Happy Birthday Annalyn. Thinking about my granddaughter.
Posted By RichC on March 4, 2021
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Why do so many on the political left deride America?
Posted By RichC on March 3, 2021
If all we do is listen to those who spew negativity and show distain for America, we might miss the fact that the US through Operation Warp Speed in coordination with private companies, have given us a COVID19 vaccine to its citizens and to the world in record time. In keeping with countries which have embraced free enterprise, liberty and through capitalism reward entrepreneurs … democratic republics once again lead the world in innovation and finding cures.
Below is an end of February 2021 chart comparing the immunization progress … and although there is always room for improvement, socialist countries aren’t nearly as prosperous or efficient as those built on freedom.
Don’t let those who continue to deride the United States and the steady improvements in our quest for a “more perfect union.” Our founders deserve respect and our history should be both taught and learned. Don’t hate our country or fundamentally “change America” (and there are days I feel like this UK guy on YouTube).
Celebrating Ellerie (1) and Annalyn’s (4) Birthdays in Toledo
Posted By RichC on March 2, 2021
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Music Monday: Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show video. Yikes!
Posted By RichC on March 1, 2021
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MyDesultoryBlog maintenance and WordPress 5.6.2 update
Posted By RichC on February 28, 2021
Just marking server and blog updates to end the month of February 2021. I’ve put this WordPress 5.6.2 update off a few weeks in order to be sure I had a full backup, etc.
Note to self, check on the Seagate hard drive attached to the iMac as Time Machine backups have been regularly failing – could be a power issue???
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Encore diesel repair and last minute haul out in February 2021
Posted By RichC on February 27, 2021
This past week was a semi-rushed haul out week for Encore in Florida. I headed south for 3 days of work on the “running hot” Volvo diesel auxiliary, as my assumption was that the heat exchanger was plugged up/calcified and needed to be taken off and cleaned (something I’ve never done). I met a friend who does diesel work down at the dock and previously ordered the assortment of gaskets AND a new thermostat.
The heat exchanger definitely needed to be replaced, but the real problem was the plugged elbow returning coolant to the overflow tank. After running it under load, the rubber gland stuffing box boot (Volvo dripless seal) starting leaking and would not stop. I added some grease using the McDonald’s straw technique which helped the shaft drip, but the boot clamped to boat leak would not stop. In fact, might be getting worse???
So the correct decision was not to put off hauling out and instead see if I could get an emergency haul out. I could then move the boat to the non-work storage area to dry out and the later prepare for new bottom paint, zincs, a cutlass bearing (after inspection) and hopefully get the new Volvo stuffing box boot and correct grease ordered. There is never a dull moment.
So the new goal is to plan for a little out of water time, some TLC (buff and wax) and maybe entertain selling the boat before going back in the water? (a lot depends on how Brenda’s back and eventual surgery can return her mobility to full heath … not to mention sailing safely and my concern over her limited arm/shoulder???)
Friday Filler: A little duct tape humor (quack, quack)
Posted By RichC on February 26, 2021
Opinion: We need an all of the above energy plan in the U.S.
Posted By RichC on February 25, 2021
As an advocate of renewable energy, be it biofuels, hydro, solar, wind, etc for decades, I don’t understand why Americans can’t come together on a united “all inclusive” energy plan? I know a few anti-solar/wind energy types, but usually they are just pushing back against the extremist wanting to do away with all fossil fuels and nuclear. Like right 
and left politics, the loud voices seem to get all the attention.
One thing the Texas energy fiasco has taught us is that we need to be smart about preparing better for the crisis moment and extreme weather. We need a “baseline” of energy that will not fail under stress, be it what can be generated locally .. or in the case of the latest Texas situation, be connected to the national grid to protect their residents (not to mention losing so much of the wind/solar generated power).
As for the Green New Deal types out there and “eliminating jobs with the stroke of a pen” by President Biden or only wanting solar and wind renewable energy… let’s get real. We need domestic fossil fuel and should continue to improve efficiency and emissions. In America, we have come a long way in my lifetime, let’s not throw those gain away … AND before you assume batteries, solar panels and the like are overly clean and reliable, think in through. (short video below)
Woodworking Idea: A homemade Router Table Multi-Sled
Posted By RichC on February 24, 2021
After setting up my router for better, cleaner and easier woodworking dados last week, I started thinking about something better than using my table saw’s stock miter gauge for making “coping” style end cuts on the router table. Beside a $220 commercial Coping-Jig (left), there are hundreds of homemade plans on the Internet to do the same.
One that I liked is a multi-function Router Table Multi-Sled and beside this one, maybe there is a better way to make one for a variety of tasks. This is not for an immediate need or must-make project … but one that I’ll mull over a while and maybe even talk over with my buddy Mark the next time I see him?
Is there a high quality, maintenance-free garage door and opener?
Posted By RichC on February 23, 2021
One of the most unappreciated attributes often overlooked when dating and looking for a life partner is that of a handyman, or to be a little more politically correct, a “handyperson.”
I do know that having the Mister Fix-it gene, or is it a learned skill (???), has been one of my strong traits, but I also think after years of marriage that it is taken for granted (maybe I’m wrong)?
Anyway, I often wonder what couples and families do when they can’t diagnosis and repair things … like garage door openers when they malfunction. Oh, I’ve call the service guy to replace springs, but can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to work on and tinker with our four garage doors … not to mention the ones on our previous house.
Considering the number of repairs we have had over our lifetime, I think there is a market for higher quality garage doors and maintenance-free openers?
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.