| Project by shipwright | posted 622 days ago | 1001 views | 2 times favorited | 17 comments | ![]() |
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My friend Arnie and I go out for lunch about once a month or so at a restaurant called The Rock Cod Cafe. The idea has always been that we take turns paying, however (those under 50 may tune out now) the difficulty that has arisen almost without fail is that we can’t remember whose turn it is to pay. We’re not the sort that would try to dodge the bill of course. On the contrary we are the kind who wouldn’t want the other to pay when it’s not his turn.
Ain’t getting old grand ???
So last time we went I decided that this foolishness had to stop and after some serious grinding of the antique brain gears I came up with this solution. It’s based on the old “talking stick” principle. When someone picks up the tab, he gets the token and hangs it on his rear view mirror or in his ashtray or whatever until next time when, upon being treated to lunch he surrenders it to the other. God help us if we ever get a third person involved.
This is a one hour project meant to be useful, not perfect. It’s Paduk and Curly Maple, cut Boulle style and mounted on a 1/16” shop cut Walnut veneer. I offer it here more as a solution to a problem that you may share with my friend and I more than as a fine woodworking project.
-- Paul M ..............If God wanted us to have fiberglass boats he would have given us fiberglass trees. http://prmdesigns.com/
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17 comments so far
Brit
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4186 posts in 1010 days
#1 posted 622 days ago
Nice idea Paul as long both of you remember where you put the token.
-- Andy -- Old Chinese proverb say: If you think something can't be done, don't interrupt man who is doing it.
sandhill
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1978 posts in 2092 days
#2 posted 622 days ago
Looks like an old fish. Hey wait! how many did you make :~}
cathyb
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543 posts in 1412 days
#3 posted 622 days ago
Ha ha ha, Brit I had the same response. Although I’m sure there will soon be an app for that!
-- cathyb, Hawaii, www.cathyswoodworking.com
shipwright
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3384 posts in 966 days
#4 posted 622 days ago
I knew you guys would find a flaw in my scheme.
That’s why it’s supposed to go on the rear view mirror, in plain view….......I know that probably doesn’t mean we will see it, but…......... you try.
-- Paul M ..............If God wanted us to have fiberglass boats he would have given us fiberglass trees. http://prmdesigns.com/
Lee A. Jesberger
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6494 posts in 2147 days
#5 posted 622 days ago
Great idea, Paul.
That 50 mark really does make a difference, doesn’t it!
Of course, since I live fast, it hit me around 27.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
LittlePaw
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1500 posts in 1246 days
#6 posted 622 days ago
We have a similar turn taking dinner date with a couple living about an hour away. At first we used to fight over who’s going to take the check. He even tried whispering to the waitress’s ear to give him the check when we entered the restaurant. Now we just take turns – ours next time and we look forward to it!
-- Paul - The sweetest sound in my shop, next to Mozart, is what a hand plane makes slicing a ribbon.
Napaman
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5015 posts in 2245 days
#7 posted 622 days ago
great solution! and what a nice way to remember…and a great story every time someone is in your car—-and everytime you meet I am sure a talking piece at the restaurant.
-- Matt--Proud LJ since 2007
TopamaxSurvivor
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13192 posts in 1844 days
#8 posted 622 days ago
Interesting story and I hope it works. The biggest problem I see coming is remembering who brought it in when you go to pick up the check ;-)) Nice token too.
-- "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence Wake Up America!! Please read; http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/26-0
Bearpie
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2474 posts in 1186 days
#9 posted 622 days ago
Very nice looking token! Make a few more and hang one in his vehicle after each meal! lol They would make great necklaces!
-- Erwin, Jacksonville, FL
lanwater
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2418 posts in 1102 days
#10 posted 622 days ago
I need few of those. I do not seem to remember anything anymore…
nice token.
Roger
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9191 posts in 972 days
#11 posted 621 days ago
if you forget to take it into the eatery, you are back at the starting line… LOL gr8 idea tho. being on a fixed income now for a while, (my mind retired long before me), this would really come in handy in the whose turn process
-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Kentuk55@bellsouth.net
SPalm
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4108 posts in 2050 days
#12 posted 621 days ago
By the time I got to the bottom of this page, I forgot what we were talking about.
Maybe a talisman would help with that too.
Old, Shmold.
Steve
-- -- I'm no rocket surgeon
Bluepine38
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2090 posts in 1253 days
#13 posted 621 days ago
I resemble that remark whatever it was. My beautiful Lady & I take turns paying when we go out to eat
every Wednesday & have trouble keeping it straight. I know it does not make much sense, but who said
being in love had to make sense?
-- As ever, Gus-the 74 yr young apprentice carpenter
BritBoxmaker
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4007 posts in 1204 days
#14 posted 621 days ago
yes, who’s turn was it?
I need one, must get to work!
-- Martyn -- Boxologist, Pattern Juggler and Candyman of the visually challenging. http://www.theartofboxes.com
fernandoindia
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1001 posts in 1111 days
#15 posted 621 days ago
Are you kidding? What token?
that´s cool Paul
-- Back home. Fernando
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