Wandering down the Lego aisle of toys at "Wally World", I asked myself if I was returning to an earlier stage of development. The kid is still alive in me, but might I better use my time spent in more aged adult activities? I answered "no" because I was having fun. And fun is always fun.
I had purchased two of these models at Christmas, one a gift for brother-in-law and the other for me. A justification at the time. This past week I decided to get the car model on the workbench and give into the nagging kid in me.
Bag #1 parts laid out on a couple of microfiber cloth towels, the instruction book in hand, music on and I dropped into my own world. Hot and humid outside, but one AC running in the shop was comfortable. I was soon singing along with my music lists, mind and body fully engulfed for two hours of model-making. I do enjoy this this time spent with myself.
Models have come a long long ways from the 1950s. Lego parts and pieces fit and snap together like a hand in a glove. Decals are much easier to apply and this kit was not missing one of the over 300 pieces required to assemble this race car. Computer design and manufacturing of parts and pieces now. But the challenge of getting all of the pieces right still exists. Satisfactions and frustrations also still exist. The final piece fit and the car rolling along the work top is a trophy for me.
So what is next?
---------------- ANOTHER BUILD
A storage cabinet has been in discussions here for over 2 years. A place to store garden/lawn supplies neatly in one corner. This cabinet was also a plug and play parts assembly. The advancement in these kinds of cabinet products for consumers to assemble, have also advanced leaps and bounds.This cabinet was designed for sides, top, bottom and back to fit together by placing one piece into another then pushing in a inch or so to lock the pieces together. No muss, no fuss. A large work bench is most helpful or a couple of small ones, next to each other, in my case.
Assembly plans were easy to read, no missing parts and the doors worked without issue even after moving the cabinet into place. Sturdy and weatherproof to boot.
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ENTERTAINMENT
We watch a couple of hours of television at night. A way to end our days relaxing.
We are currently finishing up the Person of Interest series having just started the last season #5. We watched this when it first aired and thought it a good series then. Watching it again ten/fifteen years later has proven this show/series to be one of the best out there. To hold 100% of my attention for the full length of an episode rarely ever happens. This series does so with every episode.
Much of what the show depicted in 2011/2016 was futuristic. Today we find that these episodes touched on real times we are now living. A lot of what was covered in the episodes and AI is here today.
Today we talk to/with machines on the internet. All of this happened overnight. None of what the series discusses is out of the realm of reality in today's world.
My wife and I have enjoyed every episode and all of the actors and actresses. A lot of creative effort, photography and filming in every episode. Add to this excellent storytelling that never takes a nap through all 103 episodes.
If you have not watched this series, give it a try. If you have and it has been a few years, revisit the series. You may find, like we have, a whole new appreciation for the subject matter, cast and quality production.
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WESTERN EMPIRE IN DECLINE. From The Burning Platform.
Shared here for nothing more than food for thought. Are times more perilous now than at any time in the past 80 years? I am not sure. Maybe because I now have more time on my hands and pay closer attention to worldly issues, that more perilous has time to develop and surface in my perceptions.
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I reference my age often now in my blogs. I have entered a new era.
Another trip to Dallas last week for doctor's appointment and lunch with my wife's brother's and sister's families. A fun time laughing and exceptional eats. My wife does the driving because she knows Dallas like the back of her hand. I try to be the good passenger and spend most of the time gawking.
Time spent like this shows me that the world has not stopped moving just because I have pulled out of the main stream of movement. I am the one traveling slower alongside that normal everyday pace.
Being older and slower, getting into that main flow is challenging. We can still do it, but realize that there is no way we could survive there day after day. So running with the bulls in and out of Dallas is something that takes a few nights of good sleep to recover from. The quiet in the country is healing, too.
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A HORSE CALLED MUSIC
One of my favorite songs
MR. BOJANGLES
Sammy Davis Jr. at his best
IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR
Frank Sinatra with a smidgen of excellent insight on good music. I agree!
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JIBBER JABBER
The weather forecasts show hotter days in orange color. An attention grabber. Hotter with heat indices in triple digits.
No more lawn mowing for awhile and I prefer to leave the lawn on the tall side. I believe it helps with the grass holding some moisture into the hot days.
Getting in and out of the car and walking short distances into stores, gassing up the cars or movement of in those triple digit heat indices is noticeably more difficult.
Allergies now a part of my days. In all of my life time I do not remember allergies affecting me. So, more sneezing and sniffling got added to this decade. OTC nasal spray helps, but drys out my eyes. Then eye drops needed.
I have opted to deal with the sneezing and sniffles. I admit I do enjoy a good loud sneeze that starts at my toes and works it way up through the body. Usually three at a time. Having these "episodes" in the department or grocery store often elicits a far off "bless you." And yes, I cover my mouth!!
I leave you this week with you having your own slice of banana cream pie. The crust is crushed pecans so cutting out your slice will take a little patience. A good cup of homemade coffee and a fork recommended.
Do not be polite by taking a small slice. Cut the one you want and enjoy the moment. Treat yourself with abandon.
Actually, this pie was desert presented by sister-in-law in Dallas last week. The gal can cook. The pie filling had cream cheese in the filling, adding more depth and flavor to the pie experience. Appreciate the visit this week.
