A Very Interesting Day

Today started out just like any other day but it sure became interesting this afternoon.
It started when I was on a phone call to our Executive Director for Oregon CARH. I was a little bit taken aback when she asked me if I would consider becoming the President of Oregon CARH this year. Actually, it would not be much more than what I already do for CARH. So that itself really is not an issue. I asked Laurie what she thinks and she seems to be OK with it. Actually I think she is sort of excited about it. But I am going to have to really think this through.
Then later this afternoon I was working on a website when the phone rang. I did not recognize the number so I was a little hesitant when I answered. I have been getting a lot of solicitors lately. I hate dealing with solicitors. Anyway, when I answered the phone I could not believe it when it was a friend that I have known since highschool. He just called to see how I was doing, it was a great surprise and made my day a whole lot brighter. Mike and I have tried to stay in touch through the years and generally will send a letter to each other around Christmas time each year. I called him this year and we only got to talk for a short while. Both of us have pretty full schedules. Anyway, he was the last person I figured would be calling me today. We had a good visit and were able to catch up on alot of the happenings in our lives. We are going to try to stay in touch a little better than we have in the past. He wants us to be able to get together for dinner sometime. Maybe on our way back from conference this year we can find the time to be able to swing by and see them. this has been a great day.

Brrrrr Cold

I awoke to a chilly 26 degrees out this morning. Made it hard for me to slide out from under the toasty covers. But there is lots to do today. Via telephone I have to teach a maintenance man how to change a "change acceptor" on a new washing machine. This ought to be interesting as the guy I have to teach is not very mechanically adept. He is the type of guy you expect to dig out instructions on how to change a light bulb. He is a great guy, just not really with it when it comes to mechanical things.
And who knows what will be waiting for us this morning in the way of work orders. We always seem to get a lot of them when it gets cold. Most are complaints about the water temperature.
Oh well, just another glorious day in Grants Pass, Oregon.

It has been a few days since I have posted anything here. Nothing wrong just been pretty busy. A lot of paperwork.
I have had several call outs over the weekend due to people having toilet issues. I still find it amazing how many people have no idea how to use a plunger to clear a clog in a toilet. It reminds me of when we were over in Lincoln City. We had a lot of tenants that refused to purchase a toilet plunger. After they got to the point that it was interupting dinner almost every night Laurie came up with the solution. We went to the dollar tree and purchased a plunger for each unit. We also purchased big bows for every plunger. Laurie then typed up directions for their use. " insert rubber end into toilet, push repeat if necessary" These were put on address label stickers and aattatched to each plunger. at the top part of the handle we attatched the bow. When the tenants came to the office to pay their rent they each went home sporting a shiny new plunger!! It sure got a lot of laughs but the interesting thing is that the number of calls for us to go clear someones clogged toilet seemed to drop to almost nothing.
I still chuckle when I think about it.
The weather here is getting cold again. There was snow up on the mountain today. Down here we are getting a lot of rain, we really need it but I still do not like working in it. Oh well such is life.
I bought myself a toy today. I found a small 15" long helicopter for $40.00 and just could not leave it there. I figure maybe it will be a bit of a stress buster for me. Now if I can only figure out how to fly it. I think I have the balance off a little as all it wants to do is go straight up and straight down. However I did manage to get it stuck in the tree out beside our place. Had to get a broom to get it knocked down. It should be a lot of fun trying to actually learn to fly the crazy thing.

Great Grandma opening her gift from Michelle and family.

She was touched more than you could even imagine.

Grandpa Larry not believing what he is seeing.

I still cannot believe that I now have the whole collection.

Yes I get emotional, I cannot help it!

Michelle, I want you to know you have really touched my heart in so many ways. Your whole family has. A man could never ask for a better family. I Love all of you so very much. Every one of you make me so very proud, I think of you guys every day, and each time I do, my day is a little brighter.

Christmas arrived today

Grandma Laurie was totally shocked when she saw the beautiful Mothers/Grandmothers ring she recieved from Michelle and family. It is beautiful.

Grandma Laurie could hardly wait to try out her new night shirt.

Modeling her new Tee'

I am very moved by this gift. There are no words to express the meaning.

What a Wonderful gift from my beautiful family. I love all of you very much!!

Grandma in the Cold

Grandma Laurie standing next ot one of our tenants cars this morning. As you can tell by the windows it was a sunny 32 degrees out. She really needed the coffee to keep warm. I really love this picture as it shows the expression that Laurie wears more of these days. You can even see the smile in her eyes. It is great- I love it.

Here Grandma Laurie is showing off her boots. If it was not for the coat and fur lined boots you would think it was a beautiful warm day out. It never did warm up much today. I think it got into the mid 40's but not much above that. The boots were a Christmas gift to herself. However I did get her the coat! If you look over her shoulder towards the cars you will notice there is still frost on the grass. It was there until midday.

Kitchen Tile

This was how the kitchen looked prior to starting
This is how it looked part way through

Completed Project

This weekend Grandma finally got me to get in gear and put the tile in the kitchen.

I like the look of tile I just am not real fond of the job of installing it. But Laurie has been real patient over it. As we got the tile in June 08' and I am just now getting it installed. I still have a few more "hun-ny do's " to get completed. I figure I should be able to get them all done within the month. Laurie is happy with this project, and that makes me happy as well. :)