Good morning everyone.

Ah, Friday. But I still have one more to go. Overtime tomorrow, that's been a foreign word to us for months.

My wall guy from all week is off today and I got a good wall guy. The other guy is okay, but had some irritating habits. I would try to show him the errors of his ways, but I guess I was too subtle. Hope he's doing something else next week.

So I found out a friend of mine died earlier this week. We were fairly close some years ago but then he moved down south of Macon and I didn't hear from him anymore. His wife died a couple months ago and he just hung it up. Wouldn't go to the doctor, wouldn't take care of himself. I also heard he had lung cancer so that wouldn't have done him any favors. I met this guy at the Awful house many years ago.

It's really been nice out the past couple days. I did some mowing yesterday and worked out in the yard as well. I hope I can get a couple things done this weekend. No rain in sight. If I were king, rain would need a permit.

Okay have a great weekend everyone.

 

Norm - I'm sorry you're still feeling so poorly. I may just have missed it, but did you get your Brightspeed restored?

I was fortunate to get those tickets, or at least 2 of the 4. Her Mom and I were already divorced by then and she got two of them. That was just another bonus though, I got to take Dawn to the games instead! 😆 🤣 😂

 

Mike - Sorry to hear about your friend's passing, my condolences.

Not meaning to rub it in, but I bet the overtime tomorrow will feel strange. It has been quite awhile hasn't it.

 

heh Rub away. The lead just told us there's no overtime tomorrow. Only one lead signed up and the foreman said we had to have more than one lead for overtime. So yay, my weekend just got longer. Clowns. The leads don't do anything anyway.

I tell you, it feels funny to lose a friend. I'll be 59 this year, but I sure don't feel it. And I sure don't act it. I have trouble with time. I remember things from decades ago like they were yesterday. How on earth can I be that old? People that I know, we're all just supposed to be here. It all seems rather mortal.

Norm I hope you get to feeling better. Did you do the hot tub yesterday? If I had one of those I'd never leave the house. I'm thinking rather seriously about getting one of those walk in tubs. I don't need it because I have trouble in the shower, I just want it to be a hot tub. They're pretty expensive, though, I've never heard an exact number.

Lunch in 20.

 

Good morning guys

Welcome to Summer, forecast for a high of 87° here today!

Keegan is playing in his end of year Club Tournament (all Meramec Sharks teams his age) yesterday and today. It's all about fun with the little guys at this age. Both boy's start their Spring 4-on-4 Season tomorrow on new teams, Keegan in the morning and Gabe in the evening, they're keeping me running! The teams for the Spring 4-on-4 League (all Sharks Teams) were selected in a draft by the Coaches within the league, with the idea of parity within the League. We are excited about the Coach who selected Gabe for his team because he was a former big time player at Boston University and has an excellent reputation.

Since I will be running to hockey games all weekend I'll have to do some planning and record the sports I want to watch if there are conflicts. Besides the March Madness games, the Big 10 Hockey Tournament Championship is on Saturday evening between Michigan and Ohio State, which should be a dandy.

Hope everyone has a great day and weekend! 😃

 

Whoa Chuck Norris died. How can that be? I thought maybe it was an internet hoax but it's on Wikipedia. A medical emergency in Hawaii. Well if you have to go, might as well be in paradise.

Bless him.

 

Well crap, that's a bummer about your overtime being canceled!

You're right Mike, it is a very different kind of feeling when your friends or other contemporaries start passing. When you realize you've become much closer to the end than the beginning, it really makes you think! Hey, who's got some more cheery topics we can discuss today??? 😉

 

Initially, I felt like hammered whale $hit - even worse w/ the Zyrtec. Allegra has dampened the antihistamine effects - I think. I'll take another Allegra today (~2pm) to see how it plays out. Again, I don't have a fever which is positive news, the post nasal rhinitis appears to have abated for the most part; yet, as I said several days ago, I despise taking any antihistamines - they're plain evil what they do to the body (mine in particular). Antihistamines are likened to shutting down your entire immune system. Histamine production is one of your immune systems first line of defense - taking them creates a host of havoc.

Mike - My whirlpool is manufactured by MTI Whirlpools - Cayman 3 Model. I can't believe it's already been 15 years since I purchased/installed the beast. I'm equally surprised how much they've gone up in price - just for the whirlpool alone, stupid money.
I did the whirlpool day before yesterday & after that I was completely weak to my knees & hit the bed to sleep for 12 hrs. Just nuts. Yesterday, I took a half tab (5 mg) of Zyrtec (7am), then went back to bed to sleep another 6 hrs. Just crazy. Awoke & bought Allegra. Took Allegra ~2pm.

Thanks for the well wishes on feeling better guys.

I'm reading on things to further self-diagnose what may have caused this miserable histamine dump & may have come up w/ a simple yet ridiculous possibility - Roquefort cheese. I don't often purchase pure 100% Roquefort cheese; but, Roquefort cheese has one of if not the highest levels of histamine than nearly any other food sources; and, I ate some major pieces of Roquefort cheese just several days ago. I'm pulling at straws, I know. But I've never been knocked out like this except during a full blown hay fever attack caused perennial ragweed Ambrosia psilostachya.

 

I'm not going outdoors unless I see something which peaks my interest....

 

Since Jim can't seem to post pictures I'll post this picture Jim sent to me via phone. Looking good, Jim.

 

Without a boom truck to deliver the concrete I'll bet that truck would be three to four feet deep in surrounding soil.

 

Mike - I forgot to answer your question. Yes, my Brightspeed was fully restore & they provided a very satisfactory credit to my bill. Reducing my monthly rate ($69) to one half ($35).

 

Well, I'm still here! Norm, I hope that you can knock that allergy **** down. Mike, my condolences on the loss of your friend.

 

Norm - I don't know how much truth there is to this, but it sounds plausible, at least Regionally. I've seen a couple of Medical Doctors on reputable news sites present the same hypothesis/explanation why this allergy season is more severe than normal. They are saying that because of the extreme swings in temperature earlier this Spring, that plants that normally would have pollinated earlier were delayed, and what normally would have been a gradational release of pollen from the various species is now occurring all at the same time, essentially causing a super concentrated period of pollination. Makes sense to me.

 

Dan - The fact you're still here is a cheery topic, always. Based on calculations of the 1/2-life (8.3 hrs) for Zyrtec (Cetirizine), I've cleared my system of that evil substance. Complete clearance is ~48hrs - 49 hrs. I'm handling Allegra (Fexofenadine) far, far better. Taken two 180 mg tablets the past two days. BTW, the 1/2-life of Fexofenadine is 14.4 hrs.

I also sat in a nice hot whirlpool (again) for ~40 minutes which seems to help significantly.

 

Chris - Same as I've read during the past week. Thanks for adding your viewpoints. I walked onto my front porch to water my hanging ferns. I care not to venture any further & for a duration any longer than ~5' - 6'.

 

Norm - Nice to hear we're both hearing the same story, I'd hate to be labeled a conspiracy theorist! 😉 Also glad to hear you're getting some relief from the Allegra and the hot tub sessions!

 

Since I'm a PITA by nature, I'll put a stop to your conspiracy theory (as written).

There's a mild dichotomy in what you wrote:

I completely understood what you were saying. For the record, I'd like to demonstrate I am a nuisance since pollination is the transfer of pollen from an anther of a plant to the stigma of a plant, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds.

 

Yep, PITA! Just kidding!

 

Good looking cheerleading shots, Chris. Nice to see a good looking lady who isn't either obese, anorexic, or altered. Seems like there are no normal looking young women around these days.

 

Thanks John, she is an attractive lady. Always very tiny, 4' 11", maybe 95lbs sopping wet. Her other sport was gymnastics. She fit the bill perfectly for the Cheerleading position they call "The Flyer", the girl that gets tossed way up into the air and is at the very top of the human pyramids. It used to scare the hell out of me when she'd get tossed way up in the air. I did see her get dropped a couple of times but luckily no injuries beyond some minor bruising. To her credit, she never left the court, and never shied away from a tricky stunt the next time out.

 

Spent the week on the road, stayed home today. Getting weekend migraines popped off by congestion, so I only had Sunday to do the H/OCA magazine and a little of Monday. Drove late to Georgetown KY on Monday, little bit of flurries. I was on the bleeding edge of a system in Lexington which black iced everyone Tuesday AM. Taught a class Tues and Wed and was tired. Got enough sleep Wed night, headed home Thurs.

I stopped at my tractor people and put money down on tractor attachments, all of which are backordered now. Bought the Ventrac MZ480 brushcutter (a bush hawg), the KD722 72" blade with polyurethane tip, the KL480 tiller, and the ES220 broadcast spreader, which is classified as an accessory while the first 3 are attachments. Including part numbers for Norm's research should he be so inclined. Went by the outlet mall to my favorite cooking store and bought a pan, then went home. Went by the new place, then went into town.

I was going to go to Menards for sticky traps for the toad or whatever it is in my truck (no luck yet catching him), stopped by my barber on the way first. Old guy that did it has been cutting hair for 60 years. Heavy handed, but really knew what he was doing.

 

I knew a tiny engineer who was a flyer. Same mentality.

 

John - The work trip sounds pretty brutal when you combine the weather and the fact you weren't feeling all that great. I bet you're glad to be home.

All those new attachments sound great. You're really set-up great now! I've lost the bubble, what is the current plan/timetable for moving to your new place? Are there major renovations or improvements you want to make to the new place before making the move?

 

Good morning everyone.

Just a glorious day. In lieu of working overtime I'm going over to my airport and helping with "volunteer day." No idea what the agenda is but it won't be strenuous. Pull weeds around the line room, clean the bathroom, that sort of thing.

John when you go on a road trip do you actually design robot systems for other plants or do you teach classes or advise? When you get back do you find that someone has messed with what you have going at your home plant?

Norm hope the noggin is better today. Maybe a couple drops of oil of eucalyptus in the bath might help. What was that big *** word from before? Something homoseepa?

Got a big pile of branches/scrap wood sorted yesterday at Mom's house. I've been adding to this pile for years. Now the branches are ready for the chipper-shredder, and the wood is ready for the chain saw. I have no need for firewood but I can't see letting all this stuff just burn. Oh here's a question, I need to burn pine needles and twigs and rotted beyond belief wood, can I burn in a regular galzanized garbage can or would that be too thin? Can I set it on a piece of plywood or will that get too hot and burn itself? I don't want to burn the back yard down. It would solve one problem but might create a couple others.

Okay gonna head to the airport. Hope everyone has a good day.

 

John - I looked at each of the attachments via the part nos. you provided, thanks. That 72" blade is awesome & I like the broadcast spreader. I recall images of the out building(s) of your new place. I think you're going to need a dedicated Ventrac shed/barn. Really nice setup you've got going w/ the Ventrac system.

 

Mike - Thanks. Don't recall the big a$$ word, but oil of eucalyptus is an excellent idea.

I think I'm rounding the corner on this evil thing although not 100%. I'll note on Tuesday I was at my 1° physician's office for a blood draw for my annual conducted by Quest. When I got home I did a thorough cleaning of the wool throw carpet in my office with tons of vacuuming & I used a can of that foaming carpet cleaner thoroughly working a scrub brush throughout the carpet to dislodge dust & whatever gets inside a throw carpet, then vacuuming again. I've essentially been vacuuming like crazy. It was that night (Tuesday) this all came on. I'm confused.

I have no fever. I continue to self-diagnose. With the Zyrtec out of my system and only Allegra now, I'm feeling human again. I have my annual w/ my 1° physician this Thursday & we'll see what he thinks. I'm still thinking an allergic response, but I'm going to buy a new COVID-19 kit since I'm still using COVID-19 kits which are four years old; yet they present a very clear "Control" line which should indicate the kit is capable of reacting with a known antigen.

Think I'll head outdoors for some Eucalyptus oil & a new COVID-19 kit to be on the safer side. The thing about me is I am extremely sensitive to sinus allergies. When it attacks me I'm like dead in the water. Perennial ragweed is the absolute worst. I am a complete 100% ball of snot, inflamed eyes, inflamed respiratory tract, sneeze every 10 seconds & want to kill something - totally unbearable. This reaction was very similar but far, far more long lasting. So tired of feeling this way.

 

Picked up a Rapid (15') SpeedySwab COVID-19 + FLU A & B Antigen Self Test (manufactured by WATMIND USA). I've been curious for some years how soon a company would manufacture an Antigen test for Influenza A &/or B. Well, it's arrived. Cost me an additional $10 (compared to $15 COVID alone), but thought WTF - I'll give it a go. Negative results for COVID, negative results for Influenza A & negative results for Influenza B.

 

Most of you likely recall the freak show '19 Kids & Counting', well this freak show gets even better...

Joseph Duggar's wife Kendra also charged after '19 Kids' alum's arrest

 

Did my grocery shopping, restocked the Zyrtec. Went to Target and bought a new toaster oven as my old one had a tendency to keep right on running, even when it was done. I didn't need to forget to unplug it in the morning and come home to a burnt down house. I see that Michigan and Michigan State won their games today, as did my high schools girls basketball team, winning their first ever State title. Gonna head out in a few and take pics of the tires that were on the Subaru when I bought it. Less than 35k on them, might as well get a buck or two outta them.

 

Wow am I beat. Went to the airport for work day. We pulled up probably 3 dozen rods that were sunk in the ground for airplane tiedowns. The new person mowing was afraid the mower would run over them and tear it up. Of course we've been mowing for the past 50 years... A front end loader actually pulled them up but we picked up the rods and the tires that were around them and put them on a trailer. Then we messed with a tree that had fallen at the end of the runway. Then I went to my shop and started cutting down odd "trees" that had started growing after the place wasn't cut anymore. None of that crap was there when I bought the place but the grass was really high and I mowed a couple extra strips each time, but then started having trouble with lookie-loos and stopped mowing. That was a mistake. Now all these weird tree things have grown up into a young forest and I have to cut them all down, so I can start mowing, and park more cars and whatever else.

I ended early because the bar on my saw was bent and the chain kept flipping. I was pretty tired so I went home and took a shower, and by that time I started to stiffen up. Talk about painful moving around, I did as little as possible and came home from Mom's early. Instead of acetaminophin(not looking it up) I poured a nice glass of Kahlua. Did the same thing and worked quicker.

So my friend that died last week, was keeping his pontoon boat and bass boat at the shop, while he moved. That was years ago. Well they are still there. Actually grown up and couldn't even get them out. I'm torn as to what to do. The correct thing would be to say something to the family. They of course would say gimme gimme gimme and want them immediately. He didn't have any family per se so it would be his wife's family. They all suck and I'd hate to deal with them. Although I could probably stop them cold by saying, sure you can have them, come dig them out of the mud and vines. I'll probably just leave them be and when I dig them out eventually maybe put some work into them and sell them or donate them. The pontoon used to be mine and I sold it to him. Neither one are worth very much.

Walmart tomorrow then I think a little yard work at Mom's. I'll have to see how I feel. Was beautiful here today and gonna be the same tomorrow. Great way to start off Spring.

Okay I'm hitting the sack. Have a good night everyone.

 

Mike, I wouldn't use a galvanized garbage can to burn brush in 'cuz the galvanize treatment can burn off and the fumes are harmful, they say. Been really nice here last couple days- 50-60 and snow is melting. Friday and Saturday I went down to Jackson to do "intakes" for the Red Cross. There was a apt fire last Thursday that left 69 with out a home. We have at least 27 clients. "Intake" is where we talk to the clients (interview, sorta) either by phone or in person. This allows them to get some financial aid and help w/ replacing lost prescriptions, glasses, etc. Boy I am so fortunate- it really makes you realize that talking to these people. Count your blessings, fellas....

 

Norm - Glad to hear you feel like you're turning the corner on your allergy symptoms. I hope you continue to get better.

Dan - I was glad to see UofM and MSU advance in March Madness. I was also glad to see UofM win the Big 10 Hockey Tournament last night over OSU.

Greg - Good on you for continuing your volunteer work with the Red Cross! 👍 Believe me, I count my blessings everyday!

 

Good morning guys,

I don't think I posted at all yesterday, a rarity for me. It was a busy, productive, and fun day!

The grandsons' both had their first games of their Spring 4-on-4 Hockey League yesterday. Keegan had a morning game, played outstanding, and his team won 7-1. He had a shut-out going until he let one squeak by with about 2-minutes left. Gabe's game was his first as a 13yr-old in the 13/14-yr old League that allows checking. He more than held his own, with 2 goals and 2 assists, in a 6-3 win. The thing I was happiest to see was his aggressiveness in the checking department, he dished out more hits than he received.

In between hockey games I did alot of yard work. I mowed for the 1st time, pulled alot of weeds and dead growth, and then sprayed alot of weeds. Then I got a bunch of trash and unwanted stuff out of the basement up to the front of the house to go out with the trash tomorrow morning.

I was pooped by the time I got back from the 2nd Hockey game around 10pm last night but stayed up late to speed watch the basketball games and hockey game I had recorded during the day. I didn't hit the sack until about 1am.

Hope everyone has a great day! 😃

 

I look at the two Oak trees in my yard - they're like towering machines dripping sex (pollen) everywhere. Walk onto the front porch to water the hanging ferns & the ultra tiny yellow/green pollen covers everything.

 

Hadn't glanced at the weather forecast before starting my post above. Weatherman is predicting another all time record high temp today of 88°, and then a high tomorrow of 58°, and then back up to 85° by Thursday. AiYiYi . . . the rollercoaster continues! 🎢 🤪

 

Yep, I sure noticed it yesterday when I was out doing all that yard work, especially on my truck which hasn't been driven in over a week, with no rain to wash it off. I was feeling the after effects of it last night after working out in it most of the afternoon, but nothing like the nightmare you've been experiencing.

 

I hit the range for ~1hr. Felt nice to be outdoors testing pollen reactions. Not physically 100% but making some gradual swing improvements mostly result of slowing my backswing. Chris, glad I signed on w/Peacock, not knowing at the time it was NBC Broadcast, tons more sports and I’ll watch 4th round of Valspar Championship today.

 

That's great Norm! Despite the commercials I've always thought Peacock is a good value for what you get. 👍

 

U of M womens won toady, going good for the maize and blue.