I share the following from my FaceBook page from a few weeks ago:

"Teenage" moment.
(Parents with Teens will understand.)
I'm in the bathroom at 4 AM (middle aged people will understand). I hear the following from the kitchen down the hall:
CRACK! CLUNKclunkclunk! clatter! SHshshhhhhh...
The Boy is in the kitchen at 4 AM on a Saturday making himself a cup of Hot Chocolate. One of my Ice Cube Trays is now in three pieces, there are ice cubes scattered across the floor and counter top.
He doesn't like his Hot Chocolate to be too hot, you see...
...and I'm out of Milk...
...and he's never used Ice Cube Trays before...
After a quick demo on "flex gently with a twisting, and NOT a bending motion";
...and then showing him where the Ice *bucket* is in the freezer...
...I said goodnight.
I'm going to miss these moments when he finally moves out on his own.
(And no, I didn't raise my voice...not even a little bit. I live in the downstairs suite of my Sister's house and getting upset over this would 1) have been very bad behavior at 4 AM and 2) would have been VERY un-helpful where The Boy is concerned. He felt bad enough already and he really *didn't* know better...

I share this as I have had a lot of "I'm going to miss these" moments in the past couple of days.

I'm getting older.

My parents are getting older.

My friends, relations, acquaintances, and associates are getting older.

It's quite obvious that I have entered that "stage" of life where people I've been used to having around all my life are going to start leaving this life.  I'm talking about Mortality, of course.

Now I'm not going to get all mushy and write any pithy truisms about how life is precious and you need to hang on to those nearest and dearest because you just don't know how long they're going to be around in your life.  That stuff is all obvious.

But we don't think about it all the time.

A good old fashioned "home for the Holidays" type Christmas does bring it to mind though; especially if you and yours are scattered some distance from each other and don't get to be in each other's company very often.

I've had a wonderful time here, and I feel blessed and lucky to have this time with my loved ones.  That's all I want to say.

Not that this week hasn't been without a few difficulties...but those can wait for the next post.

The Twelve Days of MHF:

On the first day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

A re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the second day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Two RTV's , and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the third day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Three cancellations, two RTV's and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the fourth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the fifth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!  Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the sixth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the seventh day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the eighth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the ninth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Nine feet of imports, eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the tenth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Ten boxed recliners, nine feet of imports, eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Eleven back-orders, ten boxed recliners, nine feet of imports, eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Logistics sent to me,

Twelve customer pick-ups, eleven back-orders, ten boxed recliners, nine feet of imports, eight hours of O.T. (Ain't gonna happen!), seven king sized boxes, six mattress liners. FIVE HOURS on hold with C.A.P.S.!   Four re-schedules, three cancellations, two RTV's, and a re-pack from E.B.T.C.!

Merry Christmas, one and all!

Silk Purses...

I will take a moment to brag (uncharacteristic of me, I know) about my proficiency as a "Wrench".

For those not in the know, a "wrench" is cycling slang for a bicycle mechanic.  Wrenches may ride...or not ride...but they *do* invariably possess a mental storehouse of cycle-mechanical lore.

And a collection of fairly unique tools.

I've been fixing bikes for 40 years.  I've got a set of tools that you would find in most shops -- with the exception of some very expensive specialty tools used in frame preparation and modification.

A COMPLETE set of bicycle mechanic tools (old school) looks like this:

That is a Campagnolo Master Set.  They're still made and sold today, despite being older than I am.  The Campagnolo company is one of the last remaining OLD bicycle builders.  This set has everything needed to prep, assemble, maintain or repair a Campagnolo Racing Bicycle and its frameset.

My own (more modest) toolset looks more like this:

That is a Park Tool AK37 Pro Shop Tool Kit.  Do I have one of these?  Nope.  But I do have every tool shown in that picture.  As I mentioned in a previous entry from wayyy back: when the time came to buy some proper bicycle tools, I found that I had a small collection started already.  So, I didn't buy one of the - more expensive! - ready-made kits.  Instead, I just bought what I didn't already have.  I have added to my toolbox since, in an effort to keep up with present cycling technology.  The last item I added was an IceToolz I.S.I.S. splined bottom bracket removal tool.  

I haven't done a whole lot of wrenching until very recently....

My kids don't seem to cycle much.

Grant's kids do cycle but are inclined to take good care of their rides so I don't have many requests for "fixes".

Ben Williams (my Nephew-in-law) did bring over a garage sale "find" that needed some love.  He originally intended it for his wife Shayla (my niece), but found it was a little small for her.  I think one of Grant's other daughters ended up riding it.

Grant decided he's through with cycling and has taken up running.  Finished his first race just last month!  I did fix up his old Norco Monterey...and it's still hanging on a hook in the garage; months later.

I never *did* hang out my shingle as a travelling cycle mechanic; which is too bad because I think I would have made a really good one.

I've got a real talent for taking a pile of parts and turning it into a ride-able bicycle.

Now we arrive at the point of this entry:

Peter.

There's a saying to the effect that we should treat people not as they appear to be, but as they could be.  We should believe in others and treat them as if they have in them to be better than they are.

And I do.  I believe in Peter.  He's gonna make it.  He's already come a long ways...with a ways to go yet.

Part of getting where he is going involved enrolling in school and getting a new job.  The need for some personal transportation came up and Peter bought an old Raleigh bike off craigslist...

What a metisse that thing was...and I don't mean that in a good way.

While giving it a once-over and trying to fit the frame to Peter, I discovered that its rear derailleur had been replaced with another that was incompatible with the frame.  Also, the handlebars could not be raised as the stem was too short.  So, a pilgrimage to O.C.B. was in order.

That was a few days ago.  We set up right on the floor (while the OCB guys looked a trifle askance), and found a new stem, derailleur, and tire for the back wheel (among other issues, it had a 2.75" tire on a rim meant for no more than 1.9").  I am sad to report that I left my raggy black CANADA hoodie at OCB.  It's probably been thrown out or adopted by some hipster bike messenger...

Anyways, on our way back home, we went 'round the block on 116A on the way to my place and saw a couple of bike frame - sans wheels - on the roadside.  The lady of the house arrived moments later while we were looking them over and told us they were indeed for salvage - take 'em away!

So we did.

One of the frames was a Gary Fisher Wahoo that just happened to be Peter's size!  The other was a dept store suspension frame, fairly new...but not what we were looking for; we took it anyways.

We spent an hour putting new wheels on and setting up the Fisher.  With ALL SPARE PARTS!!!

I've never had a Spare Parts Monster go together so well...or so quickly.  Peter says it may be that he is a good influence on me -- or perhaps I'm just a better cycle-mechanic than I think I am.

I let Peter borrow my "Jeep" helmet, and he bought some lights at Canuck Tire...he's ready to go.

Will post pictures later...

Robin Williams' death has me a little baffled.

I mean, we all knew the guy had a truckload of personal demons...a look at his life/career over the past 40 years (I grew up watching Mork!) gives ample evidence of a self destructive nature.

But I thought he had enough personal strength, and enough support from those closest to him to stay on top of all those demons.  I thought for sure he, of all people, wouldn't let the demons drag him down.

I look at one of Robin's comedy mentors; Jonathan Winters.  Winters died last year at the ripe age of 86.  A little over 4 years prior he lost his wife of more than 60 years to cancer.  Winters had the same irreverent, slightly off-kilter view that Robin had...and had no problem saying what was on his mind.  Winters also had his share of personal demons. Spent a few months in a mental hospital at age thirty-something.  Had a bona-fide diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

But he managed to cope.  Robin didn't.

It may have been that Robin was pushed a little too far to cope with.  There's a UK Guardian piece circulating about Williams' money troubles.  The $30 million he wound up paying his two ex-wives.  His new show "The Crazy Ones" got pulled.  A multi-million dollar ranch that wouldn't sell and wouldn't sell and wouldn't sell no matter how much the price dropped.

Minor crises in the life of a Hollywood "big shot"?  Perhaps, but taken together...and on top of everything else he'd been dealing with all his life?

Too much?  Maybe.  Maybe he was just...tired.

They say Alexander wept when he learned there were no more lands to conquer.  A frank look at Robin's life reveals a man who, in the eyes of his peers, achieved pretty much everything the Hollywood E-ticket ride has to offer.  Where do you go from there?  Why do you bother if it all stops being fun?

Okay, so, I'm back from Alberta a WHOLE WEEK early!

Mission: Accomplished.

Got Karen the new tires for her van.  Got the mower fixed, the yard maintenance done and the trash from the basement clean-up (they had a flood during the heavy rains a few weeks back).  Even got to take the kids out for dinner after they got home from trek.  Helped out Mom with her computer.  Got talked into carrying Erin K's stuff back from Cardston to the Lower Mainland.  She's moving back in a couple days and Arvid's truck will only accomodate about half her stuff - the other half is in the back of my van.

Speaking of the van:

I sort of side-swiped a moose on the way down.

Senor Bullwinkle was standing on the shoulder of Hwy 22 South about 1 mile north of Turner Valley.  He had his head down, and started ambling across the road about the moment I came over a slight rise in the road and spotted him.  I pulled abruptly to the left, and he brought his head up and began ambling faster.  So I'm heading for the Left-hand ditch and Mister Moose seems determined to meet me head-on before I get there.

Now, if I had hit him dead on...I wouldn't have a van anymore.  Also, I might be making this entry from a Hospital bed instead of at home.

But the moose thought better of trying to continue his crossing and turned around to head back to the right.  Only problem is; Moose are big, and a sudden turn-around is apparently not something they're capable of.  So he was more-or-less on the centerline of the road, paralell to the road, and I was almost all the way over into the Left lane when I reached where he was...so I almost passed by without hitting him.

Almost.

My passenger side mirror was clipped so forcefully that it left an imprint on the window.  Fortunately, the mirror is built on a pivot and it didn't break from the impact.  Putting it back was no biggie.  The sliding door on the passenger side, however, was not so fortunate.  I'll need a new sliding door, if ICBC can be persuaded that my vehicle is worth fixing.

Anyways, I'm OK...could have been worse.  I'm back early because I had an appointment with ICBC to get the damage assessed.

Postscript:  I spotted two young deer a fair ways South of Turner Valley on my way back.  Unlike Mister Moose, I saw them in plenty of time to slow to a stop and let them prance 'cross the highway in front of me.

What new, exciting and interesting things are happening THIS month, Uncle Brian?

That's me.  The Weird Uncle Who Lives Under the Stairs. (WUWLUtS).

Well, we got our new Collective Agreement presented and ratified last month.

I resumed Home Teaching last month ('bout time too!).  Our ward choir performed an arrangement of "Praise to the Man" that went so well that we were asked if there was a recording available!  I have been trying to get our Choir Director interested in a side project where a few of us from each section get together and sing the piece again so we can record it.  Hey, I can dream, can't I?

I'm off to Alberta to help out my nearest and dearest.  Well, they are dear to me...but they're also 1200 KM away.

I'm toting along a set of good (used) tires for Karen's van.  She phoned me in a bit of a worry about the "bald" tires the vehicle is presently equipped with.  She was worried the tires might explode, or something like that.  "No, see, first the tires will simply stop holding air for more than a day or so..."

"...then they'll explode."

I can be very re-assuring, don't you think?

Ladies and Gentlemen (and you know who you are!).  I now present the SANDERSON FAMILY SPACE PROGRAM!

Or...how to keep the Model Rocketry hobby interesting.

1. Pick up the skills and learn to use the technology:  We started with this:

That's the Estes "Shuttle Express" starter kit.  We're still using the launch pad and Estes Electron Beam Launch Controller that came with it, but the rocket itself is probably obstructing someone's rain gutters now.  Strong winds can be a caution.  Then we continued on with other "ABC" class rockets like these:

That last one?  The Cosmic Cobra.  Let us never speak of it again...

Anyways, on to the next step.  All these models thus far were pre-assembled or "E2X" - a special class of kit for rocketeers starting out.

2. Start learning to build our own:

That is a loadstar II.  Something I forgot to mention...all of the previous models shown were LOST.  For example; the original Loadstar had a good run, but now it's up a tree somewhere near Crescent Park School's ball field.  High winds and poor launch rail alignment can be a caution.

3. Build bigger and better:

That's Colin with the first level one "D" class rocket we built - The Stormcaster.  The little green one is the last ready made we bought and the only one we didn't lose - an Estes Skytraxx.  Like the Loadstar II, the Skytraxx has a clear upper section below the nose cone for payloads.  Colin wanted a model he could build on his own and so we added the Blue Ninja to the collection.

Seeing a pattern here?  This is as far as we've got yet.

4. Do interesting things with the rockets that push the envelope:

We want to try a Sunset Launch.  This requires putting lights on (or IN) the rocket.  We actually have two models with payload sections (see above) and BOTH have now been flight tested - in normal daylight conditions - with a cluster of light flashers on board.  Next step is to launch them IN THE DARK.

Well, not actually in the dark - that's against C.A.R. rules.  I'm talking about a launch under low-light conditions.  The lights should ensure we're able to find the models again, even under low light.  The Skytraxx will be first up, followed by the Loadstar II if we're feeling really adventurous.

Another "interesting" project?  A multi engine cluster!

We've got one of these:

The engine mount will accomodate ONE D-class engine.  It will reach only 200' on that engine as it is a very HEAVY model.  Not terribly rugged either.  One of the popular modifications of this model is to cram 4 C-class engines in a cluster around the D-class.  Like this:

That's a photo of Randy DeArman's multi-engine and multi-stage Saturn V build.  That is WAY more trouble than I want to go thru...but I wouldn't mind building a 5 engine cluster into ours.  Make it a "higher flyer"!

5. Aside from the bigger and better stage - we also have to gain some experience with higher power rocketry:

That's an Estes STM-012.  It's an "E" class rocket.  Stands a little over 5' tall.  We've got one of these under construction at the moment.  We'll have to find a new field to launch it...none of our usual haunts has enough open space to ensure a safe recovery.

6. The ultimate: the Scissor Wing Transport.

When I was but a young, eager, novice rocketeer...this was the ultimate.

By far the most complex model Estes ever offered as part of their regular line, it is sadly no longer available.  However, some enterprising enthusiasts have made the plans for this model available online.  One of the more popular projects among serious rocket nuts is to take the plans for the original model - an ABC class - and double all the dimensions!  Thus turning it into a D or even E class model.  What I am wondering is if an E class engine could provide enough thrust that you could loft the "upsized" version with a small battery, Xcver and servo on board.  Instead of just having it glide back to earth, what if you could steer that sucker?

7 ...AND BEYOND!!!

Where will our love affair with rockets end?  I don't know.  Colin is 15, and has started being REAL interested in Girls and Dating and the like.  His days as a eager-eyed rocketeer may be coming to a close.

But as for me?

Sometime before I retire, I'd like to graduate to real high-powered rocketry.  In the meantime, I think I'll read Dan Pollino's book: "I still have all my fingers - how to build a big sugar rocket on a budget without losing a limb".  It's available on Amazon, check it out!

What can I say...maybe I'm finally growing up.  After all, you're only young once...but you can be immature forever...

...or not.

If Maturity means getting things done even when you don't want to, then perhaps I'm not quite there yet.  I'm having a "lazy day".  Some plans I had for this evening fell thru and here I am; writing a 'blog post because of all the productive ways I could be spending my downtime, this is the easiest.

I'm growing my hair.  Why?  Because I'm nearly 50 years old and this may be the last opportunity I have to enjoy having long hair before it either turns grey, or starts falling out (or both!).  I may even keep it long up until I go to visit the folks next month...whereupon I could offer my Dad the opportunity of cutting my hair like he used to do when I was a kid.  I'm not sure he would enjoy that, I used to give him a lot of guff about it.  As the son of an Air Force Officer, long hair was just not in the equation.

It's Ok, but a whole lot more care involved than when I kept it short.

I'm also looking for a new vehicle.  I have confirmed that the Quest will NOT exceed 18 mpg in the city and with gas at 1.50$ plus a liter, that will not do.  I can hypermile to extend the van's range...but that only works up to a point and can put serious strain on the transmission and starter of an older vehicle.  I was thinking of a PT Cruiser.  A 2001-2004 model with a manual transmission (easier to hypermile)...but I can't really afford one.  I was even getting nostalgic for my old Mk III Caravan!  That model is available on the junker market, but not for the 200$ that I bought each of my previous 2 Caravan's for.  But it's close - especially if you figure in what I spent re-building Mean Green's engine.  The Elio - my dream vehicle with the 68 mpg fuel economy - will not be available in the NA market until later this year (if ever) and is unlikely to be available in Canada until next year (if ever).

I finally have a career goal in mind.  I can learn most of what I need to know online, but I will need a two-year certification course at some point.  Acquiring the books and courses would be easier if I had any money left at this point.  Wah.  Still getting started on it...the parts that don't require any money, that is.

So my money situation is contracting...I'm now dipping into my savings, the spendthrift days of money flowing like water are over.  I'm not even unemployed yet!  Lucky me.  HBC does seem to be in it for the long haul but if the economy doesn't pick up soon...I don't know how much more the company can cut and still stay in business.  Not really itching to find out, either.  So I have decided on a backup plan...and as the plan is not completely formed yet, that's all I'm going to say about it at the moment.

I have been called to the Elder's Quorum Presidency.  Obviously the Bishopric has some plans for me...and who am I to argue?  I had already decided on a life of service and activity in the Church...but still, this came as a bit of a surprise.  Not sure what I'm supposed to do.  Should be reading my Leadership Manual!  I'm feeling more than a touch damp behind the ears here, nowhutImean?

And I think it's high time I started dating.  I mean actually setting out some goals and seeing some people and exploring some expectations and what I've really got to offer!  'Cause I'm kind of awesome...

I am thankful for all I have...I have it really good right now (money issues notwithstanding).  The Lord has been very patient and very generous with me...and I have enjoyed all the opportunities I've had to serve...and I am thankful that they are not going away any time soon.  I am thankful for the wisdom and knowledge the Lord has given me, and the opportunities to learn.  So much I don't know!  I am especially grateful for the opportunities to teach the gospel.  I really should get around to reading all of "Preach My Gospel" one day soon.

Annnd.  I think I'll close here.