I am one lucky fellow.
My sainted brother, who is still recovering from right shoulder surgery, drove over the mountains from Bend -- merely to help me put together my rooftop carrier.
And I am glad he did. Even with the two of us using our encyclopedic database of engineering, it was a close run thing -- as the Iron Duke may have said.
The carrier is American-made. And the instructions to assemble it are proof of that fact. There were enough warnings to make the tender-hearted turn back on the first page.
It does prove one of my theories, though. It seems as if everything I buy requires assembling multiple parts, guided only by instructions that are about as vague as a politician's grasp of economics.
Speaking of politicians. The American variety loves to to claim that American manufacturing jobs have been shipped overseas. But politicians are wrong. The manufacturing jobs have been outsourced to American back yards and basements.
But I now have a rooftop carrier, thanks to the good offices of my younger brother, and I can now start measuring for serious packing.
Our mother showed up just as we were finishing up the job. So, we took her out for a delayed birthday dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant. In talking with the owners, I discovered they are returning to Mexico -- Colima, in fact -- to open a restaurant. I certainly wish them well.
The rest of the day was devoted to sorting things to give to the Salvation Army, to keep at the house, or to take to Mexico. I think I have everything that I will take reduced to four plastic containers and one suitcase -- with soft things stuffed in between.
The "to go" pile includes some clothes, more toiletries than I can use in six months, my computer and related supplies, a few books, Jiggs's supplies, and my kitchenware and utensils.
If anything rings the Mexican customs bell, it will probably be the toiletries. I buy in bulk at Costco. I have enough soap, deodorant, and tooth paste to make any customs officer believe I am opening up a hygiene shop on the side.
I have not mentioned Jiggs lately. I am getting a bit concerned how he is going to hold up on the trip. He is getting reluctant to go for his walks. Instead, he sleeps a lot -- and deeply. I know he is getting anxious with all of the people coming and going from the house. On the other hand, he is old.
But, for now, I will simply wish each of you a very happy Easter!
My sainted brother, who is still recovering from right shoulder surgery, drove over the mountains from Bend -- merely to help me put together my rooftop carrier.
And I am glad he did. Even with the two of us using our encyclopedic database of engineering, it was a close run thing -- as the Iron Duke may have said.
The carrier is American-made. And the instructions to assemble it are proof of that fact. There were enough warnings to make the tender-hearted turn back on the first page.
It does prove one of my theories, though. It seems as if everything I buy requires assembling multiple parts, guided only by instructions that are about as vague as a politician's grasp of economics.
Speaking of politicians. The American variety loves to to claim that American manufacturing jobs have been shipped overseas. But politicians are wrong. The manufacturing jobs have been outsourced to American back yards and basements.
But I now have a rooftop carrier, thanks to the good offices of my younger brother, and I can now start measuring for serious packing.
Our mother showed up just as we were finishing up the job. So, we took her out for a delayed birthday dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant. In talking with the owners, I discovered they are returning to Mexico -- Colima, in fact -- to open a restaurant. I certainly wish them well.
The rest of the day was devoted to sorting things to give to the Salvation Army, to keep at the house, or to take to Mexico. I think I have everything that I will take reduced to four plastic containers and one suitcase -- with soft things stuffed in between.
The "to go" pile includes some clothes, more toiletries than I can use in six months, my computer and related supplies, a few books, Jiggs's supplies, and my kitchenware and utensils.
If anything rings the Mexican customs bell, it will probably be the toiletries. I buy in bulk at Costco. I have enough soap, deodorant, and tooth paste to make any customs officer believe I am opening up a hygiene shop on the side.
I have not mentioned Jiggs lately. I am getting a bit concerned how he is going to hold up on the trip. He is getting reluctant to go for his walks. Instead, he sleeps a lot -- and deeply. I know he is getting anxious with all of the people coming and going from the house. On the other hand, he is old.
But, for now, I will simply wish each of you a very happy Easter!
