RichC | March 11, 2016
If we upgrade our current Bruce anchor, this Mantus bracket would be ideal to keep the spare ready to deploy on the stern rail. Archiving this “currently $120” bracket for that purpose. I wonder how well it would hold a Bruce?
RichC | February 24, 2016
I’m always looking for better ways to store things on the boat … Kelley Gudahl shared a few things they do on her Sailing Chance blog … so figured I would archive them. First the flip-flop storage idea really caught my eye since we always have them sliding around the cockpit floor. There’s not that […]
RichC | February 5, 2016
Some simple financial steps, 8 to be exact, to follow from Money were shared this month and they are worth reading and remembering. I’ll post below in case they disappear … but you should read it here. 1. Save More for Retirement How much money will you need each year to enjoy a happy and […]
RichC | February 4, 2016
While working on aligning the Volvo diesel on Encore last week, I realized that my tool bag didn’t have the correct wrenches to adjust the motor mounts. I’m archiving the correct tools for the future. To adjust the Volvo alignment requires a feeler gauge and TWO 15/16” open ended wrenches – one needs to be […]
RichC | January 17, 2016
Archiving a January 2016 photo of my nephew Jaben and my son Taylor before the Bengals demise last week. They decided to get together in Cincinnati and watch the playoff game together – from all accounts, they had a good time. I’m sure my brother feels the same way … it is nice to see […]
RichC | January 15, 2016
We’ve had a professional security system in the house for years, but I’ve always thought it would be nice to make a homemade version for the detached garage/pool house – might be a perfect Raspberry Pi project? The first step was to see just what kind of wifi signal was there, considering the tiny $10 […]
RichC | January 9, 2016
Thankfully the weather held and the construction was able to continue on the chimney repairs. They completed the final soldering of seams on the stainless steel custom top this morning and were quick to show up and collect the check too. Although this was an expensive surprise after replacing the roof, I’m glad to have […]
RichC | January 5, 2016
After tweaking the 64GB micro SD card to get a few things set up on the Raspberry Pi, it sounded like a good idea to backup an image. The best option sounds like using the Terminal and command line instructions … but be aware, even with rdisk, it take a while. An example from raspberrypi.stackexchange.com […]
RichC | December 29, 2015
How do you control the brightness on Thunderbolt connected secondary monitor without any physical controls? This took me a few minutes to figure out … so its worth archiving as a tidbit. When your display desktop is at a premium, or you are running virtual operating systems, having a second monitor is a real plus. I added a secondhand 27″ Mac Thunderbolt […]
RichC | December 27, 2015
Katelyn and Drew headed back home to Wayzata, MN this Sunday morning after monitoring the wave of nasty weather pushing north later today. It looks as if they will be in the clear by the time they get to Chicago; the ice, snow and rain should be south of Wisconsin and Minnesota … at least […]
RichC | December 17, 2015
I regularly read the updates from the Canadian couple and TV series host of the sailing program Distant Shores and wanted to archive their post and illustration on using the downwind spinnaker pole on passages.
RichC | December 15, 2015
One of the issues we found when replacing our roof last month was a wobbly chimney chase for the fireplace in the house. The original fireplace has a stainless steel chimney that extends from the first floor through the second floor, the trusses and then the “chimney chase” on the roof. The builder must not […]
RichC | December 14, 2015
“Tis the season” that many of us are franticly shopping, decorating, cooking and finalizing all the trimmings associated with December and weeks leading up to Christmas. Perhaps we should be a little be more focused on the reason we celebrate rather than all the trimmings — Christ’s birth! It is easy to get lost in all the preparations than […]
RichC | October 25, 2015
It is interesting how certain commercials are bring smiles to our faces … but we always seem to stumble on a commercial that sticks in our heads. This one from Time Warner Cable has Brenda and me doing back and forth “yes, welcome” to each other … just as one from Geico did in 2012. It’s […]
RichC | October 16, 2015
I wrote and email the other day explaining my thoughts to someone commenting that they were impressed with the Democrats and and not so impressed with the Republicans after watching three recent debates by 20+ different candidates. Since I put a little time and thought into my reply, I figured it might be blog-worthy … […]
RichC | October 14, 2015
My old Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio office in 2015 and before moving in back in 1987 While calling on customers in NE Ohio last week, I had an hour to enjoy the sunny autumn weather and drove by to see my old building. RC Norman Construction has been in it a few years now and […]
RichC | October 13, 2015
It’s been almost 10 weeks since Brenda fractured her pelvis and busted up her shoulder and today is “return to work day.” We are hoping she can tolerate it. The physical therapy has gone well but it has been a challenging recovery in getting to this point. Brenda is exceedingly appreciative to one particular occupational […]
RichC | October 12, 2015
Lynwood Laboratories, Inc Shoo-Fly – save information and purchase link to be tried aboard Encore. It doesn’t matter what you call them—no-see-ums, gnats, sand fleas—yeah, you know who I mean … those maddening flying teeth! And it’s beyond belief how these little Houdinis can get through, or around, even the finest and most tightly-fit hatch […]
RichC | October 3, 2015
Wouldn’t you know … ours! On October 1, 2015 BSH Home Appliances Corporation, the manufacturer of Bosch® dishwashers, voluntarily agreed, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada to conduct a recall to replace the power cords on certain models of Bosch brand dishwashers. The Bosch brand dishwashers were manufactured […]
RichC | September 17, 2015
I’ve mentioned using Amazon’s AWS storage once or twice before as a way to store data in the cloud. The more I use and learn about their services, the better I feel moving data into the cloud and archiving with AWS. Next step is to dig deeper into their cloud based servers for applications, CMS […]
RichC | September 16, 2015
Archiving anchoring advice from a September 9, 2015 article in Bluewater Cruising‘s online Currents web publication. Anchor Marker Floats by Fran and Jean-Guy Nadeau Arriving in a crowded anchorage can be a daunting challenge. The degree of apprehension skyrockets while you bumble about trying to find that perfect spot while the skippers of the surrounding […]
RichC | September 10, 2015
When my daughter Katelyn was home a few weeks ago, she wanted Brenda to try painting a few things with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. It happens to be a fairly popular crafty decorating “thing” and a creative way to reuse old furniture. This started the process of looking for items around our house to paint. […]
RichC | September 5, 2015
The origins of these idioms are interesting (even if untrue). I didn’t bother looking any of them up, just posted the saying from a forwarded email … although probably pulled from a magazine or an archived site? “In the old days,” a big kettle hung over the fire and was used to make a stew. […]
RichC | September 3, 2015
It is obvious the #TBT photo of my son Taylor on the left was taken by me, but the one above at the Great American Ballpark this summer in Cincinnati was copied from Facebook. Since Taylor posted them both to wall this past week, I starting thinking about growing up … both for him […]
RichC | August 31, 2015
Archiving an educational post on lightning and boating. Although there may not be one perfect way to protect yourself or your boat when thunderstorms appear, putting the odds in your favor does make sense. According to Boat U.S. “The feature reports that in any one year the odds of your boat being struck by lightning […]
RichC | August 22, 2015
Wanted to archive this short article from Quantum Sails on the Cruising World website … good info Taking your friends and family out for a day cruise is just about the best way we can think of to enjoy the fall colors that are about to start painting the northern parts of the U.S. But […]
RichC | August 20, 2015
It has been a long week already and my brother and I are already having conversations about dad’s house and contents. I know it is something we need to do, but it seems so final … and I guess it is? We did talk about this a little bit with dad, but it wasn’t the […]
RichC | August 3, 2015
It was the weekend for visiting … both my dad who returned to Lane Park Assisted Living in Sidney, Ohio and my wife Brenda who is recovering from her fall from a ladder (previous posts: One, Two and Three with more below). Thanks to my brother Ron, decisions for my dad was something I didn’t […]
RichC | July 26, 2015
One of the projects coming together this past weekend was the disassembly, wire-brushing the rust (a lot), and painting of my late father-in-law’s old red Jackson lawn trailer. As mentioned previously, it was about 40 years old, well used, and had quite a bit of rust. Nevertheless, it was well made with quality steel – […]
RichC | July 6, 2015
I’m archiving a couple final (or nearly final) photos from my mother and father-in-law’s Farmhouse in Western New York. I spent the last few days as “busy as a beaver” finalizing a few things so that a home inspection would be as painless as possible … that is for a home built in the 1800s! […]
RichC | June 15, 2015
Erase previous codes by pressing and holding two outside buttons for 20 s until red light flashes. Release buttons, proceed to step 1. Unplug garage door opener from house current. Hold garage door opener remote control 2 – 5 in from HomeLink keeping red light in view. Select Homelink button you want to train. Press […]
RichC | June 10, 2015
This is a birthday greeting for my son Taylor and the video below may not fit the #TBT criteria as well as the one I posted for my daughter Katelyn last month, but the “original birth announcement card” above sure does (the artwork is the handiwork of his older sister). I think a little sailboat […]
RichC | May 23, 2015
Being sentimental or overly reflecting on each day really is not in my nature, but because my prayer list growing for those who have health issues, I’ve spent a little more time “trying” to appreciate “the moments.” The focus this winter/spring has primarily been on my dad (and my mother-in-law), and I’ve made a priority […]
RichC | May 18, 2015
Just a little archiving after working in the yard this past weekend … that BESIDES cleaning the swimming pool and repairing the tiles (past repairs). Mulching this year is not going to be inexpensive since we really didn’t add any last year … but it does really improve the look of our “less than […]
RichC | May 17, 2015
Here are instructions for a simple, but effective carpenter bee trapLINK
RichC | May 14, 2015
Since my daughter’s birthday falls on a Thursday this year it offers me a perfect excuse (as if I need one) to reminisce a little and post a Throw Back Thursday (#TBT) video … this one from 1996. Love you Katelyn — Happy Birthday!
RichC | May 4, 2015
Besides the “lighter” personal oriented items I’ve been posting on my blog lately, I wanted to archive a few details about my dad struggling with getting older and being back in the hospital. This past Sunday the nurse at Lane Park where dad is now living told us dad had a high fever and was […]
RichC | May 1, 2015
Sharing and archiving a little left over video from our recent trip sailing on Encore with our son Taylor last week. He stretch out a week using some of his vacation time (wisely … more later) while coaxing Brenda and me to do the same for a few days. We had great spring weather (80s) […]
RichC | April 30, 2015
Since I’ve been negotiating these past couple of weeks in selling my mother-in-law’s farmhouse and property, it seemed appropriate to post a Throw Back Thursday (#TBT) photo of Dad Howard in his gardening attire. We are close to having a signed contract and are entering the inspections phase along with financing approval and wondering […]
RichC | April 29, 2015
While enjoying some time day-sailing aboard Encore this past week, I squeezed in a couple of repair projects. First I replace the plywood shelf in our lazerette with a new 2×2 X-braced shelf. I really wanted to add a couple coats of paint to protect it from moisture and dripping water, but a single sprayed […]
RichC | April 22, 2015
Every once in a while I run across a good idea and save the tool tip. I don’t recall which sailing magazine or source I clipped this to my iPad in, but wanted to archive to my blog. I’ve noticed a few purchased products with a silicone blob on electrical connections, but adding a little […]
RichC | April 20, 2015
I spent Sunday afternoon with my son Taylor while he was back home visiting from North Dakota on a cloudy and rainy afternoon. He was my tour guide and gave me the updates on the projects and investment that is helping to revitalize Cincinnati. As a suburban guy, I was impressed to see “our home […]
RichC | April 6, 2015
Hmm … I just might have some work to do in modifying our Adirondack chairs before the spring and summer sitting season arrives! Pretty creative modification (or conversation starter) if you ask me! In my spare time (cough, cough) … I could even build a couple extra chairs and see if there was interest from […]
RichC | April 6, 2015
There are several issues to address before gaining much confidence in our existing non-electric Cape Horn Self Steering gear … first and foremost is that I’m missing both the light and heavy air windvanes. These are the vanes which set the course based on wind direction and transfer the “off-track” detection to the paddle which […]
RichC | April 5, 2015
The advantage of having a “desultory” blog is that I can archive any and everything without guilt. This post includes a collection of photos from last weekends’ projects aboard Encore. First, I added a small semi-permanent shelf to the galley for our Sodastream device. Although I haven’t convinced Brenda to give up her cans of […]
RichC | April 2, 2015
If you are interested in or an alum, you’ll love visiting Miami University in this way …
RichC | February 26, 2015
Ever since getting my Keurig Coffeemaker back in 2009, I’ve used it nearly everyday … and multiple times a day at that. It makes making single cups of coffee easier and keeps my coffee drink habit to cups rather than pots! I purchase a variety of specialty coffees or cans of coffee (usually Chock Full […]
RichC | February 23, 2015
While getting sidetracked from the Whale Gusher Mk3 pump rebuild (soaking and cleaning), I started working on Encore’s hatch screen idea since it will soon be bug season on the sailboat in Florida. I’ve been mulling around a few way to “frame” the fiberglass screen material and ending up forgoing the stainless steel for […]
RichC | February 16, 2015
Eventually I’m interested in getting the Cape Horn Self-Steering gear working aboard Encore, but I’m still missing a few parts. Two of the crucial items are the Light and Heavy vanes that make the corrections that pivot the steering gears paddle. The paddle (in the water) amplifies the force in order to control the rudder […]
RichC | January 15, 2015
While posting a few bits on Facebook this weekend, I ran across a January “sale” for Cubic Mini Woodstove sized for RVs and boats. I’ve entertained the idea before and concluded that a small propane fired bulkhead stove aboard Encore would be the best way to warm up the cabin, but there is something attractive […]
RichC | January 12, 2015
As a conservative … politically, I probably don’t give enough credit to the Old Gray Lady for their often excellent articles covering content outside of politics. This weekend was no exception and I wanted to archive an article which has personal interest … and is something I’d like to look in to as an investor […]
RichC | December 22, 2014
This past weekend was a very special one for my niece Jacquelyn as she married Benjamin Wickerham in beautiful wedding ceremony in Jamestown, NY. Besides the wedding with many personal touches and a 1920-40’s themed reception in an old train station, we were able to be with our family. Her father Mark would have loved […]
RichC | December 20, 2014
Merry Christmas to those who continue to check the blog for whatever desultory thoughts I try to type daily in my computer, iPad … or occasionally my smartphone each day. It has been an enjoyable year online for me and my addiction. Although social networks have made posting text, photos, audio and video easier, I’m […]
RichC | December 18, 2014
I’m late to the Throwback Thursday social networking trend, but a “just arrived” photo of Brenda and her brother Mark before his passing is good excuse to start – they look too young for this to be 1991? (thanks for the photo Chris) Besides the smiling sister and brother photo (he was a dentist), our niece Jackie, […]
RichC | December 6, 2014
"Make time, save time while time lasts, all time is no time when time is past." ― Unknown – imprinted on a sundial A few more from writers … “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, […]
RichC | December 2, 2014
In talking with a long time customer today about shopping and using credit cards, the subject of FICO scores came up since they are printed each month on Discover Card statements (nice touch Discover). He ask me what a good score was and I “sort of” knew that over 700 was good and thought 760 […]
RichC | November 21, 2014
Even though my “kids” are now adults, I’m continuing my “proud papa” blogging. My daughter Katelyn sent me a cellphone snap of her “passed the 2014 General Pediatrics Certifying Examination” letter. Way to go Dr. Oostra … you are now officially board certified and working at a great group practice. Speaking of an well run […]
RichC | November 6, 2014
After attempting to sell my mother-in-law’s western New York home by using a realtor this summer, the family has decided to forgo the continued “professional” listing and instead do a FSBO listing … handing it off to yours truly. What are they thinking??? I’ve taken on the project and will “learn as I go” (advice […]
RichC | October 27, 2014
What a wonderful life. I’ll let our video speak for itself. "God is good, God is good all the time. All the time God is good." from the movie God is NOT Dead. But it applies …
RichC | October 13, 2014
Before my childhood home photos are gone from Bing’s Maps, I wanted to archive a couple aerials of the house where I grew up in a rural Curtice, Ohio on Lake Erie. Although my family moved to the “metropolis” of Sidney Ohio when I was in high school, my fondest memories were of growing […]