Not the best ride 07.13.15

 

It was Saturday morning, July 11^th, a day that would turn out to be both not so good and yet blessed by good Samaritans.

Wayne and I met Jason at the HEB parking lot. The plan was for Wayne and me to ride with Jason on the first leg of his vacation ride to Colorado. We were to meet at 6:15 and leave at 6:30am. We would all ride together to Abilene, TX (180 miles one way) where we would stop for an early lunch. Then Wayne and I would ride back to Waco while Jason rode on toward his destination, somewhere in Colorado.

Sticking to the schedule, we headed out highway 84 towards Gatesville, TX. We were surprised when we saw a Goldwing motorcycle that looked a lot like the wing that Wayne was riding, parked on the side of highway 84. There was no one with the bike, it must have broken down.

Now it is not unusual to see a bike broke down on the side of the road, but it is very unusual to see a Goldwing.

I now believe, this is where the trouble began. Wayne commented that his bike would probably break down some day, as it had about 80,000 miles on it and the generator on the older Goldwing’s often go bad after about 60,000 mile. He noted that he “might” be riding on borrowed time.

All went well for a couple hours of riding. We had even stopped for a short break and then resumed the ride. Back on the road all was well for a couple miles then I noticed that Wayne had slowed down some and seemed to be doing something to the controls of the bike.

I being a smarty pants, told him to stop texting and pay attention to the rode. We have CB radios and we are able to communicate while riding. Wayne said his cruise control had stopped working and it would not re-engage.

Thirty seconds later, the bike just stopped running and we pulled over to the side of the road. Even with the expertise of all three of our biker brains, we were not able to determine the exact cause, but Wayne thought it was the generator.

 

Each of us tried our cell phones but they would not work, as we were in the country and down in a valley.

We suggested that Jason should continue on to Colorado, we will find a solution to our situation. We all wished each other good luck and Jason bid us a farewell.

          We discussed what to do, and it was decided that Wayne would walked over to a house that was about a football field away from the road (that is about 100 yards) and asked if he could leave his bike at their gate while we rode back to Waco on my bike to get a truck and trailer, then return and get the bike. I should note that we were 140 miles from Waco.

The couple from the farm said he could leave the bike there and they offered to jump start the bike if that would help. It couldn’t hurt Wayne thought. The bike started, we thanked the couple for their help and Wayne took off heading for the nearest town, which was 8 miles away.

          I got on my bike and took off after Wayne. I would say he made it half to three quarters of a mile before the bike died again.

          We were on top of a hill, and we now had cell phone service. Many Goldwing riders carry a book in their bike that list the name, location and phone numbers of all the Honda dealers. Wayne called the Honda dealer in Abilene TX, which was about 40 miles away, but they did not have a generator.

We then decided to look in the Gold Wing rider’s book to see if there was anyone (another Honda rider) close that might help. We found a person's name and phone number who lived 8 miles away. It was worth a try.

          Wayne called this person and he said they would be happy to help. He and his wife came out with a trailer and we loaded the bike on the trailer. 

This couple took Wayne and his motorcycle all the way back to Waco, TX, 140 mile one way, and would not accept any money, not even for gas. Wayne offered to buy their supper and the couple said thanks but no thanks. They asked Wayne to stop and help any biker he might see that is broke down on the side of the road.

This couple was too nice!

          I rode the 140 miles home alone. I did stop for a burger at the DQ in Hamilton, TX.

 

May we all be as nice as that couple is!

 

Don Ford

 

 

Why do they do it? 07.10.15

                The following article is a true opinion of mine.

                This morning as I was dutifully exercising (walking) many things eased through my mind. I used the word eased, because my enormous brain absorbs my thoughts better when the thoughts are moving more slowly. A thought preceding like a flash of lightning, no longer seems to stick in my brain.

                I was thinking that, “We the People” need to get rid of a bunch of politicians and elect some true leaders. If you know anything about politics, you understand that, “We the People” no longer have any say in who will be candidates, for any of the important positions. The politicians, along with the elite upper crust, (rich donors) decide who will run and who will not.   

                “We the People” get to vote for, or against, the politicians that the political groups place on the ballot.

                Enough information about the corrupt political system, and the entire thing is corrupt, let me get back to my original thought.

                Why do they do it?

                The question is why do politicians want to be in office. If you were to ask one of them, they would say, “to serve the people”. As you should know, that is a line of BS a mile long. I do not doubt that some people go into politics wanting to serve the people, but they soon find that they must bend to the will of the political system or they will basically be kicked out of the good ole boy club. (The comment good ole boy, also applies to the female politicians.)

                Let’s think about any political position for a moment. If the person in that position, were to be required to do their job in anonymity, no recognition by the press, and if they were not allowed to take gratuities during their time in office and after, do you think any of them would even consider being a politician?   

                It is the recognition they receive, the thought that they are somehow better than others, some probably think of themselves as royalty. They make decisions while in office, that will help their wealthy supporters, and they hope their decisions help them to stay in office.

                What other job allows the workers, to set their own pay, and benefits? Only politicians!

                There must be term limits on all politicians and they should never get any type of benefits after being in office or retirement. Then and only then, would you have leaders that are in office to serve the people.

 

I feel a little better now!

(Politician is in gray, due to my perception of the dirtiness of their position.)

 

Don Ford               

Rock Paper Dog 07.08.15

 

                The day started as a normal Texas day. The temp was a cool 79 and the humidity was a sticky 89%. This combination of heat and humidity would have been daunting to many seniors who were wanting to get some exercise in, prior to the heat of the day.

                Yes I know there is such a thing as mall walking but one has to get to the mall before they can participate, and gas is too expensive for a person on a, “fixed income”, such as me!

                I began my walk with a few stretches, as I don’t want to injure this well-formed, and should I say, nicely preserved body. Starting my stroll at a normal pace, I walk at this speed for about a minute, then I increase the speed to a point where my respirations and heart rate or elevated. I maintain that pace through the entire walk, with the last minute or so, at a normal pace as my cool down.

                You do know that after exercising a race horse, they walk them for a while to cool them down. I may not be a race horse, but I have been called the south end of a north bound horse, so I am entitled to a cool down walk.

                This particular morning as I began my walk, I was thinking of all the things that happen on a schedule or, are the same every day. As an example there is a fellow on Texas Street that keeps his Harley in his back yard behind a wood fence. About 6:30 each day he opens the wood gate, which is about 4 foot wide. He then starts the bike and rides it very carefully through the open gate, stopping on the drive way.

                As with many Harley owners, his bike has very loud exhaust pipes. I am one of those people that wish the police would enforce the noise ordinances related to loud exhausts on all vehicles.

                It is a proven fact, street legal vehicles that are fast, do not have loud exhausts, while vehicles that are not fast often attempt to make up for their inability to accelerate with loud exhausts. 

                As I continue my walk I often observe the same items lying on the street. As an example there are two rubber bands in front of 421 Oklahoma Ave.  These rubber bands are small and one is twisted into three circles while the other is in four circles. The bands appear to be from the so call newspaper that are tossed onto a few yards up and down the street. These rubber bands will stay there until the next rain, at which time the rain water will wash them away.

                Speaking of paper, there is what appears to be a newspaper next to the drive way at 418 Oklahoma. That paper has been there for better than two weeks. One should pick up litter from their yards but if you didn’t put it there, do you have to pick it up?

                Another item that I often review during my morning stroll is a smooth, roundish rock, less than three inches in diameter. One would assume that the rock has been taken from a stream where it has been exposed to running water for years which has cause the rock to be very smooth.

                This rock is on Arkansas Street and lately has been covered with several inches of dead grass clippings. The people who live there do not cut their grass on a regular basis, allowing it to grow about knee high to a giraffe, and when they do cut it they blow the clippings onto the street.

                Did I state that these people rent this house, which may be why they do not seem to care what their house or the neighborhood looks like.

                In a recent study preformed at, “The Ford Homestead Institute of Home Maintenance”, it has been learned that households which have the traditional husband and wife, often have a better outside appearance than those that do not have the husband and wife.

                Why, would this be, you ask, I will explain. Typically, the husband does most of the outside work while the wife does much of the inside work. In our study we learned that, “men will work outside for longer periods of time, when the wife is in the house”. Now we have not concluded that the husband will stay outside to avoid the spouse, but…

                Let me get back to the rock that I see during my morning stroll. For some reason this morning, I had this feeling that I should pick up the rock and take it with me. I can’t explain why I just knew I should.

                This rock is a dark brown, rather smooth, and it filled my hand. I tried putting the rock in my pocket but it was too heavy and uncomfortable. As I strolled toward the Homestead, I thought I might want to leave the rock at the end of my driveway. Nope, I continued carrying it in one hand and my walking stick (cane makes me sound old) in the other.

                I had completed another lap when this barking dog that was behind a wooden fence, was able to get his head through a gap between two boards. Now I could tell, this dog was set on getting out and doing bodily harm to me.

                I stepped up the pace a little and in a few seconds was moving away from the barking and likely vicious dog. Not thinking about the dog I was again constipating concentrating on my style and pace. Yes, there is a style in my walking which I am told is, “inspirational to the onlooker”.  

                I was now on my last lap for the day. I was again approaching the barking dog compound when it happened! That darn dog got out of the enclosure and was heading my way. Can you imagine a pit bull, coming at you, intent on taking your leg off, or worse?

                This dog was vicious and I needed to act quickly. My brilliant brain went into over drive deciding what to do. I remember it is best to not make direct eye contact as this is said to be a direct challenge to the species.

                I am attempting to look away but watch the monster out of my peripheral vision. He was still barking but not advancing at this time. I still had the rock in my left hand and my walking stick (cane) in the right hand. I decided to slowly move the rock and cane into different hands, thinking I may need to throw the rock at the dog in defense of my well-formed body.

Each time this canine barked his body would bounced and he would be an inch or so closer to his intended target, me!

I decided to stand my ground. I would turn and face the canine, I will throw the rock and if I hit him, I may have a few seconds to evacuate the area. If not, I will use my walking stick to defend myself.

I turned quickly and the dog seemed to become more agitated. It was at the exact moment as I drew my arm back, readying myself to launch a counter attack, when I heard it! This female voice calling, ”Susie, Susie come here”.

The dog lessened its attack mode but stood its ground. I lowered my arm to my side. Again the female voice was calling for Susie. The dog retreated toward the voice around the end of the fence.

A moment later the old lady came around the end of the wooden fence carrying Susie. This old lady was apologizing for Susie’s aggressive behavior. She asked if Susie had bitten me and I replied, “No”. She said these Chihuahuas are small but they do often bite.

I smiled at the old lady, and walked home knowing that I had faced danger and won!

 

Always be prepared, never give up!

Disclaimer: _{Did this really happen, no it did not? Did I make it up because I do not have a lot of excitement in my life, maybe? Do I like telling stories, true or not, yep?}

 

Don Ford

 

He hasn't had time... 07.06.15

 

                Well, the holiday is over and the summer heat is beginning to settle in over, “The Hewitt Triangle”.

I have been trying to keep up with the neighbors and it isn’t easy. One neighbor mows their yard then the other, then I have to mow in an effort to keep up. It is a vicious cycle always trying to keep up with the Jones’. Heck, even the neighbor next door has mowed their yard.

A friend and neighbor decided he would get a part time job. He is now employed and supposed to work no more than 30 hours a week, although he have surpassed that mile stone a couple times. My friend seems to enjoy the work so I thought I should consider a part time position.

While I was keeping up with the Jones’ (mowing my yard) I was thinking about applying for a part time job. I envisioned (fantasized) the entire process in my well-developed brain. In other words, “the rest of this well written story is just made up”.

May I suggest, that you should stop reading now! Don’t read any further, do something constructive with your time, this story is just imagination.

What could I fine that would be easy and yet enjoyable. I reviewed the so called newspaper want ads and found nothing, then I went to the trusty computer. There were many part time positions but most were not interesting. Then I saw it, a position at a local company, part time working in logistics. Experience in logistics and fork lift operations preferred, but not required, apply in person. 

That sounds like something I might understand and even be able to do.

I decided to apply. I called ahead to determine if there was a best time to arrive. I was told to be there about 9:00am so I arrive at 8:45. I dressed appropriately for a job in a warehouse, heck I even took a shower and used deodorant.

The building was somewhat old, and appeared to be about 75,000 square feet. I wondered if they used the entire building for their logistics operation. The company was a plumbing supplier.

Many years ago (just out of high school) I had worked as a plumber’s helper, so I had a basic knowledge of the product line.

I was given an application which I completed using my best printing (which is not that good). I gave the application to the young lady at the window and she asked if I had a resume. I didn’t have a resume, it would have had one employer for the last 39 and ¾ years. Also, if I were to list my work experiences I would likely be, “over qualified” for a part time job. Over qualified actually means one of two things. One, you are too old and we don’t want old people! Two, I don’t want anyone trying to tell me how do run my business! 

I sat down next to another person that I assumed, was also applying. If they were going on looks then I would not get the job, as this young lady was very pretty and her short skirt was showing much of her body. 

I wondered who was doing the interviewing, a man or a woman. If it was a woman I might have a chance but if it is a man…

The door opened, and a young man came out. He looked at the young lady and said with a smile, I assume you are Cathy, come on in. I could see the hand writing on the wall, all was lost, I should get up and leave. Even if I had a short skirt on, my well-formed legs wouldn’t look that good.

About 3 minutes later the door opened again and the same young man asked if I were Donald Ford. I replied, “Yes” and he said follow me please. We walked down a dimly lit short hall and into an office. There was an odor in the office that I can only describe as an old damp or moldy smell. The aroma of strong coffee also permeated the room. The walls were painted a light green, I could see areas on the wall where pictures had hung at some point in the past. The table was round and about 4 foot across. The chairs used in the interview process were folding chairs.

So far, I am not impressed!

The young fellow started with some comments about the weather, I assume trying to make me relax and feel more comfortable.

He looked at the application for several minutes and then said, “You state that you have warehouse experience but you didn’t state how much”. I replied, “Almost 43 years with almost 40 at the last employer”. He noted that was a long time and asked if I had loaded or unloaded trucks.

I assured him that I had loaded and or unloaded many trucks during my time in warehousing, I just did not say recently.

He asked what type of logistical equipment I had used. And I explained that I had safely operated fork lifts, tuggers, electric pallet jacks, scooters, tow lines and have worked with conveyors.  I noted that I preferred the sit-down lift but can operate the standups too.

The young man seemed a little up tight. I wasn’t sure if I was doing something that wasn’t sitting well with him. I was answering his questions but I was intentionally not volunteering anything. If he were to learn that I had done his job (interviewing and selecting new employees) or that I had managed a center that was many times larger than this building, or that I was a logistics manager and had traveled between centers for a few years, he would likely say thanks but no thanks.

He wasn’t familiar with the company name of my past employer which is not unusual, many people drive by the building every day and have no idea what the name is or what they do.

This young man began explaining what their logistics personnel do. He then noted that they use the term Logistic and not warehousing when referring to their business. He went on to explain that a warehouse is a location where product is stored and logistics is the movement of merchandise from one point to another.

He continued, saying he understood that in the olden days the term warehouse was used, but not in his business, not in these modern days.

Basically he was putting me in my place by stating that I was old, and I did not have the knowledge and did not use the correct terminology that was needed in the business now days!

I knew the interview was over so I thanked him for his time and noted; I am sure you have a good education but that is not all that is necessary in today’s work place. I commented that there are many things that he should learn, and I hoped he had some experienced mentors in his life as he surely does need them.

Again, knowing the interview was over, I was being direct but not abusive. I said, if I may I would like to point out a couple things that might help you in the future.

You attempted to make me feel relaxed by talking about the weather before we started the interview, but you were holding and looking at the application. You did not seem to be at ease, thus your applicant will not be at ease.

May I suggest, when you interview you should review the application before the applicant enters the room.

You might try laying the application down, smile when you are speaking and make eye contact, push your chair back from the table a little, and then lean back in the chair. If you appear relaxed, the applicant will likely relax, and they will be more open to you. 

You should learn to ask the right, open ended questions. During our conversation you did not learn much about me and my experiences.

By now he was not happy and I knew he wanted me to leave.

As I stood up, I again thanked him for his time, I extended my hand to him. As we shook hands I said, “My knowledge comes from years of experience, working with all types of people, many excellent, some were not; Young man, what I know, you haven't had time to learn!”

 

I said believe it or not, this didn’t happen.

          It is a made up story, I suggested that you not read it, but you did!

                       Now, did it happen or not?

Don Ford

 

What !!! July 3rd

 

                Whose truck is it, mine or Charlies?

                I had walked outside the Homestead, attempting to make it to my favorite rocking chair. I started to say, “My only rocking chair”, but we do have two on the front porch. I would have been incorrect had I have made that statement, and as we all know, it is difficult for me to say I was incorrect or be incorrect.

                I made it to the chair, cold drink in hand. I placed the drink in the appropriate spot, not too close and not too far away (in easy reach of my hand) and sat down. As usual, I began to survey the immediate area for intruders, misplaced items and to review others so called yard work, which always provides me with hours of appropriate criticism of their attempts at having a nice looking yard.

                That is when I observed Charlie, laying on my pickup, photo below. He did not seem to be interested in what I was doing and almost seemed to be claiming my truck for himself!

                I hope you noticed how clean the pickup looks. I have not washed it for several months now, I assume the rains have kept it clean.

               

                Now that if is July, I need to get my motorcycle inspected. I called the shop and asked if they would be open on July 3^rd. The answer was in the affirmative, so I said I would bring the bike out for an inspection.

                I also ask the owner if he wanted to purchase my trailer that I have pulled behind the Gold Wing. He asked if it was in good condition and I responded with, “yes”.

                He asked me to bring it when I came for the inspection and he would purchase it if it is as good as I say.

                Friday morning I attached the trailer to the Gold Wing (see below) and pulled it to the shop. The photo was taken in front of The Homestead, not at the shop.

The owner of the shop looked the bike over as one of the other fellows inspected the bike. He said he would buy the trailer. He paid me in cash! This was one of the few times I have gone to a bike shop and left with more money that I had when I arrived.

                There was the time many years ago, I went to a grand opening of a bike shop and I won the grand prize which was my choice of, “a new digital camera”, (they were kinda the thing back then) or money. Being a quasi techie back then, I already had a digital camera, so I took the money (I believe it was $400.00).

 

                Passing the inspection I left Elmont Texas heading in a non-direct route to Clifton Texas for lunch. 98 miles later I arrived at the bunk house.

                It was a nice ride, and a nice lunch.                 

                I took the direct route home, into the recliner, where I relaxed for about 30 minutes.

 

I hope your day is filled with pleasant surprises!

                           

Don Ford 

 

 

The observer was observed 06.26.15

 

                This, “Incident on Oklahoma Ave.” as it is now known, occurred a couple weeks ago.

                As I remember the event, I was out for my morning exercise, totally focused on keeping the heart rate up. The day was sultry and I was attempting to walk, without being in the direct rays of the sun.

I wonder if my parents gave me the middle name of, “Ray”, due to the fact, that I would someday, be seen to others as being, “bright like the sun”.

                I had my gaze focused on the top silver colored bolt, in the red diamond shaped sign, at the end of the street. There are three diamond shaped signs at the cul-de-sac, which is the end of the street. The signs are warnings to drivers that the street ends.

 

Above; A view, looking down the street, you may be able to see the three red signs in the distance.  Below; the three signs, you may be able to see the silver bolt.

When I am focused, I am often unaware of my surroundings, but today was different. I had the uneasy feeling that I was being observed. Who would want to, “observe the observer?”

Was there someone trying to learn my daily routines in an effort to possibly break into my home while I am exercising, or could it be the widow woman peering through her curtains, thinking how nice it would be to have this senior citizen’s well-formed and muscular body close to her. 

Now that I think of it, there is no widow woman on our street, so I guess that option is out.

I noticed that this sinister feeling was greater at one particular house. I decided to continue my exercise program and at the same time I would look for the pair of eyes that must be following my every move.

The third time I passed this house, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. There was no doubt in my mind I was being watched, but still I could not see the culprit.

I decided to stop and take a closer look. There were no vehicles in the drive, the windows shades were all closed. There was no one in the front or back yard. I quickly scanned the neighbor’s house and found no one there.

Could I have been wrong? Could it be that no one was watching me? Continuing on, I was attempting to dismiss the feeling from my well-formed brain, but it wasn’t working. I wanted to, but resisted, looking over my shoulder.

At the end of the street I made my turn and, at a very brisk pace was once again exercising. I was nearing the house again but this time I was on the far side of the street. There it is, that feeling again as if I was being watched.

I stopped, and then I saw a black shape, not moving at all, yet peering at me. What should my response be? I decided to get my non-smart phone out as if I were answering a call. I would, as I have many times in the past, attempt to get a photo of the offender.

This black body hiding in the leaves and branches of a tree in the front yard of the house was difficult to see. No wonder I did not see him at first, see photo below.

                This fellow is no stranger to the neighborhood, as I often see him during my morning walks. He is Black with a white nose, and four white feet.

                The fear of being observed quickly subsided, I finished my morning stroll and headed for home.

               

Always trust your feelings!

 

Don Ford

 

 

 

 

Waiting with bated breath 06.23.15

                This morning, after my 30 minute stroll, I was sitting in my rocker relaxing with my cup of coffee. My present spouse was sitting near me, reading the morning paper. Claire had just dropped off the kids and we were all talking. I had offered to help move items from the duplex to their new house this afternoon. I made the comment, “call me when you are ready to start moving and I will meet you at the duplex”, I went on to say, “I will be waiting for your call with bated breath”.

                It occurred to me that I was not sure what the comment, “waiting with bated breath”, meant.

                After examining the phrase I concluded, it could mean one of several things. The first and most likely meaning of the phrase, “waiting with bated breath”, is;

“A person has just eaten a tuna fish sandwich, their breath smells like stinky fish, and they are waiting to catch someone doing something”.

It makes sense, one uses bait to catch fish or bait a trap for an animal. Yes I know they have spelled the word bait wrong but what can we expect with the education system that we have today.

 

Speaking of the so called education system, did you know they are teaching kids to print but not write in cursive? It is a wonder that they are teaching printing, with all the computers and smart phones, they will likely only teach texting in the future.

I can see the class room now, filled with eager third graders, each looking at their smart phone as the teacher stands at the head of the class and skypes the kids. If a child has a question they do not raise their hand, instead they text the teacher.

Any child who uses their voice during class, is sent to the principal’s office. The principal then sends a text to their parents. The child is disciplined for disrupting the class. The child is not placed in a corner, instead their smart phone is taken away and they are not allowed to communicate for thirty minutes.

You think that is odd, wait until you go to the high school football game. No one will be allowed to talk, shout or make any noise. To cheer for a team everyone will be required to use the smart phone or tablet. They will send a text message and the messages are displayed on the big screen at the end of the field. There will not be an announcer for the game, text messages will be shown on the big screen as to who did what to whom.

Those of us with flip phones will be considered as handicapped.

 

Back to my original thought, “waiting with bated breath”, I now know what the original meaning of the comment is. It means waiting with short breaths do to excitement.

The problem is, when I get excited, I begin to breathe heavier, at least that is the way I remember being excited!

The word, “bated”, was originally, “abated”, but someone, possibly a professor at some university, decided it would be cool to leave off the “A” and say bated. This professor would be a liberal.

 

Enough, I am now so upset with the education system, I am shutting down and going to take a nap.

 

Text me if you have a question!

                                  (Irony, think about the comment.)

 

Don Ford

 

Father's day 06.22.15

                I had a good father’s day, both of my son’s wished me a happy Father’s day. 

                I did not fly my drone on Father’s day, but I did go out for breakfast. When we returned home from our morning repast, we changed our clothes and called David to see if they were moving today. The answer was in the affirmative so my first wife and I went over to help.

                Dave had made one trip in their SUV moving items that would fit in the vehicle. Dave and Claire have purchased a home which is located in Hewitt and about 2 miles from where they have been living.

                My present spouse was instrumental in packing of items from the grandkids room. Donna and Claire would have items ready to move when Dave and I returned from each trip. I got to rest during the drive to and from the new home.

                We began the work about 11:00 am and concluded the transporting of household items a little after 8:00pm. Possibly the worst part of the day’s work was the humidity. I would sweat the water out faster than I could drink it in. The temp was 88 and the weather went from over cast to sunny and back many times during the day. Our next to last load included the couch which was secured on the trailer. As luck would have it, there was thunder, some lightning and sprinkles of rain.

                The sprinkles did not last long and the couch was delivered without getting wet. Dave and I were concerned about moving the couch as it was the one heaviest item in the move (would you believe it weighed over 500 pounds, it was somewhat lighter when I got off).

After some discussion we determined the best method of carrying the unit was, on its back. We found good hand holds and lifted with our legs. Yes we used our arms and hands to hold the unit, lifting with our legs means we were keeping our back straight during the lift in an effort to be safe and not hurt ourselves.

Part of the concern was, the couch had to go through the front door. Leading up to the door was a walkway about 50 feet long, it was up hill from the street, and had about 5 steps that I would need to negotiate. Obviously, that is not a good situation for a senior citizen (me) who is over 50 years old (way over).

Being a, “master planner” and somewhat lazy, I devised a plan that would help in the removal of the couch from the trailer, transport of said couch from the trailer, through the front door and into the living room.

We pulled the trailer up the drive way parking at the garage door, which meant we did not need to carry it up hill. From the drive way we still had to carry the couch about 50 feet to the front door but we were on level soil.

Another challenge in moving this couch was, the person carrying the back end (Dave) could not see where he was going and the person on the front end (me) was walking backwards attempting to tell Dave when we had an un-level spot in the yard, or when we needed to step up on to the walk way, then there was the step up at the front door and a step down into the living room. We made it without incident.

The days moving over, my wife of 46 years and I headed for home.

Arriving home I was tired and needed a shower, real bad.

Donna and I ate a sandwich, then I headed for bed.

 

Monday morning I was a little stiff from the day’s work, but not nearly as stiff as I thought I would be.

All in all a pretty good day.

 

There are still a few items that we need to move but the majority of the move is completed. Now the process of finding everything that was moved, and putting it in the proper place begins. 

 

I hope you had as good a day as I did!

 

Don Ford