WHAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT

 POST # 456

It is so easy in this day and age, to get caught up in the almost endless stream of news items that occupy our daily existence.  As a result, we can lose sight of what is really important.  Like for instance, life itself.

This fact was brought home on Tuesday of this week, when Mary received the news that her dear friend of many decades, died that morning.  This news wasn't unexpected, as Christine had been ill for quite some time,  but losing someone close to you is always difficult.  

I too had come to know and like Christine and her husband John over the years.  And now we are all faced with a future without her presence, but not without good memories of Christine.  It would be difficult to find a more kind individual.  

So life became even more precious this week, at least through my eyes.  We continue to live as best we can, and try and appreciate the moments along the way.  Perhaps we can borrow a page from Christine's playbook, and all try to be a little bit more kind to one another.

So today, I am even more...

grateful for every breath,

 

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

A WINDOW TURNS INTO A DOOR

POST # 455

 Following up on the story from last week, I am pleased to report that what was formerly a window, has now turned into a door.  Everyone including Dora-dog is pleased with this new arrangement.

I had planned to include a few photos to tell the story, however I am having difficulty with that task.  Apparently Yahoo Mail is down at the moment, so I am unable to upload photos. 

The work crew arrived as planned on Tuesday, and after a day long effort, their work was done.   Needless to say, Dora-dog wasn't impressed with these strangers hanging around for so long, but after they departed, and she had her first opportunity to try out the new door,  she was a happy camper indeed.  From now on, she can sit in the living room and stare out the door watching for squirrels.

I spent yesterday and today re-painting the outside wall of the house, and if I don't mind saying so, it looks pretty damn good.  There were a few anxious moments today, when I was way up high on a ladder, with a paint brush in one hand and a container of paint in the other in order to paint the peak of the wall.  Thankfully it all went well, and the job is now finished.  Mary is pleased with the result.  I am pleased that I didn't fall.

Aside from a small amount of drywall work to do on the inside, the job is now done.  

Update: The photos are now in.

 

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

"THAT'S A BUMMER, DUDE"

 POST # 454

 

                                                        

The title for today's post comes from an often quoted line in the movie, "The Big Lebowski," starring Jeff Bridges.  It came to mind this morning.  Why?  I'm glad you asked.

Last year in September, Mary had arranged for some contractors to come here and do a renovation to the side of her house.  It had been a very long wait, but finally, today was the day.  The crew was set to arrive this morning at 8am to get the job done. 

There was plenty of work to be done, both inside and out, in order to prepare the area prior to the worker's arrival.  We spent a large portion of yesterday accomplishing this task.

We were up early today in anticipation of their arrival.  At ten minutes to 8, the company called to tell Mary that they would have to postpone the work until June 11th.  "That's a bummer, Dude." Needless to say, Mary wasn't very impressed.  To make a long story short, after numerous text messages, and calls, the work has been re-scheduled for next Tuesday.

So next Monday, we'll clear everything out of the way once again, in anticipation of their arrival. Maybe then, all will go as planned.  

                                   Even Dora-dog wasn't very impressed.

The best solution was to put it behind us, and head out for a walk, thanks to the wisdom of Dora-dog.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

THE TILE TASK

 POST # 453

While Dora-dog relaxes in the shade, contemplating her next adventure, The Thoughtful Wanderer continues to try and keep himself occupied by doing little projects.  The most recent one was to place some tiles in front of the shed. 

The task took longer than I had anticipated, as it was a tricky affair trying to get the tiles level.  However, after lots of puttzing around, I was happy with the result.  The object of the exercise was to offer Dora-dog a more comfortable place to relax, instead of having to do this on a gravel surface.  Of course, now that the work has been completed, she hasn't bothered to test out the new arrangement.  Go figure.  She seems to have come to the conclusion that the newly stained deck is a preferable option. I bet that if I now removed the tiles, she'd be right back there in front of the shed.  You can't please all of the boneheads all of the time.

After the work was done, it was time to head back inside and relax.  Dora-dog came alongside, and gave me this look.

What was she trying to convey to me through those eyes?  Perhaps she was thinking that I had worked too hard on the tiles.  Then, as if to confirm this prognosis, she decided to spend a few moments licking my wounds.

No doubt there will be more projects to tackle while I am still here.  I am more than happy to help out.  It's the least I can do.  

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer