I am writing this on the first day of 2018. Time continues
to fly by.
On my job front, I am still at Dolese. I really like this
company. In February, the company celebrated 115 years of service. The CEO,
Mark Helm, has some great plans for IT expansion in 2018 and beyond. It’s great
to be a part of this time of growth for Dolese.
This year I also begin my adventure into the world of
landlording. We secured our first rental property in Guthrie in August. We
found a great realtor, Brice Semrad, who helped us locate and buy it. Brice
doubles as a realtor and a real estate investor. So he was a great help in
knowing what to look for. I also found a good online resource in
biggerpockets.com and the accompanying podcast. Some people really get into the
real estate investing thing. So far, I’ve enjoyed it. But it doesn’t seem to
hold the passion for me like it does with some. In any case, I think this will
be a good investment over the long run. Real estate, by and large, tends to
appreciate over time. It is already cash flowing. I’m sure it’ll have its own
set of challenges over time. But so far it really hasn’t been that tough. We
managed to get our first renters who started their lease on October 1. They
seem to be very good renters and I hope that they continue to live there for
the long term.
One interesting providence happened while I was showing the
rental property to potential renters. A man walked in to talk to me about my
experience in the rental process. He is also a new investor. It also turns out
that he is a local business owner. He has operated Armstrong Products since
1974. He asked me what I did on my day job, and when I shared that I was a web
developer he asked if I ever took on any side projects. We exchanged
information, and he called me several weeks later. He manufactures and sells
high quality art display panels used for showing fine art at events. He also
manufactures and sells safety tread stair nosings. These are the non-slip
surfaces on the edge of steps on a stair case most often seen on commercial
properties. Their existing website is www.armstrongproducts.com.
If you follow the link you will see their high quality products. However, the
website is admittedly very dated. Mr. Armstrong needed me to create a new
website that concentrates on his art panels. Gallerypanels.com is the solution
we came up with. As of this writing, if you visit it, you will find an “under
construction” message. We have not yet gone live with it, as we still need to
nail down the details with shipping so that customers can order their art
panels and supplies online. I expect that this site will be live in the next
few weeks. I built it using Wordpress with a WooCommerce addin for shopping
cart purposes. It is mobile ready. I’m hoping that it will really help their
sales. If you have a need for an updated website, drop me an email at mike@mikesoutherland.com. I’d be
happy to talk over what requirements you have and help you formulate a
solution.
2017 was the year that I received my first surgery. I had a “clean
out” scope procedure on my left shoulder in November. I have healed up nicely
from that. There is still a little soreness, but it is doing a lot better. But
that was a memorable experience having to wear a sling for several weeks and
not being able to drive for about two weeks.
I’m enjoying being both a grandfather and a father. I’m
watching my grandchildren grow older, while watching my younger children do the
same. This year Paton had his “rite of passage” as he turned 13. This was the
first year we were able to host it at our church, Northwest Bible Church. Two
of our elders, Alan Conner and Alan Loeffler, gave excellent encouraging talks
to Paton. My brother, Jason, and his son, Daniel also shared with him. I’ve now
completed three of these for my sons. Two more to go.
I expect that this year Sheri and I will give another of our
daughters away. Brianna’s boyfriend, Matt, asked me for my blessing for him to
marry Brianna. I gave the blessing. As of now, he has not officially proposed.
But regardless of that technicality they are busily planning for it and have
given us an estimate of sometime this Spring.
Justin and I wrapped up the computer portion of driver’s ed.
In the next few months we’ll work our way through the driving portion. He’s
already 16. It’s been tough to have us both home at the same time to get this
done.
Paton continues to excel with his violin playing. In
addition to his normal recitals, he has played a couple of times at church this
year, primarily during the Christmas program.
Sarah has really
blossomed in terms of keeping in touch with family. She’s been the best one of
the kids in making sure to consistently email and facetime our extended family
in Texas.
Samuel started Trail Life this year. He seems to really
enjoy it. I just hope I’ll be able to survive the campouts with him. I’ll enjoy
the time with him, though camping hasn’t always been my “thing.”
Melody is very close to finishing her “Teach Your Child to
Read” book. She and I have been working on this for quite a while. I have a
Bible with her name on it to present to her when we are done.
David is growing taller and has become quite a blessing in
our family. He is certainly full of life.
In closing, I wanted to mention the passing of a mighty man
of God. Since I came to a Reformed understanding of scripture I have enjoyed
and profited from the teaching of Dr. R.C. Sproul. He left this world in
December, leaving behind many books and teachings for the edification of the
church. I never was able to meet him in person, but I have watched him several
times on DVD and read a few of his books.
