Next Up....Sheet Rock Crew

At about 1:00 this afternoon the insulating crew left after two and a half days of blowing in closed cell insulation. This is incredible stuff as it fills every nook and cranny with it's super insulating powers. I have no doubt that my heating bills will be cut in half with this stuff.

The rockers will be here bright and early Monday morning to dazzle us with their board hanging abilities. They will be followed by the "Bruce and Mike Show". Those two multi talented fellows will do the taping and mudding.

We still have lots to do, but we are happy so far with the progress and the quality of work being performed by the various trades.

Sue is feeling about the same(not that good) but I am confident that the proverbial "rounding the corner" is just up the road a piece.

My friend Scott from Arizona caught the virus that Sue has and I had. As a precaution, please wash your hands after visiting this site!

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Foaming at the Ridge

Day two finished with the insulation installers spraying the last of the foam into walls and ceilings in the living room and dining room.
Saturday, they will return and do the clean up work. That involves scraping down the studs and all flat surfaces so the sheet rock can be attached.



Monday morning, bright and early, the sheet rock crew will be here to begin their job. Bruce and Mike will begin the taping and mudding Wednesday, a job that will take at least the rest of the week.

The painters will work their magic after that.

So far, we are very pleased with the speed, care and skill levels of everyone involved.

After a week, I am feel much better after having some sort of virus. I wish I could say the same for Sue.
She went back to the Doctor today and is remanded to the custody of her bed, or the couch, till next Wednesday. After that, the Doctor will release her to return to work if enough progress is made.

Thursday's snow storm left as fast as it arrived. The highways are all bare and dry and life has returned to normal in that respect. Now I hope for some warm weather to melt this latest round.

Stay tuned for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

We Just Got Foamed!

The insulating guys just left for the day. They said one more day should do it for them.

Here are a few pictures of the insulating job after day one.






Once that job is done, Our contractor Bruce, said they will begin sheet rocking.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

We Passed The Electrical Inspection

Wednesday, the electrician spent the better part of the day doing some wiring repairs and upgrades here at Coyote Ridge.

When the contractor peeled away the walls we discovered some second rate wiring that was promptly replaced. While the master electrician was here, we had him do some upgrades like adding more outlets and organizing our home theatre and HD satellite wires and cables.



Ol'Sparkey also installed boxes in the walls where the speaker wire will come out so we don't have all those exposed wires.

The electrical inspector was very impressed with the work and signed off on the project.

Thursday, the insulation installers will be here to shoot the walls and ceiling with the closed cell insulation. This super high R value foam will enclose and seal out all the elements and cut our energy bills in half.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Blizzard!

It is still winter here in Minnesota and mother nature is really strutting it's stuff!

Right now (1pm) the winds are howling at 25-35mph and the snow is falling at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour. The weather gurus are calling for 8 to 10 inches of snow and lots of drifting today and tonight.

I closed our office early so everyone could home safely. My normal 20 minute drive was forty five minutes this afternoon. The problem was the visibility and I just could not see anything. This will pass....as spoken by a true Minnesotan.

The insulation fellows are here right now working. They hope to finish their end of the project today. It will be nice to be able to turn the furnace down to a reasonable level. Without the insulation in the walls and ceiling, the furnace has been running non-stop for over a week.

Tune in again soon for another bone chilling edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Men Watching Men Work

I think that will be the title of my next book. Watching skilled craftsmen do their magic is a sight to behold. Thumbs up for the crew working here at Coyote Ridge.
As of today (Tues), all of the insulation is down and three new rafter ties are in. It is hard to tell from the pictures, but these will add strength to the 20 foot tall ceiling and look good when the trim is installed.




The electrician was here this afternoon. He will be fixing some electrical issues, adding some outlets and installing the home theatre system and satellite HD cables and wires in the walls. It will sure be nice to have all of those wires hidden from view.

An electrical inspection will be held Wednesday afternoon, then the insulation foamers will do their thing Thursday and Friday.

We picked out the stone for the fireplace hearth and that has been ordered. Now to choose the tile in front of the gas fireplace and the wood plank flooring.

We are thinking that they should be all finished in about three weeks.

So far, so good!

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Construction Update

The guys from Bauer Restoration have been as busy as beavers around here tearing the house apart. I don't mean that sarcastically. They are ripping out everything so they can start fresh.
When they took the Sheetrock off the wall facing the back three season porch, they discovered that when someone removed the patio door and installed nice oak windows they did not properly size the header. They made short order of that and did a real nice job making it right.


Prior to remodeling there were decorative beams running up the cathedral ceiling. For extra structural integrity, they are going to use rough cedar trusses that will be exposed. They will keep the walls true and put less downward pressure on the side walls. These guys really know their stuff!

Here is a picture of a temporary come-along they are using to pull the walls together a bit.


Next on the hit parade will be more demo to a couple of walls, some electrical work and then the insulation foamers will be out to super insulate the area. We should be able to heat the place with a candle and cool it with an ice cube when they are finished.

Very soon we will have to pick out the wood floors, ceramic tile for the fireplace and the stone for the fireplace hearth.

I am very proud of the job these gentlemen are doing on our home.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

How Do I Say "I Am Sick Of This?"

I have not been sick for nearly twenty years and now it's twice in two months. This latest bout hit like a hurricane Friday afternoon on our way to my folks house in Des Moines. Now Sue has the same stuff.
We both went to the Dr. today and she said it was just a virus and we needed to drink lots of fluids and get lots of sleep.
I was all packed and ready to go on an important business trip but had to cancel at the last minute because I felt so bad. Fever, headache, chills, sweats and the general feeling one may experience after being hit with a baseball bat numerous times. Other than that, we feel great!
I felt so bad that we exposed my folks to this crap, but how were we to know. Sue snapped this picture of them as we were leaving Sunday morning.
Dad will be celebrating his 89 th. birthday next month and Mom is close behind. I might be in trouble for saying that, but I think they should be proud of those numbers and all they have seen and accomplished.


House re-construction is coming along real well. I am VERY pleased with the guys from Bauer Restoration in Faribault,MN. They are very good at what they do and keep me up to date on everything they are doing. I will have some updated pictures for you soon.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Back Home And Sick

What a weekend. Sue and I traveled to Des Moines, IA Friday afternoon to visit my folks. About two hours into the four hour trip I started feeling terrible and had a fever. After a wonderful supper I hit the sheets and went through a night of chills and sweats. I got up Saturday morning just long enough for breakfast and went back to bed where I stayed until supper. Then back to bed where I stayed until Sunday morning. After breakfast we headed back home and now Sue is getting what I have.

Not to whine, but this stuff is terrible. I have not been sick in twenty years, now I have had two bouts in the past two months.

The house is drying out nicely. I talked with Bruce the contractor today and he filled me in an progress and future plans. It is looking good right now and I anticipate the same holding through right to completion.

I have some pictures to post, but they will just have to wait until I feel better.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Should I Be Worried?

OK, so here I am driving down our country lane after work and I spot this large object on our driveway.
Click on picture for larger image.


So here is the story....Sue noticed some water running down some walls in the living room while I was away on business in California. She cleaned up the water right away some there would not be further damage.
When I called our insurance company they said they would send someone out right away. They did and I am impressed with their caring attitude to get the house fixed and us happy. Now here is my plug for our insurance company. So far, State Farm rocks!

The adjuster and Bruce Bauer from Bauer Restoration in Faribault, MN dug in and assessed the problem.

I can't say enough about Bruce and Kirk. They have bent over backwards to fix the problems. If they keep up the good work you will hear our praise. If they stumble, you will hear that as well. I do appreciate these two fine gentlemen.

Back to the story.

The builder failed to use the proper insulation in the cathedral ceiling and heat was escaping from the ceiling, hitting the cold roof decking causing condensation. That is where the water was coming from.

Now for the shocking pictures...most of the ceiling and walls have been removed. Now they will pull the rest of the wall insulation and dry everything out.
Don't be alarmed...the dark is just water....not the "M" word....





Right now most of the walls are out, the ceiling is out, the fireplace, hearth and rock backdrop are out. The carpet and pad....gone. Light fixtures and ceiling fans....gone!

We will be shopping soon for hearth tiles and new stone for the walls behind the fireplace.

Once everything is dried out, the workers will install a closed cell insulation that is three times more energy efficient than standard fiberglass insulation. That will keep the ceiling warm and the roof cold meaning no more condensation or ice dams. Another HUGE benefit....lower energy costs.

Stay with me on this one folks. I will keep you informed on progress in the very next edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

It is a big mess now, but we know it will look really good when the craftsmen are finished.

Home Demolition

You won't believe this. I seem to say that a lot these days.

Recently we noticed that we had some water dripping down the walls in our living room at Coyote Ridge.

Knowing that this is probably not a good thing, we called the insurance company to take a look at the situation.

I will be taking pictures soon, but at the present time we are living downstairs because the main level is literally torn apart...right down to the studs. That includes the walls and cathedral ceiling. They are even taking out the fireplace and all the field stone so they can get to all the walls.

I will have pictures for you soon so stop back.

I am glad we have a finished downstairs so we can live down there for the next 3-4 weeks.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

You won't Believe This One!

Just when you think you have heard everything, something like this comes along.

Subject: Best lawyer story









BEST LAWYER/INSURANCE STORY OF THE YEAR,
DECADE, AND POSSIBLY THE CENTURY.

This took place in Charlotte North Carolina. A lawyer purchased a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against, among other things, fire.

Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these great cigars, the lawyer filed a claim against the insurance company.

In his claim, the lawyer stated the cigars were lost 'in a series of small fires.'

The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason, that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion.

The lawyer sued and WON! (Stay with me.)

Delivering the ruling, the judge agreed with the insurance company that the claim was frivolous. The judge stated nevertheless, that the lawyer held a policy from the company, in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure them against fire, without defining what is considered to be unacceptable 'fire' and was obligated to pay the claim.

Rather than endure lengthy and costly appeal process, the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid $15,000 to the lawyer for his loss of the cigars that perished in the 'fires'.

NOW FOR THE BEST PART...

After the lawyer cashed the check, the insurance company had him arrested on 24 counts of ARSON!!! With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case being used against him, the lawyer was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and was sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000 fine.

This true story won First Place in last year's Criminal Lawyers Award contest.

ONLY IN AMERICA....

NO WONDER THE REST OF THE WORLD THINKS WE'RE NUTS

True or not, it makes for a good story.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Shrimp....Mouth Watering!

While grocery shopping Sunday we had the biggest urge for shrimp scampi so we purchased a pound that was already cleaned.

Sue made the most delicious shrimp scampi with fresh shrimp, garlic,butter, onions and a few other secret ingredients.


Once the shrimp was finished in the oven, Sue served it over noodles and Alfredo sauce.


The grocery store also had some beautiful fresh green beans that found their way into a pan with butter and bacon.


Dining doesn't get any better than that!

Tune in again soon for another mouth watering edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Great Little RV Show

Sunday afternoon we went to a small RV show sponsored by Gag's Camper sales in Mankato.

It was held at the National Guard Armory.


They had several units outside that were nice, but not what we were looking for.

That story changed when we got inside...once again we felt like kids in a candy store.

It did not take long to find our favorite...here are a few inside pictures.

Click on pictures for larger images.






We were VERY impressed with this new company...Open Range.

This company is up and coming and appears to have a grip on the fact that if they are to survive they will have to builder lighter and stronger units. The Open Range company builds units of this size (38 feet) that are 2,000 pounds lighter than others of comparable size.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

I Should Have Known

OK, lets continue the previous story about my most recent trip on US Airways.
When I last wrote, we were on the plane in Minneapolis, MN trying to get organized so we could take off for Phoenix.
About 25% of the passengers had five sets of clothing on so they would not have to pay the $15.00 fee for checking a bag. These "Michelin" people were all struggling in the isle trying to shed their wardrobe so they could fit into the tiny seats. Tempers were getting short as a few elbows and arms whacked others trying to disrobe in the confined quarters.

Once the people had their armload of clothing off they were trying to stuff the garments into the already packed overhead compartments.
That really threw the flight attendants into a tizzy as none of the doors would close.
So now people started putting the clothes back on and tried to get small so they could pour themselves into their seats. You get the picture.

By this point we were almost a half hour late taking off and the plane still needed to be de-iced.

By the time that was done, we were almost 40 minutes late taking off. Not to worry, so I thought, I have an hour and a half after landing to catch my next plane to San Jose.

Once the plane was in the air, the trip was rather un-eventful except for those who had enough cloths on to withstand a winter in Barrow Alaska.

About an hour and a half into the flight the pilot came on the speakers and said that we should be on time even with the delay. Something changed and a short time later he said that we were fighting headwinds and there would be a delay. Soon after that the pilot came back on and said the Phoenix airport was very busy and we had to slow down.

Slow down? Hell, the swallows from Capistrano were passing us up at this point!

To make a long story short, we finally landed an hour late. I thought to myself, I have a half hour till my next plane takes off...I can do this.

Wrong again Bob! Now these people who felt it necessary to take their wardrobe with them had to rummage around the overhead bins and under their seats to find their clothing. It looked like a rummage sale with a special stuff a bag for a dime sale going on.

From 22 rows back I could see that people were exiting the plane like turtles.

After knocking down a few women and children, I made it to my gate and was told that I missed my plane by two minutes. But don't worry "you might be able to get on the next one".

I went to customer service and learned that the next flight was also over sold and that I would be put on standby.

I did get on the next flight and went through the entire process again of people stuffing their extra cloths into every available cubby.

One we lifted off I was ready for something to drink. Of course, nothing but frustration is free on US Air. Coffee was one dollar, a can of pop was two dollars and a beer was $7.00! At that rate, a case of beer would cost well over $160.00. I would rather die of thirst before giving in to that kind of air piracy.

I finally arrived in San Jose three and a half hours late. I went to the baggage claim area and waited for my suite bag to come tumbling down the chute...but it never did.

After everyone left, baggage in hand, there I stood. I knew I should have taken some of the leftover clothes from the overhead bins on the plane.

Out of the shadows came an official from the airline asking if he could help me with something. I squeaked out a pathetic yes and explained in detail the trials and tribulations I had just experienced the past ten hours.

All I wanted was my bag. He took my arm and guided me towards this room with a locked door. After unlocking the door he turned on the light and there it was.....my bag! It had made the transfer in Phoenix and had come in on my original flight.

I took the shuttle to my hotel and checked in then went to the bar for a beer or three at a much better price that the $7.00 ones on the plane. The hotel beers were only $6.00 each!

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Time to Spare? Go By Air!

I have been out of town on business most of the week. Not my favorite thing to do for sure, but a necessary evil just the same.

Last Sunday I took a shuttle from our home to Minneapolis to connect with my flight from the Twin Cities to Phoenix then on to San Jose, California.

After being herded through security (darn, no cavity search again) I found my way to US Airways terminal.

Almost immediately I could hear the announcer at almost every gate asking people to give up their seats because they were over booked.

OK, a full flight is one thing, but to overbook all the time just isn't right.

Anyway, it came time to start herding us onto the plane with everyone trying to get on with their baggage. Let me stop here for a second. US Air charges you $15 to check a bag. I am sure no one is cutting down on baggage, they are just getting more creative on how they get their "stuff" aboard the aircraft.

I saw several people wearing at least 4-5 layers of clothing so they would not get robbed by the airline.

With all the buy out offers for tickets and overdressed people trying to get through the small doorway to the plane, we were running late already. Before the people could sit down, they had to start peeling the layers of cloths off and of course they were holding up the show so others could not get on the plane and to their seats.

Once everyone was settled in it was time to back out and begin our journey Westward.

That is where I will pick up the story for you when you check in to find out "Now What Are They Doing?"

Fact or Fiction?

Greetings everyone!
As I write this blog I am in Sunny San Jose, California on business. It is tough work, but someone has to do it.
Before I start sounding pompus, I really don't enjoy being out of town on business and would rather be back home at Coyote Ridge.
But, at the same time, I do get to meet up with my collegues and get some valuable face time with them.
After I wrap up here, I will go to Phoenix, AZ then home sweet home.

Now back to the headline:




Can you guess which of the following are true and which are false?

(Answers are below)

1. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.

2. Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button.

3. A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years.

4. People do not get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more.

5. When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart!

6. Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties.

7. Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute.

8. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2-6 years old.

9. The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines.

10. The toothbrush was invented in 1498.

11. The average housefly lives for one month.

12. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.

13. A coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened.

14. The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute.

15. Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.

16. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.

17. The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search for water.

18. The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turning their heads are the rabbit and the parrot.

19. John Travolta turned down the starring roles in "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "Tootsie."

20. Michael Jackson owns the rights to the South Carolina State Anthem.

21. In most television commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of the milk.

22. Prince Charles and Prince William NEVER travel on the same airplane, just in case there is a crash.

23. The first Harley Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor.

24. Most hospitals make money by selling the umbilical cords cut from women who give birth. They are used in vein transplant surgery.

25. Humphrey Bogart was related to Princess Diana. They were 7th cousins.

26. If coloring wasn't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green.



Now, scroll down for the answers.........................





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>>
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>>>>
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>
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>

They are all TRUE... Now go back and think about #16!!!


Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Can you Believe it?

It is hilarious how the written word sometimes is no where near it's intended meaning.

Sue recently sent me this compilation of words or sentences that somehow just didn't turn out how they were intended.







Subject: FW: More questions than answers?





______________________________________________

These are sentences actually typed by Medical secretaries.

1. The patient has no previous history of suicides.


2. Patient has left her white blood cells at another hospital.


3. Patient's medical history has been remarkably insignificant with only a 40 pound weight gain in the past three days.


4. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.


5. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.


6. On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it disappeared.


7.. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.


8. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.


9. Discharge status:- Alive, but without my permission.


10. Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year old male, mentally alert, but forgetful.


11. Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.


12. She is numb from her toes down.


13. While in ER, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.


14. The skin was moist and dry.


15. Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.


16. Patient was alert and unresponsive.


17. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.


18. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life until she got a divorce.


19. I saw your patient today, who is still under our care for physical therapy.


20. Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.


21 Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.


22. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.


23. Skin: somewhat pale, but present.


24. The pelvic exam will be done later on the floor.


25. Large brown stool ambulating in the hall.


26. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities

.
27. When she fainted, her eyes rolled around the room.


28. The patient was in his usual state of good health until his airplane ran out of fuel and crashed.


29. Between you and me, we ought to be able to get this lady pregnant.


30. She slipped on the ice and apparently her legs went in separate directions in early December.


31. Patient was seen in consultation by Dr. Smith, who felt we should sit on the abdomen and I agree.


32. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stock broker instead.


33. By the time he was admitted, his rapid heart had stopped, and he was feeling better.

I do hope you chuckled like I did.

We are still looking at RV's...just kicking the tires if you will. The one we have now is just fine but those of us who are obsessed just keep on looking.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Cameo

The other day we went to a very nice RV show and drooled all over the units until we were asked to leave.
While there, we saw some fantastic units with great floorplans.
One of our favorites was the "Cameo"...It was really set up with everything from a fireplace to home theatre.



The way I look at it, if I'm going to be roughing it, might as well be comfortable!

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Like Kids In A Candy Store

I mentioned in a previous post that we were going to a RV show this weekend. We did, and it was total bliss!
We were kids in a candy shop with so many neat RV's to inspect, drool over and maybe even a bit of lusting. Let me re-phrase that, there was a LOT of lusting going on!!!!
Friday we entered the Alltel Civic Center and were greeted by dozens of sparkeling fiberglass homes on wheels just begging to be entered, poked and prodded. Yup, this was RV heaven at it's best.
Those of you who know us well are probably saying to yourselves "I wonder which one they bought?"
The answer to that question will just have to wait.
We picked up some cool items for the rig.
We needed a new mat to put by the front door so we picked out this really cool 9X12' patio mat and carrying case.




Catalogue picture....

Royal Black / Silver 9 X 12 Reversible RV Patio Mat


Indoor/Outdoor Mats the newest reversible designs from Patio Mats. Made to withstand rain and sun exposure as well as mold and mildew. Lightweight: 9´ x 12´ just 10 lbs. They are the perfect accent for any outdoor or indoor living area.

Now you can bring the beauty of the indoors outdoors! The newest designs from PatioMats provide all-weather style to your deck, patio or wherever you’d like to add some style and comfort. These beautiful designer color mats are reversible – so you actually get two mats in one! Their rugged good looks are made to withstand rain and sun exposure as well as mold and mildew. They’re the perfect accent for any outdoor or indoor living area.

Trying to capture all the comforts of home and still be mindfull of space, one has to look for stuff that weighs less and can be folded up to save space.
We found this really cool broom that folds down to about 18 inches and expands to 52 inches.



Oh yes, back to the question of purchasing that new RV.......

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Could This Be The One?

As most of you know, I tend to obsess when it comes to hobbies, sports, collecting...
I guess most everything I do, I just jump in an give it everything I can and then some.
Looking for the ultimate RV is no exception. How about this baby?






Over the top maybe?



OK, this one may be a bit excessive. We are going to a big RV show this weekend to kick a few tires. I will let you know what happens.

Tune in again real soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Man Rules

Finally there is a list of rules that appears to make sense when it comes to men and women communicating.

Read them, study them and live them.

The Man Rules
At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down

Finally , the guys' side of the story.
( I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear "the rules"
From the female side.

Now here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered "1 "
ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become Null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one

1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched.
We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really .

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball,
or golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Tune in again real soon for another riveting edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Age Has It's Advantages...Sometimes

Sue recently sent me this cute quiz. I hope you follow the instructions and participate and let me know how you did.

NO Cheating- don't look at the answers until you take the test!!!!


History Exam...
Everyone over 50 should have a pretty easy time at this exam. If you are under 40 you can claim a handicap.

This is a History Exam for those who don't mind seeing how much they really remember about what went on in their life


*** Get paper & pencil & number from 1 to 20.
****Write the letter of each answer & score at the end

Then before you pass this test on, put your score in the subject line. Send to friends so everyone can HAVE FUN!!!!





1... In the 1940's, where were automobile headlight dimmer switches located?
a. On the floor shift knob.
B. On the floor board, to the left of the clutch.
c. Next to the horn.

2 . The bottle top of a Royal Crown Cola bottle had holes in it. For what was it used?
a. Capture lightning bugs.
B. To sprinkle clothes before ironing.
c. Large salt shaker.

3. Why was having milk delivered a problem in northern winters?
a. Cows got cold and wouldn't produce milk.
B. Ice on highways forced delivery by dog sled.
c. Milkmen left deliveries outside of front doors and milk would freeze, expanding and pushing up the cardboard bottle top..

4. What was the popular chewing gum named for a game of chance?
a. Blackjack
B. Gin
c. Craps

5. What method did women use to look as if they were wearing stockings when none were available due to rationing during WW II.
a. Suntan
B. Leg painting
c. Wearing slacks

6. What postwar car turned automotive design on it's ear when you couldn't tell whether it was coming or going?
a. Studebaker
B. Nash Metro
c. Tucker

7. Which was a popular candy when you were a kid?
a . Strips of dried peanut butter.
B. Chocolate licorice bars.
c. Wax coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside..

8. How was Butch wax used?
a. To stiffen a flat-top haircut so it stood up.
B. To make floors shiny and prevent scuffing G.
c. On the wheels of roller skates to pre vent rust.

9. Before inline skates, how did you keep your roller skates attached to your shoes?
a. With clamps, tightened by a skate key.
B. Woven straps that crossed the foot.
c. Long pieces of twine.

10. As a kid, what was considered the best way to reach a decision?
a. Consider all the facts.
B. Ask Mom.
c. Eeny-meeny-miney-MO.

11. What was the most dreaded disease in the 1940's and 1950's?
a. Smallpox
B.AIDS
c. Polio

12. 'I'll be down to get you in a ________, Honey'
a. SUV
B. Taxi
c. Streetcar

13. What was the name of Caroline Kennedy's pony?
a. Old Blue
B. Paint
c. Macaroni

14. What was a Duck-and-Cover Drill?
a. Part of the game of hide and seek.
B. What you did when your Mom called you in to do chores.
c. Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an A-bomb drill.

15. What was the name of the Indian Princess on the Howdy Doodyshow?
a. Princess Summerfallwinterspring
B. Princess Sacajawea
c. Princess Moonshadow


16. What did all the really savvy students do when mimeographed tests were handed out in school?
a. Immediately sniffed the purple ink, as this was believed to get you high.
B. Made paper airplanes to see who could sail theirs out the window.




c. Wrote another pupil's name on the top, to avoid their failure.

17 . Why did your Mom shop in stores that gave Green Stamps with purchases?
a. To keep you out of mischief by licking the backs, which tasted like bubble gum.
B. They could be put in special books and redeemed for various household items.
c. They were given to the kids to be used as stick-on tattoos.

18 Praise the Lord, & pass the _________?
a. Meatballs
B. Dames
c. Ammunition

19. What was the name of the singing group that made the song 'Cabdriver' a hit?
a. The Ink Spots
B. The Supremes
c. The Esquires

20. Who left his heart in San Francisco ?
a.Tony Bennett
b. Xavier Cugat
c. George Gershwin
----------------------------- -------------------------------

ANSWERS

1. (b) On the floor, to the left of the clutch. Hand controls, popular in Europe , took till the
late '60's to catch on.

2. (b) To sprinkle clothes before ironing . Who had a steam iron?

3. (c) Cold weather caused the milk to freeze and expand, popping the bottle top.

4 . (a) Blackjack Gum.

5. (b) Special makeup was applied, followed by drawing a seam down the back of the leg with eyebrow pencil.

6. (a) 1946 Studebaker.

7. (c) Wax coke bottles containing super-sweet colored water.

8 (a) Wax for your flat top (butch) haircut.











9. (a) With clamps , tightened by a skate key,which you wore on a shoestring around your
neck.

10. (c) Eeny-meeny-miney-mo.

11. (c) Polio. In beginning of August, swimming pools were closed, movies and other public gathering places were closed to try to prevent spread of the disease.

12. (b) Taxi , Better be ready by half-past eight!

13. (c) Macaroni.

14. (c) Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an A-bomb drill.

15. (a) Princess Summerfallwinterspring. She was another puppet.

16. (a) Immediately sniffed the purple ink to get a high.

17. (b) Put in a special stamp book, they could be traded for household items at the Green Stamp store.

18. (c) Ammunition, and we'll all be free.

19. (a) The widely famous 50's group: The Ink Spots.

20. (a) Tony Bennett, and he sounds just as good today .

SCORING

17- 20 correct: You are older than dirt, and obviously gifted with mental abilities. Now if you could only find your glasses. Definitely someone who should share your wisdom!

12 -16 correct: Not quite dirt yet, but you're getting there.

0 -11 correct: You are not old enough to share the wisdom of your experiences.

How did you do?

I am older than dirt...I scored 18.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"

Birthday Soup

Sunday was Sue's birthday and what better way to celebrate than family and soup.

First the soup part....It seems that we have become addicted to homemade soup.

Sunday we made potato soup and it was again delicious.

It had 10 pounds of potatoes, 12 cups of milk, a pound of bacon, carrots, celery cheese and several other secret ingredients.


Even after feeding six hungry people we had plenty left over.


People attacking their food:


The birthday girl:


After enjoying the most delicious meal of soup, sourdough bread, cheese and various relish trays we moved into the living room for present opening.

Betty reading the card to Sue:


I think she likes it!



The toaster oven will be perfect for the camper. Why fire up the gas oven when you can use the more efficient toaster oven?

A great time was had by all, even if the cardinals lost the Super Bowl. We were all pulling for Arizona simply because we have so much respect for their quarterback.

Tune in again soon for another edition of "Now What Are They Doing?"