I am writing this column while Genie is at a ladies-only retreat in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Yearly, we trade a week of fishing for me and a week of ladies retreat for Genie. Later, as previous years, Genie will be writing this column about her retreat.
Prior fo leaving on her retreat, Genie contacted a local plumbing company that met her qualifications of: old and reliable, locally owned, with a lady involved.
Why the stipulation of a lady involved? Because Geneie knows if an issue arises, it is easier for her to talk to a lady.
Genie found such a company (Christianson Plumbing and Heating). She explained what she wanted done while she was gone. They sent Mark, a Master Plumber, to our house to get all the information plus submit a written proposal to Genie, including the cost to remove and install a shower upstairs and downstairs.
Before accepting the proposal, Genie asked who would be doing the work. She specified the workers must have at least 15 years of experience with Christianson Plumbing and Heating. She was told the employees would be doing most of the work, namely Mark and John. Both had more than 15 years employment with Christianson Plumbing and Heating. Genie accepted the proposal and was told the job would be completed while she was goine. Why the stipulation of at least 15 years? Because, Genie knows in 15 years the person has been around the block a few times. Thus that person knows what “not to do.” (Like smoke in the house, drink on the job, leave a mess, be rude, etc.”
Both Mark and John recognize that old saying of, “If mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy,” and both were very professionnal in their work ethic and work results.
I attended the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Pontoppidan Lutheran Church on Sunday, June 10, 2018. (I am one of the many proud alumnus as many moons ago I was confirmed there).
It was great to attend the serving in a setting that brought back many memories of my rural America youth. The conversations, followed by loud guffaws of boisterous laughter, were just great. One such very amusing conversation was four ladies I overheard bragging how they were past menopause.
During the program Pastor Mike Wallerius told how the name “Pontoppidan” was the last name of a person, and that it was difficult to pronounce and even harder to spell. But once you saw “Pontoppidan” in print, you remembered it. Without looking, can you spell it?
Ah, yes, Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, you are in a setting that exemplifies that great song, “I’m Proud to be an American.”
P.S. The spelling question answer is, the first letter “I,” the second letter “T.’
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.