Carmen is in Carlsbad this weekend. I have a Gospel of Rand McNally entry entitled "Holes In The West" that includes our second stop on the way to the Grand Canyon. I was disappointed when I saw that in order to go down 600 feet into Carlsbad Caverns, you have to drive up and up and up a 600 foot high hill. Why can't we just walk in at ground level? But that's neither here nor there. And speaking of there, Carmen is there this weekend, putting in a live ministerial appearance, instead of the satellite Carlsbad congregation's usual viewing of a DVD of Christine in Albuquerque.
So Friday I went to the theatre to use the shop tools (that don't cut square in either direction) to mill up the pieces I needed for a small (14" X 20" X 5" tall) platform for use by people shorter than Christine Robinson, senior minister at the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque. That includes nearly everybody else in the congregation, including Carmen. Of course, when the discussions at the church came around to the need for a functional yet decorative platform, whose name do you think came up as someone who could build such a thing? Let's see... someone who knows how to build functional yet decorative platforms... someone with time on his hands... someone who is married to someone who could greatly benefit from this technology...
The shop was filled with baseboard and crown molding for Plaza Suite, which opened Friday night. As a courtesy, I asked Colby if he needed any help. He put me to work on baseboard, all around the set. It took me about three hours to measure, cut and install it all. That is when I became acutely aware of just how out-of-true the tools in the shop are.
By the time I was done with baseboard and with cutting pieces for the platform, the crown molding was still in my way, and sloppy wet with paint. I took the platform pieces home, grabbing a Dion's Special pizza on the way. MMMMMM good pizza!
Yesterday I began assembly in the garage. Problem: the framing pieces were so out of square that they were unusable. The good news: they were all just a little long. I utilized my square, a board and a top-bearing router, squared everything, and assembled the frame. The beautiful outer sides covering the frame and the crappy edge of the plywood were much closer to the right size, but still not very square. The mitred corners needed a lot of sanding to fit together halfway decent. One piece is an eighth of an inch too long. I have never before wished so hard for a sliding compound mitre saw as I have since yesterday afternoon. It has not yet appeared.
So I guess I'm going back to the theatre to cut this last board. Luckily, Rudy's Bar B Que is directly on the way back!
Two hours later....
I'm back! Good Q! Board fits. Platform done. House vacuumed and mopped. Laundry done. Sheets changed. Carmen comes home late tonight. Life is good.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Weakly
So maybe that's what I ought to do - think of Cat Juggler as a weekly thing? It is uncomfortable to think about how much there was to write about six months ago and how little there is now. But, as Chance says in "Being There", "There will be growth in the spring." Maybe so.
On Tuesday afternoon I set out on an adventure, to find the Erna Fergusson Library on San Mateo and take the test for Census Enumerators. I walked the quarter mile to the bus stop, caught the 3:49 #2 bus to Montgomery, caught the 4:18 #5 and rode it to San Mateo. From there I walked another quarter mile or so. The test was scheduled for 5:45. I arrived at the library at 4:45. I went for a walk, looking for something to eat. I found Mexican food, of course, but I was dressed nicely and didn't want anything sloppy or too spicy. There was greasy fried chicken. I kept walking until I was worried about making it back in time, and gave it up. I would eat after the test. I caught a #140 bus that dropped me off directly in front of the library. I located the room just as Carmen called to ask if I was done yet.
My tester guy was impressed with several things about me: a) I was the first one there; b) I had already filled out my application and I-9 form online; c)I used my passport as my ID; d) I was the best dressed guy in the room, dressed better than he was; e) I scored a 95% on the test. If he thought I was a shoe-in, it was because he hadn't read my application where it asks if I have the use of a vehicle. The truth is I would for some of the time, but not all, and not predictably. It may not make a huge difference, but the information on the website www.2010censusjobs.gov said that exceptions might be made for people who have no vehicle. If this opportunity falls in the recent normal range, there will be plenty of qualified applicants for whom no exceptions will need to be made. I am still hopeful.
After it was over I turned my phone back on and called Carmen. It was after 7:00 and she was dubious about my plan to make it home by bussing and walking. The #2 doesn't run after 6:00 and the best I could manage was to walk home two miles from Wyoming Avenue. She offered to pick me up at Target at Montgomery and Wyoming. I checked the schedule - the next #5 was in 40 minutes. I set out walking. That is how I learned that it takes 45 minutes to walk from San Mateo to Wyoming on Montgomery. It was a tie.
For some reason, yesterday I got all motivated and posted two Rand McNallys. I even started the story of our two weeks and two days with two cats on the road from Massachusetts to Albuquerque. Once I finish that one, I guess my next will be our move from Albuquerque to wherever in July.
BLOGGER by Google offers (for a fee) to turn your blog into a book. Maybe after I write the Abq to Wherever story, I'll check that out. The Gospel of Rand McNally would be fun to have sitting on the coffee table. Cat Juggler - not so much.
On Tuesday afternoon I set out on an adventure, to find the Erna Fergusson Library on San Mateo and take the test for Census Enumerators. I walked the quarter mile to the bus stop, caught the 3:49 #2 bus to Montgomery, caught the 4:18 #5 and rode it to San Mateo. From there I walked another quarter mile or so. The test was scheduled for 5:45. I arrived at the library at 4:45. I went for a walk, looking for something to eat. I found Mexican food, of course, but I was dressed nicely and didn't want anything sloppy or too spicy. There was greasy fried chicken. I kept walking until I was worried about making it back in time, and gave it up. I would eat after the test. I caught a #140 bus that dropped me off directly in front of the library. I located the room just as Carmen called to ask if I was done yet.
My tester guy was impressed with several things about me: a) I was the first one there; b) I had already filled out my application and I-9 form online; c)I used my passport as my ID; d) I was the best dressed guy in the room, dressed better than he was; e) I scored a 95% on the test. If he thought I was a shoe-in, it was because he hadn't read my application where it asks if I have the use of a vehicle. The truth is I would for some of the time, but not all, and not predictably. It may not make a huge difference, but the information on the website www.2010censusjobs.gov said that exceptions might be made for people who have no vehicle. If this opportunity falls in the recent normal range, there will be plenty of qualified applicants for whom no exceptions will need to be made. I am still hopeful.
After it was over I turned my phone back on and called Carmen. It was after 7:00 and she was dubious about my plan to make it home by bussing and walking. The #2 doesn't run after 6:00 and the best I could manage was to walk home two miles from Wyoming Avenue. She offered to pick me up at Target at Montgomery and Wyoming. I checked the schedule - the next #5 was in 40 minutes. I set out walking. That is how I learned that it takes 45 minutes to walk from San Mateo to Wyoming on Montgomery. It was a tie.
For some reason, yesterday I got all motivated and posted two Rand McNallys. I even started the story of our two weeks and two days with two cats on the road from Massachusetts to Albuquerque. Once I finish that one, I guess my next will be our move from Albuquerque to wherever in July.
BLOGGER by Google offers (for a fee) to turn your blog into a book. Maybe after I write the Abq to Wherever story, I'll check that out. The Gospel of Rand McNally would be fun to have sitting on the coffee table. Cat Juggler - not so much.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Aging Well?
Yesterday afternoon I left the theatre at 2:00 so I could be early for my appointment at Sandia Hearing Aid Center to be tested and fitted for ...wait for it... hearing aids! I have resisted this for a long time, but I grew up with a hearing impaired mother and I know the signs of creeping deafness. I also know how and why: routers, drills, circular saws, table saws, grinders, planers, compressors, staple guns, forklift engines... and for seven years I rode motorcycles to work every day. Add this to my Bicentennial Cherry Bomb tinnitus, and there you have a recipe for hearing loss.
I called Tuesday for the appointment due to some persuasion from the other human resident of the household. That night I was watching Sherlock Holmes on PBS and could barely follow the thread of the story, my hearing was so bad. The time had come for sure.
The folks at Sandia assure me that in a week or so, when my new hearing aids are installed, I will be amazed at how clearly everyone around me is speaking. I can't wait - people have been mumbling at me for a long time, the bastards!
I called Tuesday for the appointment due to some persuasion from the other human resident of the household. That night I was watching Sherlock Holmes on PBS and could barely follow the thread of the story, my hearing was so bad. The time had come for sure.
The folks at Sandia assure me that in a week or so, when my new hearing aids are installed, I will be amazed at how clearly everyone around me is speaking. I can't wait - people have been mumbling at me for a long time, the bastards!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Prognostication
It was purt-near six months ago that I started this thang. I had a lot to say back then - Albuquerque was new to us, I had old cat stories and other stories to tell; I couldn't wait to get to my computer and spend a couple of hours regaling you with my witty and fascinating postings.
Nowadays, I can't think of anything interesting to say. The stuff I would write about, Carmen's search for a congregation to minister to, is top secret stuff. I've been reading packets from congregational search committees and discussing my reactions and observations with Carmen, and now she has already gone to visit one and this weekend she goes to visit another. Three more are lined up for phone interviews. Who? Where? Can't say.
I went to see Colby down at the Albuquerque Little Theatre on Friday. The show after Plaza Suite is "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," which requires a two-story set and a grand staircase up to the second floor. These things I've done before. I don't know when we'll get started, but I will probably help him get the Plaza Suite set - just a few stock walls, doors, windows etc. - put up so the actors can rehearse with it, then start on Texas.
So what I'm saying is, erratic as my postings have been lately, I believe the future holds even less promise. I'm going to let go of worrying about keeping it current. When the news breaks about where we are going in the summer, I'll give you the whole story, I promise. Of course the move itself will fall under the purview of The Gospel of Rand McNally.
One bit of news: I had my blood tested today and for the second time in a row my anti-coagulant level was in the zone: 2.2 INR. That's a very good thing. I don't test again for three weeks. Woo hoo!
Nowadays, I can't think of anything interesting to say. The stuff I would write about, Carmen's search for a congregation to minister to, is top secret stuff. I've been reading packets from congregational search committees and discussing my reactions and observations with Carmen, and now she has already gone to visit one and this weekend she goes to visit another. Three more are lined up for phone interviews. Who? Where? Can't say.
I went to see Colby down at the Albuquerque Little Theatre on Friday. The show after Plaza Suite is "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," which requires a two-story set and a grand staircase up to the second floor. These things I've done before. I don't know when we'll get started, but I will probably help him get the Plaza Suite set - just a few stock walls, doors, windows etc. - put up so the actors can rehearse with it, then start on Texas.
So what I'm saying is, erratic as my postings have been lately, I believe the future holds even less promise. I'm going to let go of worrying about keeping it current. When the news breaks about where we are going in the summer, I'll give you the whole story, I promise. Of course the move itself will fall under the purview of The Gospel of Rand McNally.
One bit of news: I had my blood tested today and for the second time in a row my anti-coagulant level was in the zone: 2.2 INR. That's a very good thing. I don't test again for three weeks. Woo hoo!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Groundhog Shadows
It's a beautiful sunny day here in the mile high desert. It's forty eight degrees at 4:30 and expected to get down in the mid-thirties tonight. After four years in New England, I can easily stand six more weeks of this winter.
Part of the ongoing entertainment here is listening to the dire predictions by the media - massive winter storm approaching - huge amounts of snow - stay off the highways - and when the massive storm has moved on through, the roads are clear in less than an hour without plowing or salt, there is a dusting of snow, and it's all melted and dry by the end of the day. The most snow I've seen has been about three quarters of an inch.
This is what we call tempting fate. Well, come on, Fate, let's see whatcha got! I'm here for one winter, and it's nearly over. I've heard stories about three feet of snow in Albuquerque a few years ago. I've waded through three feet of snow in Massachusetts on numerous occasions, shoveled it out of the driveway, climbed over the plowed-up mountains of it to get to bus stops. You can't scare me with your stinkin' groundhog!
Part of the ongoing entertainment here is listening to the dire predictions by the media - massive winter storm approaching - huge amounts of snow - stay off the highways - and when the massive storm has moved on through, the roads are clear in less than an hour without plowing or salt, there is a dusting of snow, and it's all melted and dry by the end of the day. The most snow I've seen has been about three quarters of an inch.
This is what we call tempting fate. Well, come on, Fate, let's see whatcha got! I'm here for one winter, and it's nearly over. I've heard stories about three feet of snow in Albuquerque a few years ago. I've waded through three feet of snow in Massachusetts on numerous occasions, shoveled it out of the driveway, climbed over the plowed-up mountains of it to get to bus stops. You can't scare me with your stinkin' groundhog!
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