Elizabeth Grace, waiting: fairly patiently.
The baptismal candle,lit from the Easter candle.
Family and friends talking after the ceremony, at Our Land of the Angels in Sauk Centre.
Showing posts with label extended family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label extended family. Show all posts
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Baptism: Elizabeth Grace
Our new granddaughter, Elizabeth Grace, was baptized today. The house was a great deal less quiet than usual this afternoon.
Elizabeth Grace, waiting: fairly patiently.
The baptismal candle,lit from the Easter candle.
Family and friends talking after the ceremony, at Our Land of the Angels in Sauk Centre.
Elizabeth Grace, waiting: fairly patiently.
The baptismal candle,lit from the Easter candle.
Family and friends talking after the ceremony, at Our Land of the Angels in Sauk Centre.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Welcoming Our Granddaughter
My wife and I met our new granddaughter for the first time yesterday.
The adoption process, and a medical emergency which happily did not involve the baby, finally progressed to a point where #2 daughter and son-in-law could travel back to our part of the continent.
#3 daughter took this photo yesterday evening. That's my son, holding the new member of our family. I got his okay to use this photo on the condition that I make it very clear that he's the baby's uncle: not her father.
I've had my moments, holding my little granddaughter. Not so little, actually: she was around 9 pounds at birth, and healthily sturdy.
I'm looking forward to the first time she tugs my beard.
The adoption process, and a medical emergency which happily did not involve the baby, finally progressed to a point where #2 daughter and son-in-law could travel back to our part of the continent.
#3 daughter took this photo yesterday evening. That's my son, holding the new member of our family. I got his okay to use this photo on the condition that I make it very clear that he's the baby's uncle: not her father.
I've had my moments, holding my little granddaughter. Not so little, actually: she was around 9 pounds at birth, and healthily sturdy.
I'm looking forward to the first time she tugs my beard.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
I'm a Grandpa
It's been an interesting week.
A few hours ago, two inadvertent keystrokes wiped out four day's of work. I was not a happy camper. Most of it's recovered now, and #3 daughter suggested a common-sense way I can avoid this sort of thing: back up frequently. Obvious, in 20-20 hindsight.
My wife and I are now grandparents. #2 daughter and son-in law satisfied all legal requirements, and are now the proud adoptive parents of Elizabeth, a baby girl on the east coast. We've seen her via an Internet-based video link: Skype, I think.
Those three will stay where they are for — however long the state they're in sees fit. Legal requirements are met, I understand: but not the bureaucratic ones. This was expected, and they made necessary arrangements in advance for a long stay.
It's frustrating, but I remember the 'good old days,' and the reasons we've become increasingly careful about the adoption process.
I'm looking forward to meeting Elizabeth face-to-face.
A few hours ago, two inadvertent keystrokes wiped out four day's of work. I was not a happy camper. Most of it's recovered now, and #3 daughter suggested a common-sense way I can avoid this sort of thing: back up frequently. Obvious, in 20-20 hindsight.
My wife and I are now grandparents. #2 daughter and son-in law satisfied all legal requirements, and are now the proud adoptive parents of Elizabeth, a baby girl on the east coast. We've seen her via an Internet-based video link: Skype, I think.
Those three will stay where they are for — however long the state they're in sees fit. Legal requirements are met, I understand: but not the bureaucratic ones. This was expected, and they made necessary arrangements in advance for a long stay.
It's frustrating, but I remember the 'good old days,' and the reasons we've become increasingly careful about the adoption process.
I'm looking forward to meeting Elizabeth face-to-face.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Just Touching Base
A few hours after getting an automated call from the Sauk Centre Public Schools, I learned that all Minnesota public schools were closing. The Governor said they should. I'm glad that someone showed good sense. It's going to be - brisk.
I've seen a doctor about my left shin: again. The good news is that the two new open spots aren't infected. The bad news is that even when these heal over, I can expect more of the same. It's an incentive to keep my diabetes under control, and lose weight. Lots of incentive.
It's also frustrating: but I've had lots of practice dealing with "frustrating." I think having substandard hip joints helped me learn, from infancy up, to deal with limitations: not quietly, or calmly; but to deal with them.
On a happier note, there was a big family get-together today over at my father-in-law's place. A really big one. I stayed here, partly because I'm just about the exact opposite of a 'party person,' partly because I'm having more than the currently normal trouble with my legs, and partly because I had a post to get ready for tomorrow.
My wife, son, son-in-law, and daughters # 2 and 3 were there. I gather that they had a good time. For that, I am very glad.
Related post:
I've seen a doctor about my left shin: again. The good news is that the two new open spots aren't infected. The bad news is that even when these heal over, I can expect more of the same. It's an incentive to keep my diabetes under control, and lose weight. Lots of incentive.
It's also frustrating: but I've had lots of practice dealing with "frustrating." I think having substandard hip joints helped me learn, from infancy up, to deal with limitations: not quietly, or calmly; but to deal with them.
On a happier note, there was a big family get-together today over at my father-in-law's place. A really big one. I stayed here, partly because I'm just about the exact opposite of a 'party person,' partly because I'm having more than the currently normal trouble with my legs, and partly because I had a post to get ready for tomorrow.
My wife, son, son-in-law, and daughters # 2 and 3 were there. I gather that they had a good time. For that, I am very glad.
Related post:
- "Spilled Coffee, Reality, and a Wind Chill Advisory"
(December 9, 2013)
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Family, Candles, and an Online Store
My son is 'on loan' to #2 daughter and son-in-law this week. He's helping them keep up with orders for those special candles.
Spiral Light Candle factory, south section: production floor and offices.
March-April, 2012.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday®, and I think locally-owned businesses are a good idea, so: if you're in Mayville or Hillsboro, North Dakota, I'd like you to take a look at Spiral Light Candles at Dale's Food Pride or the Mayville Cenex.
Since quite a few folks don't live in North Dakota's Traill County, Spiral Light Candle's store locator helps you find retailers closer to home. We're in California, New York, and quite a few states between. There's our online store, too.
Background:
Prototype of Spiral Light Candle's counter-top display. June 2012.
Spiral Light Candle factory, south section: production floor and offices.
March-April, 2012.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday®, and I think locally-owned businesses are a good idea, so: if you're in Mayville or Hillsboro, North Dakota, I'd like you to take a look at Spiral Light Candles at Dale's Food Pride or the Mayville Cenex.
Since quite a few folks don't live in North Dakota's Traill County, Spiral Light Candle's store locator helps you find retailers closer to home. We're in California, New York, and quite a few states between. There's our online store, too.
"We?" "Our?"
Spiral Light Candle is a family business. I own part of it, and do some technical work as needed. Helping a company get started has been a fascinating experience for me. Happily, I haven't had to do much of the work. :)Background:
- On Spiral Light Candle's website
- My take
- "Another Month, Another Unexpected Drive"
(September 16, 2012) - "Snapshots from Texas; or, Candles at a Trade Show"
(June 24, 2012) - "Good Candles and Good Neighbors in North Dakota"
Includes excerpts from the news
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind
(June 16, 2012) - "A Quick Trip, a Factory, Candles: and Home at Last!"
(May 25, 2012) - "Candles, a Spreadsheet, and a Really Long Week"
(December 5, 2011)
- "Another Month, Another Unexpected Drive"
Prototype of Spiral Light Candle's counter-top display. June 2012.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Another Month, Another Unexpected Drive
Being a parent doesn't end when the kids move out. What changes is the job description.
Last month, #1 daughter needed a ride. Normally, I wouldn't do this sort of thing: but there was a medical angle involved, and she lives only 20 minutes or so down the road. (August 13, 2012)
This month, #2 daughter and her husband were on vacation in Louisiana. Last weekend we got a late-night phone call.
The good news is that #2 daughter survived, and is recovering. The bad news: she experienced a medical emergency that included losing about two liters of blood. She's five-foot-nothing, so that's a lot of her usual supply.
More good news: my son-in-law's family is is Louisiana: so the two of them had good folks to stay with.
Spiral Light Candle factory, south section: during construction.
December 31, 2011.
Spiral Light Candle factory, south section: production floor and offices.
March-April, 2012.
All we knew last weekend was that #2 daughter had been taken first to a hospital's emergency room, and then checked in for an indefinite stay. Job one for the family was to keep praying: while doctors worked at figuring out what was causing the problems. After that, there was the factory to consider.
My son-in-law had set things up with the assumption that he'd be back soon: not for an indefinitely long time. I knew in a general way what should be happening there, so my wife packed me up and I headed for North Dakota.
Meanwhile, my son-in-law wrote up a to-do list, highlighting tasks that I could at least start while I was at the factory. My main function was to be a set of eyes and hands on-site, so that he could see what was happening, and take action if need be.
As it turned out, the week I spent up there was fairly uneventful, apart from my working though a few of the highlighted tasks.
Things are getting back to normal now, with me back in Sauk Centre and the kids up in North Dakota. As I've said before, I'm not a 40-year-old kid any more: so I expect to spend a few days just resting up from my week as 'acting boss' at the factory.
Somewhat-related posts:
Last month, #1 daughter needed a ride. Normally, I wouldn't do this sort of thing: but there was a medical angle involved, and she lives only 20 minutes or so down the road. (August 13, 2012)
This month, #2 daughter and her husband were on vacation in Louisiana. Last weekend we got a late-night phone call.
The good news is that #2 daughter survived, and is recovering. The bad news: she experienced a medical emergency that included losing about two liters of blood. She's five-foot-nothing, so that's a lot of her usual supply.
More good news: my son-in-law's family is is Louisiana: so the two of them had good folks to stay with.
Meanwhile, back at the factory - - -
My son-in-law and #2 daughter started a candle manufacturing company, and turned an old potato warehouse into a factory recently. They've got a good staff, so taking a few days off wasn't a concern.Spiral Light Candle factory, south section: during construction.
December 31, 2011.
Spiral Light Candle factory, south section: production floor and offices.
March-April, 2012.
All we knew last weekend was that #2 daughter had been taken first to a hospital's emergency room, and then checked in for an indefinite stay. Job one for the family was to keep praying: while doctors worked at figuring out what was causing the problems. After that, there was the factory to consider.
My son-in-law had set things up with the assumption that he'd be back soon: not for an indefinitely long time. I knew in a general way what should be happening there, so my wife packed me up and I headed for North Dakota.
Meanwhile, my son-in-law wrote up a to-do list, highlighting tasks that I could at least start while I was at the factory. My main function was to be a set of eyes and hands on-site, so that he could see what was happening, and take action if need be.
As it turned out, the week I spent up there was fairly uneventful, apart from my working though a few of the highlighted tasks.
Things are getting back to normal now, with me back in Sauk Centre and the kids up in North Dakota. As I've said before, I'm not a 40-year-old kid any more: so I expect to spend a few days just resting up from my week as 'acting boss' at the factory.
Somewhat-related posts:
- "Temporary Change in Schedule"
A Catholic Citizen in America (September 10, 2012) - "An Unexpected Drive"
(August 13, 2012) - "Spiral Light Candles: Snapshots from a Texas Trade Show"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (June 24, 2012) - "Spiral Light Candle's Online Store - Open"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (June 15, 2012) - "Trade Show Trip: Everything's Ready (I Think)"
(July 29, 2011)
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Snapshots from Texas; or, Candles at a Trade Show
My son-in-law called last night, and we talked until it was early this morning. He's in Texas, at a trade show to let more folks know about Spiral Light Candles.
He sent two snapshots:
Bright lights, and folks looking at Spiral Light Candle products in Texas. June 2012.
Aaron McWilliams and candles. Lots of candles. The Spiral Light kind. June 2012.
With Aaron in Texas, and the factory not needing her attention over the weekend, #2 daughter spent some time Saturday with us: mostly with my wife and #3 daughter.
About those candles: they're unique, the McWilliams invented them, and you might find them in a store in your area. If not, they launched the Spiral Light Candle online store recently. You can check for retailers in your area on the website, too: Related posts:
He sent two snapshots:
Bright lights, and folks looking at Spiral Light Candle products in Texas. June 2012.
Aaron McWilliams and candles. Lots of candles. The Spiral Light kind. June 2012.
With Aaron in Texas, and the factory not needing her attention over the weekend, #2 daughter spent some time Saturday with us: mostly with my wife and #3 daughter.
About those candles: they're unique, the McWilliams invented them, and you might find them in a store in your area. If not, they launched the Spiral Light Candle online store recently. You can check for retailers in your area on the website, too: Related posts:
- "Good Candles and Good Neighbors in North Dakota"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (June 16, 2012) - "Candles in a Box, and an Online Video"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (June 15, 2012) - "Spiral Light Candle's Online Store - Open"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (June 15, 2012) - "A Quick Trip, a Factory, Candles: and Home at Last!"
(May 25, 2012) - "January 11, 2012
Spiral Light Candle Factory Construction: Photos"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (January 11, 2012)
Friday, May 25, 2012
A Quick Trip, a Factory, Candles: and Home at Last!
Yesterday afternoon I drove up to Hillsboro, North Dakota, with my wife, son, and #3 daughter. Then I slept 12 hours, took photos as my son-in-law and #2 daughter did a ribbon-cutting at Spiral Light Candle's factory, and drove back home.
I know that wife, son, and #3 daughter were with me: I haven't checked to see if we forgot anything up in North Dakota. I don't plan to check until tomorrow morning. Right now I'm thoroughly enjoying being back home again.
Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed seeing everybody up in Hillsboro, but I also enjoy being back home.
Allegedly-related posts:
I know that wife, son, and #3 daughter were with me: I haven't checked to see if we forgot anything up in North Dakota. I don't plan to check until tomorrow morning. Right now I'm thoroughly enjoying being back home again.
Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed seeing everybody up in Hillsboro, but I also enjoy being back home.
Allegedly-related posts:
- "Home Schooling, a Garage, a Desk, and Business"
(March 26, 2012) - " 'Confidence' and a T-Shirt"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (January 19, 2012) - "Spiral Light Candle Factory Construction: More Photos"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (January 18, 2012) - "Candles, a Spreadsheet, and a Really Long Week"
(December 5, 2011) - "Candles: Analysis, News, and Very Odd Questions"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (December 3, 2011)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Dense Fog
I drove up to Hillsboro, North Dakota, today: and back. My wife and I had to take care of some business up there, involving the Spiral Light Candle company. That's what my son-in-law and #2 daughter have been working at developing for about a year now.
I'd hoped that the patchy fog we'd driven through on the way up would be gone this evening. Instead, starting between Fargo and Fergus Falls, we met light fog, medium fog, and downright emphatic fog.
It is not a good sign, when driving on an Interstate at night, when the lights of the semi in front of you disappear. Along, apparently, with the edge of the road.
I was very glad to be home, under our own roof, where I learned that there's a Dense Fog Advisory on until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. Thankfully, I probably won't have to go out in it.
Now, an unabashed bit of self-promotion:
I'd hoped that the patchy fog we'd driven through on the way up would be gone this evening. Instead, starting between Fargo and Fergus Falls, we met light fog, medium fog, and downright emphatic fog.
It is not a good sign, when driving on an Interstate at night, when the lights of the semi in front of you disappear. Along, apparently, with the edge of the road.
I was very glad to be home, under our own roof, where I learned that there's a Dense Fog Advisory on until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. Thankfully, I probably won't have to go out in it.
Now, an unabashed bit of self-promotion:
- Spiral Light Candle Corporation
- Website, spirallightcandle.com
- Spiral Light Candle Corp. Storefront
(Our presence on Amazon.com)
- From another one of my blogs:
- " 'Confidence' and a T-Shirt"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (January 19, 2012) - "Spiral Light Candle Factory Construction: More Photos"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (January 18, 2012) - "Factory Construction on Schedule; National Sales Manager Hired"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (January 4, 2012) - "Candles: Analysis, News, and Very Odd Questions"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (December 3, 2011)
- " 'Confidence' and a T-Shirt"
Monday, December 5, 2011
Candles, a Spreadsheet, and a Really Long Week
I've been working for my son-in-law since last Monday, getting Spiral Light Candle's budget and sales forecast set up for next year. He provided the math, and how data is supposed to relate to other data.
I set up a spreadsheet, turned his math into functions the spreadsheet understands, put the pieces in place: and then tried to figure out why the results looked funny.
After that, I'd do the same thing over again. All week.
I took Sunday off, pretty much, got back to work last evening, and around 4:30 this morning noticed that I was making lots of mistakes. The good news is that by that time I was also working very slowly, so I hadn't messed up too much of the analysis.
After over half of a good night's sleep later, I got back to work this morning. My son-in-law generously estimates that I've saved him well upwards of a thousand dollars in consultant's fees: but hey, that's what family is for.
Now, some blatant self-promotion:
Related posts:
I set up a spreadsheet, turned his math into functions the spreadsheet understands, put the pieces in place: and then tried to figure out why the results looked funny.
After that, I'd do the same thing over again. All week.
I took Sunday off, pretty much, got back to work last evening, and around 4:30 this morning noticed that I was making lots of mistakes. The good news is that by that time I was also working very slowly, so I hadn't messed up too much of the analysis.
After over half of a good night's sleep later, I got back to work this morning. My son-in-law generously estimates that I've saved him well upwards of a thousand dollars in consultant's fees: but hey, that's what family is for.
Now, some blatant self-promotion:
- Our Spiral Light Candle Corp. Storefront
on Amazon.com - Spiral Light Candle Corporation
(spirallightcandle.com)
P.O. Box 868, Hillsboro, ND 58045
(701) 425-0682
info@spirallightcandle.com- Spiral Light's Spiral Burning Self Filling Candle
(also on YouTube) - Brocuhre (pdf)
- Spiral Light's Spiral Burning Self Filling Candle
Related posts:
- "Candles: Analysis, News, and Very Odd Questions"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (December 3, 2011) - "Spiral Light Candle's New Amazon.com Photos"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (November 24, 2011) - " 'A Candle With a Twist' at Grand Forks Trade Show"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (November 18, 2011) - "Trade Show Trip: Everything's Ready (I Think)"
(July 29, 2011)- This was 'the big one'
- Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- One of the my posts from the show:
- "Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show: Second Morning on the Floor"
Starting a Small Business Without Losing My Mind (August 4, 2011)
- "Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show: Second Morning on the Floor"
- This was 'the big one'
- "Candles That aren't Candles; Candles With a New Twist, and a '50s Diner"
Sauk Centre Journal Blog (Sunday, June 26, 2011)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day - and the Freezer Gave Up
I've had a nice Father's Day - spend largely in going to church, grilling burgers, and goofing off.
Then, in the afternoon, my wife noticed that our freezer was kaput. Defunct. No longer among the functional. And only a quarter-century or so after we bought it.
Then she disappeared.
A few hours later she was back, with an assortment of my nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Also a (huge) new freezer. She'd found one in Alexandria, down the road. With the help of the extended family, the new freezer is in - and has been stocked with the undamaged (I trust) food that had been in the old one.
The old freezer is now sitting on the floor behind where I sit - temporarily, I assume.
Then, in the afternoon, my wife noticed that our freezer was kaput. Defunct. No longer among the functional. And only a quarter-century or so after we bought it.
Then she disappeared.
A few hours later she was back, with an assortment of my nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Also a (huge) new freezer. She'd found one in Alexandria, down the road. With the help of the extended family, the new freezer is in - and has been stocked with the undamaged (I trust) food that had been in the old one.
The old freezer is now sitting on the floor behind where I sit - temporarily, I assume.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Release the Chickens!
Our #1 and #2 daughters - the latter with our son-in-law - were home for the weekend, partly for the Mother's Day family get-together in one of the Twin Cities' northern suburbs. I made it down there for the first time in several years, which turned out quite well.
Back here in Sauk Centre, we did some more catching-up. My son-in-law told me that ticks make it hard to work with the tractor in the timber claim: a roughly 10-acre woodland north of their home.
I'd like to spin a story about those North Dakota ticks having developed a taste for motor oil. The truth is remarkable enough. Those blood-sucking pests are so thick in spots that he can see masses of them moving over the undergrowth.
He and #2 daughter have a plan for dealing with the ticks this summer. They intend to get a sort of porta-coop, a high-capacity water & feed unit, and about 30 chickens. Chickens eat ticks - which is why they've already got a small flock of free-range chickens in the yard.
I suppose I could call it 'green' pest control: but the fact is, that's the way folks in this part of the world have been keeping ticks in check for generations. Some of us, anyway.
I miss that activity: but change happens. And if parents do their job right, children grow up.
Back here in Sauk Centre, we did some more catching-up. My son-in-law told me that ticks make it hard to work with the tractor in the timber claim: a roughly 10-acre woodland north of their home.
I'd like to spin a story about those North Dakota ticks having developed a taste for motor oil. The truth is remarkable enough. Those blood-sucking pests are so thick in spots that he can see masses of them moving over the undergrowth.
He and #2 daughter have a plan for dealing with the ticks this summer. They intend to get a sort of porta-coop, a high-capacity water & feed unit, and about 30 chickens. Chickens eat ticks - which is why they've already got a small flock of free-range chickens in the yard.
I suppose I could call it 'green' pest control: but the fact is, that's the way folks in this part of the world have been keeping ticks in check for generations. Some of us, anyway.
Transitions
I didn't realize, until after Easter, that this family has passed another milestone. For the first time in many, many years we didn't color Easter eggs this year.I miss that activity: but change happens. And if parents do their job right, children grow up.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday Afternoon: Goofing Off
Actually, I haven't been goofing off all that much - I've celebrated Mass, opined in another blog, and discussed family matters with my wife and son-in-law.
Also enjoyed, thoroughly, noticing my wife and #2 daughter discuss the layout and functionality of the kitchen in their place - #2 daughter & son-in-law's, that is. They live in the house where my mother grew up. My parents made heavy modifications when they refitted it as a retirement home for themselves: and now the next generation is doing some long-overdue repair.
They're also stripping the old southwest corner of the house to the basic structure and rebuilding it. I've seen what they have in mind: and it makes sense. For starters, the house will have a new electrical system when they're done.
About time, too: my parents brought a 19th century farmhouse up to speed with late-20th-century technology; now it's time for another upgrade.
Also enjoyed, thoroughly, noticing my wife and #2 daughter discuss the layout and functionality of the kitchen in their place - #2 daughter & son-in-law's, that is. They live in the house where my mother grew up. My parents made heavy modifications when they refitted it as a retirement home for themselves: and now the next generation is doing some long-overdue repair.
They're also stripping the old southwest corner of the house to the basic structure and rebuilding it. I've seen what they have in mind: and it makes sense. For starters, the house will have a new electrical system when they're done.
About time, too: my parents brought a 19th century farmhouse up to speed with late-20th-century technology; now it's time for another upgrade.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
More Company!
So, after supper, #2 daughter, my son-in-law, and their dog come in. They were "in the neighborhood," in Pelican Rapids, and decided to drop in. That's very roughly 75 miles from here - which, by North Dakota standards, is sort of "in the neighborhood."
They've been to Hawaii - a long-overdue honeymoon, in my opinion - and had tales to tell and pictures to show.
I'm glad they came: but now I really need to get to work.
They've been to Hawaii - a long-overdue honeymoon, in my opinion - and had tales to tell and pictures to show.
I'm glad they came: but now I really need to get to work.
Monday, June 14, 2010
About a Trip, Age, and Burying the Cable
My wife and me, and #3 daughter, returned from a good visit with #2 daughter and her husband over the weekend. Also #1 daughter and our son. The latter is staying there for a month. They'll get some work out of him, and he will, I expect, have a good time. A win-win situation.
I'm definitely no longer 20 years old. Four decades back, a 170-mile trek on the Interstate didn't leave me feeling like this. It would have helped, I think, if I'd had the good sense to stretch my neck and shoulders on the trip - which I'll try to remember next time. The base joints of my right hand's first two fingers don't ache as much now, as they did when I woke up: for which I'm grateful.
This evening/afternoon, around 5:00, a couple guys came and buried our cable/telephone/Internet connection: bringing the deck/patio project to a conclusion. One of them was camera-shy, so I won't have a photo of that - but I do have pictures of the rest.
Which I really ought to get around to processing for this blog.
My wife & #3 daughter are playing Mario Kart in the next room: and I'm trying to get caught up with today's work. Which I should get back to, now.
I'm definitely no longer 20 years old. Four decades back, a 170-mile trek on the Interstate didn't leave me feeling like this. It would have helped, I think, if I'd had the good sense to stretch my neck and shoulders on the trip - which I'll try to remember next time. The base joints of my right hand's first two fingers don't ache as much now, as they did when I woke up: for which I'm grateful.
This evening/afternoon, around 5:00, a couple guys came and buried our cable/telephone/Internet connection: bringing the deck/patio project to a conclusion. One of them was camera-shy, so I won't have a photo of that - but I do have pictures of the rest.
Which I really ought to get around to processing for this blog.
My wife & #3 daughter are playing Mario Kart in the next room: and I'm trying to get caught up with today's work. Which I should get back to, now.
Monday, May 17, 2010
For Once, I Feel Great About Monday
I had some sort of bug - or maybe problems with allergies - or something - last week. Whatever was going on, it seems to be pretty much over. For which I'm duly grateful.
To celebrate, sort of, I 'bicycled' for three minutes short of an hour this morning, using the family's Wii Fit2 software. That was fun - and reasonably good exercise.
My son-in-law called: His company's documentary is moving along, and we've got the script to read and nit-pick. That would be #3 daughter and me. We've both got writing experience - and at this stage it's a good idea to get feedback and (maybe) identify rough spots that need smoothing.
He's also put in a big weekend in the yard. The chicken coop is up - apart from the final roof. #2 daughter picked her husband up with the tractor's scoop, and lifted him about a dozen feet up, to get some trees trimmed. I wish I'd seen that.
Here in Sauk Centre, we've now finished replacing most of the plumbing fixtures. That's a long-overdue project I'm glad to see done. #1 daughter tells me that colors of the old bathtub with its tile, and the toilet don't work with the cheery new green paint on the walls. She's probably right - she's now graduated from the commercial art program at Alex Tech.
Which reminds me: #1 daughter graduated Friday.
I'll get back to that, another time. Right now, there's nearly a week's worth of backlog to take care of.
To celebrate, sort of, I 'bicycled' for three minutes short of an hour this morning, using the family's Wii Fit2 software. That was fun - and reasonably good exercise.
My son-in-law called: His company's documentary is moving along, and we've got the script to read and nit-pick. That would be #3 daughter and me. We've both got writing experience - and at this stage it's a good idea to get feedback and (maybe) identify rough spots that need smoothing.
He's also put in a big weekend in the yard. The chicken coop is up - apart from the final roof. #2 daughter picked her husband up with the tractor's scoop, and lifted him about a dozen feet up, to get some trees trimmed. I wish I'd seen that.
Here in Sauk Centre, we've now finished replacing most of the plumbing fixtures. That's a long-overdue project I'm glad to see done. #1 daughter tells me that colors of the old bathtub with its tile, and the toilet don't work with the cheery new green paint on the walls. She's probably right - she's now graduated from the commercial art program at Alex Tech.
Which reminds me: #1 daughter graduated Friday.
I'll get back to that, another time. Right now, there's nearly a week's worth of backlog to take care of.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Not-Quite-Mother's-Day Get-Together
Mother's Day is tomorrow and the family got together at one of my in-laws' place, as we do around this time each year. There are other get-together times, too, for my wife's immediate family: linked to Christmas and Easter. Right - and a family reunion that's coming up. That's another - and larger - set of kinfolk. We rent a park in Osakis, down the road, for that event.
#2 daughter and my son-in-law are settling into their new home. He's from Louisiana: never dreamed of moving to North Dakota (few people do); and has fallen in love with the family place, up in the Red River Valley of the north.
And bought a little garden tractor.
My son-in-law with this new (to him) tractor. April 27, 2010.
Remember, they're living in the Red River Valley of the North. As I recall, that's a smallish utility tractor: big enough for yard and garden chores, but not what you'd prefer for working the fields.
Lilacs starting to bloom. May 6, 2010.
Despite a little snow yesterday, and today, and a freeze warning in tomorrow morning's forecast, I'm pretty sure summer is coming. That 'freeze warning' applies to sensitive plants - I'm hoping the lilacs and cherry tree will be okay.
While I'm writing about weather: I found this on the Wunderground site:
My son on the trampoline, earlier today. May 8, 2010.
My brother-in-law does a good job of setting up the back yard for the kids.
My son on the zipline. This run went smoothly. May 8, 2010.
Take that zipline, for example: it ran a couple dozen yards, at least, from a platform in a tree off to the left, to somewhere off the right side of that photo. Some of the kids had a great time with it. My son tried it again, later, got just off the platform - and the thing stopped. He hung on for a while before dropping - quite a ways.
Got the wind knocked out of him, but he'll be okay. His biggest regret is that he didn't have his camera set, so that he could have gotten a video of it.
Quite a lot has happened since I was his age: a camera I can wrap my hand around takes video that's roughly as good as news broadcast video was then - and is inexpensive enough for a 14-year-old to buy with money he's earned.
Miscellaneous young family members on the trampoline. It broke in three places, a little later. May 8, 2010.
This photo was taken before the zipline incident. Even if I didn't remember that, I'd know, since my son's arms don't have the alluvial deposits they picked up later. He's having fun with some of his cousins.
Three generations. The older two inside, talking: the latest set outside. May 8, 2010.
Me? I stayed inside with the rest of the old guard. This is the first of these get-togethers I've gotten to in - years - and it's good to be back.
The Volkswagen bug is behind the green truck, and there's a minivan parked up the road. May 8, 2010.
That's a sort of 'as the sun slowly sinks' photo: I thought it'd be fun to show (most of) the vehicles we used to get there.
I see that the sun actually is sinking in the west. And I've got more tasks to get done.
#2 daughter and my son-in-law are settling into their new home. He's from Louisiana: never dreamed of moving to North Dakota (few people do); and has fallen in love with the family place, up in the Red River Valley of the north.
And bought a little garden tractor.
My son-in-law with this new (to him) tractor. April 27, 2010.
Remember, they're living in the Red River Valley of the North. As I recall, that's a smallish utility tractor: big enough for yard and garden chores, but not what you'd prefer for working the fields.
Lilacs starting to bloom. May 6, 2010.
Despite a little snow yesterday, and today, and a freeze warning in tomorrow morning's forecast, I'm pretty sure summer is coming. That 'freeze warning' applies to sensitive plants - I'm hoping the lilacs and cherry tree will be okay.
While I'm writing about weather: I found this on the Wunderground site:
"Statement as of 3:35 PM CDT on May 08, 2010Minnesota weather/climate is not boring.
"... Snowfall amounts ending Saturday morning may 8 2010 from parts of central and east central Minnesota and west central Wisconsin...
"The totals below are separated into snow... and ice and sleet
categories... then by amount... and are not necessarily the
final amount for each location.
"Snow reports listed by amount
"inches location St County [!] time
------ ----------------------- -- -------------- -------
2.50 3 W Ladysmith WI Rusk 0500 am
2.00 1 E Cumberland WI Barron 0800 am
2.00 Centuria WI Polk 1233 am | one to two inches estimated on grassy surfaces only.
1.30 4 N Warman MN Kanabec 0700 am
0.80 Mora MN Kanabec 0800 am
0.70 Long Prairie MN Todd 0700 am
0.50 Milaca MN Mille Lacs 0700 am
0.30 Stanley WI Chippewa 0800 am
0.20 Clayton WI Polk 0230 am
0.10 1 SW Chisago City MN Chisago 0800 am
0.10 3 WNW Rice MN Stearns 0700 am
0.10 5 NE Forest Lake MN Chisago 0700 am"
My son on the trampoline, earlier today. May 8, 2010.
My brother-in-law does a good job of setting up the back yard for the kids.
My son on the zipline. This run went smoothly. May 8, 2010.
Take that zipline, for example: it ran a couple dozen yards, at least, from a platform in a tree off to the left, to somewhere off the right side of that photo. Some of the kids had a great time with it. My son tried it again, later, got just off the platform - and the thing stopped. He hung on for a while before dropping - quite a ways.
Got the wind knocked out of him, but he'll be okay. His biggest regret is that he didn't have his camera set, so that he could have gotten a video of it.
Quite a lot has happened since I was his age: a camera I can wrap my hand around takes video that's roughly as good as news broadcast video was then - and is inexpensive enough for a 14-year-old to buy with money he's earned.
Miscellaneous young family members on the trampoline. It broke in three places, a little later. May 8, 2010.
This photo was taken before the zipline incident. Even if I didn't remember that, I'd know, since my son's arms don't have the alluvial deposits they picked up later. He's having fun with some of his cousins.
Three generations. The older two inside, talking: the latest set outside. May 8, 2010.
Me? I stayed inside with the rest of the old guard. This is the first of these get-togethers I've gotten to in - years - and it's good to be back.
The Volkswagen bug is behind the green truck, and there's a minivan parked up the road. May 8, 2010.
That's a sort of 'as the sun slowly sinks' photo: I thought it'd be fun to show (most of) the vehicles we used to get there.
I see that the sun actually is sinking in the west. And I've got more tasks to get done.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
(Intentionally) Broken Jaws and a Tractor
My wife, our son and #3 daughter went to St. Cloud this morning. The two kids are going to have their jaws broken - and put back together in a better configuration.
I think that, on the whole, it's a good idea. But they're not exactly looking forward to it. I'd be a little concerned if they were. What's going to be done isn't cosmetic, by the way: their jaws don't line up all that well, and the series of medical procedures is intended to make things more functional.
This afternoon, I got a call from my son-in-law. He's got a new tractor - and sent three photos of it, via email. Well, two of him and the tractor: another of my daughter and a trailer. Those two are definitely settling in.
I think that, on the whole, it's a good idea. But they're not exactly looking forward to it. I'd be a little concerned if they were. What's going to be done isn't cosmetic, by the way: their jaws don't line up all that well, and the series of medical procedures is intended to make things more functional.
This afternoon, I got a call from my son-in-law. He's got a new tractor - and sent three photos of it, via email. Well, two of him and the tractor: another of my daughter and a trailer. Those two are definitely settling in.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday 2010
Happy Easter!
My son and son-in-law have spent much (most?) of the day playing/working with Lego Mindstorm - and having a great time. They showed me video they're going to edit and put on YouTube.
It's been a beautiful Easter Sunday. I grilled burgers, relaxed and spent some time with my family, walked to the grocery and back to get coffee, and did I mention that I relaxed?
Now, I'm taking a break from work: getting things set up for Monday's tasks.
My son and son-in-law have spent much (most?) of the day playing/working with Lego Mindstorm - and having a great time. They showed me video they're going to edit and put on YouTube.
It's been a beautiful Easter Sunday. I grilled burgers, relaxed and spent some time with my family, walked to the grocery and back to get coffee, and did I mention that I relaxed?
Now, I'm taking a break from work: getting things set up for Monday's tasks.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
A Little Four-Hour Nap
Working it out from my slightly-dazed memory, I think I got a total of about four hours sleep the night of March 20, and none at all on the 21st.
It's tax time, and Friday evening I discovered that I had two days to get my reports ready - not the nine I thought I had.
I got the reports done by my deadline - 8:00 a.m. Monday morning - but by the time I did, the sun was about to come up.
I got no work at all done Saturday, apart from that tax stuff: and very little Sunday evening.
So I've been catching up all week. Both on work, and physically.
Under the circumstances, I think I've done pretty well: but it's pretty obvious to me that I'm not 17 any more. Or 40, for that matter. Good grief, I'll be 60 soon.
After lunch today (grilled hamburgers - #1 daughter and her rabbit Giol kept me company while I grilled them), I felt a little tired and decided that I'd lie down on the living room couch. Just for a few minutes.
I woke up at about 4:55 p.m. I'm told that I've snored louder than I did this afternoon - but apparently not by much.
Yesterday we had the Easter get-together at our place. I should have counted heads - I think there were only about a dozen folks here, besides me, my wife, and our still-at-home kids. That's a small gathering for this family - but many of the nieces and nephews are off, mostly on the west coast, starting their own lives now.
That was a good time.
Even better, one of my brothers-in-law called in and set up a video connection. He's in Iraq, as a sort of firefighter. His wife and kids were here with us. Information technology's great: but that's just my opinion. It was good to see him again.
It's getting late, and I've got work to do. And still a lot to catch up on.
It's tax time, and Friday evening I discovered that I had two days to get my reports ready - not the nine I thought I had.
I got the reports done by my deadline - 8:00 a.m. Monday morning - but by the time I did, the sun was about to come up.
I got no work at all done Saturday, apart from that tax stuff: and very little Sunday evening.
So I've been catching up all week. Both on work, and physically.
Under the circumstances, I think I've done pretty well: but it's pretty obvious to me that I'm not 17 any more. Or 40, for that matter. Good grief, I'll be 60 soon.
After lunch today (grilled hamburgers - #1 daughter and her rabbit Giol kept me company while I grilled them), I felt a little tired and decided that I'd lie down on the living room couch. Just for a few minutes.
I woke up at about 4:55 p.m. I'm told that I've snored louder than I did this afternoon - but apparently not by much.
Yesterday we had the Easter get-together at our place. I should have counted heads - I think there were only about a dozen folks here, besides me, my wife, and our still-at-home kids. That's a small gathering for this family - but many of the nieces and nephews are off, mostly on the west coast, starting their own lives now.
That was a good time.
Even better, one of my brothers-in-law called in and set up a video connection. He's in Iraq, as a sort of firefighter. His wife and kids were here with us. Information technology's great: but that's just my opinion. It was good to see him again.
It's getting late, and I've got work to do. And still a lot to catch up on.
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