From hughhewitt.com, and in reference to my earlier post on Dan Rather, I thought some of my older readers would enjoy this reach into our cultural time capsule to adapt this TV theme song to the current situation at SeeBS.
Courtesy of Bud Vesta:
The Ballad of Dan Rather
(Sung to the tune from the Beverly Hillbillies)
Come and listen to my story 'bout a man named Dan,
The documents were fake and he didn't give a damn;
He put 'em on the air, an' he thought he'd done the job,
But up from the web come a howlin' mob.
Blogs, that is.
Web logs.
Checkin' facts.
Well, the first thing you know ol' Dan's a-runnin' fast;
Made a false report an' it bit him in the ass;
He said 'dog-gonnit, I done thought I'd get away!'
But it turned out to be his a-reckonin' day.
Busted, that is.
Red-faced.
Mud in the eye.
Well, now it's time to say goodbye to Dan and all his men;
And they would like to shoot you folks for turnin' them in;
You're all invited back next week to watch the Evening News,
And see which correspondent's picked to fill Dan's empty shoes.
Y'all come back, now, hear?
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Poker Part 2
Well, I think our Texas Hold 'em poker night will become a monthly male bonding, take your money, eat chips, kid each other night out with the "boys".
We met at Jim Hill's home last night and played with a new set of 11.5 gram clay poker chips which Paul had purchased (along with its own stainless steel carrying case) from Costco. Taking a short time out to watch the Angels hold off Texas in the bottom of the ninth with bases loaded and no outs and win 5 to 3, we played until 11. Carolyn called around 10 pm to tell me that the electricity was out in our neighborhood for the second night in a row, but with candles burning and my luck holding, I convinced her she would be OK until I got home. She is now worried that I like poker more than I love her (totally untrue), but thankfully the lights came back on around twenty minutes later and before I got home.
The cards were good to me for the second time (along with a new found skill - ha!) and I came home with $34 more than I left with. So I think I garnered some grace from Carolyn. Good thing I didn't lose!
We met at Jim Hill's home last night and played with a new set of 11.5 gram clay poker chips which Paul had purchased (along with its own stainless steel carrying case) from Costco. Taking a short time out to watch the Angels hold off Texas in the bottom of the ninth with bases loaded and no outs and win 5 to 3, we played until 11. Carolyn called around 10 pm to tell me that the electricity was out in our neighborhood for the second night in a row, but with candles burning and my luck holding, I convinced her she would be OK until I got home. She is now worried that I like poker more than I love her (totally untrue), but thankfully the lights came back on around twenty minutes later and before I got home.
The cards were good to me for the second time (along with a new found skill - ha!) and I came home with $34 more than I left with. So I think I garnered some grace from Carolyn. Good thing I didn't lose!
Monday, September 27, 2004
Lakeside Living
Carolyn was away on Friday night on a Community Bible Study retreat up in Costa Mesa and so I watched a college football game and the Ultimate Fighting Championships. The UFC involves boxing (without padded gloves), kick boxing and judo. Totally brutal as contestants use elbows, rabbit punches and submission holds to subdue their opponent. It makes boxing look like it's for sissies. You wouldn't want to find yourself in an alley with any of these guys.
Saturday I tackled mowing the lawn and cleaning the yard before joining the Bethkes and Dennis' brother and sister-in-law for the annual visual scavenger hunt on the lake. We had about 15 boats participating by gleaning answers to clues about various architectural details or paraphernalia at various lakefront homes. Using our years of experience, we won by a large margin and collected our prize of Starbucks coffee at the BBQ at the Club that followed.
I got home around 8:30 and then watched both the Arkansas-Alabama and the Stanford-USC games that I had earlier digitally recorded. Using the fast forward extensively, I watched both Arkansas and USC win in just over an hour! You don't realize how much wasted time there is in a televised football game until you use a DVR. Carolyn got back around 9:30 and we headed to bed.
Sunday, Pastor Mike continued his preaching on Corinthians 15 and death as the consequence of man's sin - both spiritually and biologically. Then we stopped by Wanda's to trim a few trees in her front yard and went to Proud Marys in Dana Point harbor for lunch. The weekend was beautiful and the air just the right temperature as we dined by the harbor. We finished up the afternoon back on the Bethke's deck just talking and having a few glasses of wine as the sunset colored wispy clouds with reds and purples. A pleasant finish to a weekend.
Saturday I tackled mowing the lawn and cleaning the yard before joining the Bethkes and Dennis' brother and sister-in-law for the annual visual scavenger hunt on the lake. We had about 15 boats participating by gleaning answers to clues about various architectural details or paraphernalia at various lakefront homes. Using our years of experience, we won by a large margin and collected our prize of Starbucks coffee at the BBQ at the Club that followed.
I got home around 8:30 and then watched both the Arkansas-Alabama and the Stanford-USC games that I had earlier digitally recorded. Using the fast forward extensively, I watched both Arkansas and USC win in just over an hour! You don't realize how much wasted time there is in a televised football game until you use a DVR. Carolyn got back around 9:30 and we headed to bed.
Sunday, Pastor Mike continued his preaching on Corinthians 15 and death as the consequence of man's sin - both spiritually and biologically. Then we stopped by Wanda's to trim a few trees in her front yard and went to Proud Marys in Dana Point harbor for lunch. The weekend was beautiful and the air just the right temperature as we dined by the harbor. We finished up the afternoon back on the Bethke's deck just talking and having a few glasses of wine as the sunset colored wispy clouds with reds and purples. A pleasant finish to a weekend.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Pictures of the Week
I thought I'd occasionally post pictures from my personal favorites on my blog for your viewing pleasure. These are invariably from vacations over the years. The two below are from Yosemite during the winter. Ashley might remember this time as the time I slipped on an icy covered rock by a stream and destroyed Carolyn's camera in the process.
I've reduced the pixels in deference to those without cable or DSL connections.
I've reduced the pixels in deference to those without cable or DSL connections.
Site Meter
I found another website (www.sitemeter.com) that you web designers might be interested in. It tracks traffic to your website or blog to let you know where people are coming from who visit, how long they stay, etc. Check it out.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Beer for Soldiers
I came across this website today - www.beerforsoldiers.com - where an enterprising soldier has utilized the web to solicit that others (we here in the States) can buy our soldiers, airmen and marines a beer, or a pitcher, or even a keg via PayPal. It can be our way of saying thanks that they can utilize when they take R&R outside of Iraq.
Perhaps, Bryce and Jonathan could establish a similar website for seminarianbrews or some other such witty endeavor to obtain funding for brewskis, books, tuition or the occasional vacation weekend. What I want to see here are proposed names of the website and mission statements! Cheers!!
Perhaps, Bryce and Jonathan could establish a similar website for seminarianbrews or some other such witty endeavor to obtain funding for brewskis, books, tuition or the occasional vacation weekend. What I want to see here are proposed names of the website and mission statements! Cheers!!
If It Bleeds, It Leads
The title is a well-established media standard that those of us in Southern California often hear trumpeted on local news telecasts to the exclusion of thoughtful dialogue or investigative reporting. So, we'll hear about the latest car chase, child abuse, road rage while the station is on 'Storm Watch' for the expected half inch of rain or stories of 'Firestorms' with the first 3000 acre fire. It is therefore not unexpected that nearly all the stories coming out of Iraq are of the latest car bomb, suicide bomber or latest American casualty.
I don't mean to minimize any casualty that occurs there for the loss for the father, mother, or sibling of the deceased is immense and a heartbreak, but on a global scale we often miss the bigger picture. This e-mail from an Army captain in Iraq was posted on www.hughhewitt.com and I thought it helps balance the deaths and injuries that often attract our attention (I've edited it slightly by eliminating a few paragraphs).
" Dear friends,
In the wake of all the unbelievable things that are being said about this war right now in the media, I thought that I might pass along a couple of things that won't make it to the news.
First, I would like to remind you all about the actual size of this country. It is roughly the size of California. Baghdad is the biggest city with a population of about 6 million, so it is a little bit bigger than Los Angeles. The reason why I tell you that is because the media is leading you all to believe that this entire country is "tumbling into complete chaos." Please don't believe that! What is happening in Baghdad and parts of Fallujah and Sammarah (A combined total population of 7 million) does not reflect what is being done around the whole country.
What is happening in Baghdad does not reflect what is happening in Southern Iraq where the UK brigade are continuing to "win the hearts and minds" of the people in Al Basrah and Al Hillah. Or ask my friend Jake who is stationed near An Nasiriyah. In one of his emails to me, he sent me a picture of him riding on a camel and this statement, "Here's me doing some crazy stuff with some of the locals. They are great people and so friendly. 90% of this country are people like these who simply want a safe country to live in. "
You see, the violence that is reported in and around the largest city in this country overshadows the incredible things that are being done by the Republic of Korea Army in the northern town of Irbil. Does anybody out there know that currently Iraq is the 2nd most heavily mined country in the world and that there are over 130 demining projects going on in the border towns between Iraq and Iran? Do the reporters do stories about the half a million tons of captured enemy ammunition that we have destroyed, never to be put into the hands of evil men again? Or the thousands of minefields that are being cleared everyday so little children in cities like Irbil, Kirkuk, and Halabjah can play and run in the fields with no fear of accidentally stepping on a mine ?
I still believe, with all my heart, that the majority of people here want us here. They may feel like we are occupiers, but they also understand it is necessary for the time being . I guess I don't know how else to say it. It's just frustrating because I'm the one over here. I see the work that we are doing. I listen to the daily operations briefs. I read the intel summaries. And I can say as a former history major who studied all of the major wars we have fought in, this is not another Vietnam. Even though I am just a Captain on a Corps level staff, you have to take my word on that.
But let me get back to the original reason of why I am writing you.
Last night at Bible Study, many of my friends were praising the Lord for some "near misses." There was my dear friend Erika , a signal officer for one of the military intelligence battalions on post. She shared that their sister battalion had made the decision to drive to the qualification range about ten miles from base. Well, in light of the insurgent activity that has happened in the last week, you can probably uses what happened. Their convoy was attacked with an IED and small arms. Through tears of joy, she told us about her friend who was the convoy commander. The explosion from the IED sent shrapnel through their vehicle. One piece went right past his head so close that he heard the whistling of it in his ear. It dug three inches into the back of the vehicle. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
But my favorite story to tell you is the one that Natalie shared. She told us about a convoy that was traveling in Baghdad yesterday and it was hit by an IED. Unfortunately, one of the vehicles was so close to the seat of the explosion that it injured two of the soldiers in the vehicle. A Mercedes who had passed the convoy, saw the explosion in his rear view mirror and turned around to double back. When he got there, he got out of his car to help. The soldiers, all pulling security now as the medic tried to tend to the wounded, pointed their weapons at him, unsure of his intentions. The Iraqi man put up his hands and said in broken English, "I'm here to help!" He pointed to his cell phone in his hand. "Please tell me who I should call for help." The soldiers lowered their weapons and gave him the number to call. In the meantime, another vehicle came up behind the convoy. An Iraqi man ran over to the exploded vehicle where the soldier lay on the ground. With his hands raised as well, he told them, "I am a doctor, please let me help." With tears in her eyes, Natalie told us that he probably saved that soldier's life.
My friends, I know that there are evil people over here. Zarqawi and his men seem to have this country in a terror that is something out of a B-rate horror movie, complete with machetes and beheadings. But they are a minority that knows how to play to the media! And these evil people don't simply target the military. Were they to do so, I might have a little respect for them as they would consider themselves Freedom Fighters attempting to fight their formidable foe. But they don't care who they fight or who they kill. They lash out at anyone who does not believe the way they do - to include innocent Muslims.
I stand with my Commander-in-Chief and say that we should stay the course. The only exit strategy we should have is one where Iraq is a free, democratic, self-governing country in good relations with its neighbors, and its citizens enjoy the freedom of traveling the highways free of exploding cars, and devoid of terrorists who have come to see Iraq as their playground.
Thank you all again for your continued prayers and encouraging responses. Whenever I get down, I think about all of you, and I'm proud to be here serving for you. May God continue to bless our great nation, and may He give you peace.
Your faithful soldier in the Lord,
Don "
I don't mean to minimize any casualty that occurs there for the loss for the father, mother, or sibling of the deceased is immense and a heartbreak, but on a global scale we often miss the bigger picture. This e-mail from an Army captain in Iraq was posted on www.hughhewitt.com and I thought it helps balance the deaths and injuries that often attract our attention (I've edited it slightly by eliminating a few paragraphs).
" Dear friends,
In the wake of all the unbelievable things that are being said about this war right now in the media, I thought that I might pass along a couple of things that won't make it to the news.
First, I would like to remind you all about the actual size of this country. It is roughly the size of California. Baghdad is the biggest city with a population of about 6 million, so it is a little bit bigger than Los Angeles. The reason why I tell you that is because the media is leading you all to believe that this entire country is "tumbling into complete chaos." Please don't believe that! What is happening in Baghdad and parts of Fallujah and Sammarah (A combined total population of 7 million) does not reflect what is being done around the whole country.
What is happening in Baghdad does not reflect what is happening in Southern Iraq where the UK brigade are continuing to "win the hearts and minds" of the people in Al Basrah and Al Hillah. Or ask my friend Jake who is stationed near An Nasiriyah. In one of his emails to me, he sent me a picture of him riding on a camel and this statement, "Here's me doing some crazy stuff with some of the locals. They are great people and so friendly. 90% of this country are people like these who simply want a safe country to live in. "
You see, the violence that is reported in and around the largest city in this country overshadows the incredible things that are being done by the Republic of Korea Army in the northern town of Irbil. Does anybody out there know that currently Iraq is the 2nd most heavily mined country in the world and that there are over 130 demining projects going on in the border towns between Iraq and Iran? Do the reporters do stories about the half a million tons of captured enemy ammunition that we have destroyed, never to be put into the hands of evil men again? Or the thousands of minefields that are being cleared everyday so little children in cities like Irbil, Kirkuk, and Halabjah can play and run in the fields with no fear of accidentally stepping on a mine ?
I still believe, with all my heart, that the majority of people here want us here. They may feel like we are occupiers, but they also understand it is necessary for the time being . I guess I don't know how else to say it. It's just frustrating because I'm the one over here. I see the work that we are doing. I listen to the daily operations briefs. I read the intel summaries. And I can say as a former history major who studied all of the major wars we have fought in, this is not another Vietnam. Even though I am just a Captain on a Corps level staff, you have to take my word on that.
But let me get back to the original reason of why I am writing you.
Last night at Bible Study, many of my friends were praising the Lord for some "near misses." There was my dear friend Erika , a signal officer for one of the military intelligence battalions on post. She shared that their sister battalion had made the decision to drive to the qualification range about ten miles from base. Well, in light of the insurgent activity that has happened in the last week, you can probably uses what happened. Their convoy was attacked with an IED and small arms. Through tears of joy, she told us about her friend who was the convoy commander. The explosion from the IED sent shrapnel through their vehicle. One piece went right past his head so close that he heard the whistling of it in his ear. It dug three inches into the back of the vehicle. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
But my favorite story to tell you is the one that Natalie shared. She told us about a convoy that was traveling in Baghdad yesterday and it was hit by an IED. Unfortunately, one of the vehicles was so close to the seat of the explosion that it injured two of the soldiers in the vehicle. A Mercedes who had passed the convoy, saw the explosion in his rear view mirror and turned around to double back. When he got there, he got out of his car to help. The soldiers, all pulling security now as the medic tried to tend to the wounded, pointed their weapons at him, unsure of his intentions. The Iraqi man put up his hands and said in broken English, "I'm here to help!" He pointed to his cell phone in his hand. "Please tell me who I should call for help." The soldiers lowered their weapons and gave him the number to call. In the meantime, another vehicle came up behind the convoy. An Iraqi man ran over to the exploded vehicle where the soldier lay on the ground. With his hands raised as well, he told them, "I am a doctor, please let me help." With tears in her eyes, Natalie told us that he probably saved that soldier's life.
My friends, I know that there are evil people over here. Zarqawi and his men seem to have this country in a terror that is something out of a B-rate horror movie, complete with machetes and beheadings. But they are a minority that knows how to play to the media! And these evil people don't simply target the military. Were they to do so, I might have a little respect for them as they would consider themselves Freedom Fighters attempting to fight their formidable foe. But they don't care who they fight or who they kill. They lash out at anyone who does not believe the way they do - to include innocent Muslims.
I stand with my Commander-in-Chief and say that we should stay the course. The only exit strategy we should have is one where Iraq is a free, democratic, self-governing country in good relations with its neighbors, and its citizens enjoy the freedom of traveling the highways free of exploding cars, and devoid of terrorists who have come to see Iraq as their playground.
Thank you all again for your continued prayers and encouraging responses. Whenever I get down, I think about all of you, and I'm proud to be here serving for you. May God continue to bless our great nation, and may He give you peace.
Your faithful soldier in the Lord,
Don "
Monday, September 20, 2004
Vacations
Perhaps it was Carolyn's recent trip to Scotland or watching the Amazing Race or the article in Traveler about special places throughout the world that got me to thinking of where we should plan our next vacations.
In May, we're planning to spend about 10 to 12 days in Zihuatanejo, Mexico at the Club Intrawest resort to which we belong. But what then? With Ashley and Bryce planning to spend Christmas and January with us, the highlands will not be seeing Tor for a while. Will Ash and Bryce spend the summer in the USA or will they again summer in Edinburgh? If so, where might we hook up with them in the fall or winter of 2005?
I started thinking about places I'd like to visit and came up with this initial list: New Zealand; Australia; Bali (again); Alaska cruise; Seychelles; African safari; Costa Rica (check out retirement locations); Holland/Belgium; Germany and Switzerland; coast of Italy; sailing the isles of Greece; Turkey; Micronesia; Hawaii (a favorite); western Canada; East coast of USA.
I'm open for suggestions for my "rest of my life" list with recommendations welcome.
In May, we're planning to spend about 10 to 12 days in Zihuatanejo, Mexico at the Club Intrawest resort to which we belong. But what then? With Ashley and Bryce planning to spend Christmas and January with us, the highlands will not be seeing Tor for a while. Will Ash and Bryce spend the summer in the USA or will they again summer in Edinburgh? If so, where might we hook up with them in the fall or winter of 2005?
I started thinking about places I'd like to visit and came up with this initial list: New Zealand; Australia; Bali (again); Alaska cruise; Seychelles; African safari; Costa Rica (check out retirement locations); Holland/Belgium; Germany and Switzerland; coast of Italy; sailing the isles of Greece; Turkey; Micronesia; Hawaii (a favorite); western Canada; East coast of USA.
I'm open for suggestions for my "rest of my life" list with recommendations welcome.
Friday, September 17, 2004
What's It Feel Like on the Other Side of the Desk, Dan?
As most who keep abreast of current events via the news or the web will be aware, on Wednesday September 8th, 60 Minutes II featured a breaking story purporting to be backed by memos from 1972 and 1973 that suggested both that George W. Bush had disobeyed a direct order to take a flight physical for the Texas National Guard and that there was pressure from higher-ups to "sugar coat" his disobedience.
Well, within hours of the broadcast hosted by Dan Rather, the conservative weblogs (www.littlegreenfootballs.com, www.hughhewitt.com) exploded as they examined the principal evidence laid out in the broadcast (the memos) as it was proven that these memos were not typed on a 1970s era typewriter but on a computer using Microsoft Word. In addition to matching the font type, proportional spacing, superscript capability, and line spacing of Word, the memos included suspect addresses and PO boxes, and excluded features typical of the time such as the typist's initials, filing indices, and appropriate military abbreviations.
Yet, Dan clings tentatively to the "fact" that even though the documents are fake (or inauthentic in his terminology) the represent a real truth. I don't want Mr. Rather to determine truthfulness based on his perception. I'm much more comfortable with "just the facts" and the memos don't add anything to our knowledge of the truth since they are forgeries.
Had similar forged documents been published by Fox News or Rush Limbaugh about John Kerry's military service in Vietnam, or his first marriage, which suggested some aspect of his character that was less than honest/forthcoming, wouldn't the rest of the media rise in unison to denounce the broadcaster? How long could they last without a quick and loud mea culpa? Not very.
It's been 9 days since the broadcast and Dan is relatively silent other than to say the underlying facts are truthful. So how long before Dan succumbs to the reality that he was at best had and at worst complicit?
Any bets on when Dan announces his retirement?
Well, within hours of the broadcast hosted by Dan Rather, the conservative weblogs (www.littlegreenfootballs.com, www.hughhewitt.com) exploded as they examined the principal evidence laid out in the broadcast (the memos) as it was proven that these memos were not typed on a 1970s era typewriter but on a computer using Microsoft Word. In addition to matching the font type, proportional spacing, superscript capability, and line spacing of Word, the memos included suspect addresses and PO boxes, and excluded features typical of the time such as the typist's initials, filing indices, and appropriate military abbreviations.
Yet, Dan clings tentatively to the "fact" that even though the documents are fake (or inauthentic in his terminology) the represent a real truth. I don't want Mr. Rather to determine truthfulness based on his perception. I'm much more comfortable with "just the facts" and the memos don't add anything to our knowledge of the truth since they are forgeries.
Had similar forged documents been published by Fox News or Rush Limbaugh about John Kerry's military service in Vietnam, or his first marriage, which suggested some aspect of his character that was less than honest/forthcoming, wouldn't the rest of the media rise in unison to denounce the broadcaster? How long could they last without a quick and loud mea culpa? Not very.
It's been 9 days since the broadcast and Dan is relatively silent other than to say the underlying facts are truthful. So how long before Dan succumbs to the reality that he was at best had and at worst complicit?
Any bets on when Dan announces his retirement?
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Hump Day
Well, with Carolyn home Sunday night after 12 days in Scotland, life is slowly getting back to our kitchen-less "normal". Carolyn is still shifting time zones about three or four a day and is probably feeling the need to do too much too fast. Yesterday, she was just worn out and had to fight off a headache with the good kind of drugs.
Today she took in Gracie, our cat, to the vet to check out some scabs and found she has fleas, an infection, etc. After that bill, I'm thinking of putting Gracie on my group insurance plan! But hopefully, she'll be feeling a bit better.
Tomorrow we're going to start up our couples Bible study with a dinner out (a potluck that changed when we knew that no appliances would be operational in our kitchen) and a discussion of what we'd like to study/discuss this "semester". It's likely to be more relational as our last study was led by our own "Bible Answer Man" and there is a certain level of trepidation about following in his footsteps - sort of like being called up to the major leagues from little league. Any suggestions on topics, studies or authors?
As far as the kitchen is going, we figured out that with the new drywall, et al, they forgot to leave a register in the kitchen for air conditioning/heating. I talked with the contractor today and he says they'll be able to fix that without too much difficulty (hurrah)! Our cooktop, the last of the appliances is to arrive today, and after the electrician sets up the plugs, we should start to see appliances installed by the end of this week. Patience, patience.
Carolyn came home with a bunch of info on weight watchers from Ashley and I think we will both be counting points soon. She'll have to update me on what's allowed and how many points in a glass of Merlot and how big a slice of chocolate cake can I consume.
So much for our current events.
Today she took in Gracie, our cat, to the vet to check out some scabs and found she has fleas, an infection, etc. After that bill, I'm thinking of putting Gracie on my group insurance plan! But hopefully, she'll be feeling a bit better.
Tomorrow we're going to start up our couples Bible study with a dinner out (a potluck that changed when we knew that no appliances would be operational in our kitchen) and a discussion of what we'd like to study/discuss this "semester". It's likely to be more relational as our last study was led by our own "Bible Answer Man" and there is a certain level of trepidation about following in his footsteps - sort of like being called up to the major leagues from little league. Any suggestions on topics, studies or authors?
As far as the kitchen is going, we figured out that with the new drywall, et al, they forgot to leave a register in the kitchen for air conditioning/heating. I talked with the contractor today and he says they'll be able to fix that without too much difficulty (hurrah)! Our cooktop, the last of the appliances is to arrive today, and after the electrician sets up the plugs, we should start to see appliances installed by the end of this week. Patience, patience.
Carolyn came home with a bunch of info on weight watchers from Ashley and I think we will both be counting points soon. She'll have to update me on what's allowed and how many points in a glass of Merlot and how big a slice of chocolate cake can I consume.
So much for our current events.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Wait, Wait, Wait
The worst part of this kitchen remodeling is the waiting. Whether it's for cabinets to be built or waiting for subcontractors to arrive or, this morning, appliances to be delivered. I was told to expect the appliances to be delivered early - around 9. Of course, at 8:30 I received a call saying the delivery would happen between 10 and 11. Not much I could do but read Angle of Repose while I waited.
The truck arrived at 11:20 and didn't finish unloading for about fifteen minutes and with everything but the cooktop! I've called to find out what the issue was on that and when it was going to be available, but as yet haven't heard.
So, needless to say, my day at work is a bit abbreviated! I miss my general contractor (Carolyn)!
The truck arrived at 11:20 and didn't finish unloading for about fifteen minutes and with everything but the cooktop! I've called to find out what the issue was on that and when it was going to be available, but as yet haven't heard.
So, needless to say, my day at work is a bit abbreviated! I miss my general contractor (Carolyn)!
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Flooring
When I arrived home on Tuesday night, I was surprised to find the flooring guy had actually been there and had laid out most of the stone that did not need to be cut. Tonight I found a lot more done with just the grouting and a few odd places like near the yet-to-be-delivered sink/dishwasher cabinet to be filled in. I hope Carolyn likes it!! Just another day at the office and I'm having the second half of my Togo sandwich for dinner - no Indian curry for me. And appliances should arrive tomorrow morning - hopefully I can convince the stone guy to accept delivery. Cheers!
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Boring and Hot
This weekend was filled with too much empty time. Time that was expanded by the heat! It was over 100 on Sunday and in the mid-90s on Monday. It was even that hot on the beach in a number of places so I just stayed home without the air conditioner and tried to stay temperate.
Monday I tackled the gardening chores around 9 so I wouldn't fry and then went with the Bethkes to the champagne brunch at the club around 10:30. At least that way I ate. Watched Tiger try to overcome Singh's 3 stroke lead, tie him, then fall back again to three strokes and lose not only the tournament but the number one ranking he has had for over 5 years. Read some of the Angle of Repose and watched a few cop shows throughout the evening.
I had a contentious argument with myself on where I should eat dinner and decided on Mexican only to find La Fresca closed for Labor Day so I ended up at the deli. I'm learning how to use the DVR so I've set up a few series for recording - like the Amazing Race so Carolyn can watch it when she returns.
Today I'm back at work so at least I can busy myself with work in an air conditioned office and maybe I'll even be able to scrounge a free meal for lunch. At home, I'm hoping I'll see the flooring guy appear either today or tomorrow so we won't have to walk on old tile mastic as we walk into our home. We can hope.
Monday I tackled the gardening chores around 9 so I wouldn't fry and then went with the Bethkes to the champagne brunch at the club around 10:30. At least that way I ate. Watched Tiger try to overcome Singh's 3 stroke lead, tie him, then fall back again to three strokes and lose not only the tournament but the number one ranking he has had for over 5 years. Read some of the Angle of Repose and watched a few cop shows throughout the evening.
I had a contentious argument with myself on where I should eat dinner and decided on Mexican only to find La Fresca closed for Labor Day so I ended up at the deli. I'm learning how to use the DVR so I've set up a few series for recording - like the Amazing Race so Carolyn can watch it when she returns.
Today I'm back at work so at least I can busy myself with work in an air conditioned office and maybe I'll even be able to scrounge a free meal for lunch. At home, I'm hoping I'll see the flooring guy appear either today or tomorrow so we won't have to walk on old tile mastic as we walk into our home. We can hope.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Sunday Morning
Got a call from Carolyn just before leaving to church this morning to hear that all is going well - from the weather, to Bryce's driving a stick, to seeing the Queen at the Highland games. She just misses me - which is a good thing. And I miss her.
Went to the Orange street fair with the Rothschild's last night and walked about twenty blocks from our parking space to the Circle. Tons of people (many of them who carried tons) swarmed the adjacent streets listening to Irish bands or German polkas while eating foods of various ethnicities. People watching was a main event with more than a few "what were they thinking?" to "spandex should be a privilege not a right" to "Nice tattoo, hope you like fast food as an occupation".
Ron and Jane went with the Greek food while I picked up a couple of spicy tacos to go along with two beers for the night. Then I went crazy and purchased a big, ol' ceegar to enjoy on the patio today or tomorrow. Back to the Rothschild's for ice cream and to meet their dog Lacy who runs ten miles with Ron on Saturdays.
This morning Dan preached on the requirement of Christian community and connectedness as a Biblical directive. I sat with the Hawleys and behind the Hughes and we talked afterwards over donuts. Dennis and I are still talking about the sailboat idea, but figure we need four partners to cover the maintenance/monthly costs. John Elliott may be interested.
Today seems like it will be a real cooker so I'm leaving my gardening until early tomorrow.
Went to the Orange street fair with the Rothschild's last night and walked about twenty blocks from our parking space to the Circle. Tons of people (many of them who carried tons) swarmed the adjacent streets listening to Irish bands or German polkas while eating foods of various ethnicities. People watching was a main event with more than a few "what were they thinking?" to "spandex should be a privilege not a right" to "Nice tattoo, hope you like fast food as an occupation".
Ron and Jane went with the Greek food while I picked up a couple of spicy tacos to go along with two beers for the night. Then I went crazy and purchased a big, ol' ceegar to enjoy on the patio today or tomorrow. Back to the Rothschild's for ice cream and to meet their dog Lacy who runs ten miles with Ron on Saturdays.
This morning Dan preached on the requirement of Christian community and connectedness as a Biblical directive. I sat with the Hawleys and behind the Hughes and we talked afterwards over donuts. Dennis and I are still talking about the sailboat idea, but figure we need four partners to cover the maintenance/monthly costs. John Elliott may be interested.
Today seems like it will be a real cooker so I'm leaving my gardening until early tomorrow.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Kitchen Update
Got home a little early this Friday afternoon (Labor Day weekend) expecting to find much progress and a garage full of appliances. No such luck!! I had a voice mail from the appliance vendor that there had been a problem with charging our credit/debit card with the last charge and so they had been unable to deliver the oven, range, refrigerator, etc. Of course, we gave them our credit card info three or four days ago so we thought all was in order. I've left a message for her and hope to hear from her tomorrow so we can straighten it all out along with having someone here to sign for them. Carolyn will probable fire me as a superintendent.
And then I found that Gracie had escaped the house sometime during the day and didn't want to come back in for a while. She finally relented, however, and 'graced' me with her presence inside.
But RDS had completed some additional cabinet work but they need some missing pieces and have so informed Kathleen. It looks like tile will begin on Wednesday with appliances hopefully delivered Wed., Thur. or Friday so not nearly enough will be done for Carolyn's return but that is the joy of kitchen remodeling.
A few pictures to let you see the current job status.
And then I found that Gracie had escaped the house sometime during the day and didn't want to come back in for a while. She finally relented, however, and 'graced' me with her presence inside.
But RDS had completed some additional cabinet work but they need some missing pieces and have so informed Kathleen. It looks like tile will begin on Wednesday with appliances hopefully delivered Wed., Thur. or Friday so not nearly enough will be done for Carolyn's return but that is the joy of kitchen remodeling.
A few pictures to let you see the current job status.
Poker Night
I kept checking on how Carolyn's and Wanda's flight was progressing via the United web site. I was expecting to hear from someone that all had gone well, but didn't hear until I got home to find a sweet e-mail from Ashley that they had got in to Edinburgh just fine and had taken a driving tour around the city and visited Ashley and Bryce's flat before dinner at Pizza Express and into bed around 9 or 10.
Well, with the wife out of town, I decided to have the boys over for a night of high stakes Texas Hold 'Em with whiskey and cigars. Ok, no whiskey or cigars, but we had a good time anyway and I ended up with a 68.8% return on my initial investment! I think we may have to set up a monthly event. The only downer was to find this a.m. that my rear tire was nearly flat so I scoured the house and finally found keys to Carolyn's BMW to make the morning commute.
Just a little work was done on the kitchen yesterday with a little fripperish (?) and the glass cabinet doors installed. Today, the appliances should arrive, so maybe I'll post pictures tomorrow.
Well, with the wife out of town, I decided to have the boys over for a night of high stakes Texas Hold 'Em with whiskey and cigars. Ok, no whiskey or cigars, but we had a good time anyway and I ended up with a 68.8% return on my initial investment! I think we may have to set up a monthly event. The only downer was to find this a.m. that my rear tire was nearly flat so I scoured the house and finally found keys to Carolyn's BMW to make the morning commute.
Just a little work was done on the kitchen yesterday with a little fripperish (?) and the glass cabinet doors installed. Today, the appliances should arrive, so maybe I'll post pictures tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
Carolyn's Leaving!
Not me, at least only for a short while, but to Scotland with Wanda. I hope that they have a great trip with good weather and plenty of time to visit both Ashley and Bryce but also some of Scotland's wonderful castles, villages, museums, shops (of course) and restaurants. Carolyn will be carrying special hugs from me for Ashley and Bryce.
As for me, pray that I may survive my enforced bachelorhood without overdoing the drive-thru route and may be as half as good a general contractor as Carolyn. God speed!!
As for me, pray that I may survive my enforced bachelorhood without overdoing the drive-thru route and may be as half as good a general contractor as Carolyn. God speed!!
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