2. Most people don’t like the metric system. They like the English system since it’s “familiar.” Yet most people don’t even know one tablespoon is equal to three teaspoons; most people think it’s four.

3. My favorite breakfast includes pot roast hash, eggs over medium, toast, and enough coffee to float a skiff.

4. “The Making of the Empire Strikes Back” was the last book I read before falling asleep the other night. (I usually read my Bible before going to sleep, but I did something different the night before last. I didn’t read anything last night; I was too tired and went right to sleep.)

5. I am SO glad I took a couple hours off from the office this AM.

6. A hot shower would make me feel better right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to playing “Hello Dolly” in the pit of a high school musical, tomorrow my plans include going to a pastor/deacon conference (I will represent the latter; I’m not called to be a pastor!) and Sunday, I want to have lunch with my Mom!

2. Make sure you talk to everyone at the BBQ, so that all the people feel like they are included.

3. Some spare ribs and some brisket and a side of baked beans is exactly what I plan on bring to the BBQ..

4. Well, you see, I’m not sure how this FFI took on a BBQ theme; I did watch a BBQ show on TV last night with daughter Julia, so perhaps that’s it.

5. I can’t wait to have a BBQ; it won’t be too soon!

6. But what if the snow never melts? How then will we have a BBQ? Perhaps we’ll just have to have a party indoors.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to playing a gig with Blind Al at a BBQ stand (not really–no BBQ at all–but the gig is real), tomorrow my plans include playing with Steelin’ Thunder at a fundraising BBQ (again, real gig, no BBQ) and Sunday, I want to have extended family dessert time at Mert’s house, and I hope someone brings some BBQ!

2. I’ve got two pounds to go on my weight loss goal and they won’t come off; I can’t stand it!

3. How the heck did I end up with so many bills? I thought we had that credit card down to a reasonable level.

4. Anywhere I can go on my scooter is one of my favorite places to visit.

5. I’m not a snare drum hoarder, I swear, I’m not!

6. If it comes out of the kitchen of an Italian grandma’s house, it has to be good.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to an evening home, tomorrow my plans include a rehearsal for the show Hello Dolly (I’ll be in the pit, not on the stage!) and Sunday, I want to practice the funk with Groove Machine!

2. In an effort to keep my cardio exercise exciting, I will sometimes take unexpected turn on a daily walk through the city. (It also gives me an excuse to look at all the lovely architecture of the old buildings here in town.)

3. I’m looking forward to losing these last three or so pounds. (I hope by this time next week, or maybe two weeks, I’ll be able to say “199, baby!”)

4. The challenges of raising twin boys is something I never would have imagined.

5. Try to find a delicious food that fills your belly completely for less than 300 calories; I haven’t found one yet.

6. The fact that I can lift a car full of baked beans with two clowns sitting on the roof using only my left earlobe is what’s extraordinary about me.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to an evening home with the family, tomorrow my plans include working at the office and maybe a rehearsal for “Hello Dolly,” and Sunday, I want to have had my Sunday School lesson prepared!

2. This week has had its share of ups and downs. Thankfully, the last two days have been on the “up” side.

3. Trust is something I give my wife completely, and she give the the same to me.

4. Sometimes, when you’re thinking about buying a certain something, sometimes getting the cheapest thing doesn’t make sense; sometimes it makes more sense to spring for the best.

5. Parents like mine are a true gift from God. I hope I can raise my kids as well as they raised theirs.

6. There are times when it’s more important to listen to a person’s heart–what they mean–rather than what was said.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to an evening home with the family, tomorrow my plans include baking some muffins and running some errands, and Sunday, I want to have lunch with my Mom and sister and nephews and stuff!

2. I’m really looking forward to the experience of swimming in the indoor pool on this cold February day in Maine.

3. One of the hardest things for me to learn was Spanish; in fact, I never really did get it.

4. I’m going to upgrade my computer to Windows 7 this weekend; I hope I downloaded the right wireless drivers so I can get connected.

5. I remember The Maine, The Alamo, one time at band camp, you, the kind of September when grass was green–as yes, I remember it well.

6. Spending quality time with my family is one of the best parts of my life.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to making pizza for the kids, tomorrow my plans include a gig with Three Button Deluxe (if it doesn’t get canceled due to weather) and Sunday, I want to get things in order for a Valentines Day surprise for Susan!

2. If you’ve been near the Batty household over the last few weeks, then you’d know the cold/flu thing is going around.

3. Coats and scarves, mittens and boots: all of these are in a pile in front of the doorway when I get home.

4. My wife Susan has never turned me down when I’ve offered to give her a nice back rub.

5. I’m thinking about food; since I’ve been on this diet, I’ve been on a constant search to feel full while not eating too many calories.

6. This morning, while eating breakfast, I heard a gigantic crash, and I wondered “What could that be?” There was nothing amiss that I could find. I checked all the bedrooms. Then I thought “perhaps it’s just some icicles falling from the roof.”

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to making supper for my family, tomorrow my plans include watching the kids so Susan can go to some training meeting for something, and Sunday, I want to have a great time in the adult Sunday School class studying John!

2. A good marriage will weather through a lot, even in hardship.

3. Those who are accepting of compliments too readily might do better to consider the source.

4. Of to left, just behind the potted palm tree, a kitty is waiting quietly, ready to pounce.

5. Light is in both the refrigerator and the stove, though you can’t see it when the doors are closed.

6. I am the ultimate example of all that is ordinary.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to making it home in the snow, tomorrow my plans include a gig at the Black Bull with Blind Albert, and Sunday, I want to work on that snare drum that needs restoration!

———————–

The moon hangs luminous
in the mid-winter blue black sky
A Victorian milk-glass door knob.

2. Milk, most probably, is what’s in my glass.

3. A copy of this letter shall be duly filed in the county of Knox in the state of Maine.

4. If you’re going to eat frosting directly out of the can, you will find it is best with a spoon.

5. The best movie I’ve seen lately is Wisconsin Death Trip.

6. Italian food I like; Susan, I love.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to an evening at home with my family, tomorrow my plans include a gig with Three Button Deluxe, and Sunday, I want to have finished my Sunday School homework!