Fleetwood Mac

This link will take you to a very poor quality video that has bad lighting, less than stellar audio and a few sound glitches - but forget about all that and just enjoy the pure emotion Fleetwood Mac is able to convey via Lindsey Buckingham singing, "Go Your Own Way". Pure Rock and Roll at it's best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SAE6yuqlYg&feature=related

Den Window

It's been in the works for some time, but the entry-way/den window is finally installed. Laine and Duane did an excellent job of building and installing this framed work-of-art. The window was originally in the form of french doors manufactured by Feather River Doors. They are part of the Diamond Collection, a series of etched glass doors that have to be ordered through Home Depot and manufactured to a specific size determined by Feather River. The opening where these doors were to be installed did not fit any of the sizes offered in the Feather River Diamond Series, wouldn't you have guessed that, so... Laine had to cut the doors to fit the opening and by doing so alter their appearance so they would look more "window-like'", than "door-like" - not a simple task. He also had to make sure that by cutting around the glass portion of the doors that he did not substantially weaken their structural rigidity. Additionally, the doors had to be stained oak on one side, to match the entry-way railing along the stairs and a dark cherry-espresso on the other side to match the furniture in the den. Duane managed that rather challenging endeavor with aplomb. He was spot-on for both sides.

The installation took about four hours and involved a sixteen foot ladder that was extended to its full length. Laine made a good choice for a partner on this project, as Duane is a retired fireman and not ad versed to climbing up a tall ladder. The install went without a hitch and the outcome looks fantastic - from both the entry-way and the den.

Check out the blog pics to see the result of their work.

Lafayette Life Leaves After A Hundred And Five Years

My cousin's company, Lafayette Life Insurance, recently made the news with an announcement by its CEO and President, Jerry Stillwell (my cousin), regarding the company's decision to leave the city of Lafayette, Indiana, after a stay lasting a hundred and five years. The company, with Jerry staying at the helm, will move to Cincinnati, Ohio by the end of June, 2011. As you might imagine, this was a significant loss for the city of Lafayette, as the company employs a hundred and fifty people.

I'm impressed with how far my cousin has climbed the corporate ladder over a nearly forty year span in insurance, but I certainly don't envy how difficult it must have been for him to tell his employees about the move to Ohio. Many of you West Enders will remember Jerry from his high school years in Louisville and from his talent as a musician in several well known Louisville bands. Continued good fortune to Jerry and his company with the move to Cincy.

You can see a clip of the announcement, carried by a local Lafayette television station, at the link below:

http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/on_the_money/company-ends-105-years-in-lafayette

Talking Heads - Live In Rome June 1980 - Take Me To The River

Talking Heads, accompanied by several performers, doing what I think is their best version of the classic song - "Take Me To The River"!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25E0ACkA6uo

Wayward Turtle

Chili and I saw something unusual on our walk this morning - a turtle. Chili, at first, was taken aback, but she was still curious enough to take a good long look, and sniff, at this shell that was lying on the sidewalk. A young girl and her sister were also checking out the turtle and they quickly decided to take it to the lake and release it near the water's edge. We watched as they carried the turtle a block or so to the lake. Chili wanted to venture all the way up to the water, but I vetoed that plan - it was too muddy for her to be traipsing around in all that mud and gunk. I would of had to hose her down when we got back home, if she went down to the lake.

The girls said the turtle's release went fine and the turtle is now back in it's own habitat. As it turned out, the Wayward Turtle make for a rather interesting morning walk! Something different!

Belmont Time

We're only a week away from the last leg of the Triple Crown. I've made my choice for this lengthy race - it's Nehro. I'm certain he has the stamina to go the mile and a half distance. He also has great ears, and that makes for an unbeatable combination. Fast feet and great ears. Just like my Chili Dog! Remember my motto - 'BET THE FARM' (*).

* Note - occasionally stuff happens and other horses in the field will run faster than my pick. If that should happen (again), just say - "Oh Well" - a couple of times - and you should feel better in nothing flat. Oh, and sorry about any farms that you may have lost from my previous handicapping, but farming is a rather overrated profession, don't you think? Anyway, this pick is a sure thing.! However, just to be on the ultra safe side, bet Nehro to show. That's right - to show - not to win. This way, you can't lose. Remember, it's a sure thing! So, go ahead,"Bet The Farm"!

And The Winner Of The Preakness Is...

OK, let's keep it simple. No long explanation for why you'll want to bet this particular horse in the Preakness race coming up Saturday - just the facts, mam! So, go ahead and bet whatever might be left of your farm on - "Dance City". A very fast horse with great looking ears - kinda like my Chili Dog's (see photo)! Plain and simple. This one was so easy to pick!*


*caveats and disclaimers, stated in previous blog posts, do apply to any and all selections made by this expert handicapper

Remember my motto - "BET THE FARM'