Pull Tight

“Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer." [ Mark Twain, a Biography ]”  ―  Mark Twain A few years ago, I went to the library to review shop manuals for auto and home repairs. Now U Tube videos are the place to go.  Watched a few and set out with my projects last weekend. All the videos for garbage disposal replacement said it wasn't too hard, but every video mentioned cursing as a part of the process.  Working under the sink holding a heavy appliance above your face is somewhat awkward.  Finished this project much faster and easier than expected with only one additional trip to the hardware store.  No profanity needed. This kind of repair has probably gotten easier with pvc pipe and sink adapters. Then I moved on to a headlight replacement.  Before the 80s I used to do almost all of my own car repairs from tune ups to engine overhauls.  Cars were simpler to work on then, but needed work m...

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/12/08/ride-lives Bothers me these kids can't evaluate the risks of what they are doing.  Have read the human brain can't truly assess the effects of risk until reaching an age in the late 20s.  Many of these kids are going to end up with injuries which will change their lives forever in sometimes major ways. Enjoyed participating in some very tame (by recent standards) local rodeos as a teenager. Then, I went to a college with the national champion rodeo team. Became acquainted with some of the guys who rode bucking stock. Met a few around 20 years old getting around as if they were 40 years older.  The stories of injuries, accidents, hospitalizations were numerous.  Many of these guys were never going to be the same. Wonder how many of them now in their 60s look back and think the glory was worth the risk. Read the attached article and ask yourself if you would want your child or grandchild to participate in such an injur...

My favorite tree.  This old oak tree is near the mouth of Pony Creek.  Have visited it many times over the years.  As a child I camped with my uncle and cousin underneath. It once provided shelter for my horse and me in a sudden rain storm.  Walked from the tree to watch fish swim in the clear water of Pony Creek.   And, swam in the Paluxy river a few yards away.  If I were ever to become so destitute I had to call a tree my home or if I ever become so affluent I can call a tree my home, this is where you might find me. Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come. - Chinese proverb

Before today I was probably the oldest living Rocky Horror virgin in all of the English speaking countries. A really fun day at the theater (Dallas Theater Center). If by chance you haven't seen it, go see at the theater or a midnight movie.  Much of the experience involves the abundance of audience participation, many of which have seen the show numerous times and come prepared with costumes, comments, props, etc.

Had a friend a few years ago who grew up in the Port Arthur Beaumont area in the 1960s. She used to tell a story about the day she went outside and her pantyhose melted. The part of the story you discovered later was the pantyhose were hanging on a clothes line instead of being worn.  But, enough organic solvents in the air to melt pantyhose is remarkably scary.  There is a pretty good chance if you knew a few people from this area from during time frame (and for many years afterwards), you either know somebody or know somebody that knows somebody with leukemia or a similar serious illness. Fast forward 40 years, Tarrant County now has the worst air in the State. Increased vehicles, gas well extraction pumps and fracking in the immediate area are causing problems. Cement kilns and power plants downwind also make significant negative contributions to our air quality.  Asthma and respiratory rates are way above the rest of the State. If interested and concerned, this lo...

“Coffee, according to the women of Denmark, is to the body what the Word of the Lord is to the soul.” Isak Dinesen We are somewhat connoisseurs (snobs??) of coffee at our house. Every morning starts with grinding coffee beans and preparing coffee with a French coffee press.  Sometimes it is coffee with Nancy while watching the morning news. Or sometimes it is stepping outside with coffee in hand after releasing the hounds.  The hounds are really Westies, but it is still nice to be outside with your coffee. Visited this place after reading about it. Car repair and coffee roasting make for a unique place of business located on the south side of Fort Worth. Reviews say the best coffee in the Fort Worth Dallas area comes from here.  Still on my first batch, but will probably be in agreement with the reviews. No coffee is roasted until ordered. Be prepared to wait about 20 minutes for your coffee to be roasted if you don't call ahead. Waiting is part of the experien...

Recently met up with some long lost cousins. Shared some photos and stories with them. This is mostly for my children, nieces, nephews and those cousins for whom Clint McIntire would have been their great grandfather. Many others will remember Granddad as well. Granddad was the only janitor for a few years at the school in Tolar during a time when there were only about 200 students in all 12 grades combined. The kids all called him Smitty. He was so popular with the student body the school yearbook was once dedicated to him. One his duties as janitor was helping with the school cafeteria clean up during lunch. He would stand near the exit emptying and stacking plates as the students exited. One day, when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade and the entire cafeteria was filled with only the first few grades, we heard this loud blowing noise. It sounded something like air coming out of a balloon. A few of us kids looked over in Granddad's direction where the sound was coming from. Smitty ...