Today was a "Mom" day. Not a lot got done otherwise.
I pruned a few grape vines. I am saving the cuttings from Steuben to plant out in various locations. Swenson Red is being purged from the vineyard as being too susceptible to diseases.
I coated the slats of the glider that lives on the front porch with oil.
Mrs ERJ and I were going to look at a minivan but the Carfax report showed six accidents so we decided to take a pass on this vehicle. Funniest thing, the dealer did not want us to see the Carfax report. We have another one lined up for tomorrow.
I did a some transporting of people.
Journeyman
Handsome Hombre has been in my thoughts today. He is taking the exam to become a Journeyman Electrician today.
Originally, Journeymen were certified as having mastered their craft to the point where they could go on the road and ply their trade. That has since been corrupted. Michigan lacks reciprocity with many/most other states so he will have to jump through more hoops once he gets up here. The same National Electric Code but NO, that would be too simple. If anything, you could make the case that Miami-Dade has more challenges with regards to rodents chewing, humidity and hurricanes than Michigan has.
The fact that the State of Michigan does not recognize Journeyman from other states is pure pandering to organized labor who don't want to see their hourly rate deteriorate.
Yes, I get that some areas have unique challenges. If you live in an area with earthquakes, then they should require a separate Seismic Certification. The problem is very fixable IF people want it to be fixed. Obviously, they don't.
Hollyhocks
Driving into the City of Eaton Rapids from the west, there was a house with hollyhocks next to the drive. They were red. And if you were driving east in the morning or west in the evening, they were backlit by the sun and they glowed.
I made a mental note: "I need to collect some seeds". And time passed. I forgot.
Last week I remembered. The pickings were pretty slim but I salvaged a few capsules and....
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"Houston, we have ignition"
In bygone days, hollyhocks were known as "the outhouse flower". It was how classy folks indicated where the water-closet was located. Sensitive guests did not need to ask. Nor did they need to circle the property and then locate the facilities by way of smell.
One of the small ways that discriminating folks are preparing for the fall.
Steuben is a fine eating grape. Can hardly grow Hollyhocks here due to rust but one of my faves.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very easy-grower for me. It needs lots of sun and a long season to ripen but is pretty much bulletproof.
DeleteI am still waiting on Spring
ReplyDeleteYou are preparing for fall?
Haaaaaha
Michigan taxpayers are about to pay unions whether members or not:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/votes/two-michigan-house-bills-shower-favors-on-unions
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2023-2024/billintroduced/House/pdf/2023-HIB-4235.pdf
I had no idea you guys had an outhouse? (Rimshot!)
ReplyDeleteHad to build a new grape arbor since the chickens were the only ones harvesting any grapes from the old.
Dang it, wouldn't you know this one is bigger with room for more? Heralding from WNY I got 2 Niagara and 1 Fredonia vines (both V. labrusca), hoping they translate to ETN.
The issue with recognition of certification happens because the problem doesn't hurt enough people to make it politically convenient. It's like my job. I radiate people. I am certified by a national body that has minimum standards to meet before you can even sit for the exam plus clinical demonstration of competency. Yet most states require you to fork over cash to them to get a license allowing you to do the job....and their standards? IDENTICAL to the national certification body. It's merely a money grab....one that you MUST submit to if you want a job in such a state. There is NO improved capabilities demonstrated or required by such states. If you meet the national standards, usually be proving you are certified by the national governing body you don't even have to sit for an exam. You merely send in a check and a copy of your national license. I suspect that almost ALL jobs are subject to the same extortion.
ReplyDeleteGood Sir, where might one find a place that sells Steuben grapes? Thank you and have a blessed day
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Prayers up and best of luck to Handsome Hombre. Here is hoping that all is smooth and the test without incident.
ReplyDeleteI am not in the trades, but my understanding of "journeyman" is the same as yours, at least historically. Interesting that the concept of union as guild is somewhat sacrificed to the state - largely, as a poster wrote above, for financial reason.
I did not know that about hollyhocks. ERJ's blog: Where the most amazing facts appear.
in city of birth hollyhocks were grown to block view of garbage cans from back yard
ReplyDelete