Hard Hat Hairy

Work took me to the field a couple of weeks ago, and since it was an industrial plant and a lot of construction was going on, we were required to wear hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, etc.

One of my coworkers was truly impressed with the fro under the hard hat, so he snapped a picture.

Spokane and Coeur d'Alene

Business issues took me to Spokane for two days this week, so I took an opportunity to spend one night in Coeur d'Alene at a resort condo. As I drove to the resort, I pulled off to take a scenic hike at a place called Mineral Ridge. It was pretty cloudy, but I enjoyed being in the mountains. I think it was about 2-3 miles of trail...

The resort itself was under construction - they are adding some new buildings - but the setting was really nice. I had a report to read and edit, and a presentation to put the polishing touches on, so it was nice to be in such a serene setting. (It would be dishonest not to mention that I finished off the evening watching Apocalypto - wow, what a movie!

Welcome Back Kotter

Remember this one? In the office they are saying I look like Kotter - I don't see a tremendous resemblance, but whatever...

I'm old enough to remember this show as well. That's a little scary.

More Fun at the Fixer-Upper

The apartment remodel is continuing, although progress is slow and a bit agonizing at times. The floors are coming along well, and I had professionals look at the HVAC and cabinets - quotes should come back to me within a day or two. There are always lots of details to keep track of. The biggest challenge is that it's an existing, older home, so you've got to work around what you've got. Yesterday I replaced a leaky hose bib. The really nice thing about it is that I know that each thing I do leaves it better than it was before. I may be a bit optimistic, but I'd like to be showing it to prospective renters in April for May occupancy.

My Wonderful Aunt

We received notice that an Aunt of mine has been sent home with hospice after a tough battle with cancer. I can only imagine what she and her immediate family are going through. They are some of the most positive people I have ever known, especially my Aunt and Uncle. She has suffered through several physical challenges over the years, and yet I have never known her to be negative or cross. Tired, maybe, but never ornery. And my uncle is just a marvelous person, witty, loving, and sharing. Their children (my cousins) were always some of our favorite visitors when I was little. I know my life is better because I know them. Our hearts are with them, even if we are several states away, and our thoughts and prayers turn to them frequently.

Rex Vallis gets Curly Hair

Well, my Queen and her friend performed some magic on my hair Friday night, and this is the end result. Since then, ten minutes don't pass before somebody does an about face to comment on it. It's really easy to do my hair - I simply shower and towel dry - I put a little gel in it if I want it to be more tame, otherwise, I run a hair pick through and it's an all-out fro. I'm looking for some paisley shirts and bell bottoms to go with the 'do.

The Money (and Time) Pit

We acquired a rental property about 40 miles south of us one year ago. Originally, it was all wrapped up in one deal where we provided the financing, received a chunk of cash up front, and saw a minor amount of cash flow each month, with no involvement on our part - we leased it to an outfit who took responsibility for taking care of the place, getting renters in, etc, etc. Well, they defaulted on the terms of the lease and so we had to take the property back and terminate the lease agreement. It is an up-down duplex, with a tenant living in the upstairs, but the downstairs is not currently liveable. So, I am pretending to be the general contractor and having the whole thing re-done. It's been educational so far. I have a long way to go. More to come...