My dog and I were walking in the woods this morning. The donkey declined to join us (I couldn’t catch her and get on her halter and lead rope). Perhaps she knew it was the last day of deer hunting rifle season and thought a hunter might mistake her long, twitchy ears for those of a deer. Though it’s probably best not to speculate what a donkey might be thinking, just as I no longer do that with my wife.

Anyway…as the dog and I walked through the clear and cold woods, we came to a little footbridge and stream. The dog tried to get a drink, but the ice kept her from the water. I jumped down and kicked a hole in the ice. She lapped happily, getting her fill of ice cold water. I thought about the bottle of water I had in my pocket, and how a simple action from me could make a big difference for her.

As I watched her, my mind wandered to ConstructionKnowledge.net. I spent most of yesterday working on a new initiative called ConstructionKnowledge101.  For years, I’ve benefited from the practical value of an engineering education to help me solve jobsite problems. My website has helped others gain some of those practical engineering and basic science skills, but I’ve realized I can do a much better, more focused job.   ConstructionKnowledge101 will replace General Tech Knowledge on CK.net and also include an array of phone apps that put the practical knowledge at your fingertips on the jobsite.

Breaking a hole in the ice reminded me of ConstructionKnowledge101 because technical problem solving acts as a barrier in the construction business, separating those who have formal training from those who don’t. Please don’t misunderstand, lots of the best problem solvers have been guys that worked their way up through the ranks. I’m just trying to add some tools, some access, to their abilities that will make them even better.

You’ll see more about these changes in the near future. As for you, are there any holes you need to break in the ice this week? Is there anyone you could help by making a change in your routine or your behavior? I believe part of the price of integrity is to continue to ask ourselves that question.