"Gilligan" Hat

It took some searching, but I finally found a primary care doctor here in Panama City Beach that was not only taking new patients but also accepted Medicare. Last Tuesday I had my first appointment. I was and still am impressed with how much time she spent with me. She echoed the Rhode Island doctor's directive to have my mole removed. I made the appointment and saw the dermatologist last Thursday. I also had two "age" spots that I wanted them to remove. All of the above were normal spots of no consequence. Almost as an after thought, I mentioned that every morning when I brushed my hair that I knocked the scab off a sore. She gave me a long name of what it was that I don't remember. The bottom line is that it is a form of skin cancer that can be invasive. It was removed and I must wear a hat in the sun. No more breezes flowing through my (thinning) hair with the top down on the convertible. I have plenty of baseball caps, but they make my head sweat. I have a Tilly hat, again it makes my head sweat. I told Carol that I wanted a hat with a small brim that was kind of floppy. I went to several tourist shops - no luck. I went to J C Penny and was told that they were on clearance as summer was over and they were sold out. Hmm, I thought, it still 80 + outside. I stopped at a place that sells golf clubs. He said you want a "Gilligan" hat. Yesss I said. He sent me to the Holiday Golf Club clubhouse. I found what I was looking for there. They actually call them "bucket" hats. Whatever they are called did not matter. I bought two. I will now wear a hat in the daylight. I am pictured below with my "Gilligan" hat.

Our typical week in Panama City Beach

We started the week by going out for breakfast at our favorite place, The Pickle Patch.
It is as much a social event as it is breakfast. I have been accepted as a local and Carol and I always sit at "the" table. It is usually the same cast of local characters. Donna is the Sunday waitress and Carol's coffee was poured and my diet coke was delivered without being ordered. It was good to see Mitch who has been working on a project and has not been around for lunch in a while. He was enjoying a lazy Sunday morning. The weather has stayed unseasonable warm and we had been in the high 80's and actually slipped into the low 90's on Monday. We all were looking forward to Tuesday. The weather folks were forecasting an all day rain event. Our area so badly needed this rain. It seems like the scattered showers always seem to skip over the beach. We put Tuesday to good use and completed house hold chores. In the afternoon we rode out to Destin to Barnes & Noble. I had bought Carol a color nook when her eye sight was poor. I decided that I would get a nook also. I chose the original black and white nook. It works just fine for me. I have already read Stephen J. Cannell's Vertical Coffin. He is one of my top five favorite authors. The weather cleared and we drove back home in sunshine.Wednesday the cool front passed and we now have day time highs in the 70's. Its great, no A/C and no heat. Low energy days.

The boys all got baths this week. They hear the "bath" word and they all look for a place to hide. Below, Gizmo is getting his chin whiskers scrubbed. He gets a little wild eyed during this part. I think it would be easier to wash a rattlesnake than to brush his teeth. He is due for his yearly checkup and I think I will have the Vet clean his teeth.


Pictured below is our little rascal being dried. Carol has said that it was easier to wash a nine pound cat than to wash him. For a little guy, he is amazingly strong.



Tiny and Pillo are enjoying the Florida sun after their baths. Tiny is over 18 now and really showing his age.



This past Thursday, Carol had her last quilting lesson. She is making a "picket fence quilt". We picked out the fabric together (2+ hours). I eventually went and sat in the truck. These places should have a "husband" sitting area. We wanted something that represented our lifestyle here on the beach. Below is her work in progress. we met for lunch at the Pickle Path after class. Mitch was there again and I gave him two Cross pencils. He seems to be one of the few people that I know who likes a 5mm mechanical pencil. When we left, Janet's Caddy would not start. Its old and tired. She called a tow truck and I drove her home. Apparently they are used to Janet calling and she left the keys on the floor and I drove her home. She called me the next day to thank me. She told me the mechanic delivered it to her home and she was once again mobile.




Close up of the center section.



We drove with the top down out to Freeport, Florida yesterday. We found this neat fabric place off the beaten path. Carol had signed up for another class in two weeks to make a hanging Christmas tree quilt. She needed reds and greens. It was a great day and I enjoy helping to pick out the colors. It was also great riding with the top down.

I purchased a grill late last week. The local Lowe's had some nice looking ones all made in China. Their delivery charge was quite expensive in my opinion. I went out to Ace hardware and found a nice grill with more features made in Canada and they offered free delivery. We have grilled every night this week except for our ravioli night. This was our week in what we call "paradise".

Sam's Porch

Sam's Porch designed by Hugh constructed by Hugh with support from Ed, Manuel, and Roy. Pictures by Ed.

Sam's Porch is a fulfillment of a request that Samra made of her husband Hugh. Earlier this year Carol and I spent two weeks with them as our home was remodeled. At the time, I said I would come and help. I really have no experience with power tools, but I could be a good helper and gofer. The project was slated for October. We headed there October 7Th from Florida, Manuel and Zella came from Louisiana. Manuel was also a Navy buddy from long ago. We arrived mid afternoon. Manuel and Hugh had two walls up by then. Roy is a friend from church. He was there Saturday morning. The remaining wall was quickly erected as pictured below.


Hugh and Manuel admire the progress.





Manuel attaches the supports for the rafters.


Roy and Hugh discuss the project below .

The rafters are in place below.



Another view of the rafters.

Sunday morning we started to install the stringers. The metal roof would be screwed to them. They also provide additional strength to the entire porch.


Once all the stringers were in place, Hugh made final measurements for the metal roof. We all sat down to an excellent mid day meal. Manuel and Zella left shortly after dinner for home.


Early Monday morning Hugh and I left for the approximate 100 mile round trip to the plant that would produce the metal roof panels. Roy and I would pick up a 36 inch by 25 foot 6 inch panel and guide it over the edge of the roof and give it a good shove so it landed on the rafters. Hugh on the rafters would systematically guide each panel into place. It was important that each panel was exact. We did not want the trailing edges to be uneven. Below Hugh is drilling starter holes in the tin so the metal screws could then be driven into the stringers.


I am pleased to say that I was up on the roof driving screws for awhile until Roy returned. He was more adept at it than me and thus the roof was finished quicker. I must also say that my leg was cramping badly and I was very happy to see Roy return. This phase of the project was complete Monday afternoon. Hugh will bring electrical out for a ceiling fan and light. Hugh has to build the support for the two screen doors and Sam will be painting all the studs. Hugh is planning on installing a bead board ceiling. The final item will be to completely screen in the porch.










Every part of the project was completed precisely. All walls are square, level and aligned. You can see the trailing edge of the metal roof. Perfect. We remained an additional day to relax and visit before leaving Wednesday morning. It was not all work. We had a roast over an open fire, good conversation with dear friends. We talkedabout where our next get together should be. I was pleased to be a part of the project.

Crepe Myrtle Trees

We were walking our dogs one morning when Carol said she would like a crepe myrtle tree. We see them quite often. They line a good portion of I 95 in the Carolina's. I have never really liked the shrubs that came with the property. I contacted the landscape company that has the contract for the community that I live in. below is the before picture.



Crepe Myrtle come in various colors and Carol wanted the red. It was decided that we would get two and also a King Sago palm tree for me. I have wanted a palm tree since I moved here. Carol and I went to Lowe's and bought several types of flowers. The picture below does not do the color in the flowers justice. The trees will not flower until next year. It will also take about a full year before they start to take shape. My little palm is a hardy variety and will do fine. Its not a catalpa but it will do!



In the spring we will again plant additional flowers that will bring more color to the garden. Some of what we planted may not survive the winter. I believe this is the last project for this year. We replaced the rugs and the existing tile with porcelain tile throughout. Our central air needed to be replaced and that was completed.

A/C Issues

We have a combination air conditioner / heat pump. The heat pump is used to heat the home in colder weather. I have had the process explained to me several times. As such, this unit works through out the year. We are also affected by the salt air which causes corrosion on the outside compressor. The life span seems to be 10 to 12 years. Our home was built in 2002. I am aware that several of the neighboring homes have already replaced their unit. It seems like every time we leave for a trip, we come home to A/C issues. The first time was a year ago and the compressor unit had failed due to short in the cable and we needed to check into a local hotel for a night while we waited for service. Recently we left while the house was being re-tiled. The A coil leaked and the drip pan was rusted. The contractor soldered the leaks. The system could quit at any time. I contacted several places for quotes. I was pleased to learn that if our unit failed an efficiency test that the local power company would contribute $600. towards a more efficient model. Yep, the unit failed the test and we qualify for the contribution. We must install a unit that is minimum 14 seer. This we will do. If we had waited until the unit failed completely it could not have been tested and we would not have qualified. I believe we will have the new unit installed before the end of the month. This unit will be considerable more efficient and we should notice a decrease in electricity usage. Time will tell.

Vicksburg Battle Memorial Park

While we were spending time with our friends in Mississippi, we went to tour the Vicksburg Memorial Battlefield Park. Following are some of the pictures that I took that day.

The inscription on this monument reads:

Here brothers fought for their principles Here heroes died for their country and a united people will forever cherish their legacy of noble manhood


Here I am beside a cannon with the Mississippi River in the background.



The following picture depicts the rolling terrain of the battlefield.










One of the monuments dedicated to soldiers from Illinois



Another Illinois monument


Along the road many markers depicted the location of troops and their movements. Blue for the Union, red for the Confederate Army.








Below is my good friend from our Navy days. He is pictured with his Great-great Uncle who died during the battle. He was quick to point out that he had relative who fought for the other side.








The following monument is dedicated to African Americans who fought for the Union during this battle.






The following monument is dedicated to the men from Rhode Island, my home state.















The USS Cairo - below







The inscription on the above monument reads:

To the Arkansas Confederate soldiers a part of a nation divided by the sword and reunited at the altar of faith.

We all enjoyed the visit and we were limited by constraints of time. We all agreed that we would like to return and perhaps hire a guide so that we would fully appreciate the history of this area.

Mom

I was talking to my mom awhile ago when she asked me when I would be visiting Rhode Island again. I said next summer. She then told me that she would not see me again as she was tired of living. Mom will be 96 in November and she has outlived all her generation of relatives (save one) and friends. My dad died in 1998 and she misses him.

I decided that I would make a quick trip there to see her just in case. She is in good health but you never know. Carol stayed in Florida as her eyes are still a problem and she wanted to be near her doctor. I was not in RI for my 70Th birthday and decided to have all my kids, grand kids and favorite niece and her family together for a belated birthday celebration.

These are my comments about that trip. I left on a Monday morning and covered 802 miles. Too much driving for one day. I hate to lump all New York drivers together but the ones I encountered both ways like to park themselves in the left lane and refuse to move over. In some cases they were not even doing the speed limit. The second day I completed the trip. I only had about 650 miles, but the day was longer due to traffic and accidents through New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

I spent quality time with my mom, took her out for lunch one day to EATS for our favored wienies, a variation on the hot dog, but much different. I visited the A T Cross Company store and purchased three pens. I am a retiree so I still get the employee discount. I took my sister in law and her husband out for breakfast and good conversation.

On the Saturday we had the cookout and my niece hosted the party. Her husband was the grill master, her daughter made my birthday cake. It was yellow with chocolate frosting that was so light and tasty. She is a very accomplished baker. My niece's home has a beautiful recently redone 16 X 40 in ground pool pictured below. My great niece, nephew and some of my grand kids are pictured enjoying the pool.



I was leaving the next day. Once again mom said I would not see her again. I told her she was a great mom, a good friend and if it was so, I would miss her and think of her every day. I also reminded her that it was up to God, and I was planning on seeing her next summer.

I did not want to do the drive in two days home. I stopped in Virginia and then in Pembroke, Georgia and stayed with a Navy buddy . I am fortunate to have made such great and lasting friends so long ago.

Home away from home

We had planned on wondering about Mississippi and bordering states while our house was being worked on, we ended up spending the entire time with good friends in Mississippi. Their hospitality was on the highest level and we all enjoyed the time. Hugh has done an amazing amount of work on both the grounds and the house. His carpenter skills are at the highest level.

Below is a picture of one of the two ponds on his property. In the evening we could hear the cacophony of the multitude of bull frogs, during the day turtles would be sunning themselves on the exposed logs. Early morning and at dusk, beavers could be seen swimming. They are a nuisance critter as they strip off the bark around the trees eventually killing them.

This is a view of the rear of the house from near the edge of the pond.


Early in the morning we would walk our dogs and we could hear the rooster across the pond greeting the new day. The across the pond neighbors dogs would alert the world that strangers were about. Occasionally we would hear the stallion, picture below, announcing his displeasure at being separated from the mares.


Hugh's wife, Samra managed to prepare many wonderful meals while we were there. We were well rested and well fed. It was a wonderful time with friends who welcomed us as if we were family. Carol and Sam have become fast friends. Hugh and Sam took to our dogs. In fact I told Sam we might have to sue her for alienation of affection. Pillo spend many hours in Sam's lap and she provided Gizmo with his first taste of bacon. No wonder that Gizmo stood by her side every time she was cooking.

We decided that the four of us and the three dogs would take a day trip to Vicksburg before we headed back to Florida. That blog will follow soon.