—I’ve enjoyed it both ways and can honestly say they’re both delicious.
I’m not sure this fully qualifies as healthy, but I’m voting for it.
Sorta Depends
Daily writing prompt
If you could start a new business right now, what would it be?
How much imaginary cash are you going to provide me for this imagined business? Money aside I would like to start a hot dog stand.
Hamburger joints are everywhere you look. Hot dog stands, though? They’re few and far between. Want a hot dog? Your best bet is either firing up the grill at home or catching a ball game. Now chicken—ever since the Colonel started frying it, everyone’s jumped on the bandwagon. Walk down any main street in a decent-sized town and you’ll spot competitors on practically every corner.
The biggest challenge in food service is razor-thin margins. You might think you’re profitable until an unexpected bill or tax hits. That’s why I chose hot dogs. Buns, hot dogs, mustard, ketchup, and onions—simple. I sell chips and soft drinks on the side to round things out.
Then all you need is a pot to heat the hot dogs, a cash register, and a location to set up shop.
It’s either that or all-day simmered spaghetti and meat sauce. Spoon it into a paper bowl and watch the profits roll in. No competitors offer it this way.
I Used to do Quadratic Equations
That’s absolutely correct. Once upon a time, I tackled phase-related problems with considerable skill. Moreover, I handled complex Boolean algebra equations that would astound most people with relative ease.
That was years ago—forty or so, actually. Now thinking about it strains my mind.
I’ve moved past the need to handle such matters. There’s no point in doing so—I’m retired and living on Social Security.
Today I witnessed someone who once worked in medicine lying in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. It wasn’t so long ago. Now she does precious little—largely by choice. But after all this time doing so little, she’s become virtually dependent and helpless.
Don’t let this happen to you, your relatives or your friends. Keep your minds active and exercised. It is so easy to forget, especially when not even trying.
I Don’t Try to Write What They Will Like.
I just write what I want to. Sometimes people read it. I guess sometime they like it. Most times….
