Monday August 30

Did you ever have one of those weekends you were looking forward to the events and good times, and then it all came crashing down. Well that was my weekend. Friday evening, I was going to hang with some Shriners, and I noticed the kitchen sink filled with water. Next thing we know Carrie is, very nicely pointing out (yes, I am a politician at heart) that the pipe has cracked and water is all over the side cabinets. After removing all the pots and pans, draining the water and junk, we found cracks in the galvanized pipe (why do we still have galvanized pipes is beyond me). We spent several late night hours cleaning up the mess and getting rid of the water.

Early Saturday, I was supposed to drive down to Wayne for their Wheelfest parade, but I called a plumber (I Love You Bob), and he had a guy over within an hour. The entire plumbing had to be replaced and Carrie and I were well into mid-afternoon till we had the entire kitchen back to some sense of normality.

Now guys, I am going to give you some advice, that my lovely and talented bride kindly imparted in a very kind, calm, loving manner; DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT EVER use the plunger that is stored in a bathroom in the kitchen sink. I now understand, which like I said was imparted in the most loving of conversations, that one should not even bring that plunger near the kitchen. Got it GUYS, consider this me whispering good counsel to all my Brothers.

That being said, after everything was said and done, I talked to some Shriners who said that we had a great turnout in Wayne and the parade was very well attended by the public, more than previous years.

Sunday August 29, 2010:

I decided that I needed a little rest so I drove up to Holly to walk around the Renaissance Festival. This is something I have learned to do alone, because if you try to force someone to go with you, who does not like the heat, dirt, and good natured people dressed as lords and ladies, you will not have fun. I love the Renaissance Festival and partook in a delicious Turkey Leg. It was the Highland Fling-themed weekend and I sat and watched the competition for a little while, it was fun.

I wanted to let go a little, and have some fun during the morning, because I knew I was attending a funeral for a good friend Sunday evening. A good Shriner passed away suddenly, at 55, from a cerebral hemorrhage. The Masonic Memorial Service was held in Dearborn and the room was packed by loved ones. It was a very sad event, he was loved by many and we will miss him tremendously.

It is now Monday August 30, less than 48 hours from September 1, and 4 days from the Labor Day Weekend. Have I mentioned how fast this year has gone, in a blink of an eye. Carrie and I have talked about how much fun we are having, and the impact of the last 5 years on our lives. I truly cannot imagine my life without being a Shriner, or should I say, I do not ever want to imagine my life without being a member of such an excellent organization.