The last day of the principles class was Sunday. I thought I was running out of time. I wasn't.
Talking faster helped. Having additional activities is helpful when you catch up on the time.
The breathing exercise will help calm you down prior to and during the exam.
This group was a particularly vocal group which can be a benefit or a curse. This was definitely a benefit. They brought out a lot of important ideas and were able to assist each other grasp the concepts.
As usual the blessings of these groups came to me and I am thankful for that.
I will probably see some of them on Friday for the review. By then a couple of them will have taken their test. We should be able to announce the first successes.
Serve well!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Technology and the gods, Part V
Today was the third day of a four day course. Got in early to set things up. Plug in the coffee. Get the cream cheese out of the fridge for the bagels. Set up the computer and connect it to the projector. Get the music going. What is this? The old projector that caused the difficulties just last week. Yes it is. Well let's see if the technician I talked to the other day worked his magic. Huzzah, he did. It worked all day. I hardly knew how to control myself. I managed to, but it was touch and go at times.
Tomorrow is the fourth day and I am a little bit behind. I guess I'll just have to talk faster.
This is enough for now.
Serve well!
Tomorrow is the fourth day and I am a little bit behind. I guess I'll just have to talk faster.
This is enough for now.
Serve well!
Friday, August 26, 2005
Can your home be a prima donna? Or a drama queen?
Today was the day that the house took center stage. We had contracted to have the contaminated insulation removed from the attic. There was also evidence of mice in the attic. It was confirmed by the professionals. 
As you can see the technician is doing a great job. It didn't take long to vacuum out the old stuff. It took longer to get the equipment ready and put it away. They had to run the vacuum line through the front window of the upstairs bedroom and then into the attic.
They were getting vacuum set up only to discover that the engine for the machine would keep running. Fortunately they were very adept at making the necessary repairs. Sticking carburetor float levels can make any machine difficult to operate.
After the contaminated insulation was removed they then fogged the attic with a very strong disinfectant. The next step was to replace the insulation. Because it was such a small job it was replaced by hand.
I didn't realize, until I looked at the photos that there was quite a bit of the insulation floating in the air. Fortunately it is cellulose and not Fiberglas. Fiberglas can really be harmful to your lungs.
The Catch-it Wildlife technician checked around the house to determine where the mice were getting into the house and caulk the openings. While doing that he detected the odor of gas at the gas meter. The meter had been replaced a couple of weeks ago. The gas company responded very quickly and tightened up a loose connection.
Once the insulation was in place you could never tell there was a problem, unless you are not color blind. There is a difference between pink and gray.
While they were taking care of the attic the sales rep from ADT came by and we purchased a new security unit. It was scheduled to be installed Sept. 6th, but a note was made to do it sooner if possible. You guessed it, we received a call asking if it would be alright for the technician to install it this afternoon. He is just finishing the job now. You know, paper work. This one even talks to us to tell us which zone is open.
Well, all is right with the world again. The house is looking good except for the weekly house cleaning. That will be finished soon.
Serve well!
As you can see the technician is doing a great job. It didn't take long to vacuum out the old stuff. It took longer to get the equipment ready and put it away. They had to run the vacuum line through the front window of the upstairs bedroom and then into the attic.
They were getting vacuum set up only to discover that the engine for the machine would keep running. Fortunately they were very adept at making the necessary repairs. Sticking carburetor float levels can make any machine difficult to operate.After the contaminated insulation was removed they then fogged the attic with a very strong disinfectant. The next step was to replace the insulation. Because it was such a small job it was replaced by hand.
I didn't realize, until I looked at the photos that there was quite a bit of the insulation floating in the air. Fortunately it is cellulose and not Fiberglas. Fiberglas can really be harmful to your lungs.The Catch-it Wildlife technician checked around the house to determine where the mice were getting into the house and caulk the openings. While doing that he detected the odor of gas at the gas meter. The meter had been replaced a couple of weeks ago. The gas company responded very quickly and tightened up a loose connection.
Once the insulation was in place you could never tell there was a problem, unless you are not color blind. There is a difference between pink and gray.
While they were taking care of the attic the sales rep from ADT came by and we purchased a new security unit. It was scheduled to be installed Sept. 6th, but a note was made to do it sooner if possible. You guessed it, we received a call asking if it would be alright for the technician to install it this afternoon. He is just finishing the job now. You know, paper work. This one even talks to us to tell us which zone is open.
Well, all is right with the world again. The house is looking good except for the weekly house cleaning. That will be finished soon.
Serve well!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Technology and the gods, Part IV
One other thing I forgot to mention. During a thunderstorm last Saturday night we had a power surge which caused the lights to go off for a brief time (30 seconds or so). When the power came back on the alarm system sounded and all of the lights on the control panel came on. We did everything we knew to do to get it to work again, but to no avail.
I unplugged the system. Early in the week I tried plugging it back in and the alarm horn blew. This time it would not quit. Time to unplug it again and call the professionals.
Well, the professional came by today. The verdict: the system is dead, as in it won't work again. It won't reboot, nor can it be re-programmed. Guess we will have to replace it. We now await for the sales rep to call and tell us the cost.
Ahh, the joys of home ownership. Is this a great country or what?
Serve well!
I unplugged the system. Early in the week I tried plugging it back in and the alarm horn blew. This time it would not quit. Time to unplug it again and call the professionals.
Well, the professional came by today. The verdict: the system is dead, as in it won't work again. It won't reboot, nor can it be re-programmed. Guess we will have to replace it. We now await for the sales rep to call and tell us the cost.
Ahh, the joys of home ownership. Is this a great country or what?
Serve well!
The Mysterious Vegetation: Another Estimate
Following Shannon’s advice, another company was found that would remove the contaminated insulation, disinfect the area and replace the insulation. Not only that, they will take another look at what is getting into the attic. The cost will be significantly less - $600. I reckon that we can handle that.
The technician took a look at the photos I sent to him and concluded that birds (starlings) are building nests in the upper regions of the attic or roof and have been dropping the grass into the attic.
They must have been doing it for quite some time given the size of the pile of vegetation. Remember it ws approximately three feet high and three feet in diameter.
As for the tunnels in the insulation, mice make them. Apparently mice can move through the walls and nest in the attic.
A representative from another critter removing company told me the same thing – birds and mice.
I hope the city doesn’t discover this. There is a rule about licensing pets. There is also a limit on the number of pets per household. Someone will have to tell me how to count mice, particularly since they do tend to multiply rapidly. I think.
While writing this, the critter catcher called back to get started with the next step. However, he wasn’t able to schedule the work because the scheduler was out. That person will call later. So, tomorrow or next Monday or Tuesday we will have new insulation. They will also check for the entrance for the mice. The sealing job will cost a little more.
Just thought you might like to know how that was going.
Serve well!
The technician took a look at the photos I sent to him and concluded that birds (starlings) are building nests in the upper regions of the attic or roof and have been dropping the grass into the attic.
They must have been doing it for quite some time given the size of the pile of vegetation. Remember it ws approximately three feet high and three feet in diameter.As for the tunnels in the insulation, mice make them. Apparently mice can move through the walls and nest in the attic.
A representative from another critter removing company told me the same thing – birds and mice.
I hope the city doesn’t discover this. There is a rule about licensing pets. There is also a limit on the number of pets per household. Someone will have to tell me how to count mice, particularly since they do tend to multiply rapidly. I think.
While writing this, the critter catcher called back to get started with the next step. However, he wasn’t able to schedule the work because the scheduler was out. That person will call later. So, tomorrow or next Monday or Tuesday we will have new insulation. They will also check for the entrance for the mice. The sealing job will cost a little more.
Just thought you might like to know how that was going.
Serve well!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Technology and the gods, Part III
Almost forgot the next part of this saga of technology going amok. Once the power was back on and dinner preparation was underway I decided to boot up the computer. My students have an opportunity to email me so that I can keep them informed of their classmates progress in test taking. You can't get your real estate license until you successfully pass the two exams.
After dinner I sit down at the computer to
check for email. I do it every day. Sometimes more than once a day. Anyhow here is where the gods are exercising their senses of humor. The system does not recognize the wireless connection. If you take a close look and you are familiar with Macs you will see the Airport base station on the lower shelf at the left. It's that little white doohickey that looks like a flying saucer. You know, the one with the Apple logo on it.
Well I could panic, but than I would have to run in circles for a short time. Before that though, I check to see that airport is connected. It is. I then check to see if there is a signal being received. There is. I then figure out that I haven't the foggiest notion what this marvelous machine wants. After all it did have a rest while the power was out. [Just had a flash of insight. Perhaps when the power went out things were not put away properly and it wasn't sure what to do when it was started again.] Oh well. My next step was to turn it off and let it rest for just a bit longer. Besides there were dishes to be dried and put away. And I know that there was a piece of Dove dark chocolate calling. So off goes the computer and off go I to complete my assignments.
With the chores done and the chocolate slowly melting, I return to the office/cave and turn on the machine. Voila! It works. I am back on line. Three students were able to get to their computers and send me a note. I now have ten who have completed their assignment. Out of a class of 22, that is pretty good.
Things are back to almost normal. I still have to solve my wireless printer problem, but that is another story for another time.
Serve well.
After dinner I sit down at the computer to
check for email. I do it every day. Sometimes more than once a day. Anyhow here is where the gods are exercising their senses of humor. The system does not recognize the wireless connection. If you take a close look and you are familiar with Macs you will see the Airport base station on the lower shelf at the left. It's that little white doohickey that looks like a flying saucer. You know, the one with the Apple logo on it.Well I could panic, but than I would have to run in circles for a short time. Before that though, I check to see that airport is connected. It is. I then check to see if there is a signal being received. There is. I then figure out that I haven't the foggiest notion what this marvelous machine wants. After all it did have a rest while the power was out. [Just had a flash of insight. Perhaps when the power went out things were not put away properly and it wasn't sure what to do when it was started again.] Oh well. My next step was to turn it off and let it rest for just a bit longer. Besides there were dishes to be dried and put away. And I know that there was a piece of Dove dark chocolate calling. So off goes the computer and off go I to complete my assignments.
With the chores done and the chocolate slowly melting, I return to the office/cave and turn on the machine. Voila! It works. I am back on line. Three students were able to get to their computers and send me a note. I now have ten who have completed their assignment. Out of a class of 22, that is pretty good.
Things are back to almost normal. I still have to solve my wireless printer problem, but that is another story for another time.
Serve well.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Technology and the gods, part II
When last I wrote about my travails on Saturday I was continuing to present information without the benefit of the projector. I could see my computer screen, but the students could not. It sort of takes the power out of the presentation.
I persevered until lunch time. At that time I knew I would have time to figure out if I could get the projector to work. Fortunately, one of the students suggested going on line to get assistance from the manufacturer of the projector, Duh, why hadn't I thought of that. Thank goodness Arch did. Luckily I was able to access the internet. Google is a marvelous tool. It took me less than 30 seconds to find the appropriate web site. I asked my question about resetting the lamp time and got a set of instructions. The instructions worked. I was able to reset the lamp timer. Wow, I'm home free. Let's see how it works. It didn't. Rats. I pressed on and we finished the day without the projector.
I called home, as I usually do prior to leaving the classroom. Upon getting back to Lansing I proceeded to the gas station for obvious reasons. When I got to the intersection near the gas station I was surprised to see Lansing's finest directing traffic. After passing through the intersection I proceeded to the gas station to learn that the electricity was out. No gas now. Perhaps later.
I drove home, hit the garage door opener, drove into the drive and parked on the driveway. You guessed it, the power was out there too. Maryann came out to meet me to confirm that we had no electricity. We had lost it about a half hour prior to my arrival home. Are we going out for dinner? No way. Dinner preparations are underway and we will wait for the power to come back on. There is time for a glass of wine or a beer or two. About 7 PM the power comes back on and we have a marvelous shrimp, mushroom and spaghetti dinner.
While waiting for dinner I was able to contact my contact at the Association where I do my teaching. I am promised a different projector for Sunday's class. It was there and it worked very well.
Well, what can I say. If you are going to make lemonade out of the lemons you get, be sure to have a decent gin to lace it.
Serve well!
I persevered until lunch time. At that time I knew I would have time to figure out if I could get the projector to work. Fortunately, one of the students suggested going on line to get assistance from the manufacturer of the projector, Duh, why hadn't I thought of that. Thank goodness Arch did. Luckily I was able to access the internet. Google is a marvelous tool. It took me less than 30 seconds to find the appropriate web site. I asked my question about resetting the lamp time and got a set of instructions. The instructions worked. I was able to reset the lamp timer. Wow, I'm home free. Let's see how it works. It didn't. Rats. I pressed on and we finished the day without the projector.
I called home, as I usually do prior to leaving the classroom. Upon getting back to Lansing I proceeded to the gas station for obvious reasons. When I got to the intersection near the gas station I was surprised to see Lansing's finest directing traffic. After passing through the intersection I proceeded to the gas station to learn that the electricity was out. No gas now. Perhaps later.
I drove home, hit the garage door opener, drove into the drive and parked on the driveway. You guessed it, the power was out there too. Maryann came out to meet me to confirm that we had no electricity. We had lost it about a half hour prior to my arrival home. Are we going out for dinner? No way. Dinner preparations are underway and we will wait for the power to come back on. There is time for a glass of wine or a beer or two. About 7 PM the power comes back on and we have a marvelous shrimp, mushroom and spaghetti dinner.
While waiting for dinner I was able to contact my contact at the Association where I do my teaching. I am promised a different projector for Sunday's class. It was there and it worked very well.
Well, what can I say. If you are going to make lemonade out of the lemons you get, be sure to have a decent gin to lace it.
Serve well!
Technological Difficulties, or the Gods Weren't Really Against Me.
It's Saturday morning August 20th, 0515 hrs. Time to get up. I have to make my lunch and have breakfast and then there is an hours drive to Topeka to begin another principles of real estate class. I really look forward to them. The people who attend are great. They are all blesssings in my life. Today is going to be fantastic if my past experiences are any indication.
On the way I tune in to Bill Littlefield and his "Only a Game" program on the KU public radio. It is always funny, helps me pass the time. This time there was an unexpected surprise. He interviewed Steven Church, noted author of "The Guinness Book of Me", Simon & Schuster. It was a wonderful interview. They both did themselves proud. I know Steven through my daughter who was a classmate and friend of his at the University of Kansas. We had a chance to visit with him when he did a reading at a local book store. He is a really great guy. (How is that for name dropping?)
You might be asking what all this has to do with technology or the gods. Please be patient I am getting to that. This shows that, even for starting the day so early, I was getting into an even better mood. I was getting primed for the weekend's activities to which I always look forward.
Once I arrive at the classroom there are a myriad of small chores to accomplish - start the coffee pots, hook the computer up to the projector, put my lunch in the fridge, check to see that the sign up roster is there. While doing these chores I discovered the new lamp for the projector. For the past two classes the projector has projected a message to replace the lamp and reset the lamp timer. As I was going through my routine I discovered the new lamp. Wow! Now if I only had a manual for the machine it might be helpful. Like any man worth his manliness I said, "Damn the manual lack, full speed ahead." Surely it cannot be that difficult to replace a lamp. You know? It wasn't. As I suspected all I had to do was turn the projector over and unscrew one screw to remove the lamp cover and two screws to remove the lamp. I can do that, and I did. In case you are wondering, all I had to do was reverse the process. I did and the lamp lit. So far so good.
The next step wasn't as easy. How to reset the lamp timer? Not to be beaten down by a mere machine, I looked at the "control" buttons available - menu arrows, zoom, focus, input, on/off, and reset, were all in their proper places. What to do now? I managed to play around and got to a place where I could reset the lamp timer but didn't know what to do when I got there.
OK, I think, I can always reset the timer later. For now I have to hook the computer to the projector. That was easy, after all, I have done it dozens of times before. I even keep a small screw drive in my computer case for this. I get it put together, turn everything on and watch the screen. To my surprise the change the lamp message reappeared. OK, no sweat. In the past the message would disappear in about 5 or 10 minutes, and it did again. However, we now come to the part about the gods. After about 20 to 25 minutes of projecting the projector goes on strike and the lamp turns off. This is very disconcerting in the middle of a really funny story/important teaching point. I look at the projector and discover that the indicator lights for power and lamp are both glowing red rather than green. After thinking a few "technical" terms reserved for moments like this, I pressed on sans projected power point presentation. At least I could see my computer screen.
This wasn't the end of the story. The rest of the story will come later.
On the way I tune in to Bill Littlefield and his "Only a Game" program on the KU public radio. It is always funny, helps me pass the time. This time there was an unexpected surprise. He interviewed Steven Church, noted author of "The Guinness Book of Me", Simon & Schuster. It was a wonderful interview. They both did themselves proud. I know Steven through my daughter who was a classmate and friend of his at the University of Kansas. We had a chance to visit with him when he did a reading at a local book store. He is a really great guy. (How is that for name dropping?)
You might be asking what all this has to do with technology or the gods. Please be patient I am getting to that. This shows that, even for starting the day so early, I was getting into an even better mood. I was getting primed for the weekend's activities to which I always look forward.
Once I arrive at the classroom there are a myriad of small chores to accomplish - start the coffee pots, hook the computer up to the projector, put my lunch in the fridge, check to see that the sign up roster is there. While doing these chores I discovered the new lamp for the projector. For the past two classes the projector has projected a message to replace the lamp and reset the lamp timer. As I was going through my routine I discovered the new lamp. Wow! Now if I only had a manual for the machine it might be helpful. Like any man worth his manliness I said, "Damn the manual lack, full speed ahead." Surely it cannot be that difficult to replace a lamp. You know? It wasn't. As I suspected all I had to do was turn the projector over and unscrew one screw to remove the lamp cover and two screws to remove the lamp. I can do that, and I did. In case you are wondering, all I had to do was reverse the process. I did and the lamp lit. So far so good.
The next step wasn't as easy. How to reset the lamp timer? Not to be beaten down by a mere machine, I looked at the "control" buttons available - menu arrows, zoom, focus, input, on/off, and reset, were all in their proper places. What to do now? I managed to play around and got to a place where I could reset the lamp timer but didn't know what to do when I got there.
OK, I think, I can always reset the timer later. For now I have to hook the computer to the projector. That was easy, after all, I have done it dozens of times before. I even keep a small screw drive in my computer case for this. I get it put together, turn everything on and watch the screen. To my surprise the change the lamp message reappeared. OK, no sweat. In the past the message would disappear in about 5 or 10 minutes, and it did again. However, we now come to the part about the gods. After about 20 to 25 minutes of projecting the projector goes on strike and the lamp turns off. This is very disconcerting in the middle of a really funny story/important teaching point. I look at the projector and discover that the indicator lights for power and lamp are both glowing red rather than green. After thinking a few "technical" terms reserved for moments like this, I pressed on sans projected power point presentation. At least I could see my computer screen.
This wasn't the end of the story. The rest of the story will come later.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Getting together with dear friends
There was a time when most of these folks would gather at this very same restaurant very early every Tuesday morning.
We shared fellowship and developed plans to be of service to the youth of our community. We did it for about 10 years. The experience was one of great satisfaction to us all. Friendships were cemented that have lasted well beyond the time the group decided to disband with the promise to get together less frequently.
We have managed to have breakfast together since then, but not as frequently. Now we just enjoy the fellowship. There is something almost mystical about getting up early in the morning and swapping lies and stories with folks whom you have come to know very well
Each of us has continued on our paths to personal achievement. We all want to make a difference in our separate realities. And we are, even if we are not sure of the specifics of our contribution.
Some of us have decided that retirement is the next step. From what those folks tell me the retirement decision was the proper one. However, I suspect that the label semi-retired would be more accurate.
As you can see, at least one younger person was invited to join us, and we have all benefitted. I suspect that we may decide to organize some other activities. I thought I heard one person mention a Christmas get together at his house. I do believe we will have breakfast at least once prior to that time. I am pleased to be associated with a group who exemplifies the phrase...
Serve well.
We shared fellowship and developed plans to be of service to the youth of our community. We did it for about 10 years. The experience was one of great satisfaction to us all. Friendships were cemented that have lasted well beyond the time the group decided to disband with the promise to get together less frequently.
We have managed to have breakfast together since then, but not as frequently. Now we just enjoy the fellowship. There is something almost mystical about getting up early in the morning and swapping lies and stories with folks whom you have come to know very well
Each of us has continued on our paths to personal achievement. We all want to make a difference in our separate realities. And we are, even if we are not sure of the specifics of our contribution.
Some of us have decided that retirement is the next step. From what those folks tell me the retirement decision was the proper one. However, I suspect that the label semi-retired would be more accurate.
As you can see, at least one younger person was invited to join us, and we have all benefitted. I suspect that we may decide to organize some other activities. I thought I heard one person mention a Christmas get together at his house. I do believe we will have breakfast at least once prior to that time. I am pleased to be associated with a group who exemplifies the phrase...Serve well.
I Made the Call
Me :"Hello, Bob? I took a look at the estimate. Wow! $1,400+ seems a bit steep."
Bob: "Yeah. I have to rent the machine for a cost of $750+ and it takes three guys to do the job. I could take everything out of your attic for just a little bit more. You could take it out yourself, or hire a couple of high school kids to do it."
Me: "Thanks. For now let's put the job on hold. I'll call if I want you to do it."
That pretty much is the gist of the conversation. I still have "contaminated" insulation in a portion of the attic. I have only a guess as to what animal made the mess. And, I still need to get more insulation blown in.
I can just imagine the potential problems with me or a couple of high school kids roaming around in the attic trying to step on the hidden joists. Neighbors had a workman slip in their attic. He managed to straddle the joist allowing each leg to protrude on either side of the joist. It is painful to even imagine the sight. He was a big guy too.
We will cogitate, ruminate, think about, and forget for a while what to do about the insulation. I know, we will have to have more added before winter.
Serve well!
Bob: "Yeah. I have to rent the machine for a cost of $750+ and it takes three guys to do the job. I could take everything out of your attic for just a little bit more. You could take it out yourself, or hire a couple of high school kids to do it."
Me: "Thanks. For now let's put the job on hold. I'll call if I want you to do it."
That pretty much is the gist of the conversation. I still have "contaminated" insulation in a portion of the attic. I have only a guess as to what animal made the mess. And, I still need to get more insulation blown in.
I can just imagine the potential problems with me or a couple of high school kids roaming around in the attic trying to step on the hidden joists. Neighbors had a workman slip in their attic. He managed to straddle the joist allowing each leg to protrude on either side of the joist. It is painful to even imagine the sight. He was a big guy too.
We will cogitate, ruminate, think about, and forget for a while what to do about the insulation. I know, we will have to have more added before winter.
Serve well!
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Catch up time, & other nonsense.
Since we had the mysterious vegetation removed we have had a professional come out to give an estimate to remove the contaminated insulation. The estimate arrived the other day. To suck out the crap from a 15 by 15 foot area will cost a mere $1,400+. We haven't even talked about the cost to blow in more insulation. I will give the removal experts a call on Monday to determine the next step. We still have to decide whether to remove it or not. They won't do it until the weather cools off.
Speaking of which, it has done just that. It rained some on Friday (1.6 inches), Saturday (3.5 inches), and again Saturday evening (1.75 inches). Fortunately we are on high ground. We could watch the young river coursing its way past our house on its way to the canyon that gives our street its name-Canyon View Drive. Today it is dry. There is a remote possibility that we might get more rain.
The temperature was good enough to go out do some work on the yard. By the way, we have some very productive moles. They must be world travelers, because they are going around the world and all in our yard.
We did order a trap for the critter under the AC pad. I suspect that will come in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to learn what kind of critter is under there.
In the meantime,
Serve well!
Speaking of which, it has done just that. It rained some on Friday (1.6 inches), Saturday (3.5 inches), and again Saturday evening (1.75 inches). Fortunately we are on high ground. We could watch the young river coursing its way past our house on its way to the canyon that gives our street its name-Canyon View Drive. Today it is dry. There is a remote possibility that we might get more rain.
The temperature was good enough to go out do some work on the yard. By the way, we have some very productive moles. They must be world travelers, because they are going around the world and all in our yard.
We did order a trap for the critter under the AC pad. I suspect that will come in a couple of weeks. It will be interesting to learn what kind of critter is under there.
In the meantime,
Serve well!
Friday, August 12, 2005
Happy Birthday Maryann
The day started out good and ended great. While Maryann was off doing some errands the florist delivered a very nice plant from the kids. As usual when the doorbell rang Hazel, our cat, ran and hid under the bed. Anyway, there was a delivery of this very beautiful plant.
I knew it would be from the girls and their guys and I was right. It was delivered at the right time. The delivery person was gone by the time Maryann returned. She was greeted by the plant sitting on her desk in the kitchen. It was the first thing she say when she walked into the kitchen. She said right away it was from the kids, and she was right.
After that we continued with the day's schedule. Earlier this year The Pullman Place restaurant reopened under new management in downtown Leavenworth. I had learned that they serve a pretty good Philly cheese steak sandwich. I had been wanting to try it. Maryann said she would be amenable to trying it on this day, her birthday. So we did it. The sandwich was really quite good. The bun was soft and the meat was cooked freshly and NOT left on the grill for some indeterminable time. We shared one and it was just enough.
Then we continued to complete the activities for the afternoon. We picked up some stitchery from dorMail, Inc. ,
the framer, whom we have used for at least 20 years, does fabulous work. She even put some padding behind these stitchery projects. It gives them a depth that adds to their beauty. Maryann does absolutely beautiful work.
Next, we went to Regarding Kitchens the company that we used to install new kitchen counters. It is time to replace the bathroom and powder room counter tops. We had seem some really great counter tops at a homes show about 18 months ago. We were able to select the tops we wanted and the fixtures too. They will be out in about two weeks to take the measurements.
Our next trip was to a couple of jewelry stores to look for a pinkie ring for Maryann. We found one at Helzberg Diamonds. It is a band with white and yellow gold.
It looks much better than these pictures would indicate. It is a wonderful gift for an annivesary and birthday. Maryann really likes it. It only took about 10 minutes to make the decision once she tried it on.
We had seen another one at Kay Jewelers, but it was too "flimsy". It did take us some time to determine that a pinkie ring would be an appropriate gift for a really great wife. I am so lucky to have her in my life. She helps by reminding me to...
Serve well!
I knew it would be from the girls and their guys and I was right. It was delivered at the right time. The delivery person was gone by the time Maryann returned. She was greeted by the plant sitting on her desk in the kitchen. It was the first thing she say when she walked into the kitchen. She said right away it was from the kids, and she was right.After that we continued with the day's schedule. Earlier this year The Pullman Place restaurant reopened under new management in downtown Leavenworth. I had learned that they serve a pretty good Philly cheese steak sandwich. I had been wanting to try it. Maryann said she would be amenable to trying it on this day, her birthday. So we did it. The sandwich was really quite good. The bun was soft and the meat was cooked freshly and NOT left on the grill for some indeterminable time. We shared one and it was just enough.
Then we continued to complete the activities for the afternoon. We picked up some stitchery from dorMail, Inc. ,
the framer, whom we have used for at least 20 years, does fabulous work. She even put some padding behind these stitchery projects. It gives them a depth that adds to their beauty. Maryann does absolutely beautiful work.
Next, we went to Regarding Kitchens the company that we used to install new kitchen counters. It is time to replace the bathroom and powder room counter tops. We had seem some really great counter tops at a homes show about 18 months ago. We were able to select the tops we wanted and the fixtures too. They will be out in about two weeks to take the measurements.
Our next trip was to a couple of jewelry stores to look for a pinkie ring for Maryann. We found one at Helzberg Diamonds. It is a band with white and yellow gold.
It looks much better than these pictures would indicate. It is a wonderful gift for an annivesary and birthday. Maryann really likes it. It only took about 10 minutes to make the decision once she tried it on.
We had seen another one at Kay Jewelers, but it was too "flimsy". It did take us some time to determine that a pinkie ring would be an appropriate gift for a really great wife. I am so lucky to have her in my life. She helps by reminding me to...Serve well!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Is the Muse Calling?
It was very early this morning. Around 0445, when I recognized I was in a semi-conscious state. The words were dancing in my mind. Some of them just out of reach. Those that did get discovered made little sense, but there was promise. I know that they will come together very soon, and I will hardly be able to make my fingers work fast enough on the keyboard. Alas that moment has not arrived, or has it. My fingers are fairly flying right now. And there are not too many errors.
Monday I met with the local newspaper editor/publisher concerning a series of articles I have written and would like to have published. We discussed the copyright license agreement he had given me on a previous visit. After reading it I got the impression I was giving away everything, and we hadn't even discussed remuneration. I contacted an attorney friend. She suggested I discuss it with her attorney husband who was up to date on contracts. The turn around was fantastic. I couldn't believe I had the verdict back within four days. (The price was worth it.) He confirmed what I suspected, and gave suggestions. So, armed with this information and a clearer idea of what I wanted, it was back to the newspaper. It seems as though he was treading new ground. In the past he had not had to have such an elaborate contract. He would have to take my ideas to his boss and the company attorneys to determine what we can do.
I thought it only proper to i) have each article licensed, ii) be given recognition if the publisher wanted to use the articles in other places, and iii) have the right to post the articles in web log. We also discussed a modest remuneration figure for each article.
It turns out his boss is on vacation this week. I probably won't hear back for a couple of weeks. I agreed to wait about 30 days prior to posting them in a blog. We shall see what we shall see.
Serve well!
Monday I met with the local newspaper editor/publisher concerning a series of articles I have written and would like to have published. We discussed the copyright license agreement he had given me on a previous visit. After reading it I got the impression I was giving away everything, and we hadn't even discussed remuneration. I contacted an attorney friend. She suggested I discuss it with her attorney husband who was up to date on contracts. The turn around was fantastic. I couldn't believe I had the verdict back within four days. (The price was worth it.) He confirmed what I suspected, and gave suggestions. So, armed with this information and a clearer idea of what I wanted, it was back to the newspaper. It seems as though he was treading new ground. In the past he had not had to have such an elaborate contract. He would have to take my ideas to his boss and the company attorneys to determine what we can do.
I thought it only proper to i) have each article licensed, ii) be given recognition if the publisher wanted to use the articles in other places, and iii) have the right to post the articles in web log. We also discussed a modest remuneration figure for each article.
It turns out his boss is on vacation this week. I probably won't hear back for a couple of weeks. I agreed to wait about 30 days prior to posting them in a blog. We shall see what we shall see.
Serve well!
Monday, August 08, 2005
Keith did it!
I'm busy working on some material for one of my real estate classes, when I see someone has come on line on my buddy list. To my surprise it is Keith, my brother in El Paso. I am ecstatic about this turn of events. Keith isn't that comfortable working with computers. This is a huge accomplishment.
We both use Macs with an audio capability. It was great to hear his voice. We didn't communicate for very long. I have given our two daughters his screen name to add to their buddy lists. He will be blown away when he gets messages from them. One of them also has an audio IM capability. What a blast for him to get messages from them. I know it will be a surprise to him.
Serve well!
We both use Macs with an audio capability. It was great to hear his voice. We didn't communicate for very long. I have given our two daughters his screen name to add to their buddy lists. He will be blown away when he gets messages from them. One of them also has an audio IM capability. What a blast for him to get messages from them. I know it will be a surprise to him.
Serve well!
Peter Jennings, I'll miss you.
As I picked up the morning paper from the driveway, I noticed the headline that Peter Jennings had succumbed to lung cancer. I had been wondering how he was doing since his announcement in April.
What a bummer. I have always admired his approach to life. Now, as I watch the news programs that tell us about his life, I know why I have admired him. He epitomized the concepts of serving, caring about those you serve, and sharing the love in your heart. You only had to watch how he interacted with children to see that he really got it. He served, cared and shared.
I didn't realize how his passing would affect me so much. There were tears very close to gushing out, but I didn't want to miss the next part of the story. I know that I was blessed to have had the opportunity to be touched by his contribution to my life and the lives of others. We will miss him and we are all better off for his having been a part of our lives. Do as Peter did,
Serve well!
What a bummer. I have always admired his approach to life. Now, as I watch the news programs that tell us about his life, I know why I have admired him. He epitomized the concepts of serving, caring about those you serve, and sharing the love in your heart. You only had to watch how he interacted with children to see that he really got it. He served, cared and shared.
I didn't realize how his passing would affect me so much. There were tears very close to gushing out, but I didn't want to miss the next part of the story. I know that I was blessed to have had the opportunity to be touched by his contribution to my life and the lives of others. We will miss him and we are all better off for his having been a part of our lives. Do as Peter did,
Serve well!
Instant Message Mystery
My brother recently got a new computer to replace an older model. The iBook 14" has been dubbed the "White Knight" and replaces the older "Black Box". (Any hints about computer case colors?) Prior to my leaving him in El Paso I signed him up with an AIM account. What I didn't tell him was that he would receive an email from AIM confirming his account. As you probably know, if you don't respond within the required 48 hours you will be lost in the electronic ether. Consequently, everytime he endeavored to sign on, AIM did not recognize him.
I had wanted him to have this capacity so that we could exchange audio messages. This is particularly important when he has computer questions. I hope it will be easier to communicate this way, if we can ever get it to work.
We did come up with an easy answer to his problem. We had him open a new account with a new screen name. I will know within a couple of days if he is on. I can hardly wait.
I may even share our success with you all.
Serve well!
I had wanted him to have this capacity so that we could exchange audio messages. This is particularly important when he has computer questions. I hope it will be easier to communicate this way, if we can ever get it to work.
We did come up with an easy answer to his problem. We had him open a new account with a new screen name. I will know within a couple of days if he is on. I can hardly wait.
I may even share our success with you all.
Serve well!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Finally, Some Cool Weather
All week the weather forecasters had been saying that a cold front would be coming through today. It took a little time, but it finally arrived. After supper we were able to get out and take care of some yard chores. We checked the watering system to be sure that the sprinkler heads were working correctly. Three needed to be adjusted. Getting sprinkled while adjusting sprinkler heads is half of the fun. We also trimmed some of the trees. Nothing like running into tree limbs when mowing the grass.
We also had an opporutnity to visit with some of the neighbors. Hot weather keeps everyone inside. The neighbors are very friendly. We did find out that the neighbors next door to the west are moving back to Virginia. I wondered what was going on when I saw that they had Virginia tags on their vehicles. They have been here for quite a few years. They have also had a garage sale recently.
The neighbor across the corner was mowing his yard and rode over when he saw me working on the sprinklers. We have worked together on our sprinklers in the past. He needed to borrow my special tool. Of course I had to go over and give "expert" advice. It worked out well.
We also had an opporutnity to visit with some of the neighbors. Hot weather keeps everyone inside. The neighbors are very friendly. We did find out that the neighbors next door to the west are moving back to Virginia. I wondered what was going on when I saw that they had Virginia tags on their vehicles. They have been here for quite a few years. They have also had a garage sale recently.
The neighbor across the corner was mowing his yard and rode over when he saw me working on the sprinklers. We have worked together on our sprinklers in the past. He needed to borrow my special tool. Of course I had to go over and give "expert" advice. It worked out well.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Monday, the bookshelves were waiting.
It is Monday and the calendar says we must report to the den and prepare to clean the bookshelves and storage areas underneath. I knew it was coming. One good part of the chore is I will get to polish more wood. I have no idea why I enjoy that chore, but I do. There is something about the aroma of the polish and the sheen of the wood once it is polished.
We did put some of the books away, and we did get rid of some of the stuff that was of no use any longer. We even have one shelf that is almost barren. There is only one book on that shelf. Isn't that polished wood sheen marvelous? We worked on it all day and feel a great sense of accomplishment.
My mother called while we were working. It was nice to get the break, however, she seems to call when we are doing house cleaning. She has come to the conclusion that is all we do. I assured her that between the house cleaning chores we do seem to get it dirty.
This is just another way to...
Serve well!
We did put some of the books away, and we did get rid of some of the stuff that was of no use any longer. We even have one shelf that is almost barren. There is only one book on that shelf. Isn't that polished wood sheen marvelous? We worked on it all day and feel a great sense of accomplishment.My mother called while we were working. It was nice to get the break, however, she seems to call when we are doing house cleaning. She has come to the conclusion that is all we do. I assured her that between the house cleaning chores we do seem to get it dirty.
This is just another way to...
Serve well!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)