Hi Folks,
You know, I need a vacation. Actually Dixie and I really need a vacation.
After 23 years we decided to buy new appliances for our kitchen. The old stuff kept breaking and was looking pretty sad after all the use it has been subjected to. Wow, do you have any idea what new appliances cost? Anyway, we took this leap and ordered a new stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and even a trash compactor, which we didn’t have before. Of course, nothing is a simple as taking out the old and putting in the new. Nope, we needed to modify the center island where the stove goes as well as the cabinet that the oven fits in. Oh, and we will need a new countertop as well. Great.
So we order these appliances and are promised 2 weeks delivery. Not. Doesn’t happen. Not a surprise, not good service (but that’s another story for another newsletter). Instead of being delivered March 15 they are delivered April 11. The same day our contractor shows up to tear out the center island and start putting in the new cabinets and counter top. The same day we begin a weeks babysitting stint for our 5 year old (Elsie) and 7 year old (Mickey T) grandkids. Just old enough to go to school via Dixie’s taxi (two different schools) and require being picked up at two different times. Dixie’s taxi again.
Now this is no big deal but do keep in mind that very same day our stove, oven, and microwave were taken out by our contractor and last seen in the back of his truck destined for the local dump (hey, I told you they were old!). So for that week of babysitting we did Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, and numerous other healthy and nutritious fast foods (isn’t that an oxymoron?). Yum-yum.
Our daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Brad had assured us that come Friday they had scheduled a babysitter who would “take over” for the weekend. Fine. Sounds like a plan.
We passed the grandkids off Friday afternoon after picking them up from school(s). Saturday morning we get a call from the babysitter who was in distress because she “didn’t sleep well” and wanted us to come and get the kids. Hmmm. Babysitter melt down. 18 years old and sleep deprived. Jeez, that’s a tough one. Poor girl.
Well, we pick up the kids Saturday about noon and reschedule our errands so we can spend time with them. Not all that bad and we have a really fun Saturday night watching a movie and eating some popcorn. Sunday Mickey T has his first baseball game. “Be there at 4:30 PM for pictures”, says Jennifer assuring us the game will probably be over by 6:00 PM. OK, we’ll feed the kids after the game.
I’ll admit that I remember little about kids baseball games, especially since we had three girls and baseball wasn’t on our agenda when they were growing up. I have no idea how long a 7 year olds baseball game will be. Over at 6 PM sounds reasonable. Reasonable if you’re an old fart with a bad memory and not a lot of experience with this sort of thing in the first place!
So, this game that’s supposed to end at 6:00 PM doesn’t even start until 5:30 PM and ends at 7:45 PM The kids haven’t had anything to eat or their baths. They’re grumpy. And it’s late. We roll into the driveway and as we unload the kids we hear a constant screech from the backyard. I investigate only to find the pool pump is going out. Fast. The kids get in the tub and Dixie goes for take-out as I try to repair the pump so it will make it until Monday morning. No luck. It’s a goner.
About 15 minutes after arriving home we have a serious kid melt down. The word “unreasonable” comes to mind here. So does “belligerent”, “intolerant”, and several others that I will refrain from mentioning least I be accused of a total lack of understanding. For most of you “melt down” will suffice. You know what we’re talking about here. Ugly stuff….
Let’s pause here and summarize so far: We have no functioning kitchen. We are babysitting a 5 and 7 year old. And their dog. Our pool pump just blew up. And Elsie is attempting to emulate Chernobyl or Fukishima for the moment. Dinner is AWOL but coming soon. It’s late. Two older baby boomers are, for lack of a better description, toast.
And then we discover that the water heater in the basement has a leak. And our laminate floor is warping. Bad.
I’m not going to bore you with a lot of additional details but, suffice to say, it’s been a very tough two weeks. And I didn’t even mention our garage door opener suddenly not working after a thunderstorm or the contractor telling us there was a “piece missing” that would delay the kitchen being put back together. Or “the floor guy” estimating a new laminate floor would “sure be expensive”. Or the plumber telling us that “they don’t make a water heater like the one you have anymore” which means a lot of re-piping, etc. Nope, I think mentioning all this will just remind me that I really need a vacation.
And that’s exactly what Dixie and I have been doing this last week. We’re got away and have just returned. This is a short story this issue because I had to get it done by last weekend so we could leave and it could come out this weekend. We need a vacation! Surely you understand. If not, re-read the above story.
OK, now the GOOD STUFF. We’ve got what I believe to be one of the Best Rod Specials we have ever offered. Daiwa’s Most Popular Series of rod, the VIP Series, is On Sale at unbelievable prices. Simply put, a FANTASTIC deal. See below for all the details. We also have some exciting news about both the Live Target and Megabass Vision 110 lures that you will not want to miss. There’s also some info on Sunline’s success on the tournament circuit. Finally, be sure to read about our new Product Review Feature. We think with your help this will be a great addition to our web site and a benefit to all.
As always, we thank all of you for your friendship and loyalty. Now that we’re in the middle of Spring fishing we want to assure all of you that we are here to assist you in any way we can. All you need do is ask.
Tight lines,
Tom Ashby
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