Archive for category: Friday Afternoon

With the weather changing a lot this year, I was noticing the wind really picking up out in front of the plant here at KHT, and thought to myself, “I better tell the guys to, “batten down the hatches.” Not being a big boater or sailor, it struck me that I thought of such an expression, and how my guys here knew exactly what I was talking about. Our inherited language is full of colorful expressions – many of which we use without giving a second thought to their origins. I did some digging and learned some come from the sea, others from the battlefield, and a few from the taverns and trades of old. Here’s a look at some fun, fascinating sayings, their meanings, and the history that floats behind them. There are many to choose from, so to be clear, I had to “sound the depths” (search for answers) and “chart a course” (to get you some proper answers and show the way), so “pipe down” (be quiet), “toe the line” (barefoot inspections) and “come about” (turn into the wind). Enjoy!

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Let’s be honest—us dads don’t always get the credit we deserve. We’re not in it for the glory, but every once in a while, it’s nice to be seen. So, this Father’s Day, I’m putting in a good word for all the wonderful fathers out there. The ones who raised us, and the ones we’ve become. Read more

If you are a parent or a grandparent, you know just how wonderful these words are.  I LOVE IT when my grandkids ask me to join them to play.  The “Grandpa, do you want to come play with me?” never gets old!  It doesn’t matter if we’re making pretend food, squishing playdough into balls and snakes, or popping the dome on Trouble, it just never gets old. This also brings back wonderful memories of when my daughters were this age! I love to play a card matching game (usually lose), tic-tac-toe, or checkers.  I’ll admit, I’m not good at all on the hand-held electronics – their little fingers fly across the buttons, while I stumble on the up arrows, jump arrows, and running toggle. Playing together made me think about my wonderful childhood with my parents and brothers and sisters. With 17 in the family, I could always find someone to play with, especially since there is a certain competitive gene that is in all of the Kowalski family. So many of the toys today are carry-overs from time past, as they pack a certain timeless appeal. There are so many – Battleship, Stratego, Shoots & Ladders, GI Joe’s, and more. I thought it would be fun to explore the unique ways some toys came into existence – fascinating how breakthrough experiments, bold innovation, and even bizarre accidents created some enduringly popular classic toys. Thanks to interestingfacts.com, Google, and YouTube for the info. (And when you get time, go find one of the little ones, and play a game with them – I PROMISE you’ll cherish the moments. Enjoy!

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When the day is right and the wind is steady, there’s nothing like flying a kite. As a kid, I can remember going to the park with my Dad, watching him do a short run, and then launching the kite up in the air. As we let out the string, I was amazed how the kite would float away and hang in the air. Since Jackie and I love going to the beach on vacations, our girls grew up being able to fly kites on the ocean breezes. There is nothing quite as exciting as seeing the kite go up, run out of string, then adding another roll of string to have it go even higher. Watching the kite float off until it’s just a spec is very satisfying. Now, reeling the kite back in is not nearly as much fun! Part design, part aerodynamics, kites are just marvels. From ancient China to modern kite festivals worldwide, these lightweight flying marvels have captured our imagination for thousands of years. Here’s a little history, trivia, and the science behind how kites take flight. Thanks to Wikipedia, YouTube, Facebook, Guinness World Records, and kite.org for the info. Enjoy! Read more

If you know me, you know I’m a “partly sunny” kind of guy – always seeing the positive open opportunities ahead (especially with my “impossible” golf shots from the woods – “don’t worry, I got this!”). That positive outlook is shared by my gang here at KHT, always encouraging each other to find the “sunny” spot – and to keep trying when working on your PIA (pain in the @%$) Jobs! One of the fun advantages I have living in Cleveland are the different cloud formations we get to see throughout the year – from wispy cirrus formations to big puffy cumulus cotton balls (I always find some special animals in them) to the super dark rain/snow clouds I see coming in over the lake (I’m really lucky, as my office here at KHT World headquarters looks out over Lake Erie). I love seeing the storm clouds forming out west over the water and then watching how they move in with the rain front (and sometimes a lightning show). Many of my boater friends tell me how quickly the weather can change when they are out on the lake – beautiful sunny fishing days can quickly turn into scrambles to the shore. I did some digging online to refresh my memory of the different cloud formations and the weather tips they provide, and just had to share. I’m looking forward to lying down on the driveway with the grandkids and picking out different shapes in the clouds this weekend (the grass is way too wet!) I’m always amazed by what the little munchkins “see” in the clouds! – and recommend you give it a try. Thanks to Google, theweatherchannel.com and YouTube for the info. Enjoy!

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