Late Lesson

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When I was at the over ripe age of 57, a former lineman gave me a tip that now seems like an important life lesson.

I was helping him do a job around his place, at the waterfront if memory serves.
I was asked to tighten on a cable, having just finished tightening a bolt. The wrench was still in my hands. This made it tough to tighten the cable. I struggled until the master said it would be easier to tighten the cable if I put down the wrench first.

He was right. I put down the wrench, and with both hands free to tighten the cable, the job was done quickly and well.

One has to let go of the last task, to get the current task done right.

I have since reflected on this incident and lesson many times.
Often in circumstances while I was still holding a metaphorical wrench in my hands. His advice was remembered, and the new job became easier and quicker.

I wonder if my penchant for hanging on tight to the wrench is associated with being a twin. Best not perhaps to let go of the teat that a rival sib might take over. Who knows?

Bucky: Observations

composition date 2016.Jan.04 - first day back at office routine after a nice Christmas break.

I spent more time with The Buckmeister recent like, since I had this nice break from law work. Consequently I have come to form some new views, and thoughts, based on spending more time with him.

And here are a few random notions, about the characteristics of this pet.

On occasion,

• the proud and elegant gait of a Lipizzaner stallion.
• the rage and contortions of a Brahma bull, when restrained
• the slapstick antics of a classic Vaudevillian
• the good looks of a Hollywood icon 
• the manic behavior or a crazed meth addict
• the gentleness of a toddler looking for affection
• an incredible range of vocalizations from loud big dog scary bark, to wolf howls, to plaintiff whimpers that mimics humans
• eccentric circling when bored or curious
• an appetite that defies satiation
• a Velcro pet that tracks me relentlessly, save when he exercises
• an independence that makes him oblivious to all entreaties.

Bucky is currently at my feet, prone. Whining for even more attention and play.
I succumb.