The Last Meatball

I remember the days when a church mouse was rich compared to us. We lived in Jamestown, North Dakota where I attended college. Audrey was pregnant with Rana, our rent was $88 per month, and I had no job.

We invited this couple over for dinner one evening. Their names were Cathy and DeGregg. And they attended the same college, Trinity Bible Institute. Because we were so poor, we were in a quandary as to what we would serve them. Food was pretty scarce and we had ruled out food stamps. We decided on spaghetti and meatballs. We had enough hamburger for one medium sized meatball for each of us. So we ran with that.

After we returned thanks for the meal before us, we served what we had. Of course, guests are always first to be served. So the food dishes were sent toward DeGregg, then Cathy, then Audrey, then me. DeGregg helped himself to three of the four meatballs. It was like the rest of us were hit in the gut. Then the dish went to Cathy who didn't know whether she should take the last meatball or not. Of course, we told her to take it. Audrey and I had spaghetti with sauce. DeGregg had no idea what he had done. I doubt if he has ever caught on.

Audrey and I have laughed about this for years. But at the time we almost cried. Back then, meatballs were so precious.

Just Skis

After being up in the beautiful Colorado mountains for a snowy hike, I have decided I want some cross country skis. I see others doing it and it looks like fun. So, I thought I'd look into buying some skis. The skis themselves vary from $119 a pair to over $700. So, I'm thinking of getting the $150 pair. Not bad. Oh, but wait! I need the bindings for another $100 and the boots that attached to the bindings for $80 and the ski poles for $50. All set for $380.

Now, wait a minute! That's a little more than I expected. But, of course, I also need a ski pack to carry necessities in. $80. And what about ski pants and a ski jacket. I'm actually afraid to price them. Then, what if I get all this stuff and fall down and break my leg! Will anybody buy equipment found on a body that is frozen stiff?

Will my wife say, "would you like a pair of ski pants that my dead husband wore when he froze to death? Do you think there would be any buyers. I mean, these are not John Elway's ski pants, they are Rod Speed's. And I didn't even autograph them.

So, If I spend $500 on ski gear and I go twice a year for the next 10 years that comes to $25 a time. Not too bad. At least that guarantees that I'll live another 10 years. Suddenly this sounds like a bargain.

Doggie Door

Believe it or not, I do like animals, although I have none of my own. I Just don't like caring for animals, like standing out in the cold with them while they do their job. And then, of course, picking up their job. That is especially embarrassing when the do their job on the neighbor's lawn.

In my job I run into all types of animal lovers. I mean, there are people who will do absolutely anything and everything for their pet, especially if it is a dog. Today I did a job in a home for a lady who wanted the doggie door moved. In the side of her house next to the patio door is a little doggie door. This is so the little critter and come and go as he pleases. What a life!

The problem was, the doggie door was 3 inches too low, so the poor little dog had to crouch to get in and out. Mary, Mrs. dog owner felt sorry for the poor thing. Thus, a call to the handyman, who is me. She wanted a bid to raise the doggie door 3 inches. I said, $150. She said do it. So I did it.

Once I removed the sheetrock around the doggie door I encountered an unexpected problem. A 2" vent pipe ran up one side and across the top of the doggie door frame. I showed that to the homeowner and asked what she wanted to do. Now, I could have installed new sheetrock and re-trimmed the door, and it would have cost her $50. But to move the plumbing was another $150. I asked her what she wanted to do. She opted to move the plumbing and the door. So, I did. $300.

Now, I know I am not the most kind hearted guy. But for $300 I would let my dog crouch a little. If he didn't like doing that he could just stay inside! Or outside! Did this little dog go to it's owner and say, "Gee, I don't like this crouching. Would you fix that danged door?"

Well, actually, if I had a dog that said that I'd have him in some kind of talent show, making millions. Then I'd probably fix his little door.

Little House On the Prairie

I live in the little house on the prairie, in the city, next to the mountains. Not exactly like the original "little house on the prairie." Life is definitely a little easier here. But why do I bring this up? Well, isn't that where they had the "long hard winter?" Now, I realize that the winter here is no where near as severe as the original "long hard winter." But quite frankly, I am definitely tired of this winter. It is longer and harder than I like.

I don't know why these weather forecasters can't keep the snow in the mountains where they need it and like it. Why do they have to spread their misery all over the city, too. Oh, I know why! The car wash operators are bribing them. So are the snow plow guys. Why can't they just go plow snow in the mountains? I think the mag-chloride guys have bribed the weatherman, too! No, It's not enough for them to get a salary, they have to take bribes, too! They must work for the government.

Now, I don't mind snow as long as it is confined to the mountains. I mean, up there they ski, and snowshoe, and close roads. What else do they have to do? And I do like watering my lawn all summer, so we need the snow in the reservoirs. But all these reservoirs are in the mountains, so let's just restrict the snow to there. Oh, alright, I can make one exception. Lot's of people down here like a white Christmas. I mean, man, they sing about that for two and a half months before Christmas actually gets here. But it doesn't have to actually snow here for Christmas. I'm cool just dreaming about it. Just like I think about putting the Christmas lights on the house, but never do. I'm satisfied with that.

So I think we should hire weathermen that keep the snow where it belongs. And speaking of that, where is my sunshine? I want more sunshine! And when I snowshoe in the mountains I want two feet of fresh fallen snow with plenty of sunshine. Come on, weatherman!

Were They THAT Good?

I thought the Canadians were very good in the Ice Dancing Competition. But were they that good? The Americans program was much earlier and I thought it was fantastic. Zero errors and a great, fun to watch program. Then I saw the Canadians and I knew it would be between the two. I thought the Americans were better as I compared the two. I can live with the results.

However, the one that surprised me was the Russians edging out the other American couple for the bronze. They were not nearly as good and used ropes to propel themselves around. Here's what I think happened: I think the Russians threw such a stink with the men's singles that the judges felt inclined to medal them in the ice dancing regardless of their performance.

What impressed me was the sweet attitude of the Americans taking fourth when they should have medaled. True sportsmanship.... unlike the Russians.

Lucky us! The next olympics is in Russia. I wonder what will happen there.

America, The Beautiful

Audrey ran off with her pals up the Breckenridge for a two day retreat. She got her first skiing lesson and is staying in a beautiful lodge. So, instead of feeling sorry for myself I went for a hike up at Brainard Lake, above Ward. What I found was a winter wonderland. The beauty and majesty of the snow covered pines and mountains.

I drove through Boulder and turned into the mountains on Lefthand Canyon Road. The wonderland began there. The road was clean and white, the trees snow covered, and the sun was brilliantly shining. Winding upward I stopped from time to time to take pictures. I went through Ward, that doesn't look too bad when covered with snow. I drove right past the espresso shop at 9400 feet above sea level and entered the road winding up to Brainard Lake. I parked and got out of the truck. It was 5 degrees F. But that's ok., I had my cowboy hat, warm gloves, wools socks, a bottle of water, Advil, jerky, and two cameras. I had my phone, too. But that didn't matter, there was no signal.

Thus began the three mile trek up to Brainard Lake. It was always up. A slight breeze, snow cascading from the trees. Though cold, the sun gave warmth, as did the arduous plodding on ever upward. I stopped here and there for a few pics. The mountains loomed in the distance as a shadow behind the spray of blowing snow. The beauty all around was breath taking. The coldness was it's beauty. The solitude was another reward. I trekked on and came upon a cabin buried in the snow. then I finally reached Brainard Lake. What a sight with Mt Audabon looming straight ahead. It was inviting and yet foreboding. A blizzard was high up and temperatures were way below zero up there. Yet, it was still tempting.

It was time to return. I stopped for water and an Advil. I looked at my watch, it was 12:30. It would take an hour to come back down. This was a lot less work and snow had begun to fall. I'm at the truck at 1:30 and back home at 3:30. This is what I like about Colorado.

What Should We Talk About?

A great paradox is working in my life. It is hard to explain, but I will try. I don't know if there is a science for this. I'll let you decide.

As you know from a previous blog, Audrey spends a lot of time away from home because of her job. I take her to and from the airport and miss her greatly in between. After the first night, I hate the empty house. It is a real joy to have her come home.

But after she is home.... what do we talk about? We've been together nearly 40 years and it seems as though we have discussed almost everything. Many things we have talked about several times. So she sits in her chair or in her office with her laptop, and I sit in my chair with mine. We watch the Olympic events between commercials. Make some popcorn, tea or coffee. And there we sit with very few words between us.

Even today. The twenty-five minute trip to her office, we spoke very little. I said, "maybe we should invest in gold." Silence.

Yet, her presence means everything. I don't feel alone and I do feel a great connection. I sense a joy and a feeling of well being. Even in the sound of silence there is a voice that is heard, a connection that is made.

What shall we talk about? I don't know. Let's just be quiet and sense each other's presence and hear each other breathe. Most of the time, that is enough.