Author: Ron Baker

20 years ago two friends of mine decided they would open a franchise.  At that time, Tim Hortons was somewhat a new phenomenon.  The little coffee shops with a big idea!

Now, I’ve never been one to drink coffee.  Last night I had a cup which was poured for me.  I was gracious and drank it — black!!  I came home and was fully aware of the passing of the evening.  I was able to sleep fairly well but was wide awake when I awoke!

That was “homemade” coffee!  Imagine Tim Horton’s coffee.  I sniff the odor when I sit with friends.  I know the black syrup is a little thicker at Tim’s!

As a non-drinker I am not a fair judge.  Residential reverse osomosis may give purer water than the commercial water at Tim Horton’s.  The relative strength and purity of the coffee beans can be debated.  Even the social atmosphere plays a role in the perception of “good/better/best” coffee.

But my question is — Why become a drinker in the first place???

There was a time when I first started writing that I always wanted to have an outline.  Give me three points with supporting subpoints.  All I needed to do was fill in the flesh of the story.

My work also supported this approach.  I call this good administration or management.  There is definitely a place for administrators — I’ve earned a good portion of my income over the years being an administrator!

In the last few years a new approach has crept up on me.

I no longer stay up all night trying to solve problems.  I’ll hit the sack at night and expect that the answers will come overnight.  The first few times I tried this I was scared stiff.  My mathematical brain wanted to research and figure everything out first.  Then a new and unexpected approach popped up.  I tried it again — the unexpected arrived once more!  Soon I was applying this to situations that I couldn’t easily figure out. 

Now I have a regular practice that I call non-administrative administration.  Some call this entrepreneurial leadership.  Whatever the term, I’m beginning to relax in it.

The same applies to writing stories.  My father has asked me how I think of all these blog entries – something new everyday.  Well, some are just reminiscences of the day.  But every once in a while I just put down a title and start writing.  I’ve no idea where I’m going.  But when I arrive at the end I know I’ve reached the destination.

Like to see what I might come up with?  Place a title in the comments section and I’ll write a blog entry — let’s see what emerges!!

The rain has been falling today.

With the rain, I have developed a ritual.

A few weeks back we re-graded around some of our basement windows.  This was to keep water from seeping into the basement. 

Then we had a marvelous rain.  One of our downspouts was pouring water towards the windows.  So, I fixed that — or should I say, it fixed me (see a previous posting!). 

Now, when it rains I wander outside to see what is happening.  Not much!  The rain has been unusual for a town on bald prairie.  Usually the wind blows and water sprays all over.  But the last while it has fallen quite nicely, thank you!!  In fact the soil around the windows isn’t even wet, protected by the roof overhang.

Tonight I ventured out — just when the water from the sky was in drizzle form.  A few steps and the drops became larger.  As I rounded the house, I confirmed that the rain was not touching the windows.  As I turned back , I decided a faster pace was required.

Now, my knees are none too good — perhaps a casualty of younger years!  I like to think I was a bit of an athlete — that’s probably as stretch!  The bump and grind has taken its toll.

Nevertheless, here I am hobbling at breakneck speed, rounding the corner and heading up the driveway.  With the wind whistling in my ears, I realize that a ten year old could pass me without breaking a sweat!  Oh well, I’m still a great runner — in my fantasies.  And imagine what I will have to boast of when I hit heaven running.

We awoke today to a sprinkling of rain. 

• The drops were shimmering. 
• The colors were striking. 
• The irises were in full bloom.