Red Wire... Black Wire... ?

When some newly ordered hose for my dust collector arrived yesterday, I was reminded of the scene in some old suspense thriller about disarming a bomb as the timer ticks down: "Red wire... Black wire... ?" 

Do I open it despite the very clear warning not to? And, if I do open it, what should I use to cut that heavy duty packing tape? Conflicting messages... Maybe a career opportunity there as a label editor?

Yep, I opened it with a utility knife - and, no, the box didn't explode! 

The new hose is a step in improving/upgrading the 2-HP single stage Rikon dust collector I've had for seven years. More on this project as it unfolds.

Sorry if anyone thought electricity was involved.

2021 - Off to a Great Start

 2021 started with a flourish of enthusiasm:

My first shop project of the year (decluttering and organizing) is underway. This is what I started with:

Progress has been made but not enough to share...

My perpetual resolution (intent) to improve my Health and Fitness got a boost with our new recumbent exercise bike and twice daily workouts.

Both of these -but not my enthusiasm - have been paused for another Health and Fitness reason. Cataract surgery last Thursday and post-op instructions (no bending over for more than a moment or so, and no strenuous activities (specifically no cardio workouts - I asked...) until this week's follow up appointment have me "resting soft tissue" for the time being.

I should be able to get back to exercising and the shop until the following Thursday (surgery on the second eye). Fortunately, these are temporary interruptions - and based on the results of the first surgery, I'm going to be very happy with the overall outcome. 

Resolutions

For many years I have not followed the pretty common practice of making New Year's Resolutions because whenever I did make Resolutions, I did not succeed at keeping them or seeing them through. A few weeks ago I decided to give Resolutions another try. 

Now, I know, Resolutions (like goals and targets) are most likely to succeed if they are specific (quantified, measurable, achievable). But as my list of Resolutions grew, I realized that very few on the list  are specific. I also know the list should be short...

Realizing the shortcomings of my List of Resolutions, here it is:

• Plan Better
• Fret Less
• Do More:    
•     Sailing (day sails, boat camping, exploring)
•     Exercise (to improve physical and mental health)
•     Woodworking (to improve skills and results)
•     Cooking and Baking (try new recipes; expand our food horizons)
•     Communication (with children, siblings, family and friends) 
•     Reading (more & more meaningful books; learn)

Yes, some of these can be quantified and measurable - but I'm not assigning numbers to them right now. I am also not listing a number of goals that fit within these generalized categories. 

How will I know if I've kept my Resolutions? To paraphrase U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, "I'll know it when I see it."