Upgrading the Florida Home

Carol and I will have owned this home 2 years this coming March. We bought the house fully furnished. We have made a number of changes to the furnishings. First we changed the bed to a king with a memory foam mattress. We each bought a desk at the same time we bought an entertainment center. Originally the second bedroom was an office. All that stuff was donated. We put a queen fold out couch and a long table for Carol's sewing machines. Recently we changed the dining table and chairs and replaced the coffee table and end tables. I am happy to say that all the old furniture and the stove either went to Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity. Please understand there was nothing wrong with the stuff, it just wasn't our stuff or style.

Recently I have been looking at the outside of the house. When I watch TV at night I sit near what was kind of French doors. The were in poor shape and I could see daylight in one corner. Additionally, there was no way to add a screen for air circulation. Also there was no current storm door in the front. A local contractor was working on the street and I asked him if he could do some work for me. We all went to Lowe's and picked out the new slider for the back of the house and a storm door for the front. Below is a before picture of the rear entry way. You can see that there was rust on the door and it generally looked "shabby". There was also some rot. The next picture is after the slider was installed. Oddly Lowe's had to order a screen door. You would thing they would be in stock.



Below is a picture of the front door. It is functional but no real eye catching appeal. With an interest in staying within a "I can pay for this in cash" budget, we opted for just a storm door with a hidden screen.
The screen is in the top of the door and pulls down as you lower the top panel. If you look closely you will see a small portion of screen at the top. The lower white bar is the frame for the top panel and when the screen is fully closed that bar aligns with top bar.

The final piece to yesterdays change were new outdoor lights on either side of the garage door. The old lights (sample below) were dull and really added nothing to "curb appeal".


Below is a picture of one of the new lights. The brass matches the brass on the front storm door. This in my opinion gives the front of the house a "fresher" look. Now the brass house numbers look dull. Do I get brass polish or just buy new numbers.

We have recently planted some flowers in front and want to add some more. I have one more front project. I need to replace the eyebrow windows in front. And maybe a spiffier front door. Carol is out looking for the "RIGHT' curtain rods for the slider and dining area window. We have the fabric for the curtains. We still have a couple more "wants" but they will have to wait.

Coral Cactus "Cristata"

Carol and I were walking through the garden shop at Home depot. We had ordered a front storm door with hidden screen and a sliding door with screen for the back of the house. I would like to take advantage of the cool breezes. With three dogs we can't leave the doors open. We went into the garden shop as I wanted a shovel. We have begun planting some mums and petunias. On the way to the register, Carol spotted a table full of many types of cacti. She picked out a Coral Cactus. We have never seen one. The pictures below are of both sides. It will live on the kitchen window sill.

Carol asked me to remove the blinds from the window. This was quickly accomplished and after washing the window inside and out, the Cactus has a bright window to reside in. I think it is neat.

Early Voting

Yesterday, Carol and I went and cast our ballots for the mid term election. This was the first time for me voting in Florida. Rhode Island never had early voting while I voted there. I have not missed an election since I have been eligible to vote. We went to our local library which is only three blocks away. I have to say that I was very impressed with the procedure. I showed my drivers license, I was checked by a computer, signed an electronic scanner and was given a receipt which I then handed to the next person. She printed out my ballot and I went into a booth and completed my choices. I then fed my completed ballot into a machine and the process was complete. Florida has come a long way since the "hanging chad" problem with the first Bush presidential election.

One interesting note (at least to me) every Florida Supreme Court Justice name was on the ballot with the question "should they retain their job" We could vote yes or no. In Rhode Island once the person is confirmed to the RI Supreme Court, they serve until retirement, death or disgrace.

Usually my voting decisions are well defined and thought out. My vote for Governor was a difficult decision. Neither the Republican nor the Democratic candidate seem worthy of the position in my opinion. I choose what I considered to be the lesser of the two evils.

Now all I have to do is wait until November 3rd for all the nasty political adds to be done.

A walk in the park

Carol and I live close to St. Andrews State Park. I buy a yearly pass good for all the Florida state parks. St. Andrews is the one most visited. Sometimes five times a week. The park never fails to please us and in some way add to our already pleasurable days. Recently we decided to visit the park and wander around our favorite spots. That day we visited one of the several areas where swimming in the Gulf is permitted. The picture below was taken as we approached the beach. Ample boardwalks are provided to access the beach as much of the dunes are off limits to protect the fragile grass and sand dunes.

Next we went over to the Alligator Pond. It seems weird that a fresh water pond would be so close to the salt water. Several alligators are purported to live in this pond. I have only ever seen two at a time. There is a path that will take you along the waters edge. Some days an alligator might be spotted swimming or sunning along the shore. It is just a matter of luck.

Even though is was quite warm that afternoon and there is soft sand part of the way, we decided to walk along the path that borders the edge of the pond. We came upon the area where there is a small bench for sitting and viewing and we were rewarded with an excellent view of a decent sized alligator. I was willing to walk within four feet of it and took several pictures. This was the last taken. It almost looked like he was smiling as I approached. If left alone, they will ignore humans here.

Our final stop was the small fishing pier near the boat ramp. There is a much longer pier on the Gulf side. Carol and I have seen dolphins here, but never when we had a camera. We were rewarded.

We believe he / she was putting on a show for everyone there.

I must have taken 20 pictures.



Over the years we have been blessed with many varieties of birds, deer, owls, sting rays, turtles and alligators. All with in a beautiful park available for all to enjoy. There are hiking trails, beautiful white sand beaches and even an old Turpentine Mill. Marvelous!

PEPE

Carol has been talking about getting a Chihuahua puppy for sometime. Recently she did some research on the Internet and last Monday we went to visit two breeders who had puppies ready to be sold. We set off in the truck as the directions to the first location included dirt roads. We eventually drove over 228 miles on the Panhandle including several miles on dirt roads that did not deserve to be called roads. The first puppies we saw were cute, but the parents were stocky and Carol was looking for a svelte puppy that would grow to less than five pounds. So off we went on the next quest to find the "puppy". Lets just say, I did not think there were such rural spots at the end of several miles of unpaved wash board roads. Carol was rewarded. As soon as she held this puppy, I knew our search was over. He was the perfect color, the parents were both only 4.5 pounds. Carol made the financial arrangements and we were off. As we drove we started with the alphabet trying out names. We eventually narrowed it down to Chico, Jake, Pepe and Slade. Pepe stuck.

He looks so sweet. Right! No one slept the first few nights. Now his crate is next to Carol's side of the bed during the night. He has become a little terror. He loves to jump on Tiny our 17 year old Chihuahua as he sleeps in his bed. He ducked under Gizmo our Yorkie and bit him on the stomach. I believe Pepe was looking for his mom's equipment. Last night Tiny was wagging his tail and I saw Pepe moving his head following the tail. Yep, he struck and bit Tiny's tail as it wagged.

He likes to drag stuff around the house. This morning I watched Carol's sandal move across the living room. Later I watched the power cord to my laptop move from under my desk. The two older dogs have started sleeping on chairs so they can have some peace.

I told Carol we missed the boat on naming him. We should have called him "Attila". He has become Carol's puppy. He follows her around and comes when she calls his name. He is adorable and I think he knows it. Carol is pleased and so am I.

Shipmates

I joined the Navy in January of 1964. After boot camp and jet mechanic school, I was flown over to the Mediterranean to catch up to my duty assignment. I was assigned to VA 36 aboard the USS Saratoga. During my time in VA 36 I made the dearest life long friends. I was blessed to know them, serve with them, and remain in touch with them to this day. There is a small group of shipmates that try to get together once a year. We are all in our late 60's and early 70's now. We still enjoy each others company and share a bond that was forged on the flight deck night crew so many years ago. There are some shipmates that we have tried to find and have not yet. We recently lost one ship mate to cancer. This year we spent several days on the Gulf Shores in Alabama in rented condos. It was planned that most meals would be in the condo together. The ladies went shopping during the day and the guys spent our time talking and around the outdoor pool. We had the occasional beer. On our last night we went to Lambert's (home of the throwed rolls) for dinner. Lambert's is an raucous experience wrapped around good food.

From left to right. Mike originally from Denver, now he splits his year between Denver and Mesa, AZ. Manuel originally from Louisiana and still lives there. Hugh originally from Texas and now lives in Mississippi. Hugh retired from the Navy. Myself originally from Rhode Island. I now split my time between Rhode Island and Florida. BJ originally from Georgia. BJ also retired from the Navy and still lives in Georgia.

Here we are with the ladies, Hugh and Samra, Carol and Ed, Marsha and BJ, Manuel and Zella, and Mike a single guy. We all had a great time, we talked and ate too much. We left two ideas on the table for next year. Gettysburg or the low country of South Carolina, possibly Charleston.

I am so lucky to have served with them.

Crackle Glass

While I was working a co worker got me interested in collecting crackle glass. He and his wife easily had 500 or more pieces. Supposedly, the first piece of crackle glass was a mistake. The glass blower plunged the piece into water to cool it and it formed a number of cracks. He then immediately put it back into the glory hole and finished the process. As the story goes, he took it home to his wife as it was considered a second and would not be sold. She liked it and other wives asked their husbands to bring them a piece of this glass. Crackle glass as a product was born. I started collecting rather late in the life span. By the time I started several books had been published on collecting and the factories that manufactured them. I actually did visit a couple of the factories in West Virginia back in the early 80's. Crackle was becoming harder to find at prices I was willing to pay. I still have a number of pieces yet to bring down here. Below are pictures of some of the collection.

Two pieces on the top shelf are not crackle. The cruet on the left is ribbon glass and the one on the right is millefiori (thousand flowers). They both date to the 1890's.


The three pieces below are sort of unique. The salt and pepper shaker are collectible in two categories, crackle and as a salt and pepper set. If you look closely at the middle shelf above you will pick out a small blue salt and pepper set. The middle piece is very collectible because the stopper is still with the piece. Apparently stoppers are easily broken. The third piece is collectible because of the height and shape of the piece.

A closer view of the millefiori and two crackle pieces.

The keen observer will have noticed the toy Harley Davidson motorcycle with sidecar. I also collected toys and have several hundred transportation oriented toys. It is a eclectic collection of whatever caught my eye.

Off handed negotiation

Carol and I came down to our home in Panama City Beach for two weeks this past July. As hot as it was here, it was hotter in Rhode Island. Carol's 11 year old Chevy Cavalier convertible sputtered and back fired and basically ran horrible. The day before we were heading back North the check engine light came on. I said we would deal with it in September.

Once here I reconnected the battery and Carol started the car. It started smoothly and ran well. The A/C was weak and we detected a howl when ever the A/C was on. Carol has always liked Mustangs so we went and looked. Used Mustang convertibles are scarce and the new one was way above her budget. The following day, Carol was having a yearly medical test and I went to the GM dealer to see if they had any convertibles. The salesman did a search and said he could find a few Pontiac G6 hardtop convertibles. I took Carol there to look at the images on the internet. She chose a 2007 Crimson Red Pontiac G6 with 17,800 miles. It had to be moved down from Augusta, GA. A final price was negotiated. I was using a Cross pen identical to the one below. I retired from Cross 7 years ago. This pen was delivered to me today from the Cross Company store. The salesman asked me what he had to do to get the pen. Flippantly I said take another two hundred off the price. He did and I gave him my favorite pen.

The car arrived and Carol took delivery of her new convertible pictured below. We went in two vehicles to pick it up. I wanted her to drive it home. There is nothing (my opinion) like that first drive in a new vehicle. It has a satellite radio (free 3 months) and she played it loudly on the way home.

A post script to an earlier post. The temporary fix to the house A/C is still working. Unfortunately another part has failed. We are patiently waiting for the A/C person to come and look at it. We have decided to bite the so called bullet and replace the whole system.

Our Journey South

We were able to leave on a timely basis. Only a small delay getting onto I 95. Once we were in range of New York City, I picked up a station that does the traffic every 10 minutes. As all the Hudson River crossings were in decent shape, I choose to use The Cross Bronx Expressway and the George Washington Bridge. It is the most direct way. AAA does not recommend this route due to the uncertainty of traffic congestion. We sailed across never dropping below 40 mph. The day was without problems and we arrived in Exmore, Virginia in a timely manner.I like to go down the Delmarva for several reasons. It avoids D. C. and we like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The hotel also takes dogs for a small up charge per pet. That first night we went to a diner adjacent to the motel. I had a roast turkey dinner. The food was very good and I like the stuffing. It had an interesting flavor. By 11 PM I felt like I was on speed or something. This feeling got worse during the night and I was worried about my health and then could Carol drive my truck with confidence. By morning I felt better and although I was tired and a little shaky, we set out on our second day. I must have been allergic to a spice.

We were on the bridge within 30 minutes . Such a beautiful view. the bay was vivid blue with a gentle chop. The sport fishermen's boats were bobbing on the water as the anglers fished. It must be a good spot as there were a lot of boats near and under the bridges. For those not familiar with the bridges, there are two bridges of two lanes, one southbound bridge, one northbound. However the tunnels are only two lanes wide. Traffic slims down to one lane each way. The tunnels are needed so the Navy can enter and exit the base. The rest area has recently been remodeled and the restaurant is gorgeous. We will plan to eat there when northbound again. The downside to this route is getting back to I 95. Most of the route is rural over SR 58. Once on I 95 we were able to make good time. In South Carolina we hit three violent rain storms and when we crossed into Georgia another. We arrived at the motel and found it without power. The whole area was without including all traffic lights. The desk clerk had our key prepared so we went to the room and someone was already in the room. Once it was fixed , we walked the dogs, and then Carol and I went to visit close friends and have dinner. We arrived in the pouring rain and later drove back in the pouring rain.

The next morning was sunny and dry. The free breakfast was decent and we drove South into Florida. We stopped at the visitor center. They have orange and grapefruit juice for the weary traveler. Just before Jacksonville proper we got on I 295 towards I 10 west. Traffic came to a halt three miles shy of our exit. As we moved slowly along we could see about eight Florida State Trooper cars blocking the right lane. Shortly we could see a badly smashed pickup truck against a tree about 50 feet from the highway. I could see that the truck was a mess and as we passed we saw that the cab had been covered with yellow tarpaulins. It was a sobering moment and we were both thankful that our trip had been uneventful thus far. Our route takes us through Tallahassee and we always stop at Joylene's (Carol's daughter) home. We arrived and were welcomed warmly. The older children gave us hugs. Connor now is walking and not so very interested in being held. We were surprised when we were presented with a wonderful grandparents card and a special lunch. Hughie made us pear tarts for our desert. We were thrilled with our stop and reluctantly said our good byes and headed to Panama City Beach.

As soon as we opened the door, we knew something was wrong. The A/C had a failure. We did get a technician to come but the needed parts were not available until the next morning. We all spent the night in a local hotel. The A/C is now working with a stop gap measure that may last a week, month or years. We have opted to run it as is until it dies. we will deal with it then.

Bottom line, we are home in Florida, its been three days and we are still unpacking and putting stuff away. I have no clue where my mailbox key is nor do I know where the year pass to state parks is. Carol knows where her embroidery hoops are. They are in a closet up North.

Going South

Summer is over. It has been a good summer with good warm weather unlike last summer. It is now time to head south to our winter residence. We have been staging stuff (lots of stuff) the last two days. Today we loaded the truck. From sewing machines (2) to Carol's office chair, printer, assorted cooking implements, clothes, documents, and on and on. We still must put our shower kits, bag with pillows and medicine bag in the truck bed. In the morning our laptops, cooler and snack bag will be placed inside the cab. The back seat is reserved for our pets, Tiny and Gizmo.



As I write this, all I can think about is that this needs to be unloaded in four days. This is what has been loaded today.

I am looking forward to the drive south. We love the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. I will watch my speed in Virginia. We will have dinner with BJ and Marsha (old Navy pal) Saturday night in Georgia. Sunday will be lunch with Carol's daughter and family in Tallahassee. Then on to our home in Florida.

Winter well my Northern family and friends. Lord willing we will be back in the spring.

Ralph D'Atri - Shipmate and dear friend

I was in the Navy back in the early 60's. I made the dearest friends back then. Some of us managed to hook up and stay in touch over the years. A small group of us try to get together once a year. Sometimes we, as individuals, will stop and visit in one anothers homes. We worked on the flight deck of an U S Navy Aircraft Carrier. It was both a dangerous place but one that was exciting. We bonded as pals doing a difficult job.

Ralph was a shipmate and friend. We worked together and pulled liberty in various ports in the Mediterranean. Ralph was an easy guy to like. He was fun loving and game for any escapade that was dreamed up. Ralph lost his battle with cancer on September 3, 2010. He was 68 years old. Too young to go. He will never be forgotten as long as one of us is alive from that night line crew. Rest in peace, Ralph. Your suffering is finished.

Waiting On Earl

Just about every one knows that Earl is moving up the East coast. The local news stations are doing their best to dramatize the situation. The consensus is that the Rhode Island coast will receive a glancing blow and have heavy surf and wind with beach erosion. Inland we are expecting tropical force winds and heavy rain Friday night to early Saturday morning. Rhode Island is expected to miss the brunt of the storm. Yet some weather persons on the local news keep harping on the fact that if the eye moves 20 or 30 miles eastward that we would be in for it. So stay tuned for the latest forecast. Their dire prediction is designed to scare people (in my opinion) into continuing to watch their station.

Today, I was going to stop at a local independent meat market for a few items from their deli for lunch. The parking lot was packed. I don't do well with lines, so I kept driving and we went out for lunch. Let me give a little history lesson on why (again my opinion) that Rhode Islanders have this panic mind set and must stock the larder as any storm approaches. In February of 1978, a Nor'easter storm stalled over this area. Some spots received over 50 inches of snow in a relatively short time. It caught everyone flatfooted. By the time companies and schools shut down, it was already too late. Snow removal crews were also slow to be activated. Route 95 in Providence became a parking lot. Cars were abandoned on the highway. Some folks did not get home for days. Some school children were stranded at churches and fire stations for several days. The state literally shut down for a week. The Georgia National Guard was flown up to help with first removing the cars from the highway and then opening up the roads. Side streets needed front end loaders to clear the snow. Ordinary snow plows could not move it. People had to go to the Providence Civic Center, wait in line to find out where their car was towed too.

So, that may be why the markets are packed. We had a nice lunch at a local favorite spot. This afternoon, I raised the awnings, took down a bird house and placed the trash barrels inside the storage area. I am now storm prepared. I hope the storm tract stays off the coast as most predict. I plan on getting my storm updates on the Internet.

Quilting

Carol decided that she would like to learn to make a hand made quilt. We had been planning on going to Keene, New Hampshire to visit Sandra, a cousin and good friend. I told Carol that Sandra would be a source of information and direction as Sandra is a quilter. When Sandra found this out, she said we would take a short drive to Chester, Vermont to visit a fabric shop that caters to quilters. This is the shop located in the village.

I was amazed at the amount of inventory in this shop. Every where there were bolts of fabric, "fat quarters" and supplies. Carol had this look that reminded me of a kid in a candy store. It was at that point that I decided to wander around the village. I knew this store was going to need an ample amount of time. This is just a small sample of the inventory. They had one section just devoted to fabric with a sports theme, another on transportation, etc.

Needless to say, we had a great time in Chester, me, I walked around the village. Carol and Sandra, they enjoyed the shop. We went back to Keene, and had a nice lunch. We visited on Sandra's front porch and caught up on family news. It was a great day. The "stash" that Carol purchased is for a project that is in the "imagination" stage.

Since then, Carol and I spent a morning in another fabric store. She decided her first quilt would be for a young grandson. It takes time to pick out several complementary fabrics for a quilt. We picked out several bolts only to return then to the bin. They had to be perfect. I enjoyed the process and was vey patient. The lady who cut the fabric commented that I was good man.

This is Carol hand sewing her first project. She borrowed the hoop from my eldest daughter. Carol is still searching for the "proper" thimble. I think she has made great progress. There are two more quilts planned. Then there is the knitting, and oh yeah, a lady called from Panama City Beach this morning to see when we would return. She has this little sewing project for Carol. It a good thing we are retired. We sure don't have time for a steady job.

Yard Sale

I recently participated in a multi-family yard sale at my niece's house in North Scituate. I had my home on the market but it did not sell. I think the realtor started too high. I let him pick the price as he is an "expert". I'll try again in the spring. I asked my children what they would like from the house and almost everything has either been spoken for, or already moved to their homes. I still have lots of stuff. I have lived in this house over 40 years. I collected crackle glass, transportation toys (over 500), lead crystal and some artwork. My wife collected pottery and Santa Claus figures, some hand painted and signed and some that were inexpensive. My niece and Carol helped me wrap and box those items that would be sold. It is not an easy thing to do. I guess it took a couple of hours. The day of the yard sale took another six hours. For this I ended up with $42.00, good conversation and Ray made me lunch. I also saw a gal that I went to grade school with over 55 years ago. I took some stuff home with me. The rest was wrapped and boxed and went to Salvation Army. In retrospect, I felt that the whole process left me depressed. If it wasn't a dollar or less, it was not looked at. I had a hand painted vase made in Dublin by the Tara company. It was probably a fifth of its worth. Did not sell. I have promised myself that I will not do a yard sale again. I will either donate or send it to the landfill.

Carol's Craft Bags

Carol supported her family as a self employed seamstress. Her main source of income came from local interior designers. Carol would tackle almost any project. Carol "retired" when we decided to become a couple. Now her former occupation has become mostly recreational. During the past winter she made the most beautiful drapes for the guest bedroom. A soft green with palm trees. Just perfect for Florida. This past year Carol taught herself to knit with some guidance from my daughter Jill. Carol bought a pattern for a craft bag. She made one for herself and one for Jill. Below is Carol's craft bag used for her knitting. There are pockets inside and out.


When Carol gave the bag to Jill, her eldest, Lilia, exclaimed how much she liked the bag. So Carol decided to make a smaller bag for Lilia. Carol also said that Sylvie (3 years old) would also have a bag. Sylvie has become quite attached to Carol and Carol to her. Carol decided to design a version of the craft bag for the girls. Both bags have pockets on the outside and inside. Naturally the bigger bag below is Lilia's and the other is for Sylvie.

Carol has now moved on to her next project. She has decided that quilting will be the next new challenge. Last week we went to two quilting fabric stores for the supplies. Her initial comment was "I thought it would be easier to pick out fabric". Some day I will post the end result.

Travels with Tiny and Gizmo

Tiny

Gizmo

Carol had Tiny when I met her and last October I rescued Gizmo. I did try to get him to answer to a different name. He had none of that. Traveling around the country with the "boys" has been an experience. We have their beds, crates, food dishes and a water dish. Plus a bag with shampoos and assorted doggy needs. We need a cooler for Tiny's liquid thyroid medicine. He and I have a sluggish thyroid and we take the exact same medicine only mine is in pill form.

Not every motel is "pet friendly". La Quinta, Motel 6 and the Drury hotels all accept pets with no extra charge. Other hotels will accept pets with up charges ranging from a fee/pet to set charges. Most are $5 to $10 per pet and I have seen a place that had a one time fee of $75. We did not consider that hotel. AAA sells a book listing "pet friendly" hotels. As a member, I was a little upset that it was over $12. The Internet is also a source. Carol and I have met a lot of great people (almost all seniors) traveling with their pets.

During a recent July trip we either left the truck locked and running while we went to restrooms or sandwich shops for take out or we went one at a time. The truck has a button code on the door for unlocking. We met a very nice lady at a motel with a schnauzer. She said I leave it running and unlocked. Pity whoever tries to take the vehicle.

Tomorrow we are going on a day trip to Keene, NH to visit a favorite cousin. She has graciously also included our pets. In preparation, Carol bathed the dogs this morning. I have washed all the bedding and blankets and they are hung on the clothesline. We want them fresh and clean. Gizmo will not be allowed to run wild in my fenced yard today. We want him clean. Yorkies are little ratters and he seems happiest diving under bushes and plants and rooting in the earth. Later the crates will be put in the vehicle. At one time they slept in the crates at night. I bought them beds and now they mostly sleep in the beds. The beds will be put on the back seat tomorrow. Tiny sleeps mostly while we are riding. Gizmo likes to look out the window.

I can't imagine our life without them. They each have a distinct personality and they give us pleasure and they do amuse us.

Ford F150 and Big Brother

If you follow my blog, you know that bought a 2010 Ford F 150 truck in mid May. I have now driven it up and down the coast three times in a short period. In mid July we were once again heading North. I was eastbound on I-10 and could see for quite a distance. I had the radar detector on and was running with a loose pack at 90 mph. I have always driven every vehicle over 100 mph at least once except for a 1996 Sonoma that had a speed limiter set at 95 mph. So I decided to go for my one time over a 100 mph in my new F 150 with the V8 engine. You can imagine how upset I was when the engine semi quit at some where between 95 and 97 MPH. My GPS always read 2 mph below the speedometer. I did not swear but tried a second time. Same thing. You don't lose power steering, but I am sure the break lights do not come on and the speed drops suddenly. In my mind this is not acceptable.

I called the service manager at Cook - Whitehead Ford where I purchased the truck. He called Ford Engineering and after three days, I called again. I'm sure he was counting on me not pushing it. The very next day, I received a call. Ford does not publish the speed limiters on any of their vehicles, but every one has it, and if you hit that limit a code is put in the computer on your vehicle. They did say that the limit was between 92 and 98 mph for the truck. Why bother having a speedometer that goes up to 120 mph?

Not happy, I told him I was thinking of having a sign made for the back window that says:

NOT FORD TOUGH - BUT A FORD WIMP

I doubt I will do it, but hell even the Honda Ody van let me do 110. Apparently I am the first truck buyer to inquire as the service manager had to ask Ford. The bottom line is, I still love the truck and love driving it.

I would be even more upset if I bought a new Mustang with 400 hp and could not drive well over 120 mph.

Grilled Salmon

This morning as we lay in bed, I asked Carol what would you like for supper. After some thinking, she said "grilled salmon'. OK, I replied we will go to the local fish market and buy salmon. On the way there she said she might like to try halibut. Once at the counter, I asked about halibut. There was none and when the Boston Fish Market has it, it is at least $15.00 a pound. He explained about the over fishing and the fact that it is so good there is a big demand. I asked about Chilean sea bass and was told it sometimes runs over $20.00 a pound when he can get it. We decided we would buy the salmon.

I at one time was a charcoal only guy. For years I did the grilling on charcoal. A few years ago when I needed to cook quickly and I could not find a replacement grill, I bought a gas grill. At the time I was having my lower level redone from scratch. I had all of the craftsmen here and I decided to have a natural gas line installed on my deck. This eliminated the need for bottles. So for the last four years I have been using a gas grill. I bought Bobby Flays book among several others and used the Internet for tips.

I think I have the grilling pretty well down now. Occasionally I will mess something up. Grilled sweet potatoes comes to mind. They were like lumps of charcoal and so hard they were immediately discarded. The next time was much better.

Tonight the grilled salmon was served with grilled summer squash along with a side salad and buttered steamed carrots. Salmon is a delicate fish so I don't mess with it, turning it over just once. Hence only one set of grill marks. Carol said the plate was picture perfect.

Here was our main course.

Birthdays

This weekend I will celebrate another birthday. This will be the last one beginning with a 6. I have been thinking about birthdays for a few days now. I am not dismayed that I will soon begin my 70th year of life. In fact I am quite pleased. There was a time that I did not believe I would live past 30. I worked the night shift on the flight deck of a Navy Carrier. Hell, there were a few nights on the flight deck that I did not think I would make it to dawn. I did lose a close friend up there one night and I think of Don often and the others that I did not know well who also died on the deck that night.

There are some birthdays that stand out for differing reasons. Sixteen, how I wanted to be 16 and get my drivers license. I remember how badly I wanted my own car. I had to wait almost a year before my Dad told me to get a car. I think he was tired of me beating on his car. This could be why my children all got something to drive at 16. Twenty one was not that big a deal. I was in the Navy and spent at least 6 months of the year in the Med where anyone with the price could drink. In the states I had a false ID.

Thirty was traumatic for me. In fact I went into a funk. The hippies were demonstrating against the Viet Nam war and the establishment. I remember that they were saying that no one over 30 could be trusted. As a veteran, I believed in my country, but I was beginning to doubt the need for that war. I was depressed and not very happy to be 30! I could no longer be trusted. To me this was very definitely middle age and back then I thought half my life was over.

Forty was a different story. The company that I was working for was slated to be sold by the conglomerate that owned us. I had opted not to accept the job offer by the new owners and took the package and joined the unemployed. I was confident that I would be hired as soon as I looked for a job. The family was looking forward to a summer off with dad. The first item was for me to ride my motorcycle to Georgia to visit my Navy buddy. I was riding back to Rhode Island and celebrated my 40th on the road. We all spent the month of August touring everything that was worth seeing in Washington D C. That was a good summer.

The years sped by living life and when I celebrated my 62 nd, the company was downsizing and the packages were very favorable. So 6 days after, I retired. Its been a bitter sweet seven years since I retired. Life is good.
Looking forward, I believe that next year will be a nice milestone (Lord willing). Seventy has a nice ring to it, don't you agree?

July trip North

Carol and I talked about our route back to Rhode Island. We have done the I 10 - I 95 trip so often that we wanted a different view so to speak. I had been to Gettysburg a few weeks ago with my son and I had told Carol about the new visitor center. I started looking for a good route there from Panama City Beach. We were committed to an evening in the Savannah area as we were going to have dinner with my Navy buddy and his wife. That became our jumping off point. I mapped out the trip and decided to include the Shenandoah National Park. As it turned out, our friends were sick and we ate at an Applebee's and sat at the bar. The bar tender / waitress was funny and we had great conversation and good food.

The morning of the second day we headed up I 95 until we picked up I 26 inland. We drove through South Carolina, North Carolina and into Virginia. That night we stayed in Waynesboro, Virginia. The desk clerk recommended the River Grill a locally owned eatery. The meals were good, but the desert was to die for. They had their own version of bananas foster. We split one and not quite finished it. Waynesboro is the jumping off point for North bound Shenandoah National Park. 105 miles of twisty roads traversing the Blue Ridge Mountains. The ranger at the entrance told us to allow 3 1/2 hours. It took us 4 hours. We stopped often for "photo ops".

Below are a small sampling of the pictures I took in the park. We also saw several deer along the road side. Carol managed a couple of pictures of them while I was driving. They all had such beautiful coats. The mountain scenery was awesome!


Gizmo liked the view also. Mostly he stayed in the truck. Every time I took him on the leash he wanted to run after whatever he saw or smelled.

After we left the park, we drove into Gettysburg and checked into the motel. We unloaded, walked the dogs, fed them and we went to the Battlefield Museum Visitor Center. Carol took a moment (my request) to sit by Abe for a photo. We had to wait our turn as there was a line ahead of us.

If you purchase the ticket after 4 PM it is valid for the following day. We did this and went immediately into the theater for a short movie which gave a short overview of the battle and history leading up to the succession of the states that formed the Confederate States of America. After the movie we were directed up an escalator to the area where the cyclorama is located. 373 feet in circumference and 43 feet high. It is hung in a manner that provides a 3 dimensional illusion. The room darkens, the sun rises, cannons erupt. The use of sound and lighting on the painting gives one the feeling that you are there. The show lasts several minutes and depicts "Picket's Charge" during the third day of the battle.

The next morning we were at the center at 8 AM and we did the portion of the museum that takes you from the day before the battle begins through the actual three days of the battle. There are short videos, written panels, maps, pictures. The tour book said to allow an hour. We took two hours. Carol and I were totally immersed in the museum. We saw every video, read all the panels and looked at all the static displays. After we left, I drove out to just a small portion of the battlefield for Carol to see a few of the monuments. There are over 400 monuments to states, divisions, generals and soldiers from both sides.

Below is the monument to the soldiers from Pennsylvania who fought at Gettysburg. Each one has his name listed on one of the many plaques mounted on the side of the base.

We quickly rushed back to the motel as we had to check out. We then headed to our Rhode Island home. First let me say how much I dislike I 95 in Connecticut, especially the New Haven area heading north bound. Lately I have avoided the Connecticut thing. Instead of that route I turn north towards Albany and pick up the Mass Pike. Yeah, I know, it adds 120 miles to the trip. It is a pretty ride and usually uneventful. But not yesterday. As we heading upstate through the Catskills, we were treated to a stunning lightning display. As the sky darkened and the rumbling got louder, I thought of Washington Irving and his tales of the area, especially Rip Van Winkle. Then it hit, a blast of wind which I think had to be wind shear hit the drivers side of the truck. I thought for a split second that the truck was going to roll. Both Carol and I still think that the drivers side wheels were lifted off the pavement for the briefest part of a second when a blast of wind hit the passenger side of the truck. The downpour was blinding, the truck was being hit by hail and tree branches. Fortunately a state trooper had passed me a couple of minutes before. He put his blue lights on. Through the heavy downpour I could see those flashing lights and that was my beacon to follow. At the time when hail and junk was hitting the truck, I said to Carol that the tonneau cover was fiberglass and would not dent, I also said I did not care about the roof as I was not tall enough to see the roof, but I damn sure don't want the hood dented. We drove like this with flashers on for several miles until we drove out of the worse of the storm. I guess this storm spun off a tornado that landed in Maine and about 50,000 folks in Connecticut lost power when trees were toppled by wind and lightning strikes. We and the truck are no worse for wear. It was dicey for a while. We are here for now.

I have begun planning our next adventure. Hmmm, is the best way to Florida, via Michigan???

Panama City Beach - Additions

Carol and I left Panama City Beach the third week in May for our Rhode Island home. The following two projects were still in the process of construction. The below "Wonder Works" upside down building houses another attraction aimed at the tourists dollar. It is across the street from "Ripley's Museum" housed in a replica of the sinking Titanic, a totally obnoxious building.

I found the on going construction of this building fascinating. The crews worked 7 days a week in order to complete the building prior to the summer season. We drove by the site almost every day this past winter. We had seen a picture of what the front would look like. I have to admit that the finish product is quite striking and I find it attractive to the eye. Judging by the parking lot, business is good. I am curious, but I will wait until our return in the fall to visit there.

The second building is our new Panama City Beach library. The library was almost complete when we left. In fact they had started moving the book collection as we were leaving. We have visited the library and updated our library cards. The inside is very nice and well laid out. There is about a dozen PC's with Internet connections. The day we visited the stations were all in use by young adults looking for job openings. Carol has decided to learn quilting and she borrowed two books on the subject. I donated a hard cove mystery novel that I purchased new and read. It was an OK story but not one that I would want to reread. We have since returned a second time to borrow two movies. It was not worth activating our cable TV or Internet for two weeks.

Following is our new library.

Panama City Beach

Carol and I had heard differing accounts as to the status of the beach where we spend most of our time. The twins that we take care of on Fridays during the summer were going to be otherwise occupied on July 9Th and 16Th. We decided to take a trip down to see for ourselves. It would also give us an opportunity to check on our home there and to carry some furniture and my collection of crackle glass. It also might be the last time to swim in the water for some time.



We originally had planned to leave on Tuesday the 6Th, but my son pointed out that the traffic would be much lighter on the Monday. So we left early Monday morning. I always prefer to cross the Hudson on the George Washington Bridge. Traffic was light and we approached the bridge at a steady 50 miles per hour. The previous week my son and I traveled this same area at a stop and go pace, happy when we could go 20 mph. The outside temperature was hot. At one point my external temperature display registered 102. Carol and I travel with her chihuahua, Tiny and my Yorkie, Gizmo so we needed to be aware of their needs. At roadside rests we tried for a shady parking spot and while one went to the restroom the other stayed in the truck with the A/C blasting. The first night we stayed in Exmore, VA a favorite spot just 30 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. A new restaurant (much needed in this area) opened recently and we were able to walk across the parking lot to it. It was very good. Carol enjoyed the stuffed peppers and I had the prime rib special.



We were up early and on the road by 7:30 AM. Crossing the bridge is always a highlight and a
U S Navy Destroyer was heading out to sea. We watched it sail over the tunnel that we had just driven through. In a way I envied the sailors as I always liked the crossing of the Atlantic when my aircraft carrier left for the Mediterranean. Compared to the ship I was on, this ship looked so small. I have always been glad I was on a carrier. We spent the second night near Savannah, GA at the intersection of I 95 and state road 204. After dinner, Carol and I went out to Pembroke and visited with BJ a navy buddy and dear friend and his wife. BJ is just about two weeks with his new knee. He is moving with a cane and will start rehab soon. It is always good to see him and Marsha. The conversation flows freely between two old and good friends who shared a few years in the Navy. We made plans to have dinner with them when Carol and I head North . We also talked about a planned gathering of the old line crew in Alabama at the Gulf Shores. in Late September.


We were once again on the road before 7:30 AM. Its not that we are early risers and well organized, its that television is so bad that we were in bed by 10:15 PM each night. Our third day on the road would be broken into two parts. We were stopping in Tallahassee at Carol's daughters home for lunch. Hugh, Carol's son in law came home from work to join us for lunch. It was a good visit and for desert, Joylene made a cake for me as my birthday is later in the month. They all sang "Happy Birthday" to me. I was touched. The children all call me grandpa. Conner who is not yet one year old, let me hold him. Mostly as I am the only person he sees with a beard and he likes to pull it. Hugh went back to work, I went to the recliner and napped while Carol and Joylene enjoyed mom and daughter time together. A short drive later and we were back in Panama City Beach. Its good to be here for a few days. I want to swim in the Gulf.

Yesterday we went to the beach. When I started coming here as a winter "snow bird" I rented at the Dunes of Panama. The good folks in the rental office became friends over the years. I am always welcome to visit and park my vehicle in the gated parking lot and walk down to the water or use the pools on the grounds. I like to do so as there is plenty of parking, and I always stop in the office to see them. Right now the building is full. August does not look so good, but folks call to check on the water oil situation and have been coming at the last moment. So they continue to hope for the best. As we were leaving to go swim, Annette cautioned me that the sting rays were many as they have migrated here ahead of the oil and to be careful. I never did see any and I swam out fairly far as I was hoping the deeper water would be cooler. The gulf water is warm.

We will head North on Sunday the 18Th. I have decided to cut inland and pick up the Skyline Drive in Waynesboro, VA and continue North to Gettysburg and then home to Rhode Island.

Gettysburg National Military Park

When I returned from Florida in late May, my son asked me if I would like to go and revisit the Gettysburg battlefield. He wanted to leave on a Monday in June. My first Monday was June 21st that I had no appointments. I am fairly sure that the last visit was in 1982 when the whole family went. Todd arranged for a tour guide for four hours on Tuesday.

We arrived at the visitor center just past 4 PM on Monday. When he bought our tickets we were told that because it was after 4 pm, the ticket would be good for the following day. The visitor center is new and in a different location than in 1982. That one having been razed.

We immediately went into the theater and watched a movie regarding the battle. As soon as the movie finished we were directed up long escalators where the Cyclorama is displayed. Painted in the 1880's it is 373 feet in circumference and depicts the third day of the battle. The following picture is just a small part of the painting. The painting was first displayed in Boston about 1913.

In another room, there is a miniature of the painting with a numbered directory showing where each of the armies were located and which officer was in charge there.

On Tuesday morning we arrived and toured the static museum. As you move from exhibit to exhibit there are videos explaining the ebb and flow of the battle starting with day 1 and ending with day 3. Our guide was scheduled for 11 AM so we had something to eat in a well equipped cafeteria. The corn bread was excellent and freshly baked.

Promptly at 11 AM Tony met us. He usually does the tours for folks in the military who are studying tactics. He was a great guide especially since Todd has read extensively about this battle and the Civil war. Tony came with an armful of maps and a wealth of knowledge. He drove Todd's van and methodically took us through each day starting with day one. He would stop and point out where the different armies were what their orders were, what they did and did not do. He showed us what tree lines existed and which building were there. He talked about the weather, the resources needed. Tony talked about the amount of water needed each day for horses and men. The water was almost exhausted the first day and guards were posted at wells.

The number of dead and wounded from each battle was horrendous. Every house became a make shift hospital. He methodically took us through each day. At some locations we sat in the car while he pointed out the movement and or the location of the armies and who was in command. His maps were color coded and he used them to show us what and where was happening. Who had the high ground, who wanted it etc. At some locations we dismounted from the car and walked about the field. Viewing the terrain almost made the events discussed to come to life. Todd and he were able to discuss behind the scenes events and decisions made because of Todd's knowledge of the battle. It was amazing how fast the four hours flew by. The vast majority of the four hours was devoted to day 1 and 2 of the battle. If certain actions or in actions had not occurred the battle might have had a different outcome. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the four hours. The guide was outstanding.

Along the roads traveled and the fields that we visited during the tour are monuments to the various armies, and men who fought, died, commanded and survived. Following are just a very few.

First is General Robert E. Lee on his horse Traveler. The men at the base depict those who joined to fight, a professional, farmer, young boy, etc.

A tribute to an artillery division.

LT. General James Longstreet CSA. He was quite imposing aboard his steed.

15th New York Battery

General George S. Greene, originally from Rhode Island. He was a Civil Engineer and he had a series of moats and mounds constructed that were instrumental in the battle defending his position.

I took more pictures than displayed here. It was a wonderful time spent with my son doing something that we both enjoyed. This is a very busy place. Tony told us that over 1.5 million folks pass through the visitor center every year.

My Truck

In 1996 I bought a GMC Sonoma pickup truck. I drove that truck for 8 years. I have wanted another truck ever since. Life style demands dictated that I drive other types of vehicles. I was in Florida for the winter months on the Panhandle when I started with "truck envy". I started seriously looking in November of 2007. Having always been a GM guy I went to the local dealer that sold GM vehicles. I was quite specific about the truck I wanted. Even with a dealer search a truck could not be located. The dealer in Panama City did not want to order. For some reason, I had to take a truck already built. I came back to Rhode Island for Christmas 07 and went to a dealer in Putnam, CT that I had called from Florida. Again I was quite specific about the truck I wanted, it had to be a 2 wheel drive and an extended cab. I was willing to order and pick it up in April. The owner started double teaming me with his brother. A 4 wheel drive truck has better resale, this is snow country you can't have a 2 wheel drive and make it in the winter. I was adamant. Finally he said I will give you this much for your van if you take a truck today and he gave me a very low figure if I ordered and took delivery in 12 weeks later. I left, thinking no wonder GM is in trouble, their dealers stink. Over the next couple of years I would stop at the GM dealer and look at trucks, never finding one I liked or was equipped to satisfy my needs.

Early last may, Carol and I went to get a copy of her daughters birth certificate. She needed this to apply to nursing school. I saw the Ford dealer as we went by and asked Carol if she minded if I stopped on the way home. I was greeted by a salesman as we stepped out of Carol's convertible. After the normal name exchange I said I want extended cab, 2 wheel drive, no black no white. Give me a minute and I'll bring one out here for you. He brought this candy apple red truck out. He asked me if I wanted to drive it. Nope, you drive, I did not want to fall in love with the truck.

We left and I said I would think about it. I told Carol that I wanted to see what the GM dealer had as I was loyal to the brand. I told their salesman the same criteria and they showed me a leftover 2009 truck loaded with extras. It was black. I did drive it, but it was black. They did not even offer to do a dealer search.

Later I went back and drove the Ford. I also walked along the line of new F150's and noted the variety of colors available. We negotiated price and I walked away to sleep on it. I initially called the next morning and said nope. Then Carol talked to me, and I called my son who said buy the truck. I even called my friend who owned a Pontiac dealership for his opinion. He did have a Ford dealership once. I called the Ford salesman and said I was coming to talk. Below is the truck. The matching locking hard tonneau cover had not been installed when the picture was taken.

Carol and I drove the truck to Rhode Island two weeks after I bought it. I love the truck. The ride and comfort meets all my expectations. Besides the cover, I had the bed liner sprayed in and also added a bug shield. As cash permits, dual exhaust will be added. I hope to drive this truck for many years. As luck would have it, this truck has the 6 speed automatic transmission along with the higher output 4.6 engine. A nice combination for power and decent gas mileage.

Every time I start the truck, the digital display flashes "Built Ford tough" and I smile every time as I hear the throaty roar of the exhaust. That is how my neighbor described the sound. He is a truck guy too.