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I've known Grizzled long enough to know that even though we have differing technical vocabularies, most things that come out of his mouth are at least somewhat familiar. The other day he left me completely flummoxed and certain he'd had a stroke.
While standing in the garage, with his back to me, he muttered something about needing his backer rod.
"I know I had some backer rod!"
"Some what?? Some Baccarat??'
"No! I have some backer rod somewhere!"
"You've got back rot??"
"NO!!! I bought some backer rod and can't find it!"
"Did it come from Ikea? Was it right next to the Flarn and Grankulla?? What the *#@* is backer rod??"
I now know. I've never EVER heard that term before. I've never used the stuff before. It wasn't until he described it that I knew what he was talking about. I, however, had thought it was some kind of insulation that went around the ice maker line.
Backer rod
looks like it would be good for some kind of 3-D creation. I thought the same thing when I saw Grizzled using polyurethane foam insulation. My eldest lamblet was into making flower fairies at the time and I thought it would be the perfect thing to use to make tree stump home. I even strung a little line of battery-operated lights on the shopping bag armeture before applying the foam. It was awesome. My neighbors thought I was nuts. I made the initial shape on the driveway and was wearing huge seafoam green rubber gloves.
I hate to say it, but Home Despot could easily become my art supply store.
Ok RM, I know you're chomping at the bit... fill up with comments with all of your backer rod know-how!!
FYI- I had a similar incident to the backer rod scenario a couple of years ago when Grizzled was talking about spline. How could I have been on the earth for over 40 years and still not know what the heck spline was?!?! I've since tried to crochet with it. Awesome.
Ok, consider the backer rod science dropped. You are correct, of course. I know perfectly well what backer rod is, what the purpose is, why it's necessary, and how to install it properly. I also know where MY backer rod is.
Spline, however.... there are different kinds of splines, depending on the project, what you're doing with it. A spline is a much more generic item, and different materials can serve as splines.... in the case you refer to, however, there is a specific kind of spline necessary.
Grizzled and me. Brothas from anotha motha.
I
Posted by: rotten mcdonald | September 29, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I??
RM- I'm thrilled you know where your backer rod is and that you know how to use it!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 29, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Count me as lacking in the "manly" knowledge. Wow, backer rod? Yikes.
Posted by: Pinko Punko | September 29, 2008 at 06:49 PM
So many dirty jokes, so little time...
Posted by: fish | September 29, 2008 at 10:55 PM
the last time I used a backer rod, I hurt my spline.
Posted by: Kathleen in Oakland | September 29, 2008 at 11:40 PM
--{{rimshot}}--
K in O for the win.
Posted by: mdh | September 29, 2008 at 11:48 PM
backer rod? i didnt even know her!!
Posted by: almostinfamous | September 30, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Give backer rod and she'll be spline.
Posted by: fish | September 30, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Groans for everyone.
Posted by: Jennifer | September 30, 2008 at 07:40 AM
"Some what?? Some Baccarat??'
lol. Backer rod's a new one to me, too, Jennifer.
The Skimmer's more of a "hes....i....ta....tor.....pau.....ser...." type when he's talking. So, I have to wait for.....e.....ver.....to hear what he's going to say. By the time he gets it out, I usually forget what he's talking about anyway. lol
.
Posted by: blue girl | September 30, 2008 at 02:27 PM
I have a friend who's a builder, and he uses these arcane words all the time. And I never ever have the faintest idea what he's talking about.
Posted by: Dan Leo | September 30, 2008 at 05:17 PM
The Black Box travel agent sent me. I enjoyed my visit!
Posted by: Fred | September 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Hi Fred- Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to visit again!
Posted by: Jennifer | October 01, 2008 at 06:33 AM
I once built a crinoline for a dress party with some of these! It was great fun. You could do worse than making that hardware store one of your supply stores (wares are usually MUCH cheaper there too).
(oh an HI! never mind me, I just got here via Black Box magic)
Greetings from Italy
Posted by: Nathalie (Spacedlaw) | October 01, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Nathalie- the backer rod would be perfect for the support of a crinoline, plus not too heavy.
Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: Jennifer | October 01, 2008 at 12:39 PM
"It's way funnier than it would be in a better world."
Posted by: rotten mcdonald | October 01, 2008 at 02:06 PM
I can't top Kathleen's comment.
I have no idea what any of this stuff is. I'm so getting eaten when society collapses and the cannibals are roaming the streets.
Posted by: Brando | October 02, 2008 at 02:32 PM
cannibals are roaming the streets
It'll probably be Zombie Rotten McDonald!!
Posted by: Jennifer | October 02, 2008 at 02:34 PM