Open Windows

What a Summer!

2008-07-12T20:20:00.006-05:00

It's been a busy summer but a lot of fun. Work has been a bit crazy with a move of the department and clinic, preparing a self-study for accreditation of the doctoral program, and the usual stuff. The fun part has been having visitors. In June Maggie and Evie came for a visit and they were able to stay for almost three weeks. Maggie has done a much better job of chronicling all that transpired while they were here. Needless to say, it was pure joy to have them for so long. Before they arrived, I flew up to Omaha and took a road trip with J.J. out to Utah. She is spending a couple of months there experiencing the Utah lifestyle, visiting with family members, and working with her Aunt Patti for the Utah Festival Opera. Like Maggie, she has done a great job of reporting on her adventures on her blog. During the second week of June Zach and Karli (they finally got a blog going, check the list on the right) and Carol and Morray came to visit. That weekend we had a wonderfully full house and a lot of fun. Maggie posted a video of Zach and Evie on her site that pretty well sums up the fun of the weekend.

Maggie and Evie left on the 24th of June and a week later Kim and I flew out to Durham for a long weekend for the 4th. Again, Maggie has done a better job of documenting that trip. Although, she didn't quite do justice to the color-consulting. There were about a half-dozen trips to various paint stores involved (Evie and I got to stay home for most of those and of course, Ron was snoozing or at the hospital), Paint-sample boards were moved, meditated on, and moved again; and Ron and I made sure to say the M.C. (that's Maritally Correct) thing. Actually, it was fun watching Kim and Maggie make plans and get things all laid out and the rooms for the kids will be cute.

Now we are anticipating the next round of trips. Next week Kim is going out to Utah to visit and drive back with J.J. who is returning to Omaha to get started with her second year of teaching. This year she is going to add Girls' Basketball Assistant Varsity Coach at Westside High School to her schedule. But will be able to come to St. Louis for a few days and we are looking forward to that. We're counting on her to help get some things organized in the basement. We are still trying to get things squared away now that our remodel project is finished.

In August we will be making a trip to Lincoln for a Husker game--Oh yeah, also to see Baby Smith (come on Zach and Karli we need a name). And in October a trip out to Durham for new Baby Rawlings. What fun!

Making Progress

2008-04-20T21:51:00.005-05:00

Okay, Maggie and Jake here are some pics of the progress on the basement. We are actually getting to the point where we can see that we might get done with it. Looking back it hasn't been that long, and Tyler Cluff, the fellow that is doing the contracting has been terrific. Yesterday, he and his son, Sam, were here and we laid about two thirds of the floor and completed that phase. A little more painting, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing and we'll have it done; I figure about 3 more months.

One view of the main area that will be Kim's quilting studio. The double doors at the end are a storage closet.

Here's the wall paneling. It still needs to be finished, primed, and painted. Also, the floor is cork, it is cool and Kim is getting used to it. Actually, it is amazing to walk on, soft and warm, perfect for the basement.

The bathroom tile and such. Still don't have the lighting and the plumbing finished in here.

Another view of the quilting studio. Don't you love the floor!

What the...?

2008-03-28T11:07:00.003-05:00

I was checking my gmail backlog (well okay, I'm at an all-day workshop with a presenter that is talking about family therapy concepts at the level of a high school psychology class, relying on her East Coast, New York City, "we've got all the answers" chutzpah) and I came across a two month old e-mail from Charter advertising an auction for life-time broadband access. I clicked on the link figuring it was already over, it was. Some chucklehead actually paid $71,540 for Charter internet access! That gives him the highest speed available in his area, a FREE modem, and FREE installation from one of the lowest rated cable companies in the nation for service and products. Yippee, skippee. See http://connect.charter.com/forlife/ if you don't believe me. I hope the guy is really healthy and really young, at $30.00 a month he's going to need to be around for 198 years and 9 months to break even. I imagine he's saying to himself, "Heh, heh, heh, in December, 2206 I'll really start sticking it to Charter." I guess he (I'm assuming it's a he because no woman would be that dumb) loves Charter. But if you didn't know already, I Hate Charter!

March Madness

2008-03-19T20:04:00.004-05:00

Imagine! Two postings in two days, will wonders never cease. Last night I was talking with Zach and he mentioned that Max had called him about joining a NCAA pool -- no money involved -- with a bunch of those Utah relatives. Until now they have never invited those of us in the true Zion (just a hop, skip, and jump from Jackson County) to join in. Looks like it will be fun. Hey guys, activate your myespn.com profiles so that we can communicate when things get going. The profiles are cool, you can even pick a theme of a favorite team (Scarlet and Cream for me).

I know, I know, it's about time

2008-03-18T17:16:00.016-05:00

I'll admit it, I'm a lousy blogger. The holidays have come and gone and not a word. What can I say? I go to Maggie's and Jake's blog and they've covered everything (well, at least they've covered Evie--the important stuff). I'm not going to make any promises but I'll keep trying. I'm sitting with my feet up today because I threw my back out last night, so there's no excuse not to post something.

One thing that I've been encouraged (read that "pestered") to do is to post some pictures of the basement. We decided to finish the basement and got started with it about two months ago. It was slow going at first because of the weather but it's rolling right along now. The drywallers were here today and so by the time we get back from Nebraska (heading up for the Easter weekend) on Monday we can get going on the painting.

From the time we moved we had planned to finish the basement and now over a year later we just might get it done. We are putting in a quilting/sewing/craft studio for Kim, an extra bathroom for the whole family visits, a small exercise room, and a workshop for me. Actually, I'm getting excited about getting the project done and having an actual workshop. Just as long as no one has any expectation that I will do any work in it. Maybe that's why Kim wouldn't let me put a cable outlet in there, which isn't really fair--there are two in the quilt studio and one in the exercise room. I could easily pull an Uncle Dean and put a fridge, microwave, etc. in and just hang in the workshop all the time. It will be nice to get it done and for Kim to be able to finally unpack all her stuff and have a place to work her magic.

So, here are some pics of the progress we've made.

This is the bathroom space. Part of the current storage room.

We had to install a window that allows emergency egress otherwise it couldn't be considered a finished space. Eureka is tyrannical about building codes.

The quilting studio. The drain pipe and support post are a bit of a problem.

The exercise room and in the back the workshop area.

At the end is the framing for a storage closet with two french doors for access.

Here the support pole has been moved and it and the drainpipe will be enclosed in a built-in bookcase.

Maki is fretting over a bit of water that made it past the window that had not yet been sealed. Today we had over 9 inches of rain and they are expecting the Meramac to flood part of Eureka tonight.

Drywallers make a really big mess!

I'm Not Majerus

2007-09-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

One morning a couple of months ago I got to talking with a young fellow at the pool. (I swim every morning; got started in January and love it!) He was recovering from a foot injury and said that he had run long distance at Marquette as an undergraduate. While mentioning Marquette he referred to its location in Milwaukee. A few days later we were talking again and he apologized for thinking that I might not know where Marquette was, "You know, what with basketball," he said. This was after he had greeted me as I stepped up to the edge of the pool the morning before with a wave and what I was certain I had misheard as, "Hey coach!"

Realization began to dawn with his apology and I asked with a smile and look of confusion, "Who do you think I am?"

"Why, the new basketball coach, aren't you?"

I introduced myself, he introduced himself, we both laughed, and he made a hasty and embarassed exit. A few days later he apologized for the mistaken identity saying that he had heard the new coach swam at the pool. I told him it was fine because even though I thought I had a few less pounds than Majerus I knew I had a lot more hair.

So, an amusing anecdote particularly for the Utah relatives who know Majerus from his Ute exploits. Well, last week it happened again. A young woman who lifeguards at the pool and has seen me for the past 9 months asks if I am "Coach Majerus". I start to laugh and tell her no. She says, "I didn't think so but my friend said I should have seen him because he swims here and you look the most like. . .uh, I thought you might be him."

Okay, enough is enough, I am not Majerus. He's a great coach, I'm sure he is a wonderful person. As a basketball fan and a fellow swimmer I hope I do get to meet him. But really, we don't look at all alike; do we? I don't think so but maybe there is a basis for the confusion. Now, if I could just get the payroll department to make the same mistake.

Separated at birth?

You decide

Love and Happiness

2007-05-15T22:11:00.000-05:00

The last two weeks have been wonderful and crazy. Zach and Karli were married on May 5th. It was a terrific time with family and friends. Go to J.J.'s blog for a terrific report of the events and the effects of record-setting rainfall on a prairie wedding. Also, there was an article in the Lincoln Journal Star.

It seemed that everyone's response to the news of Karli and Zach's marriage was, "It's about time!" But that's because everyone knew for a long time that they were just plain right for each other. They complement each other in a way that only occurs with two people who respect and care about each other; and are both friends and lovers. I love them and know that they will be great partners and parents (hint, hint).

Good Friends, Good Times!

2007-04-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend the Wilson's came by Casa del Smith for a far too short visit. It was great to see them and catch up on the past few months. Since Dave retired last fall we thought that we might persuade them to stay a week but regretfully they were only able to stay two days. But during that time we discovered a lot of things to do for their next visit(s).
On Friday evening we went to the village of Labadie (one lumber store, one gas station, one general store, and two very good restaurants) and had dinner at the Hawthorne Inn. We talked, ate, talked some more and ate some more (actually that pretty much sums up the weekend, talking and eating)--ain't that great! On Saturday we mapped out an intinerary to the Missouri Botanical Garden, lunch at Nadoz-a bistro near SLU campus, a Michael Eastman photographic exhibit at the SLU Museum of Art; a quick loop through downtown for a quick peek at the Arch, Busch Stadium, and then out to the Galleria so Mary Ann and Kim could drop by the official Mary Engelbreit store (the world's highest concentration of checkerboards, sunflowers, and cute drawings of little girls). Along the way we discovered about a dozen other things that Dave put on his list for the next visit.
I hope the Wilsons had as good a time being here as we did having them.

A deep dark secret

2007-03-23T21:56:00.000-05:00

I can't keep it a secret any longer. I couldn't help it, honest. And it was not by choice. Kim and Maggie enticed me and I succumbed. Yes, I admit it. . . I . . . am. . . an American Idolater. Shameful, I know, but I can't help it. They never should have gotten rid of Sundance and I, like everyone else, cannot fathom Sanjaya (it can only be some perturbation in the space-time continuum, some sort of black hole or alternate dimension). Melinda should win but probably won't--not "edgy"or "contemporary" or whatever enough. If tomorrow she put out a CD with some Peggy Lee, Ella, and Billy on it I would run out to Barnes & Noble (gadzooks their CD's are expensive) and wait for the doors to open. Did "As Long as He Needs Me" give you chills or what?

What the. . .?

2007-03-17T12:27:00.000-05:00

We have a winner(s)! Yes indeed, due to the avalanche of submissions a random drawing resulted in a shared Grand Prize. Both Lindsay and Maggie will receive a luxurious holiday at La Casa del Smith. We'll be waiting! And yes, it is a Billiken.

Quiz of the week. Can you guess what the heck this is? The winner will receive. . .

An all expenses-paid stay at La Casa del Smith Resort! Yes indeed, situated in the beautiful jet-set destination of Eureka, Missouri you will receive deluxe accommodations overlooking the Meramec River Valley, fine dining, and world-class entertainment.

Well, there is a great view, the beds are comfortable, the company is, most of the time, a lot of fun, the food is good, and we'll find something to kill time. So, submit your entries and all correct answers will be placed in the hat for a random drawing. Take care.

Happy Birthday Evie!

2007-03-17T11:17:00.000-05:00

Well, Evie's birthday really isn't until March 26th but I thought I might get the word out early so no one will forget (how could you) and to offer a suggestion to friends and family. Last year, Kim and I started an account with the College Savings Plan of Nebraska with Evie as beneficiary. Nebraska's is one the top 529 plans in the country--and if you are from Nebraska you can deduct the contribution from your income. 529 plans are tax-deferred and when Evie withdraws the money for college expenses it will be tax-free. So, while admittedly, a cute dress or teddy bear is lots of fun to give; I thought I might suggest another--less fun now, lots more fun in the future--gift.
If you want to contribute go to College Savings Plan of Nebraska and click on "download payment coupons" in the second paragraph of the page. You can print off the coupon and send them in with your gift.
Drop me a note and I will send you her account number rather than posting it here or you can send the gift to Ron and Maggie and they can send it in.

Lost and Found

2007-03-01T19:56:00.000-06:00

This morning we got up at 5 to get Kim to the airport for her 9 am flight (combine commuter traffic and Kim's "two and half hour before departure" rule and it makes sense). Tornado watch in St. Louis, blizzard in Nebraska; what are you gonna do? If you are Kim you are going to sit at the airport through two cancellations and a rescheduled flight for tomorrow morning and wait for your husband who couldn't get back to the airport until 3 pm. That's a lost day.
But, hey, we got a found evening out of the fiasco. After I picked Kim up we stopped at the mall and she was able to get her hair cut, we had a nice early dinner (4:30 - made me feel like a senior citizen) and got to go home with no plans, no to-do's, nothin'. Got to have an extra evening with my gal. Can't beat that. And Kim got an extra day out of the trip. Instead of going to visit J.J. and Zach from Thursday to Sunday evening she'll be there from Friday to Tuesday.

Too Busy, Too Happy

2007-01-03T13:44:00.000-06:00

I should have posted something long ago but the Holiday season got to me. Trying to finish up my first semester at SLU and get ready for Christmas just didn't leave much time for blogging. The day before Zach and JJ flew in we were still trying to finish up some of the painting we have been doing. The colors that Kim and MaryLyn picked out are going to be great and at least with the rest of it I won't have to crawl and crouch on a walkboard spread between two extension ladders 15 feet up. Ow, my aching back.
Anyway, no more complaining. We got Zach and JJ here on the 22nd, Maggie and Evie on the 26th, then came Karli and by the 28th Ron was here and we had "Christmas" dinner. Actually, it was quite fun and stretched the holiday out in a very pleasant way.
In between games, walks with Evie, football games, unwrapping presents, and just visiting and lounging I tried to do a few greeting cards. I'm going to run to the Post Office now and get them sent. I know e-cards aren't as nice but I really do think I will consider it in the future. I'll blog some more and get some pictures up. Got to run.

I Hate Charter

2006-12-05T21:30:00.000-06:00

Since the day we moved in I have been in a running battle with Charter cable. Each time I think I have won the war I realize that they have simply run another guerrilla action and have out-manuvered me again. Waived installation fees that are charged to our account. Installers who won't get in the attic because it's too hot (this in October), giving up on trying to get cable into the guest rooms and still being charged fortheir installation. Thinking I have it straightened out and never getting the updated statement that I requested. Not to mention the three technicians that come out and replace one bad modem with another. Finally, this morning no cable after getting the still incorrect statement the day before, warning me that they might suspend service. AARRRGGGHHH! Not a good way to start the day. What had they done? Debited an adjustment instead of crediting it and thus increasing the bill (in their favor) by $100. I Hate Charter.
Then there are the call centers. Have the corporate honchos considered how insulting it is to the call center employees and to the customers to require someone in New Delhi to identify himself as "Jerry"? Puhleez, give some respect to your employees by not hiding their culture behind "American" names and don't insult our intelligence by thinking we fall for it.

Coach Smith

2006-12-04T16:05:00.000-06:00

J.J. just sent me an e-mail with a link to the Millard North Girls Basketball Team. You can see her in action at www.millardnorth.org It's kind of wild to see her on the other end of the coach/player exchange. Her team is doing great so far. Go Mavs! er. . . MUSTANGS!

"It's usually not like this here!"

2006-12-01T11:12:00.000-06:00

When we moved to Nebraska in the midst of a heat wave (August 1988, 110 deg. at 11 a.m.) the refrain was, "It's usually not like this here!" After 18 years I can tell you, "Yes it is!" As we have made the transition to St. Louis we have been told repeatedly that the weather here is much milder than Lincoln and that there might be two or three days in the winter where there is a skiff of snow that melts away by midafternoon.

This morning we are hearing the old refrain, "It's usually not like this here!" The equivalent of 30" of snow comprised of rain, sleet, ice, and snow (leaving a 4-5" layer of tundra) fell in the last 36 hours. It has left 500,000 people in the metro area without power. Luckily, we hicks out in Eureka are fine; and in fact, despite the dire warnings it was the best commute I've had. Hardly anyone was on the road and I-44 was mostly clear of ice and slush. This morning I fired up my trusty Husqvarna snow blower (I actually thought about getting rid of it given the reports of MILD weather) and cleared snow until I ran out of gas. I'll have to finish up when I get home and hopefully help the neighbors because I did not see another snow blower on our entire street.

Being a dedicated employee, model department chair, and most importantly, the new guy that needs points I'm here in the office with lots to do and no interruptions from students, faculty, or the Dean (makes it hard to score those points so I'll probably sneak out early). So, this old Rocky Mountain-bred, Great Plains-acclimated, Mississippi Valley transplant will forge ahead and retain a polite but disbeliving perspective on, "It's usually not like this here!"

Getting Started

2006-11-28T10:45:00.000-06:00

Since Maggie May got into blogging I thought I would give it a try as well. I don't have time right now to post much but I will attempt to add more later on.

But for now, ZACH & KARLI ARE GETTING MARRIED! The big day will be sometime this April or May, so stay tuned for updates.