Kowalski Heat Treating Blog - Kowalski Heat Treating

Calm in the Chaos

December 5, 2025/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

Now that we’re past Thanksgiving (I’m still feeling thankful AND stuffed!), it’s easy to sense the excitement and the pressure building over the next few weeks. Talking with Jackie, and looking at my work calendar through the end of the year, I’m thinking “there’s so much to do, so many people to see, and so many little details to manage”. It’s that holiday crunch time we all slide into – trying to get everything done and wanting to make everything special for the people (and customers) we love. Experts say this can be a tough time of year, which can leave us feeling more exhausted than joyful. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news is, with a few intentional choices, we can get our work done and chores completed while bringing more peace and joy back into the season (and actually enjoy it, too). Here’s a bit about stress, and some really great tips on how to find time to relax a bit and reduce the pressure. Remember, stress can sometimes be a state of mind (I’ve started some of these already and feel better!) RELAX and Enjoy!

Spicy Goodness

November 28, 2025/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

When the air turns crisp and the lights start twinkling around town, it’s a sign that the holidays are a comin’. That means rich soups, yummy apps, and mouth-watering pies and other desserts. And for beer lovers, that includes the long-awaited return of Christmas Ale. Spicy, malty, and just a little bit magical, these winter brews have become as much a holiday tradition as gingerbread or mistletoe. While spicy beverages have been around for centuries, there’s something special about Christmas Ale, especially from our neighbors and friends at Great Lakes Brewery here in beautiful Cleveland. But where did they come from, and why do they hold such a special place in our hearts (and pint glasses)? Let’s pour (get it?) into the history, the modern trends, and some top picks for your own Christmas cheer. Sip and Enjoy!

Magie’s Game

November 21, 2025/0 Comments/in Friday Afternoon /by Steve Kowalski

As we get closer to the holidays, and the fun gift giving, (I love giving gifts, and don’t mind receiving as well!!), I’m always on the prowl for new family games. (If you have any suggestions, please email me @ skowalski@khtheat.com). Hitting the “game” aisle, it’s not uncommon to see so many of the classics – Stratego, Clue, Chutes and Ladders, Uno, Trouble, and of course, Monopoly. For me, Monopoly never gets old – it’s easy to play, fun to strategize a plan, and usually winds up with one person winning most of the money. The grandkids are coming of age to play, and I can’t wait to take their $$- (HA!) After a 10-year hiatus, McDonald’s just brought back their fast-food Monopoly game – of course, with new twists, online registration, instant wins, posts, scans, Facebook chatter, and more. I’ve always associated Monopoly with The Parker Brothers, who went on to really dominate games – they actually offer over 1800 different games. Doing research, I found out the real originator of the Monopoly game was Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie, who designed her original board game as a critique, not a tribute, to capitalism. Quite a character, she held some contemporary views in her time, but her gaming story is lost a bit to history. I went digging a bit and found the story behind the game. Enjoy!