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. :)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Still Moving On
All is continuing on a good pace here. Nothing major on the homefront to speak of. I'm just completing a superficial kitchen remodel, which hasn't been too fun so far, and have taken over the lead in our winter league. Nothing has really stood out recently as a really big deal. Life is working out pretty well at the moment. While I am a bit behind in getting the car ready for the next season, all else seems to be on schedule. No complaints/gripes to speak of.
Although I am waiting for spring to reach this locale. I am a bit tired of shoveling snow and scraping the windshield. Other than that it's just business as usual here in NW PA.
The last eclipse was impressive enough though. It was a perfectly clear evening and the best opportunity to witness a lunar eclipse that I've seen in my area. I'm still working my way through my students' pictures and creating a PowerPoint to show what they saw that evening. I attempted to video the event and ended up totally freezing up one camera and missing most of the event with another. Inexperience shows when this sort of event happens. It's too bad they don't occur more frequently so I could become an expert! At any rate, my students enjoyed what they saw and were really enthused about the opportunity. Many really surprised me with what they did to see the eclipse and get me the pictures. I have a pretty good bunch right now.
I guess that's it for the PM. Nothing really outstanding that needs aired right now. An even keel is nothing really noteworthy, but it does feel pretty darn good.
I hope all is well wherever you call home.
Although I am waiting for spring to reach this locale. I am a bit tired of shoveling snow and scraping the windshield. Other than that it's just business as usual here in NW PA.
The last eclipse was impressive enough though. It was a perfectly clear evening and the best opportunity to witness a lunar eclipse that I've seen in my area. I'm still working my way through my students' pictures and creating a PowerPoint to show what they saw that evening. I attempted to video the event and ended up totally freezing up one camera and missing most of the event with another. Inexperience shows when this sort of event happens. It's too bad they don't occur more frequently so I could become an expert! At any rate, my students enjoyed what they saw and were really enthused about the opportunity. Many really surprised me with what they did to see the eclipse and get me the pictures. I have a pretty good bunch right now.
I guess that's it for the PM. Nothing really outstanding that needs aired right now. An even keel is nothing really noteworthy, but it does feel pretty darn good.
I hope all is well wherever you call home.
Monday, February 11, 2008
All's OK
On the personal front all is well. Nothing major to report, just the usual events in life. Nothing to complain about. It's cold, 4 to start the day, but when compared to other locales it's not so bad. Even the snow hasn't been too much deal with. Winter is going better than expected.
I won the fall sporting clays league and was winning the winter league until a really poor showing last week and a lack luster performance in the snow this weekend. It happens. Hopefully I'll figure out what I'm doing differently and fix it this coming weekend. I've been in worse slumps before, that's for sure.
My herd of deer is growing as the temps drop. They eat fairly well here and are not yet showing signs of significant weight loss. They're pretty healthy so far.
All in all a good winter on the home front. I guess it's time to get after the to-do list on the 'Cuda so I'm ready for another cruising season. It's pretty cold in the garage, but it's time to start getting some improvements taken care of. Goals, they're great to have, but not always simple to meet.
Stay warm(for those in the south, at least pretend it's cold) and enjoy the remainder of the winter.
Good luck.
I won the fall sporting clays league and was winning the winter league until a really poor showing last week and a lack luster performance in the snow this weekend. It happens. Hopefully I'll figure out what I'm doing differently and fix it this coming weekend. I've been in worse slumps before, that's for sure.
My herd of deer is growing as the temps drop. They eat fairly well here and are not yet showing signs of significant weight loss. They're pretty healthy so far.
All in all a good winter on the home front. I guess it's time to get after the to-do list on the 'Cuda so I'm ready for another cruising season. It's pretty cold in the garage, but it's time to start getting some improvements taken care of. Goals, they're great to have, but not always simple to meet.
Stay warm(for those in the south, at least pretend it's cold) and enjoy the remainder of the winter.
Good luck.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Been Busy
It's been a while since the last entry!! Things have been busy to say the least. While hunting took a back seat to just about everything else, I did get out enough to relax and enjoy the woods, I passed on several deer and ended up not shooting any. I don't mind and appreciate the time I had out there. Now that season is over, it's time to look at winter hiking here, which is a lot like hunting without the need to be quiet and stalk something. Just getting out and enjoying the scenery in the winter is nice. It's also nice that any rattle snakes are gone for the season and bears are hibernating for the winter too. There's not much out there this time of year that's really hazardous. Coyotes and bobcats are about all that's left on the predatory side this time of year, and they're not really interested in humans as food.
I'm still working on improving the Cuda. I'm waiting for a few parts and will start on the interior soon. If time (and money) permit, it will also get a good set of disks up front and a larger set of drums in the rear. The big engine matched with small brakes has proven to be a little sketchy.
Basketball league started last week too. While I'm again pretty out of shape to start the year, the bumps and bruises seem to hurt more than the lungs and muscles. It's not a very well policed league. This week I'm bruised from shoulder to shoulder, due to elbows in the back under the hoop and have a few good bruises about kidney high too. It's rough at times, but I still enjoy the competition, even though my team's not the best. We have fun and find reasons to keep coming back for more abuse. Even when we lose we still generally have good time.
Well, I guess that's it for now. I still have lesson plans to take care of for next week and a few other things to finish before calling it a day, so I'm done here. Maybe I'll know something about something important next time.
I'm still working on improving the Cuda. I'm waiting for a few parts and will start on the interior soon. If time (and money) permit, it will also get a good set of disks up front and a larger set of drums in the rear. The big engine matched with small brakes has proven to be a little sketchy.
Basketball league started last week too. While I'm again pretty out of shape to start the year, the bumps and bruises seem to hurt more than the lungs and muscles. It's not a very well policed league. This week I'm bruised from shoulder to shoulder, due to elbows in the back under the hoop and have a few good bruises about kidney high too. It's rough at times, but I still enjoy the competition, even though my team's not the best. We have fun and find reasons to keep coming back for more abuse. Even when we lose we still generally have good time.
Well, I guess that's it for now. I still have lesson plans to take care of for next week and a few other things to finish before calling it a day, so I'm done here. Maybe I'll know something about something important next time.
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