Subject: Weekend Update: June 1-3, 2001
Date: Mon, 04 Jun 2001 14:10:01 -0400
From: Mark Metcalfe <metcalfe>
Organization: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

New England weather dictated a change in activity for the weekend,
which serindipidously put us in the company of good friends we might
have otherwise missed.  Rain doesn't slow down anything except outside
chores.  We heard a gullywasher was coming and believed the weather
people this time.  Good thing, too.  Joy was able to plant the
vegetable garden with Jessica's help and the water had good timing
for both lawn and garden.

Rain or shine, the (teen) younungs had an important final rehearsal
at the church on Saturday morning, so Joy and I taxied the kids and
set off to the stores to wile away the time. I picked up some filters
to change the oil in my lawn tractor.  I also lost a bolt, which must
have shaken loose, and needed it replaced. They took so long to
determine that they had to order it (a bolt for goodness sakes) that
they gave me the oil filters (2) gratis. (I can hear Brad now:
"nothing falls apart like a Deere.") ;-)

The next stop had me in CompUSA to learn about what I needed to
transfer my large video collection of home movies to a digital
format.  I started taping events in the life of my family back
in 1984 so I am becoming more and more concerned about the
longevity of the video tape.  I'd like to go directly to DVD
format (which can hold a lot on one disc) but I have come to
the conclusion that I can't wait any longer.  I can transfer and
store my precious memories on the computer and save it to a CD-ROM
disc.  I'm taking my time to understand what I need and then I'll
make the investment and start a project for the summer (and likely
beyond).  In 1984, we had two little girls: Miranda (4) and
Jessica (2), and lived in a small apartment.

We bumped into the Bickom family as we exited the store and went
home with them for lunch before traipsing back to the church to
pick up the kids.  Brandon and Kayla are cute and growing.  David
is working at PC Connection so he may figure into the things of
the previous paragraph.

I took advantage of the rain back at the church to snag the
ever-busy (who isn't?) Long family to come over for a movie
that evening.  We had a great time, despite missing Akiko who
was singleminded in preparing musical scores for the church band.

On Sunday, the teens put on a "Friends 4 Ever" musical.  Emily was
handed a solo the night before and delivered it well.  The entire teen
group did well.  Kudos to the Clarks for pulling it together.

More company joined us for dinner on Sunday, marking the unofficial
start to the Summer Sundays at the Manor.  We met a new Japanese couple,
Kenwah and Waheilu (sp) and their son who accompanied the Gonzalez
family for an international buffet (we had italian food: spaghetti).
Waheilu also brought a type sushi - rice, egg, tuna, ham, wrapped in
seaweed.  I ate half a piece but our guests missed its consumption
so I popped in a whole piece in front of them.  My son almost made
the deadly statement, "I'll try it if Dad tries it" but quickly
retracted it when he saw it go into my mouth.

I've probably only done this twice before: once when we first met
Akiko and I didn't want to offend her, and once when Lynn Shaw fed
me spinach lasagna, which I politely ate rather than fuss.  Most
other times, I will politely refuse any food I'm unsure about going
into my mouth!  (And don't try to pass that spinach off on me again,
Lynn!) Traveling has helped broaden my appreciation for other foods
(or perhaps it had dulled my tastebuds a bit).  Don't any of you start
to think I'll be trying things out for you, either!

A bulletin insert appeared on Sunday asking the question, "How much
would you pay to have Mark Metcalfe cut his hair? Stay tuned. NWMS."
My hair has reached a length of about 16-18 inches in the back.  I
have CONDITIONALLY agreed to cut off my lengthly locks if the church
reaches a goal to outfit the ANSE office with needed computer equipment.
(ANSE = African Nazarene School of Extension)

Ramby and Karen Campbell are missionaries in South Africa and we have
been friends since our college days.  I asked what their needs were
and it seemed worthwhile to me to trade tresses for technology on
the mission field.  I am not quite sure what to make about the frenzy
of people who'd like to see my head shaved or cropped closely, but
certain goal levels will need to be met before I submit to the shearer.
Again, this is a conditional surrender of my hair.  This isn't a
mustache
that can be regrown in a matter of weeks.  My hair will likely never
reach this length again.

I won't steal anymore thunder from Laura Cox, our NWMS President, in
whose hands I have placed my hair, except to say that the minimum
goal level will mean that I will cut off enough hair to also donate
it to Locks for Love, a place that makes wigs for kids who lose their
hair to chemotherapy.  Shorter than that lopping of the ponytail will
require even more cash for the Campbell's missionary work in South
Africa.
They need computers and printers - they are dealing with a single
hand-me-down for an entire office. In addition, and of a more personal
note, these missionaries are sending their son to the States for
college.  They've planned and worked out most of the expenses but
didn't figure on clothing!  They've dressed their son in school
uniforms for years in South Africa and the things we take for
granted (such as wardrobe in America) and perhaps his books and
things are bringing them up a little short.  (If we exceed our goal
of getting the office fitted properly with computer equipment, I
hope that any over-pledges will help our missionaries get their son
to college (sorry ENC alums, its Olivet).  So for those Lowellites in
this electronic forum, you know WHY I've agreed to cut my hair, if
we can meet the need.  And I'll go even shorter for some college
expenses.
My wife says that she'll still sleep with me if I go bald but that
price tag is going to sufficiently high, I can tell you!

Mark

P.S.  Joy is feeling very good, but she has not been given the
A-rating yet.  She cannot go in the pool or spa until she gets
examined (a third time!) on June 15.  I am thankful, however,
for her renewed energy and freedom from pain!
--
+---_-----------+ Mark Metcalfe, metcalfe@cadence.com
| c a d e n c e | Cadence Design Systems, Inc.    Phone: (978) 446-6451
+---------------+ PCB Systems Division, Technical Communications Manager