SEPTEMBER 2017 www.katconstructionllc.com (612) 326-1122
The First Month of an Empty Nest
Late last month, my youngest son packed his bags and headed off to college. And with that, my wife and I became empty nesters. When you put it that way, though, I think it sounds a little grim. It’s definitely kind of weird to have such a quiet house, but my wife and I are both looking at this new chapter in our lives as an opportunity to spend more time together, experience new things, focus on our individual projects and hobbies, and maybe even get away a little more often. For me, this will mostly mean more hours spent running the business. When you set out to start your own company, everybody warns you that it’s not a 9–5 job. Still, you don’t really fully believe it, or at the very least understand it, until you’re locked into 10-plus-hour work days. When you finish one thing, there’s always 10 more time- sensitive things you have to do waiting not far behind. That’s not to say
the kind of guy who prefers to do it myself when there’s something to be done. I actually enjoy tinkering around the house, making little (or big) improvements. For months, I’ve been using a few minutes on my free evenings to set up a patio, but I’ve only gotten about halfway done. I’ve also still got some work to do on the detached garage, installing electricity and putting in some insulation before it gets too cold. It’s engaging work, but the key to finishing each of these ongoing projects is perseverance, making sure that on the rare occasions I have time I use it to its fullest extent. My wife, for her part, is looking to populate some of our 20-acre property with a horse and other critters to take care of and play around with. Before too long it might become a petting zoo. I’m all for that, as long as she can keep up with the animals — my packed schedule can’t handle a feeding routine.
I’m complaining about the hustle and bustle that comes with being a successful operation. Having too much work on your hands is a lot better than having the opposite problem. I love the challenge that comes with mastering the business world, but let me tell you, it’s enough to turn a guy’s hair gray.
All in all, the first few weeks have been going well. We’ll miss our two sons while they
“The key to finishing each of these ongoing projects is perseverance, making sure that on the rare occasions I have time I use it to its fullest extent.”
are away, but my middle son’s still working with us, and the others will visit whenever they get a break. In the meantime, I’m going to take full advantage of every free minute, rare as they may be.
When I do manage to get a moment to myself, I’m happy to chip away at the dozens of projects I have going on around the house. We bought and renovated the house fairly recently, but I’m
–Keith Thompson
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CELEBRATE A MUPPET OF A MAN This Month in History
“My hope is still to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.”
–Jim Henson
September 24, 2017, would mark the 81st birthday of Jim Henson. While the general public may know Henson best for his zany, beloved Muppets, the celebrated storyteller was involved in many groundbreaking shows and movies. Other fantastical productions beneath the Henson banner include the eerie and magical cult classic “Labyrinth,” starring music icon David Bowie, “The Dark Crystal,” and the TV series “The Storyteller.” Henson also founded Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, a special effects company that specializes in puppetry, animatronics, and creature suits. Henson also helped create movie history when he was invited to the set of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” to aid in the creation of an iconic character: Yoda. Prior to Henson’s involvement, director George Lucas intended to use a trained monkey in a mask to portray the Jedi Master. Henson encouraged Lucas to hire puppeteer Frank
Oz instead. Oz has since voiced Yoda in five Star Wars films, with rumors he will return to the character for the upcoming “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Today, almost 30 years after Henson’s sudden death in 1990, the legacy he left behind still creates joy around the world. The Muppets recently returned to the public spotlight with two features films and a sitcom. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop continues to create fantastic designs, from the puppets on “Sesame Street” to characters that perform onstage beside singer Lady Gaga. This past summer, the Creature Shop announced they were teaming up with Netflix to produce a 10-episode prequel series to “The Dark Crystal.” When it comes to people who left the world a better place, it’s easy to see how Jim Henson’s unique brand of magic and creativity allowed him to do just that.
What Our Clients Are Saying...
“KAT Construction was very professional and worked well with our insurance to get our roof replacement covered. Diego was very helpful in going over everything with us and communicating what would happen. The roof repair is excellent, and we are very happy with the job that was done — and the fact that it cost little out of our pocket to get it completed.”
“KAT Construction replaced our roof. They were on time with no delays. They did the job in one day, and the cleanup was done very well. They took measures to protect my shrubs and plants. Some of the new requirements for codes were not explained very well, but they were done correctly, and when one part was missed after the inspector was out, they completed that right away. All in all, good job.”
–Happy Customer
–Happy Customer
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The Keys to Siding Maintenance
Siding, whether wood or vinyl, is designed to be out in the elements. For this reason, it typically requires little everyday maintenance, unless damaged by a storm or other event. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things that you can do to keep your siding in tiptop shape.
Vinyl Siding Maintenance
will flap in the wind, bend, and warp out of its intended shape. The problem will only get worse until necessary repairs are made.
Most experts recommend getting your siding power washed at least once a year, at the beginning or end of summer. Dirt, muck, insects, and debris collect in the small “stair steps” of the siding, a problem easily mitigated by the strong stream of the power wash. Aside from maintaining the siding integrity, the wash will make it look good as new, a bigger difference for the overall appearance of your home than you realize — until you see it in action. In the meantime, it can be a good idea to run a broom over the surface every once in a while.
Wood Siding Maintenance
Wood siding needs to be treated every four to six years, sooner if the weather in your area is particularly vicious. Any holes that show up in your wood siding invite pests and mold-causing moisture into your home. Repairs are absolutely necessary as soon as possible.
Look for clues, such as overgrown tree roots, damaged gutters, or termites.
No matter what kind of siding you use, we at KAT Construction are experts at repairing it. If your siding has been damaged, give us a call, and we’ll make it good as new in no time.
If a piece of siding comes loose, it’s important that you fix it as soon as possible. Broken siding
However, before doing repairs, it’s important that you eliminate the source of the problem.
Apple Cider
CHICKEN
Ingredients
Recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com.
• • •
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) Salt and freshly ground
black pepper
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3 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons dried thyme
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½ Vidalia onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
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1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced into ¼-inch wedges
2 tablespoons all- purpose flour 1½ cups apple cider
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•
www.katconstructionllc.com Instructions 1. Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to pan and sear until golden, about 4 minutes each side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. 3. Add remaining butter, onion, apple, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Sauté until apple begins to get color and onions soften, about 6 minutes. Add flour and stir for 2–3 minutes. 4. Nestle chicken back into pan, add cider, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes. 3
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INSIDE This Issue 1 • 2 • 2 • 3 • 3 • 3 • 4 •
The First Month of an Empty Nest This Month in History Client Testimonials The Keys to Siding Maintenance Laugh Corner Apple Cider Chicken The Museum of What?
THE MUSEUM OF WHAT?
The World’s Strangest Museums
Museums are a staple of vacations no matter where you travel. Everyone has heard of the Louvre and the Smithsonian, but you might be surprised to learn about some of the stranger museums around the world. For nearly every passion, there is a building somewhere dedicated to it. Take a look at some of the weirdest. A functioning toilet is something everyone takes for granted until they don’t have access to one. In India’s capital, you can explore the fascinating history of commodes. From primitive examples you would never use today to gold-plated bathroom thrones from palaces across the world, the variety of toilets on display is staggering. Divided into three sections — ancient, medieval, and modern — you’ll be shocked at how much you can learn about Sulabh International Museum of Toilets Delhi, India
history and culture through an examination of the ways a society flushes (or doesn’t).
has evolved into a beloved dietary staple from Japan to Jamaica. The museum named after its creator offers you the chance to look at some of the strangest versions from around the world. As an added bonus, you can even design your own packaging. Bring along some chopsticks, as there are plenty of samples to slurp up. Plenty of museums are hands-off, but that’s usually to protect the precious objects held within. At the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum, not touching the exhibits is just sound advice. The development of barbed wire was instrumental in settling the American West, and this museum pays tribute to the ingenuity of those farmers who wanted to make sure their cattle stayed on their property and thieves stayed out. The Kansas Barbed Wire Museum Rush County, Kansas
The Museum of Bad Art Dedham, Massachusetts
There are plenty of museums dedicated to exceptional artwork from history, but only one dedicated to less-than-successful artistic endeavors. The Museum of Bad Art, or MOBA, promotes itself as the home of “art too bad to be ignored.” A trip to MOBA will leave you smiling, laughing, and feeling a little better about the fact that you’re not Picasso. Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum Osaka, Japan It’s not just college students and video gamers who love ramen. Since the invention of the instant noodles by Momofuku Ando in 1958, ramen
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