Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Fount of Knowledge
This morning after our concert, some wonderful folks invited us to lunch at their house. All I can say is, YUM!! While we were munching, our host asked, "Where do tilapia come from?"
I quickly answered, "The ocean."
"No," he said, "I mean, what part of the world do they come from?"
"Probably somewhere in 2/3s covered by water."
No wonder my kids call me a walking encylopedia.
(RJ, this one's for you!)
I quickly answered, "The ocean."
"No," he said, "I mean, what part of the world do they come from?"
"Probably somewhere in 2/3s covered by water."
No wonder my kids call me a walking encylopedia.
(RJ, this one's for you!)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thinking Ahead
At breakfast my youngest daughter said, "I should grow my hair long and then have it cut and made into a wig. Then when I'm old and gray I can wear it and say, 'Yes, this is my real hair.'"
Always thinking...
Always thinking...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Power of Socks
My attire today was completely determined by my socks. Let me explain.
This morning I headed into my closet on autopilot. The next thing I knew, I was wearing a pair of black socks instead of the the white ones I had intended on. I said to myself, “Oh no, now I can’t where my white tennis shoes.’”
“No problem, I’ll wear my brown loafers.” I casually replied.
“What pants go with these shoes?”
“How about the gray jeans?”
“Excellent choice. What shirt goes with the jeans?
“There’s a nice burgundy pullover.”
“I think you’re right, good show!”
This exchange brings up two very valid points. One, I talk to myself way too much. And two, if my life is this complicated with just black and white socks, I should never buy any additional colors.
This morning I headed into my closet on autopilot. The next thing I knew, I was wearing a pair of black socks instead of the the white ones I had intended on. I said to myself, “Oh no, now I can’t where my white tennis shoes.’”
“No problem, I’ll wear my brown loafers.” I casually replied.
“What pants go with these shoes?”
“How about the gray jeans?”
“Excellent choice. What shirt goes with the jeans?
“There’s a nice burgundy pullover.”
“I think you’re right, good show!”
This exchange brings up two very valid points. One, I talk to myself way too much. And two, if my life is this complicated with just black and white socks, I should never buy any additional colors.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tipping The Scale
Before our service last Sunday morning I made my obligatory stop at the men's room. When I turned to leave, I noticed a first - there in the corner was a set of bathroom scales. I've been watching my weight, so I can't pass a scale without a quick check. Of course, I always weigh with my clothes off. It probably would have been better if this had been a one person bathroom.I'm sure glad they didn't put the scale out in the hallway.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Read ALL The Directions
Ok, I'm a man. That should be enough explanation for what follows.
I decided to hang a ceiling fan in our new downstairs guest bedroom. If you've never installed one of these, it sounds like a simple job. It's just a motor with blades hanging from the ceiling, right? Dream on. I opened the box and was immediately confronted with a surprising number of unassembled parts and a 40 page manual. On the first page of the booklet were the words "READ ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION." Who do they think they are talking to? I'm a guy. I don't want to read, I want to build something. Is the fact they used all capital letters supposed to make me pay more attention? Nice try, bub.
I waded thru the first few pages, attaching hub A thru cover B and cover ring C to shaft D with screws E,F & G, while holding bracket H out of the way and removing and then replacing set screw J. A few more pictures with big arrows would have been helpful, but things were coming along nicely. This is until page 8 where it said, "If installing on a ceiling lower than 8 ft, skip sections 3 thru 6 on page 4." Two problems here, my ceiling is lower than 8 ft and sections 3 thru 6 included screwing together the pieces with the special coating so they won't come apart while the fan is spinning. Rest assured friends, there is NO chance of this baby coming apart, now or at any time in the future.
So, the fan is up and running, though not at the recommended low ceiling height. I think I'll put some yellow and black caution tape on the blades so my taller friends won't get whacked in the head. Oh, and we have a new house rule - no hats in the basement. It's for your own safety.
I decided to hang a ceiling fan in our new downstairs guest bedroom. If you've never installed one of these, it sounds like a simple job. It's just a motor with blades hanging from the ceiling, right? Dream on. I opened the box and was immediately confronted with a surprising number of unassembled parts and a 40 page manual. On the first page of the booklet were the words "READ ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION." Who do they think they are talking to? I'm a guy. I don't want to read, I want to build something. Is the fact they used all capital letters supposed to make me pay more attention? Nice try, bub.
I waded thru the first few pages, attaching hub A thru cover B and cover ring C to shaft D with screws E,F & G, while holding bracket H out of the way and removing and then replacing set screw J. A few more pictures with big arrows would have been helpful, but things were coming along nicely. This is until page 8 where it said, "If installing on a ceiling lower than 8 ft, skip sections 3 thru 6 on page 4." Two problems here, my ceiling is lower than 8 ft and sections 3 thru 6 included screwing together the pieces with the special coating so they won't come apart while the fan is spinning. Rest assured friends, there is NO chance of this baby coming apart, now or at any time in the future.
So, the fan is up and running, though not at the recommended low ceiling height. I think I'll put some yellow and black caution tape on the blades so my taller friends won't get whacked in the head. Oh, and we have a new house rule - no hats in the basement. It's for your own safety.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Why Pianists Should Avoid Sharp Objects
I know better. In fact, I've told my kids numerous times. Cutting rule #1: When using a knife always cut AWAY from yourself.
One night last week I was rehanging the doors we had painted in the basement. A little extra paint on the door frames was enough to keep the hinges from fitting completely in their designated spots. No problem, I'll just use my utility knife to cut away the excess. Dried paint where you don't want it is tough stuff, so I was having to put quite a bit of muscle into carving out the openings. Sometime in this process, I forgot cutting rule #1. Sure enough, my knife slipped off the frame and went directly into the pointer finger of my left hand. Big ouchy.
I cleaned out the cut and taped everything tightly back in place. No more bleeding, but there was a good bit of throbbing. I found that felt better if I held my hand over my head. Pam tried to be sympathetic, but she still chuckled as I walked by in my Statue of Liberty pose.
On a final medical note. If you happen to accidently make an incision in an appendage and the skin is gaping pretty wide, super-glue really does work! Just don't try to type until it is completely dry. That's another story.
One night last week I was rehanging the doors we had painted in the basement. A little extra paint on the door frames was enough to keep the hinges from fitting completely in their designated spots. No problem, I'll just use my utility knife to cut away the excess. Dried paint where you don't want it is tough stuff, so I was having to put quite a bit of muscle into carving out the openings. Sometime in this process, I forgot cutting rule #1. Sure enough, my knife slipped off the frame and went directly into the pointer finger of my left hand. Big ouchy.
I cleaned out the cut and taped everything tightly back in place. No more bleeding, but there was a good bit of throbbing. I found that felt better if I held my hand over my head. Pam tried to be sympathetic, but she still chuckled as I walked by in my Statue of Liberty pose.
On a final medical note. If you happen to accidently make an incision in an appendage and the skin is gaping pretty wide, super-glue really does work! Just don't try to type until it is completely dry. That's another story.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My Future Politician
My youngest daughter had a friend over to the house to play a few days ago. I was working in the basement that day, but on a break I headed into my office to check e-mails. Much to my surprise, they had converted the area under my desk into a stuffed animal jungle. It looked like an explosion at the Build-A-Bear factory. I turned to leave and noticed my small notepad holder holding not notepads but about a half dozen screws with a screwdriver next to it. I called my daughter in, pointed and asked "What's this?"
"Oh, we found those." she replied.
I know her too well and a bit more prodding produced the rest of the facts. The part she told me was true. The part she didn't mention was where she found them - in the brackets holding the desk together. Fortunately, the desk didn't fall down on top of them during their time of discovery and dismantling.
I have to admit, she is very creative, even with telling the truth. Pray for me!
"Oh, we found those." she replied.
I know her too well and a bit more prodding produced the rest of the facts. The part she told me was true. The part she didn't mention was where she found them - in the brackets holding the desk together. Fortunately, the desk didn't fall down on top of them during their time of discovery and dismantling.
I have to admit, she is very creative, even with telling the truth. Pray for me!
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Beginnings
Hey Everybody,
Yes, it's me - back from my extended blog sabbatical. There has been a ton of stuff happening around here, so I'll do my best to get you up-to-date. For now, I'm rested (sort of), refreshed, and ready to launch into a great 2009. Hang on, the ride is just beginning!
Yes, it's me - back from my extended blog sabbatical. There has been a ton of stuff happening around here, so I'll do my best to get you up-to-date. For now, I'm rested (sort of), refreshed, and ready to launch into a great 2009. Hang on, the ride is just beginning!
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