The Eternal Puzzle

 

The Eternal Puzzle

No, not the meaning of life. No, not what is making the Mona Lisa smile. It’s a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. It’s a charming snow scene in Manhattan and it’s been out since January – it’s lost its charm.

Does anyone remember the old Briggs-Stratton tests? They were known as IQ tests and were popped on us with no warning in elementary school. I always liked them because there was no prepping and it was a break from the usual routine. And I was good at them! Taking these tests was much like doing puzzles to which I always was and still am addicted. And because I was quick, I always tested out that I was smarter than I was – I’ll take it! Now this blog proves that MY assessment was the correct one. No Mensa material here.

Anyway, word comprehension – piece of cake! Math problems – a walk in the park! However my Achilles heel was spacial recognition. The task was to put the shapes together to make another the shape. HUH? I didn’t get it, so I think I just guessed.

Fast forward to present day. Why in god’s name would I buy a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle?! Yeah, my family and some of my friends enjoy putting in a piece now and then so it’s not unusual to have a puzzle in progress. Up until a week ago, its place of honor was the dining room table. On a board which could be relocated when the guests were special enough to warrant a nicely set table.

Anyway, my lack of enthusiasm was apparent. The light was poor, too difficult to work at the table height, etc. Not one to easily give up or give up at all, I WILL complete this &%$@ing puzzle. I found an answer on

Amazon. It’s an adjustable easel with drawers – on wheels. Hell, you could even do it outside on a lovely summer’s day. It does everything but put the pieces in. Here’s the Amazon product description in case you’re interested:

“ALL4JIG 1500 Pieces Puzzle Table with Legs and Wheels”

My handyman assemled it and was so impressed, he’s buying one for himself. I hinted that he might want to come over and help me with this one, but it seems as if he wants to keep our relationship professional. So the work goes on with the hope that it might be completed by Christmas when invariably I’ll get a gift of another one.

On the sports’ front, I’d be interested to know what your opinions might be regarding the SF Giants’ pitchers who scribbled biblical quotes on their caps for gay pride night. What are your thoughts of the act and your thoughts on how it was handled? My comment is that I find it hard to understand why at a time when there is so little to celebrate, there appeared to be a need to ruin a traditional celebration.