What a duffus! I don’t want to admit, but I made a MAJOR airport security mistake on Friday morning … and am thankfully a free man to tell the tale. KUDOS to the much malignedTransportation Security Administration (TSA) for doing their job and doing it well. Neglectful Rich left an extended round full 9mm magazine buried in an inner pocket of in his carry-on bag … OR as I refer to it, my“battle bag” … BOB … or just mini-briefcase. Brenda is probably more accurate and calls it my “man purse.”
I couldn’t believe how foolish I was to leave the ammunition and magazine slip my mind, although the TSA personnel at FLL in Fort Lauderdale were extremely polite and understanding (commenting that it happens more often than you would think). I of course wasn’t a complete idiot as at least I wasn’t carrying my Kahr PM9 (right) or even my normal Swiss Army Knife (whoops, questionable link) or Victorinox Leatherman like multifunction tool. Still, it was a heart stopping moment to watch the TSA agent dig into my bag and pull out something that was not suppose to be going through security or onto an airplane … and doing it just days after security was elevated (November 2015 Paris attacks).
The process went like this:
I passed through the security line and the agent looking at the bag brought someone else over to look at it. They moved it to the security desk behind the scanners and had me walk over the the pat-down mat.
I had already put items back in my pocket put my belt and shoe back on, but was asked to remove all again.
The bag was completely disassembled and searched while I was patted down with several TSA agents around. All were friendly and polite.
It was pretty clear they had seen this before and although they cataloged and took photos on their whiteboard with my name, etc on it, they followed the procedure in bring in their supervisor.
After all the information was gathered, they made the call to the Deputy who ran a background check along with a couple of my IDs – Driver’s license, Ohio and Florida Concealed Carry License.
Thankfully all involved were understanding although the only option (besides getting arrested) was to relinquish the magazine and rounds … which I did without hesitation.
I was released to continue to my flight … which thankfully was still 30 minutes until boarding due to light traffic and a great UBER driver.
Let’s hope this is the first and last time I make this mistake … BUT I’ll never make a joke about TSA again. They were very impressive.
Yet another part to be serviced, rebuilt or replace on Encore’s Volvo diesel. This time it’s the raw water pump dripping from the weep hole … and indication the seal is no longer keeping the water in the pump. This is a normal wear item and most cruisers not only carry a spare impeller and possibly seals (requiring bench work) but often a spare raw water pump. In my case, the previous owner left behind the old water pump … frozen and in need of a rebuild.
Initially my plan was to take it home to my bench and order the parts to rebuild it (may still attempt), but after talking with a marine pump rebuilder, he happened to have a direct replacement not requiring me to ship back my core — he asked for an offer since it had been in his inventory a while. I came in on the low side (near the cost of rebuilding my current pump) and he said ok plus a few bucks for shipping. If all goes well, I’ll call with a card tomorrow and have a new pump heading my way. A few more dollars, but nearly half the price of a new bronze pump. (let’s just hope it really is a direct fit replacement!)
I know semi-famous boats can end up anywhere, but ever since I saw Robert Mandry'sTinkerbelle (Ohio) when I was a young boy dreaming of sailing … and Robin Lee Graham's Dove on our honeymoon after idolizing his adventure as a teenager … I keep my eyes open. Low and behold, Tania Aebi's Contessa 26 Varuna(different owner) is tied up one dock over from Encore. I could resist taking a photo too send my daughter Katelyn since I had Tania sign her book Maiden Voyage as a “reach for the stars” role model when I met her many years ago. The boat still looks great, although needs a mast!
Appreciation for the hospitaliy of friends is something that is hard to quantify, but having friends like Mark and Dar Jones makes living so very enjoyable. They always go over and above whenever I stop to visit … and the yesterday mornings’ extras were definitely an “over and above” delishes. I can’t wait to make these at home … thanks guys!
Several of the homes in our neighborhood had some hail damage this summer … ours included. We had damage to the sky light area of our mud room and water has been seeping in when the wind is just right. Unfortunately our insurance would not pay the entire roof OR the entire repairs that we are having done, but a little bit will help offset replacing our older “slopes.” The front (north facing) part of our roof is 20 years old and showing signs of age as were the areas over our first floor master bathroom and closet (we’re replacing that skylight too before it leaks).
Josh Tirey Roofing is doing our repairs and I’ve very please with the work they are doing so far. I particularly like the way they do the step flashing … fully soldered and cut into the mortar of the brick rather than gunked with silicone caulk (as was done by the builder). If there is one tip that you pick up from this post … try to find a really good roofer who pays attention to detail even if it costs a few dollars more. Not all roofers are the same!
I’m continuing to make progress on the woodstove project for my “man space” in the workshop/poolhouse. Since I’m overloaded with firewood, it will be great to be able to add a little heat to the workshop area when it is cold … and have a place to hangout where a man can keep his boots on. I guess you would have to be part of our family to understand “the rules” about shoe coming off in the house. Anyway, one step closer to adding a little free heat … although considering I already had the woodstove from our Hudson, Ohio house, it is still costing a few dollars – mostly the insulated chimney pipe.
Those who have lost a family dog probably know what the days are like shortly after a pet is gone. My daily routine is so engrained that I habitually look for our dog Tootsie at the door (I still think I see her peeking in sometimes)or to be at my side … usually waiting for a treat! A perfect example is my morning routine of peeling a banana knowing she is waiting for me to toss her a piece. She was always there waiting for a little niblet or just a simple rub under her chin. About a year ago our veterinarian gave me information to start me thinking about the eventual day. I think she knew it would either happen naturally (and perhaps soon since we didn’t update her shots) or that we might need to make a decision regarding her comfort and safety (she has had a few close calls). We had many signs, considering Tootsie age, that life was becoming difficult for an outdoor active breed like most Australian Cattle Dogs. Her hip displasia made activity difficult, particularly getting up in the morning, going up stairs … or for that matter a single step or even in and out of her dog door on some days. Genetically, many Heelers or Cattle Dogs go deaf (as did Tootsie a few years ago). Add to deafness a loss of eyesight and normal aging, that made for challenging navigation around the house and yard … thankfully her nose continued to work. In recent months, problems started with her digestive track. We did our best to switch her food to puppy food for ease of digestion, but often, it would come uncontrollably from both ends … and not usually in a convenient “yard” location. (by the way, I can speak authoritatively on the “pharyngeal reflex”)
So after a phone call with the vet, I waited (and waited) and finally made an appointment this past week to have her help me decide if we should medically treat or consider euthanasia. It was probably one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever been faced with making (yes, God has been good if “pet decisions” rank that high). So we decided, rather than put her (and me) through another cold winter, that it was time. It was not easy (and would have been more difficult if I were to discuss with the kids), but the compassion of the veterinarian, Animal FriendsHumane Society staff and volunteers helped a lot. It was much appreciated. Thank you.
It has been a rough day … week … for the financial markets. One has to wonder if the Fed will ever be able to move lending rates back to traditional levels? Sure doesn’t look like the economy here or abroad is able to support itself without the easy money policies. (charts and heatmap: www.finviz.com)
Our condolences to Dawn and family on the sudden passing of Rich. It sure came as a shock to us.
Richard E. Newsted, 58, of Liberty Township, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 5, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born on October 28, 1957 in Valparaiso, Indiana, the son …
Unfortunately distraction is way too normal for me … and while in the middle of cleaning out the garage/ workshop, I started working on a “man-corner” that I planned well before the term “man cave.” The initial goal was to clean up my variety of “junk” after finalizing Brenda’s mom and dad’s farmhouse … and now having to do the same for my dad’s stuff. It is wrong to leave so much work for my kids – there will be plenty anyway even if I purge!
One of the two stoves we heated our previous NE Ohio home in Hudson with has been stored in the garage for years with the idea of installing it for both heat and ambiance in my shop. The older I get, the less work I do so sitting around to read or talk is becoming more the norm … and a fire/stove will be just the ticket. I usually think “resale,” but in this case it is something for “me.” We’ll see how it move ahead this winter.
OR as I refer to it, my “battle bag” … BOB … or just mini-briefcase. Brenda is probably more accurate and calls it my “man purse.” 
put items back in my pocket put my belt and shoe back on, but was asked to remove all again. 
Our condolences to Dawn and 
