My alarm clock woke me at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. As I walked past my second story windows, I couldn't help but notice that more snow was gently swirling to the white-coated ground below. I tried not to worry about the driving conditions that I might face when it was time to take 'A' to the oral surgeon. Her appointment was for 9:45. In good conditions it's a 15 minute drive. I told her we'd be leaving at 9 a.m. I was anticipating her usual stall tactics, her apprehension, nerves, poor driving conditions, you name it. I was a bit on edge about this all happening successfully. We did manage to leave the house on time. Driving was slightly unnerving. Nugent Stretch was particularly horrendous. It was unlike Rockport to leave the main roads so poorly tended. Well, tight budget, poor economy. What ever excuse. We arrived safely and 'A's surgery to extract her two lower wisdom teeth went well. We were out of the oral surgeon's office within an hour and back on the slick roads. I stopped at our local pharmacy to drop off the three prescriptions for 'A'. they didn't have one of them but called it in to their Gloucester store. Great, I'd have to head back to Gloucester in the lousy weather. I dropped a very groggy and unhappy 'A' off at our house, leaving her to my mom's care, while I headed back to the local pharmacy and then to Gloucester. What relief when I got back home thinking I was off the roads for the rest of the storm. Until 'A' needed to take one of the liquid meds and the store had fail to include the dosage spoon. Back out again. This time the roads were like ice. The plow had scraped nearly down to the pavement, nearly, and there was no salt or sand. I had one of those 'oh please just keep moving' moments as I headed back up the Main Street hill and slid around the corner of our street!
More shoveling.
Remarkably 'A' seemed rather perky on Thursday and she even went with me to pick up suitably soft foods from IGA. It couldn't be this easy could it?
Nope. Thursday night started the 'meds are making me sick'. No doubt between Percocet, Penicillin, and some anti-swelling pills, and very, very, little to eat. No rest until 12:30 at night.
Friday was not much better, with 'A' spending most of the day acting miserably. Meanwhile, I had three sets of keys to finish up ready to ship on Monday AND a call from our local doctor with the rebuilt by me, reed organ. The office waiting room roof had leaked all over the organ. Yes, I made an office call and found the organ thoroughly soaked. Groups of keys moved, invisibly interconnected, like wave swells. Felts were dripping wet. Stop knobs were frozen in place. The case was marred with the ghosts of water droplets and runs. I dried what I could and lubricated some steel parts against rusting. Leaving the case opened up, I told the doctor to leave a fan running and circulating air around and through the organ. I feared it was irreparably damaged and said I'd be back on Monday to check 'the patient'.
Work, work, work and wait on a miserable and irritable 'A'. Saturday was a blur. With the exception of an email from THAT ex! Stupid. Copied and dropped it off at the police station and forwarded a copy to J at WHOA. Wish I had as much free time as THAT guy to bother attempting to annoy someone who has better things to do than even think of me!
Sunday a day of rest? Not this week. In the morning I was working in the shop, finishing up keys. And since 'A' was feeling up to it, I took her for a ride around and to buy a jigsaw puzzle at Tuck's. It was getting to the point that I had to smile and enjoy the few and far between pleasant moments available with her.
The boxes were loaded in the truck and I headed out to ship them on Monday morning. Then I stopped at the bank and followed that with a trip to check on my organ 'patient'. The organ had made a remarkable recovery! It will still need most of the felts and leathers replaced, but the bellows are fine. The keys have unwarped nicely and neatly and they all function of their own! The stop knobs move freely! I told the docotr that I'd write up a work order and have it to him in a couple days.
If only things with 'A' were going so easily! She had a rough day and chose to share it with me. Tonight, though she made great leaps to eating Spaghetti-O's and a bit of deli ham. Of course, she's not taking any meds any more and she's not as nauseous. She quit taking the antibiotic with a tentative okay from the oral surgeon's office. Oh yeah, Mr. Snowmanaround the house had a rough day, too. He lost his head today over the 40°F weather.
And now full circle. I hear I'll be waking up to swirling snow in the morning.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Not So Recently Read
While I have a moment, I thought I should catch up on the sidebar book. We Bought a Zoo is a great story. It had a bit of everything from family life, tragedy, humor, conservationism, education, and strategic planning. The Dartmoor Zoological Park is located in southwestern England. If you have a chance, go have a visit for me, dickiebo and B. (Yes, I realize it is a bit of a haul around to get there.) Anyway, the only down side I found was that it left me wanting to know more. And more was not something the website provided. I wanted more family stories. After all, the title says WE. While indeed it was a family purchase and project, I didn't feel that I really met them all. I didn't get to know them as well as I wanted. Good book, nonetheless.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sometimes You Just Never Know...
who's going to be on the other end of that phone line!
Today was a busy day. 'A' wanted to go to Target to pick up some things to amuse herself while stuck home after having her wisdom teeth extracted tomorrow. I was expecting a guy to be picking up a set of keys around noontime, so we made the dash to the mall mid-morning and were back home by 11 a.m. When I got in the house there was a message on the machine from the key guy. He was going to be a little early and hoped that would be convenient. So, got him in and out and then had lunch and checked email. There were a couple messages that needed semi-urgent replies, so I took care of that. 'A' worked at 3 p.m. and we arrived there to a full parking lot. Why? Well, we're due to get another 8 or so inches of snow tomorrow. Yep, here we go again and I've got to get her to the oral surgeon and back, then pick up prescriptions for her. What fun.
Anyway, I was having a leisurely afternoon, working on some necklaces, eating ice cream, and watching some DIY on television when the phone rang.
I looked at the caller id. Florida. Pinellas County (where we lived). But the number wasn't familiar. I answered in my best business voice thinking maybe it was some tech with key work.
Nope.
You'll never guess this one in a million years.
It was the community liaison and volunteer coordinator for San Jose Elementary School, in Dunedin, FL. This is the school 'A' attended and where I was a volunteer. So what's up with this call, I thought.
The woman carried on and on about it being the 50th anniversary year of the school. She told me about all the special events that would be happening. (I get it! She's going to ask for money, right?)
Wrong.
They had decided to use a painting that I had done depicting the school (and I had donated to the school) as the feature in their program. Some people had requested that it be made in to art prints, to be sold to benefit the school PTA. And, they needed my permission.
WOW! Sure go for it! Just please would you send me a copy?
So there you go. How totally unexpected. I asked how they found me and she said that she had not really known how to start, other than to call everyone in the county phone book with my last name. She came across 'A's dad by doing that, and he gave her my phone number and address. They are also printing up a bio for the program taken from my staff bio on the WHOA web site, which they found while searching for me. She's going to send a packet to me with everything from the celebration. They had hoped I could be there, but of course that's a no-go.
Oh yeah, she said that the school's media center (library) was being renovated and she hoped to have a plaque made to go along with the painting as it is displayed in the media center.
How cool is that?
Today was a busy day. 'A' wanted to go to Target to pick up some things to amuse herself while stuck home after having her wisdom teeth extracted tomorrow. I was expecting a guy to be picking up a set of keys around noontime, so we made the dash to the mall mid-morning and were back home by 11 a.m. When I got in the house there was a message on the machine from the key guy. He was going to be a little early and hoped that would be convenient. So, got him in and out and then had lunch and checked email. There were a couple messages that needed semi-urgent replies, so I took care of that. 'A' worked at 3 p.m. and we arrived there to a full parking lot. Why? Well, we're due to get another 8 or so inches of snow tomorrow. Yep, here we go again and I've got to get her to the oral surgeon and back, then pick up prescriptions for her. What fun.
Anyway, I was having a leisurely afternoon, working on some necklaces, eating ice cream, and watching some DIY on television when the phone rang.
I looked at the caller id. Florida. Pinellas County (where we lived). But the number wasn't familiar. I answered in my best business voice thinking maybe it was some tech with key work.
Nope.
You'll never guess this one in a million years.
It was the community liaison and volunteer coordinator for San Jose Elementary School, in Dunedin, FL. This is the school 'A' attended and where I was a volunteer. So what's up with this call, I thought.
The woman carried on and on about it being the 50th anniversary year of the school. She told me about all the special events that would be happening. (I get it! She's going to ask for money, right?)
Wrong.
They had decided to use a painting that I had done depicting the school (and I had donated to the school) as the feature in their program. Some people had requested that it be made in to art prints, to be sold to benefit the school PTA. And, they needed my permission.
WOW! Sure go for it! Just please would you send me a copy?
So there you go. How totally unexpected. I asked how they found me and she said that she had not really known how to start, other than to call everyone in the county phone book with my last name. She came across 'A's dad by doing that, and he gave her my phone number and address. They are also printing up a bio for the program taken from my staff bio on the WHOA web site, which they found while searching for me. She's going to send a packet to me with everything from the celebration. They had hoped I could be there, but of course that's a no-go.
Oh yeah, she said that the school's media center (library) was being renovated and she hoped to have a plaque made to go along with the painting as it is displayed in the media center.
How cool is that?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Casual PR = Stressor
or at least today. How does one comfortably 'crash' a book group in a professional manner? The first in a series of music book discussion groups began today. When I first read of it in the newspaper 'upcoming events' not much else was mentioned beyond the date and the book title. Since it was a book that I had read many years ago and since I felt that as a piano tech it would be more than appropriate that I attend, I planned just that. Later another notice appeared in the paper. It added the information that the piano tech for a local music venue would be a special guest. The exact terminology to describe this tech was "piano technician extraordinaire".
Oh boy.
So today I arrived reasonably early to get a feel for the situation. One person and the host were present. There was a sign-in sheet. The first section to fill in asked for an email address, then name and address. I dove in. My primary email address has the word piano in it. I printed it very clearly. I was the second entry - hard to miss.
I took the time to introduce myself to the host.
"Hi, my name is Deb___________. Thank you for hosting this book group. It sounds like it should be quite interesting and informative."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Mrs. Host. Yes, it should be good. I don't know how many will attend, but we do have a piano technician that should be here soon. She'll be available to answer questions."
"Oh, I'm glad to hear that. I'm a piano technician, also!"
"OH. What's your name again?"
So already I think I'd made the host uncomfortable. The conference room filled with people. A decent sized crowd for a book discussion. Maybe 25, give or take a few. Once the 'expert' arrived the session got underway. First came introductions. Mrs. Host being particular to introduce A-List tech AND ME. I glanced at A-List tech. She seemed surprised, so I commented that I was there more in a group participant capacity. A-List tech commented that she'd rather stay in the background unless there were specific questions for her.
Inhale.........
Exhale........
I will say that it was a good group. I imagine that most of the folks there were somehow involved with the music venue in town. Some faces were familiar. I think most were members of the higher echelon of small town residents. Definitely not part of my social circle, but hey, there was no turning back at that point!
So, good comments, good questions. And then A-List tech made a wonderful comment about the piano tuner depicted in the book. Unreliable, slovenly, homeless, and an afternoon drunk, albeit talented in the morning. We had a chuckle and kidded that the two of us certainly did not conform to the image.
THEN it happened. A fellow participant mentioned how fortunate we are here on the island to have (paraphrased) 'as quaint and quirky a piano shop as in the book, right here where we could all visit.' Someone else suggested a field trip. Another mentioned the same shop and how they had helped locating a piano for their home.
And on and on while I quietly turned my face and shoulders from each person speaking of THAT shop. Somehow I hoped that my body language would non-offensively make a statement of opinion. A-List tech said nothing, either having the same thoughts as me or being unknowing of the particulars of THAT shop. The interlude passed without being directly questioned of my awareness or opinion of the subject. Thankfully. Inside I was screaming of the technical deficiencies, questionable ethics, and well, I could go on about THEM. Thankfully again, a gentleman sitting just behind me changed the emphasis to recommending a tour of the Mason & Hamlin piano factory in Haverhill, MA. I jumped in and confirmed the excellence of the facility and their pianos. Pheeeewwwwwww.
Many times throughout the afternoon discussion, technical questions were fielded to both A-List tech and me. I made a point to always look toward A-List tech for the first response. Many times she did, but equally there were times of pause. Too long a pause from A-List. On those occasions I answered first and then turned to A-List for additions and conclusions. I felt I was considerate of the unspoken hierarchy.
At 4 o'clock, Mrs. Host concluded the meeting and reminded everyone of upcoming books to be discussed in future months. I thanked her, and I thanked several of the other attendees, personally, for inspiring good comments and questions. I made my way to officially introduce myself to A-List tech, who said that she had seen the stuff in the PTG Journal that I had written. We had a bit of light-hearted comparisons of tuning kit contents (she had hers with her and I didn't) and weights of those kits. Then I made my exit, leaving her to talk with Mrs. Host.
Next month the book for discussion is 'Piano Lessons'. Another one that I read many years ago. I guess I'll have to get a copy to review as I'll be there, in that group, glutton for punishment that I seem to be.
Oh my, whatever will I do if THAT other local tech is invited?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Nuttin' and Sumpin'
Nothing much to write about tonight.
looking up our snow-laden Linden tree at night
looking up our snow-laden Linden tree at nightYes, the snow finally stopped, but the cold certainly hasn't. Tomorrow should be another doozie (is that how you spell doozie?) Anyway, tomorrow is the big library book event and I'll post about that. I've put a new book in the sidebar (not the music related one) and I'll have to comment about that at some point. I've had a little boost in the key work business this week and some more calls indicating more of the same. Promising. I haven't heard from the DTA. Gee a person could starve while waiting!
Speaking of food...'A' had the day off today and I had a lot of catching up in the shop, so since we were all to be home together at dinner time...I made English Pancakes for everyone. English Pancakes. That's what my dad called them because that's what his mom called them. He was always the one that would make them (for our family). When I was a kid, most of my friends wanted to be invited to our house for English Pancake Night. Imagine a crepe...but not with healthy vegetables or shrimp or anything good for you wrapped up inside. Instead imagine that crepe rolled up surrounding a lot of melting butter and a generous sprinkling of sugar.
Yummmmmmmm.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
1 for every 600
This is the ratio that 'A' heard on the television today.
1 for every 600 attending the inauguration ceremony of Barack Obama, today, in Washington D.C.
They approximate that there were 1.8 million in attendance.
That means that there were approximately 3,000 Port-a-Lets for the inauguration.
Wow!
Now aside from all of that............
Snow, snow, and more. It was STILL snowing today. Wasn't suppose to, but no one told Mother Nature. Not a lot, thankfully. When did this batch start? Sunday? Enough is enough.
THAT envelope went in the mail today. Held my breath and did it. Don't like it.
A set of keys was delivered yesterday. Big job. No bucks until it's picked up next week, but that's okay. The keys were delivered by a middle man. Same guy brought a set a few months ago, acting as a middle man for a still undisclosed technician. I think I know what's up with that. Can you guess?
Another set of keys arrived via UPS this afternoon, right before some guests arrived for a visit. The guests brought a gift certificate for me as a thank you for some stuff I'd done for them. It was an unexpected BIG treat and a done deal so I couldn't refuse. I'll be finishing off all the woodwork that still needs to be completed on my house - and there will probably be more left on the certificate for some new tools!
I'm working my way, sort of speed reading, through the book for the Music Book Group on Sunday. Thursday, I go for a very much needed haircut. I haven't had it cut for nearly six months...gotta look good for PR Sunday!
May my business do as well as the portable toilet business did today!
1 for every 600 attending the inauguration ceremony of Barack Obama, today, in Washington D.C.
They approximate that there were 1.8 million in attendance.
That means that there were approximately 3,000 Port-a-Lets for the inauguration.
Wow!
Now aside from all of that............
Snow, snow, and more. It was STILL snowing today. Wasn't suppose to, but no one told Mother Nature. Not a lot, thankfully. When did this batch start? Sunday? Enough is enough.
THAT envelope went in the mail today. Held my breath and did it. Don't like it.
A set of keys was delivered yesterday. Big job. No bucks until it's picked up next week, but that's okay. The keys were delivered by a middle man. Same guy brought a set a few months ago, acting as a middle man for a still undisclosed technician. I think I know what's up with that. Can you guess?
Another set of keys arrived via UPS this afternoon, right before some guests arrived for a visit. The guests brought a gift certificate for me as a thank you for some stuff I'd done for them. It was an unexpected BIG treat and a done deal so I couldn't refuse. I'll be finishing off all the woodwork that still needs to be completed on my house - and there will probably be more left on the certificate for some new tools!
I'm working my way, sort of speed reading, through the book for the Music Book Group on Sunday. Thursday, I go for a very much needed haircut. I haven't had it cut for nearly six months...gotta look good for PR Sunday!
May my business do as well as the portable toilet business did today!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Up and Down
I've accomplished a little bit over the past two days. So little that I'm feeling rather draggy. The weather has been shiveringly cold. Bitter. And then today it decided to snow. Once again. Yeah, ma, I sure do believe you. It hardly ever snows in Rockport. Right. I shoveled this morning and then, before it turned to sleet, I decided to build a snowman (he's two-sided, facing both the street and the house).
Then the sleet turned to rain and Mr. Snowmanaroundthehouse started a downhill lean.
About two hours before 'A' had to leave for work it started to snow once again. More shoveling. Now everything has a nice thick glaze of ice under the new snow. The drive to Gloucester was challenging. Slick. The roads had been plowed but no salt or sand. I was thankful to get back home. Now I've just got to repeat the trip at 8 p.m.Paperwork. Yesterday I got caught up on the bill paying only to have another one arrive in the mail. I finished filling out the paperwork to mail off to the Department of Transitional Assistance. I hate the thought of putting that envelope in the mail tomorrow. Some of our tax forms have started to arrive. Oh joy, more paperwork. I actually like filling out forms. It's just finding the uninterrupted time to work on them. I do everyone's taxes...three sets. I balanced 'A's checkbook yesterday. She had forgotten to enter two deposits so she ended up with more than four hundred dollars over what she thought. My mom couldn't get her's to balance, so I did it. I don't know what she did wrong - was fine by my calculations.
I painted somewhere over a dozen ivories and started four more. It's cold working down in the cellar. Right now it's only 50°F. My fingers get cold!
And those two dismal news things. Well, one of them is certainly in the process of being resolved. I've decided not to post the pictures unless I okay it with the parties involved. The other will take some time to convince some folks that I have handled the situation.
'A' is in a big time snit. I'm trying to wait it out as discussing anything with her while she's like that is fruitless.
So...that's about all. Now it's back to work. Shoveling, cleaning, and whatever else I can come up with to occupy some time.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
So Now What?
Go find a corner to cry? Seems like a pretty good option though it won't solve anything. I'm trying to remain hopeful, but...
I still have a little key work in the shop and supposedly another four sets arriving - sometime - maybe. I hate that part. Techs call or email and say, "I'll be sending you some keys." Then I wait and wait with no idea when or if they will actually arrive. Sometimes the techs send stuff right away, sometimes they dilly-dally around for a week or two, and other times the job never materializes and they don't bother to let me know. And here I sit.
This past week I had five local business calls. 2 were folks looking to sell their pianos, 2 were price shoppers for tunings that were still "checking around". Either they can't afford a tuning no matter who they talk to or the other tech on the island is charging significantly less than me. I have no way to know. Nor do I have a clever way to find out WHAT he's charging. 1 call was for service on a Pianomation system. I don't do that.
There's a new book group starting at our library. It's the Music Book Group. "Cool, " I thought. The first book to be discussed (on Jan 25) is The Piano Shop on the Left Bank. I read that about 8 years ago, when it first came out. After reading this announcement in the upcoming events in the newspaper, I made a note to attend. I even decided to sign the book out again and refresh my memory on it. A good chance to increase my visibility, right? There was another blurb in the paper, today. Seems the event is co-sponsored by the library and the big music venture in town. I'm not mentioning specifics on that name as I don't want this post to show up in a search on the venue's name. Longtime readers and local readers will know to which music venture I'm referring. Anyway, in the blurb today, it was noted that piano tech Ms. MiddleC would be a special guest. Yeah, yeah, Ms. MiddleC is THE tech for said music venue. We'll just ignore the fact that she's not A LOCAL PIANO TECH. I don't care the least that she is in charge of said venue's piano. It's fine with me. I'm confident she is a more than capable tech. I just feel totally non-existent. Would have been nice for them to acknowledge that I live and work in this town. Well, I'm attending anyway. It will come under the heading of Shameless Self Promotion with Style.
Other than that, there has been at least one piece of really disturbing news. I'm not going to go in to any details at this point. I'm sort of waiting to see what pans out and hoping it will be good before writing about it here. Also there are a few who are trying to 'help' when all the details aren't available to them and it's becoming problematic. Nuff said for now on both.
The countdown is underway for 'A' going to have her lower wisdom teeth extracted. Jan. 28 is the day. I think I'm dreading it more than her. She doesn't 'deal' well and already her behavior is reflecting her 'dealing' problem.
I spent today working on a set of keys (nearly finished - probably tomorrow) and printing more art notecards for craft fair season. I've painted four more necklace ivories and many more are in the works. I balanced my checkbook. Last month it appeared that I might have a couple hundred more than I thought. I couldn't find any mistakes and decided to wait for this month's statement to see what was up. Unfortunately, that appearance of a couple extra hundred quickly vanished. I may have to finish up the paperwork to apply for temporary food assistance. I hate having to do it, but the government hasn't created a "very small business relief" line. I've never been poorer.
That corner is looking pretty good.
I still have a little key work in the shop and supposedly another four sets arriving - sometime - maybe. I hate that part. Techs call or email and say, "I'll be sending you some keys." Then I wait and wait with no idea when or if they will actually arrive. Sometimes the techs send stuff right away, sometimes they dilly-dally around for a week or two, and other times the job never materializes and they don't bother to let me know. And here I sit.
This past week I had five local business calls. 2 were folks looking to sell their pianos, 2 were price shoppers for tunings that were still "checking around". Either they can't afford a tuning no matter who they talk to or the other tech on the island is charging significantly less than me. I have no way to know. Nor do I have a clever way to find out WHAT he's charging. 1 call was for service on a Pianomation system. I don't do that.
There's a new book group starting at our library. It's the Music Book Group. "Cool, " I thought. The first book to be discussed (on Jan 25) is The Piano Shop on the Left Bank. I read that about 8 years ago, when it first came out. After reading this announcement in the upcoming events in the newspaper, I made a note to attend. I even decided to sign the book out again and refresh my memory on it. A good chance to increase my visibility, right? There was another blurb in the paper, today. Seems the event is co-sponsored by the library and the big music venture in town. I'm not mentioning specifics on that name as I don't want this post to show up in a search on the venue's name. Longtime readers and local readers will know to which music venture I'm referring. Anyway, in the blurb today, it was noted that piano tech Ms. MiddleC would be a special guest. Yeah, yeah, Ms. MiddleC is THE tech for said music venue. We'll just ignore the fact that she's not A LOCAL PIANO TECH. I don't care the least that she is in charge of said venue's piano. It's fine with me. I'm confident she is a more than capable tech. I just feel totally non-existent. Would have been nice for them to acknowledge that I live and work in this town. Well, I'm attending anyway. It will come under the heading of Shameless Self Promotion with Style.
Other than that, there has been at least one piece of really disturbing news. I'm not going to go in to any details at this point. I'm sort of waiting to see what pans out and hoping it will be good before writing about it here. Also there are a few who are trying to 'help' when all the details aren't available to them and it's becoming problematic. Nuff said for now on both.
The countdown is underway for 'A' going to have her lower wisdom teeth extracted. Jan. 28 is the day. I think I'm dreading it more than her. She doesn't 'deal' well and already her behavior is reflecting her 'dealing' problem.
I spent today working on a set of keys (nearly finished - probably tomorrow) and printing more art notecards for craft fair season. I've painted four more necklace ivories and many more are in the works. I balanced my checkbook. Last month it appeared that I might have a couple hundred more than I thought. I couldn't find any mistakes and decided to wait for this month's statement to see what was up. Unfortunately, that appearance of a couple extra hundred quickly vanished. I may have to finish up the paperwork to apply for temporary food assistance. I hate having to do it, but the government hasn't created a "very small business relief" line. I've never been poorer.
That corner is looking pretty good.
Monday, January 12, 2009
On Loving Frank
A moment to reflect on one of my latest reads...
Loving Frank is a captivating account of the love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney presented as fiction. Fact in fiction. An elaborately pieced together story based solely on remnants of correspondence, glimpses through Wright's autobiography, and family lore. So close to reality it is hard to distinguish the nuances that must remain labeled fiction. I highly recommend visiting the website for the book. Beautifully designed, a lesson in architecture and it's life in Frank Lloyd Wright. Click on the book cover in the sidebar or go here.
Coincidentally, just the other evening while wading through numerous uninteresting television programs, I stopped on a PBS documentary on the life of Frank Lloyd Wright. Perfect timing!
Loving Frank is a captivating account of the love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney presented as fiction. Fact in fiction. An elaborately pieced together story based solely on remnants of correspondence, glimpses through Wright's autobiography, and family lore. So close to reality it is hard to distinguish the nuances that must remain labeled fiction. I highly recommend visiting the website for the book. Beautifully designed, a lesson in architecture and it's life in Frank Lloyd Wright. Click on the book cover in the sidebar or go here.
Coincidentally, just the other evening while wading through numerous uninteresting television programs, I stopped on a PBS documentary on the life of Frank Lloyd Wright. Perfect timing!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
On My Dime
Yes, this is going to be a big rant. Be forewarned.
It snowed again. About 6 inches, which all in all isn't too devastating. It did require me to get out and shovel. 'A' came out and lent a hand. She's so teeny that I feel like she should have a child's shovel. Not so much for the weight of a shovel full, but the control of that shovel. She has very small, delicate hands and wrists and it takes everything she's got to keep the shovel from spilling it's contents. She did clear off both cars, though, and did a small amount of shoveling around them and the back walk.
So that's the good news.
Just before I went out, the little, articulated plow came around. He cleared our back right of way and proceeded to drive up our back neighbor's looooonnnnnngggggg driveway. At the top he stopped to chat with our big, strong, lobsterman neighbor. THEN he lowered the plow and plowed out the neighbors driveway! This is the DPW! They are chatting it up and doing private plowing on MY TAX DOLLARS. And to add to my utter and complete disgust, anger, frustration, and you name it, I discovered that this same guy had plowed up many of the stones edging my driveway! I'm really angry. Can you tell?
I bundled up and headed out in the snow to start the dreaded shoveling. I cleared my steps and walk in plain view of my strong, lobsterman neighbor who, because of my tax dollars at work, no longer had much driveway clearing to do of his own. Instead of working on my drive, I then went out front, and out of sight of the neighbor, to clear my mom's driveway. I was hoping against all odds that chivalry wasn't truly dead and that I would be pleasantly surprised to return and find at least part of my drive shoveled by said neighbor.
Okay, quit laughing.
I did say hoping against all odds.
Of course he'd not done it. But did he have to shovel out around his truck and throw it all over the fence in to our right of way?
One thing that's useful about me being so angry over this is that the shoveling got done rather quickly. Now when thaw comes, I'll have to repair my drive, which will probably include finding half of it strewn about the right of way.
I wish I could file an anonymous complaint with the town. Not about the driveway damage. That was just salt in the wound - accidents happen, but about the blatant abuse of tax dollars.
It snowed again. About 6 inches, which all in all isn't too devastating. It did require me to get out and shovel. 'A' came out and lent a hand. She's so teeny that I feel like she should have a child's shovel. Not so much for the weight of a shovel full, but the control of that shovel. She has very small, delicate hands and wrists and it takes everything she's got to keep the shovel from spilling it's contents. She did clear off both cars, though, and did a small amount of shoveling around them and the back walk.
So that's the good news.
Just before I went out, the little, articulated plow came around. He cleared our back right of way and proceeded to drive up our back neighbor's looooonnnnnngggggg driveway. At the top he stopped to chat with our big, strong, lobsterman neighbor. THEN he lowered the plow and plowed out the neighbors driveway! This is the DPW! They are chatting it up and doing private plowing on MY TAX DOLLARS. And to add to my utter and complete disgust, anger, frustration, and you name it, I discovered that this same guy had plowed up many of the stones edging my driveway! I'm really angry. Can you tell?
I bundled up and headed out in the snow to start the dreaded shoveling. I cleared my steps and walk in plain view of my strong, lobsterman neighbor who, because of my tax dollars at work, no longer had much driveway clearing to do of his own. Instead of working on my drive, I then went out front, and out of sight of the neighbor, to clear my mom's driveway. I was hoping against all odds that chivalry wasn't truly dead and that I would be pleasantly surprised to return and find at least part of my drive shoveled by said neighbor.
Okay, quit laughing.
I did say hoping against all odds.
Of course he'd not done it. But did he have to shovel out around his truck and throw it all over the fence in to our right of way?
One thing that's useful about me being so angry over this is that the shoveling got done rather quickly. Now when thaw comes, I'll have to repair my drive, which will probably include finding half of it strewn about the right of way.
I wish I could file an anonymous complaint with the town. Not about the driveway damage. That was just salt in the wound - accidents happen, but about the blatant abuse of tax dollars.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Anticipation
By mid-week the forecasters were predicting snow for today. I was alternately relieved that 'A' had the day off so I wouldn't have to worry about driving her to work and cringing at the thought of an entire day relatively housebound. No worries. As per the norm, the forecasters didn't have a clue. My next career is going to be a television meteorologist. Excellent pay and you only have to be right 25% of the time.
Anyway...
By the end of the week they had changed the predictions. Snow would be moving in to our area at 7, 8, 9, or even 10 o'clock, or so, Saturday night and hanging in to dump anywhere from 7 to 10 inches, depending, throughout most of Sunday. Should be moderating to just snow showers by early to mid afternoon on Sunday. Naturally, 'A' is working on Sunday, 3 - 8 p.m.. Do you think the roads will be clear?
Maybe.
This morning 'A' and I headed for the bank, the gas station, and then the mall. I needed to buy packing tape (how exciting) and some photo paper for some 8 X 10 work I'm doing. 'A' bought entertainment. A few CDs and a DVD.
Got home, had lunch, and then took my mom to Ace for a new bedroom doorknob (they didn't have what she wanted) and an outdoor thermometer. Came home and froze my little fingers mounting the thermometer which was reading 24°F. Screws just don't like to go in to frozen pressure treated lumber! Once that was finished (with only one knuckle gouged) we all headed for the library. Both my mom and I each got two books and 'A' got a Beatles anthology CD. A quick stop at a crowded grocery store and it was back home for us. The idea was to park my mom's car well over in her parking area so that I'd be able to use the little snowblower on her drive tomorrow. That didn't happen. The parking area is sheer ice from the frozen drizzle of the other night. I'm afraid that I wouldn't get her car back out of there, 4-wheel drive or not! So I guess it'll be shovel, shovel, shovel tomorrow.
On a positive side are the two books to read. The first is entitled, We Bought a Zoo. The jacket says, "The amazing true story of a young family, a broken down zoo, and the 200 wild animals that change their lives forever." It's by Benjamin Mee. Sounds like a good one. The other is Liberty, by Garrison Keillor. And well, it's Garrison Keillor....and after all the title and me...
So now I'm armed and ready. Bring on the snow!
( although all would be forgiven if it doesn't)
Anyway...
By the end of the week they had changed the predictions. Snow would be moving in to our area at 7, 8, 9, or even 10 o'clock, or so, Saturday night and hanging in to dump anywhere from 7 to 10 inches, depending, throughout most of Sunday. Should be moderating to just snow showers by early to mid afternoon on Sunday. Naturally, 'A' is working on Sunday, 3 - 8 p.m.. Do you think the roads will be clear?
Maybe.
This morning 'A' and I headed for the bank, the gas station, and then the mall. I needed to buy packing tape (how exciting) and some photo paper for some 8 X 10 work I'm doing. 'A' bought entertainment. A few CDs and a DVD.
Got home, had lunch, and then took my mom to Ace for a new bedroom doorknob (they didn't have what she wanted) and an outdoor thermometer. Came home and froze my little fingers mounting the thermometer which was reading 24°F. Screws just don't like to go in to frozen pressure treated lumber! Once that was finished (with only one knuckle gouged) we all headed for the library. Both my mom and I each got two books and 'A' got a Beatles anthology CD. A quick stop at a crowded grocery store and it was back home for us. The idea was to park my mom's car well over in her parking area so that I'd be able to use the little snowblower on her drive tomorrow. That didn't happen. The parking area is sheer ice from the frozen drizzle of the other night. I'm afraid that I wouldn't get her car back out of there, 4-wheel drive or not! So I guess it'll be shovel, shovel, shovel tomorrow.
On a positive side are the two books to read. The first is entitled, We Bought a Zoo. The jacket says, "The amazing true story of a young family, a broken down zoo, and the 200 wild animals that change their lives forever." It's by Benjamin Mee. Sounds like a good one. The other is Liberty, by Garrison Keillor. And well, it's Garrison Keillor....and after all the title and me...
So now I'm armed and ready. Bring on the snow!
( although all would be forgiven if it doesn't)
Friday, January 09, 2009
Published, Again!
Should I consider this to be a good omen of the year to come? My Piano Technician's Journal arrived in the mail, today, and I glanced through it while having my lunch. There it was on page 8, Tips, Tools & Techniques, the piano lifting box that I built. Here's a copy of the page with the other articles hidden.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
I Shall Be Wealthy!
Barack Obama just told me so.
In an unprecendented pre-inauguration speech, Barack Obama just said that those who have worked hard and are responsible will be rewarded.
Wooooooohoooooooo!
Yeah, I know. But can I still have hope?
In an unprecendented pre-inauguration speech, Barack Obama just said that those who have worked hard and are responsible will be rewarded.
Wooooooohoooooooo!
Yeah, I know. But can I still have hope?
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
What To Do...
when there's nothing to do. Why blog, of course. I can't find a darn thing on TV that even keeps my interest for a few minutes. I haven't a good book to read at the moment. I finished reading Water for Elephants (sidebar). It was a little raunchy, but considering the subject matter - circus life in the 1930's - I guess some raunch is to be expected. I liked the book. I enjoyed the play, back and forth, between the narrator's present life and his circus life memories. A really cool ending. I've also finished reading Loving Frank, a fictionalized account of the love affair between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick. More on that another time. I picked up another book for a buck. It sounded good, but not a keeper. Not even a get beyond a few dozen pages. Throw away. Oh, I also read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Turned out to be a young readers book, so reading it was a bit strange. It was an engaging story with a tragic end. I'll get the movie from the library once it is available on DVD.
'A' and I finished the cat tapestry puzzle. 1000 pieces and about 24 X 30. Sorry about the glare on the puzzle from the window. This was a tough one! We're puzzled out for the moment. In a few weeks maybe we'll pick out another one.
Key work has picked up again so I'm happy. Very happy. Really. I LOVE to work. I feel better, loads better, when I keep busy. I'm working on more ivory jewelry, as well.
Got chatting today with a piano tech friend and the discussion turned to talk about growing up in the 60's and, well of course, the Beatles. I mentioned having visited the Cavern Club, in Liverpool, on and for my 11th birthday. Which just happens to be the same date as Paul McCartney's - June 18. So, here's dad and deb on the stage at the Cavern Club, June 18, 1966.
While in Liverpool, I bought the British version of the Rubber Soul album, which I never should have loaned to a high school friend. Never saw it again. So Chris, if you read this, I want my Rubber Soul album back!
I can't figure out the minds of our DPW. Maybe I shouldn't even try! On New Year's Eve we were blasted with about 8 inches of drifting snow and frigid temperatures. The plow came by my back road once. No salt, no sand. I went out and cleared an enormous area behind my truck (and on the road) so that there would be less 'plow-in' when they came back late at night. Certainly they would be back, right? Wrong. New Year's Day I had to shovel out the road that had drifted in waist high! I shoveled and snowblowed, shoveled and snowblowed until there was enough width to get my truck down to the corner of our property and a road that they HAD plowed. My snowblower is a small electric model that will only handle about a six inch snow. Because, like mom promised, "It hardly snows at all in Rockport." Pfft, I DID know better. So today we had a little coating of snow, then some sleet, then a lot of rain. No big deal. They plowed my back road three times! Salted and sanded during the worst of the rain. Huh? It's a hill, it'll all wash away! Now the rain has stopped. A very fine mist is in the air and the temperatures are dropping. The wet porch steps have frozen. The salt and sand truck is nowhere to be seen. Why am I not surprised?
Well, 10 p.m. will be rolling around in just a few. Maybe there will be something of interest on the tube so I'll finish up here and hope. Night, y'all.
'A' and I finished the cat tapestry puzzle. 1000 pieces and about 24 X 30. Sorry about the glare on the puzzle from the window. This was a tough one! We're puzzled out for the moment. In a few weeks maybe we'll pick out another one.Key work has picked up again so I'm happy. Very happy. Really. I LOVE to work. I feel better, loads better, when I keep busy. I'm working on more ivory jewelry, as well.
Got chatting today with a piano tech friend and the discussion turned to talk about growing up in the 60's and, well of course, the Beatles. I mentioned having visited the Cavern Club, in Liverpool, on and for my 11th birthday. Which just happens to be the same date as Paul McCartney's - June 18. So, here's dad and deb on the stage at the Cavern Club, June 18, 1966.
While in Liverpool, I bought the British version of the Rubber Soul album, which I never should have loaned to a high school friend. Never saw it again. So Chris, if you read this, I want my Rubber Soul album back!I can't figure out the minds of our DPW. Maybe I shouldn't even try! On New Year's Eve we were blasted with about 8 inches of drifting snow and frigid temperatures. The plow came by my back road once. No salt, no sand. I went out and cleared an enormous area behind my truck (and on the road) so that there would be less 'plow-in' when they came back late at night. Certainly they would be back, right? Wrong. New Year's Day I had to shovel out the road that had drifted in waist high! I shoveled and snowblowed, shoveled and snowblowed until there was enough width to get my truck down to the corner of our property and a road that they HAD plowed. My snowblower is a small electric model that will only handle about a six inch snow. Because, like mom promised, "It hardly snows at all in Rockport." Pfft, I DID know better. So today we had a little coating of snow, then some sleet, then a lot of rain. No big deal. They plowed my back road three times! Salted and sanded during the worst of the rain. Huh? It's a hill, it'll all wash away! Now the rain has stopped. A very fine mist is in the air and the temperatures are dropping. The wet porch steps have frozen. The salt and sand truck is nowhere to be seen. Why am I not surprised?
Well, 10 p.m. will be rolling around in just a few. Maybe there will be something of interest on the tube so I'll finish up here and hope. Night, y'all.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Move
Naw, I'm not moving. We decided to try an experiment in hopes of saving some money this winter. My mom lives adjacent to 'A' and me. Sort of like adjoining rooms in a hotel. Each household has it's own kitchen, baths, bedrooms, living room, etc. I guess it's best described as adjoining apartments. All utilities are separate except water and oil. Those utilities we split down the middle as both apartments are pretty much the same size. However, mom's den, kitchen, dining room and living room all have cathedral ceilings. That's a lot of hot air migrating up there when we'd rather pay for it at 'our' level. So since my mom's bedroom and bath are at the end of the hallway nearest my apartment, we decided to try blocking off the rest of her place. We've turned the heat down to 50°F in the closed off end. Of course that means the heat level for her bed and bath are running from that low thermostat. We're hoping that by leaving the door open from my living quarters some of my heat will migrate and 'subsidize' the heat in her bed and bath.
So mom has moved in with us. For about two and a half months. If it works. And if it saves enough money to be worth the inconvenience.
So mom has moved in with us. For about two and a half months. If it works. And if it saves enough money to be worth the inconvenience.
the blocked hallway
Saturday, January 03, 2009
I Am So Out of Touch
old train ironworkI've been feeling that way for some time now. The more I hear and see the more convinced I am that I somehow don't quite fit with things anymore. A new online acquaintance and I touched on this subject just about a week ago. In our brief discussion I mentioned how much I enjoy owning, and using, a hand-crank radio. I absolutely love pumping a player piano. I gain pleasure in waving to folks I know. I try my best to be considerate of other drivers on the road, folks in line, other pedestrians on the sidewalk. I don't understand being tied to a cell phone or text messaging while hanging out with my friends. I have one credit card and it does everything I need it to do, and that's not often. I've never owned a house with more than 2,000 sq. ft. nor a luxury car. My living quarters have always been comfortable and filled with carefully chosen pieces and family items. No Rooms to Go for me. My vehicles have been dependable for getting me from one place to another (most of the time). I find more enjoyment in discovering unique and creative things than in elegant functions. Hidden treasures. I'd rather own things that I take care of and, if they break, I can fix them rather than throw away and buy new. I just watched a TV show where a couple was looking for a vacation home. They paid 1.5 million for a 5,000 sq. ft. VACATION home for TWO PEOPLE! Heck, I wouldn't want to have to take care of it! And what ever happened to young couple buying 'starter homes'? Now they want at least three bedrooms, three baths, an office, a 'guys' room, and more. Speaking of TV. I'm perfectly happy with my 19" color set and basic cable. I agree that flat screens are cool, but only because they are less aesthetically intrusive. If and when my 19" plain old set gives up, I guess I'll buy a flat screen, but no bigger please. Surround sound? Really, why? iPod? mp3? not me. I did give in a buy an inexpensive digital camera.
In business, I want to do what is best for my customer, not my pocketbook. Don't ever ask me to sell something I don't believe in or to convince a customer that they need what I know they don't. I'm on time to my appointments and when I enter a customer's house, I remove my shoes. Especially with rain and snow!
I give when I can and try to take very little.
I try to be a good neighbor. Helpful, quiet, sociable.
I am so out of touch.
End of an Era
Those are the words from QRS Music in Buffalo, NY as they cease production of piano rolls at the Buffalo facility. Read the story here in the Buffalo News.
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/538967.html
Yes, new piano rolls will still be available through QRS for some time and also through the many small roll cutters around the country.
Just a shame, though.
It hasn't been good news for the player piano industry for a couple weeks. On Christmas Day, Durrell Armstrong, founder and president of Player Piano Supply Company, died of a heart attack. The business will remain open, at least on a temporary basis. There has been no indication of the long term plans.
http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/538967.html
Yes, new piano rolls will still be available through QRS for some time and also through the many small roll cutters around the country.
Just a shame, though.
It hasn't been good news for the player piano industry for a couple weeks. On Christmas Day, Durrell Armstrong, founder and president of Player Piano Supply Company, died of a heart attack. The business will remain open, at least on a temporary basis. There has been no indication of the long term plans.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happiest of New Years
To all of you.
And here snow and more snow and now it's blowing a moderate gale. I shoveled this morning. I shovel this afternoon while 'A' got herself ready for work. At 2:30 the three of us headed out to take her. Our road was miserable, of course. We got to Main Street and although conditions were not spectacular, they were acceptable enough to make the trip to Stop & Shop. Since the storm would be over (at least the snow part of it) by early evening, picking 'A' up from work at 8 p.m. would be an okay trip.
Back to the trip out...we made it exactly one half block on Main Street and we came to a stop behind a line of vehicles. There were blue flashing lights ahead and some kind of large semi-stationary object in the middle of the road. Oh yeah, the 'horn' had gone off a short while back. Rockport has a horn system for emergencies (ambulance, volunteer fire, school closings, accidents, etc.). I had heard the ambulance horn (3 blasts) and the traffic emergency (1, 4 or 4,1 I can't remember right now). So with only a few options, those being sit there waiting for whatever to get cleared up, turn around and go the long way with many hills and curves, or turn on to Dodd's Lane and go home, we opted for home. 'A' called work and told them sorry, but we can't get there, there seemed to be a major accident.
Before it went dark, I went out and shoveled again. Tomorrow I'll have to re-shovel the back walk and cellar bulkhead and the deck. Then we'll head to our friend's house, the friend vacationing in the Barbados (how unfair this is becoming) and shovel his place out. I'll probably have to do some clean-up shoveling of our two drives because the darn wind has changed direction and everything is drifting back in - only the opposite way.
Now, tonight is Rockport's New Year's Eve celebration. Lots of music and whatnot at over a dozen locations in town, including one venue that is in a tent in the town parking lot. HAH. It's blowing a gale outside and temperatures are dropping. Quickly. Should be around 9°F by midnight with a windchill of -7°F or below. Needless to say. Well, it's needless but here goes.
I won't be there.
This is the first time I haven't attended in 7 New Years. Oh well, it's really not much fun when you have to freeze alone amid hundreds of people, ya know. So I'll cozy up with my latest reading, maybe until midnight if I can stay awake. I listen to the wind howl from the warmth of my bed.
May you all have a wonderful, peaceful, and prosperous 2009.
(picture is of our garden shed - hibernating!)
How Stupid Can They Be?
No surprise it's snowing. No surprise 'A' is supposed to be at work at 3 p.m., during the height of the storm, of course. By that time winds should be gusting to around 55 mph blowing the accumulated 5 - 6 inches of snow.
And I suppose it should be no surprise that the DPW, in their vast amount of wisdom, sent a sand/salt truck down our street spewing it's mixture on top of 2 inches of snow. No more than 5 minutes later followed by the plow, which neatly removed all that sand/salt to the edge of the road.
So much for watching the budget. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Short Odd Ends
Butterfly puzzleAs I've been cruising around reading various blogs over the past few weeks, I decided to make note of some of the more interesting word verification words. As advance fun, I suggest we come up with creative definitions for some of these 'words'. They are: Mushwore, Arbish, Papteded, Artigi, Anonise, Fractat, Whersup, Blevano, Plaucin, Euphish, Mallata, and Hecte.
May I start with: Mushwore - a fungal disease, Artigi - a really super South Pacific island, Anonise - speaking anonymously, Whersup - similar to whassup? but location specific, Plaucin - little known French Impressionist.
Interestingly, Mallata and Hecte didn't set off the spell check.
'A' and I headed for Bed, Bath, and Beyond today to exchange a blanket for my mom. We had mistakenly bought her a down blanket when she had wanted a down alternative blanket. Don't know what the alternative is but it says it's in there. Anyway, we had a Rock & Roll journey. The round trip included old favorites such as Louie, Louie and Wild Thing. Then Chuck Berry performing Sweet Little Sixteen, Roll Over Beethoven, Reelin' and Rockin', Mabelline, Johnny B. Goode, and School Day (?), among a lot of others.
Picked up my last check at Tuck's. A measly 3.5 hours. Used my Christmas bonus...$25 of 'Tuck's Bucks' and bought another 1000 piece puzzle, some envelopes and a card. The puzzle is of a floral filled cat tapestry. It will be the last puzzle before I start on income taxes for us all. I need the table!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Latest Reading
A few nights ago, I finished reading The Shack. I'm almost at a loss for words on this one. Really not my type of story, yet obviously it held my interest. I did finish it. The tale starts out quite everyday-ish and then quickly progresses in to a very personal spiritual journey. Yet this is fiction. The main character, Mack, meets up with Papa (God as a black woman), his/her son Jesus (Mack relates to him the easiest), and Sarayu (holy ghost/spirit) who then work to enlighten Mack while showing him that his grief and guilt can be overcome. That weekend spent at the shack with the Trinity comprises the bulk of the story. It has some cute commentary as Mack tries to relate to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The ending is predictable with a slight twist.
Not a favorite as casual reading. Do I recommend it? I don't know. I guess the best thing you can do is check out the website if you're curious (click on the picture of the book in the sidebar). Decide for yourself.
Not a favorite as casual reading. Do I recommend it? I don't know. I guess the best thing you can do is check out the website if you're curious (click on the picture of the book in the sidebar). Decide for yourself.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Just Wondering
How come there are three partially used rolls of toilet paper in our bathroom? And not one of them is on the holder! Count 'em. One on the edge of the tub (the largest-papa bear), one balancing on the holder (mama bear), one on the back of the toilet (baby bear).
Yeah, I'm tired. I think I'll go read. I finished The Shack, now I'm reading Water for Elephants. Reports someday. Night night.
Yeah, I'm tired. I think I'll go read. I finished The Shack, now I'm reading Water for Elephants. Reports someday. Night night.
Trudging to the New Year
It just has to be a better one, doesn't it?
We got through today. It didn't look promising to begin with, but time moves on. I've got a set of keys just about finished. Wait a minute.
Make that finished.
I worked on them this morning, took 'A' to work for 12:30. Came home and had a quick bite for lunch and then headed out to my 1:30 tuning. Stopped in Gloucester to put gas in the truck. Thank goodness prices are lower. Unfortunately, I was cash poor and had to spend a ten from my Christmas money. At least it bought me what a twenty would have not so long ago.
Arrived at Mrs. Artsylady's house after surviving the attempts on my life by three drivers who each decided to ignore that I was on the road. Mrs. Artsylady lives in a modest home filled with original paintings and sculptures and boasts a spectacular ocean view. The beast was waiting for me. The piano, not Mrs. Artsylady! The beast is a three year old Steinway Model K. There is absolutely no good way to approach it other than several times over! Nothing stays where you try to put it, at least not on the first try. There are some areas requiring massive compromises, distracting overtones, and to add to the misery a mute rail to get out of the way. But Mrs. Artsylady is nice and quiet and stays out of the way, so I can curse at the beast under my breath and get the job done. Takes some extra time, that beast.
I got back home slightly after three and that's when I finished up the key work. Once that was done, I heated up some leftovers for dinner for mom and myself. Cleaned up and headed out the door to pick up 'A' at work.
Another day gone. And a Friday. It always seems like Friday. Tomorrow I'll call and tell the other tech that his keys are finished. Hopefully he'll arrange to pick them up on Monday. More money in the bank! Yippee, the IRS will be wanting it's cut come the new year.
We got through today. It didn't look promising to begin with, but time moves on. I've got a set of keys just about finished. Wait a minute.
Make that finished.
I worked on them this morning, took 'A' to work for 12:30. Came home and had a quick bite for lunch and then headed out to my 1:30 tuning. Stopped in Gloucester to put gas in the truck. Thank goodness prices are lower. Unfortunately, I was cash poor and had to spend a ten from my Christmas money. At least it bought me what a twenty would have not so long ago.
Arrived at Mrs. Artsylady's house after surviving the attempts on my life by three drivers who each decided to ignore that I was on the road. Mrs. Artsylady lives in a modest home filled with original paintings and sculptures and boasts a spectacular ocean view. The beast was waiting for me. The piano, not Mrs. Artsylady! The beast is a three year old Steinway Model K. There is absolutely no good way to approach it other than several times over! Nothing stays where you try to put it, at least not on the first try. There are some areas requiring massive compromises, distracting overtones, and to add to the misery a mute rail to get out of the way. But Mrs. Artsylady is nice and quiet and stays out of the way, so I can curse at the beast under my breath and get the job done. Takes some extra time, that beast.
I got back home slightly after three and that's when I finished up the key work. Once that was done, I heated up some leftovers for dinner for mom and myself. Cleaned up and headed out the door to pick up 'A' at work.
Another day gone. And a Friday. It always seems like Friday. Tomorrow I'll call and tell the other tech that his keys are finished. Hopefully he'll arrange to pick them up on Monday. More money in the bank! Yippee, the IRS will be wanting it's cut come the new year.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Now That All Is Said and Done
I might just skip over Christmas next year. Well, I guess I mean no big to-do. Why, you may wonder? Well, it seems to have fallen upon my shoulders to make sure everything about the day (and the eve) happen as the other two in the house think it should. This year shopping was a nightmare with limited lists and mom's jumping the gun on everyone else leaving not much left, list-wise, to buy. New lists were created and my daughter, 'A', and I finished shopping in plenty of time... for mom to decide that she wasn't thrilled with her purchases and wasn't there anything else we wanted. And then.........
She got ill.
It started with a backache that physical therapy didn't help (she claims). There was no convincing her that when you exercise muscles that you don't normally use, they are going to ache. Oh well. She scheduled her self for some cortisone injections.
Then her brother died and that spiraled everything down hill. I do empathize. Really, I do. But I have a low tolerance for the constant loud sighs and juvenile behavior that accompanies her 'illness'. She says she needs someone to take care of her. Her doc put her on some medication that evidently caused dizziness. Now she's trying another type and is not much better. I did get her up to the pain management clinic in Newburyport for her shots on Thursday. She was fine that day. Anyway, over the past nearly two weeks she had me leave work early to take her to the doctor (they said she was fine) and then take the day off this past Monday because she felt dizzy and pretty much stayed in bed for the day. She says she's trying. I'm sure Tuck's wasn't happy about being a clerk short on the Monday, three days before Christmas, after a three day weekend storm. My bank account isn't happy, either.
Christmas Eve rolled around and the gifts went under the tree.
It's my job to arrange them and then play Santa in the morning. This year two of our normal guests went away for three weeks to cruise the Barbados (yes, oh please, I want that!) They stopped by last week, before they left, and regifted some Jelly Bellies. We are in charge of taking care of their house. The mail and such. Yesterday I had to shovel out the three day's worth of snowfall at their house. Oh MY back! My mom called her friend (our other usual Christmas dinner guest) and canceled with her. Still, I did have a special Christmas dinner to execute for just the three of us. Last year I had promised 'A' that I would make Cito's Special this year and she has patiently waited. It's an all day ordeal that I did get finished yesterday amid the errands, banking, getting 'A' to work and back, shoveling, and working on piano keys. Today I finished the topping while 'A' peeled carrots and potatoes. Thank goodness that 'A' found it within herself to pitch in and help out. She hates cooking from scratch!
Now all is done and cleaned up but the leftovers. Mom is resting on the sofa (last I checked) reading a book. 'A' and I worked on a new jigsaw puzzle for a little while. Mom's canceled guest stopped by with some home-baked cookies. We have an entire pecan pie to eat, too! Tomorrow the world goes back to normal (or semi, considering the mall madness that will probably be occurring without us). 'A' will be back at work and I've got a tuning job. I'm hoping mom will feel a little better tomorrow. I keep hoping. Spring is usually the only cure and that's way too far away.
(afterword - I don't mean to complain 'bout mom so much. She's never had to manage on her own...ever. Seems like all I've done for my adult life is manage on my own. I'm tired.)
She got ill.
It started with a backache that physical therapy didn't help (she claims). There was no convincing her that when you exercise muscles that you don't normally use, they are going to ache. Oh well. She scheduled her self for some cortisone injections.
Then her brother died and that spiraled everything down hill. I do empathize. Really, I do. But I have a low tolerance for the constant loud sighs and juvenile behavior that accompanies her 'illness'. She says she needs someone to take care of her. Her doc put her on some medication that evidently caused dizziness. Now she's trying another type and is not much better. I did get her up to the pain management clinic in Newburyport for her shots on Thursday. She was fine that day. Anyway, over the past nearly two weeks she had me leave work early to take her to the doctor (they said she was fine) and then take the day off this past Monday because she felt dizzy and pretty much stayed in bed for the day. She says she's trying. I'm sure Tuck's wasn't happy about being a clerk short on the Monday, three days before Christmas, after a three day weekend storm. My bank account isn't happy, either.
Christmas Eve rolled around and the gifts went under the tree.
It's my job to arrange them and then play Santa in the morning. This year two of our normal guests went away for three weeks to cruise the Barbados (yes, oh please, I want that!) They stopped by last week, before they left, and regifted some Jelly Bellies. We are in charge of taking care of their house. The mail and such. Yesterday I had to shovel out the three day's worth of snowfall at their house. Oh MY back! My mom called her friend (our other usual Christmas dinner guest) and canceled with her. Still, I did have a special Christmas dinner to execute for just the three of us. Last year I had promised 'A' that I would make Cito's Special this year and she has patiently waited. It's an all day ordeal that I did get finished yesterday amid the errands, banking, getting 'A' to work and back, shoveling, and working on piano keys. Today I finished the topping while 'A' peeled carrots and potatoes. Thank goodness that 'A' found it within herself to pitch in and help out. She hates cooking from scratch!Now all is done and cleaned up but the leftovers. Mom is resting on the sofa (last I checked) reading a book. 'A' and I worked on a new jigsaw puzzle for a little while. Mom's canceled guest stopped by with some home-baked cookies. We have an entire pecan pie to eat, too! Tomorrow the world goes back to normal (or semi, considering the mall madness that will probably be occurring without us). 'A' will be back at work and I've got a tuning job. I'm hoping mom will feel a little better tomorrow. I keep hoping. Spring is usually the only cure and that's way too far away.
(afterword - I don't mean to complain 'bout mom so much. She's never had to manage on her own...ever. Seems like all I've done for my adult life is manage on my own. I'm tired.)
Monday, December 22, 2008
A Letter...
lifted directly from Letter to the editor of the GDT.
Dear government Santa: Where's my bailout?
Dear United States government,
Where's my bailout money?
Normally this time of year I would write a letter to Santa for things that I want under my Christmas tree, but, for things such as this, Santa actually holds more accountability than you do. Let's see, I think about $20 million will do. I figure you wouldn't miss that amount of money out of the more than $1 trillion that you will give away.
Since I have to tell Santa how I was good this year in order to get presents, I thought I would do the same to you. I haven't given out any shady mortgages to people who can't afford them and have bad credit history and have forged paperwork like the big mortgage lending companies did. I haven't run a bad business model such as The Big Three auto makers have, where the unions have outrageous benefits packages where the auto makers are forced to pay benefits and pensions to generations of retired workers.
I also figure that I will spend the money much more wisely than the hundreds of billions that will eventually be unaccounted for when that money is eventually used for corporate bonuses and kickback scandals. I figure an honest, hardworking taxpayer such as myself, who followed all the banking rules when I bought my house that I could afford, deserves a reward from my government instead of those who broke the law and lived beyond their means.
I also think that money you give me will be more wisely spent on the local economy, thus expanding the economy of the North Shore and Cape Ann. I'll tell you what, I'll actually give you the receipts of what I bought with my bailout money-this will automatically give me more accountability than The Big Three auto makers, Freddie Mac or AIG.
This American government has taught me well. If you break the law, squander money and follow bad business models, the American taxpayers will just give you their money. It's that easy. So if you could take just another few more million dollars of their hard-earned money and just give it to me this Christmas, I promise they won't notice.
One last thing, can you lower my mortgage rate as well-just like you are doing for all the others who paid a lower rate than me when they were paying a subprime rate? Now their rate is higher than mine and your(sic) bailing them out by lowering their rates and putting off their foreclosures?
As they say, I'll be waiting for the check in the mail under my tree. Merry Christmas to you, United States government!
D_____B______
Gloucester
Dear government Santa: Where's my bailout?
Dear United States government,
Where's my bailout money?
Normally this time of year I would write a letter to Santa for things that I want under my Christmas tree, but, for things such as this, Santa actually holds more accountability than you do. Let's see, I think about $20 million will do. I figure you wouldn't miss that amount of money out of the more than $1 trillion that you will give away.
Since I have to tell Santa how I was good this year in order to get presents, I thought I would do the same to you. I haven't given out any shady mortgages to people who can't afford them and have bad credit history and have forged paperwork like the big mortgage lending companies did. I haven't run a bad business model such as The Big Three auto makers have, where the unions have outrageous benefits packages where the auto makers are forced to pay benefits and pensions to generations of retired workers.
I also figure that I will spend the money much more wisely than the hundreds of billions that will eventually be unaccounted for when that money is eventually used for corporate bonuses and kickback scandals. I figure an honest, hardworking taxpayer such as myself, who followed all the banking rules when I bought my house that I could afford, deserves a reward from my government instead of those who broke the law and lived beyond their means.
I also think that money you give me will be more wisely spent on the local economy, thus expanding the economy of the North Shore and Cape Ann. I'll tell you what, I'll actually give you the receipts of what I bought with my bailout money-this will automatically give me more accountability than The Big Three auto makers, Freddie Mac or AIG.
This American government has taught me well. If you break the law, squander money and follow bad business models, the American taxpayers will just give you their money. It's that easy. So if you could take just another few more million dollars of their hard-earned money and just give it to me this Christmas, I promise they won't notice.
One last thing, can you lower my mortgage rate as well-just like you are doing for all the others who paid a lower rate than me when they were paying a subprime rate? Now their rate is higher than mine and your(sic) bailing them out by lowering their rates and putting off their foreclosures?
As they say, I'll be waiting for the check in the mail under my tree. Merry Christmas to you, United States government!
D_____B______
Gloucester
Sunday, December 21, 2008
First Day of Winter
Okay, I've had enough winter weather. We had the big snowfall of Friday. It managed to drag itself into Saturday. It never really stopped snowing although it did lighten up. We had a one hour break this morning and then it was at it again. This time, after dumping 5 inches, it changed to rain and then sleet. I got absolutely drenched through shoveling the snow and slush before it all froze in place. Temperatures have dropped from the mid 30s to the teens. The wind is howling from the west this time. All the slush and snow left on the ground has frozen solid. The town hasn't done much of a job with plowing. The worst job I've seen in the seven winters I've been back (at least in our neighborhood). No salt or even sand on our street yet. My body aches all over from three days of snow removal...and oh yeah, I walked to work and back home today.
How many more days until Spring? Somewhere around 90? sigh
Friday, December 19, 2008
Winter Adventure
that I could have lived without....
There was no getting around the fact the we were to get 8 to 12 inches of snow today. Not one of my better days! Before I left for my morning tuning, 'A' had a call from her job asking if she could come in earlier than scheduled. 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. ( instead of 3 - 8). I liked this a lot more than the anticipated 8 p.m. drive in the snow covered world to pick her up. The snow was due to begin at 2 p.m. and continue through the night. The heaviest to be about 3 - 9 p.m. in our area.
On cue the snow started at 2 p.m. (well, a few minutes before) and got a bit heavier by three. I decided that I wanted to make my first snow sojourn in mom's new car in the daylight. Just a few minutes before 4 p.m. I bundled up and headed out to clear off her car. She has 4 wheel drive on demand. Much better than my little truck, even with it's extra 300 pounds over the rear axle. Mom rode along to keep me company (and shriek inappropriately just to try my patience). We made slow but steady progress to Stop & Shop using 'the long way 'round' to the traffic light rather than venture down the steep incline of Barn Lane. The roads were hardly plowed leaving a few packed inches of hard, icy stuff on top of the pavement and even with the 'on demand', corners and hills (and corners and hills together) required evenly tempered driving. We were parked in the partially plowed lot by 4:20, a mere 15 minutes longer than usual for the drive!
Mom and I went in to let 'A' know we had arrived and to pick up a couple items. A half hour wait sitting on the bench inside the store and then it was time to pack it up, steady the nerves, and head home.
The wind was howling. The car windshield had iced up. I ran around scraping and then got the defroster running to clear the rest of the window. We were off at a whopping 20 mph! The state plow trucks were lined up in their usual positions at 'the light' in Gloucester. We cleared them and took the turn on to Eastern Avenue. So far so good! As we approached the slight hill and curve nearing the 'other' supermarket, we caught up with a small pick up truck. I kept a good distance behind him as he fishtailed his way up the slight incline. Oh, how I hoped he wasn't going too far. How on earth would he ever make it up Great Hill? I was figuring even we would have to have a little running start and that's not easy due to the curve at the bottom.
He inched and swerved along at 10 mph. I kept about 4 car length's behind him. As we entered an area of road called Nugent Stretch, Mr. Pick Up lost his bearings and ran off the road. It was impossible to determine the actual edge and he got caught in a large rutted area just off the pavement. It all looked the same snowy whiteness! (note: When driving in these conditions, I try to aim for as close to mid road as possible. When there is oncoming traffic I stay just far enough in my lane to miss them but not get myself too far to the edge) I let our car slow without making any abrupt movements and by the time I caught up with him, he was back on snow covered pavement. His near disaster must have rattled him. We were now creeping along at 5 mph! I returned to my hanging back position. There was a line of several cars behind me. The car immediately to my rear got fed up and passed me and Mr. Pick Up. In the snow filled haze ahead we could see the glow of oncoming headlights. I can only imagine what that driver must have been wondering, seeing lights coming head-on! Thankfully, there was just enough time and distance for Mr. Inahurry to get back in his lane. Mr Pick Up inched along. I thought certainly he would try to gradually gain a little speed for the upcoming Great Hill. When it became evident he wasn't going to run for it, I held way back to give myself running room before catching up with him. Up ahead I could see him start the long hill. Just before my turn at Great Hill, I inched my speed up to 15 mph. Our car was going along nicely. No swerving, no spinning tires, just a gently controlled climb. Mr Pick Up's taillights appeared a car length in front of us. He was still struggling along at minimal speed. Way too slow for the hill left ahead of him. He tried giving the truck more gas and only succeeded in massively fishtailing the rear of his truck. He appeared to over-steer and promptly found himself off the edge of the road once again. We were gaining on him and I had to ease off the gas pedal. I didn't want to have to stop. We'd never get going again! Fortunately, by the time we neared Mr. Pick Up he had skidded to a safe stop, mostly off the road. There was a line of traffic coming down the hill from the opposite direction. I held my breath that the lead truck in that line had his vehicle well in control and continued up through the narrow lane left behind Mr. Pick Up. As I crested Great Hill I knew there was only one bad spot left. The curve on the descent. As I shifted in to a lower gear, I checked my rearview mirror. I'd picked up another tailgater. Why are people so stupid?
We negotiated the decline and I gave Mr. Tailgater plenty of notice with my directional that I was going to be slowing down to make a left turn. If there were oncoming traffic, I'd have to stop. I hoped he was paying attention. We came upon our street and there were no oncoming headlights showing so I eased myself towards the center of the road so that if Mr. Tailgater couldn't stop or slow down, he could get by me rather than rear end me! Our road hadn't been plowed but the drifting snow had made it's own lane down the center of the street. No problems with that.
Pulling in to our driveway never felt so good.
The wind continues to howl like a high-speed train past our house, the snow continues to fly. The shoveling shall wait until morning.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Happy Holidays
A Christmas gift for all of you.
A do it yourself baking project!
Tea Scones
Sift together 1.25 cups flour, 1.25 teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Combine .25 lb of margarine and 2 Tablespoons sugar, rub in to flour mixture.
Mix together 1 egg and .50 cups of milk. Add to flour mixture. Dough should be light and not sticky (lightly floured). Shape in to scone and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for 10 - 15 minutes.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Contrasts
It shaping up to be a nasty week, yet in the midst of it all work has picked up. I can't enjoy it though. Because of the rest. On Monday at work, I got at call from my mom. She wasn't feeling well and wanted me to take her to the doctor. She had canceled her appointment with the back specialist - another problem she/we are dealing with - sort of. Anyway, I got out of work, juggled picking 'A' up from her work during the doctor visit, got mom home, went back to work. All in all I missed 2.5 hours! Doctor couldn't find anything wrong. She has rescheduled her back doctor for Thursday and I'll have to drive her there. That'll do in an entire morning!
As I said, work has picked up. I had a set of keys arrive on Saturday from New Orleans. I worked extra long hours and they will get shipped back tomorrow. I had two jobs today. One was a minor adjustment and some troubleshooting. No charge as this is a good customer. The other was one of 'my' church pianos. I do those as tithe. A new customer tuning tomorrow. That's in the morning. A meeting at Friendly's in the mid-afternoon to pick up a set of keys for a big job. Another tuning booked for Friday morning when we are to have a big snowstorm. I guess we're due. We got nothing of the mess of ice storm that the rest of northern New England had last week. At least the tuning is nearby. I could walk to it if the driving were to be too treacherous.
I've forgotten to mention Saturday's holiday fair. I didn't make much money, but at least I didn't lose any on the table rental. Five necklaces and one package of notecards sold. I'd do it there again. People are starting to remember I've been doing them and that helps the word-of-mouth business. Several people said that either I should be an exhibiting member of the art association or have a gallery in town. I'll admit to enjoying the ego boost! Guess that was worth the small profit.
But the worst of the week. Today my uncle died. Yes, he was 92. I'm pretty sure he was ready. The rest of us not so much. He'll be buried at the Bourne National Cemetery. He'll join my aunt. My dad is there, as well. I guess we won't be at the funeral. We should be. Mom's back pain and her illness are the major reasons we won't be there.
I hope tomorrow is a better day.
As I said, work has picked up. I had a set of keys arrive on Saturday from New Orleans. I worked extra long hours and they will get shipped back tomorrow. I had two jobs today. One was a minor adjustment and some troubleshooting. No charge as this is a good customer. The other was one of 'my' church pianos. I do those as tithe. A new customer tuning tomorrow. That's in the morning. A meeting at Friendly's in the mid-afternoon to pick up a set of keys for a big job. Another tuning booked for Friday morning when we are to have a big snowstorm. I guess we're due. We got nothing of the mess of ice storm that the rest of northern New England had last week. At least the tuning is nearby. I could walk to it if the driving were to be too treacherous.
I've forgotten to mention Saturday's holiday fair. I didn't make much money, but at least I didn't lose any on the table rental. Five necklaces and one package of notecards sold. I'd do it there again. People are starting to remember I've been doing them and that helps the word-of-mouth business. Several people said that either I should be an exhibiting member of the art association or have a gallery in town. I'll admit to enjoying the ego boost! Guess that was worth the small profit.But the worst of the week. Today my uncle died. Yes, he was 92. I'm pretty sure he was ready. The rest of us not so much. He'll be buried at the Bourne National Cemetery. He'll join my aunt. My dad is there, as well. I guess we won't be at the funeral. We should be. Mom's back pain and her illness are the major reasons we won't be there.
I hope tomorrow is a better day.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Seventy-nine
Dear Santa,
This Christmas I want work. I'll take it as an early gift and please continue it in to next year. I have worked extra diligently this year. I've kept busy with the piano business and I started a part time art business. I even took on a two day per week retail job. The piano business had it's normal earnings months and it had some exceptional months over the past year. The 'art' and retail jobs were just to supplement my income because so much more money was being used up for everyday expenses. Particularly food and fuel. Those two items ate up nearly everything that normally I could have saved. In June, my mom took us on a three day vacation to the mountains. The only extra money I spent was for eating out while we were there. This year has been tight. Just as there seemed to be a slight improvement with gasoline prices dropping, business also fell off. I checked my books from last December to discover a 79% decrease in business December, this year. I have four days of work left at Tuck's and one small crafts fair.
Please bring work, Santa.
deb
This Christmas I want work. I'll take it as an early gift and please continue it in to next year. I have worked extra diligently this year. I've kept busy with the piano business and I started a part time art business. I even took on a two day per week retail job. The piano business had it's normal earnings months and it had some exceptional months over the past year. The 'art' and retail jobs were just to supplement my income because so much more money was being used up for everyday expenses. Particularly food and fuel. Those two items ate up nearly everything that normally I could have saved. In June, my mom took us on a three day vacation to the mountains. The only extra money I spent was for eating out while we were there. This year has been tight. Just as there seemed to be a slight improvement with gasoline prices dropping, business also fell off. I checked my books from last December to discover a 79% decrease in business December, this year. I have four days of work left at Tuck's and one small crafts fair.
Please bring work, Santa.
deb
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
H-H-Hollyport
Today was a catch up on stuff day. I was supposed to work at Tuck's but snow (yes, that nasty white stuff) was falling this morning and I got a phone call telling me I wouldn't be needed. Things were sssssssllllllooooooowwwwwwww. So I actually took care of all (well almost all) the paperwork that's been hanging around. I found a long ago put away item that a co-worker would like to have (I'll take it in to work Sunday). I went to the bank and the library after taking 'A' to work. At the library, I picked up three books out of the 'Buck-a-Book' selection. All three are books that I had considered paying full price for over the past half year but had talked myself out of the purchases. At $1.00 each, I'll splurge. Oh, the books are: The Shack by William P. Young, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, and Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. I don't know which I'll begin with yet. All three are New York Times best sellers.
While I was in town I decided to take myself for a walk on Bearskin Neck. I was one of maybe six people out there! It was getting late and it was rather nippy. What I didn't like seeing were so many for sale and for rent signs. One window had a 'Closing After 28 Years' sign.
I had parked on T-Wharf and at the time I'd noticed a few odd looking trailers parked on High Street, next to 'my' church. I drove home up Broadway and discovered 'Hatteras Hotel' was filming at our old police station. I went home and grabbed my camera and headed back to the town parking lot (just for you picture loving readers).
So here they are setting up at the old police station. Adjoining is our central fire station. An interesting point is that our new police station is being utilized in the movie to depict a large metropolitan station and our old to depict a station that would be in keeping with a town our size. Uh huh.
And it quit snowing by noontime. Slightly warmer temps have just about erased all evidence!
While I was in town I decided to take myself for a walk on Bearskin Neck. I was one of maybe six people out there! It was getting late and it was rather nippy. What I didn't like seeing were so many for sale and for rent signs. One window had a 'Closing After 28 Years' sign.
I had parked on T-Wharf and at the time I'd noticed a few odd looking trailers parked on High Street, next to 'my' church. I drove home up Broadway and discovered 'Hatteras Hotel' was filming at our old police station. I went home and grabbed my camera and headed back to the town parking lot (just for you picture loving readers).
So here they are setting up at the old police station. Adjoining is our central fire station. An interesting point is that our new police station is being utilized in the movie to depict a large metropolitan station and our old to depict a station that would be in keeping with a town our size. Uh huh.And it quit snowing by noontime. Slightly warmer temps have just about erased all evidence!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
So Snow...
didn't stop the shoppers. It was pretty busy at work.
Looked out my livingroom door this morning to this...
looked out from behind the counter at Tuck's Candy Factory at this
...our town tree still looked pretty, even if it was snowing.
First snow of the season. I hate snow. Yes, it looks pretty in it's own way. I would be okay with it as long as it could be 80°F while it does it. And no landing on streets or walks. Or vehicles. I had to scrape icy stuff off the windows of my truck before I could leave for home this evening. Cold, blustery and dark on T-Wharf. No gloves (stupid omission this morning).
Looked out my livingroom door this morning to this...
looked out from behind the counter at Tuck's Candy Factory at this
...our town tree still looked pretty, even if it was snowing.
First snow of the season. I hate snow. Yes, it looks pretty in it's own way. I would be okay with it as long as it could be 80°F while it does it. And no landing on streets or walks. Or vehicles. I had to scrape icy stuff off the windows of my truck before I could leave for home this evening. Cold, blustery and dark on T-Wharf. No gloves (stupid omission this morning).
Saturday, December 06, 2008
The Christmas Grump
Don't know what it is about this time of year. Maybe it started years ago with the "be good, Santa's watching" ploy of most parents, maybe it's been amplified by living in the cold of a northern winter when sun and warmth are desired. Maybe it's not having a dad around. Whatever it is, 'A' is an absolutely grumpy and snitty person by the time November rolls around. Seems like it's been every year though I'm sure when she was much younger things were different. There's no getting around it. Confrontation is useless, humor not appreciated. Ignoring solves nothing. Nothing solves anything. It sort of makes it contagious. I used to love the holidays and could hohoho spirit even 'A' merrily along.
Not so much anymore and it makes me grumpier than I'd like. Not that I like being grumpy at all, but being cynical does sometimes cross over. Anyway.............
Today was supposed to be a fun day off. Whatever was I thinking????? 'Tis the season.
The three girls were to travel around checking out a few holiday fairs. 'A' took her sweet time rousing herself this morning. Stalled breakfast. Moped around a bit and then declared she wasn't going.
Fine. As mom and I headed towards the door I heard 'A' comment, "I'll get ready now."
Tough luck, we're ready to go, you are too late, see ya.
Mean, you think? Well, we've been this route for many a year. Doesn't set well with this mom. Will she ever learn? Doubtful.
So mom and I looked at two holiday fairs. The first was too small, out of the way, and not well advertised. The second was too far away and humongous-ly too large! No, I'm really not exaggerating. An entire elementary school crammed full. The cafeteria, two gyms, five classrooms, the library, and eight hallways. Overkill. (yeah, more holiday grump)
When we got home around noon, 'A' cruised downstairs to get some lunch. Still sullen. I reminded her that we needed a trip to the library and asked what time she thought she could be ready. See that cynicism creeping in don't you? Since she thought that 4 p.m. would be a good time, I used MY time wisely tuning my piano (desperately needed) and repairing a drawer glide that had broken in my mom's kitchen. I made a business call to New Orleans and there will be another set of keys arriving the end of the week. 'A' made her appearance at the designated time and I seized the opportunity of her actually DOING SOMETHING by making the library trip a bit more interesting. Sneaky.
This afternoon was the tree lighting ceremony in town. First, at 3:45, Santa arrives on a lobster boat at T-Wharf. He walks, encompassed in a slowly moving mass of children and parents, to Dock Square where there is some fanfare and then the tree is lit for the first time at 4 p.m.. Carols are then sung. So.......since 'A' wanted to buy a newspaper, I suggested that we simply walk, from the library to Tuck's Main Street store, to purchase it. Yay, fresh air and holiday spirit rubbed off just a little. Town was packed like a summer's day. Tuck's was packed like two summer's days! Not a newspaper to be had. Well, drat. Guess that means we'll have to walk to the Rockport Market via Dock Square (wink).
Through throngs of people we could see our town's tree all lit up. Traffic had been blocked for the ceremony and we could waltz down the middle of Main Street.
Tuck's Candy Factory was swarming with shoppers and as we walked by the window looking in at the crowd, I was very glad that I wasn't working! We walked up Broadway behind a young family. A little girl about 5 years old was skipping along swaying a blinking, butterfly adorned wand in her hand. I teased 'A' that she should have one (she loves butterflies). 'A' actually giggled. Our moods were lighter. Rockport Market had a pile of newspapers still on the shelf and we bought ours and headed home. Once back home the lightness faded and Ms. Grump returned. Oh, to survive the holidays!
Not so much anymore and it makes me grumpier than I'd like. Not that I like being grumpy at all, but being cynical does sometimes cross over. Anyway.............
Today was supposed to be a fun day off. Whatever was I thinking????? 'Tis the season.
The three girls were to travel around checking out a few holiday fairs. 'A' took her sweet time rousing herself this morning. Stalled breakfast. Moped around a bit and then declared she wasn't going.
Fine. As mom and I headed towards the door I heard 'A' comment, "I'll get ready now."
Tough luck, we're ready to go, you are too late, see ya.
Mean, you think? Well, we've been this route for many a year. Doesn't set well with this mom. Will she ever learn? Doubtful.
So mom and I looked at two holiday fairs. The first was too small, out of the way, and not well advertised. The second was too far away and humongous-ly too large! No, I'm really not exaggerating. An entire elementary school crammed full. The cafeteria, two gyms, five classrooms, the library, and eight hallways. Overkill. (yeah, more holiday grump)
When we got home around noon, 'A' cruised downstairs to get some lunch. Still sullen. I reminded her that we needed a trip to the library and asked what time she thought she could be ready. See that cynicism creeping in don't you? Since she thought that 4 p.m. would be a good time, I used MY time wisely tuning my piano (desperately needed) and repairing a drawer glide that had broken in my mom's kitchen. I made a business call to New Orleans and there will be another set of keys arriving the end of the week. 'A' made her appearance at the designated time and I seized the opportunity of her actually DOING SOMETHING by making the library trip a bit more interesting. Sneaky.
This afternoon was the tree lighting ceremony in town. First, at 3:45, Santa arrives on a lobster boat at T-Wharf. He walks, encompassed in a slowly moving mass of children and parents, to Dock Square where there is some fanfare and then the tree is lit for the first time at 4 p.m.. Carols are then sung. So.......since 'A' wanted to buy a newspaper, I suggested that we simply walk, from the library to Tuck's Main Street store, to purchase it. Yay, fresh air and holiday spirit rubbed off just a little. Town was packed like a summer's day. Tuck's was packed like two summer's days! Not a newspaper to be had. Well, drat. Guess that means we'll have to walk to the Rockport Market via Dock Square (wink).
Through throngs of people we could see our town's tree all lit up. Traffic had been blocked for the ceremony and we could waltz down the middle of Main Street.
Tuck's Candy Factory was swarming with shoppers and as we walked by the window looking in at the crowd, I was very glad that I wasn't working! We walked up Broadway behind a young family. A little girl about 5 years old was skipping along swaying a blinking, butterfly adorned wand in her hand. I teased 'A' that she should have one (she loves butterflies). 'A' actually giggled. Our moods were lighter. Rockport Market had a pile of newspapers still on the shelf and we bought ours and headed home. Once back home the lightness faded and Ms. Grump returned. Oh, to survive the holidays!
Friday, December 05, 2008
Sorting and Stuff
I was trying to sort through the mass of papers and whatnot that have accumulated near my computer. Photos, articles, diagrams, email addresses, notes about things to check out someday when I have time and never seem to. Check out or have time. I think this is about the fourth time this particular batch of stuff has been sorted, then stacked without getting semi-permanently filed or stored. At least I threw away a pile of stuff. It would help if I had a real office rather than a corner!
I did take the time to scan and enlarge a postcard that I have been hanging on to for years. It's a picture of Rockport harbor and it looked to have the Minoan in the foreground. That's the reason I've been hanging on to it. I think I even moved it with me from Florida. Anyway, today I discovered that it isn't the Minoan.
I also found two photos of my dad and me installing my living room window. It's the last BIG project that we worked on together.
I miss having a project 'buddy'.
I did find the photos I took of the last lot of ivory necklaces for the year. One really nice one is missing. A co-worker at Tuck's bought it the other day, before the photo session!
I went to that tuning today armed with my new #1 tuning tip. I expected it would feel sooo much better on the small pins than my #2 had. Not really, maybe a little, I don't know. I think the pins have become rather rounded off at the top. At least the majority of them. This piano is a 4 foot or less Murdoch grand built in London. Early 20th century, I'm guessing. It needs more help than it will ever receive. Before I even started I had to tighten the lyre bolts. Screech, squeak, squeak, screech as I prepped for tuning. Started tuning without the sound effects but then they started once again. Hmmmmmm, checked the leg bolts. ALL of them were VERY loose! Yikes! Tightened those in a hurry. Tuned, did some minor adjusting to the old Herrburger Brooks action (no reps.) and called it as good as it gets. Came back home and worked on keys.
Saturday should be mostly a fun day. We're going to cruise around checking out some holiday fairs. You never know what I may want to participate in next year.
Sunday, of course, I'll be manning (or womanning) Tuck's Candy Factory by myself AND it's supposed to snow. (I'll take my camera to town with me) Gee, do you think it will be a busy day? Monday and Tuesday (snow again maybe) I'm at the Main St. store.
Then there's still all the sorting that needs to be done. It never ends.
And while I'm thinking of it...
To Do List for Winter 2009...
-finish chapel organ to sell when economy gets better
-finish my player piano
-finish the flooring for my mom (just a small closet left to Pergo)
-create back stock of necklaces for next year's sales
-build a display backdrop
I'm sure there's more but that's a start.
I did take the time to scan and enlarge a postcard that I have been hanging on to for years. It's a picture of Rockport harbor and it looked to have the Minoan in the foreground. That's the reason I've been hanging on to it. I think I even moved it with me from Florida. Anyway, today I discovered that it isn't the Minoan.
I also found two photos of my dad and me installing my living room window. It's the last BIG project that we worked on together.
I miss having a project 'buddy'.
I did find the photos I took of the last lot of ivory necklaces for the year. One really nice one is missing. A co-worker at Tuck's bought it the other day, before the photo session!
I went to that tuning today armed with my new #1 tuning tip. I expected it would feel sooo much better on the small pins than my #2 had. Not really, maybe a little, I don't know. I think the pins have become rather rounded off at the top. At least the majority of them. This piano is a 4 foot or less Murdoch grand built in London. Early 20th century, I'm guessing. It needs more help than it will ever receive. Before I even started I had to tighten the lyre bolts. Screech, squeak, squeak, screech as I prepped for tuning. Started tuning without the sound effects but then they started once again. Hmmmmmm, checked the leg bolts. ALL of them were VERY loose! Yikes! Tightened those in a hurry. Tuned, did some minor adjusting to the old Herrburger Brooks action (no reps.) and called it as good as it gets. Came back home and worked on keys.
Saturday should be mostly a fun day. We're going to cruise around checking out some holiday fairs. You never know what I may want to participate in next year.
Sunday, of course, I'll be manning (or womanning) Tuck's Candy Factory by myself AND it's supposed to snow. (I'll take my camera to town with me) Gee, do you think it will be a busy day? Monday and Tuesday (snow again maybe) I'm at the Main St. store.
Then there's still all the sorting that needs to be done. It never ends.
And while I'm thinking of it...
To Do List for Winter 2009...
-finish chapel organ to sell when economy gets better
-finish my player piano
-finish the flooring for my mom (just a small closet left to Pergo)
-create back stock of necklaces for next year's sales
-build a display backdrop
I'm sure there's more but that's a start.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Some Today, Some Tomorrow?
So yay, almost all of my Christmas shopping is complete. One small gift for mom to go. I even got most of the packages wrapped, leaving the bows for later.
Christmas cards are ready to stamp and mail.
Two boxes arrived today. Late in the day, but here, nevertheless. One box had the tuning tip needed for Friday's tuning job. The other box is the set of keys that were expected.
Still no fall clean-up guy and since the key job hadn't arrived I decided to get some of the raking done myself. Less to pay the guy if he ever shows up. I hate raking leaves. I had already made a huge pile of them a week or so ago and covered the entire pile with a big blue tarp to keep them from redistributing themselves during windy days. 20 large, lawn and leaf bags later and the pile is gone. I ache tonight. All over. Head to foot. Did I mention that I hate raking leaves? Well, I hate bagging them even more. Tomorrow morning I'll work on the keys and when they reach the 'have to wait for glue to dry' stage, I'll go back to............
raking leaves.
Christmas cards are ready to stamp and mail.
Two boxes arrived today. Late in the day, but here, nevertheless. One box had the tuning tip needed for Friday's tuning job. The other box is the set of keys that were expected.
Still no fall clean-up guy and since the key job hadn't arrived I decided to get some of the raking done myself. Less to pay the guy if he ever shows up. I hate raking leaves. I had already made a huge pile of them a week or so ago and covered the entire pile with a big blue tarp to keep them from redistributing themselves during windy days. 20 large, lawn and leaf bags later and the pile is gone. I ache tonight. All over. Head to foot. Did I mention that I hate raking leaves? Well, I hate bagging them even more. Tomorrow morning I'll work on the keys and when they reach the 'have to wait for glue to dry' stage, I'll go back to............
raking leaves.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Yesterdays, Today, Tomorrow Days
So Saturday totally threw off my day calculating. I'm off a day because I worked at Tuck's an extra day, Saturday. I spent from 10 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon wrapping candy canes and ribbon candy in long cellophane sleeves and little satin sticks in cellophane bags. I estimated about 400 candy canes, 30 lbs of ribbon candy and 30 lbs of satin sticks! Believe it or not, it was fun. I got to watch all the crowds come through the factory to watch the candy cane making and ribbon candy making demonstrations and I didn't have to wait on one person!
Sunday I worked by myself at the retail side of the candy factory. It was a calm day. Just enough business that it wasn't too boring and quiet enough that there was time to rest.
Monday I worked at the 'Main' store, retail again.
I really felt the extra day in my shoulders and feet (and brain). Another three day stint next week. Sunday solo at the factory, Monday and Tuesday main store. 'Tis the season.
I finished a dozen more necklaces and redesigned some displays and signage. I'm now a member, albeit a contributing member, of the Rockport Art Association and I needed to include that information in some of the handouts and on my 'Meet the Artist' placard.
A set of keys was due to arrive early this week. Monday came and went. I thought for sure that they would arrive today. I got home after dark (Christmas shopping) and found a large box at my door. It was HEAVY and I could barely maneuver it in through the door. What on earth kind of keys were these, I wondered? I looked at the label to find that the box belonged to the "other number 5". I gave them a call to come retrieve the box, which they did using a wheeled luggage carrier. No keys. Maybe tomorrow.
The fall clean-up guys were supposed to come on Monday. Tuesday if Monday's weather was bad. Hah. Maybe tomorrow?
Christmas shopping should be done. Except.......two little things for mom that I just can't seem to find. And now a return trip to Target because I bought the wrong DVD for 'A'. She wanted WS (widescreen) and I mistakenly bought FS (full screen). I had a brain glitch. I knew she wanted WS. Just what I need in the morning, hauling back to the mall.
On Thanksgiving Eve I had a phone call for a tuning job. A repeat customer with a teeny, old, grand piano they brought from England with them. Brain glitch again. I scheduled the tuning for this Friday, KNOWING that I had never ordered the #1 star tip for my tuning lever that I really DO need to make the tuning job easier and the tuning more stable. (This piano has smaller sized tuning pins than the 'norm'). No problem I thought, I'll place an order by phone, on Friday.
Big problem. Supplier was closed the extra day because of the Thanksgiving holiday. So I called first thing Monday morning and I'm having to pay out extra for 2 day shipping just to be sure I have that #1 tuning tip by Thursday. (I'm building in a buffer day for the order actually getting filled and shipped).
Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Or not.
Sunday I worked by myself at the retail side of the candy factory. It was a calm day. Just enough business that it wasn't too boring and quiet enough that there was time to rest.
Monday I worked at the 'Main' store, retail again.
I really felt the extra day in my shoulders and feet (and brain). Another three day stint next week. Sunday solo at the factory, Monday and Tuesday main store. 'Tis the season.
I finished a dozen more necklaces and redesigned some displays and signage. I'm now a member, albeit a contributing member, of the Rockport Art Association and I needed to include that information in some of the handouts and on my 'Meet the Artist' placard.
A set of keys was due to arrive early this week. Monday came and went. I thought for sure that they would arrive today. I got home after dark (Christmas shopping) and found a large box at my door. It was HEAVY and I could barely maneuver it in through the door. What on earth kind of keys were these, I wondered? I looked at the label to find that the box belonged to the "other number 5". I gave them a call to come retrieve the box, which they did using a wheeled luggage carrier. No keys. Maybe tomorrow.
The fall clean-up guys were supposed to come on Monday. Tuesday if Monday's weather was bad. Hah. Maybe tomorrow?
Christmas shopping should be done. Except.......two little things for mom that I just can't seem to find. And now a return trip to Target because I bought the wrong DVD for 'A'. She wanted WS (widescreen) and I mistakenly bought FS (full screen). I had a brain glitch. I knew she wanted WS. Just what I need in the morning, hauling back to the mall.
On Thanksgiving Eve I had a phone call for a tuning job. A repeat customer with a teeny, old, grand piano they brought from England with them. Brain glitch again. I scheduled the tuning for this Friday, KNOWING that I had never ordered the #1 star tip for my tuning lever that I really DO need to make the tuning job easier and the tuning more stable. (This piano has smaller sized tuning pins than the 'norm'). No problem I thought, I'll place an order by phone, on Friday.
Big problem. Supplier was closed the extra day because of the Thanksgiving holiday. So I called first thing Monday morning and I'm having to pay out extra for 2 day shipping just to be sure I have that #1 tuning tip by Thursday. (I'm building in a buffer day for the order actually getting filled and shipped).
Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Or not.
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