“Dad tracks”

For a long time after the passing of a loved-one, or after a child moves away, one finds “tracks” or “ripples” they left behind. Last year at this time I replaced a component in Clare's mom's main bathroom toilet tank. When I finished and I was putting everything back together, I noticed “Dad tracks” on the underside of the tank cover,
“Note:
Fluidmaster valve & flusher kits installed on 12-26-87. {DPH}
P.S. Supply shut-off valve also added.”
Of course, Dad was an automotive/mechanical engineer, so it was in BLOCK-CAPS and his initials were cursive, as in a signature. But I digress.

Mom has decided to begin moving back to her hometown in northwest Ohio, so she is "downsizing" her "household." I have already been the appreciative recipient of Dad's Nikon N80, his last significant camera purchase (film) and several of his tools. Today, however, I took apart his drill press (“Purchased: 6-13-92 Sears Oakland Mall”) to take home. This thing is a beast! The stand is 57" tall and the head, although only 2' long, apparently weighs 60 pounds. But I was able to get it apart and — with help — stow it in the back of the Escape, so it will go home to a new home and a second life tomorrow. Man! I wish I'd had it for *this* project! http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2014-10-11

The photo, perhaps obvious at this point, is another “ripple” Dad left behind: a “shaving” from the drill press. This is obviously metal. I don't know what metal pieces he may have drilled, but my usual material will certainly be wood.

I suppose I should have turned it on to make sure it still works, but since I've never used this kind of power tool before, I figured I better "read all instructions" before turning it on. If it wasn't working, however, Dad would have fixed it. If it was during his final illness before he passed away, he probably would have instructed Mom to write on the outside of the owner's manual: "[____] needs to be reset" or "replaced" or "serviced." In block-caps, of course, if he could have convinced Mom to do that, too!

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMMENT. I gotta learn to control this macro lens and get more depth-of-field. I have three tripods; two good ones and a cheapie I bought. Since I can't hold the camera still enough for slower shutter speeds at my age, I have to realize — and remember! — that the best shots will come [only] from using the tripods…

1 year ago (“Childhood recollections…”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-12-31
2 years ago (“… and I just liked the design!”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-12-31
3 years ago (“Please watch over us all in 2012…”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-12-31
4 years ago (“New Year's Eve 2010”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2010-12-31

[ IMG_8880S12x9tm ]

[Danette Thompson]

What a great story. My dad passed away last year, too. My mom and I have spent many months downsizing her things and she has moved in with us. Still a few more things to go through, but getting there.

[Rick Schies]

A great read Thom.