Saying I Love You with a Power Tool

(From time to time people write to this blog posing questions which presuppose I know something. Rather than admit that I don't I generally ignore them. However, every so often one comes along...)

Tom,
I know you are both a tool enthusiast and a veteran husband and hope you can help. My husband really wants a portable drill for Christmas, but his mother has warned me that buying your man a tool for Christmas is like the guy buying his wife an appliance for the kitchen. In other words: "Here's something that will help you serve me better." Is this true?
-RS in Madison

Dear R, if I may call you R, your mother-in-law is either addled, ignorant, or has already bought him the tool. Believe me, nothing says 'I love you' like a 1/2" Makita 18v variable speed drill. The kitchen appliance thing may be true for some women, but a good tool never needs an apology or justification. This I know to be true.

Next question?

Happy Thanksgiving

President Lincoln recognized the need for a day of thanks at a time when Americans felt little to be thankful about. I don't have to strain my soul to find gratitude in and for my life. Here's a piece of wisdom -- often attributed to me but belonging to Allen K. Chalmers -- I keep in mind at all times. "The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." In case I ever forget, it also gives me the top three things to be thankful for. Wishing you all a heartfelt and happy Thanksgiving.

Local Hero Kills Awestruck Humorist

Rita will kill me for putting her picture here so this may be my last post. I can't help it. She (on the right with the hat) and her dear friend from Alaska, Saundra, made a fine showing for themselves at the NYC Marathon on Sunday. This picture was taken shortly after reuniting with them at the finish. They look fresh and strong after running 26.2 miles through the city of New York in that way of mutant marathon maidens everywhere. Rita made her goal of finishing under 4 hours at 3:56, which is only an hour and about 10,000 places behind Lance Armstrong. She did cross the finish line in the top 30% of all finishers. In a field of 38,700 runners, that's not nothing, or in plain English - something. She's my hero. But she's still going to kill me.

Marathon Weekend

I'm in New York with my amazing wife who is running the marathon tomorrow with a dear friend of ours from Alaska. I love this city. I also love being here for the Marathon. This is Rita's third time and it is such a thrill. Yesterday we went over to the convention center to pick up her number and mill about with about 20,000 of the most fit people on the east coast. Rita asked me to carry the runners bag for her and it was wonderful to be mistaken for a marathoner. The supportive nods, the warm smiles of camaraderie, looks of non-comprehending envy from other doughy bystanders. It improved my posture considerably during the 12 block walk back to the hotel. It was tiring, but we made good time.