Desert pt3

As we were riding, I kept thinking "What in the world is going on?" I could not erase the scene of this man riding up to me and stretching out his hand, as if to help an old friend. Obviously I never met him. I have never been here, or at least I think I have never been here. But in the same sense, it seems very familiar. I cant put my finger on it, but I am not afraid. I am very comfortable. Not as scared as I thought I could be, or would be.

We reached the tent, and the stallion came to a screaching halt just near the entrance to this massive tent. I have seen these before in movies, but not real life. It almost looked like an old circus tent, but made of cloth. The man, whom I still didnt get a name, dismounted and ran inside. I climbed down and stood next to the horse, surveying the land and the structure next to me that flapped in the breeze. Native people mulled around staring at me. Some pointed. I smiled at them. They quickly turned their faces as we made eye contact. Children ran around playing games of their culture. Everyone was going about their business, but there was a new person in their camp. They were curious, but not too much.

"Come, come. I need you in here" the man said standing at the entrance of the tent. I walked past him as he held open the flap that was the door. It was dark, and then my eyes adjusted to the interior. Oil lamps were burning, casting a warm orange glow through out the tent. On the far end there was a group of about 4 older men sitting in a circle. A cloud of smoke surrounding them. What was this? Some sort of pow-wow I thought? They were mumbling in their native tongue. Sometimes the conversation got intense. The man from the horse led me to the circle. An older man stood up and held his hands out clasped together. He bowed to me. Thinking of oriental tradtion, I instinctivly bowed back. "No, please. You do not bow to us" he said briskly. Again, his dialct was now english. Odd.

"Sit. Tell us of your journey". The old man made a place for me, then they all stood and waited for me to be comfortable on the pillows before they sat. "My journey?" I rubbed my chin. "Well, I was dreaming of a desert, and next thing I know, I am walking along, and then I saw him" I pointed to the horseman. The elder looked around at the others. " You have no idea who we are, or why you are here, do you?" he spoke quietly. "Um, really, I have no clue" I returned. The elder shook his head, looked at the horseman and spoke to him in their native tongue again. The horseman shook his head, almost dejectedly, like he was ashamed of something he had done.

"Najeeb, the man who brought you here, was to tell you these things." Najeeb. Ok, so now I know who the horseman is, but what about the others? The elder turned back to me. " You are to help us cross this vast desert". "Help?" I said. " How can I do that? I dont even know where I am." The elder stood up and walked over to Najeeb and put his hand on his shoulder. " Najeeb will show you to your tent and make sure that you are comfortable. If you need anything else, please ask him and he will be happy to help you."

With that being said, the elders stood up. I also stood, turned to Najeeb, and he held out his arm in the direction I was to go. The first elder stopped me, bowed and looked at me. " What am I to do" I asked. He raised his hand as if to silence me and said " Nothing. You do not owe us this priveldge, we owe you and are humbled and honored to have you with us". I followed Najeeb to the entrance of the tent, then out and made a left. We came up on a tent that was about 2 thirds the size of the tent I was just in. I followed him inside and he directed me to my sleeping area. " This is you bedding. If it suits you, please let me know. You will have servants to bring you anything you wish. They will follow your every instruction. If they do not, please tell me and I will deal with them myself". "Ok, I will. Thank you very much Najeeb" I said as I stuck out my hand for a shake. "Please no. I am forbidden to shake your hand". What is going on here, I thought. "Ok, then how shall I say thank you?" " He smiled " You just did". Ha! Humor.

Najeeb bowed the same way the elders did, then backed out of the tent. It was quiet, except for the sound of the wind. I sat down on the bedding. Even though it was a bunch of pillows on the floor, it felt like a normal bed. I was tired. Maybe a little nap. Im thirsty though. I look around and on a small table to my right I see a clay jar and a small "cup" next to it. I walk over to it and smell it. Well, you never know! Water. I poured some into the cup. A small woman came running in shouting "No No No, you no pour! I pour. You rest." She took the jar from my hand and poured the water for me. "You go sit" and she pointed to the bed. I oblidged. She handed me the water. " You drink now, then you sleep. You tired and soon you will wake and eat. I will bring food when you are ready" I sipped the water. Even though we were in the middle of the desert, the temperature in the tent was around 70, and the water was even cooler. Hmm. This is weird. She stood there while I sipped the water. Her hands clasped together in front of her.

She was an older woman, wearing a white robe type dress and a veil. I could only see her eyes, but could tell she was older than me. She took the cup from me when I was done. "Lay down and sleep. You will need your energy." There it is again. Energy. Why am I to save up my energy? Tired, I am tired. My eyelids were getting very heavy. Kinda like when your watching a TV show and you drift off to sleep. Then, I started to dream...

Desert...part 2

The shade from the tree is helping somewhat, but not much. I still dont know why I am here, let alone how I got here. I have no clue as to what my purpose is in this place. A little lizard scurries past my foot and into a hole off to my left. Must be nice an cool in there. Air conditioning. Wow, I miss the A/C. What would I do if it ever broke down? I guess Im findin out now. It's gotta be around 10am.

Why am I so preoccupied with the time? Is it because I have nothing other to think about? I guess I have sat enough, Ill get moving along. But to where am I going? I guess Ill go that way.

As I head off to my left, I walk along, listening to the ground. Thoughts of my home are flying through my head. Has anyone missed me yet? Does anyone know where I am? Am I in a time continuum? Does time really exist where I am? The sun doesnt seem to have moved much, but being this far away, it doesnt appear to move.

Im walking up over a small incline, when off in the distance, quite a bit away, I see what looks like a tent. Is that possible? People? Nah, just a mirage. But wait, I see movement. There are people there! I start to run towards them. Something tells me to slow down. "Dont burn your energy" a voice says to me. Who was that?

I slow down to a steady pace. I stop to catch my breath. As I raise up, I can see someone riding an animal towards me. Is it a camel or a horse? I cant tell. The person is dressed in black rags, sort of what you would see someone living in this environment to be wearing. They, and I only say they because I dont know who it may be, gallops towards me, a cloud of dust rising up from behind them.

As they approach, I can see the animal is a horse now and the rider is a male. The horse is a black stallion, muscles gleeming in the sun refelcting the sweat created by the run. As he approaches he is yelling something. Instinctivly I raise my hands: the unoversal sign for I am un armed! The only weapon I saw was a sword bouncing on the hip of the rider.

I cant make out what he is saying. It's a foreign language, but the way it sounds, it sounds like a warning. " I am lost!" I yelled. He keeps yelling "Престани да управо тамо!" What is he saying? I say " I am American!" Again he yells out "Престани да управо тамо!". I shook my head, then I heard him say " Stop right there!" Wait! I swear he was just talking another language. "I am an American!" I yell. " I know who you are.." he replies.

As the horse breaks it's gallop and slides to a stop 5 feet from me, he glares at me. " Quick, we need to get you into the tent, climb up." He holds out his hand, and I run over to the horse and grab his arm, put my foot on top of his and then he hoists me aboard like I was a 60 pound child. We turn and head off to the white tent off in the distance.

(to be continued...)

Desert

The ground crunches as I take each step with my sandled feet. I dont know how long I have been walking, but it seems like it has been forever. The sun beats down on the top of my head. It feels like a hot spike laying right at the top, the thinnest part of where my hair grows. Ill throw my shirt over it in a little while, it's only 9 am, so I know it'll get hotter. Off in the distance, I can see a mountain range. No snow on top, just the same red color that blankets the ground I am traversing.

I grab my water bottle, open the chained lid and take a small sip. Warm, but it's refreshing. Ill need to ration, I think, each time I replenish my body. Food comes to mind, then quickly leaves. I dont have time to eat. I have to keep moving if I am ever going to leave this dry, desolate place.

How I got here is still something I have been asking myself. Last time I can remember, I was just waking up in my bed at home. It had been a long work week, and working the swing shift, well, you never get enough sleep. Anyway, I woke up from a dream about a desert. Now Im here. This is bizarre.

Off to my right, at about 20 yards, there is a Joshua tree. Maybe Ill head over there and rest for a few. Where is my watch? I dont remember taking it off before bed. Hmm. It's about 9:30. How is this possible? How do I know what the time is? None of this is making sense. I look for a good place to sit; a place with a the most shade. There we go.

(to be continued...)

Desert

I am working on (thinking actually) of writing. Duh, thats what Im doing now, but stay tuned for more...........

New shift

Well, I put in for afternoon shift and got it. I also was able to get the day off slot that has Christmas eve/day and New Years Eve/days off. I will be 2nd in seniority under SHelley, the Team leader. It will be interesting to see how things go.

Crazy Love:
I was in the middle of reading Crazy Love, which was good, up until the author aggrivated me with a comment. I was so mad I could have spit! After some wise advice, I put it down and have not touched it since. Grrrr....

Ham radio:
I printed out the question pool for the license upgrade and have been going thru that. Maybe I will upgrade. Dunno yet, but when I read the questions, I am starting to know the answers, so we'll see.

Time to go tuck Mandy into bed. PEACE!

Oh yeah...the flu shot

Man, my arm is still hurting. Feels like someone socked me in the arm. I hope though that it works and I dont get sick this year. Last thing I need is another cold/flu that knocks me out for a week or end up with pneumonia.

The dreaded physical...

So I went to doc's office yesterday to get my yearly physical. Everything turned out fine. Just need to lose some weight(duh) and start eating a bit more healthier.

Well thats done and overwith...

ARES, or Amatuer Radio Emergency Services is a group dedicated to setting up emergency communications when a disaster strikes. My group, the Kendall County ARES, participated in the 2009 Illinois Simulated Emergency Test, or ISET. It started at 0658 hrs with an 8+ mag. earthquake in the southern part of Illinois. Really, this part of Northern Illinois wasnt affected, howver we did have some localized simulated issues. So, with that being said, we had our 30ft communications trailer set up at Boulder Hill school, and 3 antennas in place in 90 minutes. Not bad for the first time. Anyway, we learned some things, like needing pullies to help raise the wire antenna, and other things. Im babbling now, Im tired, and I have to work tonight, so I will be eating and heading to bed.

Time for a new look

Got bored with the old look....

Poke, poke and more blood...

Eegads! I have shed more blood in the last 2 days than I care to think about. First of all, yesterday, I had the right side of my mouth cleaned. This was not an easy task, mind you, because the last time I went to the dentist was 3 years ago, and that was for a root canal. So, they had to scrape all the teeth. This whole thing started when I went to the dentist last week with Shan to get her teeth cleaned. SHe said to me "Oh, remind me to set up and appointment for you when we leave." Her hygienst said "I think we may have an opening." I said "Really. When?" She said "Now, I believe. Let me get some paperwork for you to fill out. 3 hours later, the left side of my face was numb, and I was starving.

Fast forward a week, and there I was. Laying on my back. "Scrape scrape gouge..." is all I was hearing. The worst part was of course the shots. 3. Huge needles. But, after all is said and done, my mouth is feeling really good right now.

Pin Cushion Part Deux....
Physicals. We all get them. Especially men in their 40's. Like me. And yes, bloodwork is on the menu. Starving yourself for 8-10 hours is a side dish. That didnt go too well with me. Last night was our 19th anniversary, and we went to Chipotle for dinner. So I was set for the night. My mouth was feeling pretty good by then. But,by the time I got up this morning, I could have eaten the toaster. Only for the simple fact that it has crumbs in it. But...oooo....the mouth is still tender from yesterday's escapade. Water it is. Yum....So, I make the trip into Naperville, wait a whopping 5 minutes. We go back to the room, she takes some information, ties up my arm, and before I knew it, JAB! Ow! That hurt!!! Wiggle the needle a bit, Ow Ow OWWWW! Put in another vial. Wiggle some more. OWWW!!! Whew, that's over with. Now go pee in this little cup, put it over there and you're free to go. Look out Burger King!!!!!!
Might I suggest the number 6 with coffee? Oh yeah, extra sugar too!
Im gunna eat my pizza, then take a nap.

Cool

I can post new messages from my e-mail...instead of having to sign into my blog site everytime...hmmmm.....

What we have here......

Is he eating his hat?????












The framing...











The drywall is on

Hey...we got power!

Here are the switches...















See the light?

So far so good..

I dont have any pictures, but I was able to get the outside light relocated next to the door. I ran the wiring, hooked it up to the switch, put the fuse back in the main panel and.....voila! We have light! I built the frame for the actual wall in the garage. It's ready to go once I pull up the old 2 x 4 that is nailed into the concrete. Liquid Nails is on deck for this portion of the job. Now only 2 more switches to wire...wall to install...drywall...sanding..........(sigh)........

Oh Yeah....this song too..

Never say 'I'm Bored..."

Yeah. Dont. Crazy things will happen.

You Tube Videos

Charley Bit My Finger (remix)

Amanda's Flute Solo

Tonight was Amanda's Flute solo for band. She was given a piece called "Minuetto" and it's a really good song for the youngsters to learn. For weeks she has been practicing really hard and tonight was the big night! It wouldnt load here so I posted it on You Tube




The video was shot using a Polaroid i737 digital camera.

Ill let the pictures speak for themselves...

I built the frame for the mirror, since I had some red oak in the garage(and Menards wants $100 for a framed mirror!). I ripped it to 3", rabbetted a 3/4" groove to place the mirror and a 1/2" plywood backer board. The finish is the same Red Oak as I used on the table and the vanity is dark cherry. I think the frame matches well. But what I did was layed one heavy coat on, then let it dry for a couple of days. Then I layed down another real heavy coat. I didnt wipe any excess off. I left it on to soak in. Though the 2nd coat never really fully dried after 3 days, I brushed on 2 coats of satin poly finish.
Now, it's pretty heavy, so what I did to mount it was took another 2 1/2" piece of oak, ripped it somewhat center at a 45deg angle, so I ended up with 2 pieces. One goes on the wall with the angle going down towards the wall like: \. Then I placed the other piece on the mirror upside down from the wall mounted one like this: /. They interlock, and it is alot stronger that just plain screws in a 2x4. It distributes the weight more evenly.

Anyway, that's all for now. Im gunna do the dishes then relax. PEACE!

REMODEL!!!!!

So, Sunday, Shan and I were sitting in the living room when she asked me to take the bathroom mirror down so she could finish painting. Well, that started the whole ball of wax rolling downward. A trip to Mendards later, and we ended up with a new vanity, after realising that the gaping hole in the wall was from the old medicine cabinet, circa 1973. Well, the kitties love their new hide out, and I must say, after some plumbing glitches (nothing is all one size mind you), I got the vanity installed. Pictures soon to follow.

Here are the pics!

Well, I was sitting on the couch waiting for Shan to get home when I thought... "hmm...I could upload the pics of the table..".

Table is done!

I got the table done. Took some pictures too. Havent uploaded them yet. Problem during the project was the top. Gluing up the boards proved to be tasking. They wouldnt line up, etc. I found a video on Wood magazine's website that shows how to do this without the expensive equipment needed to even out the warped boards. I am going to try this on my next table. Let's see how this one goes.

What a crappy weekend this was....

(VENTING,GRUMBLING,COMPLAINING)
It was supposed to be a nice 4 day weekend. I even got rid of the munchkins for a night. One of them for 2! Do ya think we could have enjoyed our time together? NOOOOOOOOO! Stupid colds. I hate getting sick. Even worse for me because if it gets into my chest, and sits there for too long, ill end up with pneumonia, AGAIN! The last 2 years straight I have had to go to the ER because of it. Im getting tired of it. Spring cannot get here fast enough.

Oh, sitting here doing taxes earlier, and found out my employer screwed up my W2. They have 2 different wages listed for state and federal. So, I called them, before 5pm mind you, and of course they were not there. I wonder if they come in at 10am and leave at 3? Must be nice. Or they just dont want to answer the phone.
(DONE VENTING,GRUMBLING,COMPLAINING)

But some good news, we are refinancing at a better and fixed rate, plus we get the first time home buyers tax credit! So that is going to help out alot.

As far as woodworking, didnt do a whole lot if it this weekend. Did get a 2nd coat of stain on the table. It looks alot better. And I would be able to show you, but Shan STILL has the picture cards in her purse...................Nuff Said!

Have a great week/end and PEACE!

Hmmmmmmm...........

What is woodworking? Is it an art. Is it a hobby? Is it a business? Yes. It is all 3. But, to a novice, a beginner, it can be intimidating. Measure twice cut once. Offset the mortise. Joint the face. Sounds like an autopsy. Ick.
Projects:
Several.
Time:
None.
Money:
See above
Here are some more great ideas from the endless wandering mind of Dave:








Work Bench.











Tool Chest



Ok. So now, I need to perfect some simple joinery. Small projects may be in order for me to practice them on. I like the tool chest, and I do need a new tool box to organize. But I also need a bench to put all this stuff on. I have a bench now. It's the original one that came with the house. Hmmmmm. Maybe Ill wait on the bench. The tool chest would make a great Christmas gift.
Hmmmmmmm.......

My New End Table

So I finished assembling the table. It's roughly 17" by 28" by 26" high.








This is the stain we are using. It is called Red Oak by Minwax. Though it looks light in this picture, it really is a darker shade. Perfect for Mission Style furniture.





On my agenda for future funriture plans:
Nite stand for Amanda
Mission Coffee table
Mission End table
Mission sofa table

In the mean time, the number one agenda is organizing the shop and getting it "workable". I'll try to shoot more pictures and put them on here.

Till next time!

I love it when a brain storm works!!!!!

Ok, so this is how I heat my garage. Well, it does work. DOesnt get real comfy cozy, but at least it takes the chill off. The "cool" thing is, that it is attached to the door, so it never gets in the way. And the cord is just the right length. The fan is actually running in this picture.










Saw dust and debris left by the table saw is a killer to clean up. I had been thinking of some type of enclosre for the saw. Some plans set the saw on a "pedistal" box with a square hole cut in the top so the dust and stuff falls or gets vacuumed(sp?) out. So, as I was cleaning the garage this morning, I saw the computer table sitting there. I startedto dismantle it so I could store it away, but all the while saying to myself "what can I use this for?". Then it struck me. Cut a hole in the top, en close it, and we're good to go! Voila!

A Dispatcher's prayer

Lord, they're in our hands tonight, Yours and mine.
Those "folks" who keep the peace and fight the crime.
They're men with wives and women with husbands and families, and feelings too.
They give themselves for our protection, these "folks" in blue.

I know my part in this is crucial too.
I must inform those "folks" in blue.
When trouble strikes, and where.
And send them quickley, no time to spare.

I cannot see the scene from where I sit.
My eyes and ears scan the console, brightly lit.
I must wait in blind suspense to hear each "Ten-Four".
As they let me know they have survived one time more.

I know a part of them that few others see-
Their eyes reflecting scenes depicting how cruel life can really be.
A battered child, a sensless wreck, or a murderer set free,
A brother in arms shot down, never more to be.

Ill make coffee, and keep it fresh and strong,
They'll stop by for a cup or two, but not for long.
Another call, a plea, or just a happenstance.
Duty will beckon, "Come...time to take another chance".

I'll answer the phone and questions too.
And dig out the stats and records they ask me to.
Ill type the reports, and of course, joke with them some.
Ill even put off that reporter who calls 9-1-1.

Let me, Lord, speak calm and clear.
To those out there while Im in here.
I'm their link, and they are mine.
In this partnership of fighting crime.

It seems to me that we're all a team.
They, You and me, I mean.
I'll do my best, and they will too,
But, still Lord, we need you to see us though.
AMEN

Author Unknown

You know your a stressed dispatcher when...

You can achieve a "Runner's High" just by sitting up
The sun is too loud
Trees begin to chase you
You can see individual air molecules vibrating
You can hear mimes
You say the same sentence over and over again, not realizing that you have said it before
You beileve that if you think hard enough, you can fly
Things become "Very Clear"
You ask the drive thru attendant if you can get your order to go
You say the same sentence over and over again, not realizing that you have said it before
You keep yelling "Stop touching me!" even though you are alone
Your heart rate beats in 7/8 time
You and Reality file for divorce
You say the same sentence over and over again, not realizing that you have said it before
You can skip without a rope
It appears people are speaking to you in binary code
You have great revelations of life, the universe and everything else, but cant quite find the wordsfor them before the white glow dissapears leaving you more confused than before
You say the same sentence over and over again, not realizing that you have said it before
Antacid tablets, better known as "dispatcher candy" become your sole source of nutrition
You discover the aesthetic beauty of office suuplies
You say the same sentence over and over again, not realizing that you have said it before
You can start a conversation, and 15 minutes later after several interruptions, pick up where you left off
Losing your mind was ok, but when the voices in your head quited, it was like losing your best friend

Hey

Christmas is over. New Years is done, look out winter, this way, spring comes!

Well, Im not a poet by any means. I thought I would at least "green" up my blog this year. Hope you all had a great Christmas, and a good New Year's holiday. Let's all hope and pray that 2009 is going to be better.

Well, maybe not for Blogo.....
No more spring work for me....(see the post after this for more details..."Film at 11")

At least the Obamas got a new house this year.....hope they wont go into foreclosure.....

The new catch word for 2009,Im declaring, is......................DUH
(notice the See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil theme below)

When you do something very dangerous and you know you shouldnt, like work on a spring that is loaded, you say "Duh...I knew that would happen"

WHen you see something that just doesnt make sense...what so ever...you say "What the DUH?"

When you hear something that is completley and totally...well...crazy... like "Blogo is going to stay in office for another 4 years"...instead of saying "Huh?" you say "Duh?"


Think about it. Duh-z it make sense? :)

PEACE and Duh to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DUH.....(becoming an 'Ex-Woodworker/Handyman/Smartperson

Ok, so, you know springs, when loaded with energy, will, well, spring? Yeah. Ok. A coil spring wound around a rod, hooked on one end. Spin the rod keeping the spring in place, tightening it more and more. Alot of energy. Ok, so now, hook the spring to the end of a retainer. Good. Alot of energy. Now, try to remove the clipped end, after you have loaded up the spring...Alot of energy. Springs spring. This one sprung. I know it went around 2 times. I have the receipt from the ER to prove it. Yeah. DUH. Point here is...when God tells you 3 times "It's going to spring and get your hand", you'd better stop and listen.