Athens GJ

Jami and I brought Isaac home as a puppy around this time 14 years ago. His hips aren't doing so great and our hardwoods make it very difficult for him to stand or make turns when he walks.

I was about to try to rig up some rubber pads to tie to the bottom of his paws when I looked up "dog boots" on line. Sure enough this is a common problem with old dogs on hardwoods and there are lots of brands of dog shoes. Acknowledging the frugality that was ingrained as a child, I purchased 4 of the most economically sensilbe ones.

They arrived the day after Christmas. Isaac is too old to worry that we've strapped shoes to his feet - but he hasn't slipped in 2 days and gets around the house much better. Merry Christmas poor, ole Isaac.

This weekend I was laid-up with a turned ankle so I spent a lot of time building this house that Dad had previously put together. Fiona and Michael decorated the porch with homemade puzzle pieces of our family.

Fiona would like to tell everyone what she did today:

"Today I made some cookies and Mommy helped a little bit. Most of the cookies are for Michael and I's teachers. Michael ate some crackers and the pretzels that were a little bit for making the cookies. But I did not mind because we had enough pretzels and crackers. And that is all I'm going to say. :]:]:):):]:]:):):]:]:):):]:]:):)"

Fiona's first grade class held elections yesterday for class president. It was a tight race between her and Katie Grace. When the votes were tallied, Fiona won by a single vote. Katie Grace was very upset, so Fiona suggested that they be co-presidents - a very sweet notion that was overturned today by her teacher. They made KG secretary of state.

Leaving 139 Park (4 pack) was a challenge. According to weather.com for 30601 at approx. 0700 and 24 minutes EST the forecast predicted an 85% chance of rainshowers at 1700 hours allowing for a full workday on 2/22/08.

Alas weather.com mispredicted the forecast so by 1400 hours and 12 minutes rain was not only emanate but forth coming.

The crew packed up the Horton Hauler Trailer, 2003 with my Hitachi Framing Nailer 601, 100 Ft. Proze Hose, Bostich 6.0 gallon 135 psi air compressor, a 3-way 50 foot cord, 50 lbs. box 16D hand drive nails, box 12D ringshank galvanized gun nails, Dewalt compound 10" miter saw and my Senco 600 series framing gun and called it a day.

Usually packing all of our equipment into the Horton Trailer takes 10-12 min., in this case (I imagine because of the rain) it took approx. 6 1/2 minutes which is surprising.

Despite the rain, all the crew members patiently waited for me to write their paychecks with my Bic 459 blue ink pen.

The manner in which events had occurred so far left me baffled. I could only wonder what would happen next?????????

-- Grant