Journeymen, Hollyhocks and miscellaneous chores

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....

"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.