tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388876827645240782024-03-05T04:28:54.677-05:00Time To Keep It SimpleTime To Keep It Simple serves as a record of my life as a traveler, writer, genealogist, photographer, target sports enthusiast, Rotarian, Mason, Jew, PR professional, and many other (mostly positive) things. In addition to this daily blog I am also the man behind the curtain (not named Oz) at gettingyourphil.blogspot.com and I previously blogged at fromgoytooleh.blogspot.com. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.comBlogger1208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-20795895427571280922016-09-14T23:53:00.000-04:002016-09-23T23:30:45.005-04:00Working On My Masonic Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFDduge8mHT_A0ErnS86oSJK13iD1yrb4mbtCXz3yr4WfWnduviPexrS1U6-73d3sjAZySu6JJaSrFBkaNC5nXOpBUQ8ZszCmv7ngi85Tr_oaAVYDyqACz_Z-oF1RaqgBFVIrnLXm6B8/s320/Masonic+Watch.jpg" width="319" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is that time of year when the calendar seems to scream at me begging for mercy
as I strap its legs to a wooden block. It is a process that repeats every fall
as we emerge from the ease of summer. And while there are already enough events,
projects, and other commitments on my personal and work calendars, it is the
lodge calendar that seems to put things over the edge every year. This year has
proven to be a particularly difficult one to balance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even
something as basic as the stated meeting schedule is already met with at least
one conflict in December. That was discovered even before I took a closer look
at some of other blocks on the calendar. At this point, and this is by no means
the end of events coming to the fore, there are certainly going to be some
difficult decisions that have to be made moving forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Extra
meetings shouldn’t be an issue as the schedule someone worked out preventing
too many commitments from stacking up in a single week. However, the weekly
fellowship will continue to take a hit as I need to limit the nights that I am
out of the house while also juggling other events on the calendar… usually I
don’t like to be out twice in one week more than once a month (if I can help
it). But there are some other events to which I will bring my family such as
Autumn Day, the Open House (if it comes together), and the Blood Drive
(although there is a conflict that day in December as well). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
I would like to attend meetings at other lodges, be present for appendant body
gatherings, and enjoy the fellowship at other communications, it doesn’t seem
like that is going to be a possibility this year. I can’t remember a time when
my calendar was so overloaded and I am hoping that proves to be an outlier
rather than the new normal. Hopefully, the schedule next year will be a little
lighter or, at the very least, I am better prepared for the onslaught of
commitments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
now, with so many other obligations I am also having to scale back on my time
at the lodge even further this fall as I need to spend time with my family. In
the end, family is what has and always will take precedence. Everything else is
secondary. And this is something that every brother understands and all of them
have supported me in making this decision. After all, our fraternity should
make our family stronger.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-27540552627744980272016-09-13T23:53:00.000-04:002016-09-23T14:26:11.925-04:00TMI Tuesday: Potty Training Postponement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwwesJm5hzkZiCg1Va9MKKSJ55rA7qjhtNUV7MZZcT7ziKWzFw5O3McwHEfqFxw3zeUIwwJZfcxDNKRGT30SAQPsRARt45zzOIq9qkbL6e5_PrgLfqw1yTLUY9ZcA769YKsa3PCuZeHo/s320/Potty.jpe" width="304" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last
week was an experience. Following our trip to New York, and nearly a month of
our son showing signs that he was ready, we decide to take the plunge (or plop if
you will) and start introducing our son to the potty. Actually, it was a matter
of reintroducing him to the toddler thrown that he picked out for himself at
Walmart a few months ago. Well, it was an interesting first day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was a completely new routine for all of us as every couple of hours we would
gather around the plastic bowl and read an appropriate book to our son as he
sat there patiently. While there were a few hiccups early in the morning,
things were moving along about as smoothly as one could expect by the time the
sun went down. He seemed to be getting the hang of it and enjoyed both the
stories being read and receiving the stickers which we pulled out as an
incentive for sitting there calmly. He also decided to read to us while his
bare bum was perched in his seat of distinction a few times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The following
morning, while I was groggily getting ready for work, I could hear the usual back
and forth above my head as my wife and son made their way from the bedroom to
the bathroom. However, a few minutes later, I could hear the excitement and the
clapping of little hands as our son peed in the potty for the first time.
Actually, technically speaking, he peed <i>from</i>
the potty not <i>in</i> the potty. Details,
details. This success made for a great morning and start to the week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
the end of the day, everything had changed. You could say that the crap hit the
fan. While he was comfortable making progress at the house the day before,
everything came undone at daycare. All the hard work and all of the huge steps
that our son had taken were gone. We don’t know what exactly happened but it
clearly wasn’t done the right way… and we were definitely not happy about the
fallout! Now, potty training is on hold at daycare and we are trying to retrace
those previous steps and milestones at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Slowly
we are making progress once again. While he still isn’t as comfortable as he
once was, there are small steps being made and the interest is slowly creeping
back in. It is all about confidence right now as he continues to show other
signs of readiness but an unwillingness to “fail” on the potty. That will
return in time and, until then, we will continue to encourage him to take a
load off whenever he has the urge.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-42932775130209443562016-09-12T23:57:00.000-04:002016-09-23T09:53:53.569-04:00Mortgage Monday: Time To Keep It Simple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH-0I6S-VjGb7hs0ILJXorSUU20t5dxekHyvG_uoVftU9vx31-k7ok35CNePWKVWffeaEqFhxLwLnLzj9uvKU0erceBuY-GMpIVx6TUnDBaql6CArUw_JP5tSPpAeuYnYghWrl1dw3fo/s400/Pipes+and+wires.jpe" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">With
all of the <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/08/mortgage-monday-we-finally-have-our.html" target="_blank">work being done on the house</a> lately things have been rather
complicated. So far, nothing has been as simple as it should be. Everything on
our project list has had a few subsections added to it with the floors and the
exterior doors being prime examples of this ongoing process. However, in the
end, many of these things, all of these complications, are going to give us
what we have been picturing in our minds as our ideal home. Further, many of
the things that have been uncovered and a couple of the future projects have
and will remove some of the complicated aspects of our home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
best examples of this are the <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/08/mortgage-monday-we-have-gas.html" target="_blank">HVAC overhaul</a> currently underway and the
electrical overhaul that we have on the schedule. The old oil and electric
system required a heck of a lot of copper pipe running across the basement and
up the walls to supply the baseboard heating. The air conditioning, being an
afterthought of the original homeowners, was something that was put in as
inexpensively as possible leaving us with duct work running through bedroom
closets and really not being very efficient. The boiler, oil tank, and all of
the copper pipes are now gone, the duct work has been overhauled, and we have
now simplified the two zone (the heating was originally on four zones) system
running forced air for both heating and cooling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
project is nearing completion but the electrical work has yet to be started.
While a few steps have been taken to simplify this (i.e. old whole house fan
has been removed) there is still a lot of work to be done with new matching fixtures
being installed and a lot, and I mean a lot, of outlets and switches that are
going to be removed (with a few simply being moved). This will eliminate the
need for a lot of the wiring that is running throughout the house and will put
things (or leave things) in place that actually make sense (i.e. I don’t need
three separate switches for the kitchen lights). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is definitely a process but, as I said before, it will simplify some of the
basic aspects of our house. After all, I don’t like having excess pipes and
wires running through the walls when they don’t need to be there. After that it
should be much easier to maintain. So, we will have to deal with a little more
complication before we can reach a point of simplicity. Well, at least until
the <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/07/mortgage-monday-revising-project-list.html" target="_blank">next round of renovations and projects</a>.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-33551290169629367912016-09-11T23:55:00.000-04:002016-09-23T00:36:52.356-04:00Sunday Search: The Events Of Each Generation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WL1T0hWplmN922J08kpeM_bLsdJguNcIP5kpdNGhNHaUz21ZXDjLQGLe8UTUYPhanUrsXHe7DpTGwt1l5IF0Fh4ZPzU2H4eRm8iGJUuFfKU9ksLt5Gk0uHWoWmRSpOsz5yN8CYTQbvk/s400/US+History+Timeline.gif" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
researching the lives of my ancestors I am always cognizant of the larger
events happening in the world around them. Additionally, I constantly think
about the way of life and what would have been part of their daily consciousness
during that period of time. Sometimes I am able to find direct connections to
those events or ways of life like military service, prohibition, or the expansion
and prevalence of the railroad industry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
it is important to remember (and sometimes I have to remind myself), that the
stories are there we just have to allow our ancestors to tell them. We can't
expect to find anything or wish to find a connection to a person or event. We
must look at their lives as we do our own and cherish facts (good and bad) like
memories. In my opinion, this is a critical in understanding your ancestors and
the lives that they lived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is this same thought process that is important for us to remember in our own
lives as well. While there are many people who have a direct connection to
9/11, there are even more of us that have been impacted by this tragedy in <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-night-before.html" target="_blank">one way or another</a>. Our lives are different because of it and, in many instances,
the courses of our lives have been altered by it. Some more so than others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This,
unfortunately, is an event that has shaped our time similar to how the various
events in history have shaped the lives of our ancestors. Not only does this
remain a vivid memory but the time in which we live has allowed us to
experience it as it happened, in real time, and also relive the horrors of that
September morning. This is both good and bad for obvious reasons. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
had instant access to information and readily available (to a certain extent)
communication with loved ones. This wasn’t always the case and it actually
makes me wonder if previous generations were better off simply not knowing
until long after the fact. But, we can’t change the time in which we live, and,
similarly, we can ascribe modern technology and thought process to previous
generations… a common mistake that I see much too often. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is life and the world in which we live. While we may not always like it, we
have to accept it. And the same can be said for our ancestors. We may not
always agree with the common practices or mentalities of the time but those are
the realities of the world for that generation. It is difficult at times, but
we have to remove ourselves, and our modern perspective, from the lives of our
ancestors and let them tell us the stories about their lives. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-78512876527922010822016-09-10T23:53:00.000-04:002016-09-22T15:31:49.108-04:00The Night Before<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOruu49oXoF6SzvXd8mcDnSS4lYMZisRWh1RqbLJtZEo-iJgJvseEL-8vpnbd2M6P_UuTFcZt3hG6Mbv2OSK7QFAc6wGnPbmrpSdIBCwcvYDyLyYDYeaMXZDbG1uiSR-CSuOzumfCFc0/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOruu49oXoF6SzvXd8mcDnSS4lYMZisRWh1RqbLJtZEo-iJgJvseEL-8vpnbd2M6P_UuTFcZt3hG6Mbv2OSK7QFAc6wGnPbmrpSdIBCwcvYDyLyYDYeaMXZDbG1uiSR-CSuOzumfCFc0/s400/IMG_0429.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small memorial at <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/09/a-weekend-upstate.html" target="_blank">Orange County Choppers</a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
have little recollection regarding the night before 9/11/01. I remember that
the semester was just getting started and that I had class early the next
morning. I know that I was preparing for a trip into the city for the ASVAB and
that I was working on scheduling a meeting with the President of the college to
discuss starting an ROTC partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (a
partnership was later formed with MIT). I can also faintly recall hearing the sounds
of the Giants’ Monday Night Football game coming from a dorm room a few feet
away but there is little else that my memory possesses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Overall,
it was just another cool New England night with the biggest concern of those
around me was starting off the year right and making sure that they got to
class on time the following morning. When I woke up on Tuesday morning I didn’t
hear anything out of the ordinary and I went about the early morning preparing
for class and taking a slow walk to the Academic Building. It really was a beautiful
beginning to the day with only a few thin clouds in the sky, a light breeze
coming off of the bay, and the temperature remaining crisp and comfortable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I walked through the doors and glanced up at the television perched in the corner
I could see that something was going on but didn’t really take the time to
watch and process what was transpiring. I was running a little behind getting
to class but managed to get there by 8:50am, there was little else on everyone’s
mind and the conversation quickly lead to an early dismissal about 5 minutes
later. As I retraced my steps back through the building, I once again looked up
at that same television just as the second plane struck the South Tower. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is when we all knew that this wasn’t simply an accident and as the news and
speculation streamed across the screen I quickly pulled out my cell phone and
called my dad to make sure that his meeting at the World Trade Center the day
before didn’t carry over into the morning. Thankfully, it seems as though I was
one of the last to place a successful call as cell phone service was nearly nonexistent
by the time I got back to my dorm room and turned on the news. As Peter
Jennings shuffled through the information we all turned up the volume of our
televisions and walked outside to try and catch our breath. And as the fighter
jets screamed above our heads low enough to read the warnings on the
underbelly of the planes, we could hear the reports come in that the first tower had
collapsed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
rest of the week remains absent from memory as days seemingly condensed into
seconds while minutes felt like weeks. Fifteen years later and I still have
those memories etched in my mind. And I am sure that fifteen years from now
they will remain as vivid as they are today. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-82846993021198747072016-09-09T23:50:00.000-04:002016-09-22T11:36:30.364-04:00Firearms Friday: A Simple Question<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7631Q3L3CxBqQ7uZA7-Rw8ijFY2zd2TWsiyh-uQ_NSCaRZf9-0NujivIHT0joBwxv-trp36wGHg_-IALaW5OxSUmcBhucd9lHZOfDtQhs9sHgwMTfPlt1bstYVfJbBnbaH7HtcSrl2U/s400/IMG_0471.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As I
mentioned previously, this past weekend we took a family vacation up to New
York to attend a family reunion. Rather than stay anywhere near the city, we
decided to stay a little further out and we found the perfect place in The Thayer
Hotel. Now, because the hotel is on the West Point grounds, there is a security
checkpoint that you need to pass through in order to get back to your hotel
room. While this may put off some people I found it rather reassuring and
enjoyed the quick conversations with the guards as we presented them with our
identification. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
such conversation was rather amusing when we returned to the hotel a little
later than we were expecting on Friday evening. While I had my identification
in hand, my wife had left hers in the back of the car. When we stopped at the
gate she got out and proceeded to the back of the vehicle. While she was
opening the door and reaching into her bag, the guard turned and asked me “do
you have any weapons or firearms in the vehicle?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay,
so that is not the amusing part. The look of surprise that he gave me when I
responded is what gave me a little chuckle afterward. It went something like
this, “Sir, while I have a concealed carry permit in my home sate I am a long
way from Pennsylvania. While I don’t agree with many of the laws and policies
in place in this country in general and this state in particular, I would be an
idiot to try and carry any sort of firearm in this state and an absolute
fricking moron to try and carry any weapon onto a military base.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Right
or wrong, that is how I responded… and honest and straightforward response. The
look he gave me was the amusing part both for his appreciation for my position
and slight shock that I actually said it but what he said reminded me of the
sad cluelessness that has become pervasive in this country… “You would be
surprised.” A response to so many different situations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
the time our banter concluded my wife had retrieved her identification and we
were being waved to proceed to the hotel. With a quick “thank you” we were on
our way but clearly that moment has stuck in my mind. In the end, know where
you are going and what the laws, regulations, and restrictions are in that
place and at that establishment. It keeps you legal and it may even provide you
with an amusing moment of honesty. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-27466059028411986242016-09-08T23:50:00.000-04:002016-09-21T23:45:46.142-04:00Between Blog Posts: Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWYzR-0osG5dG1_Vd3nCXGrtGpAr_3fBEnXxECHU2wgQov5tY-bR4NnCy2E7GSQGTaM2uZvB8eWO_ysD04mZjHjohsct4UnugLLMqPtIpHfz71BNu05yUQ-DSrk2_TxZf4G93Z2pRoig/s400/creative-writing-slider-yellow.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Over
the past month I have been able to find a few second and even a few minutes
here and there that have allowed me to let my mind meander about and pull
together different images and glimpses into the lives of fictional characters. Even
while trying to catch up on the blog, there were still a few much needed
moments when I needed to take a momentarily creative leave from reality. It is
still unclear as to what will be done with all of these little pieces and
whether they tie together somehow or if they are completely separate stories. So,
following <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/08/uncovered-during-some-digital-digging.html" target="_blank">my notes</a> from New Jersey Transit uncovered in the beginning of August,
<a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/08/between-blog-posts-part-1.html" target="_blank">part 1</a> recorded in the middle of the month, and <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/08/between-blog-posts-part-2.html" target="_blank">part 2</a> published a couple of
weeks ago, I bring you another installment in this sporadic series. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">6AM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The neighborhood
kids called him Mr. Brown but he had many different monikers throughout his
life. Whenever they would call his name in the morning he would turn his head
and give him them a slight smile. No one said anything else to him. They let
him be and simply watched in silence as he went about his morning routine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He peered out the
window each morning at 6am looking up at the sky. When the sun shone on the
horizon he would put on his slippers, a coat when the weather turned bitter,
and opened the front door with a slow and deliberate precision that baffled
those watching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His purposeful
steps didn’t take him far. They carried him to the corner of his walkway and
into a gravel bed surrounding his flag pole. Her he would take the flag tucked
under his arm, unfold it, and raise the stars and stripes in a way that is familiar
to few but respected by all who witness the ceremony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Every morning he
would pause at half-mast with a kind sadness in his eyes that revealed much
more about his routine. In a moment of stillness he seemed to mutter almost
apologetically before hoisting the flag to the top of the pole. Securing the
rope with a figure eight and solitary knot, he would then turn and return to
the front door stiffly closing it behind him as if trying to keep out the
memories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When the sky
prepares to succumb to the night everyone watches as he emerges from behind his
seclusion almost with a sense of relief that the evening will soon descend and
another day will end in silence. He returns the flag to the earth folding into
a precise triangle, tucked it under his arm, and carried it with reverence back
into his home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As the amber
deepens into red and before the purple hue of dusk, a small glimmer of yellow
can be seen waiving lightly from the trunk of his oak tree seemingly giving
farewell. The same bitter parting he was offered when his son was deployed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">And now the
tattered ribbon tethers the memories of a neighborhood as they all remember the
jovial laugh that would fill the small street every time Mr. Brown came home
from work. A laugh that only lives in distance echoes. But now there is only
night. Now there is only silence. For one more day.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-26612230788507272502016-09-07T23:54:00.000-04:002016-09-21T10:14:09.357-04:00Back Behind The Desk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV3ZUlv_9skk3VopbMdLXM0j423jD0qJLwlRv1EDnRjhbjWYh18SF9dMoGSqBgFLMaLvPV2tg1RtrEW8z3FnUTVOrcMYko0YyLnpmQaAoqrxA2-D7k0M79c40bhYoUVyATCH3UuvAqKw/s320/thumbswitchw.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the rush to get things done last week, it was nice to return to the lodge for
the first, post summer, stated meeting. As always, there were a few hiccups
leading up to it but the night went by smoothly so I am not really in the
position to gripe. And while it was a much more relaxed gathering (as this
particular month usually is) we were able to get a number of things done and
make progress on a host of other projects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, with the heat still lingering from the previous month, it wasn’t the
most comfortable meeting of the year (especially for those of us in tuxedos)
but it was also fairly mild in comparison to previous meetings and past years.
What I did notice was the mix of brethren that were in attendance representing
a large span of years among the small gathering. Each sharing stories about their
summer over dinner and enjoying the fact that their monthly routine is now back
offering a respite from the week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
meeting went by faster than I was expecting and before I knew it the brethren
were offering their final thoughts and thanks. At this point I couldn’t help
but take a little jab at one of the brethren by recognizing him for completing
the requirements for the Master Craftsman Award. This is especially impressive
given the fact that he has been a mason for less than two years, received his
Master Builder Award in the fall, and began his journey through the chairs in
December. Of course, there are also other accomplishments in this short period
of time but I have already done enough to embarrass him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is one of the more enjoyable moments as there are a few of us that will go back
and forth trying to embarrass the other but in a good way. We don’t make
mention of faults or errors but rather accentuate and inflate the
accomplishments and accolades. It may seem like an odd contest to some but it
is an enjoyable monthly banter and, clearly, an ongoing inside joke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
the time we shut off the lights and began walking to our cars, I was already
running through the list of things that needed to get done over the next week
and the other items that needed to be checked off the list by next meeting. At
the same time, I was really enjoying the simple fact that we were back and that
I will have the pleasure of sharing another Thursday night with the brethren
next month. And it is that feeling of comfort and anticipation that brings all
of us back and keeps us active in the lodge. It is also what brings many of us
back to the lodge between meetings for fellowship. It is a feeling that all
brothers should have every month.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-31149932926703663132016-09-06T23:53:00.000-04:002016-09-21T01:49:23.555-04:00TMI Tuesday: Leaving Something Behind<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjnp2a6WNIxCYy3YGh-JcSkN-JNWjEhRHrDULbVttFHifOAgciU0Zirr1pk9dUO7luXrhXaPhnvzCFvaTtjX9ydRSgGL-3B-G5KNHqeGzmVbItNhL_kqVKZZAT7IMwKmPSXnmzs7c4qg/s1600/diary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjnp2a6WNIxCYy3YGh-JcSkN-JNWjEhRHrDULbVttFHifOAgciU0Zirr1pk9dUO7luXrhXaPhnvzCFvaTtjX9ydRSgGL-3B-G5KNHqeGzmVbItNhL_kqVKZZAT7IMwKmPSXnmzs7c4qg/s400/diary.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random photo found online of the old school method.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">This
past weekend with all the stories that we were told about my wife’s family it
made me appreciate a couple of things. The first is that my wife and I have
done a lot of research about our families and now know more than we ever did
growing up. In fact, it is safe to say, that we have more information, stories,
and documents now than at any other point in recent generations. Second, I am
so glad that I have so much that I have written down about the lives of my family
and my own life as well. All of this will be passed down and, hopefully, our
son will carry that knowledge with him and pass it down as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
there have been time when I have fallen behind on this blog (like now), today
marks the 1200<sup>th</sup> consecutive daily post that I have written and
posted. This is by far my longest writing project and, honestly, there is no
end in sight at this point. There are certain to be slow times again in the future
and periods when it is difficult to record my thoughts but they will get out
and they will be recorded in these posts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Life
has changed drastically since I made the decision to blog again and while there
have certainly been challenges along the way, life keeps getting better (and
busier) with each passing post. Looking back there are a lot of things that I
would probably change but, at the same time, there are many stories, essays, and
rants that I am glad that I took the time to record. After all, those are the
posts and opinions, when taken together, that will reveal who I am to my son. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
there are definitely some things that I still have to work on as many of the
things written have been rather pointed, some are poorly written, and others
just don’t make any darn sense in one way or another. Of course, this is in
addition to the fact that there is a slight (and sometimes not so slight)
egocentricity that can be found in a few pieces here and there. Hey, I never
said I was perfect and, to a certain extent, I am glad that these flaws are
present in my writing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the end, this is who I am, what I do, and what I leave behind. Like it or not,
take it or leave it, clichéd and creative. If this is the only thing that I am
able to leave behind I am okay with that. And, just think, this is only the
beginning. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-84829665610931222022016-09-05T23:58:00.000-04:002016-09-20T12:26:32.794-04:00Mortgage Monday: Labor Day Labor<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6coHMoIx_NiKxxW0NBflNo8FtrjJM_BCwhYIxBsknbcTADNQ-zR1iT9x247uQrqP5CCPCcWlzQLxY2qhQJ7nx7xtJkRzPjWPiiC-sQFNujq0JxUU4B1Q4_CB_w6C3jBthTqOSWOC2Abs/s320/Labor+Day.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
I don’t have work today the ironic thing about this Labor Day is that there is
work being done at the house. It seems as though every minute of free time that
my brother in law has had lately has been committed to this HVAC overhaul. For
the past month (or more, I can’t recall when he started) he has joined us for
the weekend forgoing time with his family and taking a break from his already
long work week. There is no questioning that we are incredibly lucky to have
him devote so much of his free time to not just getting this project done but
getting it done right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is the part of Labor Day that tends to be overlooked. Many of the people whom
we honor with this day are the same ones who would do anything to help their
family. The same people that deserve to take a break tend to be the ones that
can never stop working. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thankfully,
we are almost done with this phase of the work. A couple more weekends and
everything should be complete and the way that we want it and the way that he
wants it. There is already a huge difference in the house both with regard to the
regulation of the temperature and the cleanliness of the system (the old one
was, to put it nicely, nasty). Just a short time longer and we will all be able
to enjoy the new system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
future years we hope to have him at our house again during this particular
holiday but this is, hopefully, the last time that we will ask him to do any
work on the house. Actually, we hope to have the family join us in the future
to relax not to work on the house and enjoy the work that was put into making
our home as comfortable as possible. It shouldn’t take long before we start
having family over again to enjoy the house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the meantime, we are continuously cognizant of the sacrifices that our brother
in law is making to help us out (and my sister and their kids) and we are doing
our best to make him as comfortable as possible while he is here. We try to
keep the beer fridge stocked, have good food on the table, and a bed made. We
also have an open door so that the kid and my sister can come over and spend
some time. But, the most important thing right now is that we try and do
everything we can to give him back his weekends as soon as possible.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-88309418950841792842016-09-04T23:52:00.000-04:002016-09-22T15:31:30.728-04:00Sunday Search: Another Reunion!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11bKNJIHsyZlD4V-8WECvJtqJxVgp-yejH-CcoXHGnQ0Thn-mX0spATrKzQC42PZr6g3CkpCIWmY0dD-Yl2ky66XDa7VeCsdi0u7owYCPx5A7FesVuSi8Nd_HlN2M97O-q28_lE5HlnE/s320/Monte_Civetta.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family will understand the significance of this photo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/09/a-weekend-upstate.html" target="_blank">While we have been planning this weekend for months</a> we have been thinking about it
for even longer. Ever since our son was born (<a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2015/02/making-our-last-words-count.html" target="_blank">especially given the circumstances around his birth</a>) my wife and I have made a conscious effort to
preserve our respective family histories that we can one day pass down all of
this information to him. Part of this process is making sure that we attend the
family reunions whenever we are given the opportunity to do so. Today, and this
entire weekend for that matter, we were finally able to introduce our son to my
mother-in-law’s side of the family up in New York.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
we have been sharing meals with various family members for the entire weekend,
it was nice to have a larger group together for a short time so that we could
learn a little more about the family, the different branches, and also the
place where many of the roots still thrive. Much like the family reunion last
summer, there were people we knew, some we recognized, and others to whom I was
introduced for the first time. It was also a great way to introduce our son to
an entirely new culture as these family members represented our son’s Italian and
New York heritage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
all, the stories are there, you just have to be there to listen. And when many
of the family members weren’t playing with our son they would share their memories
with us bringing to the fore both the rawness of recent memory but also
appreciation of the time we did have with them. There really isn’t a way to describe that
particular experience and that mix of emotions but, in the end, I am glad that
we were there and that we are able to provide a connection to this part of the
family not just for my wife and I but for our son. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Most
importantly, while this was simply another reunion or gathering for some
present, it was a means to connect with family for us. Family that shared
stories with us that can’t be found in any book but that speak to the character
of the family into which I was, once again, warmly welcomed. It was an
afternoon and weekend that we will not soon forget and an experience we look forward
to sharing with our son many more times in the future. However, next time I
just have to remember to not eat for about three weeks prior.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-9480864947789910012016-09-03T23:58:00.000-04:002016-09-19T10:34:41.679-04:00A Weekend Upstate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFuwEU0uPGVqu4guq2vKM8je1nuQS2d9dG1voVpauENJyyZhxdku0-1EQ_uhYbiF9TQAIFHYHPtsaZpfBnD-KXBd8itDEm9l6YK5d9px859HkJiN5AvbTfaDOVs1jXLRgmTiP4ULFYEU/s400/IMG_0471.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
we were already going to be attending my wife’s family reunion in New York on
Sunday, it only made sense to tack on a few days and make a long weekend out of
the trip. With this rough plan in mind we headed out yesterday morning and
slowly meandered through Pennsylvania and into ‘Upstate’ New York (yes,
completely avoiding New Jersey). We had already made plans for dinner on Friday
shortly after arriving and lunch today, but there has been plenty of room in
the schedule to add a few more things to the list. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDyH8uV32Oib5M5yypNZJM_CqIIkW0nELp14ylaZXJXEd5AxSlk98vmKQ8v_Q7F9MCd4K-TPx5hnjSrgjrmoy5cDovoCJq5peQ5rliwd2L968n2SwhU1Eiaw5OxT3HK5CQ1hLhPSTxoo/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDyH8uV32Oib5M5yypNZJM_CqIIkW0nELp14ylaZXJXEd5AxSlk98vmKQ8v_Q7F9MCd4K-TPx5hnjSrgjrmoy5cDovoCJq5peQ5rliwd2L968n2SwhU1Eiaw5OxT3HK5CQ1hLhPSTxoo/s400/IMG_0470.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was a rather interesting experience when we first pulled up to our hotel as we
had to show our ID’s in order to proceed past the first gate at West Point.
Yes, you read that correctly, we stayed at The Thayer Hotel which is located at
West Point (just beyond the first gate of course). The really interesting thing
is that shortly before our scheduled travel north, my wife discovered that her
mother had stayed at that exact hotel many times in the past when she was a
student at NYU. I guess some things are just meant to be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ANu_YLwwpGPpCsmtBcN28tfj0u6NZ8kHq9OgI2pL8j1VPDJXDqtVGsQSZPbWfxSb9X8zb_iqMWreqWjfLDbUt9OLE-SH5pYROz2Lgz7RRUiy4ho2CcNszrnm9viFTwWUC6WapYaqOvA/s400/IMG_0472.JPG" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
addition to being very secure, the hotel was actually very nice both inside and
out as the rooms were spacious and comfortable and the view of the Hudson River
flowing behind the hotel was a beautiful sight. In fact, it was a pleasant
backdrop to our buffet breakfast in the morning. Of course, being so close to
the West Point campus, we had to take a tour while we were there and it was
well worth it as we were not only able to enjoy some spectacular views but also
explore some of the memorials erected on the property while being reminded of
important role that the Military Academy has played in the history of this
country. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oHJsVIoJRunYUwRIxY3XsI2_sJZzZd4nbZ1mKuW9UQbxKuPCbWp0on0o9H3y6wB5-_HCH6x2VHu3qRFImszica6beE2uwcWRelJ9HW20V84TLj947SizUxGPexiGKv2swU22dgxzZfA/s400/IMG_0567.JPG" width="256" /></div>
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<img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iXOJcYeNtuXVa0dJ5RAkhdfkpiclykeC-7H_YquD4b4JB84iWzOim_r50VGFna1ss0yP2B51pAjeG52udkgJMqGcbrGjI4Lj6sKnCntLyC5sPeEuZJlqPUxyh3sm8mgdBlV_jxJaDr4/s400/IMG_0565.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shortly
after we arrived on Friday afternoon we dropped out bags off in the room and
headed down to Yorktown Heights to meet up with some extended family. Following
a hearty meal and sharing stories, we drove around the neighborhood so that my
wife could see all of the houses that she grew up visiting when her
grandparents and other family members filled the neighborhood. It was great
seeing her face light up when we passed those familiar structures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4KiCg4dSIHC-Boez62Nlav7BOT8oNAKf0xSR4cgqIcOYN-6c6l5f48xZdGzO9SCp18VGFoEH3ZJyXGuBEp6utf80MYXVAYxVplrh5x71FObKLdP3ioAqGu4B1PxreU3hX-8c4KwwREs/s400/IMG_0445.JPG" width="400" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
following morning we had a little extra time which allowed us to make a slight
detour on our way to Connecticut. The detour in the opposite direction brought
us to Orange County Choppers where there were surprisingly few cars in the
parking lot. It was interesting seeing all the bikes that were built on
American Chopper over the course of the show’s run and our son seemed to really
enjoy seeing the bikes and exploring all the other new things around the
showroom. If you watched the show you may remember some of these projects being
built… <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today
we were also able to spend time with some family members who will not be attending
the reunion tomorrow which is what brought us over to Connecticut. It really
was a great time and more great memories and stories were shared with us. And
after another long day there is just enough time to rest and recuperated before
the big gathering tomorrow and the drive home afterward. So, that is all for
now, more about the reunion tomorrow!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-52359702846098395412016-09-02T23:51:00.000-04:002016-09-18T23:51:35.554-04:00Firearms Friday: For Whom Are You Really Voting? <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkH5zLcOy19ktQAb6PaGQ0G5-IDwoADc4A1EAVeOE22y8w8lgyenOQAPlKjUU3EN7lD10dCLPhJQzfwJQG3yzB24yjphBFgsQ9td7Qx906wDk2GlONmn3gjs1qFYsGsVWOKnx9mhemno/s1600/Supreme+Court+January+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkH5zLcOy19ktQAb6PaGQ0G5-IDwoADc4A1EAVeOE22y8w8lgyenOQAPlKjUU3EN7lD10dCLPhJQzfwJQG3yzB24yjphBFgsQ9td7Qx906wDk2GlONmn3gjs1qFYsGsVWOKnx9mhemno/s400/Supreme+Court+January+2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how we started the year... how will it look in four years? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well,
the campaigns are now in full swing and it seems like every other commercial is
sponsored by the Clinton campaign (or some associated group). There are also
the various campaign spots from local politicians filling the screen as well
but that is another topic for another day. Back to the national campaigns… so
far I haven’t seen much regarding the qualifications of Hillary Clinton being ‘promoted’
in these advertisements rather they have been going out of their way to attack Donald Trump and some of his statements which have been clearly taken out of context.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heck,
even my wife has been disturbed by this trend. But this shouldn’t really be a
surprised for those of us who have put some thought into the presidential race
as there are no ‘qualifications’ or ‘accomplishments’ to be found in her record
that would, in any way, support her candidacy. After all, an ad buy promoting
Obamacare, Benghazi, and private servers wouldn’t really be part of a winning
strategy. It is actually rather pathetic the lack of concise information
present to support her rather than simply opposing Trump. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
I digress. What I really want to bring to the fore is what is of utmost
importance in this election cycle. It isn’t Obamacare or the economy. It isn’t
race relations or military operations. It isn’t international relations or the
national debt. While these are all important in their own right they are not of
primary concern this time around. In fact, it really isn’t about who is
occupying the White House. It’s about the Supreme Court not the Presidency!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
addition to the seat left vacant upon <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/02/firearms-friday-justice-scalia.html" target="_blank">Antonin Scalia</a>’s death this past
February, there are likely to be three other appointments which need to be made
by the next president. After all, there are currently three associate justices
who are 78, 80, and 83 years old respectively. For those of you interested,
below is a list of the current court with ages and by which president they were
appointed: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">John Roberts
(Chief Justice), 61, George W. Bush<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Anthony Kennedy,
80, Ronald Reagan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Clarence Thomas,
68, George H. W. Bush<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ruth Bader
Ginzburg, 83, Bill Clinton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Stephen Breyer,
78, Bill Clinton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Samuel Alito Jr,
66, George W. Bush<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sonia Sotomayor,
62, Barak Obama<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 1in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena Kagan, 56,
Barak Obama<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Supreme Court is the body that will determine the direction of this nation not
the individual in the oval office. Whomever wins this election and takes office
in January will determine the course of this country for the next generation
not the next four or eight years. Personally, and I know I am not alone in this
thinking, I would prefer a conservative court that upholds our rights (especially
the second amendment), limits the power held by those in Washington, and, most importantly, support and defends the Constitution. It is
scary to think about the possibility of a court where five of the justices
where appointed by a Clinton and two more where appointed by Obama. That is a
future that none of us can afford. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-76423868827680790942016-09-01T23:55:00.000-04:002016-09-18T13:29:15.291-04:00Planning The Fall Schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDDFuMUDPzfPy4koRq2KdqN_Vdu5LT1YqhBp9AQrU88hPJtgd3LeltBJu400Y3iOWrDgk1dLJ0_YQVvJaEbzVoYqgBs8e3GbDXYNCnUJSo0wydcCdw6P6DLz92CUadDXF2LDMnvkYqdc/s1600/Fall+Planning.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Somehow
the summer has already disappeared and we find ourselves on the brink of
autumn. Now that September has started it is time to take a look at the fall
schedule and, hopefully, make sense of the chaos that is my calendar. It is a
process that has become increasingly important over the past few years but most
especially the last couple of years. After all, I need to make sure that the
balance remains in the small blocks that rigidly grid the paper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
there are always a few things that I know fill some week nights, there is a
surprising amount of other plans and activities that we already have in place.
Actually, our plans begin right away with the schedule full until early next
week. When I finally took a look this morning (and again this evening) at all
of the items that needed to be included and scheduled, I was surprised to find
such a long list. It is almost as if these events had been horded for the first
eight months and now I am finally able to sort through them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
addition to the usual lodge commitments and holidays, there are a few new
things that have been added this year. First and foremost are the various Sons
of the American Revolution meetings and events. This is followed by the various
house projects that will be taking place over the next couple or few months.
Finally, there are numerous family events that we are planning to attend which
have to be included in our seasonal plans. These will certainly be welcomed
respites from the chaos that is our calendar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is the plan that we have in place heading into the new season but we also begin
this new month knowing that things will most definitely change. Some plans will
stick, some will move. Some of the changes will be our choice while other alterations
to the schedule will be completely out of our control. All we can really do is
plan and hope for the best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
have already been so many plans made and so many changes take place in our schedule
this year that it would be nice to return to some regularity but it really isn’t
expected at this point. However, there are a few events, a few brief windows in
the schedule, that should hold and, thankfully, those are the things of which
we are most looking forward. As for everything else, we will just have to wait
and see and hope that the only thing that changes is the season.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-26965941063992209312016-08-31T23:55:00.000-04:002016-09-18T00:36:03.225-04:00Some Meetings Sneak Up On You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKpnqqppMGiY53pLONyqmpzQO57VfJBmVDWNfbexCGXVJYeAR22UMrXLSs17_s8T0NWAHb8xEnDtH4FVCqrQO9lSm8Q7dYLTnDsI5rVfhHWVoxZAhCX_PNl-2px6CDG7CKWMqaF3VsiU/s400/Calendar+Pages.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
last week came to an end I finally got around to looking at the calendar for
the following month. After filling in a few other plans I surveyed my schedule
which is when I realized how quickly the next stated meeting was approaching… I
really don’t like it when the stated meeting is on the first of the month. So,
after a long summer respite, I found myself behind on preparations for the
lodge. To say that I kicked things into overdrive would be an understatement as
the notice was yet to be completed, the minutes were in shambles, and the bill
summaries had yet to be completed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fortunately
or unfortunately, I have been in this situation many times before and getting some
of these things done quickly has become a somewhat regular occurrence. So,
first thing on the list was to get the notice done. I know where to look for
all of the information and the messages are pretty cut and dry so this was
completed quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
there was little time to spare I had to forego my usual submission to Staples
so the printer at the office was working overtime. Address labels were next
which just take time even when working at a fast pace. Stuffing everything made
for a long night but it was finally done. Of course, the completion of the notice
also coincided with updating both online databases. Yes, we are still dealing
with this issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
minutes and bill summaries are simply a matter of recording all of the notifications
and occurrences which are then put into a specific format. While it takes a
little time making sure that everything is done correctly, it is a rather painless
process that can be accomplished quickly. By the time the weekend had descended upon us, all of the necessary items were either completed or updated.
Last night, a few more updates were made and a call-em-all was scheduled. All
caught up… for now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
it is simply a matter of pulling together the other materials that I need for
the meeting and making sure that everything is ready and in order for when I
have to speak to the brethren. All the petitions, communications, and various
other pieces of paper are ready to go. All that remains is to reconnect with
many of the brethren tomorrow night and beginning planning for the October
stated meeting. After all, I don’t want to find myself in the same position
next month!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-65949763837773610852016-08-30T23:59:00.000-04:002016-09-17T11:19:13.764-04:00TMI Tuesday: Daddy Kisses!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ8GppnO6LQ70-0SRJqWng8LjXqlAzfaEI0U_hMgQtRJDg-1ZFcDhM37m2E49si0ijT8TSlPy2cbV17Df08Ufg6fmhTbQmviuUDZejFHXA65RVQoBeG7q0iPMEQfyv8-s9-FiGvOX9ug/s320/Kissing+monkeys.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few months ago, while trying to get our son to sound out a few new words, I
would pick him up and ask, “Can you say, ‘Daddy, I love you’?” While the first
couple of times that I did this there wasn’t much of a reaction and maybe only
a few mumbles of a baby babble but, over time, this changed. One morning before
sitting him at the table for breakfast, I posed the same question and got a
response I wasn’t expecting. He didn’t say anything, rather he leaned over and
gave daddy a big, and very wet, kiss on the lips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is not something that he had done but only a couple of times previously, before
this he simply did not give daddy kisses. This became almost a daily routine
for us as I would ask him the same question and our son giving me the same
response. Frankly, I kept hoping for the words but was completely happy with
the alternative. There were even some instances when, without me saying a word,
he would walk over to me in the playroom just to give me a kiss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
came as a surprise shortly after this all started was that I didn’t even have
to be present for our son to react this way. When driving home from the office
one night I asked the question hoping that he may try to sound out the words
but, instead, he took hold of the phone and gave it a big kiss and giggled.
Again, this has also become part of our weekday routine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
a couple of weeks ago the kisses stopped. Our son no longer wants to give hugs
and kisses as frequently as he once did. I guess the phase has passed. As we
have been told many times over, enjoy the moments when they happen. While the
in person affection has slowed, our son has maintained his phone response and
continues to kiss and hug the phone when asked the simple question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
place of the physical responses, now the words are becoming a much more
prevalent part of our days with some clearer than others. We still working on
the same question we were before, he is now making a more concerted effort to
sound it out. While this was the original impetus for my query a few months
back I now find myself missing those moments when my son would give me a big
kiss as if to say “of course I love you daddy.”</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-74097619856574211102016-08-29T23:53:00.000-04:002016-09-16T23:50:46.252-04:00Mortgage Monday: HVAC Overhaul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5c2H_yngMlpWrbRiE-fDALQOSS3jXemAnXgBHZrL3IOdcMjoxDqMVNGMN7iqkQkF_-LCPbJYKaryhId5FzTjhIzWEVbdXGwhP6ACxavpWV9HQLAnOKlyS3eDzVTsI4-u7xCpjcx7vmuM/s200/Heil+AC+Unit.png" width="191" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
we are halfway there. While the work weeks were once filled with ongoing
renovations, now the weekends are taking the brunt of the workload. Thankfully,
as of this past weekend, half of the HVAC overhaul has been completed with the first
floor now able to better maintain the temperature that we set on the
thermostat. The old unit is still running (surprisingly) but is now only trying
to cool the second floor. Now we only have to hope that it lasts until the rest
of the work is done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
total, the boiler and oil tank have been removed, half of the baseboard units
have been pulled out, and the propane tank, hot water heater, and complete AC
system on the first floor have been installed. It is already a lot of work and
we are only at the midpoint of this renovation phase. While it is difficult to
go from the work week to the house work on the weekends, we are already
enjoying the benefits of what has been completed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
really is surprising how much of a different some of these things can make
regarding the simple enjoyment of our home. And, lately, with how up and down
the weather has been it is nice to have some regularity regarding the internal
temperature of the house. We knew that the old system was undersized and
ineffective but we didn’t really full grasp how bad it was until we got the new
system up and running. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
next steps will involve attacking the second floor and completely taking the
old unit offline. The weather actually looks like it is going to cooperate this
coming weekend but, of course, our schedule is not so forgiving and we will be
out of town for much of the long weekend. Thankfully, we have someone whom we
can trust doing this work and we also know the quality of work that is being
done which will allow us to not have to think about the house while we are away…
more on the trip over the weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
now, we are going to enjoy all the upgrades and improvements that we have
decided to have done to the house and we are going to brace for the next part
of the process which will descend upon us next month. While there should be
little overlap between this current project and the next, there is likely to be
a short period of time when there will be work going on seven days a week. Thankfully,
it two completely different parts of the house. Should be fun!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-87920851140601215732016-08-28T23:54:00.000-04:002016-09-16T09:35:33.835-04:00Sunday Search: A Local Family Reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKESe5eTdQ7wUbQNpB8xK82ZM7iZA_Ti2FaMQIiKHLpoYXbWy0xb_md1oprIYwkVN2mC45ROV4LrWyi8_4g-yERW-6ZsuMK5oRsqIJ6Tc2jfTXGOQlBY7jfuOdrRio2X2VFbrrVQl6kI/s400/Black+Horse+Hotel+-+William+Noblit+-+1739.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
recent years I have gained a greater appreciation for our annual family
gatherings. While it was a little different this year with regard to both place
and time of year, it was still a great time catching up and simply seeing
everyone in one place. Yesterday we gathered together and took the opportunity
to talk and, more importantly, to listen about all that was going on in the
family and all the unique experiences that each of us has had over the past
year (and a half). It is interesting because we are actually quite the diverse
group. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
year I was able to bring more than food to the ‘reunion’ as I had recently
completed pulling together all of the information needed for my supplemental Sons
of the American Revolution application. Thankfully, I was able to print out an
extra copy before leaving the office on Friday which allowed me to go page by
page, generation by generation, when explaining our patriotic lineage. This is
another part of the process that I really enjoy as I could see their faces when
I was able to uncover each piece of information and name of which they were
previously unaware. It was the same look that I had when I originally
discovered the information. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
that was only secondary as it was family time to both talk about our lives and
also remember some of the past times when we all got together for a day or two.
This is the most important part and I have become more aware and appreciative
of this particular aspect. After all, we can talk about the past and ancestors
whose lives have long since been completed but it is the current, ever
changing, lives that we lead which are what makes our family dynamic. Events
such as this allow us to enjoy both sides of the equation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
we all lead very different lives with different experiences, professions, and
opinions, we are all part of one family with a common ancestry. Different branches,
different leaves; same trunk, same tree. We live in the present but are always
cognizant and respectful of the past. I enjoy sharing what I know, what I have
been able to uncover, but I truly enjoy hearing about the family history and
simply listening to the stories from the current generations. After all,
documents will (usually) always exist but the stories will not always be told
and are often lost amongst the generations. And a reunion is a perfect
opportunity to listen.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-50980424448366784692016-08-27T23:58:00.000-04:002016-08-31T01:28:16.294-04:00A Welcomed Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lCGvqfqxek9Bkbc1VQb7N-zGy9KzxHXZKbkFGJVAyEFu004Fumfi98hzqLzUIqYq9hPfwswKlGSenpuZH7TziUaB8HWXilrh1RqLhTIzA2t-4eQMzCzAtj4DZW0cDCqZIhMapIpmy9o/s1600/Weekend+Work.jpg" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
we have a busy schedule this weekend we still have an opportunity to catch up
on a few things. When we originally moved into our house we were able to get a
pretty good handle on a few things but there have been a few places around our
house that have been in need of our attention. The largest and most time
consuming of which has been the organization and reorganization of our offices…
they always seem to be the first things that are pushed down the list when
something comes up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Things
have been so busy this summer that there hasn’t been much time on the weekends
to spend as a family let alone get the things we want to get done around the
house. While we don’t have the large blocks of time, I can see a few
opportunities to tackle some of the disorganization that can be found around
us. Now that things have been moved out of my wife’s office from the chaos of
renovations last month and there is an extra bookcase in my office, there is an
outside chance that we will be able to make some progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
even if that time evaporates and we find ourselves in the same situation come
Monday morning, I am okay with that so long as we are able to spend the little
free time that we have with our son. It is a new give and take that we continue
to embrace, and sometimes fight, every weekend. There are moments when we wish
we could have some space, have a break, just a little time to ourselves but
there are also the moments when we could spend all day just watching our son in
amazement occasionally looking at one another in disbelief that he is our
little boy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
that simple fact makes me forget about all the things that need to be done. But
we still need to make the time to take care of the house because when we aren’t
overcome by the adorableness, we keep thinking about that list that does seem
to want to go away. This weekend we hope to make those down moments a little
easier and our list a little shorter. After all, like many things you just can’t
put them off forever. Eventually that list needs to be taken care of so when we
do have those moments to ourselves, we can enjoy the quiet and relaxation that
those moments provide.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-67178308034832666542016-08-26T23:51:00.000-04:002016-08-30T17:05:47.267-04:00Firearms Friday: Returning To The Work Bench<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNzWQjVyNE55gMoIZK8i-VSGTGVT-SS104NCWbms75LG1irQmM_GJ89D2A23JuD4fk774ZIPzmiZ_EkuvWvq7BcfP55OaEyLdahDKm68qwR6-h0_2Xjt6mtQuQKyGBxqB4_KLD2Z2OY4/s400/AR15+TekMat.png" width="400" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Try
as I might, it has been extremely difficult to find the time to spend at my
workbench. Whenever I thought that there would be a little bit of time to spend
in the basement there would be something that would come up requiring my time
and attention leaving the dust to collect for another week or two below the
kitchen floor. That is just how things go sometimes when trying to juggle a
variety of commitments at the same time while also dedicating time to family. However,
every once in a while I am able to create the time to wipe away the dust and
resume putting the pieces together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Over
the past couple of weekends, while the air conditioning was being overhauled by
my brother-in-law in the basement, I was able to carve out some of that time. As
the pieces were being put together and secured to the studs, I was busy at my
work bench trying to find some semblance of organization and attempting to get
a few of the smaller planned projects completed. While I was little help with
the air conditioning and duct work, I am in my element when I have my bench, my
tools, and the parts and pieces with which I am familiar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
were many moments when we were both intensely occupied by our own tasks pulling
tools, hammering pieces together, and watching each of our respective projects
come together. Piece by piece, minute by minute, we each took a simple
collection of parts and pieces and created something functional. It has been
rather relaxing to just focus on the process and each step necessary to
complete a fully functional firearm. It is somethings that I can do rather quickly
but I am intentionally slowing things down and focusing on each screw, pin, and
detail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eventually
I will resume the more involved projects but, for now, I was just enjoying the
few days of working with my hands on some of the most basic tasks that I have
been putting off. But, the important thing now is that I have been able to take
the organization to the next level and I am now fairly comfortable with how
everything is set up, what has been checked off the list, and what I have yet
to start but that is stored away in boxes like adult Lego sets. I don’t know
when I will be back down there, there are a lot of other things that need to be
accomplished, but I can now, more than ever before, get to work right away
should I find that little bit of time.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-11356178090283660452016-08-25T23:53:00.000-04:002016-08-29T17:41:52.154-04:00Between Blog Posts: Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1TM9t0PjIgg5NwGQZLUhy2471cjx_nU83a8PlU6l9KLbryE1TSkvWIMceW9nwwG43IlzHNMM9epeiN4y8E2lIS14SKWl8hvDKggdFbpicEKUtW2cJ3mxrObnInxzkPz-9lFbyEqJD74/s320/pen+on+keyboard.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Earlier
in the month I shared some </span></span><a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/08/uncovered-during-some-digital-digging.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">story notes that I uncovered</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> during a bout of digital </span>archaeology<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> and last week </span></span><a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2016/08/between-blog-posts-part-1.html" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">I posted another piece</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> that I jotted down between a couple of blog posts and
projects. Well, it happened again. While doing some work and personal research
this past week, a small light began flickering in my mind like a projector and
played a small scene for me. All that was shone is what is recorded below.
This, like the other ideas recorded on this blog, might be interesting to
pursue when I have a little more time to commit to this type of writing. But,
for now, here is what was played for me… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">5AM<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jim was never a
morning person and never pretended to be one unless he was applying for a job.
This was the conflict that stirred in his mind as the alarm echoed off the
empty apartment walls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He kicked the
soiled sheets to the other side of the bed and placed his hand in the cold
empty hollow in the mattress next to him. It almost didn’t feel like it was
worth it to try and get up but he could stand the thought of lying there alone.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">As he staggered to
his feet the faux floor whined between his toes. In the bathroom he plunged his
worn face in the stagnant sink filled with the same water that had been
lingering for days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The spotted mirror
told him all he needed to know reflecting his shadow riddled eyes buried behind
his beard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He rustled through
his clothes looking for something that could pass as presentable, something
that may have appeared on a store shelf in the last twenty years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cleaned and
dressed to the standard that had haunted him for the past three years, he
opened his bedroom door and walked down the short moonlit hallway to the stack
of disposable bowls awaiting him in the kitchen. Like the hundreds of days
before, he opened the only stocked cabinet, pulled out a box, and watched the
sweet processed puffs as they piled into the paper vessel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Some people take
great care with their diet, Jim was not one of those people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By the time the
sun had begun to inch over the horizon, he was already walking deliberately
down the stairs, step by step, counting each one as if the total would be
different than all the other days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The orange and red
of the sky surprised him and a smile nearly curled the corners of his mouth
when it was quickly slapped from his face by the noise of the city. His simple
routine had taken him nearly two hours and now the remaining minutes of the
early morning were few and precious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While little had
changed that morning maybe the day would be different. Maybe this would be the
day when the burdens of the past would be lifted. Maybe the events of the day
would allow him to forget. Maybe this job would be different than the last one,
and the one before that, and the one before that, and the one before that…</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-22075791002851266222016-08-24T23:53:00.000-04:002016-08-27T00:30:34.740-04:00T-Shirts, Horseshoes, and Hamburgers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NfnpwYN5YaqcOcmoTGXYG-rL9kShAUZ1ze9bHfraKdOzKnKfc2RyJx5bzs38sky7yoHbWovGYfvVfD8u9QeYQNIpPyo-s9iIL3FXpGOuC02sFDkJojTPt7Gp4BHNIlOfPcgGEQRZzYY/s400/Horsesshoes.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was really a matter of happenstance that we even had the time to drive down to
King of Prussia a couple of weekends ago. And, somehow, our son’s nap schedule
had some flexibility for the day so, after lunch, we all piled in the car with
the hope that he would sleep on the way over. While we are having work done on
the house in between the work weeks, the scheduled day off corresponded nicely
with an event that was a couple of months in the making… the 6<sup>th</sup>
Masonic District Family Picnic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
say that it was a hot afternoon would be an understatement. While I have
broiled at higher temperatures, the combination of heat and humidity was, to
say the least, uncomfortable. So much so that I was wondering what the turnout
was going to be like as we weaved our way through the King of Prussia neighborhoods.
After a few missed turns and slow coasting down the small streets, we finally
made it to the park where I was met with a pleasant sight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
arrived about an hour after the picnic was scheduled to start and we were
greeted by nearly everyone in attendance as we walked through the crowd to the
t-shirt table in the back. It was great to see everyone outside of the lodge
and especially during the summer when we usually don’t have the opportunity to
get together as a district. It was also nice to once again meet the masonic
families in attendance and introduce them to my family in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
we looked to sit down and have a bite to eat (our District Deputy makes a fantastic
hamburgers), our son couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the horseshoes flipping
and spinning through the air landing, mostly, with a loud pink or clang. It
actually brought back some great memories from when I was not much older than
my son as I watched my uncles trade points in the back yard. Of course, it didn’t
take long before his attention was broken by everyone around us trying to catch
his attention especially a little girl (of one of our new candidates) who just
wanted to play with our shy little boy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Again,
it was hot and we all seemed a little sluggish that afternoon but time didn’t
seem to be fazed by the temperature. Before we knew it, we were heading back to
the car and turning the air conditioning as high as it could go. It was a great
time and I look forward to this new annual gathering. I just hope that it is a
little cooler next year and every year after that.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-34804482280629680762016-08-23T23:50:00.000-04:002016-08-25T00:06:26.958-04:00TMI Tuesday: I Don’t Like Working Being Done!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg4KTUP3gLHo-9nEKUZbTf6XBNLXnp9noqjs1n0gLWkfjLocsp9CXTCLFNktS9ID1guJUxQv0ITTGRWy0Dnq26Jyj9XkXs0wm4ZclvEN_TwhX02v5SLF1Wbo4AHQ2tpfTi5yjegQRhLY/s1600/toddler+work+zone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg4KTUP3gLHo-9nEKUZbTf6XBNLXnp9noqjs1n0gLWkfjLocsp9CXTCLFNktS9ID1guJUxQv0ITTGRWy0Dnq26Jyj9XkXs0wm4ZclvEN_TwhX02v5SLF1Wbo4AHQ2tpfTi5yjegQRhLY/s400/toddler+work+zone.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might have to make one of these given how fascinated he is with the work being done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Over
the last couple of months we have had something going on at the house. From the
big projects like the doors, floors, and garage to basic maintenance and
inspections to our current air conditioning marathon, there has been a regular
flow of people in and out the door. While our son does enjoy watching the work
being done and seeing new people every now and again, there are definitely
moments when he has simply had enough. And he has no qualms about letting us
know when he is done with all the work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thankfully,
now that the floors are done on the first floor, we are past what we consider
the most inconvenient and intrusive part of the renovation process. However, we
currently find ourselves in a position where we are having the air conditioning
being overhauled on the weekends and while it doesn’t really impact the living
area upstairs, it does take me away from my son for a little bit during those
precious days away from the office. It really is a give and take at this point
but these are things that will pay huge dividends in a myriad of ways in the
future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
does enjoy the opportunity to spend time with family and playing with his
cousins. They have been able to keep his mind off of the banging and drilling
for the most part and have, in general, kept him occupied during what could be
a difficult time of the week. That doesn’t change the fact that he really doesn’t
like work being done at the house and there are moments when he stops and
clearly babbles his displeasure at the situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
makes us wonder how he is going to react to the additional projects that we
have planned for the future and whether or not there is enough of a break
scheduled in between the phases. Of course, that window could be much smaller should
a few things get delayed further but I am trying not to think about that… our
luck has to change in that regard, right? I am certain that there will be some
sort of voiced frustration but I am not sure to what degree. We will, like many
other things, have to wait and see how things play out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
with all that being said, our son does seem to like the changes and gives us
this look every now and again like “now I see what you were doing, this was
definitely worth it”. And it does help that he is able to sleep through a lot
of noise and overall commotion. So it may prove to be beneficial when we
finally return to what could be considered a “normal” routine. Whenever that
is.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-30414716694404188302016-08-22T13:39:00.000-04:002016-08-22T13:39:41.363-04:00Mortgage Monday: Timing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBTXwb4wnYCNioqatxb-uH_i4A9yOXtmUDxRJUXG2ecWd1xG_TgY2Kgue5X8KTZrxVL7glYW3Dm9VjDqzSvUQ3A3wnenPjE7W3UqYKgQzWbpZoQcJk_uvPdhnrTMF0aYeFdtGA1Rke6Q/s400/Timing.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
seems like a constant dilemma that we are facing week after week, project after
project. The simple, yet complicated, question that continues to arise is
whether we push some of the renovations back into the spring or just get them
done now? As I have disclosed previously, it is a really long list of things
that we are planning on having done at the house and the constant routine that
we find ourselves in is less than ideal. I guess a better question is how much more
of this can we handle? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
a postponement would bring us some quiet time heading into the fall and some
greater flexibility in our schedule, it would also leave us with a few things
that while not essential, are either an eye sore or simply aren’t conducive to us
fully enjoying our home. It would also leave a few things ‘half done’ at this
point which is less than an ideal situation we would find ourselves living in.
But it would be quiet and that is something that can’t easily be overlooked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
there are a few larger projects that simply make sense to get done now. We
already started the transformation so why would we stop in the middle right now
and keep us from seeing our plans for our home from coming to fruition. Yes, it
will be noisy, inconvenient (most likely less so than the first round), and put
a decent dent in our bank account but we would have nearly everything done. And
with these things off the list we wouldn’t spend the cold months cooped up in
the house staring at the things that we wish we had changed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is a matter of deciding whether we want to relax a little now or relax and breathe
easier later? Do we want the inconvenience now or later? And, most importantly,
how soon do we want to complete the transformation from our house to our home?
This doesn’t mean that we have to check everything off of our list but knocking
out a good portion of it would go a long way and allow us to push back a few of
the other, “less important”, projects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Either
way, it is safe to say that we are all looking forward to the day when we can
consider everything done. And while I can’t wait for that time to come, I am
also a realist and know that there will probably be an entirely new list that
has been drafted in the interim and I am not completely sure if this is a good
thing or a bad thing at this point. What I am enjoying is the fact that no
matter when we do all of these things, we will be improving our home and we
will be able to enjoy them for many years. So, here is to the future!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05357699535454384442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3238887682764524078.post-86824123177756592682016-08-21T21:27:00.000-04:002016-08-21T21:27:09.859-04:00Sunday Search: Piercing Through The Foliage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZzXUKriLXH0mbxrHd50H_-yYNQym9Yww_BpE1PNZECUgqqSaYx-JjCd28VX4GMjuUpKuvwfNLZdK8JVi0chkQKUwBcEHu3wNgvbTOB8yg9x612pQxxuyDsS_SUerBlCFjaqKLUAsIHc/s1600/Isabella+Pierce+-+1870+Census.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZzXUKriLXH0mbxrHd50H_-yYNQym9Yww_BpE1PNZECUgqqSaYx-JjCd28VX4GMjuUpKuvwfNLZdK8JVi0chkQKUwBcEHu3wNgvbTOB8yg9x612pQxxuyDsS_SUerBlCFjaqKLUAsIHc/s400/Isabella+Pierce+-+1870+Census.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb Pierce, Margaret Hughes, Isabella Pierce, and Noah Pierce - <br />
Census - 1870 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">If
you are researching your family tree to try and find a connection to a
celebrity or a historical figure, you are most likely going to be very
disappointed. This is not the reality for many of us and while I have been lucky
enough to uncover some fascinating lives and those who participated in
different events throughout the history of the United States, this is far from
discovering a celebrity (historic or otherwise) as is commonly defined these
days. However, this is my family and they are historical figures for me as they
are my direct connection to history.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpHQQelITH1Laq3_7rocjZ6HjPZtxQfSN-qrr_uWgyQMZwrvNFCH3-9xBsndLqsr_OTHEo8gCfSoLOhpD9vZrDcGB7W7zzfLjAAhTjKfCZbSL5f01xwAE1s4zlljnhIqJlw08yaUXPU4/s400/John+Hallman+-+Death+Certificate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Hallman - Death Certificate - 1957</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">However,
not only family lines have led me to historic events. In fact, I have recently
been researching a line on my father’s side that is simply a common story of
much of the families in this county. Starting with my great grandfather, <a href="http://timetokeepitsimple.blogspot.com/2014/08/not-just-another-doughboy.html" target="_blank">John Lewis Hallman</a> (1894-1957), I have traced back an additional four generations.
While I have written about my great grandfather before, I hadn’t researched
much beyond that generation especially on his mother’s side.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7bwSVDtC70oNCheWUtlf3G8I6HCEJR_VbXyunu6ClMo9kyZDfywMyI80ukW6_C8jXbK_2GhBzN4sk0D2dlcvYxKWqIZkvsEh6L7WwsT9TeOHrxUiYpDCPbiKFxC8hkDUZM6Ca6cnSXA/s400/Margaret+Hughes+-+Death+Certificate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margaret Hughes - Death Certificate - 1919</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">My
second great grandmother, Isabella Pierce (1869-1901), was born in Delaware
County, Pennsylvania to Caleb Pierce (1840-1912) and his Irish bride Margaret
Hughes (1842-1919). While the family didn’t have much money they seemed to have
enough as Caleb left a modest estate to his widow upon his death. What was
particularly interesting about this generation is that I was completely unaware
of the Irish roots on my father’s side until this discovery.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YGDUG4CU_oNDoClYVMqrs2UQjmxVaUxblN70CQODZBOQWEK382rfBhNOUdz-H8h5bJjibMyjMz_rSqrbf72hn5sB719DYi071ekmIeIrzK5ZKdBW5ZNkSeFdIBlChouly4B9ZNWuZvU/s400/Caleb+Pierce+-+Death+Certificate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb Pierce - Death Certificate - 1912</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Caleb
Pierce, my third great grandfather, on the other hand, was not as fortunate as
his daughter. Growing up the son of a laborer, he aspired to step up a rung (a
common thread throughout much of my family, and apprenticed to become a
Blacksmith which provided for his family but almost certainly contributed to
his early demise as well. However, it was his father, Noah Pierce, my fourth
great grandfather, who seemed to not be able to catch a break.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN-ZiKGNglENG3T-9LlZYh9l43td-AOXBuRlLagIO36eBZtKhqIwhkYcTtgcLPOpB9pPiuA7EpQDx16x1cVF1qEv5dSnOvcxPoCEKZd7OH3PuYmHCajfWYjL0RudVxJLXspC1PsTdLwU/s400/Noah+Pierce+-+1880+Census.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="321" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah Pierce - Census - 1880</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Noah
Pierce (1805-1880) was raised with next to nothing to the point that he is
listed with his siblings in the “<a href="http://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/4026" target="_blank">Poor School Children Records</a>” of Chester County as needing
assistance to pay for basic school supplies (his father, my fifth great
grandfather, Caleb Pierce is also listed). He spent his life as a laborer doing
what he could to support his family. By the 1870 census he is listed as living
with his son. By the 1880 census (where he is classified as “Defective,
Dependent, or Delinquent”) he is listed among those residing at the Chester
County Almshouse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
as you can see, this is not a lineage filled with heroes and people of note. This
is my family, these are the people that worked hard and did what they could to
support their family. Every generation trying to move forward a little bit at a
time. And this is what genealogy is all about… it is our jobs as family historians,
to remember our past no matter how fascinating or mundane it may seem to
others. All of these ancestors make up who we are and each play a role in
making us who we are. Sometimes we find stories of heroic actions while other
times we find the facts about a family struggling to find a way to get by. The
common thread is that each succeeded in bringing about the next generation and
keeping the family tree alive. Without them, all of them, there wouldn’t be a
family to research.</span></div>
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