Who would have guessed there would be so many windows and doors cluttering up friends' basements?
My builder advisor had a 6 foot slider he wanted out of his house - we got that installed on Saturday.
Then my friend Bill, who helped with the giant window last week, mentioned he had a 4 foot by 4 foot casement window he wanted out of his house. So I retrieved it on Sunday. (Ends up that the mounting flanges were cut off, but I'm experienced now at installing new ones). Think I'll put it in the opening you see on the right - that was going to be an outward opening French door, but maybe I don't really need three large doors in a 12 x 16 foot shed (!).
Like Henry David, I'm making the most of freebies and scavenged materials.
As an aside, I mention that I have never seen a snake at the tree farm. But we often have them at the house -- black snakes, garter snakes and ring-neck snakes. I'm always glad to have black snakes around, to keep the mice away.
But last night was a first. Andrew and I walked Sami around the block. Got back and found a snake on the front porch. Andrew wanted to hold it, but didn't want to grab it. It was a black snake - they get pretty big (4 or 5 feet) and I've picked them up many times. I told Andrew that they can hardly bite, and that I'd never been bitten, but being a smart boy, he wanted me to grab it first.
And the dang thing whipped around and bit me! I've never been 'snake bit' before. The difference, best I can figure, is that this was quite a young snake (about 2 feet or so), maybe a couple of years old, and he was lightning fast! All the black snakes I've held in the past were big fat slow ones. This little one was not having any of this human interaction. I was quite surprised to say the least, especially since I didn't even know a black snake could draw blood. Interesting experience.... (no damage, only very superficial scratches).
1 comment:
Hi Frank, I checked out your FB page if you don't mind. I'm so happy for you. I remember way back when you were giving a talk for the review board back when Lyle was there what a special and gifted person you were and would only get better. I'm glad to say we need more people like you in the world. :-) I sure miss you and Debbie, you both are so kind. Tell Debbie I asked about her and I hope both of you and your family are doing great. Man, I really miss NIST, I learned quite a bit there and most of the people were so kind to me and taught me so much! I was very honored to have spent the time while I was there. Well, I'm expecting great things from you and I wish you only the best. Although, better beware of those Black snakes, LOL. Seriously though, I grew up in the forest as a child and you wouldn't believe the animals I caught or brought home. I love animals though and I'd never hurt them or hunt them. I would always try to help them if they were hurt and I would mostly return them to where I found them except for maybe a few frogs. Anyway, your story reminded me of a six foot Bllack snake I caught out in the woods and I brought him home with him wrapped. Around my arm and neck. Needless to say, my father wouldn't let me in the house so I had to return him to the woods where I rescued him stuck in a old mailbox slot. Another passion of mine were turtles and still are. Even today if I see one crossing the road, I must stop the car, grab him and put him on the other side of the road! LOL Anyway thanks for the story! You and that family of yours stay healthy, wealthy and wise. Michael Kaufman
Post a Comment