Hello to the munchies,
Wendy and I went to a franchised eatery this afternoon for lunch. It was a Dandy. The food was okay. Usually in this place I get one of things and alternate them when I go in. There are the Chick o'philly (a chicken philly cheesesteak) and a cheeseburger. Of course I always get a shake.
When we entered the restaurant, I had no idea what I wanted. Sometime I get like that and cannot get satisfied. It is like I want something, but I am not sure what I want so nothing is good enough. Anyway, at this restaurant I have my two standbys. I was going back and forth about what to get. I decided on the Chick O'philly. I place my order and the server says they are out of the Chick O'philly. Well I guess that makes my decision easier. I place my order of the cheeseburger and my shake.
The food arrives minutes later. It has been awhile since we have been to this establishment, but I noticed something different. The shake seemed to be smaller than normal. I am not good with measurements, but it used to be in a larger cup, like a twelve ounce or the cup you get a regular drink out of. Now it seemed to be in an eight ounce. There was no whip cream or cherry on top like it used to be. I suppose I could have asked for this additional toppings, but I did not.
Oh well, I suffered in sigh-lence and cleaned my plate.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Love in the short month
To all the lovers and love to fighters
As I was skimming the paper I saw a headline about a pastor who was encouraging his congregation to commit to their martial relationships. He was asking each couple in his church in Missouri to have martial relations every day in February. This is not the first pastor to suggest such acts. Other pastors have said once a day for a week and other longer periods of time. It was cited that the relationships have improved with the participants and they remarked that the benefits are good also.
One thing that struck me about the article is why was it published next to the last day of the month? I think it would have been sooner, but no one was able for comment.
As I was skimming the paper I saw a headline about a pastor who was encouraging his congregation to commit to their martial relationships. He was asking each couple in his church in Missouri to have martial relations every day in February. This is not the first pastor to suggest such acts. Other pastors have said once a day for a week and other longer periods of time. It was cited that the relationships have improved with the participants and they remarked that the benefits are good also.
One thing that struck me about the article is why was it published next to the last day of the month? I think it would have been sooner, but no one was able for comment.
In case you missed it...
Well to all who read and did not
I did not post yesterday because I did not. I wish it was because I was out somewhere on tour making money, but I was at home. I was completely wiped the floor with last night. I slept several hours before going to bed.
I may have to blame it on the night before. I am not used to strong drink, I had a mocha at a place that calls the pot black with coffee. Some friends and I got together for a chat and coffee. I was unable to get in my two naps before bedtime that night. Then I had the mocha, which was okay. I do not usually drink coffee related products. I think the caffeine affected more than I realized because when I got home it was a couple hours before I went to bed. Then I still work up early and went to the question mark to get some exercise. After a long day at work I was exhausted.
So that is my excuse for my lapse. Now I have to do 20 more to get in the mile.
Well that is my time. Enjoy your day and upcoming weekend. To those caffeinated creatures, Enjoy!
I did not post yesterday because I did not. I wish it was because I was out somewhere on tour making money, but I was at home. I was completely wiped the floor with last night. I slept several hours before going to bed.
I may have to blame it on the night before. I am not used to strong drink, I had a mocha at a place that calls the pot black with coffee. Some friends and I got together for a chat and coffee. I was unable to get in my two naps before bedtime that night. Then I had the mocha, which was okay. I do not usually drink coffee related products. I think the caffeine affected more than I realized because when I got home it was a couple hours before I went to bed. Then I still work up early and went to the question mark to get some exercise. After a long day at work I was exhausted.
So that is my excuse for my lapse. Now I have to do 20 more to get in the mile.
Well that is my time. Enjoy your day and upcoming weekend. To those caffeinated creatures, Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Fame has a new name
To all the well known and as known as
I was thinking about people who have made the news recently. Why is it that a bunch of troublemakers keep making the news? I think that it is only freaky people that are known as famous. They are people who good or bad do something extraordinary that it cannot helped but be mentioned. Look at the called "Octo-Mom" and her troubles. 14 kids?! Michael Phelps-who I thought was weird anyway. All the rich schemers who have won big and now lost big.
Fame is just being radically different even to be called a freak. So if you are not famous yet, don't worry. Fifteen minutes of fame versus a lifetime of being bizarre. You be the judge. It only matters if your family and friends think that you are important.
Well that is my time in the stoplight. I don't want to pay the electric bill.
I was thinking about people who have made the news recently. Why is it that a bunch of troublemakers keep making the news? I think that it is only freaky people that are known as famous. They are people who good or bad do something extraordinary that it cannot helped but be mentioned. Look at the called "Octo-Mom" and her troubles. 14 kids?! Michael Phelps-who I thought was weird anyway. All the rich schemers who have won big and now lost big.
Fame is just being radically different even to be called a freak. So if you are not famous yet, don't worry. Fifteen minutes of fame versus a lifetime of being bizarre. You be the judge. It only matters if your family and friends think that you are important.
Well that is my time in the stoplight. I don't want to pay the electric bill.
BUS-ted
Hello to all you early travellers
I left for work a little bit early this morning because their is no need for me to sit at the house and I could get some extra work done and saw what amazed me. There were school buses everywhere. I think I saw ten before I left the neighborhood. At one stoplight I was surrounded by them. There was not even another type of vehicle. It is just amazing to see that many and that early. I always hear that school children who ride the bus have to be at the stop early in the morning. I guess that proves it. However, I only saw the bus stop once to pick up some students. Maybe buses will be the new in demand vehicles. I hear it helps in the carpool lane. Probably not.
In my schooling career I was a bus rider. I do not remember much about it. I probably have blocked it out. It was not horrible. Fortunately I do not remember the crowded buses. I guess by the time I was still on the bus everyone else had their licenses.
The wheels on the bus go round and round and all the other drivers do their best to get past them. Of course not when they are stopped to pick up students because that would be against the law...and dangerous.
I left for work a little bit early this morning because their is no need for me to sit at the house and I could get some extra work done and saw what amazed me. There were school buses everywhere. I think I saw ten before I left the neighborhood. At one stoplight I was surrounded by them. There was not even another type of vehicle. It is just amazing to see that many and that early. I always hear that school children who ride the bus have to be at the stop early in the morning. I guess that proves it. However, I only saw the bus stop once to pick up some students. Maybe buses will be the new in demand vehicles. I hear it helps in the carpool lane. Probably not.
In my schooling career I was a bus rider. I do not remember much about it. I probably have blocked it out. It was not horrible. Fortunately I do not remember the crowded buses. I guess by the time I was still on the bus everyone else had their licenses.
The wheels on the bus go round and round and all the other drivers do their best to get past them. Of course not when they are stopped to pick up students because that would be against the law...and dangerous.
Housesitting in my own house
Well it will just be me and the cats of course for a few days. Wendy is visiting her family for a few days. She will be gone for the rest of the week. She is doing her aunt, sisterly, and daughterly duty. This means it is up to me to keep our house running.
I will probably be sleeping on the couch, eating junk food, and watching TV at weird hours. Wait that is what I do now.
I did not realize how boring my life is or what a difference it is to have someone, invited, in the house. Well I will make it through the week, even if it is huddled up in a blanket while jumping at every noise.
I will probably be sleeping on the couch, eating junk food, and watching TV at weird hours. Wait that is what I do now.
I did not realize how boring my life is or what a difference it is to have someone, invited, in the house. Well I will make it through the week, even if it is huddled up in a blanket while jumping at every noise.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The whole truth of beauty
Hello to all the beautiful people!
Recently, a study was done with men and women looking at art. The participants were told to look at a piece of art and decide its beauty. As the examiners were looking at the results they noticed that women's brains completely light up while men's brains only light up on the right side.
Now some skewed results from my science department.
When women enjoy something they completely enjoy. We men are skill skeptical. I think this why men are programmed to flip repeatedly through the channels. We have to watch as much as we can to balance out our brains.
I believe that it takes women a longer time to get ready because they need to get completely ready. Women make sure that everything is just right, which is good because we need a lot more beauty in the world. Men on the other hand only care about what they can see. In my case, that is not much.
So it appears everyone can see the writing on the wall, but only women can enjoy it. I would call it a draw.
Recently, a study was done with men and women looking at art. The participants were told to look at a piece of art and decide its beauty. As the examiners were looking at the results they noticed that women's brains completely light up while men's brains only light up on the right side.
Now some skewed results from my science department.
When women enjoy something they completely enjoy. We men are skill skeptical. I think this why men are programmed to flip repeatedly through the channels. We have to watch as much as we can to balance out our brains.
I believe that it takes women a longer time to get ready because they need to get completely ready. Women make sure that everything is just right, which is good because we need a lot more beauty in the world. Men on the other hand only care about what they can see. In my case, that is not much.
So it appears everyone can see the writing on the wall, but only women can enjoy it. I would call it a draw.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Life is but a game
Hello to all you athletes and cheerleaders,
I was thinking the other day that life is exactly like a game. Which one you may ask? Probably depends on how you feel that day. The one that popped into my head the other day was racquetball. If you can connect the dots, then you know that Wendy and I have been playing (or trying) racquetball for the past few days. Here are some correlations to racquetball and life:
1) I do not fully understand the rules. I know the aspects of hitting the ball and chasing after the ball, but I do not know the full strategy. Just like in life I know some of what is going on but never the full understanding.
2) After a game I will be tired and sore. As it is after a full day the body will ache and want rest.
3) If I happen to miss the ball, it will usually make its way back to me. The court is made up of four solid walls and involves a rubber ball. The ball hits off one wall and the plan is to hit it off the racket. In life there are times we will completely miss. We can be patient and maybe the opportunity will come again or we can go charging after it.
4) Sometimes during the game I run into the wall. Life will have its obstacles that we all hit. Of course it will hurt, but there will be the bruise to show off to our friends and get sympathy from the women.
5) Racquetball is usually played with at least one other person. One person can swing and practice hitting the ball, but a game is not played without someone else. Just like in life, most people cannot make it on their own. We have a team or we have an opponent.
These are some observations I had about racquetball and life. You can come up with your own observations and compare to another game. That is the thing about life, it involves getting into it. Maybe you can get your thoughts published and be the next great guru.
PLAY BALL!
I was thinking the other day that life is exactly like a game. Which one you may ask? Probably depends on how you feel that day. The one that popped into my head the other day was racquetball. If you can connect the dots, then you know that Wendy and I have been playing (or trying) racquetball for the past few days. Here are some correlations to racquetball and life:
1) I do not fully understand the rules. I know the aspects of hitting the ball and chasing after the ball, but I do not know the full strategy. Just like in life I know some of what is going on but never the full understanding.
2) After a game I will be tired and sore. As it is after a full day the body will ache and want rest.
3) If I happen to miss the ball, it will usually make its way back to me. The court is made up of four solid walls and involves a rubber ball. The ball hits off one wall and the plan is to hit it off the racket. In life there are times we will completely miss. We can be patient and maybe the opportunity will come again or we can go charging after it.
4) Sometimes during the game I run into the wall. Life will have its obstacles that we all hit. Of course it will hurt, but there will be the bruise to show off to our friends and get sympathy from the women.
5) Racquetball is usually played with at least one other person. One person can swing and practice hitting the ball, but a game is not played without someone else. Just like in life, most people cannot make it on their own. We have a team or we have an opponent.
These are some observations I had about racquetball and life. You can come up with your own observations and compare to another game. That is the thing about life, it involves getting into it. Maybe you can get your thoughts published and be the next great guru.
PLAY BALL!
And the whiner is...
Here is to people that actually get out and do something with their lives,
It is amazing to me to see people in different contexts than I usually observe them. It is not until then that I realize how varied their interests are and how many hobbies people have. So many people I know are fantastic and knowledgeable about five things more than the one thing I knew about them. Yet I struggle with the one thing I am working with.
My life instead of an existence is more of an assistance. The only thing that keeps me going is what is going on around me. It is easy for me to fade into the background.
Thanks to those who keep the world spinning and interesting.
It is amazing to me to see people in different contexts than I usually observe them. It is not until then that I realize how varied their interests are and how many hobbies people have. So many people I know are fantastic and knowledgeable about five things more than the one thing I knew about them. Yet I struggle with the one thing I am working with.
My life instead of an existence is more of an assistance. The only thing that keeps me going is what is going on around me. It is easy for me to fade into the background.
Thanks to those who keep the world spinning and interesting.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Cat-astrophe
Dear animal adorers, ambivalents, and antagonists,
Last night and early this morning were rough times for us as masters. You may know that Wendy and I have two cats...Metro and Marley. Usually they are well behaved. They mainly lie around and most importantly do not jump and claw at me.
After returning home from dinner Wendy wants in the door and Metro rushes outside. We could not stop him. Wendy tried to stop him and I tried to press him against the house. If we had been successful it would have save us much agony. Metro has not rushed outside for a few months. He was worse in the past and always tried to dart outside. We were usually in the habit of pushing him back from the door or using something to block him as we came inside. For the past couple of months he has not expressed a desire to go out. That changed last night.
The bad thing about him going outside is that he completely gets upset about going outside. He will hiss and spit when we go near him. He loves to hide in the neighbors' yards. So we look like fools chasing him. We even offer him food, but he does not want that. Most of the tie we have to chase him. It always at least takes an hour. It is always when we are trying to go somewhere on a schedule or wanting to go home and relax.
We decided this time we would wait him out so he will be ready to come in. It took two hours and us still fighting with him. He would come to the door several times nosing around, but then dart off before we could grab him. He was always just right inside and then change his mind. Apparently there were some neighborhood cats having some kind of contest. There was a lot of meowing.
Finally Metro cautiously made his way in or enough for me to shut the door behind him. As I was shutting the door I cat his tail in the door briefly. So we got both insult and assault. The good news is Metro is fine and acting like the castle cat again.
One cat down, one to go. This morning around 4:30 am Marley is just incessantly scratching at the bedroom door. This wakes up Wendy who is trying to reason with Marley to quit. Words of wisdom do not work. I come downstairs and bring Marley with me. He runs back upstairs to begin the cat scratch fever again. I heard Wendy reasoning with him again. I go upstairs and bring Marley. I put him on the couch. He hears Wendy returning to bed and then like a feline boomerang, he rushes upstairs. Fortunately, I did not hear him again and yes I have seen him this morning.
Here is hoping that the rest of the day is better than last night and early this morning.
Me-owt.
Last night and early this morning were rough times for us as masters. You may know that Wendy and I have two cats...Metro and Marley. Usually they are well behaved. They mainly lie around and most importantly do not jump and claw at me.
After returning home from dinner Wendy wants in the door and Metro rushes outside. We could not stop him. Wendy tried to stop him and I tried to press him against the house. If we had been successful it would have save us much agony. Metro has not rushed outside for a few months. He was worse in the past and always tried to dart outside. We were usually in the habit of pushing him back from the door or using something to block him as we came inside. For the past couple of months he has not expressed a desire to go out. That changed last night.
The bad thing about him going outside is that he completely gets upset about going outside. He will hiss and spit when we go near him. He loves to hide in the neighbors' yards. So we look like fools chasing him. We even offer him food, but he does not want that. Most of the tie we have to chase him. It always at least takes an hour. It is always when we are trying to go somewhere on a schedule or wanting to go home and relax.
We decided this time we would wait him out so he will be ready to come in. It took two hours and us still fighting with him. He would come to the door several times nosing around, but then dart off before we could grab him. He was always just right inside and then change his mind. Apparently there were some neighborhood cats having some kind of contest. There was a lot of meowing.
Finally Metro cautiously made his way in or enough for me to shut the door behind him. As I was shutting the door I cat his tail in the door briefly. So we got both insult and assault. The good news is Metro is fine and acting like the castle cat again.
One cat down, one to go. This morning around 4:30 am Marley is just incessantly scratching at the bedroom door. This wakes up Wendy who is trying to reason with Marley to quit. Words of wisdom do not work. I come downstairs and bring Marley with me. He runs back upstairs to begin the cat scratch fever again. I heard Wendy reasoning with him again. I go upstairs and bring Marley. I put him on the couch. He hears Wendy returning to bed and then like a feline boomerang, he rushes upstairs. Fortunately, I did not hear him again and yes I have seen him this morning.
Here is hoping that the rest of the day is better than last night and early this morning.
Me-owt.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Possibility of pose
Picture this:
For those who have ever had their picture taken, you probably at least once posed for the camera. I was searching the Internet the other day to pass some time. I found the website for NPR. It was not very hard, I simply typed "NPR." I noticed that most of their featured writers were picture with the same pose. It was the pose where one hand is resting against the side of their face. Is this supposed to be dignified or introspective? I came up with some possible scenarios for the pose...
1) The person is simply holding his head upright. The person featured is a writer and he has to think all day. Therefore his brain would be tired and eventually his head will fall to the side.
2) The person is guarding himself from a future slap. He knows that he may write something to offend someone so he is prepared.
3) The person is in the process of being slapped while being photographed. See number two for the explanation.
4) An option I like is that the hand is a prop, not to hold up his head, but a fake. The person is using a fake hand to make himself look introspective, but he is secretly playing the game system of his choice.
5) It could be part of a weird growth or maybe what is left from a conjoined twin. The twin now is separate and playing slots in Vegas. I guess that is about the only thing you can do with one arm successfully. (Editor's note from the disclaimer department...I want the readers to know that there are many contributing members to society with missing body parts.)
6) The person could have a contract to model jewelry. It is all about product placement.
Well these are a few ideas I had while looking at this photos.
For those who have ever had their picture taken, you probably at least once posed for the camera. I was searching the Internet the other day to pass some time. I found the website for NPR. It was not very hard, I simply typed "NPR." I noticed that most of their featured writers were picture with the same pose. It was the pose where one hand is resting against the side of their face. Is this supposed to be dignified or introspective? I came up with some possible scenarios for the pose...
1) The person is simply holding his head upright. The person featured is a writer and he has to think all day. Therefore his brain would be tired and eventually his head will fall to the side.
2) The person is guarding himself from a future slap. He knows that he may write something to offend someone so he is prepared.
3) The person is in the process of being slapped while being photographed. See number two for the explanation.
4) An option I like is that the hand is a prop, not to hold up his head, but a fake. The person is using a fake hand to make himself look introspective, but he is secretly playing the game system of his choice.
5) It could be part of a weird growth or maybe what is left from a conjoined twin. The twin now is separate and playing slots in Vegas. I guess that is about the only thing you can do with one arm successfully. (Editor's note from the disclaimer department...I want the readers to know that there are many contributing members to society with missing body parts.)
6) The person could have a contract to model jewelry. It is all about product placement.
Well these are a few ideas I had while looking at this photos.
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's cold in them darned heels
Well my frigid friends,
We have Punxsutawney "The Punk No feeling" Phil to send our cards to. It seems he saw his shadow. I know this happened weeks ago. I also know that is winter, so it is supposed to be cold. A man can dream in his bed under warm covers, right? Winter has come back with a vengeance. It is cold outside, baby! At least the sun is shining bright and I don't have to pay that utility bill. I guess like they say in NC wait and see. I am hoping for the warmer weather.
I admit I am biased to the warmth. I would rather be too hot than too cold. A lot of people disagree. Their line of reasoning is that you can put on more layers than you can comfortably take off. I say who wants all those layers? Well maybe in a cake. Although I am not advertising nudity. Only if it is gratuitous, with at 15% or a party of 10 or more.
I am not a big of chilling because I do get cold easily. The expense of running heated air is a bummer to this summer boy. Once my hands and feet get cold, I can forget about staying warm. I feel miserable. A lot people say my hands are cold already. People who speak cliche say it is because of a warm heart. I say it is because I like ice cream. Sorry I will not try to sprinkle my prejudices throughout this post. One could argue for the hand in the pocket approach, but that only works for certain people mainly exhibitionists and bribe takers.
So my advice hibernate until summer. Okay for those who contribute to society bundle up and down. Or there is always listening to those full of hot air. Yeah, I know, this post blows.
We have Punxsutawney "The Punk No feeling" Phil to send our cards to. It seems he saw his shadow. I know this happened weeks ago. I also know that is winter, so it is supposed to be cold. A man can dream in his bed under warm covers, right? Winter has come back with a vengeance. It is cold outside, baby! At least the sun is shining bright and I don't have to pay that utility bill. I guess like they say in NC wait and see. I am hoping for the warmer weather.
I admit I am biased to the warmth. I would rather be too hot than too cold. A lot of people disagree. Their line of reasoning is that you can put on more layers than you can comfortably take off. I say who wants all those layers? Well maybe in a cake. Although I am not advertising nudity. Only if it is gratuitous, with at 15% or a party of 10 or more.
I am not a big of chilling because I do get cold easily. The expense of running heated air is a bummer to this summer boy. Once my hands and feet get cold, I can forget about staying warm. I feel miserable. A lot people say my hands are cold already. People who speak cliche say it is because of a warm heart. I say it is because I like ice cream. Sorry I will not try to sprinkle my prejudices throughout this post. One could argue for the hand in the pocket approach, but that only works for certain people mainly exhibitionists and bribe takers.
So my advice hibernate until summer. Okay for those who contribute to society bundle up and down. Or there is always listening to those full of hot air. Yeah, I know, this post blows.
Have money...will travel
To all those who work hard to earn a dollar and only receive thirty cents, that pain is your sore wrist from digging into your money holding compartment.
Is it just me or is everything much more expensive? I thought that technology was supposed to change our lives not charge them. It is amazing to me how much taxes and other goodies add to the cost of bills. I just last night opened my cable bill and it was more than I expected and hope. They put me on a price lock for two years. However, the cost of additions and other taxes are increasing my bill by twenty dollars. Talk about the cost of freedom to be out of your house and still watch television.
It does not help that so much turmoil is occurring and people are not getting the money that they need to shell out. Everyday I see some headline of some company downsizing or reprioritizing and it makes me disgusted. I miss the days of extravagance. Granted I was not able to spend a lot of money, except on bills. I think it gave the people something to work toward.
I wonder what this is going to teach people. Where is the value in work? I wish that I could solve the problems by being one of the world's richest. I would hire the world and let it run. Not that you would want me as your boss. I know I would not be a good one. I do not have the personality for supervision. No need to sweat those of working age, I am no where close to having the means of paying everyone. One day I might be, of course that is when we will not use money as currency.
My suggestion based on my meager understanding of economics...Keep what money you need and give the rest away.
Is it just me or is everything much more expensive? I thought that technology was supposed to change our lives not charge them. It is amazing to me how much taxes and other goodies add to the cost of bills. I just last night opened my cable bill and it was more than I expected and hope. They put me on a price lock for two years. However, the cost of additions and other taxes are increasing my bill by twenty dollars. Talk about the cost of freedom to be out of your house and still watch television.
It does not help that so much turmoil is occurring and people are not getting the money that they need to shell out. Everyday I see some headline of some company downsizing or reprioritizing and it makes me disgusted. I miss the days of extravagance. Granted I was not able to spend a lot of money, except on bills. I think it gave the people something to work toward.
I wonder what this is going to teach people. Where is the value in work? I wish that I could solve the problems by being one of the world's richest. I would hire the world and let it run. Not that you would want me as your boss. I know I would not be a good one. I do not have the personality for supervision. No need to sweat those of working age, I am no where close to having the means of paying everyone. One day I might be, of course that is when we will not use money as currency.
My suggestion based on my meager understanding of economics...Keep what money you need and give the rest away.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Quick quip
Dear some in all,
Here is a little something to help you make it through the day or night.
Communication is the key. That is why I am standing at the door knocking.
Here is a little something to help you make it through the day or night.
Communication is the key. That is why I am standing at the door knocking.
I've wet my pants
To the one reader I have, you can claim your free prize. A breath of air. (Only fresh in certain areas. Check local listings.)
Last night I was able to fix that leaky tub spout. I cannot believe it either. For those of you keeping score...Jonathan 3 House a lot more than 3. I decided I was tired of the drip so I was going to do something about it besides drip my own fluid out of my eyes. On the messiest day of the week Wendy and I go to the hardware with everything store with a name resembling the opposite of high with a letter E. We were walking down the aisles looking for a repair kit for the tub. We have the type of fixtures with the same name of the airline. After figuring out what seals, springs, and ball I needed we had the guts and were looking for the glory. I had to pick up another tool to help turn off the water to the house. To my limited knowledge the only way that we can the water off to the house is at the street. Apparently they make something called a curb key, which is a long handle with a grip to assist in this process. Wendy, the great lookout she is, found the tool we needed. We make our purchase and head to the house.
I am ready to fix that leak. I have the high hopes that these job will take no more than 30 minutes and we can go on with life high and dry. I go the water turnoff, find it, place the new handy tool, twist and bingo. It worked! The water pressure goes to nothing. I proceed upstairs toward the tub spout. I take it apart without any problems, but there is water dribbling out. Now this is not as bad as I tried to take it apart without turning off the water, however there is still water. I am confused, what else is new, but I am not deterred. I put the new seals on the springs and work to get them back in there previous homes. Not really any luck. It is not going as well as I expected. Then I try to put the ball back in its place. It is not working right either. It will not fit. All this time water is flowing, time is passing, and I am getting wet. I thought I was doing everything right but no results. I call a couple of people, a friend and my supervisor from work. They give me a few tips and my supervisor agrees to come out to the house. He is great to work for and is very knowledgeable in home improvement areas.
While I am waiting for help to arrive I continue my quest. The former drip is now a stream. I am disgusted now and wondering what is going wrong. I found out the water was still running because I did not the water valve all the way to the off position. I do that to stop the water. Finally after pushing on the seals and ball, I tighten a few things and think now it is time to test. I go back out to the water valve. Twist. The water flows and shoots the seals out of their resting places. Now the water is rushing out. I am soaked. I go back down and turn the water off.
Fortunately, my supervisor arrives and assesses the situation. The seals were not flush in the holes so it was allowing water to flow through the spout. We push on the seals to get them fully inside the holes. We push on the ball and tighten everything back. NO LEAK! After two hours on the job and no pay, it is finished. While my supervisor was here he cleaned out another sink that was draining very slowly. He disconnected one of the pipes under the sink and took out the stopper. It was stopped up with a bunch of gunk. We cleaned that out and now the water is draining and flowing properly.
It was a productive, if long night. I learned a few things. First, some plumbing hints. Make sure you know what you are doing. I realize that I was on the right track. Sometimes it seems that I need an expert to help me finish up. As it is with most problems, I have some things I need, expect the SOLUTION!
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming. All errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, content, and terminology are mine.
Last night I was able to fix that leaky tub spout. I cannot believe it either. For those of you keeping score...Jonathan 3 House a lot more than 3. I decided I was tired of the drip so I was going to do something about it besides drip my own fluid out of my eyes. On the messiest day of the week Wendy and I go to the hardware with everything store with a name resembling the opposite of high with a letter E. We were walking down the aisles looking for a repair kit for the tub. We have the type of fixtures with the same name of the airline. After figuring out what seals, springs, and ball I needed we had the guts and were looking for the glory. I had to pick up another tool to help turn off the water to the house. To my limited knowledge the only way that we can the water off to the house is at the street. Apparently they make something called a curb key, which is a long handle with a grip to assist in this process. Wendy, the great lookout she is, found the tool we needed. We make our purchase and head to the house.
I am ready to fix that leak. I have the high hopes that these job will take no more than 30 minutes and we can go on with life high and dry. I go the water turnoff, find it, place the new handy tool, twist and bingo. It worked! The water pressure goes to nothing. I proceed upstairs toward the tub spout. I take it apart without any problems, but there is water dribbling out. Now this is not as bad as I tried to take it apart without turning off the water, however there is still water. I am confused, what else is new, but I am not deterred. I put the new seals on the springs and work to get them back in there previous homes. Not really any luck. It is not going as well as I expected. Then I try to put the ball back in its place. It is not working right either. It will not fit. All this time water is flowing, time is passing, and I am getting wet. I thought I was doing everything right but no results. I call a couple of people, a friend and my supervisor from work. They give me a few tips and my supervisor agrees to come out to the house. He is great to work for and is very knowledgeable in home improvement areas.
While I am waiting for help to arrive I continue my quest. The former drip is now a stream. I am disgusted now and wondering what is going wrong. I found out the water was still running because I did not the water valve all the way to the off position. I do that to stop the water. Finally after pushing on the seals and ball, I tighten a few things and think now it is time to test. I go back out to the water valve. Twist. The water flows and shoots the seals out of their resting places. Now the water is rushing out. I am soaked. I go back down and turn the water off.
Fortunately, my supervisor arrives and assesses the situation. The seals were not flush in the holes so it was allowing water to flow through the spout. We push on the seals to get them fully inside the holes. We push on the ball and tighten everything back. NO LEAK! After two hours on the job and no pay, it is finished. While my supervisor was here he cleaned out another sink that was draining very slowly. He disconnected one of the pipes under the sink and took out the stopper. It was stopped up with a bunch of gunk. We cleaned that out and now the water is draining and flowing properly.
It was a productive, if long night. I learned a few things. First, some plumbing hints. Make sure you know what you are doing. I realize that I was on the right track. Sometimes it seems that I need an expert to help me finish up. As it is with most problems, I have some things I need, expect the SOLUTION!
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming. All errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, content, and terminology are mine.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Taking a crack at plumbing
Hey all who enjoy running water,
Last week was a pretty rough for appliances in our house that deal with water. Wednesday night Wendy and I were lying in bed and we heard a drip sound. At first I thought it was the cats drinking water, but it was not. I get up and see that there is water in the pan under the hot water heater. I have not seen this before. I get online and do some investigating. The Internet informed me that if there is water in the pan, then there is a leak somewhere.
The next day my supervisor comes out to the house with me and he reports that the hot water heater is gone. Unfortunately if the hot water heater is leaking the only option is to replace it. We have gas that heats our house so I called the gas company. Someone came by and looked at the former hot water heater to look about replacing it. A crew came by the following day and replaced the old with the new. We are in hot water again.
After we get the hot water heater replaced I notice that the commode continues to run. I find out that the valve is worn out. With plumbing I know just enough to get myself in trouble. I thought I would take a crack at handling the problem. The problem became that I had no idea how to get the valve out, I figure out one part but did not get the other one. Also during this time the tub faucet is leaking. I called a friend, Charles, who came over and helped fix the toilet. We also fixed a sink that I had just shut off the water while waiting to fix. These were projects that I chose to tackle thinking they would not take long, but it took longer than expected. That is why we did not make the Y, if you are interested in history.
I have not fixed the leak in the tub yet, I do not have the right tool to turn off the water. Apparently we have to turn the water off to the house and that is at the street. We thought we had the water off, but did not so Charles and I were singing in shower. I hope to get a proper tool to turn off the water for a time to fix the leak. I do not want to see my water bill triple because someone is taking a leak.
I know that I need to get more tools. I do not have many. Basically, I have a few screwdrivers and a hammer. So if a major hardware store wants to sponsor me, I would be a great fixer-upper.
Last week was a pretty rough for appliances in our house that deal with water. Wednesday night Wendy and I were lying in bed and we heard a drip sound. At first I thought it was the cats drinking water, but it was not. I get up and see that there is water in the pan under the hot water heater. I have not seen this before. I get online and do some investigating. The Internet informed me that if there is water in the pan, then there is a leak somewhere.
The next day my supervisor comes out to the house with me and he reports that the hot water heater is gone. Unfortunately if the hot water heater is leaking the only option is to replace it. We have gas that heats our house so I called the gas company. Someone came by and looked at the former hot water heater to look about replacing it. A crew came by the following day and replaced the old with the new. We are in hot water again.
After we get the hot water heater replaced I notice that the commode continues to run. I find out that the valve is worn out. With plumbing I know just enough to get myself in trouble. I thought I would take a crack at handling the problem. The problem became that I had no idea how to get the valve out, I figure out one part but did not get the other one. Also during this time the tub faucet is leaking. I called a friend, Charles, who came over and helped fix the toilet. We also fixed a sink that I had just shut off the water while waiting to fix. These were projects that I chose to tackle thinking they would not take long, but it took longer than expected. That is why we did not make the Y, if you are interested in history.
I have not fixed the leak in the tub yet, I do not have the right tool to turn off the water. Apparently we have to turn the water off to the house and that is at the street. We thought we had the water off, but did not so Charles and I were singing in shower. I hope to get a proper tool to turn off the water for a time to fix the leak. I do not want to see my water bill triple because someone is taking a leak.
I know that I need to get more tools. I do not have many. Basically, I have a few screwdrivers and a hammer. So if a major hardware store wants to sponsor me, I would be a great fixer-upper.
Shaping up
Dear those who could be doing something more productive than reading my blog,
I have been for not quite a week been exercising my rights. Wendy and I are now members of the inquisitive letter club. It is also featured in a popular song along with a dance. Apparently along with several others. We took part of a promotion that featured a discount.
We have been going regularly. Wendy and I have been everyday except one, which was my fault. The hour that we usually spend working out goes by quickly. There are many different things to do. We have only done a few of them. The primary thing we have done so far is the walking track. We have tried a few of the machines and fortunately do not have the marks to prove it.
Wendy and I have even tried racquetball. I always wanted to raise a racket. We have no idea what we are doing, we only come out swinging. Most of the time we end up chasing the ball rather than hitting it. We are by no means professional. I was amazed to see how much information there is about racquetball. The courts are hard to come by and they even have a league. Even though I am not good at it, I like to hear the sounds involved. There is something about the ball smashing into the wall that makes you feel good, until the next sound is me smashing into the wall.
It is amazing to me the time and intensity that people will exercise. I was in the category of none, now I am in the category of very little. Soon I hope to be in the little category. As I am looking at the treadmill willing the time to move faster than I am, I look over at all the people running (their bodies and their sweat). I realize exercise is tough. I get tired after ten minutes and the machines are set to an hour. Who wants to run for an hour? Many more people than I realized.
I would say that exercise is good for you. Remember to start off small. You do not have to run a marathon the first night. If you do remember your car keys to get back home. Although I suppose it would not help you if you did not have a car. Be sure to run in the direction of a friend's house. I will quit running my mouth and get back to the end. Some exercise is better than none. At least you can get up to change the channel.
From the person in training...
I have been for not quite a week been exercising my rights. Wendy and I are now members of the inquisitive letter club. It is also featured in a popular song along with a dance. Apparently along with several others. We took part of a promotion that featured a discount.
We have been going regularly. Wendy and I have been everyday except one, which was my fault. The hour that we usually spend working out goes by quickly. There are many different things to do. We have only done a few of them. The primary thing we have done so far is the walking track. We have tried a few of the machines and fortunately do not have the marks to prove it.
Wendy and I have even tried racquetball. I always wanted to raise a racket. We have no idea what we are doing, we only come out swinging. Most of the time we end up chasing the ball rather than hitting it. We are by no means professional. I was amazed to see how much information there is about racquetball. The courts are hard to come by and they even have a league. Even though I am not good at it, I like to hear the sounds involved. There is something about the ball smashing into the wall that makes you feel good, until the next sound is me smashing into the wall.
It is amazing to me the time and intensity that people will exercise. I was in the category of none, now I am in the category of very little. Soon I hope to be in the little category. As I am looking at the treadmill willing the time to move faster than I am, I look over at all the people running (their bodies and their sweat). I realize exercise is tough. I get tired after ten minutes and the machines are set to an hour. Who wants to run for an hour? Many more people than I realized.
I would say that exercise is good for you. Remember to start off small. You do not have to run a marathon the first night. If you do remember your car keys to get back home. Although I suppose it would not help you if you did not have a car. Be sure to run in the direction of a friend's house. I will quit running my mouth and get back to the end. Some exercise is better than none. At least you can get up to change the channel.
From the person in training...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Valentine's Day Massacre
Now I blog to you...
I hope that everyone had a safe and happy Valentine's Day as you were travelling down Lover's Lane. Wendy and I had an alright one, of course I only speak for her because I am reading exactly what she told me. I think I will perfect the art of gift giving by our 50th anniversary. Yea, right. I am romantic as the seven dwarfs are tall and not standing one another's heads.
Now before everyone says that I am a worse husband than I am; I did get Wendy a few things. Here is my list and the commentary (I think) on how I could have done better. I gave her a rose (Only one. I wanted to give two, but could not find that quantity. In retrospect I should have gone with more because it would have been less expensive per flower to get the higher quantity.), a stuffed cat with a pull string that voiced feline expressions of love (Wendy laughed out loud at this. I am not sure if that is good or bad. I will assume for the sake of sanity that it is a good thing.), and finally a bottle of sparkling grape juice (I am not sure how I could improve this. I wish it was a little less expensive. Perhaps they call it sparkling because it has diamonds. Have not found them yet, though.).
We did also go out to eat at one of Wendy's favorite places to eat. So for the insensitive man I am there it is. At least the male readers can say, "I did better than that." and the female readers will have pity on Wendy and send her lots of stuff.
So if you see me out sleeping in cold, dark alley just leave me because I probably deserve. Of course you could leave a quarter in the cup as you go by.
I hope that everyone had a safe and happy Valentine's Day as you were travelling down Lover's Lane. Wendy and I had an alright one, of course I only speak for her because I am reading exactly what she told me. I think I will perfect the art of gift giving by our 50th anniversary. Yea, right. I am romantic as the seven dwarfs are tall and not standing one another's heads.
Now before everyone says that I am a worse husband than I am; I did get Wendy a few things. Here is my list and the commentary (I think) on how I could have done better. I gave her a rose (Only one. I wanted to give two, but could not find that quantity. In retrospect I should have gone with more because it would have been less expensive per flower to get the higher quantity.), a stuffed cat with a pull string that voiced feline expressions of love (Wendy laughed out loud at this. I am not sure if that is good or bad. I will assume for the sake of sanity that it is a good thing.), and finally a bottle of sparkling grape juice (I am not sure how I could improve this. I wish it was a little less expensive. Perhaps they call it sparkling because it has diamonds. Have not found them yet, though.).
We did also go out to eat at one of Wendy's favorite places to eat. So for the insensitive man I am there it is. At least the male readers can say, "I did better than that." and the female readers will have pity on Wendy and send her lots of stuff.
So if you see me out sleeping in cold, dark alley just leave me because I probably deserve. Of course you could leave a quarter in the cup as you go by.
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