In keeping with my sailboat repairs theme, I removed one of the Spinlock line clamps thinking I might be able to order parts and repair at home. Unfortunately getting the bolts out and permanent bonding materials to let go was another issue. I did finally get the cam lock off.
I’m also reworking some of my teak toe rail and applying a few coats of Cetol. There are a few areas where the stainless steel fittings inside are rusting and staining the decks. Besides using some harsh toilet bowl cleaner on the fiberglass deck, are there any other options a reader can recommend? The cleaning project is probably secondary to removing the offending bolts and nuts and replacing, but then that is a whole other project.
Mom, from the time I was really young, I realized I had someone…you, who always cared, who always protected me, who was always there for me no matter what. You taught me right from wrong, and pushed me to do the right thing, even when it was hard to do. You took care of me when I was sick, and your love helped make me well. You had rules, and I learned that when I obeyed them, my life was simpler, better, richer. You were and are the guiding light of my life. My heart is filled with love for you, my teacher, my friend, my mother.
As with older boats (and newer), parts age and eventually fail. I have 4 sets of duel Spinlock line clutches that are used all the time and the levers are breaking. One was broken when I bought the boat and one broke yesterday. I’m now down to deciding which lines I want clutched or if I should come up with a repair. After a little s-l-o-w Internet connected surfing, I’m starting think as if I’m looking at replacements and of course they are not cheap?
A day in the sunshine with wonderful kids (adults actually)
would not be complete without a photo of their smiling faces!
My mom’s surgery went semi-okay today. The surgeon indicated that he was able to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, but unfortunately with the infected tissue (and possibly bone) they were unable to “cement” the vertebrae fractures. Long term this will be a problem but can’t be repaired until infection is gone. She will be in a hospital a bit longer for the infection … but I’m hoping the pain is gone as it is hard to see your mother in pain.
My brother and his wife were with dad at the hospital today and Brenda and Katelyn will spend mother’s day with her. Hopefully she will be back on her feet and have relief from the pain – really the number one concern at this point. We can address the fractures, etc later.
Taylor, Katie and Alicia continued to have fun today with a day trip in the Zodiac inflatable. They headed off to Taylor’s favorite private island with lunch, exploration and sun. I worked on the overdue teak trim and took off one of my Spinlock line clutches that I hope to repair. Also replaced a headlight in my son’s VW GTI – he was stopped, but not ticketed by the police last night. (below is a confusing but candid “instagram” photo – confusing because the girls and Taylor are “just friends” – hmm?)
I’ll start off with the stressful update that my mom will be going in for spinal decompression surgery at OSU Wexler Medical Center on Saturday … and that I won’t be there. Her doctors are cautious, but confident that they will be able to relieve pain by eliminating pressure the nerve bundles and spinal cord in her back. We’ve been praying for a solution to her terrible pain … and are thankful that there is a neurosurgeon willing to offer hope. There is a part of me thinking I should cut my trip short and head back, but am also thankful that my brother Ron and his wife Claire will be with my dad tomorrow (followed by Brenda on Sunday).
Friends Katie Gormas, Alicia Frost and Taylor enjoying a day of sailing with me.
The much more positive news is that I enjoyed the day sailing with Taylor and a couple of his friends. The weather was pleasant, east wind a little strong and oceans swell at the edge of being uncomfortable. We sailed the Atlantic most of the morning and heading in after a few stomachs were getting queasy. Once back in the Intercoastal was well and we continued sail south on the waterway a while before turning back north and pulling back to our dock. Thankfully all were a big help in getting the boat washed down before dinner at Chili’s … and then a night out for two college graduates and my 5th year senior.
A couple of Taylor’s friends were over after their college graduations and while pondering life’s next big moment, decided within and hour to hop in the car and drive 16 hours down to the boat. I hope this isn’t the happiest you’ll see them as the marine forecast is for a bit more wind and building seas. Plan is to give it a try tomorrow and hope that mal de mar isn’t with us.
Posting a personal update today as we are dealing with doctoring issues for my mom. She has been suffering with a lot of pain and various testing for several … way too many … months. On Monday, the OSU neurosurgeons reviewed my mom’s case, consulted each other over last weeks CT scans of her spine and grew concerned over a possible spinal infection – Osteomylitus(causing or adding to the deterioration of her vertebrae). They wanted her immediately admitted to the OSU Wexler Medical Center in Columbus … so I picked them up and settled them Tuesday night before my Wednesday flight. Mom is anxious, but she was glad for the private room which permits my dad to stay with her. Today was the biopsy of the tissue and bone … now we wait for the results and recommendations.
It is difficult to see my mom in so much pain and also see how challenging it is for my dad to care for her.
John and Helen Taylor – Volkswagen calls them "mileage experts" and "the world's most fuel efficient couple" – recently drove a stock 2012 Passat TDI SE all the way from Houston, TX to Sterling, VA without refueling. That's 1,626.1 miles from just 19.3 gallons. Bad with numbers? VW has done the math for you: it's 84.1 miles per gallon (we came up with 84.2, but who's counting?).
I couldn’t resist spending $3.35 on a plastic snap on slim fit back at Amazon to put on my iPad. I’ve be semi-pleased with the non-skid surface (not sticky) when holding the tablet for reading outside the case and now no long cringe when the aluminum back slides on a rough surface. For just a few bucks, it does offer a snap on and snap off (almost too easy) way to protect the backside of an iPad … and has all the proper cutouts for buttons, cameras or smart covers.
With this compact design crystal case, you don’t need to worry about any damage to your new device, just put it in your pocket, knowing it is away from scratches. After special treatment, the edge of the case is not sharp and won’t cut your hand or do damage to your device when put in the case. Perfect fit cutout for any functional control keys for your convenience. With the case on, iPad 2 is safe from scratches and bump, you can listen to music, surf the Internet and play games without worrying about any damage to your iPad 2
