Out for a while…

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 I am as old as this 1939 Buick, and not in half as good-a-shape!

For today:

Sherry says she will but comforters on both beds in the apartment.  I made a mistake and put ice trays in the refrigerator and one was too long and held the freezer open for a couple days, burning out the compressor.

There were a few things wrong with the refer, one that bothered me was the ‘temp’ gauge was missing. So I took time to haul it to the dump.  Jack Jr. says he has an extra small refer at his home here and will get it over here once he returns to NC.

My head is sort ‘empty’ or blank. My mind is ‘here and there’ and I cannot concentrate on the Shipslog. I am taking another break, see you in a few days…

I do appreciate your reading and comments. BUT if I can figure how I will turn off comments for your convenience.

Love y’all

Nite Shipslog

PS:

 

Limited travel

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 1915 camper. Evelyn sent it and also colorized it.

For today:

I just wanted to thank you all for the suggestions for selling, buying stuff on the internet. These are very helpful.

I remember daddy talking about mules working harder than a horse and living longer.  He said we should take a note from the mule.  HOWEVER that doesn’t always apply to humans. Sherry’s mama worked hard and passed at 61 and my daddy did also but then passed at 69.  Now here is a hint from an OLD MAN.  When I was 22 yrs old I would have said Sherry’s mama Susie lived a long and successful life, now here is another HOWEVER……. Once you are close to 60 it doesn’t seem like such a LONG life, and truthfully it isn’t.

The present. I have a world map hanging in the basement. I decided today to mark or highlight the places we have visited and or lived. We have traveled but we have only scratched the surface. There are 195 countries, we have only visited about 26.

WE are limited to the areas we travel now, we stay mostly here on the east coast.  We are not sure when we head to Florida this year, but it will be at best, late September.

OH yes, there was a lot of moving stuff around in the last 2 days. I called a friend who does odd jobs after his regular job. He and his son came over and moved a couple china cabinets. THAT gave me some more room in the apartment bedroom.

Here is the latest update:

Looking at the entrance side. You can see I found a place for the sewing machine and using my dad’s old cedar shift-robe I added two feet beside it and made sort of a closet.

I also wall mounted a Fire-TV, we only have an outside antenna, but it works okay! Yes this BR is big, 16'x 20'.

That is it for today!!!! (Next I must refinish the antique table and get it ready to sell..)

Nite Shipslog

PS: Here lies my backpack unattended. I must get it ready if I plan to do any backpacking early next year..

 Kentucky Horse Park

Transportation Photo:

 1917 to 1947

 

Man o war!

For today:

One year in our travels we stopped in Lexington, Kentucky. There was an RV park advertised at the “Kentucky Horse Park.”  It sounded like a good place to look around and it was.

It is a big tourist attraction and I had never heard of it. There is a lot to do there, with pony rides and back woods trips. But I found the most interesting part for me was the museum with a history of horses and racing in Kentucky.

Pulling into Lexington the first thing I noticed was “Man ‘O War Boulevard!”  Hot diggedy d dog. From my early school years Man ‘o War was my favorite Kentucky horse.  He is buried right there in the Horse Park, I got to visit his grave.  I have no idea why, but it sure meant a lot to me.

I never owned a horse. (I am smiling here.) In my mama’s final years I asked, “Mama, what kind of horses did you and daddy have?”  She looked at me kinda odd, like her saying of, ‘A cow looking at a new gate!’

“Son, we never had horses. They were for folks ‘up in the papers.’ We had matched Roman Nosed mules. They could plow all day then pull the wagon to Town, Horses couldn’t have done that.”

I knew that REAL cowboys didn’t ride them, and they don’t run in the Kentucky Derby! But she gave me a little schooling about farm life. I could have used much more. I think we all, who have lost senior family wish we had learned more.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

Outback & bedroom

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         Sometimes we are just overloaded!

For today:

Today was grandson Matt’s BD.  Next month is grandson Luke’s BD so we decided it was time for a family dinner so we announced dinner at Outback. We had 14 show up and had a good time.

Now for a shot at the bedroom.  Still a lot of work involved, but I moved two twin beds from our #2 BR upstairs. Sherry has always wanted a double bed in there instead of twins.

I have shuffled a lot of STUFF but here is near the final look, yesterday.....

Today....

The twins had some frilly female spreads and sheets, so I left them topside and brought the beds and one pair of sheets down. Of course I replaced the frilly pillow case covers. Gotta find a spot for the sewing machine….

I hope to move this China cabinet

up topside and make more room here. 

I checked the antique shop today, they do not do consignments.

I will try to sell an older china cabinet, buffet and table and chairs somewhere online when I find out how to, and the place. LOL

I know of craig’s list, do you know anymore? Any suggestions?

Nite Shipslog

Time is running out

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 When your pet Camel wants an outing!

For today:

Time is running out for me to make an end to the apartment. Soon we should be heading south for a time. I have cancelled the short visit to PA because the RV club we are in, Thousand Trails, will not talk to Sherry on the phone.

This was a strange phone situation. I am sure you have called some business and went thru the selections pick #1 for appointments, #2 cancellations etc.  Then you select your number and hear: “Please hold, our operators are busy with other members, we will be with you shortly.” But this time after that hold message, they come back with a new message I had never heard. Our operators are too busy to take your call. Please try again later!

Then the second try, the same stinking message. We were calling to see if we could get more than the 5 days. They always say, please call the RV park they may find that few days.  So instead of buying diesel for such a short trip we cancelled. We have dear friends in the area and were hoping to see then, since they are getting OLDER! ;-)

Anyway, we will head South in September, hoping we can get reservations this time of the year with no problem, but THAT IS NOT GUARANTEED!!!

This RV association is a lot like the Condo agreements that don’t always work the way advertised. The company itself is covered by the small print that says (as available) when pointed out to the salesman they will say, “Oh, that will be no problem we will find room for members.”

WE enjoy traveling in the RV, we hope to keep it up for a few more years. The coach is parked out back and it is calling to me, “Hey start me up, let’s go!”

 Nite Shipslog

PS: Ref the apartment: I am now playing with the bedroom, this is a tough spot, too much stuff to relocate.  I am expecting the last of the lights and insulation tomorrow....

It is nice being Perfect

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Not my fault someone didn't know where to plant a tree!

 

For today:

At times I have to rein myself in.  I find that ‘being perfect’, I judge my fellow men and women too harshly. I must be careful or I might say to someone, “Hey, I wouldn’t do that if I were you that is stupid!”

I wonder if Catholic folk judge their priest as harshly as I tend to judge protestant pastors? Does the Islamic ever say of his Iman, Are you crazy? Reckon a Hindu would say, ‘That Guru is isn’t playing with a full deck?’

And then there are the USA drivers. There would be no wrecks if everyone followed my lead and drove perfect! (Well maybe except for the few times I hit the rumble strip on the edge of the highway, or wandered past the yellow line on the rare occasion!)  But that is understandable that is me and I have to keep all the other drivers straight and my mind is correcting them and keeping them out of trouble. LOL

I had a friend on the last ship who told me folks in NC cannot drive in the snow!  I smiled and said, “Evidently the only folks who can drive in the snow live at the North Pole because everyone who lives North of you can drive better in the snow.”

The perfect stuff is just ‘Bull Feathers’.  BUT Sherry says if I keep trying I will learn to boil water without scorching it.

BUT truthfully, if we humans aren’t careful we will judge others without knowing the full story.

I have a friend, William. He is very sick now and fighting for his life. He finished drywall for my company on many houses. 9 out of 10 times when I dropped by the job he would be sitting on a 5 gallon bucket smoking. I would always kid him, “Don’t you ever work?”

His answer was always the same, “Who do you think is throwing all this drywall mud for you?”

Son Mark would comment about our bookkeeper. “Dad, Marvin never works, every time I drop something off at his office he is laying on the couch!”

Maybe he worked at night, someone did our taxes!!  LOL

Thanks for stopping by the Shipslog.

 

Nite Shipslog

PS:

Apartment doing well, it now has heat and cool.

I would like to go back….

 That Car:

Okay they are really motocross bikes in GITMO.

 

Son Mark on left #56 and Jack Jr #44.  They were good and won a lot of races!

For today:

We have been many places in our travels.  Some I would very much like to go back to.  We spent nearly 4 years in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba commonly known as GITMO.  I specifically asked for duty there. I was stationed on the Air Craft Carrier USS Independence when I was given the privilege of selecting any base or ship (that used my specialty) in the world as my next duty station. The skipper asked me if I would consider remaining on his Carrier, I replied, “Yes sir, I would definitely stick around if you allowed my wife to live aboard.”

He laughed, “Petty Officer Darnell, there will never be a woman on a US Navy fighting ship!”  A whole lot he knew huh?

When the skipper saw my choice he said, “WHAT? I can give you Hawaii, Europe, anyplace, we send folks to GITMO as punishment! Why would you want to go there?”

Because I can take my wife and kids and it is considered sea duty.

In my career I had pulled into GITMO for training several times. When I was ashore I saw sailors walking and shopping in the PX with their wives. It looked like a perfect community, so I asked to go there.

It was absolutely the best duty I had in the military. It was actually like a tight community.  We learned to bowl there and the kids did Motocross and sports. The two stores closed at 6PM like they did in my youth, LOL.

Armed forces TV came on about 4PM and off at 11PM.

It is impossible to go back to visit, but I sure would like to.

Myra and our sons have something in common. She spent a lot of her childhood in a Classified Government Controlled area. I understand there too she had the same feelings, a tight community.

Bob Hope came down to visit once.... I had my first chance to see Charlie Pride one of my favorite singers who came with him....

And yes! There is much more to GITMO than a prison.  It is one of the best USN Training Bases, the weather is tropical and beautiful 99% of the time.

This guy was about 3' long and came to our table begging for food once when we were eating at the Acey Deucy Club. Iguanas were plentiful, sorta like feral cats. LOL

Nite Shipslog

PS

The Pony Express, I know you have heard of it...

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(Okay so that was just early transportation…. LOL  Not an auto.)

 

For today:

Being a cowboy at heart since those Saturday morning Roy, Gene, Lash Larue, Cisco Kid etc, movies I used to sneak off to. The movies were a sin, but they were so good, I knew the Lord would forgive me….

We passed thru St. Joseph in 2010 and did take time to learn more and visit the Pony Express Museum. I had a ball.  Here is a short overall blurb:

The Pony Express route was nearly 2,000 miles (3,200 km) long overland, had about 190 stations (mostly in Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada), and required about 10 days to cover. Each rider generally rode 75 to 100 miles (120 to 160 km) and changed horses every 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 km).

I had no idea that the life span of the Express was so short lived. They went bankrupt after about a year and a half.  You can imagine the cost to deliver mail over 2,000 miles by pony had some HIGH overhead.

I was pleased and yes amazed at the oath the riders took to risk their lives delivering ‘fast mail’. Check this out:

Two of the most famous riders were Buffalo Bill Cody and Robert (Pony Bob) Haslam.  One thing that killed the Pony Express was the Telegraph that developed and crossed the country for FAST communications.

That was on my mind today. (It is sweet when the Grands drop by and bring the great grands) Thanks to Sherece and Matt, We had a visit by Stella and Maverick, greatgrands that really liked the apartment. They enjoyed the kitties and trains, but they both would have made good Pony Express riders….. LOL..

Nite Shipslog

The end is in sight!

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 This is a California customize job.  I think they had more money to spend customizing than we here on the east coast. LOL

For today:

I think I started on the kitchen part of the apartment in Mid July.  It has been a fun job, with the exception of the Covid interruption. I surprised myself and hung the framework for the ceiling and installed all the sections in two days.  Here is the Armstrong suspended ceiling 6 hours after the work started.

 

This is the results this evening, I am proud of the end product. All that is lacking in work is the A/C and heat which isn’t too complicated.  I also need to get one more light fixture for the living area.

 I am not thrilled with the kitchen light but it is in.

Sherry came down to see the ceiling, she is proud of the resulting apartment space. I tell her it is all just a puzzle.  She said, “But you work big puzzles!”

I am feeling a little tired, but am told that is normal.

Thanks for reading this stuff and the comments also.

Life is good and WE are blessed……

Nite Shipslog

PS:

 

A ceiling…..

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You see some personalized autos today, but there are some like the 1950's Mercury.

For today:

Okay back to work, every apartment needs a ceiling, not exposed floor joists.  So today I bit the bullet and went to purchase my ceiling grid and inserts for the apartment.

All went well, for the first few parts, but the Main parts, the main beams for the supported ceiling, were trash, junk. The store had 25 of them, I needed 8. There was NOT ONE that was not damaged beyond use. I asked for some help, was sent from one to another thru 4 folks, no one could find any more, they offered to sell the rest at half price. I laughed, actually laughed and informed the manager that he knew we were looking at scrap metal, it would be sold for the price of 10 cents a pound making each $15 piece worth about 30 cents. He agreed, but could be no further help except to order more, it would take a week or so.

I turned down the offer.

I brought the good purchases home, unloaded and found everything I needed in the neighboring town. So I am good to go .......... when I remember how to hang this stuff. LOL  It has been about 25 years since I hung a dropped ceiling…

Hopefully I will have a picture of the progress in the morrow.

Thanks again for all you who read & comment.

Nite Shipslog

PS: I talked to my friend, Billy, a day of so ago. He loved his 1956 Studebaker Hawk. I asked if he was still driving it. He said, "Jack I sold it and bought me a T-Bird," laughing he continued, "It has air conditioning.!"  Yep A/C was not high on the list in the 1950s, and this weather lets you know A/C is good.

Status: Negative

 It is hard to believe I can now kiss my wife.  I just about took another test to make sure the negative was spot on.  But I do believe it is.  So Yep, Imma get some of the kisses I have missed.

I have still kept plugging along on the apartment.  Still missing is the h/A/C and the ceiling.  That will finish the project, oh EXCEPT for a cable for the new TV we bought for the apartment.  We only have a roof top antenna, but at least one can get the local channels when the weather is good.  I never liked what we called 'noise' on the old pictures where the whole picture sorta faded in bad weather, but somehow I see the 'freezing' of figures and views as more irritating. LOL

Modern noise.... I guess.

Looking good here, still a little weak.  We did go for a walk yesterday, nearly a mile I noticed that Lisa (across the river) went for a mile walk and got an ice cream, we weren't that lucky. LOL.

I have resumed my duties as dish washer this morning, I guess we will soon be back to normal.......

Here is hoping the trip to PA will come about......  Not sure yet...

Nite Shipslog

Good stuff!

 

For today:

I have a good doctor at the VA. He shook my hand and gave me an all clear. He said also that my blood work was ‘Beautiful’, Perfect. I am a little tired but I sure felt good to see a negative on the test.

I did get a congratulatory peck from Sherry. The first touch in a few weeks. Sure is nice to KNOW that I am a negative…. BUT positive person. Kisses are normal around here, and we have really missed them.

I also got the  booster shot while I was there.

He did not say, “Gain that weight back,”    But I already have gained a couple pounds.. 

Again, thanks for all your concern, things should get back to normal…….     

Maybe I can write about something other than Covid....

 Nite Shipslog

Hoping all the worst is behind....

 I got out today and went to get my blood work done.  It is the best I have felt in weeks. My Dr. said come in for an appointment on Wednesday.

I had one little mixup. I got lost on the way to the Dr. but thanks to Mr. Google I got back on track.  I missed one turn and threw me a few miles out of the way, but I arrived on time.  My guide was not with me, they suggested she not come in with me.  Had she been with me, I would have hit the nail on the head...

I want to thank each and everyone of you for the comments and e-mails of concern. I must admit I thought I would NOT get this Covid.  I am usually not vulnerable.  Neither of us can figure where I contacted it and also why my sweetheart did not get it.  I am sure glad she was able to take care of me.

  I sure married a beauty!!!!

One good thing, I am down to 140 pounds, I weighed 137 when we got married.  Sherry says she wants me to gain the 20 pounds back....  I have never lost that much weight. LOL

Again thanks for your concern and prayers....  Life is good.

Nite Shipslog..

 

Understanding Covid, HA!

… Memorable car of the day:

 This is actually a 1950 Ford, we called it customizing...

I feel customized!  But I don't look this good...

For today:

Live and learn I have been told. Yes, I tested positive 3 times for Covid using 2 different types of tests because I couldn’t believe it. Then what do you do?  You listen to folks, look on the net, get advice from recent survivors, etc. So after the self-quarantine, as you start feeling better, how do you know you are out of the woods? AH HA, I had a great idea.  I will call and find a drive thru Covid testing spot.  I did. I drove thru.

YOU will have the results in 2 to five hours via e-mail. We hope you the best….

I drove back home, told Sherry what they said, in about 15 minutes, I decided to ck my e-mails. Ah ha results are in, WHAT?. After giving the secret words and secret hand shakes with my monitor I read, “YOU ARE POSITIVE!”

We started dreading another week separation, etc.  Then I started checking around. I searched the web, I am learning that VERY FEW people “TEST OUT FROM UNDER COVID,” they just go about their business once the symptoms depart… WHAT?  I don’t want to be running around spreading this stuff, the DANGED tests say I have COVID!!!!  Do I believe them?  WHAT? One person told me I could test positive up to 3 months, and not have it.

I called my Dr, told them the story.  I have an apt in a few days. He sends word get the blood work done and make the appt if the symptoms are gone…… ?!?!?!

I am talking to myself, “Tell me again what the symptoms are?”  There are so many I doubt if ALL symptoms have disappeared from 50% of us survivors….”

I am a: “I want solid answers!” type of guy.  When am I not a threat to my sweet wife?  When am I not a threat of Joe Citizen at the hardware store?  I NEED to know!

Don’t worry about it I am told, go on with your life…. So I am back in the house with my sweetheart. Right now I have a mask on, not sure how long that will last.

Do I sound confused?!?!?….. Lost in North Carolina, BUT FEELING BETTER…  I’m tired, is that a symptom???

Nite Shipslog