“Good Morning America” did an unusually long and interesting piece on a concrete dome home in Florida yesterday. The house was touted as being especially able to resist damage from all the hurricanes they are having down there. They mentioned folks (engineer and designer?) named Dr. Wilson and George Paul. I couldn’t help but wonder if Cloud was involved in any way.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Replies
That one's in SC. It's the one that inspired me. I've weekended there with the family, and it was the most peaceful place I've ever experienced.
Dr. Wilson was the engineer on my house. A kind and gentle man. Always took time to answer my questions. Taught me all I know about engineering. A star student of his--he taught structural engineering at BYU--is the engineer I now use on my projects.
George Paul is the dude who built my shell (with thin-shell concrete, we tend to separate building into the shell and the rest, similar to framing vs interiors, except that for us, the shell is roughly 50% of the process). You know that line from "As Good As It Gets" where Nicholson said to Hunt, "You make me want to be a better man."? I've used that line about George. By his behavior and actions, he made me want to be a nicer person. Cleaned up my language and attitude. Him getting angry was "Awwww, shoot a mile." And a great hard worker. Learned a whooooooole lot from that guy. Loved him like an older brother. He's why I'm doing what I'm now doing.
Now the sad part. In Jan 99 something happened (personal, not work) while he was on a job, and he's now not able to work or do much of anything. Messed himself up real good. Not the same. Saddest news I've ever gotten. Still in touch with now ex-wife and family and a circle of friends. Good to see him and his dad on the TV. Wish them well. Sad.
Cloud:
Thanks for the response. The house looked great and I can see why you were inspired by it. I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Such mentors and role models are hard to find. At least he was with you long enough to change your life. Not all of us are so lucky.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Cloud,
have you heard how your dome design in Florida fared? Safe Harbor I think? I don't remember where exactly it was, or if it was in the path of Frances.
I've been thinking about that dome in recent days as all the damaged houses have been in the news.
Let us know if you have heard anything. I'm real curious.
Thanks.