Was issued a slide rule in math class and taught how to use it.
HYE broken something you couldn’t possibly pay for?
Well, cars. But insurance stepped in. Thank god.
HYE been in a road block and had your car searched?
Yes, oddly enough when I was leaving the US. There tend to be no exit controls between the US and Canada, but once when I was driving back to Canada, we were stopped and searched by US authorities. No idea why, and they found nothing on us or in our car, so we went on our way to Canada Customs, which basically waved us through.
In fairness, US authorities were stopping and searching everyone driving towards the bridge. Not sure what or who they were looking for, or how in-line this was with the Fourth Amendment, but the worst I had was a carton of cigarettes and a bottle of Scotch.
Have you ever crossed an international border in your car?
Sure, U.S./Canada. I’ve also walked across the border between France and Italy.
HYE learned to swim, as an adult?
No. I think I was born swimming. I did teach my MIL how to swim(age 55). She was never real comfortable in the water, but I felt she could get herself out of trouble. I also taught her to ride a bike.
HYE taught any one to ride a bike?
Yes. My sister, three years younger. I could ride a bike, and I helped my sister to ride a bike also.
Have you ever visited a national park on Christmas Day?
Not Christmas, but July 4th. I arrived at the north rim of the Grand Canyon, as soon as it reopened after a large fire. The road to the rim went right through the fire area, and the trees were just black poles. There was still smoldering in places. Lots of fire fighters were still there, from all over the western states.
HYE known every one of your grandparents?
No. Indeed, we’ve discovered everything our father told us about his family was not true, and we’ve never been able to trace them. Mother’s family. on the other hand, goes back to the earliest Massachusetts settlers.
HYE had someone get falling down drunk at a family celebration?
Heh. Often, and with gusto. We’re hosting my family tonight and expect a few people to still be here when we wake up tomorrow.
On a similar note, have you ever taken someone’s keys?
Yes. Admittedly, it was a few friends and I, but we successfully got the keys from a friend who was far from sober, and who wanted to drive himself home. We handed the keys, and enough cash to cover the fare, off to a cabbie (Friend’s apartment key’s were on the ring, along with his car keys). Then we threw our friend into the back of the cabbie’s taxi. The next time we saw him, a couple of days later, he said, “Thanks, guys. You kept me from doing something stupid.” He did pay us back for the cab fare.
Have you ever driven a “muscle car”?
Yep, my brother used to own a mid '70s Chevy Nova with a 454. It was mostly purple with a black hood, mismatched front fenders and enough rust that I’m surprised it didn’t break in half. He called it a sleeper due to it’s rough appearance. IMHO, it was the pulled groin of muscle cars but it did roar off the line in an impressive manner.
HYE purchased a battered classic car with the intent of doing a complete restoration?
Is a dodge charger a muscle car. I’ve driven one a few times. I drove my BILs old mustang awhile ago. So, yes, I guess.
HYE driven farm equipment?
No, but I once looked into a classic 1957 Chevy BelAir. The price was right, but when I saw the car–no way. The original car was two-tone, but this one was solid gold paint. The air conditioning was obviously (and poorly-done) aftermarket. There were a bunch of add-ons that came from an auto parts store–what stood out the most was the ashtray just stuck onto the dashboard (in spite of the fact that Chevy, like all carmakers at the time, built one in), but there were other doodads on the dash. The engine was original, but when I asked when the car was last run, and the engine last fired up, I was told, “1965.” I said “No thank you,” and walked away.
Yes, I operated the tractor that dragged the chain harrows across a farmer friend’s fields many times.
Have you ever rented a car or truck on arrival at an airport?
Yes. When the lil’wrekker was still in a carseat we went to Disney. We rented a car with a carseat in it. If was way too small for her. So we had to make a stop and buy a carseat. It was a big PITA. They were exquisitely precious in Florida. We paid somewhere in the range of $150 for a cheap-y, that I wasn’t sure was safe. Then we had to ship it home when we left. Stupid.
HYE, flown with a baby?
No, I have enough trouble with other people’s babies.
Have you and your SO taken separate vacations?
Not simultaneously, but we’ve gone alone or with friends to do stuff without the other now and then.
HYE watched a schmaltzy Hallmark Channel Christmas movie all the way through?
No, although I’ve started a couple.
Have you ever built a birdhouse or bird feeder?
I built one as an assigned project in woodshop class. I’m pretty sure it was condemned by the Audubon Society.
Have you ever kept a bird as a domesticated pet? Birds like chickens that are also food sources don’t count.
Yes, I’ve had parakeets. And one short term baby cardinal. She didn’t live long in my care. I didn’t know how to feed her. I’ve looked into it since. I want a baby crow or grackle. Everyone says you shouldn’t keep them. It may illegal. Not sure.
HYE hatched baby chickens in a incubator?
No, but my sons did in elementary school.
HYE been in an elementary school in the past six months?