The Old Salt

Lake Oklawaha RV Park, February 2012

2012-02-13T20:53:00.006-05:00

Our first trip in three months. Where the heck is everything stored. I know I put everything right where I could find it. Yeah right!

The Roamin Elks gather. This trip we had four rigs in attendance.

The campground office.

They had a great pool, however February is not so hot for pools.

Lake Oklawaha, the water has been drawn down by the state water management folks. We saw a lot of alligators in the lake and lots of waterfowl.

Some type of eggs dug up and eaten by some other critter.

The trail down to the water.

Our rig, referred to by DW as the Four Season screen room after the temperatures dropped down to 28 degrees during the night.

A shot across the pool of our group.

They have a real nice clubhouse,

With a really nice fireplace in it.

Oak trees were all over the park. At night they seemed to be full of owls. The hooting lasted throughout the night. It was really neat listening to them.

A shot of the far side of the rig.

Springfield Model 187R 22 Caliber Rifle

2011-12-16T16:42:00.014-05:00

A Springfield Model 187R came across my work bench. For those who like to detail clean and/or repair, I think it is good to have some pictures of the action on hand before disassembly commences.

Right side of the receiver view.

Left side of trigger group & safety.

Right side of trigger group & safety.

Closer view of right side safety.

Closer view of right side of trigger group.

Closer view of left side trigger group.

Left side of trigger group.

Left side of receiver towards muzzle.

Forward end of receiver, aft end of barrel.

Bottom of trigger group.

Right side of receiver, open bolt.

This is a schematic of a Model 187N rifle from http://www.gunpartscorp.com/SchematicDisplay.aspx?schem=/images/schematics/Savage_6Jand187JSeries_schem.jpg&name=187N+(*)which seems to be similiar to the Model 187R.

More Christmas 2011

2011-12-16T16:25:00.007-05:00

A Christmas wreath by Delaniums.

Pine cone Christmas tree by Ise.

Pine cone Christmas tree by Delaniums.

Pine cone Christmas tree by Nana.

Nana's craft class grouping.

Delaniums with her dance instructor Miss Kate. After Christmas, Miss Kate is headed for a tour in Germany.

Our Christmas Tree, 2011

2011-12-05T19:55:00.006-05:00

By the look of this table, Christmas may be in the air.

THE tree is finally on the urn. The cat, Pretzel, is celebrating her first Christmas with us and is not sure what is up.

This tree was made with small pine cones among the branches.

The "Old Salt" assists the Blushing Bride by installing the light strings.

The Blushing Bride putting the lights on properly.

Here it is folks, our tree for Christmas 2011.

Nana's Headboard 4.1, November 2011

2011-12-04T22:30:00.007-05:00

Well Headboard 4.0 didn't last long.

Chocolate cover removed and new cover awaiting installation.

Installing

The new cover.

Using the same cleat in the same location.

Cover installed.

Re-covering the buttons.

Each button has to be done.

The Nana in full swing.

Preparing the anchors for the buttons.

Re-covered buttons waiting to be installed.

Threading the buttons for installation.

Ready to hang.

Installed and on line; patiently waiting Headboard 4.2 or 5.0 whichever comes first.

Nana's Headboard 4.0, October 2011

2011-12-04T22:19:00.005-05:00

When you build a headboard, make the initial one large so you can reduce it later as she wants.

getting ready to remove the peak.

Physical alterations complete.

Recovered with the base cloth,

Finished and re-installed with a chocolate cover, The buttons are included buy you can not see them.

Nana's Headboard 3.0, November 2010

2011-12-04T21:26:00.014-05:00

Lay out your plan.

Prepare the plywood back and cut out your form.

Lay down your foam padding.

Glue in place, two layers.

Cover your foam with a couple of layers of cloth.

Wall cleat installed.

Cleat installed on back of headboard. The smaller blocks down low ensure the headboard hangs against the wall properly.

Test mount against the wall.

Our bed has been relocated to the center of the room for the duration of this project.

Checking out the cloth for the final covering to see if it "goes" with the room.

Final cover in place awaiting the buttons.

Adding the cloth covered buttons.

Each also is hand anchored to a screw on the back of the headboard.

Anchor screw.

Adding the buttons is a time consuming process.

Finished and mounted on the wall.

Nana's Headboard 2.0, August 2009

2011-12-04T20:42:00.006-05:00

Headboard recycle, August 2009.

A closeup.

A panel as it arrived.

Time travel to March 2010.

The headboard has been repainted and the panels are being recovered.

The cleat is down, the wall is touched up; this headboard is more traditional than the one replaced.

Nana's Headboard 1.0, March 2009

2011-12-04T19:54:00.010-05:00

She has the plan in her head.

The plywood back has been cut out.

And painted.

The wicker front has been cleaned and painted before joining with the plywood back.

The legs have been removed from the wicker headboard, it has been joined with the plywood backboard and has been mounted to the wall using a 1X4 homemade cleat.

Thanksgiving 2011, A Great Day And A Great Weekend

2011-11-28T22:49:00.005-05:00

The table is set and ready with a combination of tasty treats.

The family shots have to have one person missing to operate the camera.

The Old Salt and his Blushing Bride.

Hazel.

Hazel and Sailor, friends from the get go.

"Dead Body" an un-stuffed dog toy. The only thing that comes in them is a small squeaker at each end. Dogs LOVE them.

They really are friends and here they are playing "dog" style. Although, once in a while, stern words were spoken from the older dog (Sailor, about 2 yoa) to Hazel (about 8 mo old).

Saturday night, another family dropped by on their way home. This is our granddaughter playing with Nana's cell phone.

Crash, our crippled male tomcat, wants nothing to do with late night company who brought their dog. He wants out and was very unhappy.

Pretzel, was not to happy about company but she is more laid back than Crash.

Pointing out possible Christmas gifts in a sales flyer.

The bed is all made up for the kids. They were departing the next morning in the 0400-0500 time frame.

She never misses a chance to spritz Nana's bathroom plants.

Blue Angels In Flight, NAS Pensacola, November 2011

2011-11-16T22:16:00.005-05:00

These pictures were taken on Saturday from the Navy Exchange parking lot NAS Pensacola during the Blue Angel portion of the air show. Later they said in excess of 100,000 people attended the air show.

Somebody doesn't always like her picture taken.

Pensacola Marathon, November 2011

2011-11-16T20:13:00.019-05:00

Race day was also the day of the NAS Pensacola Air Show. As we arrived to catch Jacqui at the end of her marathon these planes flew past in formation.

Everybody had their signs ready to cheer Jacqui-Mom on at the end of the race.

Some race day flowers.

The clock tower at the corner marks the last turn into the finish line about two blocks away. Our arrival time at the clock tower is 10:40 am.

The end of the line.

Family waits.

Waits,

Waits,

And Waits some more.

Bronze sidewalk art,

Makes a great seat.

Here she comes, at this point I do not think she has seen any of us yet.

Holding her position,

Still Holding,

We have recognition, the facial expression changes and she picks up the pace leaving behind the gal next to her.

Still increasing the spread.

She is way ahead now on the turn.

Lots of (pain) concentration and focus showing on her face.

In the background, Ise is trying pace her to the end of the block. However, in about 3 seconds he returns to give Nana his sign and loses his chance. He really is a runner and so is his sister.

Two blocks to go until the finish line.

She passed the clock tower at 12:05 pm.

Veteran's Park, View 1,

View 2,

View 3,

Pensacola Marathon Finish Line.

Just In Case You Disassembled Your Mossberg Model 46M (a) Without Taking A Picture

2011-11-16T19:46:00.010-05:00

Mossberg Model 46m(a) Action. A picture to show what goes where. Most of the views on the Internet show the parts, but not assembled. I took these pictures from another Model 46M (a) because I couldn't get the tore down one together without looking.

From the left side.

From the right side.

Close-up left side.

Lazy Acres RV Campground In Elberta, Alabama, November 2011

2011-11-15T19:29:00.024-05:00

Here we are about 378 miles down the road in Elberta, Alabama. Google driving time was forecast at 6 hours and 32 minutes. I selected a 6:00 am reveille with an early departure and we left the house at (so much for plans) at 1030 am. With some other unscheduled stops and losing one hour by going into CST we managed to check in to the campground minutes before dark. I positioned the fiver in the light but everything else was completed using flashlights.

We went to watch the grand-children while their Mom ran in the Pensacola, Florida Marathon. This park is located about 20 miles from NAS Pensacola.

This place had lots of trees. However the park roads left plenty of lee way for turning and parking.

We traveled on Thursday to avoid any crowds on Veterans Day. On Friday the field in the background filled up with 110 Boy Scouts, their leaders and all of their equipment.

Friday night, the temperature dropped to 37 degrees. Saturday morning the fiver was a crisp 52 degrees inside. I can only assume it was much cooler in the Boy Scout tents.

From the other side.

Another shot head-on of the fiver sitting in her berth.

The cute sign they designated our site with. They were all similar, but the colors were different. They also had a small ornamental yard chair made in the same style outside their office entry.

Our picnic table area had plenty of room.

They provided a large truck tire rim as a fire pit which was used in the creation of those magical S'mores.

All hands creating more S'mores.

Toasting marshmallows, a treat by themselves.

The camp craft room,

Grand-children and the Grand-dog fill the place up.

Even the bedroom is full.

To be ready for tomorrow,

You need a good night;s sleep.

Nana's craft room is open.

Gluing,

Gluing,

And even more gluing.

A pine cone ornament,

And a wreath.

White glue takes awhile to dry,

And parts have been known to slide out of position.

But you have to keep trying.

Smiling for the photographer.

Next we have beading. The procedure here is to almost completely sting your beads before dropping the string. You then get to pick them up from wherever they scattered to.

Stringing beads,

And more stringing beads.

The return trip was mostly uneventful, just a little excitement in Tallahassee when a bozo in the left lane cut across my bow to exit in the right lane he should have been in about 1/2 mile back. He was so close a lot of his car disappeared under the front of my hood. There is no braking this rig when your that close... luckily he or she made it.

We also got to depart Alabama much later than desired so the last hour plus was in the dark... including backing the fiver into her berth alongside the house. The hour we lost headed West, we picked up when we returned East.

Truth be told, I had to straighten it a little the next morning.

Wekiva Falls Resort, October 2011

2011-10-19T21:33:00.006-04:00

It takes awhile to get her ready, but here I am ready to roll.

Sailor is in the truck, also ready to roll. She is keeping a close eye on Mom who is taking the picture.

It seems that before I cleared my street, I had wiped off the two vents shown on the right side of this picture. However, the two vent covers laid on the roof between the large vent on the left and the rectangular vent on the lower right. The trip lasted about 2 1/2 hours at about 55-60 mph with various stops and turns.

I straightened the wires the vent covers rotate on and put them back in place where they rode all the way home.

THE MESSAGE HERE IS: STAY AWAY FROM ANY OVERHANGING TREE LIMBS. YOU CAN NOT SEE THE SIZE OF ANYTHING HIDDEN IN THE FOLIAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First nights dinner, shrimp and salad. Excellent taste and low carb!

This is a view from across the swimming hole. The Roaming Elks (our group) make up the units shown. We had 13 rigs assemble for this gathering.

The camp store, which had a few items and was closer than Walmart.

The North side of the campground.

A view of the swimming hole. It is fed by a large aresian well.

Native Florida Tree-A-Saurus

2011-10-19T14:14:00.005-04:00

A native Florida Tree-A-Saurus in it's native habitat located on SR100 North of Palatka, FL. This view is headed South on SR100.

Another view of the critter while headed North on SR100.

A close-up of the Florida Tree-A-Saurus.

Replacing RV Plumbing Vents And A Few Cautions

2011-10-04T19:32:00.007-04:00

A quick peek on the roof of the Titanium revealed three vent covers without caps. Unfortunately when I bought it in May I also took a cursory look on the roof. I am not a fan of height and really dislike being on the roof. I am not chicken, just very, very cautious.

It took me awhile to figure out these were sewer system vents so I figured it may not be to serious if the covers were missing. But as I thought about it, I realized I had to go onto the roof to see what the situation was.

Not good, the closest one had a major hole in the base plate which would allow water in. I have seen no sign of water on the inside but I did not want to take any chances.

Once I decided I had to do it, I found two videos that reviewed how to replace sewer vents on the roof.

I elected to go with Camco Cyclone Sewer Vents because their information said the plastic was UV protected and would last longer. My rig is a 2002 and the original plastic vent bases were in poor shape.

I also picked up some knee pads from WalMart that had a neoprene type cover on them that I thought would slip less than the hard-shelled knee pads I already owned. I really don't want NO SLIPPING or SLIDING on the roof.

The new ones are on the left, my rifle range ones are on the right. I thought the hard plastic shell on the range knee pads might slip on the roof.

I thought the neoprene pad on the outside of the new ones might not slip.

However, these are a little larger and seem to wrap around the knee better.

Close-up.

As you can see from my picture above, I brought everything they mentioned in the videos and everything I could think of to the roof with me.

Well it wasn't enough.

The screws holding the base plate onto the roof were square drive screws. That initiated a trip down and back up. Luckily I found the correct size bit in the garage.

Be very careful when sliding the scraper under the base of the vent particularly with a "rubber" roof. There were two types of sealant around my base plates, The outer sealant appeared to be Dicor Self Leveling LAP sealant. Inside there was a very sticky navy gray sealant that was very hard to get through.

If you look at the base plate from the removed vent, you can see the plastic has a large break in it. All three of the base plates were allowing water through them. They either had a hole or were broken due to sun damage & age.

If you look closely at the vent pipe you will see that it is not sealed to the roof. Therefore, when the sealed base plate broke, water is allowed inside the base plate.

If you are thinking of installing a new cover or Cyclone vent over an old base plate you may want to consider the age and condition of the base plate.

Before installing, DAMPEN a rag with mineral spirits and clean the area where you will apply Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant. Allow it to dry thoroughly before applying Dicor.

MINERAL SPIRITS CAN DAMAGE A "RUBBER" ROOF. MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT SPILL IT ON THE ROOF. SPECIFICALLY CHECK CAUTIONS ON MINERAL SPIRITS.

The installation involves dropping the base over the vent pipe, setting the Cyclone Vent over the pipe, raising the base and drilling a hole into the bottom of the cyclone vent. Once the hole is drilled a small screw holds the Cyclone Vent in place on the vent pipe(A PIECE OF TAPE WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY HANDY FOR THESE STEPS.

Once one screw is in place the instructions call for two more. Make sure the Cyclone Vent spins in place.

With the base plate held up, put Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant on the three screws, and all around the base of the vent pipe (all the way out to the end of the base). place the base down firmly. Place Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant around the seam between the base plate seam and the upright of the Cyclone Vent. Then continue applying sealant until the base plate is covered. Run the sealant out until you exceed the old sealant line.

At http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPvldWvC16g there is a video showing the installation of the Cyclone Vent. The fellow installing it is standing on the ground installing it on an old piece of roof. You will be on your knees, working one inch off the deck, 11-12 feet in the air. Be careful.

The first one completed.

Completed. It looks like a small flock of birds up there.

Ryan & Jenn's House, April 2011

2011-10-04T18:48:00.008-04:00

Ryan & Jenn's first house, Panama City, FL, April 2011.

The water is about a football field away.

Jenn on the Beach with Isaac and Delainey visiting from Alabama for the day.

Looking for treasures of the beach kind while the tide is out.

There is always a lot of picking and choosing on the beach.

A sailboat in the bay.

If you look closely, you can see a Hermit Crab's footprints in the sand as he/she carries it's shell across the beach.

Building her street creds.

Somebody got a Princess Kitchen for a birthday present from her Aunt Jenn and Uncle Ryan.

Saying goodby as we left. If you didn't visit them in Panama City, FL; you can't now, as the have recently relocated to a new area.

First RV Cruise, August 2011

2011-09-01T21:34:00.004-04:00

After spending a pile of money and making some shakedown cruises around the area we are now hooked up and ready to go.

We are on our way to Ocala North RV Park, in Reddick, FL. Where we will be spending the weekend with an old pal of mine from years back. Him and his wife belong to a rally group called "The Roaming Elks."

Here is the Blushing Bride with our dog, Sailor all setup at the park.

Sailor owns the couch, in the RV or at home.

Our rig is the Titanium in the middle.

This Titanium is not mine. It is for sale in the park.

This is the other side of the "For Sale."

The model number of the "For Sale."

And the back of the "For Sale." The tag on the trailer is a 2007, so I guess it has been sitting here for awhile.

Call this number if interested. It looks good from the outside.

A view in the RV Park.

One of their two club houses.

Some of the "Roaming Elks" on the left with our unit in the back.

A view from our unit towards the road passing the RV Park.

We had a great time with this group so by the end of the weekend, we tossed in our money and became "Roaming Elks" also. We are looking forward to doing it again down the road.

National Zoo, Washington, DC March 2011

2011-09-01T19:37:00.010-04:00

Giant Panda, hid way in the back. It was telephoto lens time.

A different form of wildlife often found at the zoo.

Another Giant Panda shot.

A squirrel living off the dole.

Marine One perhaps.

Grandboys having a good time at the zoo.

An Irish gang!

Red Panda

Mallard

Mallard eating off the bottom.

A small raptor with lunch.

On the Philadelphia Eagle.

There are overhead walkways where simians can walk from one exhibit to another without physically interacting with the public.

A waterfall alongside one of the walkways.

Nana, always checking on her peeps.

A spider made out of hardshell bug bodies.

Showing the effects of tidal waves around the globe.

As the day wears on, some wear out.

Steel plate art.

This piece of art appears to be a rattan elephant

Fort McHenry National Monument, March 2011

2011-09-01T18:46:00.011-04:00

Fort McHenry National Monument

Gun mounts facing Baltimore Harbor. These guns appear to have been mounted after 1814, probably closer to the civil war or later.

The bulk of the walls are filled with earth. The earthworks to the left protect the entrance to the fort on the right.

Barracks and

Officer's Quarters are were located inside the walls of the fort.

Firearms inside an enlisted barracks

Enlisted clothing

Artifacts located on the walls of the buildings, an officers sword

A flintlock musket

An officer's flintlock pistol

A boarding axe

A 15 star/15 bar replica 1814 flag flies over Ft McHenry. It replicates the one that flew during the battle with the british.

Powder keg info circa 1814

Chamber for storing powder kegs

These cannon would be more similiar to the type used during the 1814 battle.

Cheez and his Blushing Bride at Ft McHenry National Monument.

A Week At Cape San Blas, FL

2011-08-30T20:46:00.014-04:00

First time at the beach.

Buddies at play.

Full speed, so much to do and see.

Nana!

Beach bums on parade.

Trying for the big one!

Our place also came with a pool.

Move way back Nana!

Jumping in, a team sport.

Or a single's event.

Nana and Laine-Laine in the pool.

Nana and her saltwater catfish.

The occasional porpoise swam by, sometimes as a single and sometimes in a school.

The local popcorn eaters anonymous chapter meeting.

A rainy day along the shoreline.

Another section of the coast.

Cape San Blas lighthouse.

Oil storage building for the lighthouse.

The lighthouse is open for visitors.

All but Cheez!

Someone was a tad tired of the camera.

Nana and Cheez, Cape San Blas Lighthouse.

Shoreline in the rain.

Shoreline in the rain.

Shoreline in the rain.

Even more shoreline.

Searching for beach treasures.

Giant smile.

Dad & daughter checking the beach together.

Learning Frisbee skills.

a great throw.

The pelicans were fun to watch as they patrolled the beach.

A happy family.

All to soon, you have to leave the beach.

50th Year Reunion

2011-08-25T18:23:00.025-04:00

This summer we traveled to Baldwinsville, NY to attend the Charles W Baker High School (Baldwinsville Academy & Central School) 50th year reunion of the Class of 1961.

I attended this school for 11th and 12th grades while the majority of my classmates went through the same school from beginning to end. I didn't know all of them when I was in school and some I didn't know at the reunion even when I could read their name tag.

However, we had a great time. We even took the opportunity to visit my brother and his wife Rick & Jan in Central Square. On Sunday before leaving the area we had breakfast with Rick, his son, and his two grandchildren. A short social hour before departing.

On the cruise to Lock 24.

Residences or camps along the river.

Maudie with Dave & Sheryl, enjoying themselves and the ride. I had often thought I may have been the youngest in the class. A conversation with Sheryl revealed she was born on the same day as me. As a gentleman, I will assume she is the youngest.

An unknown type flowering tree of which there where many at this time of the year in Central New York.

Headed West, entering Lock 24, Baldwinsville, NY.

The Red Mill Inn, Baldwinsville, NY; a great place to stay.

The ship's bell.

Exiting Lock 24 on the upstream side where the cruise will turn around and head for home back through Lock 24.

I believe this is called Freedom Park.

West side of Lock 24 also showing the Red Mill Inn.

Lock 24 Bar & Grill, location of stand up cocktails.

Blue heron on the canal East of Lock 24.

Our canal cruise ship. The ride, the crew and the food were excellent.

This is a beauty.

The view from our room at the Red Mill Inn.

This pretty much says it all.

A violin solo at the Saturday dining in.

A table full of revelers on Saturday night.

Doing the dances from high school.

My beautiful wife, who did not go to this high school but indulged me by coming with me. I love her with all my heart.

Comparing notes at the table.

Small groups everywhere.

More dancing, I wonder where all my peers are. I didn't see any of them dancing.

After parting from Central Square, it was about an eight hour drive to our next stop in Takoma Park, MD. There we visited our daughter Marcy, her husband Charlie and their three sons.

These pictures were taken right after we had breakfast in a great little deli style place Marcy and Charlie selected. The waitress we had was great!

Nana and Finn at breakfast.

The family after breakfast just before our departure. Bean is trying for an Oscar.

Beans grimace kept changing, he has his image to uphold.

I think he may be destined for a career in the theater.

The Adventure Continues, More Spending (Conservatives Stimulating The Economy)

2011-06-03T20:54:00.011-04:00

I picked up some more stuff at Wally World while getting the car's oil change. At another location I also got some fifth wheel hitch locking devices and a Reese fifth wheel lube plate.

The truck, fresh from the shop, has had the transmission and rear differential serviced, the brakes checked and adjusted, the serpentine belt replaced and other belts and hoses checked, as well as the fuel filter and the fuel pressure switch replaced. She is ready for some adventures.

The Adventure Continues, Shore Power Established

2011-05-30T09:28:00.007-04:00

We now have a 50 amp circuit for shore power. We use a 30 amp dog bone adapter for powering our 30 amp fifth wheel from the 50 amp electrical box.

A roadside view of the truck and trailer moored alongside.

A far side view of the trailer moored alongside. Shore power has been tested and all equipment inside and outside the trailer appears to function properly.

The Adventure Continues, Tire Chapter

2011-05-25T21:54:00.007-04:00

Saturday, I spent half a day in Tire Kingdom getting new tires for the dually. After I got the trailer home on Saturday a closer inspection with a flashlight revealed how bad the tires on the fifth wheel actually were.

Monday morning, I was back at Tire Kingdom to order four more tires, BFG 215/85R16 "E" tires just like the ones I put on the truck Saturday; for a total of 10 tires. I spent the rest of Monday and Tuesday working on a plan to jack up the RV and set it on jack stands for safety as well as the built in landing gear and scissor jack stabilizers. This required a trip (South)to Ocala to get jack stands after the trip (North) to Tire Kingdom.

My original plan went down the tubes. A 20 ton bottle jack that had been seldom used was no good, I did not have the proper blocking to get either my jack or jack stands into effective and SAFE use.

This evolved into Plan 2, take either the forward tires or the after tires at the same time while leaving the opposite set for increased stability. Again, I could not use my jack stands in what I felt was a SAFE condition.

Plan three was to raise one side of the RV and take both tires on the same side. It was about a 40 minute ride to Tire Kingdom. I used my neighbors 3.5 ton car jack to assist with the scissors jack stabilizer and the landing gear forward to position the RV.

I didn't start with the camera until after I had done the Port side so here is a view of the Starboard side with the tires removed.

Two tires ready to go to Tire Kingdom for re-shoeing. I did this maneuver twice today also.

The Port side is complete, each bolt has been torqued to 85 ft-lbs.

The Starboard side is complete, each bolt has also been torqued to 85 ft-lbs.

A closeup of the little beauties. Interesting enough trailer tires do not come with lifetime mounting, balancing and a road hazard warranty. I had to pay for it but all of these tires have it. Also, I specifically ordered each tire to have a 2011 date code. The two tires on the front of the dually a date code of the last month of 2010 and they discounted each tire for me $30 because I specifically ordered date codes for 2011. Even so, they (all 10) were a lot of dinero.

The Adventure Continues With Some Inside Pictures

2011-05-22T19:19:00.021-04:00

From left side aft, landing gear and stabilizers down.

Same side from the front.

Right side from aft. Today, I ordered four new BFG LT215/85R16E Commercial T/A All Season tires. The same tires Glenfield installed when the 5ver was new. Coincidentally the same tires are on the dually. I also got 2 pair of 3 ton jack stands for her to sit on while I have the tires installed on the rim. Since my "flight training" has to wait for tires, I am not even about to try and back this 5ver into a tire shop yet!

Left rear corner of crews living space.

From right inside corner of crews living space looking forward towards Crew's Head and Hogan's Alley.

Crew's Mess on the right.

Galley, showing refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave and sink.

Forward left corner of crew's living space.

Crew's living space aft.

Entrance to Head and Hogan's Alley.

Crew's Head.

Forward, port side of Hogan's Alley.

Hogan's Alley, forward, the location of senior crew berthing. The center area headboard is presently being refitted to meet the CO's standards.

Senior crew storage, Hogan's Alley aft, port side.

One of two personal storage spaces for senior crew.

Medicine cabinets and sink area in Crew's head.

The 5ver's home berth, which has yet to be prepared for it to come alongside. When we built the house we had a 50 amp circuit run to the gray box to the right of the garage side door. Today we contracted an electrician to hook-up a 50 amp box for shore power while she is alongside at her home berth. We decided on 50 amps because we already have a dog-bone and it will allow berthing of either 50 amp or 30 amp units.

2002 Titanium 28E33SB by Glendale, Floor Plan As Sold

2011-05-22T18:31:00.005-04:00

Some of the original paperwork on the fifth wheel we just purchased which shows the original floorplan. It now has a small cast iron type electric parlor stove in the middle back with a small desk on the right in the back. One chair remains in the back by the entrance.

A Fifth Wheel Joins The Fleet, Let The Adventure Begin

2011-05-22T18:25:00.007-04:00

The Fleet in port. This by the way is my initial park job in my driveway. It is in straight but about 8 feet to the right of where I wanted to put it. This took about 1/2 hour and I was ragged so when I got it straight I quit.

The fifth wheel is a 2002 Titanium 28E33SB by Glendale. It measures, I think, 33 feet from bumper to pin. Then it goes on for awhile until you reach the nose.

It is an all weather unit built in Canada.

More pictures will follow but the last two days have been long and busy.

Rear picture window. I can't show the inside because the truck prevents me from opening the slide.

You can't really tell from the picture but the truck is wearing a new set of dancing shoes. Yesterday when we initially hooked up the fiver to the truck we found out the left inside tire would not hold air. So we unhooked and I spent half a day today at Tire Kingdom re-shoeing the truck.

As the say, it looks bad. Tomorrow I will hook it up again and drag it around for awhile; perhaps I might even go over to an old Wal-Mart store and practice backing in to some parking spaces. I'm going to be running my own "flight school" for awhile before I actually go anywhere.

The number one task turned out to be new truck tires. The ones on the truck while only traveling about 19,000 miles were over 5 years old. The number two task will be to replace the trailer tires, they are 10 years old. Well inspecting them tonight, looking for the year date I found one has cracks in it, it may have been used with low or no air pressure. My "flight school" maybe on hold until the tires are replaced.

01-29-2011, Seaman Recruit Sailor Reports For Duty

2011-01-29T18:20:00.010-05:00

Seaman Recruit Sailor reported for duty on or about 1200 hrs today. Here she is on the screen porch with the Blushing Bride. It was BB who arranged for Sailor's transfer.

Sailor is reported to be a Corgi mix of about 32 lbs. However, she also looks like she could have dashing Dachshund in her background. They say she is fully house trained and likes cats. Crash may change her opinion of cats.

She briefly met Crash during her initial yard patrol and it appears she is wondering:
"What the hell was that? and,
"Where is it now?"

Up to this report, neither cat has rushed forward to welcome her aboard.

Her collar is a little large but you have to have a dog to size before you can purchase a collar that fits.

2011, New Year, New Cat

2011-01-15T19:57:00.005-05:00

A dinner party, a glass of wine and Voila, a new cat.

The cats name is not Voila and the cat did not drink any wine. Neither did the "Old Salt."

Their is some talk of calling her Poppy as the wine drinker likes "P" names for pets. You can see how the cat responds when called Poppy.

Right now she is confined to the "Man Room" while we keep trading her blanket with Crash's blanket. The idea is to let each of them find out there is another cat in the house. Neither of them have showed any response, but Shasta sure knows there is another cat in the house. There is no fooling that dog when it comes to cats.

The Old Salt Learns At 66+ Years

2010-12-29T20:24:00.006-05:00

Ya think you have lived to be 66+ and know who you are, then along comes someone and blows it all to hell!

The Old Salt sat down at the Starbucks and ordered a cup of coffee.

As he sat sipping his coffee, a young woman sat down next to him..

She turned to the Old Salt and asked, 'Are you a real sailor?'

He replied, "Well, I've spent my whole life working on and sailing in submarines; first an Auxiliary Submarine (essentially a reclassified fleet submarine with no snorkel as built for WWII), followed by Guppy 2, Guppy 2A and a Guppy 3 diesel configurations, then an ancient nuclear submarine (already 21 years of age when I went aboard) and lastly a brand new Los Angeles Fast Attack. I taught many sailors in various schools during my service tenure as well as those I taught on-the-job. I have sailed in the North and South Pacific, the North and South Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the English Channel. I have visited Hawaii, Canada, England, France, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Malta, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Panama, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Curacao, Jamaica, Mexico, Belize by ship or submarine, so yes, I guess I am a sailor."

She said, 'I'm a lesbian. I spend my whole day thinking about naked women. As soon as I get up in the morning, I think about naked women. When I shower, I think about naked women. When I watch TV, I think about naked women. It seems everything makes me think of naked women.'

The two sat sipping in silence.

A little while later, a young man sat down on the other side of the Old Salt and asked, 'Are you a real sailor?'

He replied, 'I always thought I was, but I just found out I'm a lesbian.'

St. Augustine, For Lights And Eats, Merry Christmas

2010-12-16T20:43:00.009-05:00

Tonight, the Blushing Bride and I went to St. Augustine, FL to stroll around and check out the Christmas Lights. We also stopped at Barnacle Bill's for some seafood; a shrimp appetizer followed by a salmon entree.

Huguenot Cemetery, St. Augustine, FL

Another view.

Visitor Center, there is a parking garage in the rear. This makes a great starting place for a walking tour.

A globe on the visitor center's grounds.

Cute train advertising one of the St. Augustine trolleys.

Side view of visitor's center.

Some shops in the center of town.

Queen Isabella's Garden, I have personally never seen anyone in this area but it always looks nice. Maybe that's why.

Tree lights.

Steeples against the sky.

Steeples against the sky #2.

More Tree lights.

Christmas Tree in the park.

Fountain.

Lightner Museum lighted up for Christmas.

A bookstore on a side street.

St. Augustine is a lot more comfortable on a weekday in December than a weekend in August. It was cool and a minimal number of people makes taking pictures much easier.

Family & Friends At Fort Rucker's Turkey Trot

2010-12-02T19:09:00.007-05:00

On their way to the track.

What's my time.

Blushing Bride alert.

Winners!

Son & Dad cross the line.

With medal.

Group photo.

Group photo 2.

Group photo 3.

Group photo 4.

Three generations and the "somebody cried" tradition continues.

Watching TV after the race.

Smiley face.

Watching TV with her dolls.

Someone's play area.

Babies in the hamper.

Mastering A New Skill With No Tears

2010-12-02T10:16:00.004-05:00

Revelation 310 (Mossberg 500 Variation) Shotgun Disassembly

2010-11-15T18:47:00.012-05:00

A Western Auto Revelation Model 310A 12 GA shotgun made by Mossberg for Western Auto. The paperwork available to me indicates this gun is the same as a Mossberg Model 500 AB.

This is the second shotgun I have come across that I was unable to remove the action slide assembly from the receiver. However, this one I get to find out why by removing the magazine tube.

At this point, the barrel and the trigger housing assembly have been removed as with a normal Mossberg Model 500 type shotgun.

The receiver has now been emptied with the exception of the safety components. Laid out under the receiver are from left to right: trigger housing pin, trigger housing assembly, cartridge interrupter, cartridge stop, bolt slide, bolt assembly and the elevator.

At this point a normal Mossberg Model 500 action slide assembly would slide right out of the receiver. In this case, something is impeding the forward movement of the action slide assembly. No amount of finagling with the action slide bars in the receiver will allow removal. When pulled all the way forward there appears to be a spring involved which causes the action slide assembly to move back towards the receiver.

The cartridge stop is out of the receiver.

The cartridge interrupter is out of the receiver.

After applying penetrating oil and waiting over the weekend, the receiver was placed upside down in a vice with the forward end inside the vice to reduce chances of pinching or twisting the receiver.

A large pair of pliers were used with cloth wrapped around the magazine tube. This did cause some external scarring of the magazine tube. I had also placed painter's tape around the magazine Tube but the pliers also tore the tape. Be sure the pliers at at the forward end of the magazine tube, not in the middle as this will reduce chances of twisting the magazine tube.

Here I am using a leather welders glove but I would expect the pressures involved with untorquing the magazine tube (which appeared to be sealed with some type of Lok-Tite when inspected after removal) would also tear the leather. A heavier leather may work, particularly if used with an adhesive.

Remember, as you remove the magazine tube, the magazine spring is compressed inside of that tube.

This is a replacement Mossberg 500 magazine tube as sold by USA Midway.

This is the magazine tube removed from the Revelation Model 310 shotgun.

Here you see a flat spring wound around the magazine tube. This provides the spring action felt when trying to remove the action slide assembly during breakdown.

There is also a band around the magazine tube forward of the spring. I think this is to provide centering inside the action slide assembly.

Reassembly is simply the reverse of your previous actions. I do not believe the magazine tube needs any form of Lok-Tite to keep it in position. Once the barrel is installed, it will keep the magazine tube from backing out. Ensure the follower and magazine spring are properly positioned when installing the magazine tube otherwise the magazine tube has a tendency to jam when being screwed in.

The Birth Of A Headboard

2010-11-14T19:02:00.014-05:00

The other day, my Blushing Bride had the idea we needed a new headboard for the bed. So, out with the old and get ready for the new. The last headboard we had was one she modified and screwed to the wall.

This one, she was going to build from scratch. We had a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the shed from a never completed project years ago. Out of the shed it came, no small feat there. However we did it without injuries (that came later).

The first step is a plan or a pattern if you will. The pattern was made out of flyers from the Sunday paper.

Next the hand drawn pattern had to be transferred to the actual sheet of plywood for cutting. This is the part of the project set aside for me to hang myself. Here we have the language clashes and the do exactly as I say problems.

A close look (above) will show there are two lines, one followed the paper pattern and the other I used a paint stirrer to draw an arc that I can duplicate on the other end of the plywood sheet.

As you can see the two parts removed are fairly equal and match. Therefore, for the time being, I was allowed to live.

Having now extricated myself from the process you can see Blushing Bride cutting and fitting the first of two layers of foam to the headboard.

Here she is using a hot glue gun to secure the first layer of foam in place.

At this point, there are two layers of foam, a layer of polyester batting and a layer of cloth being mounted to the base with a heavy duty stapler.

At this point, the two layers of foam, the polyester batting and initial cloth covering are in place and all tacked down with heavy duty staples.

The headboard will again be mounted to the wall. This time using a cleat. A cleat in this case is a 1x6 cut in half lengthwise with the table saw blade set at a 45 degree angle. The cleat will be screwed to the 2x4 studs in the wall but allow left - right adjustment of the headboard.

A better look at the end of the cleat showing the 45 degree cut.

The other half of the cleat is mounted on the backside of the headboard. I mounted it on a line I drew parallel with the bottom edge of the 4x8 sheet of plywood. I also drew some vertical lines parallel with the sides of the 4x8 plywood sheet to use as reference points.

The cleat was placed just above the center line of the headboard so the majority of the weight would be below the cleat. I also added two other blocks near the bottom to keep the headboard parallel to the wall.

The cleat on the wall.

The headboard on the wall for a test fit. It is not finished at this point as it does not yet have the final layer.

At this point, Blushing Bride says "I can handle the rest of this...Lets put the bed back".

The bed is a king size Tempur-Pedic and the mattress weighs about a thousand pounds. Blushing Bride grabs one side and I the other. The next thing I hear is Oh-Oh I hurt my back. The injury I spoke of earlier. Not bad but that bed will stay in the middle of the room for some more days. The Blushing Bride spoke with the Doc and has plenty of meds to see her through.
A couple days later the outer covering arrived. It is a beige suede type cloth. Here it is draped over the headboard to view.

A closer view of the suede cloth.

Finally a finished headboard covered in suede cloth and hung on the wall.

No, a not finished headboard. Blushing Bride has determined the headboard need something to spiff it up. It has been decided by a higher power that the headboard needs tufting to set it off.

Putting the buttons in place. These buttons have the same cloth installed over them by Blushing Bride before they are mounted on the headboard.

Here she is putting a needle though the headboard, using a hole she drilled through the wood from the back. The planning is done from the backside, the hole is drilled from the back and the button is tied on from the back.

The needle has gone through the eyelet on the back of the button and she is trimming the thread. The thread used was heavy dental floss.

The thread is tied off to a small screw on the backside to keep from prevent pull through.

A finished, tufted , suede covered headboard mounted on the wall.

The headboard is finished and the bed is back in place.

Big Doggie Pacifier

2010-10-23T22:31:00.006-04:00

Does a 115+ pound dog need a pacifier? Look carefully and you will see her pacifier, the white object, sticking out of the side of her mouth.

Here is a little better view. She doesn't chew them up, she rolls them around in her mouth, throws them in the air and falls asleep with them sticking out of her face.

Or sometimes she just wanders around looking like this.

Here it is, sans dog. They can be found in packs of two at your local Big Lots store. You have to look really hard to see any teeth marks. There are a few on the left side of the doorstop near the top.

Indiana Jones and Halloween 2010

2010-10-23T19:48:00.004-04:00

My grandson wanted to dress as Indiana Jones for Halloween, so I told his mother I would come up with some appropriate armament for Indie.

Well, first thing is they do not make cap pistols like they used to. I guess the federal government now prescribes orange on the barrel so they will not be seen as "real" weapons. That being said, an entirely orange gun like Walmart sells and the orange greens ones sold in California also are totally lacking in style.

There are Japanese made replica pistols and revolvers out there that cost as much as real pistols and revolvers. But the kid is only seven and it's only for Halloween.

A plastic Model 1911 45 was not happening, no Webley revolvers, no Schofields and very few cowboy pistols unless I wanted a real collectors item.

Finally, I located a Broomhandle Mauser, made out of plastic, clicks when you pull the trigger and was relatively inexpensive. Also, only the front end of the barrel was orange.

I found a black leather belt at the Humane Society Thrift Shop and slightly modified a WWII holster for a Model 1911 to carry the Broomhandle Mauser.

Broomhandle jammed into holster. It does not fall out when shaken upside down but it can be drawn easily.

I attached a tie-down strap to the bottom of the holster and I will trim the black leather belt when he puts the rig on.

It may not be exactly what Indiana Jones carried, but he could have and he would have looked way cool; while being well armed.

It Runs In The Family

2010-10-20T19:41:00.009-04:00

Bike helmet on and ready to roll.

Bike helmet on and ready to roll also.

These two are about the same age, but they seem to exhibit some of the same family traits; even though they belong in different legs of the family. Since their mother's are sisters, I will assume the traits in question were downloaded from the Nana.

Note, she has the chin strap fastened, he does not. His gang likes to live closer to the edge.

Disney Half Marathon Race Trip, October 2010

2010-10-03T18:57:00.018-04:00

The view from in front of our room.

The other side of the water slides.

Some Nick character statues

placed around the area

known as the Mall.

Some of their

characters inside the Mall

posing for photos with any and all comers.

A closer view of the water slide from the pool area.

Ready for the Half Marathon. This picture is about 1900 hrs, just before it got dark.

This is the line of runners to get on the bus for transportation to the start area.

Wheel chair racers.

The Epcot Dome taken about midnight while I waited for "my" runner. To see any of the race required a $35 ticket to get into Epcot after 2200 hrs so I waited either in the car or out front of Epcot from when she got on the bus until she finished the race.

Finished and with medal at about 0100 hrs, ready to go home.

Some of the room art in our room.

More room art.

A Dora statue on the way to the Mall area.

The countdown begins, the big bucket is ready to dump Nick green slime.

Dumping green slime.

A shot of DownTown Disney.

The Bench, DownTown Disney.

A Restaurant on the water.

Front of the T-Rex Restaurant.

Lego Transformer.

Lego Dinosaur.

Lego lover.

Look, this Lego set is pink for girls.

Sometimes you don't want your picture taken.

Two year old Disney shopper.

A family or two of shoppers.

Star Wars Potato Heads.

Ryan And Jenn Got Married

2010-09-27T19:29:00.028-04:00

The Wedding Rehearsal, 09-24-10

Lined up for a practice run.

The ladies side lined up for the practice run.

The main participants receiving their instructions.

Mingling with one of the nephews-in-waiting.

A main event, the Rehearsal Dinner.

The chow line, good food and lots of it.

Lots of laughing and scratching going on.

One of the Groomsman, who is also a Bridegroom in training sitting next to his future Bride.

The Best Man.

The Wedding, 09-25-10

Ryan waiting in the Grooms Room.

Playing Hangman to fill in the time.

Flowers for the Bridal Party.

More time in the Groom's Room.

More Hangman, these guys sure seem to know their movie titles.

A good shot if I do say so.

Time to flower up. Luckily it was only the flower that got pinned.

Groomsman and father of the Groom. I wear many hats.

A reaction to one of the groomsman checking to see if his flower was firmly in place.

A Mohican and a tuxedo, but he is Irish.

I can't tell whether he is planning his own wedding or thinking about being goalie on the soccer field.

Playing spin the little guy in the chair. It was at his insistence.

Checking out the dance floor before the party started. He was "busting a move" but I didn't have a video camera to catch it.

The reception area awaits the wedding party.

The Groom's Cake.

The Wedding Cake. And yes, it was delicious.

Checking their pictures on the digital camera.

Another shot of "Spin the boy".

It's very close to "Here comes the Bride."

The Best Man, Groomsmen amd Bride's parents are all ready.

The Groom awaits.

In position,

and ready to go.

Here comes the Bride.

The Bride and the Groom are ready.

Placing the ring on her finger.

The new Mr and Mrs Ryan and Jenn.

The Best man and groomsman awaiting to have their pictures taken.

One of the family photos.

The Bridesmaids waiting to have their pictures taken after the wedding.

Sponsors with the bride and groom.

Back of the brides dress.

Some of Groom's family.

More of his family.

Some more also.

Major meltdown by very tired nephew who traveled far to be there.

I told you the cake was delicious.

The Official Photographer.

Dancers

More Dancers

Dancing for money.

A shot of the Brides dress while she is dancing.

One of my other hats is taking care of grandchildren.

Applebees, 09-26-10. Nobody would bet that the Bride and Groom would show, including the waitress. And as you can see by the picture... they did not.

Some Soccer In Alabama

2010-09-17T17:59:00.011-04:00

Everyone needs their own soccer ball. Sometimes someone without ball takes one from someone who has a ball. This can be aggravating to the owner of the ball.

Lined up for a pre-game drill on the field.

Hurry up and wait is aggravating at any age.

Two colors of shirts, the game is ready to roll.

The ball is headed for the end zone with players in hot pursuit.

Ran right out of his shoe.

Kicking the ball back into play.

Package check, checked satisfactory.

A complaint is being lodged.

She heard the camera click as he complaint was being transmitted.

This age group is moving out of the "Herd Ball" phase and actually playing some soccer.

It's very early in the season, so uniforms were handed out today.

My Blushing Bride reading to some of her grandchildren.

Trying to convince nana that Binks serve a purpose,

There are no new plots, just variations on old stories.

Working the X-Box, a little Mario keeps a kid entertained.

Change Versus Adventure

2010-08-12T19:56:00.018-04:00

This was the last big weekend for the grandchildren. When the weekend was over, one group was en route to their new home in Maryland and the other group returned to their new home of one week in Alabama.

The Nana is posed with her grandchildren in the last group shot for awhile. The gang is not as ornery as they look. The photographer put them looking into the sun which was very bright.

The Pool.

It's only about 24 inches deep.

And it is filled with very cool water from the well.

But the kids love it.

From the littlest one, splash me again and you are going to eat it.

The bigger ones like the splashing,

The younger ones get antsy when the splashing and jumping starts running amok.

Looks like one of them is getting ready to get out.

With the smaller ones out of the pool, the splashing and jumping frenzy builds.

Pool time for the younger kids is limited by the water temperature and the actions of their older brothers/cousins.

So they go cook in the kitchen.

A bucket filled with water.

They play real good with the kitchen utensils, the available sand and water from the hose.

The Alabama portion of the family left Sunday afternoon. School is already in session there, it started last Friday. The big brother is expected in school early Monday morning.

Monday evening, an anxious seven year old awaits the dawn, knowing his life is changing way faster then he would like.

Eating a yogurt, he also looks a little apprehensive, but as a two year old, he is not sure why.

It is Tuesday morning and getting your picture taken at or about 0430 hrs is a shock. Here they are, the move is real.

And there goes the Prius to be followed by a 26 foot U-Haul rental truck loaded with everything they couldn't fit into the Prius.

Mom, Dad, three boys, two cats and two dogs heading for their adventure.

A Couple Of Old Gals Get Dressed Up

2010-08-06T20:14:00.003-04:00

I have had these pistols since the late 1960s. I thought it was about time to dress them up a little, so I ordered some walnut grips in the WWI pattern made by Colt from Midway USA.

Here I have one set installed so you can see the difference.

Here they both are wearing the new grips. I thought of changing the grip screws but to my reasoning, new screws would take away from the character of these fine pistols.

Making Blueberry Jam, July 2010

2010-08-06T19:58:00.005-04:00

Whenever you make Blueberry Jam it is imperative you have helpers. Helpers are valuable to ensure there is no excess jam left in the mixing bowls that will not fit into a jar.

Tools of the trade.

The end result depends upon the amount of Blueberries you use, how much effort you want to expend and the Blueberries your helpers do not eat.

A $25 Summer Pool

2010-08-06T18:54:00.017-04:00

The first pool we bought for the grandchildren was returned whence it came. It seems our county requires an $80 permit for any seasonal pool 30 inches or more in depth, water depth, not the height of the pool or, any pool with a filtration system. The permit is required to be renewed yearly.

So we got a $25 pool from Wal Mart. We fill it from the well, float a chlorine tablet in it overnight and adjust the chlorine level as required prior to swimming by adding more well water. We scoop out the big chunks and as required we dump and refill the pool.

I also bough two cheap tarps, one that fits under the pool to keep the pool off the ground. The other tarp is slightly larger than the pool and is used to cover the pool when not in use to keep things out of the pool.

Two cheap basins are provided for rinsing feet before jumping in the pool.

Well water is quite cool, er cold.

Lips may be turning purple even though the air temperature is close to 90 degrees.

Swimming.

Chatting.

Squirting.

Two lifeguards in attendance.

Some cousins have arrived.

Hitting on the lifeguard, it is an Irish male thing.

Five of them, seven years of age or younger.

Two two year olds. He claims he is really having fun and she, the youngest by three months, is holding her own with four rambunctious boys in the pool with her. No quarter asked, none given.

One of the more peaceful moments.

Another group shot.

Lunch With A Kindergartner And A Tour Of His First School

2010-06-19T20:29:00.006-04:00

The meal , as requested, consisted of McDonald's take out.

The student and his guest's are provided a table in the lunchroom during the student's lunch period.

The student, prior to leaving for the day provided his grandparent's with a tour of his classroom.

Each student has a bucket to keep their personals in.

View one,

view two,

view three,

and view four of the classroom.

Flowers in the box outside pointed out by the little sister on our way out.

The main entrance of a year's effort. Next year , another school in another state.

The Beach At FT Fisher, Kure Beach, NC

2010-06-17T08:44:00.025-04:00

In the water catching a wave.

Notice the facial expression, he still is not quite used to the salt water in his face.

Coming up the beach after a successful run.

Headed for the water with Nana.

The Nana has quickly determined the water temperature is not to her standards for immediate submersion.

Headed down the beach for Dad.

Shovel and pail in hand.

Ask her if she wants to go to the beach and her first grab is her shovel and pail.

He is in there.

The board pops up first.

Getting serious with the digging.

Nana and grandboy playing in the surf.

Photographs for posterity.

Another angle.

Launched with Nana's verbal directions.

Looking really good.

It worked as planned.

Trying to get on and stay on the board.

Coming off the board in the surf.

Big brother and little sister playing in the sand.

The Nana checking on her people.

Kite flying Nana on Kure Beach, NC.

That is her kite in the background. It is about 6 inches long with a 10 foot tail. However, it launched easily and flew great.

Having a great time.

Soaked to the core, a surfing dude.

Nana with grandboy surfer dude.

Nana takes a cold water shot to the back. The sun was hot, but the water was not.

She is a serious looking kid who smiles more when her people follow her directions and don't question her.

Entering the water with a full head of steam.

Nana is urging a little caution. Little sister does not have many hours logged on a salt water beach, or any other beach for that matter.

Little sister getting used to salt water in the face.

More salt water.

Loving every minute of it.

The knowledgeable big brother.

Just hanging around in the surf.

Coming through the surf.

Big brother says, "try this".

On the board for the first time.

Lonely surfboard.

Surfing, all by herself.

Orientation after being run over by a wave.

YESS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soaking wet and loving it.

Surfing Dude. Note there are two large drops of water flying, one in front of his right eye and one below it on the edge of his nose.

Mother and Daughter on the beach.

Beach toys in the sand.

North Carolina Aquarium At Fort Fisher

2010-06-16T14:31:00.009-04:00

North Carolina Aquarium at FT Fisher building and entrance.

Sign inside building.

Luna, an albino alligator on display in the aquarium.

Bobwhite Quail.

Gator whisperings as they check out the crowd.

When you are hot , sweaty, tired , hungry and the smallest one there; what's one freaking meltdown among friends and family.

Tidal pool.

Watching the guide explain the workings of a live Horseshoe Crab.

Underside of the Horseshoe Crab.

No shoes and leaning on a whale skull display.

Sailfish statue on exit walkway.

Mom failing to get a posed shot of a two year old.

Otters at play statue on exit pathway.

Monarch butterfly eating and, or, resting at the Monarch Way Station.

Decorative dolphin statue on the exit pathway outside of the building.

Sun bathers in the pool.

Leap Frogging.

FT Fisher, North Carolina

2010-06-15T19:30:00.015-04:00

Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort during the American Civil War. It protected the vital trading routes of the port at Wilmington, North Carolina, from 1861 until its capture by the Union in 1865. The fort was located on one of Cape Fear River's two outlets to the Atlantic Ocean on what was then known as Federal Point and today is known as Pleasure Island.

The batteries were mounted on soil mounts (sand hills) and were particularly efficient at absorbing salvos of heavy ordinance .

Mine of the type used at the Battle of FT Fisher. They were moored in the water or buries in the surrounding dirt and detonated remotely.

The item in front is a small mortar for throwing bombs (shells) over the sand hills to get the folks on the other side.

The pointy items that resemble shells I believe were torpedoes, they were mounted on a framework in the water and if a ship got to close it would hit the torpedo causing it to detonate.

A ships anchor recovered after the battles were over. In the cage behind the anchor is a gun mount sans gun typical of the Civil War time frame.

A view of the outer stockade from the walking tour starting point.

Tourists in full regalia. If you look closely, there is another one behind them (actually two but I think one is behind those in the front).

A stand of beautiful oak trees on FT Fisher property.

A long range view of the fort, looking South from the path around the fort.

The end of an old riverside road that came from and went to Wilmington, NC.

A panoramic view of FT Fisher. You can see the sand hills and the stockade fence which is the outer line of defence. This picture looks Southeast towards the fort.

The Old Salt and Nana on the FT Fisher tour.

Hermit crabs and their holes. They are hard to spot, but there were literally dozens of them.

A closeup of the outer stockade defense line of FT Fisher.

Long gun, no mount and no identification as to size, manufacturer or which side used it.

Gun on carriage mounted as to defend FT Fisher. The gun emplacement was on top of the sand hills and the powder was stored inside at the base of the sand hill.

21st Century gun crew, with an Ex-Airborne Captain in Command.

A gun layer practices his craft.

A gnarly old oak tree, but it threw a lot of shade.

The only tourist missing is the photographer.

If there is a wheel or a crank to turn, it will be.

Naval type gun located outside of the entrance to the FT Fisher Museum

I loved the tour, but the sun was so hot I thought I was still in Florida. Be sure to carry water, it helps out a lot.

USS North Carolina (BB 55) Part 1

2010-06-11T18:40:00.022-04:00

As you go through these pictures, both parts 1 and 2, I challenge you to see if you can figure out the difference between a gun turret and a gun mount.

#3 16-inch/45 caliber turret looking forward from the center line aft.

Kingfisher aircraft sitting in it's cradle on the port side aft.

One of the two quad 40 mm mounts on the stern.

3 16-inch/45 caliber turret closeup of the barrels.

Quad 40 mm gun mount mounted on the top of Main Battery #3.

Officer's station inside Main Battery #3.

Looking out the entrance to Main Battery #3.

A Plexiglas shield shut off access to the forward part of Main Battery #3. The canvas bags in the lower left are simulated bags of gun powder being loaded into one of the 16-inch/45 caliber guns.

Inside the turret, purpose unknown, possible for balancing the turret due to the weight of the barrels sticking out the other end.

Turret tourists.

Turret access.

One 16-inch/45 caliber shell stored on the main deck for informational purposes.

Buttoned up access hatch to a 16-inch/45 caliber turret. The cable wrapped around the barbette is a towing cable as thick as a lrge man's wrist. Wrapping that cable in place would be a lot more fun than I ever wanted to be involved in.

A balsa wood life raft mounted to the side of the turret.

Part of the turret which may have been used as a last resort type of rangefinding as rangefinding was usually done by the fire control people located up higher in the masts.

Watertight door, a lot thinner than a submarine's water tight door. Although I will bet if they come loose in heavy weather than can crease a skull or take off a finger.

Possible future squid making some adjustments.

Hull and ribs showing inside the Engine Room.

Another little alleyway on one level of the Engine Room.

Colors and number of lines on the pipe lagging indicate pipe contents, steam, water , salt water, etc..

Deck grating between levels of the Engine Room.

Reduction Gear.

Engine Room Control Panel.

Another shot of the Engine Room control panel.

More steam lines in Engine Room.

Engine Room steam valves showing reach rods.

Some of the miles of cables run throughout the ship to provide the various types of power needed.

Closeup on a cable run in one of the ship's Engine Rooms.

Ship's Butcher Shop, where meat was cut up.

Ship's Galley, a serving line is in the foreground.

Potato peelers located in the Ship's Galley area.

On the Mess Decks, to the right is a "scuttlebutt" with the bubbler removed. In the back on the left is a electrical distribution box for some type of ship's power.

An interior watertight door located inside the ship.

A speed bag located on the Mess Decks. Boxing was a favored pastime in those days, particularly between sailors and marines.

Nana and grandchildren enjoying a soda on the Mess Decks.

Ship's ventilation air handler located on the Mess Decks.

Sound power phone connections on the deck of the Mess Decks.

Nana, another Old Salt in her own right demonstrates Emergency Steering to her granddaughter.

Rudder angle indicators.

The Ship's Store, the grilled area in the back on the right, on the Mess Decks. In the back on the left, behind the Plexiglas wall, is berthing for some of the ship's Master at Arms. Note the red and white stanchions which support the deck above.

I suspect this is a piece of Damage Control equipment, it appeared to be solid steel and was supported by large brackets.

USS North Carolina (BB 55) Part 2

2010-06-11T16:56:00.028-04:00

Seats alongside hull on the Mess Decks. The gray square box under the speaker is part of the 1 MC Announcing System. The cable is a damage control electrical cable mounted for emergency access.

Damage control equipment for fire fighting mounted in the Mess Decks..

Some enlisted berthing, these were five bunks high.

Crews bathroom facilities, sinks on the right, urinals to the rear.

Shipboard enlisted commodes of the trough type.

Sick Bay.

Enlisted Marines Quarters. They were not open for inspection.

20 mm magazines stored in ammo locker.

1.1 inch quadruple gun mount. This mount was an ineffective prewar idea replaced by other weapons over time.

1.1 inch quadruple gun mount info.

#1 16-inch/45 caliber turret from the aft starboard side.

#2 16-inch/45 caliber turret from the starboard side.

Overhead view of dual 20 mm gun mount on main deck.

5-inch/38 caliber dual mount located on port side.

Outside view from aft of 5-inch/38 caliber dual training mount.

Starboard side view of 5-inch/38 caliber dual training mount.

Port side view of 5-inch/38 caliber dual training mount. Used by gun crews to develop loading proficiency with the 5-inch/38 caliber guns.

Armored entrance to ship's conning tower.

Quad 40 mm gun mount located on port side.

Fire Control Tower, if you look closely you can see the weld mark where friendly fire killed three North Carolina sailors. The weld goes straight up just to the right of the cable.

Dual 20 mm gun mount.

#1 and #2 16-inch/45 caliber turrets, port side.

#1 16-inch/45 caliber turret from aft port side.

#2 16-inch/45 caliber turret from forward port side. The turret sits on a "barbette" which is the rounded tube under the turret. The barbette extends to the keel and below decks passageways bend around the 11-15 inch thick barbette.

Paravanes.

Ship's port anchor.

Pelican Hook used to release the anchor.

Teak deck.

Capstan operating station, forward port side.

5-inch/38 caliber dual mounts located on the ship's port side. There are five of these dual mounts located on each side of the ship.

Quad 40 mm gun mount located on top of the #3 16-inch/45 caliber turret.

Forward port side of Kingfisher Observation Aircraft.

Port side of Kingfisher Observation Aircraft.

Stern of USS North Carolina.

Spring 2010 Toy Update

2010-05-23T18:30:00.013-04:00

My preban Colt Sporter II is moving on to a new home. Several shoulder injuries have made it hard to hold and therefore shoot a 20 inch barreled AR-15.

After attending an Urban Warfare Shooting Class a few years ago, I got rid of my first AR-15, a Colt 20 inch R6600 HBAR AR-15A2. After firing roughly 1000 rounds in three days, I was exhausted. I had purchased that rifle specifically for that training course. And during the course I learned a lot. The main thing I learned was that rifle was damn heavy. Immediately after completing the course, it hit the gun locker and remained there until I found a buyer. After the course I also immediately bought a Colt 16 inch lightweight Ar-15A2 upper on a Colt AR-15A3 lower.

The above preban Colt 20 inch Sporter II came to me from one of my brothers after I got my lightweight and has sat unfired in my safe ever since. A spring episode of "gun fever" caused me to decide to turn an unused asset into something I could use. For a microsecond I thought about an AK 47 but I just couldn't do it. Maybe next time.

The base for the replacement will be this lower from Rock River Arms.

I am presently working out the details for the upper receiver. At this point, I think it will not be an A2 style upper. It will however have a lightweight 16 inch chrome lined barrel. It will also more than likely be made by Rock River Arms.

I think a lightweight 16 inch barrel AR-15 with any sighting system (red dot, telescopic or iron sight) is very effective up to 100 yards. If the person you are engaged with is 100 yards away or more, I feel you may want to consider withdrawing or it's probably time for a larger rifle.

06-03-10, the lower is now in my possession.

06-08-10, my upper has been ordered as shown her. This is an Rock River Arms Entry Tactical Upper Half (A4 Receiver)with a detachable A2 carry handle. The lightweight chrome lined barrel will be 1/7 twist.

Assembled, the new rifle complete with a full 30 round magazine will weigh equal to or less than the Colt Sporter II without a magazine that it replaces.

Thank God He Made it Home - But Some Of His Shipmates Did Not

2010-05-03T16:40:00.010-04:00

The Old Salt would like to thank him and his shipmates for a "Job Well Done".

Happy Birthday To Me

2010-03-23T20:19:00.004-04:00

20 gauge Remington 870 Wingmaster with a 28 inch barrel and the capability of multiple chokes.

A closeup of the action,

Buttstock,

and, Forearm.

While taking the picture, my dog Shasta walked by and in typical dog fashion licked the shotgun. I wiped it dry but I think the picture shows a fingerprint which is not there.

This shotgun was a "sweet deal." Now all I need is a full set of chokes and perhaps a slug barrel.

An Irish Gang

2010-03-20T21:16:00.005-04:00

A Three Monsters Photography Photo

Very similar to the "Three Musketeers" or perhaps it is just Moe, Larry and Curly at work.

Two Florida Birthday Boys

2010-02-25T21:02:00.007-05:00

Here are the suspects in question. No they are not twins. The big guys twin is in NC. The Florida Birthday Boys, one is 66 years of age and one is 2 years of age, but they play well together.

When you are the youngest brother, there is always help opening your presents.

Brother is very observant.

Learning how to drill your way into your next present, kind of like a mini-safecracker.

All the boys are into something in this picture, including Dad.

Have you ever, I say ever, seen a cuter construction worker?

He looks "On The Job".

Another shot of our junior hero.