Dad's Collectables

I snapped the picture above minutes before Dad left the Kirby Road apartment for the last time. He had converted the closet into a mini workshop. He loved to be at a workbench surrounded by his tools.

Dad’s Collectables

86 years of stuff is a lot of stuff. I have been sorting dad’s treasures for years. I miss you dad, but I still have all that stuff. As I attempt to dig out of the pile of 86-year-old treasure, I scratch my head and wonder, “Where do I begin?”

Tools, Allen wrenches, off set wrenches, metric wrenches, standard wrenches, wood files, metal files, drills, taps, screwdrivers, straight, Phillips, Reed &Prince, punches, nail sets, chisels, hacksaws, pry bars, pinch bars, sledge hammers, shovels, hoes, scythes, picks, come-along, block and tackle, rakes, brooms, testers, levels, squares, miter boxes, rulers, tape measures, bits, paint scrapers, paint brushes, paint and more…

Wire, wire nuts, wire brushes, carriage bolts, lag bolts, wood screws, brass screws, sheet metal screws, fine thread, coarse thread, fasteners, lock washers, fender washers, springs, hooks, latches, hinges, hangers, brads, finishing nails, roofing nails, concrete nails, coated nails, galvanized nails, rivets, rivet gun, scribes, compass, trimmer, awls, chainsaw, roof rake, radial saw, band saw, skill saw, hole saw, keyhole saw, nuts, caps, chalk lines, chalk, plumb bob, plumber’s putty, pipe fittings, and more…

Knives, knife sharpeners, sharpening stones, shotguns, rifles, gun cabinet, antique bottles, shelves, mirrors, chairs, doors, Coleman lanterns, Coleman stoves, propane lanterns, propane heaters, braided rope, clothes-line, nylon rope, string, twine, cable, chain, bungee cords, straps, strapping, metal boxes, wooden boxes, angle iron, aluminum scraps, glass pieces, glass cutters, glass hangers and more…

Fishing poles, fishing lures, fish finders, fishing line, fish nets, tackle boxes, sinkers, bobbers, flies, hooks, swivels, maps, tent poles, tent stakes, flannel shirts, wool pants, wool socks, boots, jackets, hats, bags, wallets, pack baskets, duffel bags, radios, rechargeable batteries, alkaline batteries (AA’s, AAA’s, D’s, C’s, 9-volt), cameras, telescopes, binoculars, magnifying glasses, and more…

Books, magazines, albums, cards, letters, canceled checks, files, instruction manuals (for every tool purchased since 1947), owners manuals (for every electronic item purchased since 1947), television sets, vacuum cleaners, vacuum cleaner bags, end tables, couches, lamps, nail clippers, brush nippers, tins of zippers, scissors, glue, paper, memo pads, stickers, masking tape, scotch tape, electric tape, duct tape, paperclips, staplers, staple guns, staples, and more…

Blankets, pillows, sheets, pillowcases, razors, razor blades, cotton balls, gauze, band-aids, and a kitchen sink (just kidding). What would I do with a kitchen sink?

Honestly, Dad, the most cherished treasures of all are the memories and the sense of humor you passed my way, although the 1026 empty prescription bottles and the 3.5 miles of plastic oxygen tubing, I am confident, will come in handy some day. Dad, I miss you and Mom. Give her a hug for me. Love, John.

J.R.G.8.5.2009