My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on February 27, 2026

We stumbled upon Julio and his helper in our search for a plumber to fix a leak in our guest shower. The aging shower pan had just enough give to have cracked the plumbing in the drain causing a leak in the first floor condo of our neighbors. Thankfully they were there and called me quickly.

After going through my previous list (two different plumbers – kitchen and master bath sinks) I talked with someone else who does work in our complex. He was unable to help … BUT recommended Julio Ocampo. We were fortunate to have him address the problem quickly in our condo and the neighbors below.  After talking with him, we decided that a patch up fix wasn’t going to permanently solve the problem. So we opted to have him tear out the old molded shower pan, my tile and wallboards. He just happened to have a couple pieces of higher end porcelain from a bigger home remodel and offered it to us at a discount. We purchased a Moen valve and shower set and are much happier to have a much improved guest show (we’re thinking we should consider upgrading our master bathroom  tub to a shower)?

He diligently worked 6 days a week (whatever he could get done in steps) and finished the job this final week of February. The heavy doors I previously installed were re-used and the final caulking is drying as I type. We’re very pleased (final photos below … along with a few of Brenda’s shells).
 

Category: Archive, Personal, Photos, Repairs, Travel | No Comments »
Tags: bathroom, beach, condo1718, delray beach, florida, guest, plumbing, shells, shower

Posted By RichC on February 26, 2026

Ok … this really isn’t humor or even a “Dumb Dad Joke” #DDJ … but I still couldn’t help sharing it.

On the other hand, I needed an excuse to post an update on our condo’s guest shower and plumbing repair. So far so good, although Brenda has a few issues that she is already disappointed with. ☹️  Still, I think it looks nice.

Category: Archive, Humor, Personal, Photos | No Comments »
Tags: condo1718, ddj, dinosaurs, filler, guest shower, Humor, plumbing, repair

Posted By RichC on February 25, 2026

I was asked to submit something short for TheHustings right-column after President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address. It was long … but excellent. Below is what I submitted (and posted):

President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union was a powerful showcase of America’s resurgence—booming economy, secure borders, and bold leadership that puts America First. He avoided directly scolding the Supreme Court Justices on tariffs, but had no issue chastising Democrats, stating “these people are crazy” and asking “how do you not stand up for that?”

Foreign policy weighed heavily, as all in Congress grasp the gravity of military action. Trump pledged to make peace where possible, but said he won’t hesitate to use force when necessary. It was an ominous warning, as he highlighted Iran’s killing of an estimated 32,000 civilian protesters amid their ongoing nuclear enrichment and weapons pursuit: “I will never allow that to happen.”

A few lines drew extended applause, but one on the threat of criminal illegals stood out: “The first duty of the U.S. government is to protect American citizens … not the illegal aliens.”

Trump’s speech featured extraordinary stagecraft in weaving honored guests throughout—Olympic champions, real heroes, everyday winners from his policies, and inspiring stories that brought the MAGA vision to life. He reflected on the dire economy and inflation under Biden, then expressed confidence that after one year of his policies, “our nation is back—it is indeed a turnaround for the ages.” The address was bold, honoring, positive, and convincing: “The Golden Age of America is upon us.”

Category: Archive, Blogs, Personal, Politics | No Comments »
Tags: commentary, president trump, sotu, state of the union, thehustings

Posted By RichC on February 24, 2026

The pumping of sand on Delray Beach continues and the progress has been impressive before the next cold front arrived early this week — another photo or two. Brenda and I continue our long exercise-oriented walks of 17-20 minute miles (for 8-9 miles) … depending on the conditions (tides and sand conditions determined our speed). Thankfully my foot is improving and Brenda’s new hip rehab is a thing of the past. Whew.

We are enjoying our time, the warm weather and the sun this year and are continually amazed at the new creatures we come across on our walks. First (above) was a tiny squid that was still alive and that washed up on the shoreline. I took a photo and then scooped it up and released it back in the ocean. It was the first squid dead or alive that we found on the beach in all the years we’ve been walking here.

Not to be outdone, the next day we came across an even more rare beach find: an ALIVE female argonauts – Paper Nautilus Octopus (see some Grok AI info below).   

(more…)

Category: AI, Archive, Environment, Nature, Personal, Photos, Travel | No Comments »
Tags: argonaut, argonauta, artificial intelligence, beach, beach find, delray beach, florida, grok, ocean, octopus, paper nautilus, restoration, squid

Posted By RichC on February 23, 2026

The U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team just pulled off something epic—they beat Canada 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
AND … it was the first men’s hockey gold for the States since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” back in 1980. What a way to end the teams impressive performance (although Team Canada wasn’t bad either). 😉

This gold-medal showdown was intense from the drop of the puck. Matt Boldy got things rolling early, scoring just six minutes in to put the U.S. up 1-0. Canada fought back as Cale Makar tied it up with about 1:44 left in the second period. From there, it was a defensive slugfest through the third, with both goalies proving they belonged in the Olympics.

Then overtime hits, with the 3-on-3 first to score madness. Zach Werenski feeds a perfect pass and Jack Hughes puts the puck in the goal at 1:41 for the Americans. Pandemonium erupts and red, white and blue USA cheers fill the arena as the solemn faces of the Canadian fans indicate the outcome … even though the game could have gone either way. BUT … on this day, the U.S. found a way, even when they were outplayed in stretches. It’s not quite the underdog miracle of ’80, but it’s a new chapter for American hockey and a “new Golden Generation” as some are calling it.

Huge congrats to Team USA. They went unbeaten, took down the hockey powerhouse on the biggest stage, and gave us one of those moments we’ll be talking about for years. What a game, what a win! 🇺🇸🥇

Category: News, Sports | No Comments »
Tags: 2026 Winter Games, hockey, Italiy, Milano, olympics, wikipedia

Posted By RichC on February 22, 2026

Yes … I do love looking at maps AND learning more about history … especially sailing and shipping history from centuries ago. BrilliantMaps.com always posts something interesting to read and learn about. Hm .. Five of the Great European trading companies: 

The map above shows the routes taken by 5 of the Great European trading companies between 1740 and 1855. Here’s a little bit more about each of them:

British East India Company (EIC)

Founded in 1600, the British East India Company grew from a trading company to a military and political power in its own right. By the early 1800s, the company controlled large areas of India and had more troops and ships than the British Army and Navy. Nearly 15% of Britain’s GDP was a result of the EIC’s activities. The company ceased operations in 1874.

Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)

The Hudson’s Bay Company was a fur trading company that at one point controlled an area of over 7 million square kilometers of North America. In 1870, the company’s land was transferred to the Dominion of Canada in exchange for £300,000. The Hudson’s Bay Company continues to exist as a chain of department stores and remains North America’s oldest company.

Dutch East India Company (VOC)

Founded in 1602, the VOC was the largest Dutch trading company and operated for nearly two centuries before folding in 1799. The VOC established colonies in what is today South Africa, India, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, among many others. It was the first company to issue shares to the general public and served as a prototype for the modern corporation.

Middelburgsche Commercie Compagnie (MCC)

The MCC was the primary Dutch participant in the transatlantic slave trade throughout the 18th century. Ships would sail from Europe to West Africa carrying trade goods, which would be traded for slaves. The slaves were then transported to colonies in the Caribbean and South America, where those who survived the journey were sold. The MCC made 114 such voyages.

Swedish East India Company (SOIC)

Founded in 1731, the Swedish East India Company sailed primarily between Gothenburg in Sweden and the trading city of Canton (now Guangzhou) in southern China, where they traded silver, iron, copper, and timber for goods primarily consisting of tea and ceramics. The company made 131 voyages before folding in 1813.

LINK

Category: Blogs, Education, History, Social Media | No Comments »
Tags: brilliantmaps.com, History, maps, shipping, trading companies

Posted By RichC on February 21, 2026

Several of these video clips pass my way on social media. I’ve always admired the intricate joinery by the skilled Japanese woodworkers who can make simple woodworking techniques look so easy and precise. It is not.

Category: Video, Woodworking | No Comments »
Tags: japanese, joinery, mp4, woodworking