If you keep up with the other blogs attached to this one you know about our trip to Florida.
Here is the trip from my perspective:
8 adults, 5 kids
3 cars
5 bedroom 31/2 baths house
Beach
Pool
Great food
250 + Diapers
Sand
Fun
Naps
Videos- Cars, Horton
TV- Mickey Mouse, Agent Ohso (??)
Lots of Food Channel
A little of Fox News
The story to follow
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Design/Build
As I stated in an earlier post, the design-build process is to design it as you are building it. As many know I am a "green" person when it comes to using lumber. I have accumilated a collection of misc. wood pieces from construction sites and previous projects. Others may view it as cheap, I see it as recycling. I should get some "carbon footprint credits" for free gas for my truck. (If anyone knows anything about carbon credits please let me know, Al Gore is too intellectual for me.)
Anyway, I just finished a table and chair set for Brice, my first attempt at small chairs. I found a plan on the internet ($29.00 for a collection of plans for kid stuff -future use). I could not make the 30 degree angle cuts the plans called for so I looked at the picture and re-designed it.
They look good. I used an old small book shelf for the table base. I will post a picture of it later when I get it to Becki's house.
My projects are very unique. No two items are alike.
There are several things that motivate me:
Intsant gratification- I teach high school and the gratification is delayed or unapprecitated.
(the only teachers who get instant gratification are pre-school teachers who get hugs daily)
Some people play golf. I can make a piece of furniture and it is done.
Functionality- I like to make things that will be used. No usless decorative stuff. People can actually use the items I make.
For the enjoyment of others- one of my joys in life is helping others and making items others will use is fulfilling that joy.
My projects, will never match up to the "Red" standard, or look store bought, but they are made with my passion and will have its own unique look.
Some of my past request have been challenging, like scraping off a half-inch of polyurethane to refinish a chest, trying to distress a black dresser, making a corner shelf that that is uneven and wobbles (still sitting in the basement if anyone wants it) and finding studs in the wall (where is Deena when I need her).
My tools are: an air compressor with 4 types of nail guns- an old, but reliable chop saw- a ghetto, Taiwain table saw ($99 at Home Depot)- a 19.2 volt cordless drill (yeah, its that big)
-belt sander- jig saw-reciprocating saw and misc hand tools.
When I retire I will be happy with just making things. If I ever got a professional woodworking shop, I would be intimidated. Kind of like if Granny Grace was in a commercial kitchen, she would prefer her own house kitchen.
Anyway, I just finished a table and chair set for Brice, my first attempt at small chairs. I found a plan on the internet ($29.00 for a collection of plans for kid stuff -future use). I could not make the 30 degree angle cuts the plans called for so I looked at the picture and re-designed it.
They look good. I used an old small book shelf for the table base. I will post a picture of it later when I get it to Becki's house.
My projects are very unique. No two items are alike.
There are several things that motivate me:
Intsant gratification- I teach high school and the gratification is delayed or unapprecitated.
(the only teachers who get instant gratification are pre-school teachers who get hugs daily)
Some people play golf. I can make a piece of furniture and it is done.
Functionality- I like to make things that will be used. No usless decorative stuff. People can actually use the items I make.
For the enjoyment of others- one of my joys in life is helping others and making items others will use is fulfilling that joy.
My projects, will never match up to the "Red" standard, or look store bought, but they are made with my passion and will have its own unique look.
Some of my past request have been challenging, like scraping off a half-inch of polyurethane to refinish a chest, trying to distress a black dresser, making a corner shelf that that is uneven and wobbles (still sitting in the basement if anyone wants it) and finding studs in the wall (where is Deena when I need her).
My tools are: an air compressor with 4 types of nail guns- an old, but reliable chop saw- a ghetto, Taiwain table saw ($99 at Home Depot)- a 19.2 volt cordless drill (yeah, its that big)
-belt sander- jig saw-reciprocating saw and misc hand tools.
When I retire I will be happy with just making things. If I ever got a professional woodworking shop, I would be intimidated. Kind of like if Granny Grace was in a commercial kitchen, she would prefer her own house kitchen.
Chop saw update
The chop saw is now working. I put a cord and about a half roll of electric tape on it and it is now working. The saw is hard to rotate to the left to make angle cuts (just wearing out).
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Deck shoes and Chop Saw
Many people enjoy simple pleasures in life. Big purses, pierced ears, cut-off jeans, tatoos etc.
I enjoy deck shoes. They are very practical, easy to put on, versitle and represent a laid back lifestyle. I had to retire a favorite pair on mine yesterday. They started out as dress shoes, then as casual shoes and then as yard shoes. They were split and the soles were about gone.
Time to cycle another pair.
My chop saw quit working. I hope it can be fixed.
That chop saw has made a lot stuff. I bought it to build a deck around a pool 10 years ago. Since then it has made living room tables for Becki, a car bed for Taylor an entry table for Beth and many other interesting things. It has been a big part of my design-build process for years. I do not follow plans very well. I look at pictures and build...no....make that create items from wood.
The saw is not most powerful or has all the bells and whistles of some, but it did get the job done.
I hope I can fix it so it can help create many more design/build projects for others to enjoy.
I enjoy deck shoes. They are very practical, easy to put on, versitle and represent a laid back lifestyle. I had to retire a favorite pair on mine yesterday. They started out as dress shoes, then as casual shoes and then as yard shoes. They were split and the soles were about gone.
Time to cycle another pair.
My chop saw quit working. I hope it can be fixed.
That chop saw has made a lot stuff. I bought it to build a deck around a pool 10 years ago. Since then it has made living room tables for Becki, a car bed for Taylor an entry table for Beth and many other interesting things. It has been a big part of my design-build process for years. I do not follow plans very well. I look at pictures and build...no....make that create items from wood.
The saw is not most powerful or has all the bells and whistles of some, but it did get the job done.
I hope I can fix it so it can help create many more design/build projects for others to enjoy.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Its all good!!!!
As I try to think of topics to blog about I keep thinking I must pontificate on each subject.
I really don't need to. As I read other blogs I realize my attention span is not very long. So I will randomly post blogs not really to impress you but to share my thoughts as they come to me.
When you shoot a gun it is "ready, aim, fire."
Some times when I speak or act is it "ready, fire, aim."
Texture in food is something that I find really amusing. Foods that are gritty (seeds), lumpy, creamy or mooooshy do not appeal to some people. I find that if I like the food the texture will not annoy me. Kind of like that rat in Rattatouie who says "If you can get past the gag reflex it will go down." Some of the people who are texture challenged are very intelligent and productive people, so it is really not up to me to judge them. In turn, they need to be supportive of people who are adventerous in their food such as maltballs and rasberries in an ice cream concrete. I will admit it is not very tasty, but who would of known if tasted good if someone had not been daring enough to try it.
Patronizing
Patronizing is an art form. It shows up most for me when I golf with people who are good and let me tag along, I went golfing with Deena and Scott who are good golfers. They tee up and make a good shot. I tee up and......well lets say its not pretty. They say "your back swing looked good or at least you didn't hit that car going down the street (which is next to the tee box).
Some of the terms used (for those who play with bad golfers)
--It takes time
--You will get there
--At least you only lost 2 balls today
--your golf cart driving is very good today
--a new club may help
--you can hit from where my ball landed
(Feel free to add to the list)
I appreciate the patronization. I kind of know what they really must be thanking.
thanks Deena and Scott for having patience with me.
I played 3 holes and knew it was not going to get any better. It is kind of being on a little league team where you are behind by 52 runs and still have to play the remaing 2 innings.
Truly Blessed
I have taught students in at-risk enviornments for several years. Many of them come from very difficult backgrounds. Some of them have every excuse to fail and still manage to be successful. I have been arounds students who have had very supportive and resourceful families and find a way to fail.
Someone once commented to me once that I cannot relate to these students because my own kids have been "good" kids. It was done in a snotty tone and kind of a put down.
I will never apologize for my kids being successful. They made good decisions, worked hard, educated themselves and all married well. We did have our issues in raising them as do all parents. But most importantly, they were taught to take responsibilty for themselves and deal with their decisions (right or wrong).
When I say blessed I mean I asked God for wisdom in starting my family.
My story goes like this:
Red Collins answered the door at 1 AM on a Saturday morning and let me in
Deena said yes
Brad was born
Becki was born
Deena asked God for patience
Beth was born (so we would have need for patience)
Got all kids raised
All moved out (eventually)
Grandkids
Taylor was born to Brad and Crystal
Brice was born to Becki and Darren
Max was born to Beth and Clark
Josiah was born to Brad and Crystal
Rider was born to Becki and Darren
?????? was born to Brad and Crystal
?????? was born to Beth and Clark
?????? was born to Becki and Darren
?????? was born to Beth and Clark
That will be a good number.
There is no way I could have accomplished this on my own.
I must give credit most to God who gave me wisdom when I needed it.
Red for answering the door and being a great role model. I tell people that I want a family like Red.
Deena, who is the absolutely the most incredible thing that happened to me. When the Bible said a good wife is a like a great gift it is right.
Marianne, who taught Deena to cook and put up with me.
Also, many more who will be mentioned later.
If it were not for these, I would be a regular on the Jerry Springer show.
This was a big blog
Part of my calling on this earth is to be the last in line guy. more of that on the next blog.
........Josiah is wanting his lunch. gotta go
I really don't need to. As I read other blogs I realize my attention span is not very long. So I will randomly post blogs not really to impress you but to share my thoughts as they come to me.
When you shoot a gun it is "ready, aim, fire."
Some times when I speak or act is it "ready, fire, aim."
Texture in food is something that I find really amusing. Foods that are gritty (seeds), lumpy, creamy or mooooshy do not appeal to some people. I find that if I like the food the texture will not annoy me. Kind of like that rat in Rattatouie who says "If you can get past the gag reflex it will go down." Some of the people who are texture challenged are very intelligent and productive people, so it is really not up to me to judge them. In turn, they need to be supportive of people who are adventerous in their food such as maltballs and rasberries in an ice cream concrete. I will admit it is not very tasty, but who would of known if tasted good if someone had not been daring enough to try it.
Patronizing
Patronizing is an art form. It shows up most for me when I golf with people who are good and let me tag along, I went golfing with Deena and Scott who are good golfers. They tee up and make a good shot. I tee up and......well lets say its not pretty. They say "your back swing looked good or at least you didn't hit that car going down the street (which is next to the tee box).
Some of the terms used (for those who play with bad golfers)
--It takes time
--You will get there
--At least you only lost 2 balls today
--your golf cart driving is very good today
--a new club may help
--you can hit from where my ball landed
(Feel free to add to the list)
I appreciate the patronization. I kind of know what they really must be thanking.
thanks Deena and Scott for having patience with me.
I played 3 holes and knew it was not going to get any better. It is kind of being on a little league team where you are behind by 52 runs and still have to play the remaing 2 innings.
Truly Blessed
I have taught students in at-risk enviornments for several years. Many of them come from very difficult backgrounds. Some of them have every excuse to fail and still manage to be successful. I have been arounds students who have had very supportive and resourceful families and find a way to fail.
Someone once commented to me once that I cannot relate to these students because my own kids have been "good" kids. It was done in a snotty tone and kind of a put down.
I will never apologize for my kids being successful. They made good decisions, worked hard, educated themselves and all married well. We did have our issues in raising them as do all parents. But most importantly, they were taught to take responsibilty for themselves and deal with their decisions (right or wrong).
When I say blessed I mean I asked God for wisdom in starting my family.
My story goes like this:
Red Collins answered the door at 1 AM on a Saturday morning and let me in
Deena said yes
Brad was born
Becki was born
Deena asked God for patience
Beth was born (so we would have need for patience)
Got all kids raised
All moved out (eventually)
Grandkids
Taylor was born to Brad and Crystal
Brice was born to Becki and Darren
Max was born to Beth and Clark
Josiah was born to Brad and Crystal
Rider was born to Becki and Darren
?????? was born to Brad and Crystal
?????? was born to Beth and Clark
?????? was born to Becki and Darren
?????? was born to Beth and Clark
That will be a good number.
There is no way I could have accomplished this on my own.
I must give credit most to God who gave me wisdom when I needed it.
Red for answering the door and being a great role model. I tell people that I want a family like Red.
Deena, who is the absolutely the most incredible thing that happened to me. When the Bible said a good wife is a like a great gift it is right.
Marianne, who taught Deena to cook and put up with me.
Also, many more who will be mentioned later.
If it were not for these, I would be a regular on the Jerry Springer show.
This was a big blog
Part of my calling on this earth is to be the last in line guy. more of that on the next blog.
........Josiah is wanting his lunch. gotta go
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Stay on task
The purpose of blogging is to comment on the intent of the blog. Not to go on tangents and criticize one's pet. But since the subject of dogs came up........
..... no, I will take the high road and not crack on others dogs..
I will say I can vaccuum and only find dust in my sweeper.
..... no, I will take the high road and not crack on others dogs..
I will say I can vaccuum and only find dust in my sweeper.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
4th of July
As we ponder the real meaning of our country's celebration of freedom let us not forget to appreciate our own freedom. Never ever take our freedom for granted. Remember those who make our freedom possible.
To those who complain about living in the greatest country ever, BUY A ONE WAY TICKET TO NORTH KOREA.
Who does not like the 4th of July?
Certain politicians and dogs.
I know who I want to hang out with.
To those who complain about living in the greatest country ever, BUY A ONE WAY TICKET TO NORTH KOREA.
Who does not like the 4th of July?
Certain politicians and dogs.
I know who I want to hang out with.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Real man food
Many say that the hotter the manlier. To that I disagree, some people simply cannot handle hot food, they may like it but have a negative physcial reaction.
A real man's food is Sorghum. It is an acquired taste. It is the same texture** as honey but with a real manly flavor.
Try it on buscuits and lots of butter. Many will probably disagree. Do this, try some real sorghum for one week then get back to me.
**Texture of food is a whole other blog, will write about it next week.
A real man's food is Sorghum. It is an acquired taste. It is the same texture** as honey but with a real manly flavor.
Try it on buscuits and lots of butter. Many will probably disagree. Do this, try some real sorghum for one week then get back to me.
**Texture of food is a whole other blog, will write about it next week.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Nashville
When in Tennessee the towns with....ville in them are pronounced with accent on the the first syllable. NASH'vul, KNOX'vul Louie' vul etc.
One of the best places you will ever eat at is the Loveless Cafe in Nashville. It is like the Corner Cafe in Riverside, MO on steroids. It is truly something you have to experience for yourself.
I am glad Becki and Darren located to Nashville. It is a very Kuhl place to visit. Even though it is an eight hour drive, it is way better than Omaha or Des Moines.
I certainly hope you will enjoy my blog. One of the key elements is the randomness of it. Sometimes my spelllling and grammar may not be the clearest, to that I apologize and all I can say is to deal with it.
As you peruse the pontification of this blog (yes, look it up) I hope it challenges your intellectual aura.
One of the best places you will ever eat at is the Loveless Cafe in Nashville. It is like the Corner Cafe in Riverside, MO on steroids. It is truly something you have to experience for yourself.
I am glad Becki and Darren located to Nashville. It is a very Kuhl place to visit. Even though it is an eight hour drive, it is way better than Omaha or Des Moines.
I certainly hope you will enjoy my blog. One of the key elements is the randomness of it. Sometimes my spelllling and grammar may not be the clearest, to that I apologize and all I can say is to deal with it.
As you peruse the pontification of this blog (yes, look it up) I hope it challenges your intellectual aura.
Cards
You can learn a lot about a persons' temperament by playing a game of cards. Especially when score is being kept.
I find it is easier to loose (sometimes on purpose) and let others win so they can go to bed in a good mood.
Next time you play a game of cards try to loose (don't be too obivious) and you will truly make those who "win" happy. But, we really know who the happy ones are!!!!!
I find it is easier to loose (sometimes on purpose) and let others win so they can go to bed in a good mood.
Next time you play a game of cards try to loose (don't be too obivious) and you will truly make those who "win" happy. But, we really know who the happy ones are!!!!!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Grandad-hood
Being a grandparent is one of the greatest things EVER. Obviously the greatest is seeing the tummies grow, babies born and watching the little ones grow.
Another delight of being a grandparent is seeing your children get to experience the joys of parenthood we went through.
2 AM diaper changes
Major messes in the hot car
Crying a lot
Functioning on 3 hours of sleep
Hearing the word "no"
This list will continue to grow.
Another delight of being a grandparent is seeing your children get to experience the joys of parenthood we went through.
2 AM diaper changes
Major messes in the hot car
Crying a lot
Functioning on 3 hours of sleep
Hearing the word "no"
This list will continue to grow.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The art of understanding.
There are a few things that I understand people do. One is for people to be critical of others in order raise their own self-esteem. This is great. If my blog can achieve that then it is truly worth my time.
Another thing people do is to talk about things they know very little about. Please do not attempt this on my blog. It will cause you embarrassment.
Another thing people do is to talk about things they know very little about. Please do not attempt this on my blog. It will cause you embarrassment.
Verbosity
As I post material on my blog and you need clarification please let me know. Sometimes I write a such a high level I am often misunderstood or I can just plain mess up. Either way I want you to understand what I am posting.
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