I have to admit I am VERY happy with this computer. I’ve had it for 8 years and she’s still cooking along. I wrote about my trouble with the graphics card which worked out great. It improved the performance greatly and I am happy with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060. Because I use it to encode videos, the performance boost from the now dead GTX 1070.

I was still struggling with some performance issues. Especially with Premiere Pro when it was doing its thing. Simple tasks like creating peak files, adjusting color and even sound modifications seemed to take a while. I saw in the task manager that it was the hard drive that was peaked and struggling.

ALSO, my main drive which has the operating system is a lil ole Apacer AS340 240GB (SSD) and was maxing out several times a week. What I mean is I would get warnings that my drive was too full. Since I had all of the Adobe applications on that drive (for performance), it was too full and I had to clean the drive a few times a month.

Since drive C is so small, I used a 1TB HDD to hold all my files. All footage and file encoding was done on this drive because of the size of the files. It worked well but this was what was cause everything to slow down so bad. I could see that drive D was 100% any time I tried to most anything. Even encoding was exceptionally slow due to the use of an HDD.

Lo and behold, I have an M.2 slot on my motherboard! That means I can install an affordable SSD (no moving parts) drive!! Glory be!

As has become my new SOP (standard operating procedure), I turned to Chabeety (ChatGPT) for technical advice and counsel. I asked for the best for the motherboard for performance and the WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive was recommended. I got the 2TB due to price but they go up to 8TB ($579). I did not get the heatsink because I won’t be gaming.

Now for the important part. Thanks to consulting with Chabeety, I was made aware that my particular mother board (MSI Z370-A PRO) has a little quirk that prevents the SATA1 port from working if there is a drive in the M.2 port. Huh? I double checked the manual and sure enough, it’s true.

Had I not asked Chabeety about this, I would have plugged in my new 2TB SSD and the computer would NOT have booted at all. Why? Because SATA1 is connected to drive C and as mentioned, that is the OS disk. I would have been removing that very difficult to install, SSD just to figure it all out. Thank goodness I had my technological mise en place.

So, with the M.2 SSD on the way (same day, thank you Amazon Prime), I thought I would prepare my computer for the install. Turn to Chabeety again, I asked if changing the port for drive C to port 2 would affect anything, to which it replied, no. Everything should boot up and operate normally.

So, I moved what was plugged into SATA2 (D drive) to SATA3 and SATA1 (C drive) to SATA2, turned it on and it came to life perfectly. No problemo!

With the hardware prepped, I turned to software. Adobe Creative Suite, I have the whole Kit and Kaboodle. You can’t just move the apps, you have to uninstall them and then reinstall them in the new location.  To do that, you have to do it in the Creative Cloud Desktop app.

What we are doing is changing the location the new apps will be installed. I chose to do that after I uninstalled everything just to make sure paths didn’t get screwed up. So I removed the apps and waited for my new hard drive to arrive. I literally brought up the live map in Amazon tracking and watched the truck enroute. (What’s funny is I get 3 or more deliveries a day, but never tracked one like this one.)

It came but I opted to wait for morning so I had a clear head.

I didn’t get any pictures of the installation process but what I did was disconnect my external drives (2 8TB drives), reboot without those drives. Then shut it down and removed the power cord. I removed the graphics card so I could fit may fat ham hands in there. Then, after the 5^th or 6^th attempted, I got that silly little screw in there. I reconnected everything and clicked the on button.

Probably one of the longest restarts of all time. Not really, just felt that way.

Booted up, no problem!! YEA!!!

I consulted with Chabeety about allocating the drive and learned a new shortcut. Win+x brings up a handy menu with a link to the “disk manager” and Chabeety walked me through it. Now I have a drive G that is 1.8TB WOWZA

Now that the drive is installed and allocated, I zoom back to the Creative Cloud Desktop app to change the path for installation of the Creative Suite!

So a little more advice…….

Open each app and change the media settings so that all scratch disks and caches are on the new drive too. Moving the media files from HDD “D” to SSD “G” was arduous to say the least but now application files, caches and media files share one speedy SSD!!

In all, it took the better part of a day to get this done but it was worth every minute, and every penny. I’ve made a few videos and I can tell a huge difference.

I linked to some products, they are affiliate links which means I’ll get a little commission should you order. Thank you!

The post How I Fixed Adobe Premiere Pro Lag with a 2TB M.2 SSD Upgrade (8-Year-Old PC Still Rocks) appeared first on David Francis.

The 1st symptom, I sleep my computer instead of turning it off for convenience. So I woke my computer up yesterday at 04:22 and it seemed okay. Okay, except the network was unavailable. I checked the router and all was fine there so I restarted my computer.

And nothing.

Oh, the fan turned on and the fancy LED lights illuminated, but I was staring at 3 blank screens. No BIOS splash screen or anything. I couldn’t even get it to start in safe mode. So I turned to Chabeety (ChatGPT) and asked…

Z 370-a pro motherboard PC will not start. Not even to motherboard splash screen. Monitors are seen.

ChatGPT said:

Got it — your MSI Z370-A PRO won’t even get to the splash screen (POST), though your monitors are detected as connected. Let’s go through a proper troubleshooting checklist:

Step 1: Basic Checks

1. Power connections
   • Make sure the 24-pin ATX and 8-pin CPU power connectors are firmly seated.
   • Check your PSU switch is on, and try another power cable/wall outlet.
2. Monitor & GPU
   • If you have a dedicated GPU, try removing it and plugging your monitor into the motherboard’s HDMI/DP to see if onboard graphics work. skipped
   • If using GPU, reseat it and check power connectors.

Step 2: Startup Behavior

• Do fans, LEDs, or drives spin up? YES
• Do you hear any beeps (if you have a speaker connected to the motherboard header)?
  • No beeps = either no POST at all or no speaker connected.
  • Repeated beeps = RAM/CPU error depending on the pattern. N/A

Step 3: Memory

• Remove all RAM sticks and try one stick at a time in the DIMM2 slot (2nd from CPU).
• If you have multiple sticks, rotate them in different slots to rule out a bad stick or slot. skipped

Step 4: Clear CMOS

• Shut off PSU, remove the power cord, and pull out the CMOS battery for ~5 minutes.
• Reinsert and try again.
• Or use the Clear CMOS jumper if easier. N/A

Step 5: Minimal Boot

Take the system down to bare essentials:

• CPU + Cooler
• 1 stick of RAM
• GPU (if no onboard video)
• PSU
  → Try to boot. If it works, add components back one by one. skipped

Step 6: Hardware Failures to Consider

• Dead PSU (fans can still spin even if it’s faulty) → Test with another PSU if available. Not Available
• Dead CPU or Motherboard → Much harder to test, but if you get no POST even with known-good PSU/RAM/GPU, the board or CPU may be faulty. N/A

I wrote: fans and lights come on. Some hard drive (SSD) is indicated. What is PSU?

ChatGPT said:

Got it — since fans and lights come on, power is at least reaching the board, but the system still isn’t making it through POST (the very first startup test).

To answer your question:

PSU = Power Supply Unit
It’s the box (usually at the bottom/back of your case) that converts wall AC power into the DC voltages your PC parts need. Even if fans spin, a weak or failing PSU can deliver unstable power, which can stop the motherboard from booting.

Since your drives light up and fans spin, the system is at least partially alive. That usually narrows the failure down to:

1. RAM not being detected → common cause of no splash screen.
   • Try booting with just one stick of RAM in the second slot from the CPU.
   • Rotate sticks/slots if needed.
2. GPU or video output issue
   • If you have a graphics card installed, try removing it and plug the monitor into the motherboard’s HDMI/DP port (the CPU has integrated graphics).
   • If you’re already on motherboard video, try swapping the monitor cable or port. N/A
3. CMOS corruption
   • Try clearing CMOS (remove the coin battery for a few minutes, then put it back).
4. PSU still possible
   • Sometimes a PSU powers fans/drives but fails under the load of initializing CPU/GPU. If you have access to another PSU, swapping it in is a solid test.

I put the card back (without connecting any monitors) and it would not start as before.

ChatGPT said:

That’s an important clue — if the system refuses to POST just by having the GTX 1070 physically installed (even with no monitor plugged into it), it means the motherboard is choking the moment it detects the GPU on the PCIe bus.

That usually points to one of these:

Possible Causes

1. Dead / failing GPU
   • A faulty GPU can prevent the system from even getting to POST.
   • This is the most common cause when a system works fine on iGPU but not with the card installed.
2. PCIe slot or seating issue
   • If the GPU isn’t fully seated, it can short or hang POST.
   • Double-check that the rear bracket isn’t catching on the case and that the PCIe latch clicks in place.
3. PSU can’t handle the GPU startup draw
   • Even with no monitor, the GPU still initializes and draws power during POST.
   • If the PSU is too weak, unstable, or has a bad PCIe rail, the board can hang.

Next Steps to Test

1. Boot with GPU inserted but no PCIe power cable connected
   • The GTX 1070 won’t function, but the system should at least POST and tell you there’s “no power to GPU.”
   • If it still won’t POST → strong sign the GPU itself is the problem.
2. Try another PCIe slot (lower one on the motherboard)
   • Not ideal for performance, but good for testing whether the main PCIe x16 slot is faulty.
3. Inspect the GPU physically
   • Any burn marks, bulging capacitors, or broken pins?
   • Fans spin at all when it’s powered?
4. Test the GPU in another computer (if possible)
   • If it kills POST there too → it’s definitely dead.
5. Try a different PSU (if available)
   • Something in the 550W+ range from a reputable brand is ideal for a 1070.

Quick test suggestion for right now:
Can you try plugging the GTX 1070 back in without connecting its 8-pin power cable, then see if the system at least gets to splash screen on the motherboard HDMI? That will tell us if the card itself is shorting out the system.

————————————————————–

It was here that I realized my GPU was fried. I think this may have been the issue in my first post a couple of years ago.

To summarize: Removing the power cables from the graphics card allowed the motherboard to boot properly. This told me the GPU was the issue.

With ChatGPT help, I chose a card the was the same manufacturer as the dead one so that it might reduce driver issues and the fact I have MSI software installed. That, and the motherboard is also MSI.

My top recommendation for video editing on your system:
RTX 3060 (12GB) → best combo of VRAM, modern encoder, and power efficiency for the price.

So I ordered it and it will be here tomorrow.

MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 15 Gbps GDRR6 192-Bit HDMI/DP PCIe 4 Torx Twin Fan Ampere OC Graphics Card

Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3HDjRnt

The post Computer won’t start : Graphics CardFrom Blank Screens to RTX 3060: How ChatGPT Helped Me Fix My PC Graphics Card DisasterComputer won’t start : Graphics Card appeared first on David Francis.

Yes, this is sort of a test post.

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Okay – another trip around the sun and I’m still happy after all these years.

Apparently, May is the month I feel the need to share (journal) my continued adventure. We have acclimated nicely to San Antonio.

Since my last post a year ago, I accepted a job at a rehabilitation hospital as a “cook.” The manager wanted a peer leader but that turned out to be very difficult. I LOVED the job!! I created a daily menu and cooked for the staff and guests. I was able to get creative and had free reign (mostly). I was able to very gently guide the other cooks to do more cooking from scratch, season their food, care about food safety and be proud of their work. I say gently because when I tried to instruct, I was immediately shot down with “you aint my boss.”  

I was able to ‘lead’ (or at least be a part of) that department to improve patient satisfaction of the food by more than 50% (from 18% satisfied to 85% if I remember correctly). I was able to show the other ‘cooks’ how to take a 1.5 hour service down to a half hour through preparation and organization. I was also able to increase café participation from 20 meals a day to over 50 simply by improving the menu and cooking from scratch. The soups I made went from selling about a quart a day to up to 3 gallons. Yeah, they liked my food. I was also asked to do Prime Rib twice with all the fixings and chicken and portabella mushroom vegetarian option. I made 2 for staff appreciation and 4 for Christmas… they were happy.

Side note: In my first 3 months, my manager and the CEO nominated me for Employee of the Quarter for 200+ hospitals. We never heard if I, or anyone else, won that quarter.

They were happy! I was happy too. Except for one thing. My manager and I had a fundamental disagreement that seemed irreconcilable. It was systemic and was not going to change. So I made a hard decision to make a change.

SO BE IT! I made a change.

I accepted a leadership position at a very popular steakhouse. I worked through the Valentines Day rush with no issues. My issue with this place was food safety. They had systemic issues that even as the head cook, would not be able to correct. I won’t “out” the restaurant here, but I could not be part of that kitchen.

So I quit.

We worked on our Amazon side hustle but it’s still not generating sustainable income. It is creating about the same income as Carrie would make if she got a job, but not enough to replace my income.

So I found something else.

I landed a dream job where I can lead a team to serve elderly and infirmed residents healthy and tasty meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also staff service as well. I was being considered for Food and Beverage Director, but my experience and passion in the kitchen inspired them to make some changes and they offered me the Kitchen Manager position they just created for me. (grin)

From the 2 interviews (on the same day), I learned that there are two full commercial kitchens and one small service kitchen. There are 11 cooks and 20 servers. I don’t know how many stewards. The property is 33 acres and includes homes, duplexes, apartments and assisted living. I’m not sure how many residents there are for sure but I estimate that more than 350 meals are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner, or 1,000 meals a day. If I understand the role of Kitchen Manager correctly, I will be responsible for every one of those meals.

I don’t want to assume too much so at 9:00 on Monday (Cinco de Mayo), I report to the “clubhouse” to meet with the Executive Director and start my new journey. Maybe you won’t have to wait a whole year for an update.

Oh – look for more (and regular) videos on my cooking YouTube show. I’m recommitting myself to that show and creating content regularly for it.

Bonus:

Image Caption Thursday: May 1
A new pork dish for us. This is bite sized pork loin (from the shoulder end), velveted and seared. The sauce is coconut milk, Penang curry paste, baby corn and shiitake mushrooms. Garnished with green onion and black and white sesame seeds. Over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. It was delightful! This was a celebration dinner because I passed my criminal background check (duh) as well as my TB test (duh2) and was told to report to my new obsession on Monday! #CincoDeMayo

The post 2025 Another trip around the sun! appeared first on David Francis.

the game of Five-Card Draw, making sure to cover all the details and provide a clear step-by-step guide. This way, you’ll be ready to play and teach others as well.

To start, you need

1. A standard deck of 52 cards.
2. Poker chips or something to bet with (like candy, coins or cold hard cash).
3. 2-6 players.

The Rules as basic as possible

The goal of Five-Card Draw is to win chips by having the best five-card hand or by convincing other players that you have the best hand, making them fold.

Poker Hands

In poker, a “hand” refers to the set of cards held by a player that are used to form combinations according to the rules of the game. The composition and strength of a hand determine the outcome of a betting round and ultimately who wins the pot.

The “pot.”

The “pot” refers to the total amount of money or chips that players bet during a single hand. The pot accumulates through a series of betting rounds and is awarded to the player with the best hand at the end of the showdown or to the player who makes the last uncalled bet, causing other players to fold.

Here are the hands ranked from highest to lowest:

1. Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit (e.g., all hearts).
2. Straight Flush: Five cards in a sequence, all of the same suit (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of spades).
3. Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank (e.g., four 8s).
4. Full House: Three of a kind and a pair (e.g., three 10s and two 4s).
5. Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence (e.g., 2, 5, 8, J, K all diamonds).
6. Straight: Five cards in a sequence, not all of the same suit (e.g., 7, 8, 9, 10, J).
7. Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three 5s).
8. Two Pair: Two different pairs (e.g., two 3s and two 7s).
9. One Pair: One pair of the same rank (e.g., two 9s).
10. High Card: When no one has any of the above, the highest card wins.

How to Play

1. Ante: Each player puts a small amount of chips into the pot (the pile of chips to be won) before the deal starts. This is called the “ante.”
2. Dealing: Each player is dealt five cards face down. Players can look at their own cards but should keep them hidden from others.
3. First Betting Round: Starting with the player to the left of the dealer, players can:
   • Bet: Place a bet if no one else has.
   • Call: Match the current bet if someone else has bet.
   • Raise: Increase the current bet.
   • Fold: Drop out of the hand, giving up any chance to win the pot.
4. The Draw: After the first round of betting, each player has the opportunity to exchange up to three of their cards for new ones from the deck. If a player has an Ace, they can choose to exchange four cards instead. The dealer collects the cards players want to exchange and gives them new ones from the deck.
5. Second Betting Round: Another round of betting starts with the player to the left of the dealer. Players can again choose to bet, call, raise, or fold.
6. Showdown: If more than one player remains after the final betting round, players reveal their hands. The player with the best hand wins the pot.

Example Game

Let’s go through an example to see how it works in practice:

1. Ante: Each player puts one chip into the pot.
2. Dealing:
   • Player 1 is dealt: 9, K, 4, 7, 2.
   • Player 2 is dealt: 8, 8, Q, J, 3.
   • Player 3 is dealt: 5, 5, A, K, 10.
3. First Betting Round:
   • Player 1 checks (no bet).
   • Player 2 bets 2 chips.
   • Player 3 calls (matches the bet).
   • Player 1 folds.
4. The Draw:
   • Player 2 exchanges three cards (Q, J, 3) and gets: 8, 2, 6.
   • Player 3 exchanges two cards (10, K) and gets: 3, 3.
5. Second Betting Round:
   • Player 2 checks.
   • Player 3 bets 2 chips.
   • Player 2 calls.
6. Showdown:
   • Player 2 reveals: 8, 8, 8, 2, 6 (Three of a Kind).
   • Player 3 reveals: 5, 5, A, 3, 3 (Two Pair).
   Player 2 wins the pot with Three of a Kind.

Tips for Playing

1. Know Your Hands: Memorize the ranking of hands so you know what beats what.
2. Watch Others: Pay attention to how other players bet. They might give away if they have a good hand or not.
3. Bluffing: Sometimes you can win even if you don’t have the best hand by making others think you do (this is called bluffing).
4. Stay Calm: Poker is a game of patience and strategy. Don’t get upset if you lose a hand.
5. Practice: The more you play, the better you’ll understand the strategies and the nuances of the game.

Terms you will hear in a poker game.

• Ante: A small bet all players must make before a hand begins.
• Bet: To put chips into the pot.
• Call: To match the current highest bet.
• Raise: To increase the current highest bet.
• Fold: To give up your hand and any chance of winning the pot.
• Check: To not bet, but remain in the game (can only be done if no one has bet yet in that round).
• Pot: Refers to the total amount of money or chips that players bet during a single hand.

By understanding these rules and practicing a few hands, you’ll soon be comfortable with Five-Card Draw and ready to play with friends and family. I’ve played in some big games with some heavy hitters, my success was mostly due to ignorance more than strategy. I never played poker in Vegas, but I have played blackjack… maybe I’ll write about that game someday.

In the words of Kenny Rodgers:

You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done

The post How to Play Poker – Five Card Draw appeared first on David Francis.

So I just read the article I posted exactly one year ago today. All I can say is “Oh, what a year it’s been.”

What the heck happened?

We no longer live in Florida because they sold the house from under us and we essentially gave up on the small town of Carrabelle and moved to San Antonio, TX. Wait… what? That’s right, for the second time in a year and a half, our landlord, at the behest of her Realtor, Robin Hilton, put our house on the market. Since we were month to month, all they needed was 30 days to evict us. Last time, we still had the restaurant with an apartment on top, so I gave notice to the then tenant and started preparing to move in there. Well, they took the house off the market and we were told, “You can live here as long as you want.” Well as long as we want turned out to be 18 months when Ms. Hilton talked the owner into selling again. We didn’t wait for the deal to fall through, we started making significant decisions while we packed our stuff. We chose San Antonio Texas which I will explain later. Losing our house was just the last straw of an ever increasing load of discouragement and bad situations on the forgotten coast.

Long story short, I was eventually promoted to Executive Chef at a restaurant I wish I never heard of. 

Suffice to say, I’m no longer the Executive Chef of the Crooked River Grill at the St. James Bay Golf (and pickle ball) resort. Wait, what? Yeah, I posted this before but last year I started at the resort as a machine operator on the golf course (cutting grass). The Executive Chef was forced to fire two lead cooks for substance abuse, lost another to injury and one more to retirement. I was asked to cover for them, and I did for six months. Long story short, I was eventually promoted to Executive Chef at a restaurant I wish I never heard of. It was one of the strangest chapters in my long life and if I shared the stories, you’d never believe them. (In hindsight, the whole Carrabelle chapter is one unbelievable story after another. I’m glad it’s over!!!)

I removed a dozen paragraphs about the craziness Carrie and I endured at St. James. Just know, that all senior executives have either quit or have been terminated. I walked when I saw that they would never do what they promised and were intent on exploiting me any way they could.

One story: I had just taken over as chef and all staff had been approved for vacation by my predecessor, nothing I could do right? Well, Carrie was on the payroll as a hostess so I tapped her and together we took on breakfast and lunch service and it was one of the biggest I’ve seen in 6 months. We burned through all our dishes and prep. Side note: there was an executive meeting I had to attend. They were all made aware of my predicament and was offered no assistance. No one wanted to help each other at all at this place. I digress, Carrie plowed through the dishes whilst I prepped for dinner. We burned through our dishes again and all the prep was consumed. All in all, I think it was $4,000 Dinner and $2,000 lunch. We did what we had to do. Then the owner came to me the next day, did not mention anything about the day before but did ask me to keep my labor cost low. I decided then, I was through. 

Another very small chapter that turned out to be much more significant than I thought. In one short month, I met people, got to know them, and worked beside them and then poof, it’s over and they are no longer in my life. Such is life, I guess. Without getting into identifying details, I was hired by a very small restaurant to work 10 hours a day, 4 days a week in the kitchen as a cook. On my first day, I was told that I had to clock out for 1-2 hours between lunch and dinner, which brought my time down to 8 or 9 hours a day. I pushed back and was refused the opportunity to work through the required break. I learned quickly that I would be doing more cleaning than I would be cooking because everything was served from packaged and canned products. To top it off, they had a nut bag in charge of the stewarding of the kitchen. Basically, this ‘person’ expected a deep cleaning of the entire kitchen every night. That’s fine but I was hired to cook. Nope, too bad now go take out the trash and replace the liners.

Deep cleaning every day and it was still the most disgusting restaurant I’ve ever worked in to this day. They don’t know what sanitabs are. What? They are tablets you put into water that you use to clean surfaces and utensils to ensure they are sanitized and safe from cross contamination. I even asked if we could get some (I almost brought some in from home) and was told to put a small amount of vinegar into hot water. Nope… not sanitized and just streaked everything. But wait, there’s more. They never washed any produce the whole time I was there. I was told to cut Romain lettuce for salad, I asked where should I wash it and was told not to worry about it. Same for the cucumbers, tomatoes, and everything. Oh… and don’t worry about wearing gloves, just wash your hands. Don’t even ask me how they check for taste or temperature of the food.

THEN – when the health inspector did arrive, the so called ‘chef’ ghosted me stating his food handler certificate expired and poof, out the door he went. And the owner, who was rarely seen in the kitchen anyway, poked her head in and said, “you got this, right?” I was left in that disgusting (but “clean”) kitchen, trying to explain what this unlabeled bag of meat was on the top shelf of the fridge (turned out to be processed cooked pulled pork) and how long the pasta was on the table. I lied and said it was for lunch and would be discarded, it was used for dinner as always. Somehow we passed, but I’ve never seen such leniency by an inspector. I guess it’s who you know.

This is getting too long… in the end, I tried to quit in the first 4 days. I was encouraged to try to stick it out. Then, I tried to quit after 2 weeks and was told it would all work out. After seeing I would not be able to improve the food, or the unsanitary processes in the kitchen, I just did my job. Came into work on time, did what they told me, kept small talk to a minimum. Only to be rewarded with “this isn’t going to work out.” I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Then, when I picked up my last check, the “chef” wanted to make small talk (NOPE) and the owner left my check at the hostess stand. HA!

Moving on…

Amazon: The Influencer and Vine efforts continue. Our monthly income from onsite commissions is steadily improving but much slower than anticipated. I had hoped to be at $300 per day or higher by now. Not yet! We just keep plugging away to see how this plays out. It keeps improving, we’ll get there!

San Antonio Texas. Yeah, who’da thunk I would want to be a Texan.

Okay – San Antonio Texas. Yeah, who’da thunk I would want to be a Texan. Well, there are no hurricanes, no earthquakes, no snowstorms and very few, if any, tornados. Heck, they don’t even have state income tax. Oh, and the cost for insurance is less than HALF that in Florida which was one of the main reasons for leaving.

After being a tenant and living in the situation that I could be displaced at the whim of a real estate agent, I knew I needed to buy another house. When considering home ownership, you need to consider a lot of things. The cost of energy (very high in Florida), the cost of property taxes (high in Florida), the cost of insurance (any insurance) (extremely high in Florida (if you can get it)). The risks to your property such as crime (relatively low in Franklin County), weather such as tornado (moderate), flood (high), fire (moderate in Tates Hell), hurricane (inevitable).

On the topic of hurricanes, in the 3 years we lived there, we had 2 hurricanes threaten our area. So what are the concerns? Total obliteration of your home and belongings, and floods taking what’s left out to sea. Or at least, power outage for days or weeks. I didn’t think the threat of hurricanes would weigh as much on my mind as it did, but it was always there. I didn’t like it, so I made a change. Oh, and yes, we could still be affected by a hurricane in San Antonio, but nothing like the Forgotten Coast of Florida.

Oh, also when considering where you want to live out the rest of your life, you consider things like comfort. The climate in central Texas is moderate to hot. We have done Alabama hot, Kentucky hot and Arizona hot… I think we got the hot part covered.

But one thing that has been a relief in the two months we’ve been here is the bugs, or lack of them!!! In Florida, we could not go outside for any amount of time without being attacked by mosquitoes, gnats, yellow flies, and the dreaded no-see-ums. Just mowing the yard in Florida, I would get going and have to run inside to spray bug spray into my ears. Yes, the bugs in Florida fly into your ears when you’re mowing the grass. It’s terrible. I’ve mowed the grass here many times and I literally noticed and enjoyed the lack of ear attacking gnats here in the Lonestar state. Our beigest issue here so far is house flies and we are learning about ways to combat those little disgusting buggers. I’ve been told the buggy season has yet to arrive, but so far, I’m happy. We did see one little tiny mosquito on the wall, such a cute little guy. It bit Carrie and I smashed it.

So really, why Texas? Opportunity! That’s why we chose San Antonio, Texas! There are 2.5 million people in the market here. There are 1.5 million in the city plus another million or so in the MSA (metropolitan statistical area). That’s a lot of events to cater, or events to promote, or homes to private chef in. There are jobs on every corner and homes to rent when you need to (not cheap but available). There are attractions, museums, a zoo, an aquarium, gardens, parks and you may have heard of our world-famous River Walk. Sure, in Florida we had the beach, but there is so much more to do here in SA!

We’ve been here two short months and we are still getting acclimated. I’ve gone on a few interviews and have been offered jobs. I’m testing the private chef market this week with hopes that it gains traction so I can rebuild our catering business. I am going to another interview today at a residential rehabilitation hospital. I’ve been looking at extended stay or nursing homes as a way to reduce stress and offer some more time to work on our other efforts such as Amazon and YouTube.

Oh, how’d we get here? We did yet another DITY move. That is an Air Force acronym for do it yourself move. We went with Penske this time and saved $3,000. The truck and car hauler, unlimited miles and keep it for a week was less than $1,500. Just be careful about the turn in day, there is a time listed and I missed it by 5 minutes. They fixed it for me. I hired some help with furniture in Florida but all in all, I loaded and unloaded it myself. Oh, I injured my shin right before we got the truck making it difficult to lift my toes, try that on a loading ramp. I probably should have gotten stitches, but I plowed through and practiced good wound management. It never infected. ANYwho… With the exception of a little help with the sofa at the back door, I was able to keep Carrie from unloading anything too heavy. We got unpacked and moved in quickly. It’s a big house, 3 big bedrooms, and an extra loft area upstairs. Livingroom and two dining rooms and a kitchen made for filming videos!!!

My plans for the future are as diverse as this post. I may elaborate in the future, or, not. I’m still drawn to the publishing business, but my love for food and cooking is strong. I enjoy being on camera too. The Amazon adventure continues and it’s paying off. As for the drone business. It was a lie! I signed up for the work on all of the websites and never got any. A commercial drone pilot venture was a waste of time and money. I have a nice drone and I know the rules but I could have skipped that chapter. I guess I’m still figuring it all out. Likely, catering is my future. Something I can build from the ground up is what I need. I’ve done it several times and I can do it again! In this market, catering could be a multi-million-dollar venture.

We shall see.

We are still recovering from some of the emotional drama that Florida offered, and recover we shall.

My May 21, 2023 post was “The twists and Turns of Life.” Oh my goodness, how that has played out. We’re still twisting and discovering ourselves. We are still recovering from some of the emotional drama that Florida offered, and recover we shall. We are still learning, loving, laughing and growing. Even at our late age, life is an adventure and we are doing our best to enjoy the ride.

The post Oh, what a year it’s been. appeared first on David Francis.

1. Detoxification and Improved Circulation

Step into the world of cupping therapy, and you’ll find a holistic approach to detoxification. The gentle suction of the cups promotes the flow of lymphatic fluids, helping the body eliminate toxins and waste. Simultaneously, cupping enhances blood circulation, ensuring that vital nutrients reach every nook and cranny of your body, leaving you feeling revitalized and refreshed.

1.a Lymphatic Stimulation: A Cleansing Cascade

At the heart of cupping’s detoxifying prowess lies its ability to stimulate the lymphatic system. The gentle suction of the cups creates a vacuum effect, encouraging the movement of lymphatic fluids throughout the body. This process is akin to opening floodgates, allowing toxins and waste to be expelled, promoting a thorough internal cleanse.

1.b Blood Circulation: Nourishing Every Cell

Imagine your circulatory system as a network of highways, ensuring the smooth flow of essential nutrients. Cupping therapy acts as a skilled traffic controller, enhancing blood circulation to areas that may have experienced stagnation. As the cups create suction, blood vessels dilate, allowing a surge of oxygen and nutrients to reach even the deepest tissues, revitalizing and nourishing your body from within.

1.c Targeted Acupoints: Precision Detox

Cupping therapy doesn’t just cast a wide detoxifying net; it’s a precise and targeted approach. By placing cups strategically on acupuncture points, practitioners tap into the body’s natural energy channels, facilitating detoxification at a cellular level. This methodical approach ensures that the detoxifying benefits are tailored to your body’s unique needs.

1.d Tension Release: A Domino Effect

Detoxification is not merely a physical process; it extends to the release of mental and emotional tension. As cupping therapy eases muscle tension, a domino effect occurs, allowing stress to dissipate. This mind-body connection creates a harmonious environment where detoxification isn’t just about purging physical impurities but also about freeing the mind from the clutter of daily life.

1.e Holistic Renewal: A Symphony of Benefits

In the realm of cupping therapy, detoxification and improved circulation harmonize to create a symphony of benefits. It’s not just about eliminating toxins; it’s about inviting in vitality, about restoring balance to the body’s intricate ecosystem. As toxins are expelled and circulation is optimized, you’ll find yourself on a journey towards renewed energy, mental clarity, and an overall sense of well-being.

Embrace the Flow: Cupping’s Detox Dance

In the dance of detoxification and improved circulation, cupping therapy emerges as a graceful partner, guiding you towards a cleaner, more vibrant existence. So, why not let the cups orchestrate a detox symphony for your body? Embrace the flow, let the toxins waltz away, and revel in the rejuvenation that cupping therapy brings to your body and soul.

2. Stress Relief and Relaxation

Picture this: the warm glow of candlelight, soothing music in the background, and the rhythmic suction of cups on your skin. Cupping therapy provides a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life, inducing a deep state of relaxation. As the cups work their magic, tension in muscles and tissues melts away, leaving you with a profound sense of calm.

2.a Gentle Suction, Profound Calm: A Therapeutic Embrace

As the cups delicately adhere to your skin, a gentle suction ensues, creating a therapeutic embrace that resonates deep within. This subtle pull stimulates the nervous system, coaxing your body into a parasympathetic state – the rest and digest mode. The result? A profound sense of calm that washes over you, dissolving the tension accumulated from the demands of daily life.

2.b Muscle Melt: Tension’s Silent Retreat

Picture the tension in your muscles as a fortress, steadfast and unyielding. Cupping therapy, with its ability to increase blood flow and release fascial restrictions, becomes a silent infiltrator, causing tension to retreat. Muscles surrender to the cups’ gentle persuasion, allowing a wave of relaxation to cascade through your body, leaving you in a state of blissful tranquility.

2.c Mindful Escape: A Retreat Within

Cupping therapy isn’t just about physical relaxation; it’s a mindful escape from the cacophony of everyday stressors. As the cups work their magic, the mind follows suit, embracing a serene detachment from worries and deadlines. The rhythmic suction becomes a meditative cadence, inviting you to a mental sanctuary where stress holds no sway.

2.d Endorphin Symphony: Nature’s Stress Relievers

Step aside, stress hormones – endorphins are taking center stage! Cupping therapy triggers the release of these natural feel-good chemicals, creating a euphoric symphony that counteracts stress and anxiety. It’s not just a momentary escape; it’s a holistic experience that lingers, infusing your entire being with a sense of joy and well-being.

2.e Ritual of Self-Care: Nourishing the Soul

Cupping therapy transcends the physical realm, evolving into a cherished ritual of self-care. The ambiance, the soothing touch of the cups, and the intentional pause from the chaos outside – it all contribute to a holistic experience that nourishes not just the body but also the soul. In this sacred space, stress dissolves, and relaxation becomes a profound affirmation of self-love.

Cupping’s Gift to the Stressed Soul

In the whispers of serenity that cupping therapy brings, the stressed soul finds solace. It’s not merely a physical treatment but a heartfelt invitation to unwind, let go, and rediscover the calm within. So, as you embark on the journey of cupping, allow its gentle touch to weave a tapestry of relaxation, enveloping you in a cocoon of tranquility amidst life’s frenetic pace.

3. Pain Management and Muscle Recovery

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts, take note! Cupping therapy is a secret weapon for promoting muscle recovery and relieving pain. The cups target specific muscle groups, increasing blood flow and oxygenation to speed up the healing process. Whether you’re dealing with post-workout soreness or chronic pain, cupping therapy offers a natural and effective solution.

3.a Targeted Suction, Strategic Relief: Precision in Pain Management

Cupping therapy is not a one-size-fits-all remedy; it’s a bespoke solution for pain management. The targeted suction of the cups hones in on specific muscle groups and trigger points, creating a vacuum effect that stimulates blood flow. This precision alleviates pain by reducing inflammation and enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.

3.b Increased Blood Flow: A Lifeline for Muscles

Picture your muscles as a bustling city, and blood flow as its lifeblood. Cupping therapy acts as a traffic controller, increasing blood circulation to areas that need it the most. This surge in oxygen and nutrients becomes a lifeline for fatigued muscles, expediting the recovery process and providing relief from the throes of discomfort.

3.c Fascial Release: Unleashing Muscular Freedom

Beneath the surface of your skin lies a complex web of connective tissue known as fascia. Cupping therapy’s gentle suction serves as a catalyst for fascial release, untangling knots and adhesions that may impede muscle function. The result? Enhanced flexibility, improved range of motion, and a liberated sense of muscular freedom.

3.d Post-Workout Recovery: The Cupping Advantage

For fitness enthusiasts and athletes, cupping therapy is a secret weapon in the arsenal of post-workout recovery. The cups work tirelessly to minimize muscle soreness, expedite recovery, and reduce the risk of injury. It’s not just a treatment; it’s a proactive approach to ensuring that your body bounces back stronger after each workout session.

3.e Holistic Healing: Mind and Body Harmony

Pain management and muscle recovery are not merely physical endeavors; they are a harmonious dance of mind and body. Cupping therapy, with its soothing ambiance and therapeutic touch, creates an environment that transcends the physical realm. In this space, pain gives way to relief, and the body and mind synchronize in a symphony of holistic healing.

Cupping’s Triumph Over Pain and Fatigue

As you embark on the journey of cupping therapy, envision a path to revitalization where pain surrenders, and muscles reclaim their strength. Cupping becomes a triumph over the limitations of discomfort, inviting you to conquer new heights of physical well-being. Embrace the cups, feel the gentle suction, and let the journey towards pain-free living and muscular vitality unfold.

4. Improved Skin Health

Beauty enthusiasts, rejoice! Cupping therapy isn’t just for the muscles; it also benefits the skin. The increased blood flow stimulates collagen production, promoting a youthful and radiant complexion. Additionally, cupping can help reduce the appearance of cellulite and scars, making it a sought-after treatment for those looking to enhance their skin’s natural beauty.

4.a Blood Flow Elevation: A Symphony for Skin Renewal

Picture your skin as a canvas awaiting a masterpiece. Cupping therapy orchestrates a symphony of improved blood circulation, infusing your skin with a surge of oxygen and nutrients. This elevation in blood flow is the catalyst for cellular renewal, ensuring your skin dances to a rhythm of vitality and resilience.

4.b Collagen Boost: The Fountain of Youth Unveiled

In the pursuit of youthful skin, collagen takes center stage. Cupping therapy unveils the fountain of youth by stimulating collagen production. As the cups gently embrace your skin, collagen fibers awaken, imparting firmness and elasticity. The result? Fine lines and wrinkles retreat, unveiling a complexion that radiates timeless beauty.

4.c Cellulite Reduction: A Vanishing Act in the Cupping Spotlight

For those seeking to bid farewell to cellulite, cupping therapy takes center stage. The targeted suction of the cups stimulates lymphatic drainage, reducing the appearance of cellulite. The dimpled skin gives way to a smoother texture, and with each session, cupping becomes a transformative act in the vanishing act of cellulite.

4.d Scar Softening: Cupping’s Gentle Touch

Scars tell stories, but sometimes we yearn for softer narratives. Cupping therapy’s gentle touch works its magic on scar tissue, softening its texture and promoting the regeneration of healthy skin cells. Whether you bear the marks of surgery or injury, cupping becomes a nurturing embrace that encourages your skin to heal with grace.

4.e Holistic Glow: Skin and Soul Illumination

Skincare transcends the surface; it’s a holistic affair that extends beyond skin deep. Cupping therapy, with its serene ambiance and therapeutic touch, becomes a ritual of self-love. As your skin basks in the glory of improved health, your soul too is illuminated with a sense of well-being and confidence.

Cupping’s Gift to Your Skin’s Journey

As you embark on the journey of cupping therapy, envision a tapestry of radiant skin unfolding before you. Let the cups become brushes, gently painting a canvas of vitality and luminosity. Embrace the ritual, relish the soothing touch, and revel in the radiance that cupping therapy bequeaths to your skin’s transformative journey.

5. Balancing Energy Flow

In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, cupping therapy is believed to balance the body’s vital energy, or Qi. By targeting specific acupuncture points, cupping aims to restore harmony to the body’s energy flow, promoting overall well-being. Many enthusiasts attest to heightened energy levels and a sense of balance after regular cupping sessions.

5.a Acupoints Awakened: An Energetic Symphony

Cupping therapy unveils its mastery by awakening the body’s acupoints – energetic gateways that form the meridian pathways. As cups are strategically placed on these sacred points, a symphony of energy begins to play, harmonizing the flow of Qi (vital energy). This dance of cups and acupoints becomes a conduit for restoring balance to your body’s energetic landscape.

5.b Stagnation Dissolved: A Free Flowing Elixir

Imagine energy as a river, meandering freely through your body. Cupping therapy becomes the bridge that ensures this flow remains unimpeded. The gentle suction of the cups dissipates stagnation, allowing the river of energy to flow without hindrance. In this liberated state, vitality surges, and balance is restored to the intricate tapestry of your energetic pathways.

5.c Yin and Yang Reconciled: A Cosmic Equilibrium

In the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the balance of Yin and Yang is paramount for well-being. Cupping therapy acts as a cosmic reconciler, harmonizing these opposing forces. Where there is excess, cups gently draw out the surplus energy; where there is deficiency, they encourage the influx of vital Qi. The result is a celestial equilibrium that permeates both body and spirit.

5.d Energetic Detox: Cleansing the Spiritual Terrain

Cupping therapy’s magic extends beyond the physical; it delves into the spiritual terrain. As the cups detoxify the body, they also cleanse the energetic pathways, purging negative energy and inviting in a sense of clarity and purity. This spiritual detox becomes a transformative experience, paving the way for renewed perspectives and a heightened sense of awareness.

5.e Mind-Body Synchronization: A Union of Energies

The dance of cupping therapy is not merely a physical spectacle; it’s a union of energies where mind and body synchronize in a delicate ballet. As the cups channel energy, they invite you to partake in this cosmic dance, fostering a profound connection between your physical vessel and the ethereal realms. In this synchronized state, balance is not just achieved; it becomes a sacred communion.

Cupping’s Gift to Body and Spirit

As you surrender to the embrace of cupping therapy, envision a landscape where energy flows freely, unburdened by obstacles. Let the cups become vessels of restoration, guiding you towards a harmonious union of body and spirit. Embrace the mysterious dance, feel the resonance of energy, and revel in the transformative gift that cupping therapy bestows upon the intricate balance of your being.

A Timeless Ritual for Modern Wellness

As the popularity of cupping therapy continues to soar, it’s evident that this ancient practice has found a place in the hearts of modern wellness seekers. From detoxification and stress relief to pain management and improved skin health, the benefits of cupping therapy are as diverse as they are time-tested. So, why not indulge in this rejuvenating ritual and unlock the secrets to a revitalized and balanced life? Your body and mind will thank you.

The post Revitalize Your Body: Exploring the Timeless Benefits of Cupping Therapy appeared first on David Francis.

Another trip around the sun and we’re still chugging along. ’23 was a year filled with new experiences and many challenges. If you’ve read past posts, you know that I took a job as a greens keeper only to be moved to the kitchen at the same “resort” because they fired or lost 4 cooks. I covered for those cooks for several months until the chef quit and I was promoted to Executive Chef. Turns out the promotion cost me money. Sure, the “annual” pay was higher, but the actual pay for time was much less… almost as little as cutting grass on the golf course. After meeting with the owner a few times, I decided that our vision for the restaurant was vastly different. So, after much deliberation, I (we) decided to accept another position as a simple cook, four days a week. This will allow me to refocus much more time and attention on my own business interests.

So I bid farewell to 2023. I’m glad that year is over. It wasn’t as bad as the two years prior, but overall, it sucked pretty bad.

Oh, the drone biz. I jumped through all the hoops, got the license, signed up for all the services for work, and got nothing. I guess I’m too far in the middle of nowhere to take advantage of the opportunity. Oh well… NEXT!

Oh – to start off the new year, I have been officially accepted as a YouTube Partner for my cooking channel!! I have a long way to go but I anticipate some revenue from that starting this year!

I am looking FORWARD to 2024. Having made the changes I need, I have time to create more content on the internet. I/we are making some money from Amazon and we just received our renewal approval of Vine Voice Gold.

…also…

I am also toying with the idea of starting another regional arts, events, and entertainment magazine. Some of our greatest years were when we were doing that. I miss it very much. I have a plan and I’m in the process of choosing the right software to make it all work together.

If you’re still reading this… thanks. I post more often on my YouTube channels

Updated 2/27/24 – things are about to change greatly!!

The post I welcome 2024 with open arms. appeared first on David Francis.

In this video, I’m showing the (quote) “imarku Frying Pan – 12inch Non-Stick Frying Pan Honeycomb Cast Iron Skillets, Large Frying Pans Nonstick Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe Kitchen Pans for Cooking With Stay-cool Wood Handle”

I’m a huge fan of this pan!! I think it may be my favorite pan of all time. It’s heavy, sturdy, and well-made. It works on my induction burner as well as my cast iron but wipes clean like a Teflon. I just used it for burgers on the induction burner and the pan was searing hot in less than a minute. Once cooled, it is wiped clean with a paper towel. The pan and the imarku brand are outstanding!

I love it and I think you will too.

Want this? https://amzn.to/46n1JFs
Visit the imarku Store: https://amzn.to/46KtVSL

As always, thanks for watching!!

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This video is about a product we received for free in exchange for our fair and honest review. The views and opinions expressed are our own. In fact, we review hundreds of products each month and unless stated otherwise, only the products we can recommend are published here. This post contains affiliate links that if clicked, and the product purchased, we will receive a small commission at no cost to you, and you will receive a great product and our sincere gratitude.

The post imarku Frying Pan: The convenience of non-stick and the cooking power of cast iron. appeared first on David Francis.

It’s been a while eh? Yeah, life has been strange and interesting. After the complete fiasco of trying to work with someone to open two restaurants and three food trucks — as well as some thought about starting a newspaper/magazine in another state — I found myself in need of employment. What happened? What happened is I learned early that I would not be able to work with him and was able to cut bait before I was in too deep. Yeah, kind of cryptic I know, but I don’t want to name names and point fingers… let’s just say it all worked out for the best.

So I took a job as a greenskeeper at a local golf course. It was great! By 06:00 I was on a mower called “Goofy” and together we mowed the collars and approaches. Goofy was a bit temperamental and needed special attention. She even bit me on the ankle which took 3 months to heal properly. It was great and I enjoyed being outside and riding around a beautiful golf course every morning.

Then they found me!

I was driving Goofy back to the barn and my boss flagged me down and informed me that two lead cooks had to be fired and I was to go talk to the chef right away. My boss knew of my restaurant experience and once I explained my experience as part of a talented resort brigade to the chef, I was offered a 50% raise to be the lead cook. I am now the sous chef and second in command. Truth is, I like it much more than I thought I would.

So now I get to leverage my experience as a BBQ Pitmaster to make several Prim Rib roasts each week as well as have my own weekly BBQ specials.

Carrie is also there part-time as a hostess. She doesn’t like it but it beats waiting for me to come home. That, and she makes a little money too.

Our Amazon influencer journey continues. I’m up to 275 videos and we are making some money. It’s not hard and just takes time. We want it to be our full-time gig and I think by this time next year, it will be very lucrative. I’m excited.

The post WAZ UP? appeared first on David Francis.