Thursday, December 30, 2010
DeFuniak Springs Christmas Light Display 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
2010 - A great year in review
February, we celebrated our first wedding anniversary. The Rhode Island home went on the market. I believe the realtor was overly optimistic and the house was probably priced too high for the times. It did not sell and we spent the summer there.
In April we hit the road. Neither of us had seen the Grand Canyon and it was high on my bucket list. Along the way we saw the White Sands of New Mexico, Sedona, Tonto National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon and Hoover Dam. We also stopped in El Paso for a long awaited visit with Carol's son, Bill.
Summer was spent in RI and my son and I went to Gettysburg to tour the battlefield. He arranged for a tour guide to spend 4 hours with us. It was fantastic. I enjoyed it so much that I took Carol there on one of our trips North. We had made a quick trip south to take furniture to the Florida home and went North via Shenandoah National Forest.
We both traded vehicles. I had been wanting a truck for several years and I finally got a 2010 F150 extended cab. Carol's 11 year old Chevy convertible was showing signs of age (repair$$$) and she stepped up to a 2007 Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible with under 17k miles. Very sporty and more powerful than the Chevy 4 cylinder.
We returned to Florida in September for the winter season. We did do a long weekend in Gulf Shores, AL with some of my Navy pals from long ago. We had a good time visiting. I may be prejudice but Panama City Beach is far more beautiful than Gulf Shores. In October, Carol found a chihuahua puppy and Pillo has become part of the family. Never did I think we would have three dogs. They will travel with us.
Christmas was great and we are looking forward to 2011 with anticipation. The RI home will soon be on the market again and Carol and I are working on the new bucket list for our major trip in 2011 as we continue to explore the United States and Canada.
Hurricane straps
The next project was a valence over the kitchen window. Piece of cake - right. I placed the bracket over the window and moved it as directed by Carol to the "perfect" spot. I drilled the first hole and the drill hit a solid object. Good I thought, a stud. I applied pressure and still nothing. I'ts not a stud it is the metal hurricane strap. I now know that every window and door opening has them. It provides added structural support for hurricane protection. I knew that I did not have the right drill bits to punch into the strap. I immediately called Jeff, the local contractor that has done work for us. He came over and he had some difficulty punching through, but he got it done. He installed both brackets and the valance was installed. The finished project is pictured below.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Authors
I was asked to list my top five favorite authors.
1) Stephen J. Cannell
2) David Baldacci
3) Janet Evonovich
4) Sara Paretsky
5) Robert P. Parker
Mr. Cannell and Mr. Parker both passed away this year. I will miss their writings. Parker had worn out the Spencer series, but I was enjoying the Jesse Stone series.
Last Saturday Carol and I went to DeFuniak Springs to visit a very wonderful and unusual "used book store". I was looking for hard cover books by Cannell. The only ones they had, I already owned. I did find a semi hard cover book with two of his books and I did buy that. My other selection was a hard cover History of Civilization. When I was in high school the most passionate teacher I had taught ancient history. I remember more of that class than most others.
I tend to donate the books to the local library when I am finished. I do keep books by Cannell, Baldacci, and Evonovich. Not sure why, I just do. I know I will miss Mr. Cannell. His books never disappointed me.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Illness - Our 12 days of Christmas
On the bright side we have a warm home and have each other. We will get the shopping done and soon will feel back to normal. Hopefully this is our one and only illness this winter season.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
We managed to load the car with our contribution to dinner and the dog stuff and we were on the road before 8:30 AM. That is real good for us. November has been warmer than normal and we have had early morning fog lately. I was thankful that there was no fog. We live in the central time zone and they live in the eastern time zone. We always deal with the hour difference. I have to know whose time zone when they say dinner is at a certain time. I need to plan as I sometimes get woozy if I go too long without eating. I usually have a package or two of the Lance grilled cheese crackers in each vehicle. Yesterday we took the truck as its easier on my back than Carol's sporty convertible.
Our hosts had ordered a smoked turkey for the main course. They had mashed potatoes, a sweet potato souffle, string bean casserole made with home made cream of mushroom soup, cornbread stuffing, two kinds of cranberry sauce, gravy and Carol's candied sweet potatoes. We also brought Hawaiian rolls from the market. The candied sweets and string bean casserole were fantastic. The dark meat from the turkey was moist and tender. I also had a leg and that had the smokey taste. I enjoyed it. there were three homemade pies, pumpkin, apple and cherry along with a pumpkin custard. I skipped the sweet potato souffle as it had nuts. Needless to say, I did not leave hungry. In fact, I never ate another meal yesterday. I was not looking forward to the drive home on such a full stomach but I never did get drowsy.
Today it is 80 degrees in the city and a little less here on the beach. The weather is supposed to change overnight and we are fore casted to cool down to the high 60's or low 70's. We will see. They fore casted rain for today, but it is what we call "a chamber of commerce day". It is just beautiful.
I hope everyone had as nice a day yesterday, as I did.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Lowe's and Home Depot - Big disappointment
First I went to the local Lowe's near me and bought a storm door for the front of the house. I paid in full and was told that I would be contacted by an installer in so many business days. I waited and waited and finally went to Lowe's and asked for my money back. They were so surprised no one had called. I pointed out that the door was probably in their inventory and someone should have been on top of their installers. I was assured that they would get right on it. I said I would go elsewhere.
My next stop was Home Depot which was also nearby. I picked out the storm door and also the slider. I figured I would go through this process once and be done with it. I paid the fee to have the installer measure the opening and then the "right" size doors would be ordered, delivered and installed. I asked how long it would be for someone to measure. I was again quoted the number of business days. I waited and waited. How I miss my northern contractor. The local contractor who has a good reputation was working three doors away. I asked him if he could do the job. Yes, was his answer. I told him if Home Depot did not call by Wednesday the job was his. On the Friday, I received a call from Home Depot asking me if anyone had come to the house. Don't you know, I asked. Apparently not. I told him I was going a different way and would come in for my deposit. The next Monday I went to Home Depot and saw the manager. She told me no wonder no one came the order was cancelled the day after the order was placed and a Home Depot gift card for the amount was created. I assured them I did not have it. The manager gave me a cash refund on the spot. It did leave me wondering who got the gift card - an honest error or???
My contractor and I went to Lowe's (his choice) and we picked everything out. The screen for the slider was ordered and would be delivered in 10 days. The contractor showed up on the agreed upon day and did a great job. The screen came in but Lowe's ordered the wrong one. Lowe's is now supposedly ordering the right screen. I have no faith in either company. The good news is I now have a contractor here who I trust and who does good work.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Life is fragile
I went to take trash out this afternoon and smelled smoke. I then saw the emergency equipment and went to investigate. Smoke was pouring out of the back of his house. I went closer and saw the firemen giving CPR. Soon after they covered his body. He did not make it. The dog also was lost.
I will miss seeing Bill in the morning. He was a fine gentleman and I always enjoyed talking to him. Rest easy, Bill.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Apalachicola
Papa Joe's is off the main drag. so to speak, and I found it by accident. This is where a number of locals come. We went for lunch. We chose to sit at the bar. We ordered drinks, and I asked for a dozen on the half shell while Carol read the menu. She ordered the house salad with grilled grouper. When I was asked what my main course would be, I said another dozen. The oysters were of good size, ice cold, sweet and served with a wedge of lemon and a small cup of horseradish. Cocktail sauce was available. Carol's lunch was superb. The grouper looked like a picture in a food magazine. As I finished my second dozen which was really 14 to an order, I was asked if I wanted a third. I had to admit I was running out of gas, so I settled for 1/2 dozen and received 8 oysters. It was well worth the 90 minute drive on a brilliant sunny day. Below is a picture of Papa Joe's. The building sits well back from the road and if you don't know its there, it is easy to drive by the gravel driveway.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Upgrading the Florida Home
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Coral Cactus "Cristata"
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Early Voting
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.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
A walk in the park
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.
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!
Monday, October 18, 2010
PEPE
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.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Shipmates
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.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Crackle Glass
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 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.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Off handed negotiation
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.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Our Journey South
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.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Going South
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.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Ralph D'Atri - Shipmate and dear friend
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.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Waiting On Earl
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.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Quilting
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.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Yard Sale
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Carol's Craft Bags
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.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Travels with Tiny and Gizmo
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.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Ford F150 and Big Brother
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.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Grilled 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.