We had a great time with the family last weekend
RichC | June 9, 2020
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Music Monday: Van Morrison – Ballerina/Move On Up #video
RichC | June 8, 2020
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Where’s the strangest place to find wild mallard duck eggs?
RichC | May 22, 2020
I know it seems like a strange question, but our annual pair of ducks spend a lot of time in and around our pool. It doesn’t matter if it is covered or not, these mallard ducks do enjoy the relative safety of sleeping on the pool cover in the spring. My guess it provides them […]
Music Monday: Demonstrating your talent at a public piano
RichC | May 11, 2020
One of posts that once received a lot of traffic on my blog was Jacob Tolliver playing a piano in an Ohio hardware store several years ago. The Facebook embed was taken down, but I reposted the video from YouTube last year. I must not have been the only one who appreciates watching those with […]
Nature is brutal! A Praying Mantis vs a Murder Hornet
RichC | May 9, 2020
Nothing like a little nature video with your breakfast cereal to start your day .. YIKES! I’ll never be able to look at my “Little Praying Friend” the same again. The latest news is that the giant 2 inch Murder Hornets (Asian giant hornets) are showing up in the western United States and threatening honey […]
Getting close to nature … this might be too close!
RichC | April 25, 2020
Once upon a time, I worked at Sea World in Aurora, Ohio. I did not work with the Killer Whales (Orcas), but was fortunate enough to have been able to “hang out” with them when the park was closed. I would often enjoy sitting on lunch breaks watching them “watching me” while exercising in the […]
A little Coronavirus video PSA to keep you safe … and smiling
RichC | April 25, 2020
If you’ve watched, read or remembered any of the Public Service Announcements (PSA) since the Coronavirus pandemic started, you will probably smile when watching this.
The Canary cam, another cardinal and a painted pry bar
RichC | April 24, 2020
A couple weeks ago I mentioned that our brightly color cardinal enjoyed “looking at himself” in our window’s Canary cam – he was probably looking for a mate. Now that he’s found one … he seems to be avoid her; she is likely checking his usual haunts and asking “where is he?” I suspect there […]
How do we safely open up America again? #COVID19
RichC | April 21, 2020
As the United States and the world prepare to open society in phases after well over a month of stay-at-home orders due to the Coronavirus, the debate between those who see the health risk as too high and those who fear a full on economic collapse (world wide depression) continues. Several states are seeing protests […]
What is so appealing about the P-51 Mustang? #aviation
RichC | April 18, 2020
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is one of the most celebrated Allied fighter planes of WW II. It continues to have wide-spread aviation enthusiasm to this day … and one look (and listen – volume up!) will have you understanding why it is so admired.
Plugging yet another tire and “smelling the roses” #video
RichC | April 18, 2020
Another nail or something in the tire, this time in Brenda’s Acura RDX. Thankfully it was in the tread and small, so an easy plug … but plugging two tires within 30 days? (the animated gif above is just a little soap water sprayed on the tire for leak detection) As for a video that […]
We’ve come a long way from “Reach Out and Touch Someone”
RichC | April 14, 2020
Once upon a time, families who only snail-mailed cards and letters would on special occasions, like Easter, dial their corded rotary phones and pay for an expensive long distance call in order to “Reach Out and Touch Someone” as the marketing jingle would advertise (a 1970s commercial below the break). I remembered many phone calls […]
Tech Friday: A woodworking idea for those using laptops
RichC | April 10, 2020
Last week my son Taylor and friend Jeff both sent me their “homemade” stand-up or propped up (with books) notebook computers while working from home. I suspect they aren’t the only COVID19 “stay-at-home” workers trying to come up with comfortable ways to do their jobs? I know Jeff once had a stand-up desk at work […]
A simple breathing exercise can help with stress and anxiety
RichC | April 7, 2020
Likely I’m not the only one needing to de-stress or at least fall back on a few techniques to “Keep Calm and Relax.” Here’s a Navy Seal technique to beat stress. With a little practice, you can learn “box breathing” or four-square breathing as a way to reduce anxiety. Here’s how it works: Breathe in […]
Muzak Monday: The Pink Panther Theme – Henry Mancini
RichC | April 6, 2020
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A simple framing woodworking jig idea and bookshelves update
RichC | April 5, 2020
Snipped an idea for the woodworking workshop that I’m planning to add to my table saw crosscut sled .. nothing complicated, but a way to use geometry in order to make the perfect 45 degree jig for cutting frames. It is a way to use perfect squares to accurately cut the 45 degree jig. Check […]
Music Monday: Neil Diamond #COVID19 contribution
RichC | March 30, 2020
Neil Diamond sings “Sweet Caroline” with updated lyric for safety during Covid-19 pandemic. Stay safe out there!
As depression kicks in, watched the film “Miracle” for inspiration
RichC | March 18, 2020
For those of us who in December thought this Coronavirus ‘thing’ was a Chinese story and not going to be a big deal here in America; we were wrong. COVID19 and the economic impact is being felt far and wide by everyone in the world. I still want to believe it will be short-lived and […]
Woodworking: Best plywood edge banding advice and #video
RichC | March 8, 2020
While planning a long overdue bookcase woodworking project, I needed to learn a little more about edge banding. Previous bookcases that I’ve made have all been solid wood and either painted (in our first and second homes) or stained and poly finished oak (several book, CD, video and DVD case). This planned project is a […]
The flag halyard fails again and Old Glory comes flopping down
RichC | February 29, 2020
We have had a problem with our Amazon purchased halyard on our flag pole instead of the rapid flag degrading as usual – as can be seen on our WyzeCam security mp4 video (below). This is the second flag halyard we have had fail in the last couple of years; next time I’m going to […]
Music Monday: The Daytona 500 from 2006 and Bonjovi
RichC | February 24, 2020
After last week’s outstanding Daytona500 pre-race festivities and the fitting musical performance by Darius Rucker, the “Years Ago On This Day” post from “The Greatest Auto Race – NOT the Daytona 500” from 2006’s appeared. Attached to it was one of my earlier video streaming attempts of the Bonjovi pre-race performance. What a great Music […]
Woodworking: Jon Peters on biscuit jointers and a great tip
RichC | February 16, 2020
Although one could spend all day or night watching YouTube advice videos from expert woodworkers, I’ve limited my viewing to a few guys. I’m fond of Jon Peters for both the quality of his videos and for the short “focused” tips. In a recent YouTube video, he points out how often he finds himself using […]
A personal family photo (and video) from 30 years ago #TBT
RichC | February 13, 2020
Last week, a Jasper, Alberta family photo near a glacier for a ThrowBack Thursday #TBT post, had me sharing a few of my thoughts on climate change. I should have included another photo that had a few more from our family (especially since my sister-in-law, Lynda, just returned home from the Cleveland Clinic). The trip […]
Music Monday: The Mamas and The Papas – Monday Monday
RichC | February 10, 2020
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Woodworking worktable and new machinist’s square follow-up
RichC | February 4, 2020
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Do you REALLY know how to use a builder’s tape measure?
RichC | February 1, 2020
I’ve used tape measures for decades both when working in construction (summer job) and for hundreds of home improvement projects .. YET never really knew why the 19.2" on center diamond mark was on tapes. Most building codes mandate that studs be spaced 16 inches apart, so the tape will help you stay on the […]
Music Monday: Jackson and Buffett – It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
RichC | January 27, 2020
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Watching the Boeing 777X first flight today
RichC | January 25, 2020
EDIT – A Boeing 777X airliner lifts off for its first flight at Paine Field on January 25, 2020 in Everett, Washington. Getty images – Stephen Brashear The new Boeing 777X enters the next phase of its rigorous test program. Based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane ever, the Boeing 777, and with advanced technologies […]
Testing Amazon Prime deliveries using Key for Garage #video
RichC | January 15, 2020
A year or so ago, I “was” planning to give the Amazon Key service a try by having shipments delivered to the condo in Florida when we are not there. So I purchase a smart lock and then realized that Amazon didn’t offer Key delivery services in Delray Beach. I sent it back as I […]
Some dogs just need a little more loving #video
RichC | January 10, 2020
This pet video of a dog in Turkey getting his back rubbed by a car wash is pretty impressive. I guess the human touch isn’t all that important to him?
Who knew Evil Knievel owned a KIA SUV? #video
RichC | January 7, 2020
Ending the Music Monday decade with “I Go Crazy” by Paul Davis
RichC | December 30, 2019
Here’s a #7 hit in 1977 (which has me thinking of American Top 40 and Casey Kasem) way back in the year I graduated high school. The song was “I Go Crazy” song by Paul Davis, who “looks like one of the Allman Brothers” as the late Ricky Nelson comments at the beginning of the […]
Archive: Found a short Sonex airplane project video for #TBT
RichC | December 26, 2019
While sifting through a few old .MP4 files, I found one of my first iPhone 5 test video clips from 2012 and it had a bit of footage of my Sonex airplane project (posted a few photos back then) that I was working on a year before selling it. It was shortly before I sold […]
When you must get a package delivered before Christmas
RichC | December 25, 2019
UPS for the win! (wait for it) Fedex and USPS better step up their game! “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” … but not like this! #video
RichC | December 21, 2019
I love these motion-sensing Wyze Cams … Now what if someone happened to be coming to the front door? Yikes … although more than likely it would just be funny.
Friday Filler: Count your Blessings #video
RichC | December 13, 2019
When you see something like this, you realize how suddenly life can end. Thankfully, in this situation, all survived … but it is a good reminder to thank God for each day and be sure to tell those in your life how much you love them. Yet you do not know what tomorrow will […]
Who knew cats and rats could be such good friends?
RichC | December 4, 2019
This is when you know you need a mouse or RatZapper…
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. […]
An awesome down the beach Florida sunset Fly By [video]
RichC | November 20, 2019
Actually needed a short video for testing the updated .mp4 embed code for WordPress.
Music Monday: Ballad of the Green Berets for Veterans Day
RichC | November 11, 2019
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Baby Reveal: GrandDAUGHTER #2 is three months away! [video]
RichC | November 10, 2019
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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 […]
How does a clam dig under the sand? #video
RichC | November 6, 2019
Occasionally something appears on one of my sailing social media feeds that is just too cool not to share on the blog. I would give the original author credit for the video, but unfortunately, it has been passed around on too many feeds – perhaps he/she will see it here and contact me? (although I […]
What does moderate DEM Sen Manchin think of MedicareForAll?
RichC | October 31, 2019
When it comes to politicians making promises and pitching far fetched ideas nowadays, the sky is the limit. The current crop of Democrats campaigning for their party’s presidential nomination have lifted the “sky is the limit” to “space is the limit.” The sales pitches stretch from free tuition and education debt forgiveness to buying votes […]
The Washington Nationals are World Series 2019 champs
RichC | October 31, 2019
The Washington Nationals proved they deserve to be World Series champion by winning game 7 on the road against the Houston Astros. The entire series has been nothing but entertaining as both teams performed unbelievably well on the road … each winning every away game. Last night’s final game started slow with a lead by […]
Vacation Part 3: A few left over photos and video from the beach
RichC | October 27, 2019
There were a few extra photos and some video of Brenda swimming on my iPhone from our Delray Beach, Florida vacation last week, so I’ll archive them and make a Vacation Part 3 post (Part 1 and Part 2). Nothing spectacular … but viewing the video and listening to the water and wave below is […]
Vacation Part 2: Beach time with family after Legoland
RichC | October 26, 2019
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All Aboard! Never complain about your commute again.
RichC | October 17, 2019
It is hard to fathom just how difficult life is in other highly populated third world countries. Count your blessings you live in America, even if you have a challenging “big city” commute. 😮
Let’s all put into practice Ellen’s “Be Kind To Everyone” advice
RichC | October 9, 2019
An Ellen DeGeneres video clip (shared on EllenTube) has been circulating this week after she attended a Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers NFL football game last weekend. With inflamed politics and our divided country it was both good to see and good to hear celebrities getting along. We all need to take her advice […]
Music Monday: Remembering Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion 1975
RichC | October 7, 2019
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Do you participate in Us vs Them with life and political issues?
RichC | October 5, 2019
Most people recognize how polarized our country has become … thanks in part to politicians and the media fanning the divisive flames. I’m not sure why we fall prey to their tactics, but generating hate and dislike for each other does seem to work when it comes to building campaign war-chests and rabid supporters. I […]
Ever hear a Florida alligator bellow? #video
RichC | September 29, 2019
This must be what it was like to live in the Jurassic era … or camping in the Everglades as mating season begins for the gators in Florida? (been there, done that!) A post on Facebook from the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens in Naples, Florida shows three alligators bobbing in the water, making loud […]
Notes on a few more master bathroom and upholstery updates
RichC | September 25, 2019
Following up on my weekend post and a few of the projects that I’m trying to complete (or get started) during my few days in Florida is the “somewhat new to me” upholstery project. It has bogged down my to-do list schedule, but I was able to get the master bathroom corner mirrors and glass […]
Quiet no more – Katelyn and Drew are having a second baby
RichC | September 24, 2019
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Snoozing while a Tesla autopilot is in self-driving mode?
RichC | September 10, 2019
If you are an innovative automotive manufacturer (ie. Tesla) or just a citizen who doesn’t want more government intrusion or regulation, then behavior like this needs to be stopped or prevented in the first place. I appreciate having my freedom and don’t want a bigger nanny state, but I know when seeing this kind of […]
Archive: Creative Wind Scoop idea for #sailing #sailboat
RichC | September 5, 2019
Saw this on a sailing forum and thought it would be a great sewing tidbit to add to an Encore project list. Looks simple and compact enough.
Productive home chores weekend while watching Dorian
RichC | September 3, 2019
The approaching hurricane kept my attention this Labor Day weekend (writing this for Tuesday on Sunday) as there was really nothing I could do to prepare the condo in Delray Beach or our boat Encore (in the water) in preparation for the approaching storm. Likely when this posts, we will either have dodged a bullet […]
Music Monday: A WSJ article and Gordon Lightfoot memories
RichC | September 2, 2019
All too often lately I’m reminded that the memories I have as a boy growing up are seen as being from “the olden days.” An article in this past month’s WSJ highlighted the beloved Gordon Lightfoot, a Canadian folk singer and songwriter who’s work spans many decades. His music was enjoyed and listened to by […]
Archive: Photo wrap-up of our 2019 summer week with Annalyn
RichC | August 20, 2019
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A Great White Shark video always makes a good filler
RichC | August 16, 2019
Hope you are enjoying the rest of the summer at the beach, perhaps at Cape Cod?
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.