May 24, 2020 thought for the day: Speak truth in humility to all people. Only then can you be a true man. American Indian Proverb

It has (almost) been a “lazy, hazy day of summer”. It’s been comparatively hot but only because the last few days have been on the cool and damp side. We will be getting a lot hotter, I’m sure.

The photo theme for yesterday was “something green”. The weather has been a real help to greening things up. The trees, for the most part, are in full leaf with different shades of green. Then there is the grass that has come back from the winter blahs. There is a group of trees about a half a block from my house. They form a beautiful collection of shades of green and in shapes and forms. 

As is my habit for Sunday, I don’t have an agenda. I am just picking up something here and there that I have thought about on a different day but didn’t have the time to work on. Found a  new crochet pattern, then researched some information about getting back to church services, possible ways to make things as safe as can be. We will be having a meeting later this week.

I still need to work in the kitchen for a little while this afternoon.

The word today is genuine.  A man can be beautiful physically, mentally, or personality wise. True beauty, though, is in the spirit. A genuine man who understands right and wrong, with a strong sense of self is beautiful. A man who can be compassionate and caring, but firm and wise. Someone who can do the right thing no matter who's around to see it. Even if the deed is unseen and unrecognized. That is a beautiful man. One today is worth two tomorrows, Benjamin Franklin. Despair is the only genuine atheism, Jean Paul.  There is but one genuine love potion - consideration, Menander.  Let your words be the genuine picture of your heart, John Wesley.   I have before suggested that a genuine blackguard is never without a pocket-handkerchief, Edgar Allan Poe. To the corruptions of Christianity I am indeed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus himself. I am a Christian, in the only sense he wished any one to be; sincerely attached to his doctrines, in preference to all others; ascribing to himself every human excellence; & believing he never claimed any other, Thomas Jefferson.  To me nothing in the world is as precious as a genuine smile, especially from a child, Rumi. That friendship will not continue to the end which is begun for an end, Francis Quarles. A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles, William Hazlitt.

The photo challenge today is “breakfast”. There was a time the thought of breakfast didn’t appeal to me when I first woke up or even until time for lunch rolled around. Things change as age creeps in. The hunger topic for me has done an about face of sorts. I use to be ravenous at dinner time.  Now I wake up hungry, not so much at dinner time. I think that is perhaps healthier. It’s just a puzzle to me how such a years-long habit can completely shift.

I like tree houses. When I was a kid we tried to create one out of odds and ends. I have to be honest, it was not too successful but it was a little hideaway for a day or two. This article is about a tree house that needs some professional tips. Once the expert was contacted he first suggested that before starting some research would help. It would help to start with by dealing with the proper tools needed. The original tree house was described as a twelve foot by twelve foot deck in the air. One of the things noted was that the amount of weight is put on the size of the bolts that hold the frame together. Another error the professional noted was that the solid wood should be mounted on beams that are buried in concrete in the ground. The professional noted that drywall screws had been used to fasten joist hangers to beams. Special bolts should have been used. The original structure swayed a little. It could be fixed by putting up diagonal bracing on both sides of “apposing corners”. Another of the repairs needed was on the railings at the top of the deck. Apparently the posts were notched and shouldn’t have been. There are metal connectors that meet codes that are set for such things. The article mentioned that treated lumber can have copper in it and copper corrodes and steel that is in the structure. Those steel parts should be coated “galvanizing”. Another consideration should be that lumber shrinks.

I think we will order in for tonight’s dinner or have baked spaghetti from last nights left overs.

Joy