Jon's Place 1

A musician friend of mine has some videos posted on YouTube. I think this was one of the first ones. I really enjoyed it. I hope you do too.

Recycle America

I have to admit, I'm not really much of a recycler. When it comes to pop cans and milk cartons - I generally just throw them away. That is not to say, however, that I don't do my part.

I built an entire porch this week without purchasing any materials. All of the framing lumber, decking and railing components were salvaged.

A year or two ago, I built a deck and wheelchair ramp for Tom and Mary Jane Birdsall. In March, they moved out of that house into this duplex condo. Their old house is scheduled to be demolished to make room for a new subdivision. So, we went over there the other day and took all of it apart. I sorted through the material and figured out how to take all of that stuff and reconfigure it into a front porch for their new place. Even though it was challenging to find a way to make everything work, it was kind of satisfying to see it accomplished.

I may have thrown away my milk carton tonight, but I also recycled a whole porch.

To Roof Or Not To Roof

They are building a new bank across the street from where I live. Last week the building was up and the roof was complete. I saw them shingling it last Monday.

Today as I drove by, I noticed men on the roof tearing all the shingles off. By the end of the day, they had started to put shingles on again.

So, somebody made a mistake. I don't know if it was the wrong shingle the first time, or something else, but in order to make things right all the original work had to be discarded.

I don't like to delight in someone's misfortune, but something inside me felt a little less bad about some of the mistakes I've made on the job.

By the way, I have put the wrong shingles on a new roof myself. It was only a porch roof, but I had to re-roof it.

Take a knee

For all you youngsters out there that need to still acquire some life skills...here's a good one.

Marriage Proposal: With proper planning and execution this can be both romantic (which she will like) and memorable (which she will like).

Case in Point - My stepson Ian: Yesterday he proposed to his girlfriend, Jill in the shopping mall where he first met her. At first take, that may not sound too romantic. But, he did it in exactly the same place inside the same mall. This earns bonus points. Secondly, he chose the classic "one knee" proposal position. When you do this in a public place, it is worth tons of extra credit. Thirdly, he had a ring...in a box...with a hinge. Good call. It was also a surprise to her, and all of us parents came out of the woodwork at the appropriate time.

We all went out for dinner and it was a very nice evening.

All I can say is, "Well done".

Map for Kirk

Newlywed Bed

Well, Jamie and Diedra finally got their bed delivered to Minneapolis.


Only minor damage as a result of my inability to properly secure it for transportation - nothing I can't fix next time I visit.


This gives me an excuse for another breakfast that can't be beat.

* * * *

OK, count the pillows. Yep, each bed has 7 pillows - I'm pretty sure that IS the definition of luxury.

I think this is probably the first time I have ever had a chance to stay in a four star hotel.

Cathy and I got a great deal on the Omni Severin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.

Valet parking, doormen, bellmen - they park your car, carry your luggage, get ice for your room...anything you want.

Of course, I did run out of $5 bills after a while, what with all the tipping.

Mile after Mile

Well, I've been burning some rubber across four different states this week.

Wednesday I was in Minnesota to deliver the bed to Jamie and Diedra.

Thursday I was back home

Friday Cathy and I were in Indianapolis

Saturday we were in Scottsburg, Indiana

Sunday we were back home in Wisconsin