Hello once again. I know that it's been a little while since any posts, but things have been pretty busy. Nothing too big, just life's little issues. Here's an update: Spring has sprung here in NW PA, which means that the 'Cuda is again on the road...OK, so it's just had the oil changed today and has only done about 1/2 mile so far, but at least it's out again.
The day job has been OK, although this is the first year that I've had some major parental issues which have really irritated me in their baseless accusations and psychotic manifestations. I really can't go any deeper into that realm at this time, but suffice it to say that not everyone has a realistic view of the world around them. WOW ( I'm so happy I'm not that unstable) is all I can really say!
The weekend job is doing well, with one of the busiest seasons we've had for the last number of years finishing soon. I won the last two leagues and have started to branch out and visit other places to see how I fare...so far so good. I guess that shooting is something that comes naturally and is really, really fun too...too bad this can't be my full time job-it would really make complaints much easier to deal with :)
Other than that, I'm looking forward to another fishing season and am awaiting the chance to get out and waste some time wandering up and down the local streams in search of solice and the occasional fish.
Hope all is good where you are and that all the folks you deal with are on their medications to keep them rational and within the scope of reality!
Just remember to relax and laugh. Don't take yourself too seriously.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Life Continues
Life keeps moving on. No matter how much work there is to do, life keeps marching on. It's busy and there is always something to take care of. I guess that's the way things work. All is good here overall. Of course there are complaints and gripes, but right now they seem meaningless compared to other issues. I'm still plugging along, keeping my head above water, or rather the snow line here and all is OK. There have been changes and issues but really nothing too major to this point. Sorry I haven't been keeping up with posts, but it's been really busy and I chose to let this part tail off a little. I hope to get/take the time to update further in the near future, but for now suffice it to say that all is well, the snow is melting and I have plans to enjoy life no matter what happens. There are so many things to do and so little time to do them. Maybe "grab life by the horns" isn't just for commercials?
Any way, get out and enjoy no matter what the weather is.
Any way, get out and enjoy no matter what the weather is.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
All's Good
Everything is going well at this point. The car is running strong, fishing has been good and nothing serious has been brought to my attention. No complaints.
The first real car show of the season has come and gone. Well over 100 miles on the odometer and a bit less rubber in the back, but nothing big. As always, it was fun and worth the time to see friends and enjoy the hobby. The only little downfall was spending hours getting the rubber off of the quarter panels...which was still worth it. That little car is running great.
On top of the great running, the car is now fully insured. When I was talking to my agent I wanted to make sure that it was covered under the towing and ended up with full coverage too. For the price, I'd be insane not to cover it. That little bit makes it a little easier to take the longer trips to shows.
While the distance is something, the next show I'll go to is under a mile from home. That's a nice little event in the shade and is usually quite peaceful. Laid back and relaxing is a good thing. No big egos and no expectations, just a meeting of car people.
Other than the car, this summer has brought some enjoyable fishing. Nothing spectacular, but good fish each time out. After a number of really hot and humid days, it's time to get back after it and see if the fish will still bite. That's my plan for the evening. Hit a couple of little streams and see what's still hungry. Another relaxing PM for me. With work done for a couple of months, it's time for a little R & R. I still take care of what I have to, like changing rooms at work and the yard, but I have more time for the good stuff.
I actually golfed for the first time in at least 6 years. It went well for 4 holes until weather moved in. I was just happy not to have lost a ball and only to have been a few over par...which for me is really good. I had 3 bogeys and was sitting at 3 about 10 feet from the pin on a par 5 when the sky opened up. That is a relaxing sport if you don't take it too seriously. Maybe there will be more in my future who knows.
For tonight, it's time now that I take off and fish some more. After the sun gets a little lower in the sky, it's a good time to find a little shady spot on a little stream and see which fish are in the mood for food. I'll fish for a few hours, make myself some dinner and then get to the mowing. I'll be mowing until about dark , but I'd hate to waste good fishing time on something that isn't that much fun or rewarding. So, at this point, I'm off to fish. :)
The first real car show of the season has come and gone. Well over 100 miles on the odometer and a bit less rubber in the back, but nothing big. As always, it was fun and worth the time to see friends and enjoy the hobby. The only little downfall was spending hours getting the rubber off of the quarter panels...which was still worth it. That little car is running great.
On top of the great running, the car is now fully insured. When I was talking to my agent I wanted to make sure that it was covered under the towing and ended up with full coverage too. For the price, I'd be insane not to cover it. That little bit makes it a little easier to take the longer trips to shows.
While the distance is something, the next show I'll go to is under a mile from home. That's a nice little event in the shade and is usually quite peaceful. Laid back and relaxing is a good thing. No big egos and no expectations, just a meeting of car people.
Other than the car, this summer has brought some enjoyable fishing. Nothing spectacular, but good fish each time out. After a number of really hot and humid days, it's time to get back after it and see if the fish will still bite. That's my plan for the evening. Hit a couple of little streams and see what's still hungry. Another relaxing PM for me. With work done for a couple of months, it's time for a little R & R. I still take care of what I have to, like changing rooms at work and the yard, but I have more time for the good stuff.
I actually golfed for the first time in at least 6 years. It went well for 4 holes until weather moved in. I was just happy not to have lost a ball and only to have been a few over par...which for me is really good. I had 3 bogeys and was sitting at 3 about 10 feet from the pin on a par 5 when the sky opened up. That is a relaxing sport if you don't take it too seriously. Maybe there will be more in my future who knows.
For tonight, it's time now that I take off and fish some more. After the sun gets a little lower in the sky, it's a good time to find a little shady spot on a little stream and see which fish are in the mood for food. I'll fish for a few hours, make myself some dinner and then get to the mowing. I'll be mowing until about dark , but I'd hate to waste good fishing time on something that isn't that much fun or rewarding. So, at this point, I'm off to fish. :)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Great Start
It's been a great start to spring here. The last few weeks have been pretty much perfect. Temps are reasonable and above the norm for this time of year. It's been dry and just about all I can ask for from a driving standpoint. The car's been out most days for the last couple of weeks.
About the worst part has been the amount of dust in the air from all the anti-skid put down through the winter. Keeping that off the car has been about all that's taking a little time so far. The new electric pump is doing its job and doing it well. The idle is up a few hundred RPMs so I'll have to do a little tuning, but that's pretty minor.
I'm working on a new teacher to join the fold. There are a couple of these Gen II cudas available through a good friend that would be perfect for a newbie to enjoy and get started. After riding in my 69 Barracuda (with a big block) and a friend's 69 Dart (with a rollerized 340 and a 4 speed) he seems hooked, but afraid that he doesn't know enough. It's a learning experience, which I started years ago when I bought a 68 Charger only knowing how to change the oil. It's a fun hobby that takes up as much time and money as you allow it to. Starting with a basic runner/driver just gives you the bug and it grows from there, along with the skills and knowledge that not many others have any more. I hope this guy sticks around the district and gives into the need for an old beast to tinker with. That's the really fun part of the old cars. We'll see what happens.
With all going well on the home front, I can't complain about much and don't care to complain about what I can complain about. It's spring. It's beautiful out and all's good here. A little storm might keep the car in tomorrow, but that really doesn't matter. I'm happy.
About the worst part has been the amount of dust in the air from all the anti-skid put down through the winter. Keeping that off the car has been about all that's taking a little time so far. The new electric pump is doing its job and doing it well. The idle is up a few hundred RPMs so I'll have to do a little tuning, but that's pretty minor.
I'm working on a new teacher to join the fold. There are a couple of these Gen II cudas available through a good friend that would be perfect for a newbie to enjoy and get started. After riding in my 69 Barracuda (with a big block) and a friend's 69 Dart (with a rollerized 340 and a 4 speed) he seems hooked, but afraid that he doesn't know enough. It's a learning experience, which I started years ago when I bought a 68 Charger only knowing how to change the oil. It's a fun hobby that takes up as much time and money as you allow it to. Starting with a basic runner/driver just gives you the bug and it grows from there, along with the skills and knowledge that not many others have any more. I hope this guy sticks around the district and gives into the need for an old beast to tinker with. That's the really fun part of the old cars. We'll see what happens.
With all going well on the home front, I can't complain about much and don't care to complain about what I can complain about. It's spring. It's beautiful out and all's good here. A little storm might keep the car in tomorrow, but that really doesn't matter. I'm happy.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Ahh, Spring
Life is good here. Spring has sprung and all things seem good. I'm currently clearing the brush from around the property, which has been more intense than I originally thought. There's so much dead plant life that I stand about 5 inches above the ground before I've raked up all the tinder. At times it's a little spooky and rainforest-like.
The weather has been great too. It's a little cool, with temps in the 50's to 60's, but so much nicer than it has been. The car has been out nearly every day and not showing any signs of trouble. Occasionally I get some grief from a person or two that don't agree with me driving something like that but when I tell them my mileage and compare that to the mileage of others on he road, it's usually the end of it. At any rate, I like it and will drive it as long as it's feasible. I do have a mountain bike at the ready if things get too rough though ;)
When all is going well, it's nice to relax on the porch with friends and BBQ something while the birds eat and the deer wander by. That's what I did this PM. No work. Just a little food and conversation in an environment that makes me appreciate where I am. All is good as spring bursts onto the scene. Even the trees behind the house are now displaying the colors of their buds. On some, there are some small leaves too. With only 36 more days to work, I can't help but think about summer and all it has to offer. Until then I'll keep doing what I do and pecking away at what I have to do. Good things await.
The weather has been great too. It's a little cool, with temps in the 50's to 60's, but so much nicer than it has been. The car has been out nearly every day and not showing any signs of trouble. Occasionally I get some grief from a person or two that don't agree with me driving something like that but when I tell them my mileage and compare that to the mileage of others on he road, it's usually the end of it. At any rate, I like it and will drive it as long as it's feasible. I do have a mountain bike at the ready if things get too rough though ;)
When all is going well, it's nice to relax on the porch with friends and BBQ something while the birds eat and the deer wander by. That's what I did this PM. No work. Just a little food and conversation in an environment that makes me appreciate where I am. All is good as spring bursts onto the scene. Even the trees behind the house are now displaying the colors of their buds. On some, there are some small leaves too. With only 36 more days to work, I can't help but think about summer and all it has to offer. Until then I'll keep doing what I do and pecking away at what I have to do. Good things await.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
All's Good
All is good here. We're experiencing some spring, with relatively warm days (60's) and decent nights (40's) and starting to get outside a little more. This time of year is nice, with the days getting longer, the warmer weather arriving and summer not too far off. On Monday, I finished pluming in a new fuel pump and changed the oil. I started the car, which sprang to life almost instantly, and decided to set it on the ground. Since it started so well and was on the ground, I drove it and ended up putting about 20 miles on it that day after work. It went to work the next day and did about 30 miles today. That's a good sign that summer's coming. The 'cuda's out and about. It didn't get all of the intended upgrades this winter, but it's still roadworthy and will see driving duty any day that the weather isn't too bad.
I also took a day off from my weekend job and shot at a little tournament. I had a a great time and shot fairly well. That was the first trip away from my home course in way too long. I'm looking forward to joining the group that invited me to the last shoot at another in the not too distant future.
There is nothing big that isn't going well right now. All's happiness on the personal front. That's a very good feeling to say the least.
Around the corner is the first day of fishing season, which I usually boycott due to the number of anglers on any given stream. But, soon after that first day, when few others are out, I start fishing and relaxing along the various streams around me and enjoying the best of what this area has to offer.
Take a look around and see what's great about where you are...if there's nothing, find a new place to be or take a closer look.
I also took a day off from my weekend job and shot at a little tournament. I had a a great time and shot fairly well. That was the first trip away from my home course in way too long. I'm looking forward to joining the group that invited me to the last shoot at another in the not too distant future.
There is nothing big that isn't going well right now. All's happiness on the personal front. That's a very good feeling to say the least.
Around the corner is the first day of fishing season, which I usually boycott due to the number of anglers on any given stream. But, soon after that first day, when few others are out, I start fishing and relaxing along the various streams around me and enjoying the best of what this area has to offer.
Take a look around and see what's great about where you are...if there's nothing, find a new place to be or take a closer look.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A Little Spring
Well, I can finally see the grass in most of my yard. It's pretty soggy, and the deer have really made a mess throughout the winter. Between the hoof prints everywhere (I guess if it were a golf course we'd call it aerated), and the little piles left by what they ate, it doesn't look or smell too good. The plus side is that I get to watch them as they go about their lives and get to see some start from little spotted youth, through their rambunctious times and into maturity. It's a pretty good thing really.
With the appearance of the grass comes the reminder that driving season is close at hand. I usually wait for a few good heavy rains to wash the salt off the roads before taking to the streets in the car. This year, it also reminds me of what I intended to do over the winter. Right now, the 'Cuda is up in the air awaiting a new electric fuel pump and a better fitting oil pan. (The wheels/tires/brakes will have to wait to be upgraded a little longer) I had issues with the stock mechanical pumps and ended up getting home on a flatbed, which is pretty embarrassing for someone that works on their own vehicle. The oil pan is a result of an engine being squeezed into a place that it wasn't intended to live. I found one that will fit better (thanks to friends) and make for fewer suspension contact issues. There's always some improvement planned.
Friends make many things possible. Without them, the hobby wouldn't have its appeal or be nearly as entertaining. I've learned a lot from people that have taken the time to show me a variety of things, but seem to learn the most from the stupid mistakes I make. Most of the time these mistakes only cost me time, which isn't too bad.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a few friends and I embarked on a what has become a yearly pilgrimage to Detroit for the annual AutoRama. Seeing what some of the greatest minds in the custom car world are doing always makes for ideas for our cars. Even though we were shut down before we reached Cleveland and never got to our destination, visiting with friends made the affair worthwhile. Although my drive started out in a downpour of rain at 4:15 AM and quickly changed to freezing rain followed by near blizzard conditions, it was worth the effort and time.
Whether its computer work, kitchen remodeling, plumbing or any number of normal necessities it's really nice to know that there are few people that can be counted on for support. As I get older, my definition of friendship stays with me. While the MySpace generation sees friends as people they IM with, add to their "friends" list, get into trouble with, or simply "know" from the computer, I can only hope that they learn the true meaning of having friends. Most of the "friends" out there don't meet my definition.
So as true spring approaches, I look forward to supporting friends and continuing to reap the benefits of a larger knowledge base. With that, I guess it's been too long since I've been a student, so it's time to get back into the classes and work toward my degree. I should be able to take a class this summer and then keep up through the next school year. I think I have the finances worked out to the point that I can take care of some more classes and look forward to learning more and putting it to use. So far the UF classes have been great and have shown me so many things that I use, that I can't imagine working without this new knowledge.
Thanks to all who've helped me over this last year. Whether it's wrenching, hammering or typing, I've had a host of people that have tremendously helpful and patient with me as I learn. Hopefully I can return the favors and help others as they progress.
With the appearance of the grass comes the reminder that driving season is close at hand. I usually wait for a few good heavy rains to wash the salt off the roads before taking to the streets in the car. This year, it also reminds me of what I intended to do over the winter. Right now, the 'Cuda is up in the air awaiting a new electric fuel pump and a better fitting oil pan. (The wheels/tires/brakes will have to wait to be upgraded a little longer) I had issues with the stock mechanical pumps and ended up getting home on a flatbed, which is pretty embarrassing for someone that works on their own vehicle. The oil pan is a result of an engine being squeezed into a place that it wasn't intended to live. I found one that will fit better (thanks to friends) and make for fewer suspension contact issues. There's always some improvement planned.
Friends make many things possible. Without them, the hobby wouldn't have its appeal or be nearly as entertaining. I've learned a lot from people that have taken the time to show me a variety of things, but seem to learn the most from the stupid mistakes I make. Most of the time these mistakes only cost me time, which isn't too bad.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a few friends and I embarked on a what has become a yearly pilgrimage to Detroit for the annual AutoRama. Seeing what some of the greatest minds in the custom car world are doing always makes for ideas for our cars. Even though we were shut down before we reached Cleveland and never got to our destination, visiting with friends made the affair worthwhile. Although my drive started out in a downpour of rain at 4:15 AM and quickly changed to freezing rain followed by near blizzard conditions, it was worth the effort and time.
Whether its computer work, kitchen remodeling, plumbing or any number of normal necessities it's really nice to know that there are few people that can be counted on for support. As I get older, my definition of friendship stays with me. While the MySpace generation sees friends as people they IM with, add to their "friends" list, get into trouble with, or simply "know" from the computer, I can only hope that they learn the true meaning of having friends. Most of the "friends" out there don't meet my definition.
So as true spring approaches, I look forward to supporting friends and continuing to reap the benefits of a larger knowledge base. With that, I guess it's been too long since I've been a student, so it's time to get back into the classes and work toward my degree. I should be able to take a class this summer and then keep up through the next school year. I think I have the finances worked out to the point that I can take care of some more classes and look forward to learning more and putting it to use. So far the UF classes have been great and have shown me so many things that I use, that I can't imagine working without this new knowledge.
Thanks to all who've helped me over this last year. Whether it's wrenching, hammering or typing, I've had a host of people that have tremendously helpful and patient with me as I learn. Hopefully I can return the favors and help others as they progress.
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