Mighty 8th Air Force Museum

Recently I made three trips between Rhode Island and Florida. During one of those trips I stopped in Pembroke, Georgia and spent a couple of days with my good Navy buddy from years ago. We decided to visit the Mighty 8TH Air Force Museum. We had visited there in 2004 when a group of VA 36 Navy guys gathered in the Savannah area. Volunteers are currently restoring a B-17 from WW II and we went to see the progress and once again tour the museum. Above is the entry way from the museum to the grounds.

Below is the B-17 that is being restored by volunteers. It was quite an airplane in its time. The crews had to be cramped inside with guns, ammunition, bombs and electronics. These fliers were truly part of the greatest generation. I don't believe I could have been in the ball turret beneath the plane.

This is chapel that was build on the grounds and is a replica of the chapel that was near one of the Air Bases in England. Many of the crews would visit the chapels before and after missions. We were told that it is a popular site for local weddings.

The furniture inside the chapel came from a small southern church that was being demolished. The stain glass windows were done by a local artisan. The picture does not do them justice.

There are numerous plaques dedicated to the many crews that flew missions during WW II. Some to the crews that survived and many who did not. I chose this one as it reflects the reality that so many of the crews experienced.

The museum is very visible from I 95 and is well worth the side trip and a few hours of time.

10 things I miss in Rhode Island, some I don't

1) My family - Mom, my children and grandchildren, Janine

2) Ev & John

3) My Rhode Island neighbors

4) Shore's Meat Market

5) Beaver Tail Lighthouse

6) My waterfall shower

7) Fall foliage

8) Back country roads

9) 4 Town Farm

10) Waterfire

Things I don't miss

1) Rhode Island politics-mainly the worthless state senators

2) Cox cable and their inability to fix the gaps in audio and video

3) Cold weather and eventually snow

4) Cutting grass

5) Route 95 north by Providence Place Mall - the worse spot between Maine and Jacksonville, FL

You never forget how

It is said that once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget. I arrived at the house in Panama City Beach last Tuesday, October 6Th. Before we left Rhode Island we determined that we would buy bikes. We went to a bike shop in town (Panama City) and started looking. Steve a retired Air Force veteran helped and started our education. I did not want a bike with more speeds that I had fingers. I wanted a fairly soft seat and not one of those narrow damn seats either. After looking at several brands I settled on a Fuji 7 speed that has a longer wheelbase than the other bikes. Steve explained that the pedals and therefore my feet would be ahead of my butt and create less strain on my knees. OK, I'll buy that. Then he said lets take it outside and test ride it. I explained that I did not want to embarrass myself by falling on my ass. He said once you learn how to ride you never forget. I was shaky at first but several times around and my confidence grew. The seat was adjusted and I was sure the mint color was for me. Carol rode several different brands. Carol and I wanted lunch and Steve said he would build a blue Fuji for me to see the other color choice. While we were at lunch I asked Carol which bike she was leaning towards. We agreed that it did not matter if we both got the same color as she also liked the mint. When we got back Carol rode the blue Fuji, and a maroon Raleigh, and one other. She finally settled on a blue Fuji.




Here they are in the driveway. Carol and I started early morning rides the following day. We have added distance and time each day. I can feel my legs gaining strength. I was concerned that my left knee would be a problem as it sometimes buckles when climbing stairs. It is the right knee that aches. The weather has been hot and very humid for this time of year. Even the natives are complaining. We have watched several great sunrises as we ride early morning,

Carol is coming down our street at the end of the morning ride. I asked her to circle the block while I got my camera. She then took my picture with my bike.

I am quite happy with my purchase. I will be hanging in there getting in better shape. There are a few bike trails, but not near our house. Unfortunately, my van cannot accommodate a rear mounted bike rack because of the wind deflector above the rear window. I would have to have a trailer hitch with an inch and a quarter opening installed by U haul and then buy the rack that would fit in the opening. We could put one on Carol's car far less expensively but we want to bring them back to Rhode Island in the spring. Time will tell.

Connor Sebastian

Connor was originally scheduled to make his grand appearance on September 28Th via C-section. Carol and I planned on driving down to our home in Panama City Beach on the 20Th to await his arrival. We were planning on driving Carol's convertible. We would have a week to set up the house before we went to Tallahassee for the birth. Carol would stay with her daughter to help out and I would find my way back to Rhode Island to close up the home there and drive my van down loaded with "needed stuff".

Connor had his own agenda and was born on September 18Th. We left for Florida the following day. The picture above was taken the 21st. We stopped to see the new grandson for a short visit before going to Panama City Beach for the night. The next day we drove back to Tallahassee and I picked up a rental car and we went to Connor's. Carol stayed and I went back to the house packed up and left on Wednesday morning. I stopped for two nights at my old Navy pal's home in Pembroke, GA before the drive to Rhode Island.

While I was home in RI, I managed to see all my children, grandchildren and my mother. I also went to lunch with my sister-in-law and her husband. While home I contacted several real estate agencies and received proposals about selling the house there. I made a decision to make the final decision by January so that the one I pick can list my house in early spring.

I began the last drive down the coast until next spring on Monday the 6Th. I split the 1447 mile drive over two days with 730 miles the first day and 717 the second. The first day is the most stressful crossing over the Hudson River in NYC. I opted for the Cross Bronx Expressway and the George Washington Bridge. It is the most direct way and the way I prefer. It was a bit congested but good for NYC . I do however avoid Washington DC and the beltway, choosing to drive down the Delmarva on route 13 over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel - my favorite bridge.

So Carol and I are situated in our home here. We have had a busy few days ordering some new furniture, arranging for cable and Internet and home delivery of the local newspaper. Our most interesting purchase was that we each bought 7 speed bicycles Wednesday. More on that subject to be continued.

Newport Mansions

I had promised Carol that we would tour at least one mansion before we leave for Florida. I had her research Newport Mansions on the internet and her first choice was Kingscote because of the architecture. She loves all the gingerbread and turrets on a house. So yesterday we set off to Newport. We went over the Jamestown and Newport bridges. It gave me an opportunity to test out the new Fastlane transponder recently acquired from Massachusetts. Our first stop was Carol's choice - Kingscote. At the visitor center, the man behind the desk sold me on buying a group ticket for 5 mansions. There is no end date. Inside photography is prohibited. There was another couple from Key West, FL on the tour. One of them took the picture below. Carol and I have Key West on out bucket list and I asked for advice about best time to go, etc. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable but soft spoken. We enjoyed the tour took several pictures of the grounds and as it was too early for lunch and because we had more tickets we went off to Marble House.


Marble House was definitely more crowded. On arrival at the main entrance, we were given a headset and a unit for a self guided tour. Really neat. The interior decorations of Marble House are a tribute to unrestrained wealth. We took a little more than an hour to complete the tour. The pace on the tape player was perfect for us. Naturally the tour ended at the gift shop. I purchased some postcards and Carol added to her magnet collection. On the way out there was a poster touting lunch in the Chinese Tea House located on the grounds.

We were ready for lunch and decided to give it a try. The menu consisted of several ready made cold sandwiches and one salad choice. We each picked a sandwich and a drink along with a bag of chips. All the doors were open and a nice sea breeze wafted throughout the building. We sat at a small table. We were both thirsty, hungry, and a little bit tired.

After lunch we strolled on the grounds snapping some pictures. The white building in the distance is part of Salve Regina College.

We called it a day went back to the car and headed home. I took a different route home from Newport. Carol and I will return one more time before we leave Rhode Island. However, it will be after Labor Day when the tourists leave.

Hurricane Bill

This morning (8/22) Carol and I decided to drive down to the coast. Hurricane Bill is moving along a North by Northeast course along the Atlantic coast of the United states. The local Rhode Island weather forecasters have predicted heavier than normal surf conditions. This is to be the only affect of hurricane Bill for us. Our first destination was Point Judith which is also the location of the Point Judith Lighthouse located on the grounds of the Point Judith Coast Guard Station. This light remains an active aid to navigation. The grounds are open to the public for walking and viewing the light and the sea.



This area is a very popular spot for the local surfers even during normal conditions. As early as we were, we were happy to find a parking spot on the narrow median strip. All the lots were full. Conditions were overcast and patchy fog. Not especially great for photography. This is just a small sample of the number of surfers that were there this morning. As we drove off there were a number of cars, trucks, and SUV's heading in with surf boards tied to the vehicles.

We drove along the coast through Narragansett to our next destination, the Southern most point on Conanicut Island. The Beavertail Lighthouse is located on this point at the entrance of Narragansett Bay. If you look at an aerial map of this area you will see that this jut of land is shaped like a beavertail. This is a popular area for local fisherman to spent some peaceful hours hoping to catch supper. This light is still an active aid to Navigation.

Because of the rocky shoreline. there is no swimming or surfing. There is just no safe way to enter the water or to get out.

Ther were a considerable number of folks here this morning. In addition to those who came for the surf action, there were several families visiting the marine exhibit where some touching is allowed. There is also a Beavertail Lighthouse museum and gift shop avilable during the summer months.

This lady sat there for the longest time. Ocassionally the salt spray would fly over her.

Carol and I enjoyed our time watching the waves, taking pictures, enjoying the salt air and ocean breezes. We were back to North Providence in time to have a late breakfast (lunch) at a favorite restaurant.

4Town Farm

4Townfarm is located in Seekonk, Massachusetts which takes us about 20 minutes to drive to. My son introduced me to this farm years ago. Their produce is picked daily. Carol and I are big fans of the farm. We started cooking the beet greens just like we cooked the farm fresh spinach. Immediately we liked it as well as the spinach. Often the gal at the register would give us extra beet greens as some customers do not want them and request that the greens be cut off. Carol has done beets boiled and more recently pickled at my request. I will never be able to eat jar pickled beets again. Hers are so good.

Depending on the growing cycle, customers are allowed to pick their own. Today raspberries and flowers were available. This coming Saturday blueberries will be available for picking. Below is a picture of the raspberries and below that a view of the flowers.

We have tried a number of new (to us) vegetables. This was the first place that I ever saw yellow carrots. Added to the coleslaw mix of regular carrots, green and red cabbage, they add a certain sweetness to the coleslaw. It is a pleasant dish as I like coleslaw and I have yet to find a restaurant in the Northeast that does a decent coleslaw. Below is a picture of a Patti Pan squash. I slice the squash into half inch slices, a little olive oil, salt and fresh ground pepper and grill the slices until slightly soft. It has a unique taste and is a welcome change to the zucchini and yellow squash that I do on the grill. I also will grill asparagus that has been briefly marinated in olive oil and crushed garlic in oil.

I am waiting for the yellow watermelon to be ready. Another week or two. I first discovered this a couple of summers ago. It is very different looking from the red watermelon. It is sweet and juicy and very pleasant to eat. Of course we always buy the different varieties of lettuce, rare ripe onions, cucumbers, peppers, radishes and ears of corn for Carol. These fresh vegetables are a pleasant summer addition to our diet.

I believe that the 4 towns are Seekonk and Swansea in Massachusetts and Barrington and East Providence in Rhode Island.

10 things I miss about Panama city Beach, Florida

1. Swimming in the Gulf every morning

2. Publix Markets - So much better than Stop & Shop

3. Indian River Valencia orange juice

4.St. Andrews State Park

5. The Pickle Patch Restaurant

6. Being able to buy beer in the Supermarket

7.Sunsets over the Gulf

8. Thomas's donuts - best ever

9. WHJG TV Their newscasters are so much better than the RI stations

10. Apalachacola raw oysters

Trigger Finger

I have had several trigger fingers. The medical term is digital tenovagintis stenosans. Basically it is caused when the sheath surrounding the tendon of a finger or thumb becomes restricted. The most logical explanation of why it is called trigger finger is that when the bent finger is straighten it makes a "popping" sound. The first time it was the pinkie finger on my right hand. This was several years ago. The doctor first tried injecting the affected area with a corticosteroid that is generally effective in over half of the patients. It did not work and I had the surgery. It is done under local anesthetic and is a relatively quick procedure. The incision is usually made in the crease of the hand. Healing is sometimes slowed by the opening and closing of the hand. Since then both thumbs have been repaired by surgery. In both instances I skipped the injection and went right to surgery. My middle finger on my left hand is now affected. I have been ignoring the pain and aggravation since early spring. My life has been too busy to deal with it. This past week I finally went to see the surgeon. he remembered that the shot did not do well the first time. I told him that unlike previous times when I was mentally prepared for the surgery, that I was having a hard time gearing up for it. I said I would like the injection. He told me to lay down on the table as "it hurts like a bastard". He had the same shot himself. I hope the 30 seconds of agony will give me several months of pain relief. The finger is moving freely and I am relatively pain free. However the palm of my hand where the injection was administered is very tender. I am icing the area as instructed. I hope I can avoid surgery until next summer. Today is day five since the injection. Hoping for the best.

Cape Cod Canal

Construction of the Cape Cod Canal began in June 1909. The idea was discussed by Washington in the late 18Th century. At 480 feet wide and 32 feet deep, it is the widest sea level canal in the world. It is a free waterway. The canal is spanned by a railroad bridge and two highway bridges. The Bourne and the Sagamore. Below is a picture of the Sagamore Bridge in the distance and a view of the canal. My first grandchild was born when my daughter lived on the Cape. I can remember a 20 mile backup one summer Sunday afternoon when I was trying to get off Cape. The Canal was to facilitate commercial and pleasure boats trips towards the Ports in New York and beyond. The Cape juts well out into the Atlantic and there are dangerous shoals off the Cape Cod coast.



There is a magnificent walking / bicycle path on either side of the canal. I wanted to show Carol the Cape Cod Canal and on the way we picked up my daughter Jill and her daughters, Lil the oldest and Sylvie the youngest. I am happy to report that Jill moved off Cape several years ago.
As you can imagine there was a nice breeze which help to ease the muggy heat.

The Canal is used by pleasure boats and commercial traffic. We saw many sailboats and several ocean going yachts. The boat below was flying an Australian Flag.

The barge was being pushed by a tug. They were preceded and followed by Pilot boats. The barge lay well into the water and it was pushing water. The picture does not do justice to the amount of water that was being displaced.

We walked along the canal for some distance and then retraced our steps back to where the van was parked. They all sat on a bench overlooking the canal. I asked them if they would all look at me and give me their best smile. So much for that! However this is probably a more accurate picture of everyone doing their own thing.

We stopped and had a nice lunch somewhere near Buzzards Bay and then went back to Jill's home. Carol had expressed interest in Jill's spinning of lamb's wool. Jill showed us how her spinning wheel worked and then showed Carol how to do the spinning using a hand spinner.

It was a very nice way to spent a summer day and to show my Florida gal more of New England.

Sunsets - Panama City Beach, Florida

No words - just sunsets from the balcony last winter.

Keene, New Hampshire

It was a beautiful morning and I asked Carol if she wanted to go out for lunch. She did and asked where. I told her it would be a nice ride and we would have lunch in a quaint village in New Hampshire named Keene. It is about a two hour drive from our home in Rhode Island. Once past Worchester, Massachusetts we traverse beautiful countryside.


Main Street in Keene is a wide tree lined road with wonderful interesting shops on each side of the street. There was a little park with a gazebo where we talked to two Keene State college students. Carol and I ambled along both sides stopping in several shops before we decided to have lunch in Lindy's Dinner. We sat at the counter. A local farmer sat next to me and he ordered a cup of New England clam chowder and a large bowl of grits. I asked him if he was from the South. "Nope, I'm an old Yankee living in the same house I was born in. I just like grits."

After lunch we walked back to the car and headed back. Along the way I saw a pull off and we decided to walk Tiny, our dog. I could hear the sound of water rushing over rocks. Tiny wanted no part of the woods so he eagerly went back into the car. Carol and I walked a little ways towards the sound and we found the brook.

Farther down the road we came upon a clearing and pulled into a cemetery to take pictures of Mount Monadnock. We stayed for a few minuted taking pictures of the Mountain and looking at the very manicured grounds of the cemetery.

We were route 140 in Massachusetts and I decided to take a side trip up to Wachusett Mountain ski area. There were a few couples walking dogs. We roamed around the grounds.

Above is the main building and two of the several ski trails available. This is a popular destination in the winter. Wachusett has snow making equipment to supplement Mother Nature offerings.

Land Line

When I was ready to leave Florida for the Northern home, I called ahead to Cox Communications to "wake up" my service. My desire was also to control the cost of cable, Internet and phone service. I told the phone representative that I did not want long distance service but did want to be able to call within Rhode Island with no added cost. He assured me that would be the case. You can imagine my ire when I found out how much I was being charged for long distance in the smallest state. To call my mom, son at home or work I was being charged. As I thought about it, I came to the conclusion that I would just cancel the home phone. I had that number since 1965 when I first married. It followed me from the first apartment to the home I built in 1968. The Cox representative did his best to talk me out of doing it. Both Carol and I have cell phones. I have only gone over my monthly minutes once in 8 years and then I used roll over minutes. It has been about a month and I do not miss that land line. In fact, the physical phones were given to my Massachusetts daughter for her use. There will be no going back. It has become very peaceful. No charities or scams calling. I am careful about who gets the number. Family, Navy pals and necessary services only.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

Ocracoke Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse on the Outer Banks. There are no bridges to this Island. Access is best via a short ferry ride from Cape Hatteras or a longer ferry from Cedar Island or from Swan quarter. In the early 16Th century this island became a favorite hangout for the notorious pirate Blackbeard.









The ferry boats depart Cape Hatteras and Ocracoke on the hour every hour. The ferry on the left is heading to Cape Hatteras and Carol and I are heading towards Ocracoke. As you can see it was an overcast day and also quite windy. The ferries run more often during the heavy summer tourist season. Delivery trucks have first priority. We were fortunate in that we made the ferry each time we got in line. The scenery along the ferry route is interesting. There is a sand bar teeming with shore birds and the waves crashing on the sand bar were impressive.




It was a cool day but we elected to move around the ferry during the trip and experience the sights and smell the salt sea air. Carol was like a small child in a candy shop loving every minute of this new experience.

Once on Ocracoke we drove towards along route 12 until we got to the turn off for the lighthouse. After much picture taking we headed back towards the ferry landing. We stopped at a very quaint restaurant for lunch. We arrived just in time to catch the ferry back to Cape Hatteras. There we parked and walked out to the beach. The tip of Cape Hatteras on a dark stormy day could be liken to the tip of the end of the world where sand, sky and water seem to merge together.

Kitty Hawk - Outer Banks North Carolina

Carol and I visited the Outer Banks in April. Besides visiting four Outer Banks Lighthouses, we spent the better part of a morning in the Wrights Brothers National Park Museum. In 2003, a wealthy donor commissioned a bronze replica of the historic plane forthe hundredth anniversary celebration. On the day we visited, the wind was blowing hard, fixing in our minds why the Wright brothers picked this location to attempt the first flight.



Orville is depicted at the controls as he prepared for what would become the first powered flight.

While the first flight only lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, it began the era of flight. It was shortly there after that Wilbur flew the unheard of distance of 852 feet and was airborne for 59 seconds.

There is much more to see and do here. The main building houses an exact replica of the first plane with the canvas and wood frame. They have a cutaway of the engine with a description of the wright brothers design. A movie is shown periodically through out the day and they have portraits of persons who have accomplished milestones in aviation on the outer walls of this room.

On the grounds there are replicas of their living quarters and the hangar for the plane. There is a memorial tower high on a hill commemorating that historic accomplishment. I have been here several times and the exhibit is always expanding.

The gift shop is always worth a visit.

Coffee Milk

Coffee milk is the "official" drink of Rhode Island. Once out of the Rhode Island area the idea of coffee milk becomes an illusive product. When I was first out of the Navy boot camp and stationed in Memphis, TN for my Jet Mechanic school I asked for a glass of coffee milk at a local restaurant. The waitress in her Southern drawl asked "Honey do you want a glass half full of coffee and the rest milk?" I soon realized that it would be awhile before I would get coffee milk.

Coffee milk is white milk with a portion of coffee syrup added to the milk. The syrup is made by extracting liquid from coffee beans. The syrup is widely available in the Rhode Island area and is also available for shipping where ever displaced Rhode Islanders may be. I know this as a few years ago I had a case shipped to the condo I was renting in Panama City Beach, FL. Coffee syrup is akin to the chocolate syrup that is more universally available. Premixed coffee milk is available in the supermarkets here in Rhode Island along side chocolate and strawberry flavored milk

Pictured is a bottle of the preferred syrup that I use to make my evening glass of coffee milk. I prefer to mix my own rather than buying the coffee milk in the market. I like a stronger mixture. I have tried to spread the word and the enjoyment of this Rhode Island icon beyond our Northern borders. Carol's daughters in Tallahassee, FL and Elsie, MI seem to like it. My old Navy shipmate in Georgia did not take to it.

Coffee milk is truly a Rhode Island drink and should you travel here, order a glass in a restaurant. You just might like it.

4 answers

This is a questionnaire that I saw on another blog some time in the past. Here goes:

4 jobs I had

Jet mechanic U S Navy
Fueling aircraft - local airport
Programmer
Manager Information Systems Services US & Europe

4 Movies I love to watch

The Cowboys - John Wayne
All the Bourne movies
Rob Roy
Up Periscope

4 Places I've lived

Greenville, Rhode Island
NAS Cecil Field, Jacksonville, FL
North providence, Rhode Island
Panama City beach, FL

4 TV shows I enjoy

Bones
NCIS
Saving Grace
Law and Order Criminal Intent

4 Places I've been

Climbed the leaning Tower of Pisa
French Riviera in August
The Badlands South Dakota
Custer's last Stand Battlefield

4 Websites I visit daily

Boatnerd.com about the freighter traffic on the Great Lakes
The camera at the Soo Locks
My bank in Rhode Island
Amy's blog

4 Favorite foods

Cheeseburgers
Pasta and meatballs
Rare steak
Baked sweet potato

4 Places I'd rather be

London
Cannes, France in August
Out at sea aboard an aircraft carrier on the flight deck
Whitefish Point on the UP

4 Places I'd like to visit

Australia
Columbia River Gorge
All the National Parks in Utah
I like to see the Redwood trees

4 People I would have liked to meet

Ben Franklin
Abraham Lincoln
General George Patton
Yogi Berra

Opposites Attract ??

Carol and I met over 18 months ago. She was a self-employed seamstress and I was a retired upper level manager. Both of us had been extended caretakers in our previous marriages. Both of us were use to being completely in charge. We both did the marketing, the menu planning, the cooking. We both handled all the cleaning of the home, laundry and whatever. In so many ways we were alike but not in all ways.

OK, Carol had a guy that cut her grass, and I had a lady that came every two weeks and did certain areas of house cleaning. There are times when we bang heads especially in the kitchen. We are getting better at coordinating our movements and how we spice foods. I have adapted to her "magic" bottle of spices. She does not like my oil and vinegar salad dressing that I prepare nightly. I do like a strong vinegar mixture that she finds harsh. I am now 99% eating healthy breads, muffins and frozen waffles with only an occasional white roll. I am eating a greater variety of fresh vegetables and less red meat (heavy sigh). We have adapted well to one another in our diets. She must start her day with hot coffee, I have a cold diet coke. I use vinegar on french fries, Carol tried it and has reverted back to ketchup.

I now install the toilet paper her way and she folds the bath towels my way. She was exasperated when she saw that I would just drop my under shirts into the drawer unfolded. She now folds my underwear and t-shirts. We hang our shirts and jackets facing in opposite directions. Mind always face to the right and hers to the left. Sometimes I have to hang hers a second time because I automatically do it the way I always do, then I see it does not match the rest of her clothes. I like my bath towels dried outside on the clothes line and hers must be in the dryer. She refers to my towels as sand paper. An opinion shared with the next door neighbor. She handles the heat better than I and I handle the cold better. However we both agree that we will avoid Rhode Island winters from now on.

I have always had itchy feet and like to be on the go. Carol has been an eager partner in our road trips. Carol is like a kid in a candy store drinking in the scenery where ever we are. I am always planning the next two trips.

We love each other and we love our combined family. Admittedly I received more "new" family than Carol received from me. However she did say my mom was the best Mother-in-law she ever had.

So as we forge ahead in our life together we seem to be on the same page more often than not. But Viva la difference where we are not.