Flat

Tonight I headed out on this great bike ride. I was up on the east bench trail and had come down through canyon and memorial parks then was riding past the soccer fields and down to the skate park when suddenly I noticed that my front tire had gone flat. That was a pretty good clip from home. I had no other option but to walk. Well, I guess I could have called someone but who would I have called? The walk home wasn't all that bad. Wish I knew what I ran over to get that flat. I will have to examine the tube and see if I can't discover what went wrong.

Speaking of flat. Tonight was the soft opening of the depot. It fell kind of flat. In fairness things were pretty dead at the brick house tonight as well.  It is a Monday and so that isn't all that surprising. Tomorrow we will hopefully see an increase in visitors. We need that to happen in order for that place to start sustaining itself.

Friend in Need

I saw a friend of mine sitting alone at church today during the second hour. As Sunday school president I sometimes venture around the building to see how things are going. I had left one class and was going to check on another when I saw him and felt I should go say hello. I sat down with him and could tell something was wrong. I asked him how he was and he broke. This is a grown man who is hurting and I didn't know why. He has always been tough as nails and always had a cheery disposition. He was hurting. He didn't want to get into it there so I said we should get together later and he agreed. I had a home teaching appointment at 3 and then had him come by the house at 4.

At 4 he came over and shared with me that his wife asked him to leave and give her and the kids a break. He is balling at this point. He is struggling to understand and he has been visiting with doctors to try and figure out what is wrong with him. Turns out that they have found through the tests that he is on the autism spectrum, specifically aspergers. Though he finds relief in being able to identify the problem, he is discouraged by not having a clear way to fix it. He just wants to be with his family and is heartbroken because he doesn't know if his wife will accept him back.
I listened and before I spoke I listened some more. I hurt for my friend. He said he thought about coming to talk to me a hundred times but didn't because he didn't want to burden me with his problems. I told him that I am here to help. I shared some thoughts about Jack and I shared some thoughts about the heartache and depression and loneliness I felt when Rachel and I separated. I got choked up a few times because that is a difficult situation and it is a painful thing to go through and I don't wish it on anyone. I hurt because my friend is hurting. I pray for him and his family that the lord will strengthen them and that they will be able to work together to get through this.
I did my best to listen and to strengthen and encourage. I also did my best to let him know he could come to me anytime. We had a good hug, I told him that I loved him and he left.  That was a sad visit and it isn't easy to see your friend hurting. I will seek the guidance of the spirit and stay involved in supporting in any way possible.

Handy Work

Today I had planned to go in and stain the bread warmer cabinet that I put together the other night. The woodwork is all dark at the bar and the pine that I built it with was rather lite in comparison. I did end up getting it stained with a dark walnut which was a little darker than the cabinets. We will see how it looks when it dries. Anyway, prior to leaving for that this morning I hat a message from pops that the floor guys determined that the flooring they were using was the wrong size. I had pointed that out to them yesterday but they insisted it was fine. This morning they changed their minds. They will now order new material and so our temporary bandaid needed to be adjusted. I went in and made some changes. It will be a much nicer temporary fix.  I also went up and tried to assess the air conditioning. I think I learned quite a bit about the system and I believe I figured out the code and what it meant. I don't know what to do about it. I will see what else I can figure out.  It was a long day, would have liked to have figured out that air conditioner.

Day 3

Sometimes we hope for easy and sometimes easy is not in the cards. They made progress on the floor today but they were late getting there which pushed things back. Hopefully tomorrow they will make up some ground. My confidence in these guys is not very extensive at this point. In addition to the floor situation the air conditioning quit working today. The restaurant warmed up and was not comfortable. We opened the doors to try and get some airflow. It was better than nothing. Oh my, fun times. Must rest now.

Day 2

Who knew it was so difficult to remember Steak knives? Today was day 2 of 3 for the depot test or practice evenings. The night seemed to be a success though there were a few hiccups along the way. The servers, or some of the servers forget to bring steak knives to the table. One table was stabbing the meat with their forks and gnawing on it. Embarrassing. Those that I was able to visit with were happy with their selections and the servers. It was a good night and things are moving forward.

Day 1

Tonight was the first of 3 test nights at The Depot. It went well during the time I was there. We have some good people there and the exec chef is good at what he does. It is an interesting business and I hope it all comes together well. I believe it will. There was a lot to do today in preparation. I was trying to put a bandaid on a bad flooring situation. It worked out okay and hopefully we can get the floor fixed quickly because it will become more difficult to bandaid as more of the floor gets torn up. 

Outside of that we had a host of technical problems at Brick House today and trying to manage that was frustrating. Sometimes when I learn about things not working over long periods of time and nobody doing anything about it I get mad. Maybe I swear a little. I shouldn't do that. Need to exercise better control in those kind of situations.

Project Depot

We are trying to get the depot ready to go for a practice opening and introduction to key members of the community. Today worked on framing in a bread warmer, which turned out pretty great. I would expound  but I am exhausted. Time to sleep.

Not Again

I woke up to a dream about major stomach pains in the wee hours of the morning only to realize I was having major stomach pains. I made my way to the restroom and for the second time in a week I proceeded to puke my brains out. Not what I call a great time. I have been sick all day. Not necessarily throwing up but definitely weak and not feeling well at all. I have a couple projects that I am still working on at the depot and went back tonight after people had left to bolt in the safe. That baby is tight like a tiger now. It isn't moving. I am also working on framing out our bread warmer. I have everything cut and ready for installation tomorrow. Hopefully I feel a lot better in the morning.

Canyon Walk

I took a walk up the canyon this evening. It is just the paved path from Canyon Park that travels up the Cedar Canyon a ways. Not a bad little 3+ mile round trip. It is actually a pretty hike with the multi colored mountains on each side and coal creek running along side the path. Good walk.

Jack called again this evening and we talked for a bit. He went to church today. He told me there are two other young men but he hasn't met them yet because they haven't been there. He said he took a trip back in time and hung out with the primary. What a kid. I guess Natty and Andy aren't comfortable going. It can be hard to enter a small branch of strangers. Jack doesn't have a problem though and says the people are very nice. Maybe they will get a bit braver as time goes.

Chats

I got a call from Jack tonight. It was around 11 PM and we had a good laugh when I told him I wasn't at Walmart. He was excited to tell me more motorcycle riding stories and he let me know that Andy got a motorcycle as well. I guess I'm going to have to take a closer look at the dirt bike market. Sounds like they are loving it. He told me that their Granny Sue had been up visiting this week. We had a great chat and discussed a variety of topics. They will be home in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to that.

Safety Passed

Today I had to get the truck back in to pass the safety inspection before having to pay for another one. I had a call this morning letting me know the part I needed for the 4X4 hub had come in. I got it and got it all put back together. There was one point where I had to press in this heavy duty spring and install its retaining clip all at the same time. Dan and I had done the other side together and it took me a few minutes to figure out how to do this one solo but I got it. I then finished tearing out the old tie rods and installed the new ones. With everything torqued and greased I took it off the jacks. I then had to come up with a way of extending the exhaust out from under the truck. That came together fairly well and I drove over for the re-inspection. Felt good to have everything pass this time around. The steering feels better but is still not excellent. I will be getting an alignment done and then may have another part that will need replacing. There was some movement at the Pittman arm that isn't because of the connection but rather what it is connected to. There may just always be something to work on. Anyhow, it is nice to have the safety done and I look forward to getting it registered now.

Done

I got my results back this morning for my class. My lesson plan passed with flying colors and I passed the class. Nice to have that done and now I need to move on to the next class.

No Stopping It

I was feeling horrible last night and new that throwing up was a real possibility.  It is not something that I look forward to but it was going to happen and let me just say, when it did happen there was no stopping it. I felt so much better but have felt pretty crappy all day.  I did go into work today as we had need of supplies from the store and I also had to take care of some financial needs.  I wasn't there long and avoided all things food. Simply brought in the supplies and then took care of the financials in the office.  I did say hi to a couple of customers but kept my distance.  At one table were the ladies from the Cedar Middle School office and I thought Jack might appreciate me saying hello to them. Another was a friend that recently went through a divorce and it was important for me to go and say hello. Sometimes you just need to know you have a friend and are thought of.  Anyway, I stopped off at the bank and then came home and went back to bed.  I am feeling a bit better now but still don't have much of an appetite. I had a bowl of cereal and some almonds, also had a little cheese and have tried to eat some steamed veggies but am struggling there.  I have managed to finish my lesson plan, have written my strategy justification essay and submitted the thing.  I really hope it goes through without a problem because I really don't want to look at that thing again.  

Don't Puke

I woke up this morning with a bit of an upset stomach. On Sunday mom and Shey were not feeling well and sounds like Sammy was ill too. I was hoping it was something I would avoid. Seems to not be the case. Tonight when I got home I just felt horrible. I am trying right now to avoid throwing up. Maybe I should just like and get it over with. I tried having a bowl of cereal not long ago but that may prove to have been a mistake. Miserable.

Left Pinkie Toe

Tonight I ran out with Borden and Dakota to help them disassemble and move a shed from Bordens property out in the valley to Dakota's town house.  They had built this shed there on a design that would allow them to put it in the back patio area of the town house that is a fenced in area. It fit quite well and was designed perfectly for the space.  Anyhow, whilst out at the property and loading it up I was helping to carry the roof section to the trailer and thought the path was clear in front of me.  I rammed my foot right into the sharp edge of an old rusted role of metal.  I felt a very sharp pain in my left pinkie toe and was not sure if I had sliced it open or not.  The material of my shoe was cut and I expected to see blood and half a toe flowing out of the shoe.  Fortunately there was no gushing blood and the toe seemed to be contained within my sock that was not cut open by the blow.  That was a good sign but there was still a lot of pain.  I carried on with the project and ignored the pain as best I could. It really wasn't that big of a problem.  It is now roughly five hours later and the toe still throbs.  A few hours ago I had removed the shoe and the sock and found no blood, no cut in the skin.  I think it was just a well placed hit right on the nail of the left pinkie toe. I would discourage you from taking a blow on said toe.  It does not feel at all well. 

Temple Walk

After church and presidency meetings today I took a walk up to the temple and then over to the folks to drop off something. It was some good walking out there. The temple is looking good.  The folks were good though mom and Shey are sick.  Hopefully that is somewhat isolated.  Oh my goodness. I am passing out here. Time for bed. 

Balls!

Today with the help of Borden, Dakota, and Dan the man, I went about the day trying to be of some assistance as we replaced ball joints on the truck. Borden talked to me about replacing u-joints, bearings and seals and since we were inside of the vehicle or the front axle already, it made sense. I have never done u-joints, wheel bearings or ball joints before and got some great help. One side has been completed with the exception of reinstalling the breaks and wheel. The ball joints are done on the other side and after the u-joints and bearings get changed out it will be ready to put back together. I have a much better understanding of what needs to be done and will continue to tinker. I am grateful for all the help that was willingly shared.

7/14/17

Busy day. Busy with things outside of getting my class done. Supplies needed picking up, things needed organizing and cleaning, there were items that needed restocking, there was a door that needed repair. After that Dan came over and we started working on the truck and the ball joints. We got things tore down to the knuckle and then ran up for some dinner with the folks, Dan and Amy, and Nigel and Laura. It was a good time and I got to play with all the kids for a bit. We had races and tickling, we had a push up contest and rocket rides. Fun times. Dan and I then went over and installed rocks on the front of the Brick House. It has been looking shabby with much of the rock having fallen off because the last guy we hired to do it did a terrible job. As I was cleaning the glue he tried to use off of the rocks that had fallen, that's right, glue. Anyhow, said glue looked like it was from a hot glue gun. Anyhow,bit all came together.  I was cleaning up tools in the driveway when Borden pulled up to his house. He came over to take a look and then we ended up talking for well over an hour. He's good to talk to. It is amazing how fast time seems to go.

Moto

Got a call from Jack about a little over an hour ago. I love these calls. I was at Walmart when I got the call. He had to call me to tell me about learning to ride a dirt bike. He was very much excited about the whole thing. He says he has more work to do to learn how to shift gears and tells me he will be doing that tomorrow. Glad for his excitement and look forward to hearing more about his adventures.

Fried Grey Matter

I managed to get a good handle on my lesson plan today.  If I wasn't sitting here falling asleep I might get it done but I am struggling to keep my eyes open.  Ouch!  I think I have fried my brain, a little grey matter toasted.  I have been trying to finalize things but I keep nodding off and I cannot get my brain to function. I just need to get some sleep and then get the final stuff done on it in the morning.  So close but so far away. 

Circles

I am running around in circles with this class. I am struggling with the lesson plan and trying to make what I think is a pretty good idea fit into a prescribed lesson plan. It is driving me crazy. I thought I was making some headway and now I am feeling like I am back at the beginning.  That only after I had done the same thing right before I did it again. I need to just get through it. I am trying to focus but every time I make progress I doubt my ability and struggle with trying to understand my plan and if it makes sense and meets the requirements.  I'm about to throw my hands in the air, put something down and roll with it. I guess if I screw up something I will get info back letting me know where I am coming up short.  It really shouldn't be this hard. 

Dang It

I went to the shop to take care of a little business and ended up with a mild concern about the amount of ice that was being produced in the ice machine. I had previously planned to clean said machine and so I decided it was time.  It wasn't in too bad of shape but it definitely didn't hurt. It turned out good but the process wipes out the ice reserves. So we were low on ice and I had to make a run for some. Fortunately we have another ice machine down the road that is quite full. I managed to put off my lesson plan yet again. Tomorrow it needs to happen. Dang it!

Birthday Wishes

Today was moms birthday. The big 67. What a lady! So grateful for her and all she does to bless our family. I went over for dinner tonight and a little cake and ice cream. We also played a game of crowns or whatever it is called. Things were tight going into the last round with the folks tied at 98 and I was sitting at 100. Well, I lost and the birthday girl pulled off the victory. Way to go Idaho! Happy Birthday! Love you mom.

Jack Called

Got a call from Jack tonight. We had a great conversation while I walked around the Walmart. I was looking for a gift for a special birthday tomorrow. I wasn't having much luck but that didn't matter much. I just walked around the store and listened to Jack tell me stories about an old Ford 900 truck he found, about the village dog and how it was hanging out on their doorstop until they opened the door and their dog chowder scared him away, I also heard about how they went to the movies and came home to find chowder on the roof. There were several other stories. It was a fun conversation. Jack told me how he is all set to go to church tomorrow. He is a good boy and a good example to his family. He didn't know if his brother and sister would join him but he was ready to go. Certainly my hope is that all three will attend. Well, fun times. I am grateful for my children. I miss them being here and felt that a few times today so it was nice to get that phone call.

July 7 2017

What to say? Worked a little expediting today to make sure food was going out as timely as possible. I may have to make that a regular thing most days during lunch. When we are busy it seems the food ends up sitting a little long but by expediting we get everything together and organized so that staff just delivers. Well, it was a fine day. I am drifting off so I am going to close.

The Raquette Ball

Last year I played raquette ball for the first time and think I played a total of three times, it may have been two.  It wasn't much and I wasn't very good.  This year I have begun to play again. I have now played five times in the last couple of months.  I am not very good and was easily getting schooled when I began playing.  Slowly I am improving and becoming more competitive.  Today I went and played and actually did quite well. I didn't win but I took the game to 14-13 with several long rally's and a multitude of sweet shots before faltering at the end. That was a vast improvement over my previous attempts at the sport. I can at least feel like I am being somewhat competitive.  It feels good to improve and to be more competitive.  Like anything in life that we work at and practice, we get better and better. I will keep pressing.

Tragic

Tonight my friend Karry came up and we went over to the Shakespeare festival and watched Romeo and Juliet.  It was actually quite good. The story is filled with tragedy. I am tragically falling asleep as I try to type. I've already fallen asleep while typing. Well must sleep.

The 4th

Wonderful 4th of July. It started early with the ward breakfast. I was up and going at 4:45 AM and ran over to the shop to load up on products we brought in for this. Then I was to South Elementary at 5:30 to start setting up. Everything came together and the breakfast was a success. After the breakfast there was a lot of work to do with cleaning the tools I borrowed from the shop. I was hoping for a nice nap but that didn't quite materialize. After 11 I had everything cleaned and sat down for a few minutes. I ended up getting a short nap at that point and then was up and to the store to pick stuff up for the restaurant. I took a moment to visit with the workers and then headed over to the folks. Amy, Dan and kids came up and we enjoyed the rest of the fourth together. 

I had a moment at the ward breakfast this morning, during the flag raising and the pledge of allegiance, when I felt a great deal of gratitude for this great country in which I live. I am grateful for the freedoms I enjoy and the opportunities this provides. I am grateful that this morning I could gather with neighbors and friends and we could pray and celebrate together. It was just a moment of gratitude and appreciation.

Jack Call

I am on the first phone call with Jack since the kids left for Alaska. The call came just after midnight. He was fine but said he had been crying earlier because he was missing me. He seemed in good spirits and is enjoying Bethel though he says there isn't much to do. He was happy to tell me about local dogs that are not owned but simply roam the neighborhood.  He said they have short legs and wirery hair. Sound like township dogs.  Well, it was great to get a phone call. I also got a text from Natalie earlier and that was wonderful.  We will see how often .

July 2nd

Twas the 2nd day of July today. It was also church day.

Had a fine day at church. I am so tired right now I can't even keep my eyes open. I will rest and try again. 

Empty

I made a trip down to the temple this evening. When I pulled into the highway I noticed my gas gauge was pretty low but I figured it would be enough to get me there. It is a digital gas gauge and it showed 3 bars remaining. Towards the midway point of the drive the fuel light came on but I didn't think much of it and figured I was fine. As I pulled off the highway I looked at the gauge and there were no bars remaining. I have never been below one bar and didn't know what to expect. I was going to stop but was not in a convenient position to do so. I decided I would just head to the temple and fill up after. I had to have been running on fumes but somehow managed to get to the station without fully burning all the fuel in the car.  Grateful for that. The temple was great as was everything else. I definitely do not feel empty!