Archive for category: Friday Afternoon

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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Whatever lifts your spirits,
brings you hope and
fills you with the miracle of Easter—
that’s what I’m wishing for you.
Have a blessed Easter!

 

 

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How did you do on last week’s logo contest?

Check out our logo guide for the “Ornamental Lawns” post here!

So, what’s in a name, and how does it apply today? Curious, I did a quick search on my last name, Kowalski, and lo and behold, it fits in with what my team and I love to do every day –  getting up early and staying late to solve your PIA (Pain in the @%$) Jobs! I found out the name Kowalski is of Polish origin and is one of the most common surnames in Poland, derived from the word “kowal,” which means “blacksmith” in Polish. The suffix “-ski” is a common surname ending in Poland, often indicating a connection to a place or profession.

So, Kowalski essentially means “descendant of a blacksmith” or “one from the blacksmith’s place.” BINGO! It sure fits. Just listen to this description: Blacksmithing is a delicate balance of heating (the hammering part is for others) and cooling that transforms raw metal into durable, functional objects. By controlling temperature and cooling rates, blacksmiths (or “Kowalski’s” as I now call them) can achieve the desired hardness, flexibility, and strength needed for parts, tools, weapons, and artistic creations. (Oh yeah!) While modern technology has changed the industry, the principles of blacksmithing remain rooted in ancient traditions, making it a fascinating and enduring craft. So, there you have it – heating and cooling are just in my ancestral bones. For fun, I searched for last names that have survived to our common language today – some may surprise you (and here’s to all the Taylors, Carpenters, Millers, Bakers, Hunters, and Fishers out there.) If you know your family name history, be sure to share at skowalski@khtheating.com. Thanks to Google for the info.

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Yesterday we were treated with the spring equinox, when the sun’s warmth and light fall unequally on the northern and southern halves of the planet. During the equinox, the Earth’s axis and its orbit line up so that both hemispheres get an equal amount of sunlight – translation … IT’S SPRINGTIME!! In 2025, the spring equinox occurs on March 20 at 5:01 a.m. UTC (the exact moment varies each year depending on Earth’s orbit). Now, I know you are already feeling a bit better – gradually sliding out of winter, and anxious for the sights and smell of new flowers. Like any change of season (for those of us who enjoy all four seasons), it’s truly a time of renewal (and a chance to put away the heavy sweaters and bulky blankets) and look forward to new brighter days. To inspire you, here’s a whole bunch of ideas to kick off Spring. For Jackie and me, it’s a chance to get out again to our local parks and enjoy walking again (without heavy coats). She finds peace in digging a bit in the gardens and planting some new flowers. (I just like digging holes!) And yes, like you, I try to clean up the winter mess in the garage and get the kayak’s cleaned and ready. If you have a favorite “spring” activity, please share skowalski@khtheat.com Enjoy!

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Sometimes the best made plans of those putting in a good day’s work can turn out to be a mistake.  Adding numbers, counting items, writing code or just trying to fill an order, we can err in our efforts.  Recently I read about the word “dord” that made its way into the famous Merriam-Webster dictionary back in 1939.  What began as a request from one of the writers was misinterpreted to be a actual word (story below). It caught my attention, so I went looking for some other errors I had not heard of and included them too.  Here’s to all of us who have made a mistake that went unnoticed for some time, and thanks to those who forgave us – (and extra thanks for those who invented spell check in Word) – and to Google for the info.  Enjoy!

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