Another Day with my Grandfather

There was a small saw, a hammer, a chisel and many other things, but most notable is that they were not toy tools. My box was filled with the same tools a man could make a living using. I built a hand-pushed go-cart as my first project, made of wood with wheels my Dad had scavenged for me. They were hard-rubber wheels, but acceptable.

Granddad helped me with the plans, but he lived too far away to be present while I built it. He helped me begin the project. Later in life I worked with him while he built things, and one day I remember well.

I fixated on tools, and collect them to this day. Grandpa was doing something, and I proudly spoke up about what tool he needed. He turned to me and said “Yes, you go find it for me.” I did, and when I finally returned, he had finished what he was doing. He thanked me, and that was one of many times he had me go for the tools while he finished.

I think I regret building the go-cart. Did I mention it was a hand-pushed model? I did not get to ride in it much, but all my “Friends” did.

Scott's Move

Well tomorrow another move takes place. Scott finally made the decision to buy a house, and what a good time to do so. Early in the morning we arrive with truck and trailer to help with the furniture. What fun?!

He bought in a Gated-Community, which should make if safer. The house was bank owned, and with his veterans benefits, he came out with a nice house and almost no money down. His out of pocket will be around $800. The payment will be around $1,500.

It is a 1,800 square foot place with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. I would guess the age to be about four years old. Nice place with a big lot and over-sized garage. I like this economy.

I guess he decided that his rent receipts will have no value other than the paper it is written on. I agree, and may have influenced things somewhat. He is careful with his money. I am proud of what he is accomplishing. Border Patrol is good to him.

More later.

Where did I go?

 I lost 45 pounds. I know it was me, but where did I go? I look thinner and I still look like me, but there is less on display. I am not as tired as I once was. “Git urr done!!”

I saw a weight-loss commercial where the Cable Guy is holding four boweling balls, and he says that he lost that much. I did the same, and it is remarkable that I was carrying all that much around every day.

The desert heat bothers me less when I have to work in it. I can now crawl around in my attic placing wires with much less effort. What a goal!!

Fifteen more pounds to a new life and I will arrive. Wahoooo!

More later.

One Glimpse of My Grandfather

Why do the nice ones die so young? There are some real nasty ones that live for forever.

I wonder if that is the best way to go; Young, relevant and vibrant versus old, gray and dated.

My Grandfather once told me that as a man ages he becomes out of date and misplaced in this world. As a young man he shaped his life and blazed his way with youth, strength and determination, but by the time he is mature he no longer fits into the way the world has become. All his friends are dead or unable to get around anymore, and he no longer enjoys the way things became. His patience for younger men lacking in character leaves him angry. His death makes room for the next group. I paraphrase, but the idea is somewhat the same.

Wendy will be missed.

The American Economy

To begin, I would set gas prices at about $10 per gallon. Diesel would be set at $2 per gallon. Next I would outlaw diesel cars. The gas companies would have to subsidize the price of diesel out of the sale of gas. I know that on the surface this appears to be a bad thing, but there would be so many benefits of this kind of move. I will detail some of them next.

I do not know why, but here in America when something happens, we go out, jump in the car/truck/motorcycle and hit the road. Why? When the going gets tough, the tough go driving.

First, high gas price would reduce driving. We as Americans need to STOP driving so much. This would do it. Continuing on the course we follow today puts us on a collision course with the future.

I hear daily how America needs to reduce dependence on foreign oil; Yet we continue sending our wealth oversees. We pull up to the pump and drop the cash. With really high gas prices, we would rethink how we use our method of transportation. If I cannot afford to drive very much, I would use much less.

Long commutes to work need to end. Let us move closer to where we work, and work closer to where we live. It is unacceptable to drive in traffic for hours to earn a living. Most of our time is wasted while our cars idle putting noxious fumes into the air.

I noticed that as gas approached $4 per gallon here in California, there are far less cars on the road. Suddenly I can drive to work in NO traffic. Instead of a one hour commute, I now make the run in less than thirty minutes. I then ask myself, “Why am I out here?”.

High Gas price reduces congestion. Less cars on the road not only means less gas burned and pollution created, but means roadway is required. Daily more lanes are added, so that more cars can travel.

Oh well. More can happen once I become the king.

More later.