Today was definitely a day you could just sense Fall in the air. It was in the upper 70's, the sun was shining, and the humidity was low. Since it was the beginning of a 3 day weekend, I decided to go ahead and build the ramp to our porch that Tilly has been needing for a long time. I made a rush trip to a nearby Lowe's last night and purchased everything I would need for the project. I had stewed and fretted about it all week long, since my carpentry skills are not what they once were, but I drew up a plan and IT WORKED! Little Brother agreed to come over and spend the day helping me, which not only made the job easier, it made it more fun. I don't get to spend much time with my son since he works two jobs, so it was great to have him around for most of the day. After much laughing about how out of shape the old man was, and two trips to the local hardware store, we succeeded in finishing up a ramp which will make getting up and down the steps much easier. Tilly made a trial run after it was finished and pronounced it a success!
The worst part about the whole thing was the clean up. I think I had out every tool I owned, whether I needed it or not. So I brought around the wheel barrow and loaded it full for a trip back to the garage and shop. I actually put everything away where it went, for a change, and even hung up my saw horses. Then, I did what every other red-blooded American Senior Citizen does on Saturday afternoon, I went in, changed into some non-sweaty clothes, and took a nap. That was my reward!
Yesterday, I turned in my resignation from driving the transit bus. After 4 years of going to the terminal everyday after school, picking up my schedule, and a bus, and driving for 3 or 4 hours, I am giving it up. I will miss it. I told several of my riders that I was quitting and those I told said that they would miss me. I will also miss the people I work with. My boss is a terrific guy, a good friend, and excellent at his job. Our dispatcher, though not one of my favorite people, is efficient and has an excellent voice for the job. He is computer savvy and has been a real asset to the team. The drivers are all safe, courteous, and understand routes, and the people on them. All in all, we have an excellent team and I am proud to say that I have been a member of that team. But, I will also cherish the time I am going to have to do some of the things that need doing, things I want to do, but haven't had the time for, and also being able to spend more time with Tilly. At my age, one never knows just how much time we have left, so I intend to live each day to the fullest. We also intend to take a trip to Montana when school is out. That will be a real treat for both of us. I think the last trip we took was in 1997.
Onward and upward for the rest of the weekend. Have a great one, everyone.
Grace!
JE
6 comments:
Thank you for posting your thoughts and observations.
It has been extremely hot and dry here in the deep South, but I would rather deal with the heat than endure the frost; visiting my son in MI is always a chilling experience whenever we travel during the winter.
I too am an artist, retired, and busy with portraiture, photography, illustration, etc.
Again, I enjoyed reading your
blog. I am attempting to create something to publish on the web... humm, looking for ideas. -Raymond, Alabama.
How can I put this? I will surely miss you but am glad for you and Tilly. I know you have been looking foward to this for more than a year. Enjoy the time. Come out and see the buffalo once in a while.
Sounds like you had a wonderful day!
And I hope you enjoy the extra free time you will have!
Sounds like a great plan. I'm glad you still have the H&S skills you use to build decos (like M&J at Christmas. Those things you never forget. Unfortunately, I never had them, so I build nothing, well maybe a potting bench here and there, but I found a kit. Enjoy the extra time off. I just took 2 days last week and with the w/e + Monday, it was great.
Stay well, and BTW, is Texas on the route back from MT?
Clyde
rah: Thanks for reading and welcome aboard. It is always nice to have a new reader. My readership is sparse. I have a few more years before I can give up the teaching job, so I persist. Good luck on your blog. And keep on reading. As for MI, I love it in the summer. BUT, they get snow by the foot there, and we only get snow by the inch.
JE
Curley: Don't be a stranger. You have my phone number! Besides, it was suggested that I volunteer to help you with decorating. So call me!
JE
Lil: Thanks for being a faithful reader. I don't have many. Yes it was a great day. Kids are wonderful! BTW, how is teaching going?
JE
Clyde: Took me a minute! Thanks for reading. A potting shed????? And here I thought a 2"x30"x8'ramp was an accomplishment. When did you get so crafty??? LOL! I don't think I ever saw you drive a nail. Driving in drag races, tho, you rocked. No, TX is not on the way home from MT, but beware, you are on our list of places to visit in '08. Just don't know quite when.
JE
OK, re-read, it's NOT a potting shed, but a potting BENCH, and it was a kit. You're right, I can't drive a nail, but you wanna ride with me? I don't think so!!
Stay well and enjoy a better life.
Clyde
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