June 23, 2014

Predicting the Weather Took Some Special Know-How

Once upon a time there were people known as weather men, whose job it was to analyze data and provide their very, best educated guess as to what we could expect the weather outcome to be in the coming day or two.  

These old time forecasters used as their tools data collected from weather balloons (you know, those things you'd often see floating in the sky and excitedly mistake for a U.F.O.), barometric pressure readings and weather reporters.  And their best instincts.  

The weatherman who was on television when I was growing up used large maps of the United States to illustrate and diagram the weather patterns from all over the country.  Where inclement weather was likely, he'd slap a dark cloud with drizzling rain drops onto the map.  Likewise, a bright yellow smiling sun would grace other areas that were to be clear and sunny.  

Criss-crossing the country were always odd looking lines with either half circles or triangles attached to them.  These were depictions of the areas of high and low pressure of course.  

You couldn't help but learn something when you watched the weatherman on television.  

Back then weather predicting was done by looking up at the sky, analyzing cloud formations, barometric pressure, and weather conditions.  Human input was a big part of it all and of course, so was human error.  

My favorite weatherman, Ken Hirsch of KELO-Land in Sioux Falls fame, used to go so far as to rate the day's weather on a scale of 1 to 10.  A "ten" day was nearly perfect and of course, were rarities in these parts.  

These days weather forecasting has bounded into the computer technological era and the "weatherman" has been replaced by "meteorologists".  And there are plenty of women forecasters out there as well.  

Weather people now use computer-based models to tell us how to dress for tomorrow's weather.  Forecasters rely upon the "most likely" weather outcomes and they confidently report their findings on their broadcasts.

What's more, there's a whole bevy of experts who make it their life's mission to monitor and report on anything and everything weather related on a 24-hour basis.  I will admit that when the weather turns inclement, I generally tune them all out and rely on  old fashioned instincts:  turn your eye to the sky and ear to the ground.  It allays any unnecessary undue fretting on my part I suppose.

But even with all of this technological wonder, the forecasters can still be wrong.   It happens now and then as we all know.  I can't help but miss those weather maps of yesterday with Mr. Sunshine beaming happily over the area, or the dour looking Rain Cloud with drenching water drops falling out of it.  And the real, live person in front of that map, telling us, to the best of their ability, just what to expect the weather to be like tomorrow.

That said I guess I'll check the Intellicast weather app on my smart phone and see what to expect in the way of weather for the next, say, four weeks.  I've got plans to make after all and need to know exactly what the weather is going to be doing during that time.  

June 16, 2014

Every Day Heroes in Our Midst

Sitting in on the race track rescue training session with noted race track rescue official Jay Masur at the Slayton Fire Department last weekend led me to reflect and contemplate the countless individuals who deem it their responsibility and duty to provide emergency assistance whenever it is needed.

These volunteers take their jobs seriously and should be considered every day heroes.

Fire department, police officers and ambulance crews know that when they are summoned, their assistance is needed and they do not hesitate to act.....immediately.  At any hour of the day or night they must be willing to jump to attention in what may well be a life or death situation.  

A comment once heard from a local fire fighter sums it all up:  When that pager sounds, someone is in trouble and that's all I think of.  Thoughts of personal safety are put on hold whenever duty calls.

While racing is an enjoyable sport for the spectator, it is equally dangerous for those involved, including pit crew members, track officials and drivers.  In the blink of an eye a lively competition can turn tragic with the flip of a car or shattering crash between two or more race cars.  

And first on the scene assessing the situation are the emergency crews who put their training and expertise to the task in order to assist those involved.

Never mind that there may be fire, or noxious fumes, or other hazards involved.  These things faze not the trained volunteers who every week put their lives on the line in an effort to ensure safe rescue measures at the race track or at a vehicle crash or house fire.  

They are prepared for and expect the worst.  And hope that it never happens.  

But sometimes it does and when that happens, it can take a toll on our emergency service providers.  They're only human after all, and if they weren't deeply caring individuals then they wouldn't be doing what they do.

I consider you all my heroes indeed.  And I thank you for volunteering your time and for sacrificing your personal lives in order to keep us all safe.  Take a minute sometime to thank one or two of them.  It's the very least that you can do after all.

June 9, 2014

I've Got Friends in High Places...

My dad always said that your banker can be one of your best friends. So true-he was right about that.   But I have to say that some of my best friends of late have to be the go-to guys at the local hardware store.  Yes, Nick, Myron and Chuck, and the rest of the staff seem to know that whenever I walk through the doors of the Midwest Supply store in town, I need some sort of help.  

And they're always there to provide it for me.  I'm sure they are trained spot the clueless, vague look in a customer's eye when they are seen wandering the aisles in search of answers.  

Whether it is to replace an obsolete, decrepit washer from the basement faucet that took to drizzling a steady stream of water this spring, or  that worn out, useless spark plug with no fire left in it, or a burnt out headlight for my motorcycle, they know just what to do and how to help me out.

I guess maybe they sense a challenge whenever I show up, or they just plain want to provide some good old fashioned customer service.  Whatever the case, I appreciate all of the help they provide whenever I require it.

It's amazing what one can do when you set your sights firmly on the goal.  And I hope they know that this do-it-yourselfer appreciates their friendship.  

Another tool to which I owe a great deal of gratitude is the plethora of information at anyone's fingertips.  I'm talking about good old Youtube. 

Thanks to the fathomless wealth of expertise found there, one can learn a great deal of how-tos and whats-its and other technical stuff  necessary to keep every day life running smoothly. 

There's just no way to thank all of those helpful handy doers who post videos showing just how to fix those leaky faucets, replace a headlamp, or hook up a stereo system.  I am grateful for each and every one of you, whoever you are!

But really, there's just no substitute for that one on one service that my fix-it experts at the hardware store have to offer.  And oh the satisfaction of tackling making that vital repair just when you need it.  

Did you know that you guys are my heroes? Thanks - and I'm sure I'll be seeing you again soon with yet another puzzler for you to help  me solve.

June 2, 2014

It Takes Teamwork to Tackle Some Tasks

The other day I thought I was going to have to call on my super-power-alter-ego.   She'd get the job done, I just know it.  

You see, things were starting to get out of control around here.  Namely, it was the lawn and all of the other green growing globules of weedy matter taking over my once beautiful yard.  

In my defense, life had been a little hectic as of late. Well, I'll say it was downright ludicrous, my working 10-12 hour days kind of left little room for any extra curricular activity such as home owner duties and upkeep around the place.  

But Saturday morning came around and I knew it was the day to tackle the big chore and whack down those gone-to-seed-blades of grass.

With good intentions I donned my sunhat, t-shirt and shorts.  Mind you, this was the first time I'd even left the house in that summer time attire this year yet so I was seriously ready for the task.

Rolling out the John Deere, I made certain that he was topped off with a tank of fresh gasoline.  Oil, check.  Spark plug, check.   

Power?  Negative.  Pull the cord.....again, again, again.  Wipe the brow, stand back and mutter a few choice words under your breath.  Pull the cord....again, again. Call it - time of death 10:01 a.m.  

Luckily I had a little red loaner that was eager to step into the game as a substitute.  So I sauntered over to Lil' Red and yanked its cord.  Again, and again, and again.  Mutter some more creative words, which this time must have done the trick for it fired up like a little 4th of July sparkler and off we went to devour the field of grass.

Now it being the hot, sultry Saturday morning that it was, midway through my chore I felt the need to take a time out to re-hydrate my system so I stopped for a little time out.  

But apparently Red wasn't ready when I was to resume and refused to start.  Sensing JD was ready to get back in the game, I gave a quick pull on the cord and he eagerly fired up.  Off we went to tackle the behemoth task at hand, leaving Red to sit on the sideline.  

An hour and a half later the lawn was once again a carpet of well groomed beauty.  

I can only reason that I am the care giver to two very temperamental machines and the season is going to be a long and arduous one. But I am confident however, that with a little teamwork, we can get the job done.  

It's rather satisfying to survey a freshly-cut lawn.  And a little unsettling to notice that two days later, following a weekend of glorious early summer rains, that I will need to mow again very soon.  I wonder which of my teammates will be ready to get in the game this time....I guess that's just the way the ball bounces, or motor turns, or something like that.

By the way, I'd like to wish two of my favorite people a very  happy two-year wedding anniversary.  

As I think back on the memories of those many years ago that you met and fell in love, I know that you are truly meant to be together, and know that you will share countless years of happiness and teamwork. 

May 26, 2014

And On the Other Side of the Coin....

As promised last week, I offer a more positive reflection on life's experiences.  I do very much enjoy the little things that bring such joy to one's life.  The slighter the better - no need for a big "wow" moment in my life.  There are so many rewarding things to enjoy.

Like sitting outside at dusk watching the bats dance with the stars as they both come to life in the evening sky.  With the abundant insect life throughout the warm summer months, I can't help but wonder how they find enough to satisfy their appetites in these early spring, cool evenings.  

That full moon you forgot to look for.  The same one that takes your breath away when you round the corner and see.  Even if your mind is busy troubling over some trifle or another, it's soon forgotten when the sight of that glorious heavenly orb meets your eyes.

Waking on a weekend morning knowing that you really don't have to be anywhere any time soon.  Feeling the joy of rolling over just one more time, and knowing the alarm clock will not summon you out of bed.  Indeed, those mornings I love the sound of birds waking in the predawn. And even if they do keep me awake for a short time, I know I can pull the covers over my head and fade away for a little more snoozing.

A smile.  It can come from a friend or someone I do not know-doesn't matter.  The power it holds is remarkable and is almost as rewarding as a hearty, laugh-out-loud chuckle.  Yes, those are two of life's best things.

Scratching that itch that just won't seem to go away.  Sometimes this is a literal thing and you need a helping hand from a friend to get that out of reach spot.  Other times it's figurative.  You know what I mean, I'm sure.

Fresh rain that just keeps on giving. First, it's the sound of the drops on the windows, then the irresistible urge to take a walk in it, and then the green growth that follows the next day.  Simply wonderful.

Vacations, babies, a kitten, a puppy, Fridays.  A great book, movie, live music. A good neighbor, and sons to look up to.  My list of favorite things goes on and on, but it wouldn't be fair to bore you my dear reader any longer, and after all, that song's already been written.  So I will finish with just one more  thing.....

A memory.  I think this is probably my favorite joy since it's the one thing I can have anytime I want. 

And the good ones never go away.