I’m back!
For the few people who are regular readers of this blog - - just FYI, I’m back.
From email:
What did you do for your birthday, Paul?
Hauled cinderblock through the Central Valley, actually. Thanks for asking! :)
Some further explanation may be required….
I’m not close with anyone in my family, other than my little brother, but since my birthday happens to fall precipitously close to mother’s day and I was both in the area, and had some flexibility in my schedule this year, I spent most of it visiting her. This goes part of the way towards explaining how I happened to end up spending the weekend hauling concrete block and tarring a roof about 70 miles outside Bakersfield. (My mother has some hang up about strangers working on her place, so maintenance has to be done by family….. it’s a little complicated.)
Anyway - my brother was supposed to do it, but is indisposed at the moment, so I told him I’d handle it.
The high point was definitely talking to said brother for a moment via sat phone, as he was cruising 100 miles of the Bahamanian coast while I was standing in knee high grass hauling bricks, getting chewed on by sweat bees, trying to avoid stepping on any rattlesnakes, and otherwise enjoying the central valley heat.
That boy owes me. Big time. Dude - if you ever end up reading this, don’t think I’m forgetting. This weekend is going in the same drawer with all the cash I.O.U.’s you’ve given me over the years and the Knicks tickets I’m still waiting for you to send. I’m like the mafia, but without the vig. I *will* collect. >:)
Anyway.
Tired and a little bit burnt, but back in the saddle today. Hit me via usual channels if you want to get a hold of me for anything.