No, not the rolling Stones, although they could be called the moving stones.
Stones as in Kidney stones.
When I was working on the Westie, I got up from laying on my back, walked around doing something (I don't remember what) and it felt like somebody walked up and stuck an ice pick in my right kidney. This was a familiar feeling, as my body manufactures and disposes of kidney stones on a regular regimen. After I got done with the OH SH*T< OH SH*T< OH SHIT, I went back to work on the car. Since the pains did not completely go away, I called the consulting nurse and told her I was pretty sure I was passing a kidney stone, should I bother to come in?
She said it would be good to get a real diagnosis. Although she didn't say it, I got the distinct impression she thought that any one who does self diagnosis has a fool for a doctor.
So I went in and they x-rayed and I have three stones. Two on the left. one on the right. They are small and non-obstructing, so they sent me home with the instruction to take more drugs and come back if nothing changes. I declined a prescription for more Percocet 'cause I just don't like the stuff because it leaves me too foggy headed. (No remarks from the peanut gallery please)
Well, it has been two weeks, and I am still having occasional problems. Most of the time I am fine, but every once in a while someone runs up behind me and ice picks my kidney.
I have been working on the kitchen sink, putting in a new fixture and lines, so I have been laying on my back working at arms length. It has never bothered me when I am working, but after I get up and walk around it will kick in. Especially at night when I go to lay down.
I e-mailed the doc and told him it was maybe a pulled muscle, but he sticks with his original diagnosis.
Guess I'll just stick it out.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Naga Bhut Jolokia
Also known as the Ghost Pepper.
I like moderately hot stuff. A little burn is good for the digestion. Jalapenos are not particularly hot, Chilis Torredos are warm, but anything hotter and you begin to lose the flavor of what they are in and get into the territory of just macho.
I admit it. Sometimes I do stupid stuff just for the macho.
So when one of the guys at work brought around the Ghost Chili beef jerky, I took a piece.
In case you don't know, the Ghost Pepper was recognised by Guinness world records as the hottest pepper in the world, with over on million scoville units. It will eat it's way through latex gloves. It can cause blisters.
Your face will turn bright red, tears will run down, your nose will run, and it will be difficult to breathe.
And that's not talking about what it will do to your digestive system.
Let's just say burn twice and leave it at that.
Oh, and by the way, be sure to wash your hands before you rub your nose, or wipe your eyes or any other delicate skin.
Don't ask how I know
I like moderately hot stuff. A little burn is good for the digestion. Jalapenos are not particularly hot, Chilis Torredos are warm, but anything hotter and you begin to lose the flavor of what they are in and get into the territory of just macho.
I admit it. Sometimes I do stupid stuff just for the macho.
So when one of the guys at work brought around the Ghost Chili beef jerky, I took a piece.
In case you don't know, the Ghost Pepper was recognised by Guinness world records as the hottest pepper in the world, with over on million scoville units. It will eat it's way through latex gloves. It can cause blisters.
Your face will turn bright red, tears will run down, your nose will run, and it will be difficult to breathe.
And that's not talking about what it will do to your digestive system.
Let's just say burn twice and leave it at that.
Oh, and by the way, be sure to wash your hands before you rub your nose, or wipe your eyes or any other delicate skin.
Don't ask how I know
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
And God Laughed
We were going to spend the weekend at Scatter Creek Campground at the south end of Lake Taqualpa, an incredible beautiful setting this time of year. The wild rice growing in the shallow parts of the lake is brilliant green, the channel blue, reflecting the sky. The far shore is the dark green of pine and fir, and above them the mountains rise abruptly with their blacks and grays.
I have been there many times, but never to photograph it. That was my goal.
The dirt road is ten miles of incredibly bad road, with chuckholes and rocks the whole way.
I had just mentioned to MRS A "I really like the fact that the Westfalia has such Good ground clearance, I really don't have to worry about hitting a rock and putting a hole in the pan".
When will I ever learn?
God snickered and threw a particularly nasty rock in my path.
BAM!
Shortly thereafter the oil light came on.
I stopped and went to the back to check the oil. None showed on the dip stick. I climbed under the Van, and there was a hole the size of your fist in the pan.
Of course there was no cell service. Ten miles to the nearest pavement, twenty to the nearest town.
Luckily a Game Warden came by right after that and stopped.
I asked him to call me a tow truck.
An hour later the tow truck showed up. Two and a half hours and $810 later we were home.
I went to change out the pan, and tweaked a muscle in my back, so I had to send it to the shop. It will be $425.00 to put in a new pan. A steel pan this time, not cast aluminum.
With a skid plate made out of 1/4" plate steel.
But I'm not going to brag about how I don't have to worry about rocks.
And I'll probably slow down some when I'm off the pavement.
I have been there many times, but never to photograph it. That was my goal.
The dirt road is ten miles of incredibly bad road, with chuckholes and rocks the whole way.
I had just mentioned to MRS A "I really like the fact that the Westfalia has such Good ground clearance, I really don't have to worry about hitting a rock and putting a hole in the pan".
When will I ever learn?
God snickered and threw a particularly nasty rock in my path.
BAM!
Shortly thereafter the oil light came on.
I stopped and went to the back to check the oil. None showed on the dip stick. I climbed under the Van, and there was a hole the size of your fist in the pan.
Of course there was no cell service. Ten miles to the nearest pavement, twenty to the nearest town.
Luckily a Game Warden came by right after that and stopped.
I asked him to call me a tow truck.
An hour later the tow truck showed up. Two and a half hours and $810 later we were home.
I went to change out the pan, and tweaked a muscle in my back, so I had to send it to the shop. It will be $425.00 to put in a new pan. A steel pan this time, not cast aluminum.
With a skid plate made out of 1/4" plate steel.
But I'm not going to brag about how I don't have to worry about rocks.
And I'll probably slow down some when I'm off the pavement.
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Bad Mojo
What is more powerful than a father's love?
Drugs.
What is more powerful than a mother's devotion?
Drugs.
What is more powerful than Maternal instinct?
drugs
What is more powerful than love of self?
Drugs.
After more than a year of absolutely no contact with my daughter, R, I got a call from my ex yesterday. The minute I heard her voice, the bottom of my stomach went down a couple of feet. This could not be good.
Was R. dead? My first thought.
In the hospital, O.D, in jail?
Not yet.
Had a fight with the a-hole she lives with, and he got physical with her and is in jail supposedly. (I have seen her when she is coming down and she is meaner than a snake in the blind.)
Did she call me?
No
She knows that as long as she is choosing drugs over caring for her son, I want nothing to do with her. So she tries to get her mother to do her dirty work for her.
I have bought into this so many times that I should have it down by now.
Will I drive up to Everett and get her? NO. No Christmas call, no father's day call, no birthday card or call. Nothing.
A relationship is supposed to go both ways. I need to get something out of it other than pain.
I decline to participate in her self mutilation. I will net be an enabler.
But it still makes me feel like shit.
Drugs.
What is more powerful than a mother's devotion?
Drugs.
What is more powerful than Maternal instinct?
drugs
What is more powerful than love of self?
Drugs.
After more than a year of absolutely no contact with my daughter, R, I got a call from my ex yesterday. The minute I heard her voice, the bottom of my stomach went down a couple of feet. This could not be good.
Was R. dead? My first thought.
In the hospital, O.D, in jail?
Not yet.
Had a fight with the a-hole she lives with, and he got physical with her and is in jail supposedly. (I have seen her when she is coming down and she is meaner than a snake in the blind.)
Did she call me?
No
She knows that as long as she is choosing drugs over caring for her son, I want nothing to do with her. So she tries to get her mother to do her dirty work for her.
I have bought into this so many times that I should have it down by now.
Will I drive up to Everett and get her? NO. No Christmas call, no father's day call, no birthday card or call. Nothing.
A relationship is supposed to go both ways. I need to get something out of it other than pain.
I decline to participate in her self mutilation. I will net be an enabler.
But it still makes me feel like shit.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Politics
Not that I think Politics has become divisive or anything, but if President Obama wants to be reelected, I think all he has to do is write an official memo stating that it his position that he is strongly in favor of breathing.
The Republicans would therefore have to come out strongly against breathing, thereby eliminating all opposition.
The Republicans would therefore have to come out strongly against breathing, thereby eliminating all opposition.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Home again
Vacation was wonderful.
Two weeks of wandering the back roads, mainly in Idaho.
We started out at Lake Easton State Park, just over the top of Snoqualmie Pass. We spent a couple of days camping there with friends. A good time was had by all. We went into Roslyn to The Brick for hte Macho Nachos and a couple of beers, played cards, told stories, and took a couple of hikes. Not to mention eating huckleberries right off of the bush.
On to southern Idaho. We spent the night in Emmett and went out to Sage Hen Reservoir to one of the campgrounds. Not a bad Park, but there were no showers and the outhouse was less than sanitary, so we only stayed for one night.
Then on to Peninsula State Park outside McCall Idaho. Beautiful little town and a very nice campground with nice modern facilities. We stayed a couple of days.
The trip up The North Fork of the Payette river was really beautiful. We stopped several times to just watch the water. Over the top and down the other side to follow the Clearwater. We crossed over the River at Ororins and went way back in the woods to Dent Acres Campground. We had only intended to stay one night, but the weather forcast was for 106 Degrees, and we didn't want to travel in that heat. So we hunkered down and hooked up the Air Conditioner and hung around the Westfalia all day. I spent the day under a tree whittlin' and reading, Managed to pick up a pretty good sunburn on my upper arms.
Then on to Sandpoint. We spent two nights in a Howard Johnson's.
I had promised Uncle Fred I would fish Deep Creek for him while I was up there, so Mrs a and I did. She Had never stream fished before, so I took a while when we first started out to show her how it was done and why a particular strategy worked. She caught the first fish, a little rainbow trout. We had a good time walking down the middle of the stream, talking and fishing. I caught the only two fish worth keeping ( a couple of rainbow trout about 8 and 10 inches). We went back to the Hotel, and she took a nap while I went back out to fish Sand Creek, where I picked up a couple of 8 inch Brookies to add to the take.
We got together with the family and went out to the Western Pleasures Ranch for a catered dinner. A beautiful lodge out in the woods. Hay ride before dinner, good home cooking.
Larry Glahe and his lovely wife, Jackie hosted the reunion. We went back to their house for nightcaps.
Saturday we were supposed to go out on the lake in their houseboat the Alibi, but muskrats had chewed holes in the gas line and after replacing the line, the engine never would run right. Rather than run the risk of breaking down in the middle of the lake we just partied on right there on the dock.
Prime rib dinner home made cherry and huckleberry pies for dessert. Much beer and other beverage was consumed, tall tales were told, and most of the world's problems were solved. My face hurt from mso much laughter and smiling.
Then back home on Sunday.
My blood sugar was great the whole time, I actually lost five pounds, and I felt great.
I have come to the conclusion That for me health, I need more vacations.
Two weeks of wandering the back roads, mainly in Idaho.
We started out at Lake Easton State Park, just over the top of Snoqualmie Pass. We spent a couple of days camping there with friends. A good time was had by all. We went into Roslyn to The Brick for hte Macho Nachos and a couple of beers, played cards, told stories, and took a couple of hikes. Not to mention eating huckleberries right off of the bush.
On to southern Idaho. We spent the night in Emmett and went out to Sage Hen Reservoir to one of the campgrounds. Not a bad Park, but there were no showers and the outhouse was less than sanitary, so we only stayed for one night.
Then on to Peninsula State Park outside McCall Idaho. Beautiful little town and a very nice campground with nice modern facilities. We stayed a couple of days.
The trip up The North Fork of the Payette river was really beautiful. We stopped several times to just watch the water. Over the top and down the other side to follow the Clearwater. We crossed over the River at Ororins and went way back in the woods to Dent Acres Campground. We had only intended to stay one night, but the weather forcast was for 106 Degrees, and we didn't want to travel in that heat. So we hunkered down and hooked up the Air Conditioner and hung around the Westfalia all day. I spent the day under a tree whittlin' and reading, Managed to pick up a pretty good sunburn on my upper arms.
Then on to Sandpoint. We spent two nights in a Howard Johnson's.
I had promised Uncle Fred I would fish Deep Creek for him while I was up there, so Mrs a and I did. She Had never stream fished before, so I took a while when we first started out to show her how it was done and why a particular strategy worked. She caught the first fish, a little rainbow trout. We had a good time walking down the middle of the stream, talking and fishing. I caught the only two fish worth keeping ( a couple of rainbow trout about 8 and 10 inches). We went back to the Hotel, and she took a nap while I went back out to fish Sand Creek, where I picked up a couple of 8 inch Brookies to add to the take.
We got together with the family and went out to the Western Pleasures Ranch for a catered dinner. A beautiful lodge out in the woods. Hay ride before dinner, good home cooking.
Larry Glahe and his lovely wife, Jackie hosted the reunion. We went back to their house for nightcaps.
Saturday we were supposed to go out on the lake in their houseboat the Alibi, but muskrats had chewed holes in the gas line and after replacing the line, the engine never would run right. Rather than run the risk of breaking down in the middle of the lake we just partied on right there on the dock.
Prime rib dinner home made cherry and huckleberry pies for dessert. Much beer and other beverage was consumed, tall tales were told, and most of the world's problems were solved. My face hurt from mso much laughter and smiling.
Then back home on Sunday.
My blood sugar was great the whole time, I actually lost five pounds, and I felt great.
I have come to the conclusion That for me health, I need more vacations.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Wandering off
Sunday we set off on a two week wander. We only have two firm dates. We are meeting friends at Lake Easton State Park for a couple of days at this end, and are meeting family at Sandpoint Idaho at the other end. In between we are wandering around in Idaho, starting at Emmett to see our daughter,SIL and grandkid, then going up Hiway 95 N all the way to Sandpoint camping and fishing our way up the spine of Idaho.
Two weeks in the Westfalia. We will probably stop at a motel here and there depending on the facilities along the way. We can go two days without a shower, but three is a little much. I can do it, but Mrs A. couldn't without being very uncomfortable.
Two weeks in the Westfalia. We will probably stop at a motel here and there depending on the facilities along the way. We can go two days without a shower, but three is a little much. I can do it, but Mrs A. couldn't without being very uncomfortable.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
GEARS
I love the Westie, but there are a couple of things I want to improve yet.
I had talked about doing a syncro conversion, but the bill is around ten grand. Not really justifiable in my book if I want to retire any time soon.
The rear gearing in the vanagon automatic is way low, so at freeway speed (70 MPH) you are doing about 4ooo RPM. It is not approaching the redline of the engine, but is still higher that I would like. It affects both the gas mileage and the wear and tear on the engine and transmission.
I currently get around 17 mpg with the Subaru engine transplant, Not terrible for a camper/SUV, but not all that great.
While surfing the net last week, I found a site where they just completed a couple of years of experimenting and testing to put together a higher gear ratio set for the Vanagon automatic. The gears are 3.27 as opposed to the stock 4.05 gears. According to them this translates into much better gas mileage (21 as opposed to 17 MPG) and lower RPMs at speed (3500 versus 4100 RPM). The downside is of course the cost. The ring and pinon set is $1200, and figure another $1500 to put it in.
With the price of gas where it is, it will pay for itself in the long run.
I had talked about doing a syncro conversion, but the bill is around ten grand. Not really justifiable in my book if I want to retire any time soon.
The rear gearing in the vanagon automatic is way low, so at freeway speed (70 MPH) you are doing about 4ooo RPM. It is not approaching the redline of the engine, but is still higher that I would like. It affects both the gas mileage and the wear and tear on the engine and transmission.
I currently get around 17 mpg with the Subaru engine transplant, Not terrible for a camper/SUV, but not all that great.
While surfing the net last week, I found a site where they just completed a couple of years of experimenting and testing to put together a higher gear ratio set for the Vanagon automatic. The gears are 3.27 as opposed to the stock 4.05 gears. According to them this translates into much better gas mileage (21 as opposed to 17 MPG) and lower RPMs at speed (3500 versus 4100 RPM). The downside is of course the cost. The ring and pinon set is $1200, and figure another $1500 to put it in.
With the price of gas where it is, it will pay for itself in the long run.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Uncles and Cousins and such
Spent the weekend in Coberg, Oregon. My cousin Ginger lives there. We were close when we were growing up, but their family moved away about when we hit our teens, and I lost contact with her for about 35 years. When we finally got back together, it was like we had never lost contact.
Going to see her was enough of a reason to drive the five hours, but there were a couple of other reasons for making the trip. My Uncle Ben and his wife Vicki were visiting from Morelia Mexico. They don't get up this way very often, so it was great seeing them. He had just received an award that made him "Generalissimo de Morelia" the highest award a foreigner can receive from the city/county. He has already received the highest award a foreigner can receive from the Government of Mexico.
The reason he was up this way, is because his Brother, my Uncle Fred was in the hospital, and in addition to being diabetic and having one foot amputated, has been diagnosed with bone cancer, so his future is very uncertain.
My Uncle Fred and I were fishing buddies for years. Over on the farm, on Sunday, after milking and after church, we pretty much always went fishing. Stream fishing for trout. That area of Idaho had some of the best trout fishing water anywhere.
When we went to see him in the hospital, when he saw me he started out with "Remember the time you and I went up Deep Creek? The limit was 15 fish and we brought home 30 trout and one whitefish." That is indeed one of my favorite fishing memories. the biggest fish was 18", several around 15", not a one under 10". I have never seen a finer stringer of fish.
Long gone are the days of 15 fish limits.
We traded fishing stories and other matters of great importance.
He knows that we are having a family reunion in Sandpoint in August. When I was about to leave, He stopped me and said "Allen, I want you to do me a favor. When you go to the reunion, I want you to go fish Deep Creek for me."
Of course I will, but it won't be easy. So many memories are tied up in the stretch of creek between the two bridges.
I hope it rains so no one can see the tears in my eyes.
Going to see her was enough of a reason to drive the five hours, but there were a couple of other reasons for making the trip. My Uncle Ben and his wife Vicki were visiting from Morelia Mexico. They don't get up this way very often, so it was great seeing them. He had just received an award that made him "Generalissimo de Morelia" the highest award a foreigner can receive from the city/county. He has already received the highest award a foreigner can receive from the Government of Mexico.
The reason he was up this way, is because his Brother, my Uncle Fred was in the hospital, and in addition to being diabetic and having one foot amputated, has been diagnosed with bone cancer, so his future is very uncertain.
My Uncle Fred and I were fishing buddies for years. Over on the farm, on Sunday, after milking and after church, we pretty much always went fishing. Stream fishing for trout. That area of Idaho had some of the best trout fishing water anywhere.
When we went to see him in the hospital, when he saw me he started out with "Remember the time you and I went up Deep Creek? The limit was 15 fish and we brought home 30 trout and one whitefish." That is indeed one of my favorite fishing memories. the biggest fish was 18", several around 15", not a one under 10". I have never seen a finer stringer of fish.
Long gone are the days of 15 fish limits.
We traded fishing stories and other matters of great importance.
He knows that we are having a family reunion in Sandpoint in August. When I was about to leave, He stopped me and said "Allen, I want you to do me a favor. When you go to the reunion, I want you to go fish Deep Creek for me."
Of course I will, but it won't be easy. So many memories are tied up in the stretch of creek between the two bridges.
I hope it rains so no one can see the tears in my eyes.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
So damn slow
Patience is not one of my better virtues. I admit it. Everything just takes about five times as long as it should to accomplish.
I had decided to get rid of my Jensen Healey parts car, so I advertised it on Craigslist. I know I could have made a quite a bit of money parting it out, but just didn't want to go through the hassle of tearing it apart, listing the parts on E-bay and arranging shipping and all that. So I advertised it for $200.00 as a parts car.
I received a couple of inquiries, and then a guy operating a parts yard offered my $150. Hey, I got it for free, and took the stuff I wanted, so anything I got for it was just gravy.
It took the guy a week to come and get it. But it is now gone.
The Westie is in the shop. They replaced the skylight. I asked them to figure out what was draining the battery, and they are still working on it. I delivered it to them last Friday. I need it by this Friday. I don't feel so bad about not being able to figure out where the drain on the battery was coming from since the experts can't figure it out either.
We are supposed to head out Saturday morning for Oregon, and I am starting to get a little antsy. There are things I want to check on and get packed up for the trip. I hate waiting until the last minute.
Some times you have to slow down and let things happen at their own pace.
But I don't have to like it.
I had decided to get rid of my Jensen Healey parts car, so I advertised it on Craigslist. I know I could have made a quite a bit of money parting it out, but just didn't want to go through the hassle of tearing it apart, listing the parts on E-bay and arranging shipping and all that. So I advertised it for $200.00 as a parts car.
I received a couple of inquiries, and then a guy operating a parts yard offered my $150. Hey, I got it for free, and took the stuff I wanted, so anything I got for it was just gravy.
It took the guy a week to come and get it. But it is now gone.
The Westie is in the shop. They replaced the skylight. I asked them to figure out what was draining the battery, and they are still working on it. I delivered it to them last Friday. I need it by this Friday. I don't feel so bad about not being able to figure out where the drain on the battery was coming from since the experts can't figure it out either.
We are supposed to head out Saturday morning for Oregon, and I am starting to get a little antsy. There are things I want to check on and get packed up for the trip. I hate waiting until the last minute.
Some times you have to slow down and let things happen at their own pace.
But I don't have to like it.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Movin' along
The Westfalia is in the shop getting a new skylight installed. The old one cracked and will leak under torrential downpour conditions. Just bad enough to bug me. Also the battery is not holding a charge. If I charge it in the evening, it is dead by morning. I figure the alternator is shot. If the diodes are gone, it will charge while the engine is running, but when it shuts off, it drains the battery because the diodes are blown. Diodes are these handy little "gates" that only allow electricity to flow in one direction. If they are blown, they deplete the battery.
I need to get the Westy ready for next weekend, because we are heading South to Oregon for a family thing. My Uncle Ben Is coming up with his wife from Mexico, so we are heading down next Saturday. Back home on Monday.
This coming Monday I have made arrangements for the Pull-Apart yard guy to come and get my 73 Jensen Healey parts car. I have pulled misc. parts off of it for the car I am restoring, but I think I have everything I need, so I want the room in the carport. It is not easy for me to turn loose of it. I always get that "I just know I'm going to need something" feeling.
Take a deep breath Al. and just let go.
Not long ago, I discovered my fishing tackle was all missing. Really pisses me off. I have had some of that stuff for forty years. It is not cheap to replace. People have gun safes, I wonder if anyone has a Fishing Pole safe? At any rate I have bee gathering stuff up, have about $500 invested so far, still don't have a reel. I need to get all of the lures and tackle yet. Oh well. Father's day is coming, and a little bird told me there is a gift certificate for Dicks Sporting goods coming my way.
Right now I am imagining my self thigh deep in a high country trout stream laying out a perfect dry fly. There is a rise!
I need to get the Westy ready for next weekend, because we are heading South to Oregon for a family thing. My Uncle Ben Is coming up with his wife from Mexico, so we are heading down next Saturday. Back home on Monday.
This coming Monday I have made arrangements for the Pull-Apart yard guy to come and get my 73 Jensen Healey parts car. I have pulled misc. parts off of it for the car I am restoring, but I think I have everything I need, so I want the room in the carport. It is not easy for me to turn loose of it. I always get that "I just know I'm going to need something" feeling.
Take a deep breath Al. and just let go.
Not long ago, I discovered my fishing tackle was all missing. Really pisses me off. I have had some of that stuff for forty years. It is not cheap to replace. People have gun safes, I wonder if anyone has a Fishing Pole safe? At any rate I have bee gathering stuff up, have about $500 invested so far, still don't have a reel. I need to get all of the lures and tackle yet. Oh well. Father's day is coming, and a little bird told me there is a gift certificate for Dicks Sporting goods coming my way.
Right now I am imagining my self thigh deep in a high country trout stream laying out a perfect dry fly. There is a rise!
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
A Logistical 180
The last time I posted, I was pretty sure I was going to go ahead and do the four wheel drive conversion to the Westie. Since then I have changed my mind.
This may have been precipitated by the fact that the lovely Mrs A has retired. She semi-retired several years ago, just working part time. Now she is a stay-at-home housewife.So far it seems to agree with her.
The fact of her retirement got me to seriously looking at my own retirement. If I do the conversion to the Westie, it means I work for an additional year to pay it off. That's a pretty steep price to pay for what I get out of it.
I was looking around the house cleaning up misc. crap, and came across several US Savings Bonds. I also am going to get rid of my Jensen Healey parts car, and put the title to the HHR in the Safe Deposit Box. I also had a stack of US Savings Bonds in the box. I got to thinking about them sitting there doing nothing, so I decided to take them all and cash them in and pay down the mortgage. So I did. I added a bunch of my "car money" to the kitty, and Paid off $15K of the mortgage. That brings the total down to around $38K. Within sight.
The plan has always been to pay off the mortgage, get to Social Security age, sell the house and move to the country somewhere it doesn't rain 200 days a year. I need to complete my Dental work (implants coming in November).
It is beginning to look more like a plan and less like a fantasy all the time.
This may have been precipitated by the fact that the lovely Mrs A has retired. She semi-retired several years ago, just working part time. Now she is a stay-at-home housewife.So far it seems to agree with her.
The fact of her retirement got me to seriously looking at my own retirement. If I do the conversion to the Westie, it means I work for an additional year to pay it off. That's a pretty steep price to pay for what I get out of it.
I was looking around the house cleaning up misc. crap, and came across several US Savings Bonds. I also am going to get rid of my Jensen Healey parts car, and put the title to the HHR in the Safe Deposit Box. I also had a stack of US Savings Bonds in the box. I got to thinking about them sitting there doing nothing, so I decided to take them all and cash them in and pay down the mortgage. So I did. I added a bunch of my "car money" to the kitty, and Paid off $15K of the mortgage. That brings the total down to around $38K. Within sight.
The plan has always been to pay off the mortgage, get to Social Security age, sell the house and move to the country somewhere it doesn't rain 200 days a year. I need to complete my Dental work (implants coming in November).
It is beginning to look more like a plan and less like a fantasy all the time.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Decisions, decisions
When we were in Idaho, we were the recipients of a real gully-washer of a rain storm. It proved to be a good leak tester for the Westy.. Water started dripping from around the skylight. A close inspection showed a small crack in one corner, so when we got back I called North Westy to order a new skylight.
At the same time there were a couple of things I wanted to talk about.
I would like to see about installing an on-board compressor. Since I want to go camping off the pavement, flat tires become a little more critical when you are fifty miles from a service station. Prices are all over the place depending on exactly what you want. From $20 for a little compressor that you plug into the cigarette lighter to $350 for a good on-board compressor.
Also, I would like to change to final drive gear ration for the differential. Usually not a daunting task, but the Westie is an automatic, making it a much more difficult task. The Westie guy told me he had recently seen someone offering a different ring gear conversion, and said he would chase down the info. The problem is that with the automatic, the engine runs at over 4000 rpm at freeway (75mph) speeds. The motor doesn't seem to mind, but I would like to bring the RPMs down to around 3500 at speed, Better gas mileage and less wear on the engine.
But all that may be moot. One of the things North Westy does is Combi refits. That is, turns a rear wheel drive Westy into a four wheel drive Westy. I want to do this. It is expensive, around ten grand, but it would create the ultimate Westie. The problem has always been getting the lovely Mrs A to agree to the expense.
I think I have come up with the argument that will tip the scales.
While we were in Emmet, she kept bringing me real estate brochures. She has this plan that when I retire, we will move to Emmett. She is deathly afraid of driving in the snow. So the argument is that if we are going to move to Emmett, we will need a four wheel drive vehicle. Rather than buy a separate vehicle, we can update the Westie and further the utility of what we already have. I proposed this the other night and she didn't object too loudly. So, Kyle will be putting together a quote for me.
Maybe after we get back from our camping trip in August, I will give them the OK to go ahead with the conversion.
At the same time there were a couple of things I wanted to talk about.
I would like to see about installing an on-board compressor. Since I want to go camping off the pavement, flat tires become a little more critical when you are fifty miles from a service station. Prices are all over the place depending on exactly what you want. From $20 for a little compressor that you plug into the cigarette lighter to $350 for a good on-board compressor.
Also, I would like to change to final drive gear ration for the differential. Usually not a daunting task, but the Westie is an automatic, making it a much more difficult task. The Westie guy told me he had recently seen someone offering a different ring gear conversion, and said he would chase down the info. The problem is that with the automatic, the engine runs at over 4000 rpm at freeway (75mph) speeds. The motor doesn't seem to mind, but I would like to bring the RPMs down to around 3500 at speed, Better gas mileage and less wear on the engine.
But all that may be moot. One of the things North Westy does is Combi refits. That is, turns a rear wheel drive Westy into a four wheel drive Westy. I want to do this. It is expensive, around ten grand, but it would create the ultimate Westie. The problem has always been getting the lovely Mrs A to agree to the expense.
I think I have come up with the argument that will tip the scales.
While we were in Emmet, she kept bringing me real estate brochures. She has this plan that when I retire, we will move to Emmett. She is deathly afraid of driving in the snow. So the argument is that if we are going to move to Emmett, we will need a four wheel drive vehicle. Rather than buy a separate vehicle, we can update the Westie and further the utility of what we already have. I proposed this the other night and she didn't object too loudly. So, Kyle will be putting together a quote for me.
Maybe after we get back from our camping trip in August, I will give them the OK to go ahead with the conversion.
Monday, May 07, 2012
A Short Vacation
Lisa and Dan have been giving us the neener-neener-neener crap about how great their weather has been for the last month or so. So we took a week and drove over to Emmett Idaho to visit them. They told us to bring warm weather gear. I told Mrs A to pack jeans and sweatshirts.
It's a good thing I did. We were there six days, and we had ONE decent day. It rained just about every day. On the other hand we did manage to get a couple of drives in.. Headed up into the Boise National Forrest. Got up high enough that the road was covered in snow here and there. Went up to the Sage Hen Reservoir. Nice drive, about half off of the pavement. I really like the way the Westie handles on the gravel.
The trip in both directions was just fine. I did occasionally do the speed limit.
Dan got hired on as a plumber while we were there. I know Dan was excited and relieved to go back to work. He had been out of work for a quite a while with a hernia. He has been on L & I, but it is always good to go back to work. He had done a couple of jobs for a local independent plumber, and the word got around that he worked quickly and did top quality work, so next thing you know this company he never even applied to was calling him up and offering him a job.
I got the other top ball joint replaced on the truck.. once again it took about three hours, mostly with a air hammer and chisel.
Also replaced the three outside access boxes on the Westy.(curb water, electrical,and potable water).
Since today is my last day of vacation, we went ad took in a movie and then dinner at a Thai joint. We went and saw The Hunger Games. Good movie, lots of action and several plot twists. I didn't care for the way it ended. It just kinda.....ended. Oh well, I know it is the first of three books, so I figure the next movie will pick up where this one left off.
Back to the grind tomorrow, and since I have had the last two weekends off, I will have to work both days this coming weekend.
It's a good thing I did. We were there six days, and we had ONE decent day. It rained just about every day. On the other hand we did manage to get a couple of drives in.. Headed up into the Boise National Forrest. Got up high enough that the road was covered in snow here and there. Went up to the Sage Hen Reservoir. Nice drive, about half off of the pavement. I really like the way the Westie handles on the gravel.
The trip in both directions was just fine. I did occasionally do the speed limit.
Dan got hired on as a plumber while we were there. I know Dan was excited and relieved to go back to work. He had been out of work for a quite a while with a hernia. He has been on L & I, but it is always good to go back to work. He had done a couple of jobs for a local independent plumber, and the word got around that he worked quickly and did top quality work, so next thing you know this company he never even applied to was calling him up and offering him a job.
I got the other top ball joint replaced on the truck.. once again it took about three hours, mostly with a air hammer and chisel.
Also replaced the three outside access boxes on the Westy.(curb water, electrical,and potable water).
Since today is my last day of vacation, we went ad took in a movie and then dinner at a Thai joint. We went and saw The Hunger Games. Good movie, lots of action and several plot twists. I didn't care for the way it ended. It just kinda.....ended. Oh well, I know it is the first of three books, so I figure the next movie will pick up where this one left off.
Back to the grind tomorrow, and since I have had the last two weekends off, I will have to work both days this coming weekend.
Monday, April 16, 2012
A Nice weekend
The stars and moon aligned and and all the conditioned were right
!) I had the weekend off
2) the weather was nice
3) we had no other commitments
This is the first time this has happened this year. The first time this has happened this year.
We made egg rolls in the morning (they are very yummy).
So that in the afternoon I could go twist a wrench. I have SOOOO wanted to get out and get to work on the cars. First I needed to charge the battery to the Z and get it running. While it was charging I got it up in the air and bled the brakes. Got it running and the brakes working.
Then came Frankenhealey. I had previously sold the prior Dellorto set-up with the velocity stacks to a guy at work for a grand, So I had purchased another set. Straight out of the box, they do not fit. The mounting holes are just a little to far apart, so you have to file them a little to get them to fit.
I wasn't going to run the velocity stacks without air cleaners of some kind, and I found some on line that look alot like the covering on a microphone, very fine steel mesh. They will keep miscellaneous small parts, rocks and insects from being ingested into the engine. The original engines demise was brought about by the ingestion of a small washer.
The are all fitted up nice.
Man do I feel stupid!
I replaced the ball joint assembly on the drives side of the truck, and drove it to work all week. All of the sudden on Saturday it started making a thump-thump-thump noise from the driver's side front, so I rearranged the cars so I could get it partly under cover and on the cement so I could look it over. When I got out of the truck, I noticed one of the lug nuts looked like it was a little loose. I fact, they all were loose. The noise was the wheel rattling around on the hub. Tightened the lug nuts up, and everything was fine.
But I sure felt stupid.
!) I had the weekend off
2) the weather was nice
3) we had no other commitments
This is the first time this has happened this year. The first time this has happened this year.
We made egg rolls in the morning (they are very yummy).
So that in the afternoon I could go twist a wrench. I have SOOOO wanted to get out and get to work on the cars. First I needed to charge the battery to the Z and get it running. While it was charging I got it up in the air and bled the brakes. Got it running and the brakes working.
Then came Frankenhealey. I had previously sold the prior Dellorto set-up with the velocity stacks to a guy at work for a grand, So I had purchased another set. Straight out of the box, they do not fit. The mounting holes are just a little to far apart, so you have to file them a little to get them to fit.
I wasn't going to run the velocity stacks without air cleaners of some kind, and I found some on line that look alot like the covering on a microphone, very fine steel mesh. They will keep miscellaneous small parts, rocks and insects from being ingested into the engine. The original engines demise was brought about by the ingestion of a small washer.
The are all fitted up nice.
Man do I feel stupid!
I replaced the ball joint assembly on the drives side of the truck, and drove it to work all week. All of the sudden on Saturday it started making a thump-thump-thump noise from the driver's side front, so I rearranged the cars so I could get it partly under cover and on the cement so I could look it over. When I got out of the truck, I noticed one of the lug nuts looked like it was a little loose. I fact, they all were loose. The noise was the wheel rattling around on the hub. Tightened the lug nuts up, and everything was fine.
But I sure felt stupid.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Back on Second Shift
The title says it all.
When I took this job, I agreed to fill in when the second shift guy went on Vacation.
Little did I know that he was taking three weeks off in April.
Considering that I spent nine of the last 12 months I was in ECAT on second shift, three weeks is OK. Don't like it, but I agreed to it, So I guess I have no kick. The other thing is that I have to work every other weekend while he is gone. The way the schedule works out that means two out of the three weekends I get to work both days.
I just have to remind myself that it means another grand in the savings towards our tenth anniversary trip.
Friday is Mrs A's last day of employment outside the home. I have told her since we first got together that she could quit any time she wanted. She has always had mixed feelings about not working.
I might be a little envious.
When I took this job, I agreed to fill in when the second shift guy went on Vacation.
Little did I know that he was taking three weeks off in April.
Considering that I spent nine of the last 12 months I was in ECAT on second shift, three weeks is OK. Don't like it, but I agreed to it, So I guess I have no kick. The other thing is that I have to work every other weekend while he is gone. The way the schedule works out that means two out of the three weekends I get to work both days.
I just have to remind myself that it means another grand in the savings towards our tenth anniversary trip.
Friday is Mrs A's last day of employment outside the home. I have told her since we first got together that she could quit any time she wanted. She has always had mixed feelings about not working.
I might be a little envious.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Easter
News Flash!
The Easter Bunny has been found alongside Main Street, the victim of an apparent hit and run.
Suspects in the incident are his darker relatives, the Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
BEAT IT!
We spent a couple of days at the Lake Quinault Lodge over the weekend. I got there depressed, exhausted and surly. After a couple of days I left recharged, revitalized and ready to go. What a great place for recharging your batteries.
Checkout time on Monday was 11:00 and we headed right out. We were home by 2:30. It was a beautiful day, so I quickly unloaded the HHR, changed clothes and started to work on the truck. I was sure glad I bought the air hammer and cold chisel. Even with power tools, it was a three and a half hour job. including the half a hour when I had to run to the automotive parts place to by a pickle fork (also known as a ball joint separator). The top mounting plate is hot riveted to the A-arm, so the majority of the time was spent getting the rivets out. I chose to air hammer and cold chisel the rivet heads off, partially drill out the rivets and pry it all apart with the air hammer. Time consuming but not too bad with a power tool.
So I got to beat on my truck with a power tool for a couple of hours, and in the end the truck was back on the road.
Checkout time on Monday was 11:00 and we headed right out. We were home by 2:30. It was a beautiful day, so I quickly unloaded the HHR, changed clothes and started to work on the truck. I was sure glad I bought the air hammer and cold chisel. Even with power tools, it was a three and a half hour job. including the half a hour when I had to run to the automotive parts place to by a pickle fork (also known as a ball joint separator). The top mounting plate is hot riveted to the A-arm, so the majority of the time was spent getting the rivets out. I chose to air hammer and cold chisel the rivet heads off, partially drill out the rivets and pry it all apart with the air hammer. Time consuming but not too bad with a power tool.
So I got to beat on my truck with a power tool for a couple of hours, and in the end the truck was back on the road.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
If I had a Hammer.....
Oh, that's right, I do.
After considering all the alternatives, I went to Lowes after work to price out the cost of an air hammer. Turns out they are really cheap, like $20, so I am now the proud owner of a Kobalt Air hammer and chisels.
Now I just need the time to get out there and chisel the hell out of the upper ball joint retention plate rivets. Nothing like beating on your truck with a hammer to make you feel better.
After considering all the alternatives, I went to Lowes after work to price out the cost of an air hammer. Turns out they are really cheap, like $20, so I am now the proud owner of a Kobalt Air hammer and chisels.
Now I just need the time to get out there and chisel the hell out of the upper ball joint retention plate rivets. Nothing like beating on your truck with a hammer to make you feel better.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
A new Joint
No, no, not that kind of joint.
Upper ball joint.
That's what broke on the truck.
What was once an assembly now is a disassembly.
So I bought new ball joints for both sides last night. Not too expensive, like seventy five bucks. The big hassle is that the old ones, the top plate is riveted in. You have to drill out the rivets. I am inclined to go get a pneumatic hammer and a cold chisel bit, It should be a lot easier than either drilling them out or hand chiseling the heads off.
I bought both sides. Chances are if one side is worn out completely, the other can't be far behind.
I have to work both days this weekend, then on Monday I have two doctor's appointments, so it isn't going to get done then. The next weekend we are going to the Lake Quinault Lodge for three days, so it won't get done then, so it looks like I will have to schedule it in for the weekend of April 7th. That weekend is also Mrs A's birthday, so I will have to set aside one day for her. I know she has a CAT scan scheduled for the 9th so that takes away Monday. That leaves only the 8th.
Doable as long as nothing goes awry.
Upper ball joint.
That's what broke on the truck.
What was once an assembly now is a disassembly.
So I bought new ball joints for both sides last night. Not too expensive, like seventy five bucks. The big hassle is that the old ones, the top plate is riveted in. You have to drill out the rivets. I am inclined to go get a pneumatic hammer and a cold chisel bit, It should be a lot easier than either drilling them out or hand chiseling the heads off.
I bought both sides. Chances are if one side is worn out completely, the other can't be far behind.
I have to work both days this weekend, then on Monday I have two doctor's appointments, so it isn't going to get done then. The next weekend we are going to the Lake Quinault Lodge for three days, so it won't get done then, so it looks like I will have to schedule it in for the weekend of April 7th. That weekend is also Mrs A's birthday, so I will have to set aside one day for her. I know she has a CAT scan scheduled for the 9th so that takes away Monday. That leaves only the 8th.
Doable as long as nothing goes awry.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Free Wheelin'
But not in a good way.
When the light changed and I went on to Renton Ave. this morning, after I had straightened out, the driver's side front wheel and tire came loose from the car.
The didn't depart the vehicle. They were still hanging around the wheel well, they just weren't ATTACHED to anything.
I called home and asked Mrs A to call a tow truck. So we got it home on a flatbed and into the driveway, I switched vehicles to the Westfalia and I got in to work two hours late.
I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what the heck happened.
The lugnuts are all still on the wheel.
The rotor is still in place on the vehicle, but the wheel is not attached to anything.
Oh well, I guess I'll find out when I get it up on jackstands.
Not a good way to start the day.
When the light changed and I went on to Renton Ave. this morning, after I had straightened out, the driver's side front wheel and tire came loose from the car.
The didn't depart the vehicle. They were still hanging around the wheel well, they just weren't ATTACHED to anything.
I called home and asked Mrs A to call a tow truck. So we got it home on a flatbed and into the driveway, I switched vehicles to the Westfalia and I got in to work two hours late.
I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out what the heck happened.
The lugnuts are all still on the wheel.
The rotor is still in place on the vehicle, but the wheel is not attached to anything.
Oh well, I guess I'll find out when I get it up on jackstands.
Not a good way to start the day.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Mystery Jag
The block drain petcock on my buddy J.B.s 1948 Ford had developed a crack and needed to be replaced. Needless to say, this part was not available through the Auto Parts store, so we called around to see if there was one available in a junkyard.
We ended up at Corde's Towing at 6th and Spokane St. in South Seattle. Removing the part took only a couple of minutes.
I love junkyards, always have to wander around and see what there is. Close by where we were, there was this Jag Mark X. It seemed to be in perfect shape. I checked it out. No damage to the body, no broken glass, the gears shifted nice and crisp, the tires were all like new and holding air. everything inside was pristine. It looked like a brand new car. I would not have been surprised to see it in an upper end car lot.
As we left I had to ask "How much for the JAG?"
"Don't have the title, can't sell it."
"How about if you sell it as parts"
Can't let it leave here in one piece"
How about it you sell me the body and sell my friend here the chassis, and it all just happens to leave at the same time?"
"Can't do that either."
Well, how about if you sell me the body, and I take it off of the chassis and take it home, and my buddy here comes in and buys the chassis and we take them out separately.?"
"No can do."
"How about...."
"Go away kid. At this point I wouldn't sell you a lug nut off the car"
So we left, and went home and fixed the Ford.
The Jag stuck in my mind, though, and every once in a while I would stop by the Wrecking Yard and ask if it was for sale. Eventually I gave up.
About 15 years later I went to work for a place called Northwest Container services, which was a storage and repair yard for ocean going cargo containers. It happened to be located where Corde's Towing used to be. Old Man Corde happened to be our landlord.
He happened to come in one day to talk to the boss, and I asked him "Hey, what was the story on that Jag?"
He scrutinized me and said "I thought I recognized you. You're that kid that kept trying to but it, aren't you?"
"Yeah, that would be me. I was in love with that car."
"So here's the story. At that time we had the towing contract with the city of Seattle. The car showed up abandoned downtown, and we towed it. Figured we would be getting a frantic call from some guy wanting to rescue his baby. Nothing."
"Eventually they ran the numbers on it to trace ownership. Funny thing. It wasn't registered anywhere. The plates were stolen. Ran the vin, and it never showed as entering the US. In fact it never showed as leaving England. We never could find a legal owner for it."
"We were granted salvage rights to the car as payment for storage, but under the stipulation that the car could not be sold as a car, in fact could not be sold in any way that would allow it to be reassembled as a car."
"What ever happened to it?"
"We parted it out over several years, and the hulk went to the crusher."
Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
We ended up at Corde's Towing at 6th and Spokane St. in South Seattle. Removing the part took only a couple of minutes.
I love junkyards, always have to wander around and see what there is. Close by where we were, there was this Jag Mark X. It seemed to be in perfect shape. I checked it out. No damage to the body, no broken glass, the gears shifted nice and crisp, the tires were all like new and holding air. everything inside was pristine. It looked like a brand new car. I would not have been surprised to see it in an upper end car lot.
As we left I had to ask "How much for the JAG?"
"Don't have the title, can't sell it."
"How about if you sell it as parts"
Can't let it leave here in one piece"
How about it you sell me the body and sell my friend here the chassis, and it all just happens to leave at the same time?"
"Can't do that either."
Well, how about if you sell me the body, and I take it off of the chassis and take it home, and my buddy here comes in and buys the chassis and we take them out separately.?"
"No can do."
"How about...."
"Go away kid. At this point I wouldn't sell you a lug nut off the car"
So we left, and went home and fixed the Ford.
The Jag stuck in my mind, though, and every once in a while I would stop by the Wrecking Yard and ask if it was for sale. Eventually I gave up.
About 15 years later I went to work for a place called Northwest Container services, which was a storage and repair yard for ocean going cargo containers. It happened to be located where Corde's Towing used to be. Old Man Corde happened to be our landlord.
He happened to come in one day to talk to the boss, and I asked him "Hey, what was the story on that Jag?"
He scrutinized me and said "I thought I recognized you. You're that kid that kept trying to but it, aren't you?"
"Yeah, that would be me. I was in love with that car."
"So here's the story. At that time we had the towing contract with the city of Seattle. The car showed up abandoned downtown, and we towed it. Figured we would be getting a frantic call from some guy wanting to rescue his baby. Nothing."
"Eventually they ran the numbers on it to trace ownership. Funny thing. It wasn't registered anywhere. The plates were stolen. Ran the vin, and it never showed as entering the US. In fact it never showed as leaving England. We never could find a legal owner for it."
"We were granted salvage rights to the car as payment for storage, but under the stipulation that the car could not be sold as a car, in fact could not be sold in any way that would allow it to be reassembled as a car."
"What ever happened to it?"
"We parted it out over several years, and the hulk went to the crusher."
Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Trippin'
Just trying to plan a fabuloso trip for next year.
Next April will be our tenth Anniversary, so I want to do something extra special.
After some careful consideration, I have proposed at least a week in Bora Bora.
Stay in one of the bungalows that are built out in the bay over the water, with glass floors.
Mrs A has given the go-ahead, so I am looking on the Internet at various accommodations. It will be pricey, but the way I look at it is that some day way too soon we won't be able to go for fiscal or physical reasons, and I want that memory stored away to retreat to when life gets to close and cold.
I can't imagine growing old and saying "Gee, I sure wish I had stayed home more and done nothing worth remembering."
So, the Productivity Bonus I just received, and the Income Tax return go in the kitty, and some of my overtime money. I want to have enough set aside that we don't have to worry about the expense.
Next April will be our tenth Anniversary, so I want to do something extra special.
After some careful consideration, I have proposed at least a week in Bora Bora.
Stay in one of the bungalows that are built out in the bay over the water, with glass floors.
Mrs A has given the go-ahead, so I am looking on the Internet at various accommodations. It will be pricey, but the way I look at it is that some day way too soon we won't be able to go for fiscal or physical reasons, and I want that memory stored away to retreat to when life gets to close and cold.
I can't imagine growing old and saying "Gee, I sure wish I had stayed home more and done nothing worth remembering."
So, the Productivity Bonus I just received, and the Income Tax return go in the kitty, and some of my overtime money. I want to have enough set aside that we don't have to worry about the expense.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Small Miracles
Small miracles happen. I know because I was just in the middle of one.
I haven't talked about it, but Mrs A has been going through a health crisis.
They were doing an upper GI CAT scan back in November when they noticed a nodule in her lung. They called her back for an additional CAT scan, specific to her lung. Sure enough there was a small mass in her lung. Then they injected her with radioactive sugar to see if the mass was processing the sugar at an accelerated rate compared to the surrounding tissue. It was, but the test ( PET scan) was inconclusive, so we made an appointment with the chest cracker to discuss options.
The most conservative approach was to do a needle biopsy, which we had scheduled for Monday.
It took a couple of hours to get her prepped and queued.
The doctor spent about 20 minutes explaining what the possible complications were. Collapsed lung, internal bleeding, infection, coughing up blood, cancerous growth. The list was pretty scary. By the time he was through he had us pretty much terrified.
Finally, into the operating room, get her situated, give her a sedative. take a scan. Take another scan. Mrs A is scared and asks what is going on, why they haven't numbed her.
The doctor leans over and says "Because we are not going to proceed. They mass is gone."
I went into the day thinking that the very best that could happen was that they would find the mass benign, and there would be no complications.
I got everything I had prayed for, plus.
No one can explain what happened to the mass.
Not a major miracle, as such things go.
Just a small everyday miracle sized just right.
After thanking the Lord, we went out and had Pie. The sun was suddenly brighter, the day warmer, and the pie tasted better.
I haven't talked about it, but Mrs A has been going through a health crisis.
They were doing an upper GI CAT scan back in November when they noticed a nodule in her lung. They called her back for an additional CAT scan, specific to her lung. Sure enough there was a small mass in her lung. Then they injected her with radioactive sugar to see if the mass was processing the sugar at an accelerated rate compared to the surrounding tissue. It was, but the test ( PET scan) was inconclusive, so we made an appointment with the chest cracker to discuss options.
The most conservative approach was to do a needle biopsy, which we had scheduled for Monday.
It took a couple of hours to get her prepped and queued.
The doctor spent about 20 minutes explaining what the possible complications were. Collapsed lung, internal bleeding, infection, coughing up blood, cancerous growth. The list was pretty scary. By the time he was through he had us pretty much terrified.
Finally, into the operating room, get her situated, give her a sedative. take a scan. Take another scan. Mrs A is scared and asks what is going on, why they haven't numbed her.
The doctor leans over and says "Because we are not going to proceed. They mass is gone."
I went into the day thinking that the very best that could happen was that they would find the mass benign, and there would be no complications.
I got everything I had prayed for, plus.
No one can explain what happened to the mass.
Not a major miracle, as such things go.
Just a small everyday miracle sized just right.
After thanking the Lord, we went out and had Pie. The sun was suddenly brighter, the day warmer, and the pie tasted better.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Be careful what you ask for
Because you just might get it.
We had planned to make a trip over to Idaho for Thanksgiving, and in anticipation of the trip, I went out and paid big bucks for a set of Blizzak snow and ice tire. I have red the evaluation sites, and they almost universally gave them an excellent rating. Right up there with studded tires. I don't like studded tires because of the damage they do to the roads, so these seemed to be the best alternative.
Then we had to cancel our trip because I got a staph infection in my toe. So I was secretly wishing it would snow so I could see how they did in the snow.. Sunday it snowed, just enough so I could go out and test how good the car did with the new tires on. It did great.
On Monday the snow melted, which I was grateful for since I had to take Mrs. A to a medical appointment downtown, and downtown Seattle is no fun in the snow.
So Monday night it snowed again. Enough that Mrs A stayed home and I took the HHR with the snow tires to work. I was glad I did because the streets had a lot of compact snow still on the roads. The car did great.
I guess I must have been secretly wondering how the tires would do on ice, because overnight last night it turned to freezing rain. The car and streets and everything were covered in a sheath of ice this morning. Snow and frozen slush underneath covered in ice on top.
I am happy to say that the new tires perform admirably on ice. There was on spot where I turned the corner and could see that the next block was a solid sheet of compact snow covered in ice. It was very pretty to look at, but not so much if you intended to drive on it. For a little while there, the front end of the car and the back end couldn't agree which direction was optimal, but it did well enough that I was never out of control.
There was very little traffic out on the road this morning. Lots of empty parking spaces in the lot at work.
But enough already. I am no longer wishing for snow or ice or an combination thereof.
Yesterday was a combination of snow and sleet that I like to call (Snow+sleet=)snot.. I have had my quota for this winter. I can now start becoming Spring!
We had planned to make a trip over to Idaho for Thanksgiving, and in anticipation of the trip, I went out and paid big bucks for a set of Blizzak snow and ice tire. I have red the evaluation sites, and they almost universally gave them an excellent rating. Right up there with studded tires. I don't like studded tires because of the damage they do to the roads, so these seemed to be the best alternative.
Then we had to cancel our trip because I got a staph infection in my toe. So I was secretly wishing it would snow so I could see how they did in the snow.. Sunday it snowed, just enough so I could go out and test how good the car did with the new tires on. It did great.
On Monday the snow melted, which I was grateful for since I had to take Mrs. A to a medical appointment downtown, and downtown Seattle is no fun in the snow.
So Monday night it snowed again. Enough that Mrs A stayed home and I took the HHR with the snow tires to work. I was glad I did because the streets had a lot of compact snow still on the roads. The car did great.
I guess I must have been secretly wondering how the tires would do on ice, because overnight last night it turned to freezing rain. The car and streets and everything were covered in a sheath of ice this morning. Snow and frozen slush underneath covered in ice on top.
I am happy to say that the new tires perform admirably on ice. There was on spot where I turned the corner and could see that the next block was a solid sheet of compact snow covered in ice. It was very pretty to look at, but not so much if you intended to drive on it. For a little while there, the front end of the car and the back end couldn't agree which direction was optimal, but it did well enough that I was never out of control.
There was very little traffic out on the road this morning. Lots of empty parking spaces in the lot at work.
But enough already. I am no longer wishing for snow or ice or an combination thereof.
Yesterday was a combination of snow and sleet that I like to call (Snow+sleet=)snot.. I have had my quota for this winter. I can now start becoming Spring!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
New Year
It is sometimes good just to take a deep breath, step back, set yourself, and start over.
That's where I am right now. After a couple of years of frustration with my job, I decided to make a change.
This is one of the things I love about working here. There are so many opportunities. If you don't like the path you are on or the job you have, there are lots of opportunities to take a different path. I have done a lot of different things in my career here. And when I find myself frustrated or bored, I just go in a different direction.
I probably would have advanced a lot farther if I had stuck with one path, but that just isn't me. When I have learned most of what there is to know about a particular job, I get the urge to move on.
Since I am rated very high on my technical knowledge, I really don't have a problem finding a new job where I provide value to the organization, and at the same time am learning some new aspect of the business. I really doubt that there are many here who have a broader experience base than me.
So now I am learning a bunch of new stuff, looking at things from a slightly different perspective, back on day shift, out in a shop support role and loving it. I suppose right now it's like having a new girlfriend. I'm loving every minute of it, we're both on our best behavior. I know that some day I will discover all of the not so nice parts oh the job, but for now everything is great.
And besides, I am working four tens with Mondays off, and only work every third weekend.
That's where I am right now. After a couple of years of frustration with my job, I decided to make a change.
This is one of the things I love about working here. There are so many opportunities. If you don't like the path you are on or the job you have, there are lots of opportunities to take a different path. I have done a lot of different things in my career here. And when I find myself frustrated or bored, I just go in a different direction.
I probably would have advanced a lot farther if I had stuck with one path, but that just isn't me. When I have learned most of what there is to know about a particular job, I get the urge to move on.
Since I am rated very high on my technical knowledge, I really don't have a problem finding a new job where I provide value to the organization, and at the same time am learning some new aspect of the business. I really doubt that there are many here who have a broader experience base than me.
So now I am learning a bunch of new stuff, looking at things from a slightly different perspective, back on day shift, out in a shop support role and loving it. I suppose right now it's like having a new girlfriend. I'm loving every minute of it, we're both on our best behavior. I know that some day I will discover all of the not so nice parts oh the job, but for now everything is great.
And besides, I am working four tens with Mondays off, and only work every third weekend.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Merry Christmas
Belated, that is.
Things have been WAY too hectic around here.
The kids came over from Idaho to spend Christmas with us. When they got here, Dan announced he intended to get married while they were over here. Lisa did not know about it yet. So he asked her here in the living room of the house two days before Christmas. We toasted them with eggnog with a generous shot of "Nog" They spent Christmas Eve Day getting the license and everything.
Christmas Eve day we had a family thing over at my brothers house and a good time was had by all. We no longer exchange gifts, just for the kids, and as Elliot was the only kid in attendance, he made out like a bandit.
Which brings up a sore subject. I did not hear from R nor get to see "i" over the Holidays. I guess she called my son a couple of weeks before Christmas and asked him if he knew what time of day would be best to call me. But never actually called me.
After the family thing, we came back home and My son and his wive and Vinnie came over and we exchanged gifts with them. It was a pleasant evening. Mrs A got me a kindle Fire, which she found on sale for $179.00. I have spent a lot of my time since immersed in my first kindle purchase, Inheritance by Christopher Paolini.
Christmas day I had requested a turkey dinner. The women brought back a 24 lb bird, and I helped get the stuff ready. Chopped celery and onions for the dressing. After stuffing the bird, we realized we did not have a pan to roast it in. So I had to run off in search of a store that was open that Had a turkey roasting pan. I eventually found one. The dinner turned out great. I made riced potatoes, there was turkey gravy, both kinds of cranberry sauce, L made Greens and ham hocks, stuffing, rolls and an endless supply of turkey. I have to admit that what I like about a big turkey dinner is leftovers. Sometimes I think I could go right past the meal and go straight to the leftovers. In fact there is still a quite a bit of turkey left. I think I will put a couple of pounds away to make turkey and sausage Jambalaya in a couple of weeks.
I needed to renew the tabs on my truck by the 29th. I have been having so much fun driving the Westie that the truck has been sitting unused for the last couple of months. Of course the battery was dead when I went to start it. Pull off the negative battery cable to charge the battery, put it back on when it is charged, and everything is fine. I go to the testing place to get it emissions tested, and it fails. Why does it fail? Not because there is anything wrong, but because a couple of sensors have not "reset" themselves. So what the hell does that mean? The people at the emissions testing station don't know. They tell me to go see the dealership. The dealership says that it takes somewhere between three and ten start and warm up cycles to reset the sensors. I ask how the heck am I supposed to know when it is done, I mean will the sky clear and a beam of sunlight will break through the clouds and I will suddenly KNOW the sensors have reset? (and yes I did ask that exact question of the service manager). He said that for $150.00 they would go in and reset the codes in the computer, and it would pass, but that if it didn't I could get a waiver. It seems if you spend $150.00 to address whatever problem you have that is causing you to fail the emissions test, they will pass you anyway. It guess it is a complete coincidence that that is the exact amount of money it takes to reset the computer which takes about two seconds and involves pushing a couple of buttons. So I made an appointment to drop off the truck the next morning. I had the kids drop off the truck because...
Mrs A had a medical appointment in Bellevue the next morning.
While we were waiting for the medical stuff, the kids called and said they were heading back home that afternoon, because the passes were bare and wet and were supposed to stay that way until late evening, when it was supposed to snow like crazy, so they had to run around and get all of the last minute things done and get everything packed. So we came straight back from the doctors, they got back and packed and got out of here by 2:00.
when I called about the truck, they had not done anything with it yet. They called at 2:00 to say that I had a bad oxygen sensor, but that they could just reset the computer and I could go get it tested. I said that I wanted it fixed, so they went ahead and replaces the oxygen sensor, and I took it over to the testing station where....
it failed.
But since I had just paid $300 to have it repaired, I went and got a waiver. Mind you, my tabs were expiring that day. By that time it was 4:15. I had just enough time to go get the tabs renewed, because the licensing place closed at 5:00. I made it.
So I awoke this morning and Mrs A was getting ready to head out for work. She works a full day on Fridays, so It is just me and the dogs, who are over on the couch, snoring. The first quiet day I have had this Christmas.
And just in time.
Things have been WAY too hectic around here.
The kids came over from Idaho to spend Christmas with us. When they got here, Dan announced he intended to get married while they were over here. Lisa did not know about it yet. So he asked her here in the living room of the house two days before Christmas. We toasted them with eggnog with a generous shot of "Nog" They spent Christmas Eve Day getting the license and everything.
Christmas Eve day we had a family thing over at my brothers house and a good time was had by all. We no longer exchange gifts, just for the kids, and as Elliot was the only kid in attendance, he made out like a bandit.
Which brings up a sore subject. I did not hear from R nor get to see "i" over the Holidays. I guess she called my son a couple of weeks before Christmas and asked him if he knew what time of day would be best to call me. But never actually called me.
After the family thing, we came back home and My son and his wive and Vinnie came over and we exchanged gifts with them. It was a pleasant evening. Mrs A got me a kindle Fire, which she found on sale for $179.00. I have spent a lot of my time since immersed in my first kindle purchase, Inheritance by Christopher Paolini.
Christmas day I had requested a turkey dinner. The women brought back a 24 lb bird, and I helped get the stuff ready. Chopped celery and onions for the dressing. After stuffing the bird, we realized we did not have a pan to roast it in. So I had to run off in search of a store that was open that Had a turkey roasting pan. I eventually found one. The dinner turned out great. I made riced potatoes, there was turkey gravy, both kinds of cranberry sauce, L made Greens and ham hocks, stuffing, rolls and an endless supply of turkey. I have to admit that what I like about a big turkey dinner is leftovers. Sometimes I think I could go right past the meal and go straight to the leftovers. In fact there is still a quite a bit of turkey left. I think I will put a couple of pounds away to make turkey and sausage Jambalaya in a couple of weeks.
I needed to renew the tabs on my truck by the 29th. I have been having so much fun driving the Westie that the truck has been sitting unused for the last couple of months. Of course the battery was dead when I went to start it. Pull off the negative battery cable to charge the battery, put it back on when it is charged, and everything is fine. I go to the testing place to get it emissions tested, and it fails. Why does it fail? Not because there is anything wrong, but because a couple of sensors have not "reset" themselves. So what the hell does that mean? The people at the emissions testing station don't know. They tell me to go see the dealership. The dealership says that it takes somewhere between three and ten start and warm up cycles to reset the sensors. I ask how the heck am I supposed to know when it is done, I mean will the sky clear and a beam of sunlight will break through the clouds and I will suddenly KNOW the sensors have reset? (and yes I did ask that exact question of the service manager). He said that for $150.00 they would go in and reset the codes in the computer, and it would pass, but that if it didn't I could get a waiver. It seems if you spend $150.00 to address whatever problem you have that is causing you to fail the emissions test, they will pass you anyway. It guess it is a complete coincidence that that is the exact amount of money it takes to reset the computer which takes about two seconds and involves pushing a couple of buttons. So I made an appointment to drop off the truck the next morning. I had the kids drop off the truck because...
Mrs A had a medical appointment in Bellevue the next morning.
While we were waiting for the medical stuff, the kids called and said they were heading back home that afternoon, because the passes were bare and wet and were supposed to stay that way until late evening, when it was supposed to snow like crazy, so they had to run around and get all of the last minute things done and get everything packed. So we came straight back from the doctors, they got back and packed and got out of here by 2:00.
when I called about the truck, they had not done anything with it yet. They called at 2:00 to say that I had a bad oxygen sensor, but that they could just reset the computer and I could go get it tested. I said that I wanted it fixed, so they went ahead and replaces the oxygen sensor, and I took it over to the testing station where....
it failed.
But since I had just paid $300 to have it repaired, I went and got a waiver. Mind you, my tabs were expiring that day. By that time it was 4:15. I had just enough time to go get the tabs renewed, because the licensing place closed at 5:00. I made it.
So I awoke this morning and Mrs A was getting ready to head out for work. She works a full day on Fridays, so It is just me and the dogs, who are over on the couch, snoring. The first quiet day I have had this Christmas.
And just in time.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Two steps fprward
I got the OK from the doc today to resume normal activities. I have been under orders to stay off my feet as much as possible. Guess I can no longer put off raking the leaves in the front yard........But it will be great to be able to take a shower without having my foot in a sandwich bag.
And my present supervisor has given me my release, so when I come back from the Holidays I will be reporting to my new job. On days. Right now I am negotiating for four tens, with Mondays off.
And my present supervisor has given me my release, so when I come back from the Holidays I will be reporting to my new job. On days. Right now I am negotiating for four tens, with Mondays off.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
New job
Today I officially accepted the job offer for a new position. It involves a change of organizations, but physically I will move about six feet.
The new job is Liaison M.E. instead of ECAT. ECAT is wiring shipside support, Liaison is everything else. Like structures and hydraulics and ECS.
I should get a report date in the next couple of days. I kept telling my boss that I would do whatever was necessary to get out of working second shift. Either they didn't believe me, or didn't care (or both). So now I have done it. The agreed to report date is after the first of the year, but my current manager has not yet turned loose of me.
Still fighting the infection on my toe. I have to go in tomorrow and get it looked at again. I sure hope they give me a clean bill of health, but since I can't see the toe for all the bandages, I have no idea how it looks. Got my fingers (and toes) crossed.
The new job is Liaison M.E. instead of ECAT. ECAT is wiring shipside support, Liaison is everything else. Like structures and hydraulics and ECS.
I should get a report date in the next couple of days. I kept telling my boss that I would do whatever was necessary to get out of working second shift. Either they didn't believe me, or didn't care (or both). So now I have done it. The agreed to report date is after the first of the year, but my current manager has not yet turned loose of me.
Still fighting the infection on my toe. I have to go in tomorrow and get it looked at again. I sure hope they give me a clean bill of health, but since I can't see the toe for all the bandages, I have no idea how it looks. Got my fingers (and toes) crossed.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Stir it up
My toe is not healing the way the wound specalist would like. The swelling and redness has gone away, but a hole remains. They insist that it needs to remain open and heal from the inside out. So when I go in, they scrape off any scab that has formed. Lots of fun there.
Seems all we do lately is go to doctors appointments. They hope that it will be healed by next week.
I was offered a job today, and will take it. If anything I am overqualified, but it is on first shift and I will only have to work every third weekend. The hours are kinda flexible, so we will be having a discussion about four tens or nine 80s or midshift when we get together next. But I took the offer, so I will report to days after the first of the year.
And my daughter has been missing for three days.
Seems all we do lately is go to doctors appointments. They hope that it will be healed by next week.
I was offered a job today, and will take it. If anything I am overqualified, but it is on first shift and I will only have to work every third weekend. The hours are kinda flexible, so we will be having a discussion about four tens or nine 80s or midshift when we get together next. But I took the offer, so I will report to days after the first of the year.
And my daughter has been missing for three days.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Vanaru/Subagon
I finally got the Westie back from the shop. Good to have my toy back.
It was in having a propane heater installed so we can go camping year round and not freeze our butts off. They built it in under the back seat where the stock back seat heat vent went, and built a box to surround it. The vent comes out right in front of the rear jacking point on the passenger's side.
While they had it up on the lift, they noticed on of the front tires had some "cupping". That means there is uneven wear with come spots showing appreciably more wear than the rest of the tire. It is an indicator of worn suspension parts. Since I had noticed a distinct shimmy starting at around 65 miles an hour, I knew something was wrong up front. This diagnosis fell perfectly in line with what I figured. New tie rod ends and bushings and several hundred dollars later, the problem was fixed.
I am pretty much finished upgrading the Westie (for now).
2004 Subaru 2.5 Liter fuel injected computer controlled 175 HP engine.
New brake system all around.
New tires.
New canvas for the pop-top
New 37 quart refrigerator/freezer (12/120 volt)
New awning
New second battery to run 12v accessories, with wiring to isolate it from the main battery but charge it when the engine is running
Wider window in back to allow 110V air conditioner to be used, box to contain the unit.
New windshield.
New air conditioner.
New back bumper
New propane heater.
New 12V outlet on sidewall of driver's seat mount.
Rebuilt front steering.
There are still a couple of things I am playing with, but need some time to think through.
I have a Honda 2000e Super Silent generator. I think it would be neat to build in to the interior of the vehicle. There is a spot under the cabinets next to the engine that might be big enough to fit it in, but you would need to make a lockable door for outside access to start it since it is pull-start. I suppose a different answer might be to work out a starter motor drive of some kind, but so far it is just a concept, not a plan.
Other than that, there is the possibility to make it four wheel drive, but right now the conversion is a little steep. Not necessary, but it would be nice for when we get off of the pavement, or when it snows.
It was in having a propane heater installed so we can go camping year round and not freeze our butts off. They built it in under the back seat where the stock back seat heat vent went, and built a box to surround it. The vent comes out right in front of the rear jacking point on the passenger's side.
While they had it up on the lift, they noticed on of the front tires had some "cupping". That means there is uneven wear with come spots showing appreciably more wear than the rest of the tire. It is an indicator of worn suspension parts. Since I had noticed a distinct shimmy starting at around 65 miles an hour, I knew something was wrong up front. This diagnosis fell perfectly in line with what I figured. New tie rod ends and bushings and several hundred dollars later, the problem was fixed.
I am pretty much finished upgrading the Westie (for now).
2004 Subaru 2.5 Liter fuel injected computer controlled 175 HP engine.
New brake system all around.
New tires.
New canvas for the pop-top
New 37 quart refrigerator/freezer (12/120 volt)
New awning
New second battery to run 12v accessories, with wiring to isolate it from the main battery but charge it when the engine is running
Wider window in back to allow 110V air conditioner to be used, box to contain the unit.
New windshield.
New air conditioner.
New back bumper
New propane heater.
New 12V outlet on sidewall of driver's seat mount.
Rebuilt front steering.
There are still a couple of things I am playing with, but need some time to think through.
I have a Honda 2000e Super Silent generator. I think it would be neat to build in to the interior of the vehicle. There is a spot under the cabinets next to the engine that might be big enough to fit it in, but you would need to make a lockable door for outside access to start it since it is pull-start. I suppose a different answer might be to work out a starter motor drive of some kind, but so far it is just a concept, not a plan.
Other than that, there is the possibility to make it four wheel drive, but right now the conversion is a little steep. Not necessary, but it would be nice for when we get off of the pavement, or when it snows.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Toe Wars
The week before Thanksgiving, I noticed a sore developing on my second toe. A red raise area, sore to the touch.
It kept getting bigger and more painful, so on the Monday before turkey day, I went to the doctors. They weren't sure of a diagnosis, but most likely either gout or an infection. So they treated it as both. Gave me both gout medication and an antibiotic.
On T-day when I got home, the sore had burst, and the whole end of my sock was saturated with liquid. I spent the rest of my four day weekend with my foot elevated, and basically kept off of my feet. It didn't get any better. although it did make a scab.
I am diabetic, and have had three relatives lose lower limbs because they neglected to take care f themselves, so I was pretty worried.
Sunday, the scab split an my toe oozed out a lot of black blood.
This Monday I went back to the doctor. My regular Doctor was not available, so I told them I didn't care who saw me, but somebody needed to look at my foot.
They poked and prodded, and sent me to the wound treatment center, where they tortured my for a while. Tweeezers, scissors and scapple. Tell me if you can't stand the pain.
I did ask them to stop once to give it a rest when the sweat started on my brow.
They cleaned it all up, bandaged it and sent me on my way, with some more intibiotics.
I need to go back tomorrow to have them check it.
It has quit huring so bad which means it is either healing or has gone into gangrene, but since it doesn't stink, I am going to go with healing.
It kept getting bigger and more painful, so on the Monday before turkey day, I went to the doctors. They weren't sure of a diagnosis, but most likely either gout or an infection. So they treated it as both. Gave me both gout medication and an antibiotic.
On T-day when I got home, the sore had burst, and the whole end of my sock was saturated with liquid. I spent the rest of my four day weekend with my foot elevated, and basically kept off of my feet. It didn't get any better. although it did make a scab.
I am diabetic, and have had three relatives lose lower limbs because they neglected to take care f themselves, so I was pretty worried.
Sunday, the scab split an my toe oozed out a lot of black blood.
This Monday I went back to the doctor. My regular Doctor was not available, so I told them I didn't care who saw me, but somebody needed to look at my foot.
They poked and prodded, and sent me to the wound treatment center, where they tortured my for a while. Tweeezers, scissors and scapple. Tell me if you can't stand the pain.
I did ask them to stop once to give it a rest when the sweat started on my brow.
They cleaned it all up, bandaged it and sent me on my way, with some more intibiotics.
I need to go back tomorrow to have them check it.
It has quit huring so bad which means it is either healing or has gone into gangrene, but since it doesn't stink, I am going to go with healing.
Friday, November 11, 2011
It's Always Something
I heard from North Westie today, and of course the news was not real good.
It is in having the heater installed under the back seat. And the water system worked on, and some other minor stuff.
They had it up on the lift, and they noticed cupping on the driver's side tire. Not good. Those are brand stinking new tires. So they got to looking around and found a bad ball joint and some worn bushings.
I had noticed when we were above 65 it had a shimmy in the steering, and figured it was a wheel out of balance. Not so. Tack another 300 bucks on the bill.
V called this week and asked if he could move back in. I had to tell him no. After giving us total disrespect and fighting every thing we asked of him for the last four years or so, why the heck would we want to give him the opportunity to disturb our home life again.
I adopted him when he was 6 and raised him through High School. My duty is done. The fact that I don't want him living with us again is based on his consistent prior behavior. I see no reason to believe that he has changed in any fundamental way. It was not easy telling him no. I love him, just don't want to live with him.
I think he should volunteer for Military Service. It would grow him up in a hurry.
It is in having the heater installed under the back seat. And the water system worked on, and some other minor stuff.
They had it up on the lift, and they noticed cupping on the driver's side tire. Not good. Those are brand stinking new tires. So they got to looking around and found a bad ball joint and some worn bushings.
I had noticed when we were above 65 it had a shimmy in the steering, and figured it was a wheel out of balance. Not so. Tack another 300 bucks on the bill.
V called this week and asked if he could move back in. I had to tell him no. After giving us total disrespect and fighting every thing we asked of him for the last four years or so, why the heck would we want to give him the opportunity to disturb our home life again.
I adopted him when he was 6 and raised him through High School. My duty is done. The fact that I don't want him living with us again is based on his consistent prior behavior. I see no reason to believe that he has changed in any fundamental way. It was not easy telling him no. I love him, just don't want to live with him.
I think he should volunteer for Military Service. It would grow him up in a hurry.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Not Much
I started back on second shift on Monday. Very unhappy about the shift change.
Must stay focused.
I have a high end job. which is challenging.
I enjoy my job.
Lots of people would kill to have my job.
I am respected in my profession.
#$%^&*(ing second shift.
Bought a sketch pad the other day and am getting my hand back into art. It's been about ten years since I have done anything. Right now I am just doing some preliminary work for a picture I have in my head that needs to get out. Skills are slowly returning.
The Westy is in the shop having the independent heating system installed and a few of the bugs worked out. Since the Westy already has a propane stove, the heater will be plumbed into the same system. One step closer to having things the way I want them.
I have my resume' in for a different job. Still on the P8-A, but in Liaison M.E. rather than ECAT. but a first shift job. only have to fill in on second shift when the regular second shift guy is on vacation or sick leave. It means giving up my lead position, but at this point I don't care. My home life is much more important to me than having a n "L" after my name on the org chart.
Must stay focused.
I have a high end job. which is challenging.
I enjoy my job.
Lots of people would kill to have my job.
I am respected in my profession.
#$%^&*(ing second shift.
Bought a sketch pad the other day and am getting my hand back into art. It's been about ten years since I have done anything. Right now I am just doing some preliminary work for a picture I have in my head that needs to get out. Skills are slowly returning.
The Westy is in the shop having the independent heating system installed and a few of the bugs worked out. Since the Westy already has a propane stove, the heater will be plumbed into the same system. One step closer to having things the way I want them.
I have my resume' in for a different job. Still on the P8-A, but in Liaison M.E. rather than ECAT. but a first shift job. only have to fill in on second shift when the regular second shift guy is on vacation or sick leave. It means giving up my lead position, but at this point I don't care. My home life is much more important to me than having a n "L" after my name on the org chart.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tree Frog
We are going to redo the lighting in the Kitchen this winter. The ceiling is one of those "Hanging ceilings" that is suspended about four inches below the real ceiling.
Lighting is provided by three four foot long florescent fixtures that are just laying on top of the framing. Pretty cheap and cheesy.
The setup was already there when I bought the house, and it was never worth the amount of work required to switch them out.
Problem one is that they go through florescent bulbs like crazy. Way sooner than they should. It is because the fixtures themselves are the cheapest you can possibly buy.
And they are now failing. Two of the spots will now not work at all. So we have decided it is time to do something about them.
We went down to Lowes Hardware to check out the stock and look for new ideas. I found some oak cased lights with a wooden gridwork that will match the kitchen cabinets, and they take four florescent bulbs each, so they ought to provide plenty of light.
While we were wandering around the middle f the store looking at lights, I caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye.
There, on the cement floor, a hundred yards from any exit, was a tree frog.
He was covered in dust bunnies.
So I went and caught him, and cleaned him up by taking the dust bunnies off of him. A couple of employees were walking bu so I asked them "How much for the tree frogs?"
Of course they looked at me like I had lost my mind. "Huh?"
I cracked my hand open enough that they could see the frog. They were all fascinated. One announced that it was a Spring Peeper, but as spring peepers, also known as green tree frogs, live only in the southeastern U.S., that was pretty unlikely.
When I checking out I showed him to the clerk and she wanted to touch him, but couldn't quite bring herself to do so.
What to do?
I went to the (outdoor) Garden Center and asked them if the had a home for the frog, but they said they were in the process of shutting down for the winter. There were no woods near, only the planter strips in the parking lot. I didn't give him much chance of survival if I just dumped him off there. So I stored him temporarily in an old empty Cassette case. He rode in the storage area below the radio, peering out the whole way home.
I let him go in the Tibetan Magnolia in the front yard.
But how the hell does a tree frog get out in the middle of a warehouse hundreds of yards from the nearest tree?
Lighting is provided by three four foot long florescent fixtures that are just laying on top of the framing. Pretty cheap and cheesy.
The setup was already there when I bought the house, and it was never worth the amount of work required to switch them out.
Problem one is that they go through florescent bulbs like crazy. Way sooner than they should. It is because the fixtures themselves are the cheapest you can possibly buy.
And they are now failing. Two of the spots will now not work at all. So we have decided it is time to do something about them.
We went down to Lowes Hardware to check out the stock and look for new ideas. I found some oak cased lights with a wooden gridwork that will match the kitchen cabinets, and they take four florescent bulbs each, so they ought to provide plenty of light.
While we were wandering around the middle f the store looking at lights, I caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye.
There, on the cement floor, a hundred yards from any exit, was a tree frog.
He was covered in dust bunnies.
So I went and caught him, and cleaned him up by taking the dust bunnies off of him. A couple of employees were walking bu so I asked them "How much for the tree frogs?"
Of course they looked at me like I had lost my mind. "Huh?"
I cracked my hand open enough that they could see the frog. They were all fascinated. One announced that it was a Spring Peeper, but as spring peepers, also known as green tree frogs, live only in the southeastern U.S., that was pretty unlikely.
When I checking out I showed him to the clerk and she wanted to touch him, but couldn't quite bring herself to do so.
What to do?
I went to the (outdoor) Garden Center and asked them if the had a home for the frog, but they said they were in the process of shutting down for the winter. There were no woods near, only the planter strips in the parking lot. I didn't give him much chance of survival if I just dumped him off there. So I stored him temporarily in an old empty Cassette case. He rode in the storage area below the radio, peering out the whole way home.
I let him go in the Tibetan Magnolia in the front yard.
But how the hell does a tree frog get out in the middle of a warehouse hundreds of yards from the nearest tree?
Friday, October 21, 2011
Bravery
A while back I related the story of Earl Pleasant, and several people made the comment that what I had done was brave.
I disagree.
I did what was necessary to save someones life. I did not at any time consider what I was doing or why I was doing it, or the possible consequences.
To me, Bravery is when you are scared as hell, and go ahead and do the right thing, fully knowing it might have severe consequences.
Which brings up the following:
We had a patient in the Psychiatric ward at Camp Kue. He was Paranoid Schizophrenic. He was in the Air Force. Because he was a troubled person, he caused a lot of problems in his unit. The answer for this was to give him a weapon and have him patrol the perimeter of the base at night. He ended up unloading a clip in the jungle at imaginary people.
He came to visit us, and was still suffering from paranoid delusions.
He decided that he wanted to go play pool in the open part of the hospital, and was told that he was not ready to go out among the general population.
His reply was to go get a chair and throw it through the window. He then loudly asked "Can I go play pool NOW?
Same answer, so he threw another piece of furniture. Same answer.
Then he ran back to his bunk and pulled out a 12" diving knife and asked "CAN I GO TO THE DAY ROOM AND PLAY POOL NOW?.
Same answer.
We called down to the Emergency room for the "Goon Squad" who were supposed to take care of any such situations.
They came up to the ward, Looked into the common area where the patient was menacing the other patient and staff with his knife, took one look and said "Hell no", turned around and left. That left a couple of us enlisted guys.
We looked at each other, and someone said "Well. we got this to do before he hurts someone. Who's got a plan?"
We decided on our plan. We would slide around the outside of the common area and get a mattress of of the nearest bed, then rush him and keep pushing until we had him pinned against the wall. One of us would go for the knife and another other would get him in a choke hold. We could control him until until a nurse or doctor could get in and give him a shot.
Knowing fully well that if things did not go well, these might be our last moments alive, or that we could be permanently maimed, we grabbed the mattress and went for it.
The plan was executed perfectly. The one guy got the patient in a choke hold, and cut off the blood supply to his brain, while I immobilized the knife hand.
We choked him until he passed out, then yelled for the doc to get in here. We would let up until he began to struggle, then put him back under. After all we didn't want to harm him, just control him until he could be sedated. Eventually a doctor gave him a tranquilizer and he went under.
This was a defining moment for me. A lot of people wonder how they would hold up in a situation when they are faced with possible death or injury, and most. thankfully never have to find out.
If I have ever done anything brave in my life it was that moment.
But I was still just doing what was necessary even though I was scared to death.
I disagree.
I did what was necessary to save someones life. I did not at any time consider what I was doing or why I was doing it, or the possible consequences.
To me, Bravery is when you are scared as hell, and go ahead and do the right thing, fully knowing it might have severe consequences.
Which brings up the following:
We had a patient in the Psychiatric ward at Camp Kue. He was Paranoid Schizophrenic. He was in the Air Force. Because he was a troubled person, he caused a lot of problems in his unit. The answer for this was to give him a weapon and have him patrol the perimeter of the base at night. He ended up unloading a clip in the jungle at imaginary people.
He came to visit us, and was still suffering from paranoid delusions.
He decided that he wanted to go play pool in the open part of the hospital, and was told that he was not ready to go out among the general population.
His reply was to go get a chair and throw it through the window. He then loudly asked "Can I go play pool NOW?
Same answer, so he threw another piece of furniture. Same answer.
Then he ran back to his bunk and pulled out a 12" diving knife and asked "CAN I GO TO THE DAY ROOM AND PLAY POOL NOW?.
Same answer.
We called down to the Emergency room for the "Goon Squad" who were supposed to take care of any such situations.
They came up to the ward, Looked into the common area where the patient was menacing the other patient and staff with his knife, took one look and said "Hell no", turned around and left. That left a couple of us enlisted guys.
We looked at each other, and someone said "Well. we got this to do before he hurts someone. Who's got a plan?"
We decided on our plan. We would slide around the outside of the common area and get a mattress of of the nearest bed, then rush him and keep pushing until we had him pinned against the wall. One of us would go for the knife and another other would get him in a choke hold. We could control him until until a nurse or doctor could get in and give him a shot.
Knowing fully well that if things did not go well, these might be our last moments alive, or that we could be permanently maimed, we grabbed the mattress and went for it.
The plan was executed perfectly. The one guy got the patient in a choke hold, and cut off the blood supply to his brain, while I immobilized the knife hand.
We choked him until he passed out, then yelled for the doc to get in here. We would let up until he began to struggle, then put him back under. After all we didn't want to harm him, just control him until he could be sedated. Eventually a doctor gave him a tranquilizer and he went under.
This was a defining moment for me. A lot of people wonder how they would hold up in a situation when they are faced with possible death or injury, and most. thankfully never have to find out.
If I have ever done anything brave in my life it was that moment.
But I was still just doing what was necessary even though I was scared to death.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Updates
When I went in to renew the tabs for the Westy, the clerk said that they couldn't do it because it had been sold.
Huh?
It seems it had been reported as sold. As I was standing there with the registration showing myself as the legal owner, as well as a current insurance card and drivers license, they let me fill out an affidavit stating I had never sold the car. I guess that was why I never received notification that the tabs were expired.
Oh well, it's taken care of now.
The new locking gas cap came in and works just fine.
I ordered a new drivers side rear view mirror, but haven't gotten it in yet, despite a couple of e-mails to the vendor, despite the fact that I TYPED IN CAPITOL LETTERS.
What a joke.
We took the Westy out for a drive up Snoqualmie Pass last Saturday to look at the fall leaves and stomp around in the woods looking for mushrooms. The fall leaves at the falls on Box Canyon were magnificent. I really regretted not bringing along the camera.
I paid off the car and the Visa bill this week, so we are going out tomorrow and splurge on dinner. The Red Lobster beckons.
Huh?
It seems it had been reported as sold. As I was standing there with the registration showing myself as the legal owner, as well as a current insurance card and drivers license, they let me fill out an affidavit stating I had never sold the car. I guess that was why I never received notification that the tabs were expired.
Oh well, it's taken care of now.
The new locking gas cap came in and works just fine.
I ordered a new drivers side rear view mirror, but haven't gotten it in yet, despite a couple of e-mails to the vendor, despite the fact that I TYPED IN CAPITOL LETTERS.
What a joke.
We took the Westy out for a drive up Snoqualmie Pass last Saturday to look at the fall leaves and stomp around in the woods looking for mushrooms. The fall leaves at the falls on Box Canyon were magnificent. I really regretted not bringing along the camera.
I paid off the car and the Visa bill this week, so we are going out tomorrow and splurge on dinner. The Red Lobster beckons.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
OOPS!
When we got home from our trip, I was unloading and straightening out the Westy. I went to close the back hatch, I glanced down and saw that the license tabs expired last March!
That's right, over six months ago.
A good bit of that time it was in the shop, but still. Five states, six National Parks, and about 3500 miles, and no one noticed that the tabs were expired.
Guess I'd better take care of that.
That's right, over six months ago.
A good bit of that time it was in the shop, but still. Five states, six National Parks, and about 3500 miles, and no one noticed that the tabs were expired.
Guess I'd better take care of that.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
3417 Miles
We just rolled in last night from our trip. 3417 Miles in 15 days.
It was a wonderful trip, we went so many places and saw so many wonderful things. The only thing bad was that we didn't have enough time. We would have to have taken at least a month to cram everything in. The itinerary was like this:
First day, a short trip just to get used to being on the road. First night at Paradise Point State park. It may have been a Paradise at some time, but not recently. The park is maybe 30 yards from the freeway, so all night it was listening to semi's putting on the jake brakes. It would have been a nice place except for the traffic noises. The other thing was that Mrs A got stung by a hornet withing five minutes of our arrival. For some reason, hornets like to sting her. But she isn't allergic or anything, so it wasn't too bad. Got our first chance to use the on-board air conditioning, and it was great. The temperature outside was in the 90s, so it was great.
The second day we went up the gorge of the Columbia, with our main stop at Maryhill Mansion. It is this incredible Art Museum out in the middle of nowhere. After the museum we stopped off at Stonehenge, a scaled down model for the original, which was built as a memorial to the seventeen young men from Kittitas County who lost their lives in the First World War. The drive from there up the Columbia Gorge was nice, but it was incredibly hot. That night we stayed in the campground at Immigrant Springs in Oregon, a stopoff on the old Oregon Trail.
The next day we went up to Craters of the Moon in Idaho. Craters is the biggest lava flow in the contiguous United States. It was very bleak and fascinating. Splatter cones, lava tubes and all sorts of lava formations. That night Mother Nature put on quite a light show, in the form of a lightning storm. Lots of cloud-to-cloud lightning, It didn't rain very much, but was real entertaining.
The next day we just went as far as Twin Falls Idaho, grabbed lunch and booked a room at Shilo Inn. The room was incredible. We wanted to get cleaned up because the next day we were stopping in at Brigham City to see our son Rick and his wife and their kids.
The visit was nice. We took them all out for dinner at a BBQ place. It was supposed to be great, but I wasn't impressed. I do better ribs at home.
Next it was off to Zion National Park. We had two nights and days there. It was a great couple of days, other than the fact that the thunderstorms followed us, and we dodged them both days. We never got caught in one, but we couldn't take the hike up the Virgin River. The canyon is so narrow that you have to hike right up the river, and it was in flash flood status. But we saw some beautiful country and went on a couple of very nice short hikes. We went into town for dinner and had some very good pizza and split a bottle of wine. So far we could not have a campfire because of the dry conditions.
The following morning it was off to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The campground was great, and they allowed camp fires, so we got to grill some burgers over the fire for dinner. Nothing like food grilled over the campfire. We hiked about a mile out to Bright Angel point. The view was 3,000 feet straight down and ten miles across to the other side, and the hike back was right along the rim of the canyon. It was cool there temperature wise, but I had packed some warm clothes, so we were OK.
Next it was off to Bryce canyon for a couple of days. We stayed at the Best Western Hotel in Bryce city. We got a room with a Jacuzzi in it, right next to the pool. Very nice, but the food was marginal at best. We caught the shuttle out to Bryce Point, elevation 8300 feet. We hiked the trail down to the bottom. The down part was fine. The back up part was a little more challenging. I was surprise at how well we managed the hike back up, but there were a lot of stops. "We will make it to the next switchback, and then take a rest." Lots of rests, but we never got really winded. Some very incredible scenery.
Off the next morning to Capitol Reef. We weren't able to get a camping spot, so we had to backtrack and get a room at Best Western. I was not impressed with the room, and they wanted to charge us $7.95 for breakfast. No thank you. After we checked in, we drove up Capitol Wash, which was about 20 miles. The drive was well worth it. The walls of the canyon slowly closed it until they shut the road down. Back in the 20's the road went all the way through, but it is closed off now. For dinner we went to a restaurant right across the road from the Motel, and it was a real surprise. I had a steak with a cranberry demi-glaze. It was Divine. The best steak I have had in a long time. The dressing for the salad had never seen the inside of a bottle. Out here in the middle of nowhere was a world class chef. I would like to take a couple of days just to explore the menu.
The last stop on this portion of the trip was Arches National Park. When I was making the reservations for the trip, the campground was booked full, but I kept checking back a couple of times a day, and eventually got a one night reservation. I really wish we could have stayed longer. The campsite was really great, and a trail took off from right next to the campsite. We took a real nice hike off into the desert, but there were a couple of other hikes I would have loved to take, but we just didn't have the time, because it was time to head back home.
Next day, it was back to Brigham City for the night.
Then get up and head for home We made it as far as Baker City for the night. An average place. Then the final push for home. One note: Do not ever go to The Hungry Redneck Cafe. As a counterpoint to the best steak I have had in years, they had the worst. So tough I could not even cut through the gristle with a steak knife. Amazingly, the soup of the day was clam chowder, and it was very good. The final push home was long and tiring, but it was good to pull up in front of the place and get out. It was so good to sleep in our own bed.
As a little aside, I managed to lose the gas cap to the Westy along the way. At first I made a make-shift one out of a Coke can, but when I tightened it up, one of the tabs off, so I used a piece of plastic wrap and a couple of zip-ties, and it worked great. Of course the Westy has a very unusual size of cap, so they didn't even list a cap at the local NAPA stores. Hope I don't have to get stuck using plastic wrap for too long.
So the trip was a complete success. Too short, but long enough that we were really glad to get back home.
And tomorrow I have to go to work.
It was a wonderful trip, we went so many places and saw so many wonderful things. The only thing bad was that we didn't have enough time. We would have to have taken at least a month to cram everything in. The itinerary was like this:
First day, a short trip just to get used to being on the road. First night at Paradise Point State park. It may have been a Paradise at some time, but not recently. The park is maybe 30 yards from the freeway, so all night it was listening to semi's putting on the jake brakes. It would have been a nice place except for the traffic noises. The other thing was that Mrs A got stung by a hornet withing five minutes of our arrival. For some reason, hornets like to sting her. But she isn't allergic or anything, so it wasn't too bad. Got our first chance to use the on-board air conditioning, and it was great. The temperature outside was in the 90s, so it was great.
The second day we went up the gorge of the Columbia, with our main stop at Maryhill Mansion. It is this incredible Art Museum out in the middle of nowhere. After the museum we stopped off at Stonehenge, a scaled down model for the original, which was built as a memorial to the seventeen young men from Kittitas County who lost their lives in the First World War. The drive from there up the Columbia Gorge was nice, but it was incredibly hot. That night we stayed in the campground at Immigrant Springs in Oregon, a stopoff on the old Oregon Trail.
The next day we went up to Craters of the Moon in Idaho. Craters is the biggest lava flow in the contiguous United States. It was very bleak and fascinating. Splatter cones, lava tubes and all sorts of lava formations. That night Mother Nature put on quite a light show, in the form of a lightning storm. Lots of cloud-to-cloud lightning, It didn't rain very much, but was real entertaining.
The next day we just went as far as Twin Falls Idaho, grabbed lunch and booked a room at Shilo Inn. The room was incredible. We wanted to get cleaned up because the next day we were stopping in at Brigham City to see our son Rick and his wife and their kids.
The visit was nice. We took them all out for dinner at a BBQ place. It was supposed to be great, but I wasn't impressed. I do better ribs at home.
Next it was off to Zion National Park. We had two nights and days there. It was a great couple of days, other than the fact that the thunderstorms followed us, and we dodged them both days. We never got caught in one, but we couldn't take the hike up the Virgin River. The canyon is so narrow that you have to hike right up the river, and it was in flash flood status. But we saw some beautiful country and went on a couple of very nice short hikes. We went into town for dinner and had some very good pizza and split a bottle of wine. So far we could not have a campfire because of the dry conditions.
The following morning it was off to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. The campground was great, and they allowed camp fires, so we got to grill some burgers over the fire for dinner. Nothing like food grilled over the campfire. We hiked about a mile out to Bright Angel point. The view was 3,000 feet straight down and ten miles across to the other side, and the hike back was right along the rim of the canyon. It was cool there temperature wise, but I had packed some warm clothes, so we were OK.
Next it was off to Bryce canyon for a couple of days. We stayed at the Best Western Hotel in Bryce city. We got a room with a Jacuzzi in it, right next to the pool. Very nice, but the food was marginal at best. We caught the shuttle out to Bryce Point, elevation 8300 feet. We hiked the trail down to the bottom. The down part was fine. The back up part was a little more challenging. I was surprise at how well we managed the hike back up, but there were a lot of stops. "We will make it to the next switchback, and then take a rest." Lots of rests, but we never got really winded. Some very incredible scenery.
Off the next morning to Capitol Reef. We weren't able to get a camping spot, so we had to backtrack and get a room at Best Western. I was not impressed with the room, and they wanted to charge us $7.95 for breakfast. No thank you. After we checked in, we drove up Capitol Wash, which was about 20 miles. The drive was well worth it. The walls of the canyon slowly closed it until they shut the road down. Back in the 20's the road went all the way through, but it is closed off now. For dinner we went to a restaurant right across the road from the Motel, and it was a real surprise. I had a steak with a cranberry demi-glaze. It was Divine. The best steak I have had in a long time. The dressing for the salad had never seen the inside of a bottle. Out here in the middle of nowhere was a world class chef. I would like to take a couple of days just to explore the menu.
The last stop on this portion of the trip was Arches National Park. When I was making the reservations for the trip, the campground was booked full, but I kept checking back a couple of times a day, and eventually got a one night reservation. I really wish we could have stayed longer. The campsite was really great, and a trail took off from right next to the campsite. We took a real nice hike off into the desert, but there were a couple of other hikes I would have loved to take, but we just didn't have the time, because it was time to head back home.
Next day, it was back to Brigham City for the night.
Then get up and head for home We made it as far as Baker City for the night. An average place. Then the final push for home. One note: Do not ever go to The Hungry Redneck Cafe. As a counterpoint to the best steak I have had in years, they had the worst. So tough I could not even cut through the gristle with a steak knife. Amazingly, the soup of the day was clam chowder, and it was very good. The final push home was long and tiring, but it was good to pull up in front of the place and get out. It was so good to sleep in our own bed.
As a little aside, I managed to lose the gas cap to the Westy along the way. At first I made a make-shift one out of a Coke can, but when I tightened it up, one of the tabs off, so I used a piece of plastic wrap and a couple of zip-ties, and it worked great. Of course the Westy has a very unusual size of cap, so they didn't even list a cap at the local NAPA stores. Hope I don't have to get stuck using plastic wrap for too long.
So the trip was a complete success. Too short, but long enough that we were really glad to get back home.
And tomorrow I have to go to work.
Friday, September 09, 2011
I BE Trippin'
In my spare time the last couple of days, I have been figuring out our trip. The plan is:
Day 1 Home to Paradise Point State Park
Day 2 Paradise Point to Emigrant Springs
Day 3 Emigrant Springs to Craters of the Moon
Day 4 Craters of the moon to Brigham City to see family
Day 5 Brigham City
Day 6 Brigham City to Zion National Park
Day 7 Zion National Park
Day 8 Zion National Park to North Rim, Grand Canyon
Day 9 North Rim to Bryce Canyon
Day 10 Bryce Canyon
Day 11 Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park
Day 12 Capitol Reef to Arches
Day 13 Arches to Brigham City
Day 14 Brigham City
Day 15 Brigham city to somewhere
Day 16 Home
With no side trips, that is 2889 miles.
We do not have reservations at several of out destinations, but that's OK. We'll figure something out.
I pick up the Westfalia tonight. I am anxious to see how all the improvements turned out. Added heat, air conditioning and refrigeration. Updated electrical system, new pop top canvas and headliner, new batteries. new windshield, new rear bumper, new antenna. This will be a heck of a break-in trip.
I can't wait.
Day 1 Home to Paradise Point State Park
Day 2 Paradise Point to Emigrant Springs
Day 3 Emigrant Springs to Craters of the Moon
Day 4 Craters of the moon to Brigham City to see family
Day 5 Brigham City
Day 6 Brigham City to Zion National Park
Day 7 Zion National Park
Day 8 Zion National Park to North Rim, Grand Canyon
Day 9 North Rim to Bryce Canyon
Day 10 Bryce Canyon
Day 11 Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef National Park
Day 12 Capitol Reef to Arches
Day 13 Arches to Brigham City
Day 14 Brigham City
Day 15 Brigham city to somewhere
Day 16 Home
With no side trips, that is 2889 miles.
We do not have reservations at several of out destinations, but that's OK. We'll figure something out.
I pick up the Westfalia tonight. I am anxious to see how all the improvements turned out. Added heat, air conditioning and refrigeration. Updated electrical system, new pop top canvas and headliner, new batteries. new windshield, new rear bumper, new antenna. This will be a heck of a break-in trip.
I can't wait.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Car Show & Stuff
I managed to make it to the annual Boeing Employees Car Show. Even better, I made it home again without a disaster. The car did divest itself of some coolant after going up the big hill on Renton Ave. I think it is more that the radiator cap is worn out that it is overheating.
I didn't win any trophies this year, but that's not what it is all about.
To me it is about participating, and getting a chance to talk cars with people who understand the language.
When I try to talk cars around home, I get a blank look and a "That's nice dear".
I actually had one guy in his thirties come up. He was from England and was extremely surprised to see a Jensen Healey. Double surprised when he saw the "Before" picture.
Best of show was won by a 1953 Dodge Power Wagon Pick-up, military version. It was incredible. I swear there was not a speck of dirt on it anywhere, and of course the power was updated by Modern Mopar. I have always wanted one of those. Almost bought one a couple of years ago, but rebuilt and updated my S10 pickup right before I saw the Power Wagon. Been sorry ever since.
I visited the Westfalia in the shop last Friday, and things are coming together. The material for the replacement canvas came in today, and things look OK for it being ready for the 9th when we pack up to hit the road. The new refrigerator/freezer is in, the top is off getting new seals and headliner, and the luggage rack has the new stainless steel tie-downs installed. Oh, and they were putting in the new defroster fan switch and rewiring the radio (there are limits to what duct tape can do).
Still to go: new windshield and rear bumper and end caps. The only thing that may not get done is, I have asked that they figure out a way to mount and vent my Honda Super Silent generator inside the car, but that is something that doesn't have to get done right away.
When we get back from the trip I will have to look into getting it painted.
I didn't win any trophies this year, but that's not what it is all about.
To me it is about participating, and getting a chance to talk cars with people who understand the language.
When I try to talk cars around home, I get a blank look and a "That's nice dear".
I actually had one guy in his thirties come up. He was from England and was extremely surprised to see a Jensen Healey. Double surprised when he saw the "Before" picture.
Best of show was won by a 1953 Dodge Power Wagon Pick-up, military version. It was incredible. I swear there was not a speck of dirt on it anywhere, and of course the power was updated by Modern Mopar. I have always wanted one of those. Almost bought one a couple of years ago, but rebuilt and updated my S10 pickup right before I saw the Power Wagon. Been sorry ever since.
I visited the Westfalia in the shop last Friday, and things are coming together. The material for the replacement canvas came in today, and things look OK for it being ready for the 9th when we pack up to hit the road. The new refrigerator/freezer is in, the top is off getting new seals and headliner, and the luggage rack has the new stainless steel tie-downs installed. Oh, and they were putting in the new defroster fan switch and rewiring the radio (there are limits to what duct tape can do).
Still to go: new windshield and rear bumper and end caps. The only thing that may not get done is, I have asked that they figure out a way to mount and vent my Honda Super Silent generator inside the car, but that is something that doesn't have to get done right away.
When we get back from the trip I will have to look into getting it painted.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Been a while
Since I posted anything here.
Part of the reason is that Kelly's death hit me real hard. He was a year younger than me, and we were in the process of putting together a visit.
I am still bummed.
At least I have some nice artwork to remember him by, and some great memories of the stuff we did together.
Tomorrow is the annual Boeing Employees car show, and I have been persuaded to bring Framkenhealey to the show. It is still not complete, mainly wiring problems, but I have no turn signals or wipers. I finally got the headlights working, but one only works on high beam. Shouldn't be too terribly difficult to track down a junction that has a loose connection. I need to go home tonight and clean it up and get it ready to drive tomorrow. I drove it around for several miles on Saturday, finally have the idle set properly, and the mixture seems right. It is only about 4 miles to work, so it is not a big deal.
But I will have my fingers crossed anyway.
Part of the reason is that Kelly's death hit me real hard. He was a year younger than me, and we were in the process of putting together a visit.
I am still bummed.
At least I have some nice artwork to remember him by, and some great memories of the stuff we did together.
Tomorrow is the annual Boeing Employees car show, and I have been persuaded to bring Framkenhealey to the show. It is still not complete, mainly wiring problems, but I have no turn signals or wipers. I finally got the headlights working, but one only works on high beam. Shouldn't be too terribly difficult to track down a junction that has a loose connection. I need to go home tonight and clean it up and get it ready to drive tomorrow. I drove it around for several miles on Saturday, finally have the idle set properly, and the mixture seems right. It is only about 4 miles to work, so it is not a big deal.
But I will have my fingers crossed anyway.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Monday, August 01, 2011
Kelly Smith (Mulford) 11/22/1949 - 07/27/2011 RIP
Kelly was my cousin. We were very close when we were growing up. He came very close to being my brother, and I have lots of wonderful memories of the stuff we did together.
For my 15Th birthday, I asked my parents to take us up into the Cascades and drop us off at Scatter Creek Campground above Salmon La Sac in Eastern Washington for two weeks. We packed a Boy Scout pup tent a couple of sleeping bags and enough provisions to keep us alive. I made sure to pack butter, corn meal and salt and pepper and a skillet to fry fish in. We survived on oatmeal, dried apples, fish fried up fresh out of the river, and a few scavenged berries. We hiked all over the area, which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
Kelly's dad was a world War II Vet. He had been shot through the jaw. They managed to patch his face back together but he was missing part of his tongue, which made his speech slurred. He was a very smart and talented man. He was fiddle-footed, so they moved up and down the coast. Kelly said he could claim no home town, as he had never stayed in one place long enough. One December 10 days before Christmas, Uncle Steve put a 30.06 under his chin and blew his brains all over the wall and ceiling. He left a wife and six kids behind.
Kelly was the second. He was a very talented artist and had started selling his art in his teens. He and I would get together on the weekend and do Beattle Portraits in black and white and sell them for $5 apiece. It kept us in spending money.
When he was a junior in high school, his mother had a massive heart attack and died. I think she was 41.
Six kids orphaned. We spread them out among the family, but my Aunt on Vashon was their legal guardian. Kelly came to live with us. My parents had agreed to adopt Kelly, so he became my almost brother. I clearly remember that Kelly and I and my dad were partitioning off a section of the basement for a bedroom for the two of us when the call came that Kelly would not be joining out family. My Aunt had found a couple that wanted to adopt the kids, but only if they got all six. All or nothing. While on one point this was incredibly generous, the other condition was not. There was to be no contact between then and their relatives. Just like that, he was gone from my life.
After High school, he wandered or several years It was about 10 years later that he got in touch with my Aunt and Uncle on Vashon, and I got his phone number.
He landed in Bellingham, Wa, and became a pivotal figure in the scrimshaw community there. He made his living doing scrimshaw, and was known all over for his incredibly detailed work.
I included a picture of one of my favorite pieces.
We visited back and forth for several years, but eventually he got tired of scrimshaw, and moved to Texas to manage some properties for his step-parents. He did well, bought a house and was involved in the local old-timey music scene. He was a talented fiddle player, also played harmonica, guitar and squeeze box.
When he moved to Texas, we lost contact, but when I set up a Facebook page, I searched for him, and found him. We started corresponding again by e-mail and phone. When he was up here the last time he spent a couple of days with us. We had a great time. I organized a small family reunion on Vashon, and a bunch of us cousins went over there and had a potluck and told outrageous lies.
The last words he said to me in person were "I had a great time. It was like we were all teenagers again."
Last Wednesday he was doing some maintenance on a rental property. He decided to take a smoke break. He went out to his truck and lit up. He had a massive coronary and died on the spot.
So long old friend. I loved you and will remember you for the rest of my life.
Every time I visit Salmon La Sac I will think of you and smile.
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