If there is any doubt summer is back to normal regarding weather here in St. Louis, this week has quelled any doubts. The heat indices have topped 100 degrees F (38 degrees C), which is not much fun when one is outside working, as I have been doing. In fact, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through this Sunday. I'm definitely hitting the water as much as I can!
I worked Saturday morning at the branch and throughout this week. The past two days found me on temporary duty at our sister branch in Ballwin, doing vehicle prep work as their prep person is away. At least this branch has an enclosed wash bay, which is most welcome these days in getting out of the heat. Our new branch building is coming along great. The company signs were mounted yesterday morning, and it's closer to the building opening next month. That branch will have two wash bays for vehicles. Hooray!
Sunday afternoon (17 August) found me at Kutis Funeral Home in Affton, playing last respects to my friend and refereeing colleague Paul Dueker, who died late the previous week from a heart attack at age 59. I met a few of my fellow referees there as we viewed the body and gave our condolences to Paul's family. He was a good man and will be missed. You may make memorial donations in Dueker's name to the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame (http://www.stlsoccerhalloffame.com/).
After work Monday (18 August), I was at the Grand Glaize Branch of the St Louis County Library for the monthly soccer referee in-service clinic. We got a rundown on the law changes for the coming season (minor ones in player equipment), and discussed officiating situations at the recent FIFA World Cup in Brazil--good and bad. The next day was quite a full one, which included lunch at Wild Smoke, a barbecue restaurant in Creve Coeur. The car rental company's area manager treated me and other full-time vehicle prep people to lunch, to thank us for our hard work. This was most appreciated, and the food there is very nice.
After work that night, I was at the IPMS/Gateway meeting at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Mehlville. We had a good crowd there, plenty of entries (38) in the Model of the Month "Beauty Contest," plus a contest judging seminar ahead of our Contest on 6 September. (Details on that at http://ipms-gateway.com).
This morning, I'm getting my laundry done and some other chores before going into work, back at Ballwin. Last night after work, I was at a Happy Hour with colleagues at Senor Pique in Ballwin when the assistant manager asked if I could work this (Thursday) afternoon, although today is normally an off day for me. I said yes, and will do so. After that, I'm off to this month's Missouri Aviation Historical Society meeting at Creve Coeur Airport (http://moavhist.org/).
Saturday and Sunday, I'm a volunteer at the International Institute of St. Louis' Festival of Nations at Tower Grove Park. It's an annual festival of music, dance, food, crafts, and art from various nationalities. This is my second year working at this event, and I am looking forward to it. You can get more info on the Festival at http://www.festivalofnationsstl.org/.
Later.
