Happy Birthday Big Brother!

My brother is almost two years older than me--to the day. From Thursday to yesterday, I was fifty-four years old, and he only fifty-five, one year apart (at least, on paper...). 

Today, he becomes "officially" two years older.

Like the way it's supposed to be.

The "two-years apart" thing was never planned, not by anyone in this world. Both of us were adopted, and both times, my parents didn't know they were getting either of us until after we were born. Things were much different in the 1960s. So, us having almost the identical birthdays was a fluke--maybe fate had something to do with it.

Because I was "placed" in my family, I look at things a little differently. My parents, my siblings--everything could have been different--things could have ended up completely different. But, they ended up the way they did and continue to end up the way they are. It's life.

I could not have asked for a better example in my life. I've had friends who had brothers and, growing up, they nearly killed each other...literally. I remember my brother and I got into tussles, but nothing serious. Once I figured out he could kick my butt, I backed off. It wasn't worth it.

My brother was always good at pretty much everything he tried. He was an excellent artist, singer, "popular high school guy"--you name it. I just tried keeping up. And now, that we're old men, he continues to be an excellent example for me and my kids. 

Today's his birthday. Love you, brother! Hope it was great.

Restoring Mr. Snowman...

It was a Christmas present given to us from my sister-in-law a long time ago. We've put out Mr. Snowman every year. 

Even when his lights were all but out.

Years ago my wife's sister had a craft room where she created amazing things! We were fortunate enough to have received several of her works of art. Two make their appearance each December (and, sometimes sooner...). They're showing signs of wear-and-tear, especially, since we've got a big dog in the house.

But, we've always put out Mr. Snowman.

This week I've had some time on my hands. I brought out Mr. Snowman from storage and went to work on the lights. Given enough time, I'm usually able to troubleshoot a string of Christmas lights. I unplugged and plugged in each lightbulb several times--thankfully, it's a 25-light string. I even replaced the small fuses that are in the plug. 

Nope--no lights, nothing.

I'd have to replace the lights. Trouble is, 25-light strings are no longer as popular as they once were. Before I worked on Mr. Snowman's lights, there was another string of lights I was also trying to troubleshoot. Its problem was different--only half the lights worked.

Turns out, a half-lit string was a perfect replacement for the non-working one. It took a little time, and there's a lot of the string wrapped up and hiding behind, but for the first time in years, Mr. Snowman is happy and bright. 

And so are we.

Having The Family Over...

We offered. The family took us up on it.

We gathered. Everyone brought food.

We ate.

And ate.

And ate.

Then, we ate more.

After the loading up my plate I sat at one of the three tables and watched as family broke bread under a roof that we call home. All of my parent's children were there, but not all of their grandchildren. For that, we'd need another couple of tables. But those of us here, not only did we eat, but we talked and laughed, and avoided getting hit by thrown dog toys. We enjoyed each other's company.

My mom joked before she passed away that if we siblings didn't get along after she died, she would come back and haunt us.

Glad my mother can be relieved of haunting duties...

For another year, at least.

54 Years...

On May 11, 2017 an article written by Dan Mihalascu appeared on the DriveMag website. The title, It Took Porsche 54 Years to Build One Million 911 Sports Cars.

Fifty-Four years.

The article (you can click: HERE to read it, and the above picture is taken from the article...) highlights the accomplishment that took place on the day the article was published. The 911 has been an incredible success for the company. As of the published date, seventy percent of all 911s made were still on the road. And the iconic car accounts for more than half of the 30,000 Porsche race wins.

I wonder if the the Porsche decision makers thought the car would still be around a half century--plus four years--when they began making the car in 1963. Did they know they would make more than a million 911s? Did they know the car would come to symbolize the company for generations to come? Did they know that for me--and perhaps millions of other car enthusiasts around the world--that whenever we see a 911 driving past we pause and admire the simple beauty of the machine? 

Maybe they did. Maybe they did.

Fifty-four years ago today, a baby was born in Ogden, Utah to an unwed mother. She had agreed to put the child up for adoption and a few days later the baby was placed with a family and given their last name. That baby was me. As I think about the woman who chose to allow strangers to raise her child, I wonder what she thought would become of her newborn baby. Did she know her son would grow up in a loving family, never wanting for anything? Did she know he would be fortunate enough to have a family of his own with an incredible wife and four amazing children--her grandchildren?

Maybe she did. Maybe she did.

I'd like to think so.

Anyone Want Free Furniture? It's Going Fast...

We're doing a little spring cleaning, but in the fall. We've got two pieces of furniture and if you want them, they're yours.

First, a quality solid-wood coffee table, for both coffee drinkers and non-coffee drinkers. Sure, there's a scratch or two, but it's in pretty good shape.

If a coffee table's not for you, we have a cabinet. It's not too pretty, but very utilitarian. It has four shelves and doors that close. It's pressed board and it does NOT have one of the handles, but being crafty, I'm sure you can find a piece of driftwood or some legos and attach them in some way. Make it your own!

We are needing to clear out space for Thursday's big gathering. These items are in our loft and we have no need for them anymore.

And because this is for Thursday, if no one wants, needs, or can use these items, we'll be loading them up in the car and taking them to our local thrift store tomorrow night.

So, if you're interested, leave a message and we'll work something out. Of course, you'll need to be close, unless you'd like to take a trip out west. Free furniture you can be thankful for!

When Inspiration Hits...

It was 1am Friday night.

That's when the story idea hit.

I was dead tired, but I couldn't fall asleep.

That's the way it goes sometimes.

If I finished all the story ideas I've started, I'd have at least thirty novels under my belt. Now, admittedly, many of these stories are not that great, which is why the currently reside in literary limbo. I always think the genesis of the stories is good, either the main character or the theme or the conflict--all have positive and interesting points. Sometimes, I'll get a couple of those points to run together, but something is usually missing. I'll begin writing the story hoping the other elements come to mind and I can keep going.

That's the problem (or, one of them...). Things don't come to mind. I wouldn't call it "writer's block" necessarily. I think of writer's block when you can't write, even though you know the story you want to tell. I may definitely be wrong about this--writer's block may be as unique a situation as there are writers. An author friend of mine doesn't believe in writer's block. He says it's just a matter of a writer stopping to write. Technically, he's right.

I've always found the term "writer's block" to be a convenient excuse.

Last week, I had the opposite problem--I had writer's express lane. I was so tired. Maybe it was because I had been up all day and did things to get ready for a party, for Thanksgiving--I don't know, but whatever it was, the ideas, the plot, the conflicts, the word play, the stories within the story, they all came rushing at me. I tried sleeping, but it didn't come. Eventually, I slipped off to dreamland.

Maybe I was dreaming and just thinking I was awake, because when I woke up Saturday morning, the idea was still there, but the story wasn't as strong as it seemed to be the night before. I didn't let that stop me from beginning it. I'm glad I did because ideas began to come to me as I started the first chapter. Yes, I could do that. Yes, I could make these characters be this way or that way. I even came up with something that didn't come to me the night before. It was a big step and something that needed to be figured out.

I've had ideas come to me before like they did last Friday. Sometimes I remember them--sometimes I don't. Last week was just another example of what happens when inspiration hits.

The Knight Family Pie Fest...Rides Again!

Years ago, I can't remember exactly how many, my cousin sent out an invite: Come over the weekend before Thanksgiving and bring a pie.

What a fantastic idea!

The Knight Family Pie Fest was born.

We've tried to make the pie fest every year, but I know we've missed a few. Tonight the 2019 version took place and we just got back.

I'm pie-ed out!

I love my cousins--growing up we spent a lot of time with my mom's two brothers's families, especially after my father passed away. It helped that both my uncles had kids around the same age as us. We spent so many summers with them, and we'd even sometimes be together for Christmas.

Then, life happens and you grow up and you grow apart. It's too bad, but it's also impossible for things to stay the same. I don't get to see my cousins near enough--the Pie Fest is a great way to hang out, if only for a short time.

We hung out, we pigged out, we caught up. My cousins are having kids that are having kids of their own. We'd need a huge space if all of us were to get together with my cousins and their kids (and their kids's kids...), and that's just on my mother's side.

Yes, it was a genius idea my cousin had years ago. I'm so glad she did, and that we could go. Happy Thanksgiving, family. You're the best!

When Your Kids Grow Up...

November is a big birthday month for our family. My dad, my grandfather, my brother, me, and my son all have birthdays in November (I'm sure I'm missing some and for that, I apologize...). And I have several friends with November birthdays as well. It just seems like a good month to have a birthday.

Today, it was my son's turn. 

He turned twenty-one.

An adult.

He's such a great kid.

Growing up I never thought of myself as an artist, even though I do many artistic things now. Maybe it's always been there, but I didn't act on it. My son, now he's an artist! Some just have to create. It's as if when they're not creating something, then something is off--not right. I think my son's that way. It's in his DNA. He creates computer art, edits YouTube videos, is a graphic designer, and even excels in drawing. Each time he comes up with something new, I'm blown away.

Today, in the eyes of the law, he is of legal age. Funny, I didn't feel when I woke up that some responsibility had been lifted from my shoulders, because it hasn't. Even though he's twenty-one, he'll aways be my son and I'll always be his father. Some responsibilities can never time out.

In the coming years, our two youngest will reach the golden age of twenty-one and join their two older siblings as legal entities. But to us, their parents, they're our kids and we love them dearly. Happy birthday, son! Here's to the next couple of decades and more.

A Patriotic Cell Phone...

At last Saturday's Utah vs UCLA football game in Salt Lake, a tribute was presented to our Armed Forces and all veterans. It was touching and important, but unfortunately, it was upstaged by someone's cell phone.

A line of veterans brought out a huge flag and they all waited on the sideline until it was time to unfurl the flag. Finally, the time came, and everyone ran toward the center of the field. The problem was, one runner got tripped up and ended up being carried atop the flag. Once the line reached its destination, the trip-ee was able to take his place with the others. I thought it would be cool record do a time lapsed video. Had I recorded it at normal speed, you could see it all take place.

The music began and the veterans began shaking the flag creating a cool "wind-driven" effect. That's when we--and pretty much everyone in the stadium--saw it, a small black item bouncing up and down as the flag moved.

The trip-ee lost his cell phone.

And it was bouncing on the flag.

Like I said, it sort of took something from the moment, but it was also a bit of brevity. And, if you can't laugh at things--even when they're not supposed to be funny--then that's a bit sad. I'm sure those who appreciated the tribute and understood its importance weren't too distracted. But, for a shining moment, a singular (not Cingular...) cell phone was the most patriotic cell phone in history and stole the show.

"Shell Game"...A Short Film I'm In...Is Available To Watch!

Late last year a friend sent out a post on social media. He had access to an incredible piece of video equipment and he was itching to try it out. He asked if anyone would want to help him out by being in a short film.

Of course, I responded.

The end result was posted on YouTube yesterday. It's called, Shell Game, and it's pretty cool.

There was a time when I thought about getting into film and TV as a career. I did some extra work back in the 1990s, and last year I was in my first commercial. I haven't actively sought out rolls--it's a fickle business at best and, well...I know who I am, what I look like, how I sound. I realized a long time ago that to be successful in the industry (other than having a great work attitude and talent...), you need to offer a product people want to see. I may dedicate more time to it in the future, but for now, I'm good.

Needless to say, the whole experience was a blast! I got to be a bad guy, a double-crosser who is caught by the big boss, a bigger and badder character than me. Once I'm found out, I'm given my options and the means by which to carry out those options. I should stop talking about it and just give you the link so you can watch it yourself--you can access the film by clicking: HERE. Seriously, it'll take you less time to watch it than it will to read this post.

Thanks to Nathan Riddle, Hawk Westerfield, and Chelsea Jurkiewicz for their excellent acting (and writing), and Geoffrey Leatham for great camera work.

It's still mind-boggling to me the access we have to create art. Only a few decades earlier, creating something like this would require a lot more money and time. I'm not implying it's not hard work now--it is, but for the "Average Joe" to be able to make a film like this, it still blows me away.

If you've got five minutes, click on the link. Also, if you could give a "like" on the YouTube page, that helps immensely. And, it would be fun to hear your thoughts about the film--plus, I'd LOVE to hear how you think the story ended. Shell Game, a fun little project!

Checked Out "The Griddle" Podcast Today...Down-Home Fun!

Podcasts are to this decade what blogs were to the last decade. That's not a bad thing--in fact, it's great. Now anyone can become a broadcaster and content creator, all you need is a microphone and the internet. Heck, you can do it all from your phone.

Having said all that, I finally got around to listening to a new podcast called, The Griddle Podcast. You can access it from the Apple Store, or by clicking: HERE. It stars Merle Maples and Harley Hanks as two conversationalists who dispense down-home wisdom like rain from the heavens. And just like rain from the heavens, you'll get wet whether you want to or not.

There's a couple of things this podcast has going for it. First, it's length. The first four episodes last a total of 1 hour and 24 minutes, averaging twenty-one minutes each. It's just about perfect for their format. Second, it's very folksy, and by folksy, I mean folksy. As you listen, you feel as though you've walked into the pair as they sit at the local gas station/fast food joint shooting the bull talking about anything, everything...basically, whatever comes across their collective minds. And even when the episode concludes, you have the impression that Merle and Harley are still jawing, still flapping their gums, still having a good time.

That's the podcast's biggest strength, I think. It's the two men having a good time. You'd have to when covering topics like, Idaho not existing, conspiracy theories, bum sticks (yeah, I wrote that correctly...), scary stories, and even a game show.

If there's one criticism I have it's that it's best not to listen to the podcast on double-speed, or even three-quarter speed. There's definitely a charm hearing the men just chat, at their own speed. I hardly ever listen to a podcast at normal speed--I've got too many to listen to. This one, well...it's good to take your own sweet time, just like Merle and Harley do.

Ever Have One Of Those Customer Service Stories...?

Halloween, 2019. Back in the day we always picked up pizza for Halloween dinner. A local "bake-at-home" pizza place even made pizzas in the shape of jack-o-lanterns. Due to some food sensitivities, we haven't ordered from there in years.

This year, however, we decided to splurge.

We chose a local restaurant that makes food we can eat, but due to their, shall we say, unusual ordering requirements, we weren't able to call in the order to get the special deal. We had to order it in person, and when you're ordering several pizzas, every little bit of savings helps. Because others were involved in getting ready for Halloween night, it was my assignment to pick up the food.

What happened next was one of those customer service stories that happen to us every once in a while.

I ordered the food and I had to wait until it was done. Because of those before-mentioned food sensitivities, we needed to order the thin-crust pizzas. When I picked up the food, it was heavy, so I asked if they were thin-crust pizzas.

Turns out, they weren't. 

About two months earlier we had the same thing happen. I thought I had ordered the thin pizzas and I didn't realize my mistake until I got home. This time, once I found out the order wasn't right, I didn't take these home. Instead, I spoke to the manager and told him about the problem. Turns out the order was for thick crust, but the manager said there'd be no problem whatsoever. He started making replacement pizzas and told me the ones they made were "on the house."

It had been a long day. I put up Halloween decorations and we cleaned the house. The last thing I needed was an issue over dinner. The restaurant had every reason to require I pay for the extra food, but they smiled and took care of it. I'd like to think I would have acted the same way--I'm sure their day wasn't a walk in the park either.

We got our food, albeit a little late. And it tasted good.

This Year's Utah Utes Football Team...Watching Them In Person Is Something Else!

If you're living in the western United States and you follow college football, there are several good teams, and there are a couple of great teams. This year's University of Utah football team is in the latter category.

They're amazing, flat out, amazing.

I've watched all but one game all the way through. Last Saturday night, thanks to my good friend Bob, I was able to watch the team in person.

The experience is even better watching it live.

I'm not the greatest football mind out there--far from it. But those who do know that game seem to say things that confirm what I'm thinking. National attention is being given to the Utah defense, and to a pair of offensive Utah players, their quarterback Tyler Huntley, and running back Zack Moss. Of the two, one is extremely efficient--Huntley, and the other is dynamic--Moss, though truth be told, Huntley was much more dynamic and flashy until he was injured earlier in the year. He's making his way back, though.

Utah played UCLA and it was a good ol' fashioned beat-down. The final score was 49 - 3. Even though the Utes dominated, I've rarely seen a team make so many mistakes and have such bad luck. It's as if the Bruins were cursed--any mistake that could happen to a team did happen to them. At one point Utah led 35 - 3. If UCLA had scored touchdowns each time they were in the red zone, the score would have been 28 - 24 Utah. They'd be behind, but they'd at least UCLA would be in the game.

Last year I was fortunate enough to watch one game in person, the fantastic comeback win over BYU, 35 - 27. That game was incredible because of how it ended. This year's game I attended was different. I watched a focused team completely take apart its opponent.

It was a thing of beauty.

And it was better to watch it in person

One Of The Greatest Invention Known To Man, Woman...Or Child!

I saw my friend Bob retrieve something from the back of his Subaru after we parked close to the stadium in preparation for the big game. Oh great, seat cushions, I thought.

But they were so, so, so much more.

Yes, they were cushions built to add much-appreciated support to our aging behinds, but what I didn't know when I first spotted them, is that they are heated. Yes, you read correctly, heated cushions.

I've said multiple times on this blog that I'm not up on all the latest things. Back in jr. high school my mom subscribed to the Popular Science magazine. She did it because I loved that magazine, but what I liked most was the "What's New" section. There were ideas from all over the world. They fascinated me and I wondered if one day I might create something that was worthy to be included in that section of the magazine. This product, Game Warmer, I would expect to see in that magazine (if the magazine is even around anymore...).

This product might be years old, or it may be new. All I know is that once the game began and things started to get chilly, I cranked up the Game Warmer and...

I was amazed!

I've been told that if you have cold feet or cold hands, your whole body can feel cold. I would imagine the opposite would be true--warm feet and cold hands can help you whole body to be warm. I'm here to tell you that the list (feet and hands...) needs another item--buns. Boy, once my behind warmed up, it was like a heat cocoon surrounded me as I watched my beloved Utah Utes destroy UCLA. Yes, I'm sold--I'm a hot buns believer.

If you're interested in the product, click the link: HERE for more info. Game Warmers--quite a find!

Sometimes...We Do Live Like The Other Half

I don't have this feeling often--probably because I don't get out much--but this morning I found myself in an unusual (for me...) location.

A car dealership.

No, it's not a place I frequent.

My son decided it was time for a newer car and he decided to go to a dealership to buy it.

We have purchased cars at dealerships in the past. The last time was back in 2010. Between 2007 and 2010 we went through a couple of cars--vans, mostly. The cars have been so good for us that we haven't had the need to look at others. That's a good problem to have, and I'm grateful for it. As my son and I waited for the inevitable paperwork and approval process to be completed, I stepped out of the salesmen's office and checked out the space. The high ceilings above and incredible cars/trucks/suvs below made for a somewhat surreal experience. It's something the other half does.

I'm just not used to it.

I explained to my son as we waited that, for some people, hanging out at car dealerships are not a big deal. It's a normal occurrence. Some people are fortunate enough to be able to drive newer cars. And, let's face it, some people just love new cars. They will do what it takes to allow them to drive the newest and best. I'm glad they can--they've worked hard and sacrificed to be put in that position.

We live in such a world that--everywhere you turn--there's something new and shinny to entice and distract. I can easily see myself wanting the latest and greatest. Heck, I was looking at those floor models and thinking, what if...

Then, reality hits.

We've been blessed to have reliable transportation for all of our married life. I can't say that about before we got married--I drove mostly VW bugs. But since then, it's been something we haven't had to worry too much about. So, I suppose you could say that, even though we haven't driven new cars, we've been able to count on our cars. In that case, we have lived like the other half has, just in older cars.

Hanging Out With The Neighbors...

We walked in our house tonight and the smell of the campfire came in with us. It's been a while since we've been around a campfire--not like we hung out around a fire a lot in the past. It's a familiar smell, now a rare one.

My wife, youngest son, and I went to a block party tonight. We just got back. I'm glad our neighbors have the facilities, patience, and gumption to ask us all over for a meal and conversation. We began the evening by introducing each other and letting everyone know some of the things that have happened to our families over the past year. Then came dinner.

Our neighbors have done an amazing job with their back yard. Even though it was dark, to see what they've done is incredible. It's strange to see the evolution of the property. I've seen it as an empty lot, to the original house, and then the remodel. 

We had dinner then chatted. A few neighbors brought dogs with them and as the adult talked, the children ran around making their own fun.

Growing up in the same neighborhood, I don't remember attending block parties as a kid. I think back then we didn't need them because we spent time outside talking to our neighbors more than we seem to do now. So, in the absence of going outside and actually spending time with those who live near us, a block party is the next best thing.

Until next year...

Something I Saw For The First Time...

Over the past eight, almost nine years, I've sometimes used the same item for my blog posts. I think the photo I have of my dad and four of his brothers has been used the most. I find reason to dust it off and include it in a blog post at least a couple of times a year, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, even my dad's birthday. And, another thing I could have included is on the back page of that newspaper clipping are stories of two other uncles, Jack and Dave, who served in the armed services.

I've included this photo many times because, after all, there's no way I can honor these men and the men and women of their generation enough.

I like to include this photo in my posts. I think it's cool to have such a direct connection to a family that sent five brothers to war at the same time. Not only did I think it was cool, I thought it was unique, too, sort of like in the film, Saving Private Ryan. Five siblings--all served in the same conflict.

Turns out, this may not be as unique as I once thought.

This last week, after I posted the picture yet again, I read something for the first time. The last paragraph of the story caught my attention. If you can't read the paragraph, it reads, 

"Other Jefferson county families to furnish five sons for war service are Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miller, Sr. of Ririe, and Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Drake of Roberts. In the Miller Family there are four sailors and one soldier; the same is true of the Drake family. Of the fifteen men in the three five-star families eleven are sailors and four soldiers."

In a smallish county in southeastern Idaho three families sent five sons each to war. This made me wonder just how many families sent that many sons and daughters to fight?

I suppose I could do some research on the subject--the answers are most likely out there. But, for me, I'm satisfied in the fact that, even though my father and his brothers's situation wasn't as unusual as I thought, I still am proud of what they did, what the other two Jefferson County families did, and what everyone did to help stop that terrible war. Back then, I'm sure the sacrifice affected everyone. Amazing families, truly.

This E-Mail Showed Me...How Much I've Changed

I've been fortunate enough to be part of several local writing conventions and symposiums since 2013 when my first short story was published. I admit, it was a rush sitting on panels with internationally known best-selling authors. I even thought--several times--that I didn't belong on those panels. I hadn't "earned" it. 

I soon realized that this attitude didn't help anyone. It didn't help the fellow panelists, and it did a great disservice to those in attendance that paid good money to listen to the panel. So, I changed my attitude and tried to do the best job I could to bring interesting and helpful advise to everyone in the room.

I think I've done a good job since then. Of course, others may disagree, but I've tried.

One of my favorite conventions is the Life, the Universe, and Everything, (LTUE) Writing Symposium held each February in Provo, Utah. It's a quality convention with a light, fun, and engaging feeling from the guests and panelists. The first time I was asked to participate, I was over the moon--and I had a great time.

I was asked back each year, and then...

I wasn't.

This was a couple of years ago, and to be honest, it stung, even though my writing resume--though it had improved--was not stellar. It was nowhere near others who get asked back year after year. But, I decided to make the best of it. I didn't bad-mouth the convention or their decision. And, life went on.

Last year, I was asked to participate and had fun. I always have fun hanging out with my writer friends and getting to know the readers. I applied for the 2020 convention and I got the e-mail last week.

This time, my reaction to not being invited was different. It didn't sting; I didn't feel slighted. In fact, I was okay with it. Years ago, I gaged my writing success on whether or not I was asked to be on panels. Now, I know that has little to do with it. Sure, I'll miss hanging out in the panelist room with the other authors and meeting new people. I want to be a writer that they want to ask, a writer who has numerous fans who will attend when they find out I'm coming. That will take a lot of work on my part, but after all, being a successful writer can't come without the hard work. And who knows--maybe I'll be asked to come back in 2021. We'll have to see what happens.

The Old Cowhide Globe Hit Home...

The season's young, teams are still figuring things out, especially with so much movement in the off-season. But, when you watch a game like the one that took place Friday, November 9th in Salt Lake City...

It was a thing of beauty.

Because it's a new season with new players, the fans--as well as the other teams--are trying to figure out the new Jazz players, too. There's new names and new faces attached to those names. Fans can be patient, unless they feel the team ought to be winning now.

Not being in the building, can only imagine what it must have been like, watching a double-digit lead evaporate in the final minutes. Then, it looked like the game would go to overtime...

But wait!

There's still time on the clock!

An in-bound pass to Bojan Bodganovic in the corner. He shoots the three, and...

It goes in.

The place went crazy, and I'm sure Jazz fans watching outside the building did too.

The Bucks from Milwaukee (to quote Alice Cooper, "it's pronounced 'mill-e-wah-que' which is Algonquin for 'the good land'...) played for the Eastern Conference Finals last season, falling to the NBA Champion Toronto Raptors. This is a good team. Last Friday, the Jazz were better, three points better. 

I've been fortunate enough to be in that building a few times, mostly when John Stockton and Karl Malone played. The Jazz fans love their team. They did then; they do now. Hopefully, there'll be more celebrations than not this season, and from now on. Because on a tense November evening in Salt Lake City (to quote Hot Rod Hundley), a gentle push, and a mild arc, and the old cowhide globe hit home.

All photos used without permission from the National Basketball Association or the Utah Jazz

Project Stair Repair...Day Three...Done

My wife applied the second coat of deck stain this afternoon bringing an end to Project Stair Repair. 

It took two days and I still wonder how we did it. It's only a five-step staircase, but something about that project seemed so daunting. We put off doing it for years. Now that it's done, I can still feel that apprehension we felt before we began.

I mentioned this in previous posts, but when we built our house years ago, we were so handy. We did so much to it. We painted, we wired, we put in floors. I remember not feeling nervous about any project we took on. We just jumped right in and got to work. Maybe it's because we didn't know any different. Neither of us had built a house, or helped build a house. We must not have known what we were doing. Ignorance is indeed, bliss.

Today was much like Saturday. We spent the morning operating power tools. We had a step to shave down and the railings to attach. Thankfully, both went well. When we were done, we all marveled at how sturdy and non-wobbly they were. It had been at least a decade since they were so well constructed. My father-in-law would have appreciated that. We were about two years too late for him. That's too bad.

We have so many other projects on this house that--at one time--we would have not thought twice about doing. Maybe it's our age, maybe it's our confidence--whatever the reason, we're hesitant. Perhaps we can learn form this experience and take on something else. 

But first, we need to recover form this one. It wore us both out.

The stairs have been replaced. It was a good weekend.

Worship Through Music...One Of The Best Ways

I've been attending church on Sundays for the past 53 years--it'll be 54 in a couple of weeks. Sure, there were times when I missed. I've had many jobs that have kept me from going, and, of course, other things have prevented me from going. But, in general, I go more than I don't.

Today's meeting was special.

All we did was sing.

Okay, it wasn't all we did. We had the usual activities found in a Latter-Day Saint Sunday sacrament meeting. Usually, there's between 30 - 40 minutes of talks, and an occasional musical number. I don't know who came up with it, but this morning for the "talk" section of the meeting, we sang songs. They asked for members to come to the pulpit and introduce the song they would like to sing and explain a little why that particular song was so special to them.

I loved it.

A mentor once told me that the reason we have musical theater is because some stories require that emotional "punch" only music can provide. He said we sing to express emotions that ordinary speaking cannot deliver. Those thoughts came to me as the Sunday service continued. The music adds a feeling, a spirit, that talks just can't match. I wanted to go up and have the congregation sing a Christmas song, but someone beat me to it. Good for him. After all, on the night of Christ's birth, the shepherds heard concourses of angels singing, "Glory to God on high, and on earth, peace good will towards men." Now, that's how to worship.

I understand why we can't do this sort of thing every week, but I wish we could. Worshiping through music...there's not much better.

Project Stair Repair...Day Two

We waited until the sun crested the mountain and the air outside heated up a bit to begin. I was still a little apprehensive about doing this ourselves, but we had the materials and the old stairs had to be replaced. Like I wrote in yesterday's blog post, it was time.

We dusted off (literally...) our cordless Ryobi tools and got to work. Measure twice, cut once...it's a good way to prepare to build a new staircase. We thought about assembling the new staircase and then attaching it to the deck after it was fully built. So, SO glad we didn't do that. We found out taking off the old staircase then putting up the supports then attaching the steps was the way to go.

After several hours, we had the steps in place and it was time to test them out. Our verdict = amazing! It's been so long since the staircase wasn't shaky and creaky. We could almost not believe it.

We were able to take a break a few hours after noon. My wife and her mother (who, was a lifesaver and helped paint the railing...) fetched fast food for lunch. As I took my first break of the day almost inhaling the burger and fries, it took me back to when we worked on our house as it was being built. We basically lived off of fast food for months. Eating lunch today was an almost surreal experience, the way those memories flooded back.

Thanks to some advice from a neighbor, the paint we were going to use for the steps wasn't going to work. It was obvious we wouldn't finish today. We waited for the paint on the railings to dry then moved them and all the tools into the garage.

We' re resting now. And even though today felt so much like it did seventeen years ago, it's evident we're no longer in our 30s. We're going to feel it tomorrow--we're already feeling it now.

Tomorrow we'll take a break and not work on the house. Thankfully, I have Monday off of work and so we'll be able to finish Project Stair Repair then. But, until then, we need a well-deserved break.