Summer is almost here. Maybe try some mother-daughter surfing?
RichC | June 18, 2025
Pulled this off of social media earlier this month and it made me smile. What a great way for a mom to introduce her daughter to a love of the ocean and surfing.
Archive: Our family had a busy extended MLKJr Day weekend
RichC | January 22, 2025
We saw way too many family photos being exchanged over the long MLK Jr. weekend, but I’m including a couple for the blog archive. First I’ll start with an interesting and as Katelyn called it, “blogworthy” techie kind of space selfie project photo. Both Katelyn and Drew are on top of today’s technology oriented projects. […]
Making a few measurements to fix our beach umbrella
RichC | November 17, 2024
On our recent trip to Florida, we saw stronger than usual winds on the beach most of the trip. Unfortunately the excellent BeachBub umbrella broke, although I’m unsure it was due to the stronger wind (but likely). I’ve written an email to the company just to see if there is a new “frame” part even […]
My brother and neighbor enjoying their retirement perch fishing
RichC | July 24, 2024
Since the earlier post this morning was “private” … for friends and family … it seemed like a good idea to archive another “texted to me” photo from last week. My brother Ron has been enjoyed trips up to “his” new property (our old property) and reconnecting with neighbors. He sent a photo out perch […]
An ebook and two photos from my friend Jeff for #TBT
RichC | August 17, 2023
My friend Jeff and I regularly talk about the books we are reading over lunch or on the back porch (too infrequent though) and he sent me one to read last week. I told him I would start as soon as I finished Pappy Boyington’s “Baa Baa Black Sheep” that I’m thoroughly enjoying. “Conservatism, A […]
The Hadley, Polar and Ferrel Cells and Surf Dancing #video
RichC | June 25, 2023
Someone shared a National Geographic map on climate from a “years ago” issue and I found the discussion of the Hadley, Polar and Ferrel Cells interesting … I even had to look them up. The atmosphere transports heat throughout the globe extremely well, but present-day atmospheric characteristics prevent heat from being carried directly from the […]
A ‘distance planning’ tip for hiking or backpacking to pass along
RichC | May 23, 2023
My son Taylor has another semi-repeat backpacking trip planned with a friend from North Dakota (he is now in Montana) for the end of the summer in Glacier National Park (different area). The permits were obtained for the “loop” that they wanted … so now the packing and getting in shape begins (it was fun […]
Archive: The Cornhole woodworking project was a success
RichC | March 7, 2023
For years now, I’ve been planning to make a set of Cornhole boards for the backyard when entertaining in the summertime, but never really wanted to just slap together construction grade 2 x 4s and plywood. So when thinking about a project gift for my granddaughters 3rd and 6th birthdays this year, who are now […]
Summer 2022: If only every day could be like this
RichC | August 28, 2022
Neither Brenda or I have fully retired yet (although I loaf more than I should), but there is no reason THIS couldn’t be every day during retirement IF the weather was perfect all year around. I probably take more time off during the summer than I should and having the girls for a week in […]
A birthday weekend in Georgia with the Gerbers
RichC | August 23, 2022
It was a nice weekend to drive to Atlanta, even though it was only for a short birthday visit for Brenda’s sister Ann. As always, we had a very nice time together, had a great day hiking up to Indian Seats (panorama above) and our favorite part, catching up on the life of their girls. […]
Music Monday: “That’s My Wave” by Jimmy Buffett
RichC | August 22, 2022
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Bundutec Rooftop Tent for traveling and camping #TBT
RichC | March 31, 2022
If I were going to do a little traveling around the U.S. and Canada by vehicle, I’d like to look at something like the Bundutec “Electric Rooftop Tent” for our BMW X5 35D or maybe the minivan? Of course IF I were going to travel in the older 2002 Honda Odyssey, it might be a […]
Men’s interests have changed and a spoiled American rant
RichC | March 9, 2022
Something I’ve notice over the years is that today’s men have lost interest in what traditionally were seen as male hobbies and interests. My thought is that recent generation of men have abandoned working on cars in their garages and spending weekends with tools in their workshop (probably non-existent nowadays). They don’t fish and hunt […]
Are you planning to go hiking or backpacking in bear country?
RichC | February 6, 2022
For those of us who have gone hiking or backpacking in bear country before, we have been taught that avoiding trails shortly after bears have been encountered is the smartest approach to avoiding danger. Of course this doesn’t guarantee not running into a bear on the trail. Having never carried bear spray in the […]
Friday Filler Video: This dad make surfing with kids look easy
RichC | July 30, 2021
Professional surfer Billy Kemper — and his son Lion — surfing together. Surfer Billy Kemper says he glimpsed at death after a wave broke his pelvis in half (CNN) – It was a tiny error in judgement, but within seconds he realized that the consequences could be potentially life threatening. “That wave sucked me up […]
To have both ears working, my balance and to be young again
RichC | June 30, 2021
I enjoy the ocean but haven’t really had my equilibrium and balance back since my 2-year bout with Meniere’s Disease 20 years ago. That’s a bit depressing since I still have the desire to switch out our surfboard for a longboard (or SUP). That dream aside … my wife will tell you that I wasn’t […]
Prepping for summer and admiring a porch view from a friend
RichC | June 2, 2021
Although I’ve enjoyed summertime on the beach ever since I was a little boy (we live on a beach), there is something relaxing about seeing the photo above that a friend sent me from his families rented beach house in North Carolina … it look very relaxing. The older I get, the more I enjoy […]
Thoughts on better sun protection with a better slim brim hat
RichC | May 19, 2021
Like a lot of middle-aged Americans from the baby boomer generation (FYI, I”m at the tail end), I’ve spent way too many years unprotected in the sun. Although I haven’t gone out of my way to get that “healthy tan” (cough, cough) as we used to say in the old days, I’ve still ended up […]
Selling my May Fly lures inventory came back to haunt me #TBT
RichC | May 6, 2021
Whoops … an interesting Throwback Thursday #TBT flashback and mistake on my part … I received an order for MayFly Lures that I posted back in 2018 and sold a few and then sold my entire inventory in one lump in 2019. Unfortunately I forgot to remove the original blog post and so received a […]
Sticking with what I know: Bought my 4th pair of Vasque boots
RichC | March 24, 2021
The more I think about it, the “lamer” it appears to be talking about shoes … but truth be told, the Sperry Topsider reviews and shoe insole posts still are in the top ten when it comes to blog numbers. I’m posting a photo of my newly arrived clearance priced Vasque hiking boots and previous […]
Repairing the aging Caldera Hot Tub … AGAIN #TBT
RichC | December 10, 2020
Well, it happened again. The stainless steel heater element pipe in our Caldera Hot Tub has failed again (last time was 2013). There must be some electrolysis accelerating the corrosion unless the stainless steel tubing is just that poor of quality? On the other hand, like the repair guy commented, your hot tub is far […]
Would you feel safe swimming with an Orca Pod? #video
RichC | August 26, 2020
Just a filler video that I found eye-opening since my wife Brenda is a openwater, correction … shoreline swimmer. 😮
Constantly re-stitching my floating beanbag chair
RichC | August 8, 2020
Although I’m looking high and low for some material to replace the clearance foam bead filled pool floaties I bought a few years ago, I continue to re-stitch and reinforce the old product with “Brenda’s” Sailrite Ultrafeed LS-1. The new stitching holds as long as the old fabric holds up, but sooner or later I’m […]
A cute beach crab GIF and an eye-opening #filler shark photo
RichC | August 2, 2020
This is when you are glad that you at least out on the water with a long board. #surfing And if that is not your cup of tea … maybe strolling down the beach and poking a crab is more your speed?
Looking back 15 years on the blog and wondering what’s ahead?
RichC | August 1, 2020
My goodness, where have the years gone!?! I know that I’m not the only one who asks that question, but when it stares me in the face from 6700 blog post ago … it is a big reminder. I’ve noted in this post that 15 years ago Taylor and I headed up to see my […]
The last post of the decade: Do you remember yard Jarts?
RichC | December 31, 2019
While getting the Christmas decorations for Evergreen Farm Estates down from the poolhouse-garage loft earlier this month (Brenda and neighbor Pam have always decorated our neighborhood) … I spotted the yard game of Jarts. (you probably need to be a baby boomer to remember them?) What were they thinking??? Just as with the “design of […]
Tesla unveiled the highly anticipated Cybertruck #video
RichC | November 23, 2019
Tesla’s version of a “pickup truck” is being offered as a “green” alternative to America’s appetite for a consumer truck. Ford continues to dominate with it’s F-150 with Chevy and Dodge nipping at their heels. For some reason, we Americans want a pickup truck even though few use their dressed up beasts to haul anything. […]
We need to get back to doing our sailing thing #TBT
RichC | November 7, 2019
Although we have recently returned from a nice two week vacation (Part One, Two and Three) and finishing up projects at the condo, I was reminded when looking at a post from 5 years ago for Throwback Thursday #TBT, just how relaxed we were and how much we enjoyed our time together sailing Encore (it […]
Tech Friday: Insect repellents and my AfterShokz headset
RichC | September 13, 2019
Just a heads-up for others using AfterShokz bone conduction headphones while doing outdoorsy kinds of things where bug spray is used – DON’T. I love my Aftershokz Bluetooth headphones, most likely because it enables me to hear things around me while still enabling me to clearly hear talk and music. For me, being deaf in […]
If you need a workout, try #PumpSurfing
RichC | August 6, 2019
One can only imagine (unless you have tried it), the kind of workout it would be to race past a sailing vessel on a surfboard with a pump-foil attachment? Impressive.
Surfing done right on Sunday – The Long Ride #video
RichC | August 4, 2019
Who doesn’t wish they could surf like this?
Tech Friday: My Fitbit encourages exercise, including swimming
RichC | July 5, 2019
So far the Fitbit Versa “watch” that I received for my birthday has been great … and I’m using it far more than expected. It has already encouraged me to be a little more active as I work hard to hit the 10,000 step goal each day. Thank you Katelyn and Drew! This past weekend […]
Sold the old May Fly lures in one lump. Time for a fish dinner?
RichC | May 14, 2019
It has taken awhile, but someone who enjoys Walleye fishing decided they wanted all my MayFly Lures. He made me an offer and so decided to give him a “buy them all” price. At least I’ve recovered most of my printing losses on this project from years ago and likely made a fisherman happy. He’ll […]
Archive: Photos from Katelyn, Drew & Annalyn’s trip to Yosemite
RichC | April 20, 2019
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Some have skill and talent, others the fortitude to try #humor
RichC | March 20, 2018
Although the .mp4 video clip does remind me of some good times down at Delray Beach Florida with our family!
Finally repaired my out of production Marlin lever action rifle
RichC | October 31, 2017
Although I don’t think the Marlin company makes my .357 magnum Model 1894 lever action rifle anymore, I was finally able to scrounge the parts to repair it. I’ve had this beautiful short barreled saddle rifle since high school as it matched the caliber of my short barreled revolver. I have enjoyed it through most […]
iRobot Verro has been the longest lasting automatic pool robot
RichC | September 23, 2017
About the only replacement parts I’ve had to purchase for our iRobot Verro pool sweeper/ cleaner were the filter bags that go inside the housing. It has been the best of the pool cleaners we have had. Originally we started our pool ownership with a hopping Kreepy Krauly gizmo for our first pool back in […]
Twice rebuilt AO Smith pool pump motor is chattering again
RichC | July 29, 2017
It is that time again … the pool pump motor is chattering and popping breakers. That is a likely indication that the bearings are worn and it is time to recondition or rebuild the electric motor. I’ve had pretty good luck the last couple of rebuilds, but this time I’m opting on ordering a new […]
Cartridges Cut in Half: A Unique Look at 6 Popular Rounds
RichC | November 12, 2016
Have you ever wondered what ammo and its components look like internally? If so, check out the interesting and educational photos below. During a bit of free time at FOG (Finger of God) Firearms and Cartridge Company, our staff cut in half six popular hunting,… More » Source: Cartridges Cut in Half: A Unique Look […]
And you thought Airstream trailers had a classic style?
RichC | July 14, 2016
For Volkswagen fanatics who like travel and camping, there aren’t many better ways to show your VW love than a Dub-Box Trailer. These lightweight trailers are unique and beckon back to day when the roads were open and free … so as long as you have a few bucks for gas and were not in a […]
Rafting the Upper Gorge on the Cuyahoga River
RichC | April 28, 2016
Just a few steps from my old office door … who’d a thunk it?
Which beach will you swim at Volusia County, Florida?
RichC | September 6, 2015
Volusia County, Florida According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), a database for reported shark attacks, more unprovoked shark attacks have taken place off the coast of Volusia County in Florida than in the whole of South Africa – 235 in total, since 1882. None, however, have been fatal. You’re also more likely to […]
What a fun time flying a quad copter or #drone
RichC | August 19, 2015
Well … one of the positive things that happen at funerals (and weddings) is that families get together. Taylor took a funeral day (plus weekend) from his job and Katelyn and Drew drove home from Wayzata (Minneapolis, MN) and brought along his “new toy” … quadcopter with a camera – what a great distraction. We […]
Happy 26th Birthday to my son Taylor #TBT
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 […]
Spring pool opening has turned into pool repair season
RichC | May 18, 2015
In the heat of a Cincinnati summer, owning a pool is great … but when closing and opening an “aging” pool that needs a bit of TLC, I begin to wonder if the extra work is worth it? This year has been the latest we’ve ever open our pool here in Cincinnati (perhaps we were […]
Video: The heel lock or lace lock when tying athletic shoes
RichC | May 13, 2015
Hmm … I learned something new today. Q: Have you wondered about those extra lacing holes were for that seem out of place on athletic shoes? A: They are used to prevent blisters on your feet when running by keeping your shoe tightly on your foot. (Illumiseen)
New theme and pages for my EAA Chapter 284’s website
RichC | March 19, 2015
I received a few long overdue updates items from our EAA chapter’s president for the interior pages of the EAA284 chapter website on Wednesday and so before forgetting I jumped right on it. We are continuing to keep the EAA284.org domain, but opt to use WordPress.com to host because it is free. Still there are […]
Ice fishing for Northern Pike in North Dakota
RichC | March 7, 2015
It’s great to see your kids making the most of their situation. In the case of Taylor who often feels “stuck” in North Dakota … especially in the winter … he continues to fine interesting and new things to do. This early March weekend he went ice fishing with his northern buddies not far from […]
Test post from iPad — Surfing at 1000 frames per second
RichC | October 31, 2014
Chris Bryan Films
A 12-pt Albino Buck taken by an 11-year old in Michigan
RichC | October 21, 2014
Having never seen an albino deer, let along a 12-pt buck albino, it is shocking to know a young 11-year 6th grader old hunter with a crossbow shot the deer. Gavin Dingman from Oceola Township in Michigan knew the deer was in the area his family hunted since they have spotted it several times over […]
No waves? No problem.
RichC | July 6, 2014
Now tell me that these electric surfboards wouldn’t be fun? Depending on charging and battery life, having one of these would be great at a beach cottage or to have when cruising or chartering. An Aquila Electric Board has to be better than “sea lice” when it comes to noise.
Video: Girls having fun doing a 4 person chair trick
RichC | April 12, 2014
It’s about time to include a “just for fun” video from the female perspective, rather than YouTube clips from guys (1, 2, 3). Might be worth trying at a teen sleepover or birthday party?
Boats that grow legs … or wheels as the case may be
RichC | August 5, 2013
Sealegs has been developing a their boat without need for a trailer idea for a while now … still a great idea if you’ve got a spare $159,000 to $179,000 sitting around. (LINK)
Swimming with sharks – Shark Attack Mitigation Systems
RichC | July 20, 2013
I might wear the “invisibility cloak” swim skin or wetsuit if it offers protection from ocean rash or as SPF sunblock (UVA and UVB protection), but am not sure the white and black horizontally striped suit is for me? On the other hand, if I were swimming in waters that are regularly visited by those […]
Tandem surfing in Australia
RichC | June 26, 2013
It has been a while since I’ve posted anything on surfing … so here’s a feel good story from down-under.
Kayak surfing Nelscott Reef in Oregon
RichC | May 30, 2012
Living on the edge when it comes to navigating natural hazards in the breaking ocean isn’t for the average kayak surfer … one mistake and not only will the sea and reef grind your plastic boat to bits … it most likely would do the same for flesh and bone. "There is something about knowing […]
Rip roaring a rally car on the snow covered Alps
RichC | March 15, 2012
The Top Gear crew filmed a Peugeot 207 S 2000 racing down the snow covered twists and turns near the ski resort Ravascletto (Monte Zoncolan in the Alps). The video below displays some pretty impressive driving with drifting and high speeds by the 6 time Italian rally champion Paolo Andreucci. Beautiful scenery that … debatably […]
Jeb Corliss still has something to learn from flying squirrels
RichC | February 23, 2012
Here’s a flying wingsuit jump that didn’t go as planned; the January 120mph collision with a mountain cliff isn’t something many adrenalin junkies survive to talk about. (broken legs and a 5 weeks in the hospital)
How big a wave is too big to surf?
RichC | November 15, 2011
Obviously not a world record 90 feet … gulp!
Whale watching from a kayak and a pair of humpbacks
RichC | October 31, 2011
A reader knowing that I’ve posted pictures of kayakers and whales in the past forwarded me a link with a couple humpback whales off of California that looked to be uncomfortably close to this guy (click image for larger). Someday “we humans” are going to get a little too close … I personally will not […]
Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee
- lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
- digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.