USS Sarda (AGSS-488), My First Submarine

This was my first submarine after graduation from Submarine School. She served as a Sub School training aid for Officer and Enlisted Sub School students. We normally went to sea daily, making 8 dives before the noon meal and 8 dives after. During the Cuban Crisis she was sent into the North Atlantic to watch for Soviet submarines. We also made trips to Halifax, NS; Eastport, ME; and Quonset Point, RI. In 1963 we also deployed for a 6 month Mediterranean trip. 

USS Sarda (SS-488) first submarine to make 12,000 dives!

Date not known but prior to my arrival.

USS Sarda (AGSS-488) entering Monaco.

1963

USS Sarda (AGSS-488) mooring in Monaco.

1963

USS Sarda (AGSS-488) entering Valletta, Malta

1963

The End Of An Era

Today, at about 1715 hrs, Crash Faengus Ashley was transferred to another celestial location to meet and serve with his old friend, Tutu Kane. They were old pals from way back.

Crash was a UF dropout from Gainesville, FL. When found he was taken in by one of our daughters who had no idea what she was going to do with a crippled cat. The problem was solved by giving the cat to her Dad.

Crash had some neurological problems with his hind quarters but that never slowed him down. He decided at a very young age that if he terrified every dog he met, they would then leave him alone. Crash, was in fact observed many times staking out choke points where he could ambush any unsuspecting dog who should happen to pass by.

 He never bothered any dog who lived in the house and in fact, was quite friendly with all our dogs. However, he ambushed any of our kids dogs who happened to visit. Impaired in the rear quarters he may have been but the front half was a fully armed and ready to go male tomcat.

 Last night it became obvious that he could no longer walk and the end was near. We observed him today and his hind quarters no longer functioned. Crash passed on today at home with the assistance of our veterinarian who ensured that he was not all stressed out. Crash never could abide a trip to the vet, and in fact schooled a few of them also.

Crash was with us over 14 years.

He waited every night at the front door to greet either of us when we returned home. He will be sorely missed!

Osceola Public Range, Lake City, FL

08/14/2013

Two of my grandsons on the range.

Each has a single shot rifle.

The lever action needs to be operated "with purpose."
Neither shooter has enough experience to do that, so all shooting today was "by the numbers."
One often forgets where his trigger finger is!

Lots of concentration on the sights.
Remeber to keep your finger off the trigger until sights are aligned,
and you are ready to fire!

Two happy lads!

They did well for their very first time!

Showing off their targets. The Mom shot also.
She fired some 22 rifles, a Ruger MKIII 22/45 pistol and a 9 mm Glock Model 19 pistol.

Posing with the coach.

Another successful day in Paradise.

Update: Olivia Lynn

 Nana and Olivia

More Nana and Olivia

Nana's first chance to bathe Olivia

Another shot of the bath

Olivia seems to enjoy the warm water

At this point, Olivia seems focused on the camera

No crying during this bath, a good time was had by all

Relaxed and contented, waiting for the next chow call

New Grand Daughter, Olivia Lynn

Nana with the happy couple and the new grand baby!

Nana and Cheez with Mom, Dad and Baby Girl!

Nana working her magic!

Can you tell Nana is happy!

A close-up of the new baby girl!

 The NEW family!

One tired baby!

Another happy Nana shot!

I love the hat!

Nose poke!

Family members checking out the new baby!

Diaper change at the hospital, lots of training going on here.

New Grandson, Asher Levi

Nana and sister meet Asher for the first time.

Big sister is holding him while big brother and Nana look on.

Now it's big brothers chance to hold his little brother.

Mom sure looks healthy only hours after the birth.

The hospital room with all but Cheez who was taking the picture.

Two brothers!

Nana holding bink training.

Could there be a more proud Nana?

Nana got the first dirty diaper.

I think she enjoyed this one, they may get old after the first hundred.

The chair makes a handy lunch table and place to play.

Instructions from the nurse on day 1.

Dad and his newest son.

Another shot when dad is concentrating on his new son.

A family group requested by mom.

And mom and dad with the newbie.

Showing off the tattoo she put on just before we headed to the hospital.

A shot of big brother watching TV.

Big sister was giving dad her crackers so he would have a snack when he came back to spend the night. However, when we left she grabbed the crackers and said she was "just kidding."

Mom talking to her big sister

Brotherly love.

Another family group picture

There was a lot of that brotherly love,

Nana crocheted the little cap. Actually she made three, one for the baby and two others for the big sisters American dolls.

Mother and son, today before I left.

A closeup of our newest grandchild.