Jill and Thomas

Congradulations to Matt and Sue on the birth of their twins. Welcome Jill and Thomas Peabody to the exclusive club of human earthdwellers, alive during the greatest period in history.... here and now.

Resolved

The last day of the year. A day for reflection and resolution. Obviously, a central resolution is to finish the Tender and begin the work on your Peapod. But I do have some other concerns.

Next year, I resolve to open my mail, everyday, even the bills. I resolve to pay attention to the details, so that things don’t end up looming so big that is seems like a tsunami of stress engulfs me.

I resolve to pay attention to what I eat, and get an exercise burn in every day. I can’t predict weight loss here, because I’m sick of worrying about the number of lbs. that show up on the scale when I step on. I just want to feel good and move easier.

I resolve to clean up after me… everyday…everywhere. This means my truck, my bedrooms, the kitchen, the garage, my office…. everywhere. Keep the decks shipshape for action.

That’s it. Pretty simple. Build the boats, workout, eat right, check the details, and clean up afterward.

In past years for New Year’s resolution, I’ve tried to outline detailed economic and career results that I would like to attain. A lot of that stuff was out of my control… and hardly ever occurred the way I was resolving. This year, I’m going to be more of a receiver of the big stuff, and less of a controller. My resolutions are designed to deal with what life flows my way, not direct the flow.

Courtney's Cupcakes

For somebody who doesn't like to eat, Courtney certainly can bake.
~
Awesome cupcakes.

Pruning

Did I say a little pruning in the last post? After four truckloads of cutting brush and trucking it to the Marblehead Town Dump, in the snow, I was freaking exhausted. Coming out of the dump on the fourth load, I saw Greg Bruett, and asked him if he wanted to see the new school site.
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Big mistake for progress on the Tender.
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Greg stopped home and came by Sundance with two Coors Light Beers.
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A classy move.
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Beer always is the perfect refreshment following some physical work. After showing him around the place, I asked if he wanted to join me for a beer at Maddies. I had a pass since Joanne was going to Boston with her mother and sisters, so Greg called Nancy, got permission, and we were headed for Old Town.
~
We could'nt find a parking space at Maddies, so we headed for the Landing. Fine with me since I belong to the Dark and Stormy Club at the Landing and needed to add some stamps to my card. Ten stamps, and you get a free Dark and Stormy.
~
The only problem is that the Dark and Stormies at the Landing suck. They are all ginger beer, and hardly any Black Seal Rum.
~
Whatever... Three stamps later, and lot of man talk under the bridge, we were headed for home, but it was 5:30 PM and there was no boatbuilding energy in sight.
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Tomorrow is another day.

Tender Neglect

You may have noticed that I haven't done much work on the Herreshoff-Columbia Yacht Tender recently. With the Sundance project, It has taken a back seat. I never dreamed that I would be launching in 07, but that's where we are.
~
Today though, I'm planning to rev it up again. I'm going to the Sundance site with my reciprocating saw to prune some of the tree limbs and open up the area to give us better insight into the location of parking spaces. That will get my rhino-virus-wracked body back in motion.
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Then I'm going to resume sanding the interior of the Tender.

Take It Easy

To the couple hundred or so Peeps who have emailed me recently to see if I felt better, I really appreciate the sentiment. But really, calm down.... it's just a head cold. Not the Bubonic Plague.
~
Some people always seem to overreact.

Permission Granted

Thanks to Bob Ives, Marblehead Building Commissioner. Took a big step in the Sundance project today because of his insight and consideration. Many hurdles remain, but at least the race has started.

Dave Bruett, Paul Lynch, Sparky Spillane and Eric "International Man of Mystery" Rumpf can all take a bow. Their contributions will be duly noted for future Nanepashemet Honors.

Nice Beavers

Beavers have made a huge comeback. By the 1700's they were virtually out of existance in Massachusetts, but now are very much in evidence even in urban areas. These trees were just cut down by Beavers in Wakefield, MA right next to the Darwin office.

Cancun

To my Mexican Peeps. Watch out!
Bobby Brown is heading your way!
Protect your women!!!

Legal Help

Saddam Hussein will be put to death within the next thirty days under Iraqi law. Somehow, I didn’t think justice would be this swift.

While we’re on the subject of law and death, what is it about lawyers that make even the most law abiding, peaceful, God-fearing person contemplate methods of torture and murder?

The times when you consult with an attorney usually have stressful components. Especially in business, you ask a lawyer to do something for you when you fear a certain consequence. In business, though, time is money. Do something quickly, reduce expenses, make some money, or at least, avoid losing too much.

For the lawyer, money is time. Delay, process… there is always tomorrow. Then… when they finally get around to returning your call, they usually find some reason to blame you for the reasons for delay. But you maintain your composure and play along with the ruse, because you feel like they have you by the gonads.

I know that there are exceptions, but trust me, I’m talking about the general rule.

No Pity

My head cold is still brutal…. and I’m rapidly losing ground with the family over it. Mike calls me a pussy and Joanne says that I am gross. All because they hear a little sniffle once in awhile. If I had Bird Flu they would be sorry.

Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week - 8

As I told you earlier, Jay Turner bought me a bottle of Lagavulin for Christmas. Bingo! He's in.
~
The rest of you didn't heed my suggestion, and must be evaluated by the remaining criteria.
~
So be it. Here Goes....

NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK - 8

• Jay Turner
• Paul Lynch
• Susan Raiche
• Mitt Romney
• Dan Brown
• RobbyDoyle

Not bad for the last week of the year.
~
Now for the biggest challenge yet...... the Peep of the Year selection.
You're automatically in with a case of Lagavulin if somebody wants it bad enough.
~
The big day is Mon. Jan. 1, 2007. Even I can't wait for this one.

POTW -8 The Final Designations for 2006

By the end of the day, a few more of you may have achieved the ultimate.
~
Because today is Thursday.... and Thursday is Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week Day. The last one in 2006.
~
Don't put pressure on yourself. There is still life for those who are not chosen. A lesser life, yes, but all is not lost. There is still time to meet the automatic selection criteria. Just do what a few brilliant individuals have done - have a bottle of Lagavulin delivered prior to 6:00 PM EST.
~
Good luck

Bird Bonanza

On the feeder, right now.... two chickadees and three tufted titmouses. Or would they be tufted titmice?

Book Proposal

I was invited to send the book proposal to an agent in NY based upon a query that I e-mailed. Nice. I was expecting total rejection bordering upon ridicule.
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The proposal will take some preparation. I actually bought some books on Amazon detailing a successful book proposal. They should be delivered today.

Head Cold

I have a wicked head cold. I slept down on the living room couch last night because I didn't want to be hacking next to Joanne. You would think that she appreciated that!!! Nope.
~
All day long, she gives me dirty looks when I cough and sneeze. Let's be honest. I'm only sneezing, hacking and snotting to annoy Joanne. This head cold is a ruse to be extra irritating to her. Maybe I'll really piss her off and get pneumonia.

Christmas Presents

I hope you got some nice presents for Christmas. I did. You all know about the boat trailer that Joanne got for me. It came in FIVE BOXES!!!
~
... with some assemble required. Then she got me a paper towel holder for the kitchen counter. I was so sick of always looking for the paper towels. And the kids gave me some more really neat stuff.
~
Ryan and Courtney gave me a brass thermometer and a great book on the Herreshoff Yacht and Boat Builders of Bristol, R.I. I had actually lusted for this book down at the Marblehead Spirit of 76 Bookstore, but denied myself because of the price tag.
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Mike gave the the National Audubon Society, state of the art, Sibley Guide to Birds.
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Boats and Birds.... some serious reading enjoyment.
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Katelyn bought me a sweater and a Dark and Stormy Gift Box, with Ginger Beer and Goslings Black Seal Bermuda Rum. You will recall that Dark and Stormies are the official Nanepashemet Drink of Summer. I wore the sweater during the Chistmas Eve parties and emerged stain free by the end of the evening. That's a great omen.
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Jay Turner gave me a bottle of Lagavulin... you know what that means!!! He is an automatic for POTW. Brilliant move.
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All in all, some thoughtful presents from an awesome family.

Sundance Chores

Met with Mel Blackmun to have the lead certification done. I have to replace the wrought iron railings at the front entrance.
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I also talked to both Paul Lynch and Mike Rockett regarding the permit submittal. Hopefully to be done tomorrow with the parking spaces laid out. Kept Sparky in the loop.

Design Review

Joanne and I are meeting this morning with Eric Rumpf and Steve Livermore to crank out the final design details on the new Sundance building. I'm looking forward to meeting with them, but I'm afraid I'll gross them out from the sound of my headcold. It certainly grosses me out.

Flashing the Bird

I'm not entirely sure why, but my friends and family seem to take great pleasure in flipping the bone, flashing the bird, and/or giving me the finger.
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Don't they know that at any time, I can lose my senses, go beserk and pummel them mercilously?
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Apparently not.
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Lucky for them that I am the poster boy for tolerance and self-control... that I'm able to see beyond the gutteral meaning of such base expressions....
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.... that I'm cool and they suck.
~
I will continue to ignore their juvenile assertions, and seek the truth through the lens of my honest Canon Digital Camera.
~
Don't worry Peeps... it takes alot more than a lousy middle finger to make me forego my obligation to bring you your daily life's inspiration. I won't be deterred!

Katelyn's Christmas Collage

Kate seemed to have a good Christmas. There were no eardrum piercing screams or high pitched vulgarity.
~
Happy Holidays Katelyn!

Tighty Whities v. Boxer Shorts

I remember that my father wore boxers. But my brother and I never had a pair that I recall. We only had tighty whities.
~
My boys wear boxers exclusively, while I have carried on with my tighty whitey briefs. Joanne bought me three pairs of Tommy Hilfigers for Xmas.
~
It will be interesting to see which choice that the grandkids follow.
~
Maybe it's a generational thing.

Merry Christmas

Hope all of the Peeps had a fun holiday. I'd have to say that this year was particularly low key and pleasant. It was the first Christmas in 30 years that Ryan wasn't on point for Christmas morning. He and Courtney came over by 11:00 AM.

Then the usual crew showed. The roast beef was awesome and Joanne's new Rachel Ray Furi knives made short order of the slicing chore. It was Jay Turner's first Christmas in Marblehead. All in all, no incidents, nothing particularly annoying. A nice day except for a wicked head cold that took root in me.

Literary Agent

For my new book, I'll need a new book agent. This time I'm going to be a little picky. Peter Rubie suggested that I talk to John Silbersack at Trident Media, and I'm going to check out a few others.
~
The book will be a daily journal that details in words and pictures the process of building a traditional wooden boat. The story will have technical details which will allow the reader to construct a Maine Peapod Lobster Dory for sail and oar, but will also have insights into all of the issues that confront the Builder who tries to maintain family relationships, friends and outside career obligations.
~
It will be in greater depth than a “how to” book, and will be non-fiction which I prefer due to the strange and bizarre nature of the non-fiction genre.
~
The intended audience will reflect those who seek the need to inspire their daily thinking, as well as those who may technically wish to take on this kind of project. Sound familiar, Peeps?
~
If you wish advance copies or want your name mentioned in the book, please send me cash.

Peep Greeting

Click here for a Special Holiday Message from a special Peep.
Careful with your celebrations.

Christmas Eve

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I'll have the usual insecurities to get out and buy some additional stocking stuffers, even though nobody in my family needs absolutely anything else.
~
We'll start out with Cocktails and Dinner at Jellison's. Last year we really kicked back and had a great time... we never got to any of our other obligations.
~
We'll leave Jellison's and head to Murray's, then end the evening at Bruett's great new home. The trip home from Bruett's in previous Christmas Eve's were harrowing affairs. Ten mph down West Shore Drive with two hands on the wheel.
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I'm hoping this year to behave myself, but the Nance Nog cannot be denied. Should be alot of POTW at Bruett's. The infamous Murph will definitely be there. It is always a highlight event.

Jumping the Gun

I know that Christmas isn't here yet, but I've been thinking a lot about New Year's Resolutions. 2007 is just giving me a good vibe.

Old Clothes

I hate to throw stuff out. I'm always thinking that I may need it for something someday. This is a real weakness. It's an assumption that you won't be able to take care of your needs in the future, so you should hoard your resources now.
~
Sometimes, things like old clothes have all sorts of memories attached to them so that I can't throw them away. It's like if I don't see the clothes, then I'll forget the memories behind them. This too seems pretty neurotic.
~
Sooner or later, I muster up the guts to put the clothes into a plastic bag and haul them to the Salvation Army dumpster. Hope today will be one of those days.

Rainy Saturday

A great day to do nothing. Business is shut down for the most part. We'll start up the day after Christmas with a lead paint certification inspection and a meeting with Eric and Steve Livermore on design issues for the Sundance move.
~
So I got a haircut and am planning to actually clean around the house. Joanne is giving me dirty looks while I blog this, because she got up and got into action in the heavy cleaning routine. It's hard to just jump in though.... I have to get my big toe wet first.
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Can't work on the tender when it is raining, because I have to move stuff into the driveway to make room.

General George S. Patton

This guy had a brutal management style. But millions lived, who would otherwise not have survived the ravages of WWII because of his audacity.
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Christ says to turn the other cheek if someone offends you. Practical advice to exterminate the pattern of revenge and retribution.
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So often it is the opposite tack from what our ego demands, or comfort level urges, that is the prudent course of action.
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"L'audace, l'audace, toujours l'audace"
~
Patton offended his peers, his superiors, and his men. But his passionate and forthright actions saved the world. Thank God for assholes like General George S. Patton.

Finally Friday

I'll admit that I am tired. Between the effort to get Darwin out front in the market, and the Sundance move, there has been a lot of mental activity. With every step forward, there are always raised expectations and setbacks. These are taxing to the vitality of a body.
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I am looking forward to kicking back and low keying the Christmas celebrations. Fat chance of that!

Mild December

I don't remember a milder weather approach to Christmas. The shallow pond next to the Darwin Wakefield office has a skim coat of ice in the morning which is completely melted by the afternoon. Although the temperature dips below freezing at night, 50 degrees is the daytime norm. Very Unseasonal. There have been years when we skated at Parker's Pond in Nov. Not this year.
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Too bad I'm so far behind on the Tender. I could varnish in these temperatures, but I haven't had the luxury of getting into the garage and putting the hours in.

Merry Christmas for the Politically Correct

I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty sick of saying "Happy Holidays". "Merry Christmas" makes a lot more sense.
~
Why?
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Because December 25 is a national holiday. Everybody has it off. It's Christmas Day. It is a day of peace on earth, good will toward men. Most of everything we do on Dec. 25 has nothing to do with your religion or your cosmological beliefs.
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Santa is not Jesus, and Jesus never saw a Christmas Tree. There were no reindeer in the frigging manger.
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So... Merry Christmas.
If you don't like it, then screw you.
Joy and Peace.

Tao Te Ching

"Get rid of wisdom and reason
and people will live a hundred times better
get rid of kindness and justice
and people once more will love and obey
get rid of cleverness and profit
and thieves will cease to exist
but these sayings are not enough
hence let this be added
wear the undyed and hold the uncarved
reduce self-interest and limit desires
get rid of learning and problems will vanish"
- Lao Tzu

Take the Poll

The Nanepashemet Blog .....

Irritates MeInspires my Everyday ThoughtsMakes me question my sexual preferenceCreates Outright HostilityIs Nauseous and Sickening

Free polls from Pollhost.com

Simple Rules for the Chosen

POTW Selection criteria for future reference...

Did the Peep do something stupid?
Did the Peep do something annoying?
Did the Peep do something inspiring?
Is the Peep living and not dead?
Is the Peep a Human and not an animal?
Did the Peep give John Nestor a bottle of Lagavulin in the past seven days?

So you see, it's easy to become a repeat Peep of the Week every week by invoking the automatic Lagavulin gift criteria. Much more difficult to fill the other criteria.

Peep of the Week - 7

This week's Nanepashemet Peep of the Week selection process proved to be quite a conundrum.
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Since I just announced that anyone who asked to be a POTW would be automatically denied, I expected that no one would be stupid enough (not to mention annoying enough) to ask to be named a Peep.
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Enter Murph, alias Michael Murphy, who sent me the following comment....

"Hey Jay I want a POTW Nomination…IF I drink a ton of Nance Nog do I get one?"

Stupid and annoying, yet subject to automatic denial. It's sort of like an endless loop.... like infinity. What would you do if your were me? Keep thinking about it until your head throbs in wild palpitations??? I already tried that.
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Stupid and Annoying, yet against the Peep Rules to make him a POTW!!!!
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So I made Murph a Peep. I know that it is wrong, so DEAL WITH IT!
~
Announcing....

NANEPASHEMET PEEPS OF THE WEEK - 7

• Michael Murphy
• Dave Fortier (automatic Lagavulin Default Rule)
• Emily Roach
• Peter Brown
• David the Waiter at the 99
• Tammie Pham
  

There it is. The toughest week yet. I won't be so magnanimous the next time one of you tries a fast one like that. I'm exhausted.

POTW Nominations

So far, only a few hundred nominations for Nanepashemet Peep of the Week.
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Must be that people are busy during the Holiday rush.
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It doesn't matter. POTW Thursday waits for no man and doesn't take a day off.
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Tomorrow is the big day.

Patience

I heard some news today that I'd love to tell you about, but I'm going to wait until Feb. 28. After that date, we may be unleashing the fires of hell.

Microsoft Project

Just sent the revised Sundance Project Schedule to Mike, Eric and Sparky. I formatted it in Microsoft Project, and had to reacquaint myself with the ideosyncracies of that program.
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Project is a bear to work with. It is so packed with features, that it is far too complex and requires detailed knowledge and regular use. If you worked with it everyday, that would be one thing, but to come back sporadically every couple of months and try to fire it up is really painful.
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Years ago, I developed a Gantt chart program that worked in an Excel template as an alternative to Project. At that time, Project was even worse to work with. I'll admit that it has become easier, but it is still a program that is too complicated for casual use.

International Man of Mystery

Eric Rumpf makes his debut in Operation Moonshadow. Looking forward to working with Eric again.
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Sparky also got the fence contractor up at the site today. The deadline setback will take the craziness out of the project and will end up producing a better project in the long run.

Some Assembly Required

By far the worse three words in the English language. The boat trailer for the tender came today... in FIVE FREAKING BOXES!
~
It will take me two full days to put this thing together, days that I absolutely don't have with the Darwin and Sundance obligations. There is no way that the Herreshoff Columbia Yacht Tender will be launched in 2006.

New England Ecology

I'm reading a book by William Cronon, "Changes in the Land" that details the effect that Indians and English colonists had on the New England landscape.
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Dramatic changes in a short period of time involving the wildlife and vegetation of this region.
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It would seem that the land has always been in a state of flux. Incredibly, there is probably more woodland and wildlife in New England now than at the beginning of the eighteenth century, since we do not look to the land as our primary sustenance and are not grossly effecting land use changes. Deer, moose and turkeys were all harvested and not in any abundance 100 years ago.
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I've noticed increases and fluctuations in wildlife in my own time here.

Sundance Hurdles

When we got the plot plan on Fri. after the closing, there were surprises that may cause some delay, before the uncertainty is cleared up. We rescheduled the project completion date to Jan. 31 to take some of the pressure away from clearing these hurdles, and get things done right.
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A rough start, but with the involvement of Rockett and Lynch, we will smooth it out.

Chicago Bound

Have to head to Chicago to see if some other pieces of the Darwin puzzle can come together. After tomorrow, I will be staying close to home for the rest of the week while the Sundance renovation is in full swing.
~
Spent an hour with Sparky on the Microsoft Project Gantt Chart. With the holidays smack in the middle of the project schedule, there are extra challenges. If the office phase is not completed, that is not a problem, but the interior classrooms and playground fencing must be in place.
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The Sundance parents are betting that the work will not be ready for Jan. 2. I told Amy that I would cover the bets.

Nice Close Out

Last Home game. Temperature was in the balmy 50's.
Patriots give Houston a problem, 40-7

Gillette Again

Back to the Gillette Stadium Darwin Box for the Pats - Texans game. At this point, I would rather rest at home, with all the stuff to do for the Sundance build and the result of the holiday parties on my aging frame.
~
But there are a couple of customers coming to the box that I have to put the vibe on. Viva la Evolution!
~
I have to get a Sundance renovation project schedule for Sparky together before I leave this morning.

Yacht Tender and Peapod

Pretty Girls

From 2006-12-16-14...

Roper's

Heading out to the Roper's Festive Christmas Party tonight. Chris and his daughter, Emily here. Sue and Jon didn't make it to this photo op.
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Emily and Bert just got engaged and are getting married in Sept. Jon is going to school in DC.
~

Always a looked forward to event.

Joanne and Laurel

Happy Home

Had a nice visit with Katelyn and Jay at their apartment in South Boston. Met Declan, Joe, Brayden and Jack Dog. Watched Finding Nemo on the 42" Plasma Flat Screen. took lots of pictures. Katelyn and Jay have a happy home.

No Hitches

Closing came off without a hitch. Sundance Pre-School will be in a great location with direct access to Stramski Park and the Salem Harbor.
~
Thanks to Mark Ferrante, Peter Caruso, Gail Smith, Sparky Spillane, Mike Rockett, Steve Lewis, Dave Bruett, Harry Christensen, Charles Ball, Dana Lothrop, and Paul Lynch. You all had key roles in making this happen.
~
Thanks to the Sundance parents and staff.
~
This is going to be a great facility for children on the North Shore. We'll be sharing the construction details in the next two weeks.

Bust a Move

We'll be busting our moves to the musical stylings of the Johnny Ray Band at the Nine Zero Hotel in Boston tonight by invitation of Darwin Partners to the Holiday Gala.
~
Not sure of the difference between a Gala and a Party. I'll assume that they are exactly the same and behave as such.

Paramus Results

Thanks for all the emails asking how I did in Paramus. Pretty good. It's now not a question of "if", it's a question of "when" and "how much". Darwin is positioned well to enter into the core network services.

Next Phase

Closing for Moonshadow at 9:00 this morning. We are now moving past the acquisition stage into construction. This is always the easiest phase of the development process, but the holidays and time schedule will pose challenges.
~
We have to take down all of the non bearing walls and reconstruct four classrooms, all without major disruption to the existing finishes. On the outside, we have to fence in the play area, and build an office addition in the back. We don't have the budget for a gut remodel, and it is crucial that the building be ready by Jan.2 to handle students returning from the holiday break.
~
Once again, we have the right guy for the job, and that is the critical detail.

Christmas Shopping

Done, Wrapped, Mailed... All through the internet, primarily Amazon.com. Life is definitely getting more convenient. No driving to the Mall, searching through the stores, standing in line with the general public, wrapping presents, going to the Post Office, etc., etc.
~
I'm so thankful that Al Gore invented the Internet!! Maybe I'll even vote for Hilary.

For Senor Balzac

From Wikipedia....

The assault was later revealed to be a hoax. The chief of police of Odessa Texas released a statement which read in part: "After viewing the video, the officer who was employed at the club in an off duty capacity, was contacted by investigators. The officer reported he had met with Mr. Shore prior to his set, and was asked to participate in the skit. The officer stated that the skit went as designed and that Shore was not injured in the designed skit."

Missing Tuna

It's 50 degrees in December. No reason why we couldn't be tuna fishing.
~
The big showoff in these photos is Frank Gaul, Chris Crawford's buddy.
~
Chris says he's a good guy, but I've never met him, and he's really pissing me off.
~
So you caught a tuna this summer and I didn't. Who cares, Frank!

Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week - 6

It's Thursday again. Amazing how fast POTW day creeps up on you.

The honor today goes to the below individuals. None gave me Lagavulin, so it is up to them to determine if they were named for Annoyance, Stupidity or Inspiration.

• Linda O'Shea
• Dave Bruett
• Barach Obama
• Sarah Pooper
• Frank Gaul
• Daisuke Matsuzaka

Thanks for the hundreds of nominations. I actually did read one or two of your pathetic emails before sending them all to the trash bin.

Last week, a number of you contacted me regarding the reasons why some of the Peeps were chosen. Please don't do that again. It is none of your business.

Office Holiday Party

In keeping with Darwin's policy of being a class operation, the office Holiday Party is at the Nine Zero Hotel in downtown Boston. Plus they are not charging the employees. Once again, Generalisimo Dynamo takes a back seat. Thank God for the little things.

Bruett Comes Through

Kudos to Dave for fast work in getting an insurance binder for the new school building and keeping the closing on schedule. We will clink some mugs of Nance Nog Christmas Eve for this nimble deed.

Stressful

Can't you feel the tension in the air? Nanepashement Peeps of the Week 6 will be chosen about this time tomorrow night. The pressure is starting to build.
~
BTW, if you ask to be a POTW, you have just forfeited your chances forever....or at least until I forget that you asked. So keep your mouth shut and don't blow it.

POTW Tomorrow

Get your Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week Nominations in early... I already have two slots locked. One is Linda O'Shea hands down.

Busy EOY

I can't believe how the end of the year is heating up, both for Darwin and Sundance. Lots of business opportunities starting to materialize. It would be nice to take a little kick back time, but no rest for the weary.
~
I will definitely take a vacation - probably a week in North Conway during January or February - when the smoke clears.

Moonshadow Details Today

• Meet with Mike and his framer.
• Check on the perimeter survey.
• Call the fence contractor.
• Receive moving bids.
• Finalize Schedule and Budget.

Paramus tomorrow, then Friday Closing.

Two Week Renovation

A tough two weeks over the holiday to complete the Sundance Renovations. If we didn't have Mike Rockett handling this, I would be doubtful, but he is the most capable construction manager that I have come across. No worries.

The Darwin Evolution

The theory of evolution got a big boost today as Darwin made major strides with Sprint and Cingular.
~
o7 - Bring It On!
~
Back to Paramus, NJ on Thursday. Planting corporate seeds in Atlanta.

Clear to Close

Operation Moonshadow is ready to go full speed. We should close, pull permits and begin construction by this weekend.

Courtney's Cookies

Another reason why Ryan married right.
~
Courtney's cookies.
~
They brought a bunch over on Sunday, and I really didn't get into them until tonight. I could easily eat them all, before hitting the sack tonight. It is only through my superior will power and self control that I am able to limit myself to five.... or six.

Nice Round Trip for Lunch in Mahwah

There are approximately 195.19 statute miles between Mahwah, NJ and Marblehead, Massachusetts.
~
DiMatteo, Ohanian and I are driving down in the morning, having a meeting, giving out Golf Shirts, buying lunch and driving back.
~
It's actually faster to drive. By the time you get to the airport, park, go through security, board the plane, rent a car, drive from Newark to Mahwah... you are better off just driving from Marblehead.
~
I know what you are thinking. How can I spend 6 plus hours in the car with DiMatteo without my head exploding? I haven't figured that part out yet.

Blue Egg Baking

Wait until your try this stuff!

Fortier is going to make a million Bucks!!!

http://www.blueeggbaking.com

View from Monday Morning

Number crunch, NJ trip, Moonshadow closing, Amazon gifts, Boston Xmas Party.
It will all get done. We'll see another Saturday.

Nanepashemet's Deed to Marblehead

On September 16, 1684 his (Nanepashemet's) heirs gave Marblehead a deed to their town, it was signed by

Joane Ahawayet, Squaw, relict, Widdow of George Saggamore, alais Wenepauweekinwwekin or George No Nose;

Joane Quanapohkownat, the widow of John Quanapohkownat of Natick:

James Quanapohkownat, alais James Rumneymarsh,

Isreal Quanapohkownat, Sarah Quanapohkownat all of Natick;

Susannah Wenepawweekin, Sarah Wanapawequen daughters of Sagamore George;

Joseph Quanophkonatt, alais Joe English, son of old John ( Essex Reg. Deeds, 11,132 )

( 1.) ( 2.) (3.) ( 4.) ( 5.) ( 6.) ( 7.) ( 8.) ( 9.)

The Marks of: 1.David Nonnuphanohow, 2.Sam Wuttaannoh, 3.John Tontohqunne, 4.Cicely Petaghuncksq, 5.Thomas Vsqueakussennum, 6.Isreal Quanophkownatt, 7.Jane Quanophkownat, 8.Yawata, 9.Wattawtinnusk*. James Rumneymarsh signed the deed in English. From the Salem Deed 1686
* Wife of Peter Ephraim - all signers give their home as Natick

Woodworking Secrets

The secret to woodworking is that wood has only a little to do with it. A good woodworker is really an accomplished metal worker.
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As I get more experienced, especially in building boats and projects with curved surfaces, I've had to understand how to use chisels, planes and scrapers. ~
The essence of these tools is a sharp blade edge.
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I've found that Japanese waterstones progressively up to 6000 grit can put a razor sharp, polished edge on a chisel or plane iron. But it is tedious business to do it by hand. Last year, I bought the Makita Sharpener that uses a powered rotating waterstone. It works quickly and with great results.
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For my scrapers, I use the Veritas burnisher to get the right hook and sharpness to the blade.
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Understanding your saws and other power tool and tuning them correctly is the other secret, involving a good mechanical feel for the machinery and what it is designed to do. This woodworking technique involves wrenches and screwdrivers and has nothing to do with wood.
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Basically, to become a good woodworker, you have to be very good with metal. Seems wierd.

Heartburn and Hangovers

I reccommend Gaviscon Extra Strength Antacid.
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BTW, Hangovers suck.
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I used to be good to go by 12 noon the next day, no matter how bad the morning was. You would think that over your lifetime, the recovery period would improve, but no, I still feel like crap at 4:45 PM.
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It gets worse as you get older.
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Mike just ordered two pizzas from Vesuvius. Tom McMahon is over and we're having a pizza party. This wil be the Gaviscon test.

Senor Balzac....

... is either Mike Nestor or Tyler Gill. Until I figure it out, I think I'll blame them both.

Not Looking Good

12 minutes to go in the 4th period. Patriots down 13-0 to Miami.
2 possessions needed and some big plays.
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Now 10 minutes. Pats have the ball but not showing any luck. Just fumbled. I hate to do it, but I'm going to concede this to the Dolphins.
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This is all Jay Turner's fault. If he hadn't flown down to Miami to watch this game, everything would have been fine.
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My brother in Ft. Laud. should be happy. Thanks Jay.

Stapleless Planking System

In my next boat, I'm going to utilize the stapleless method of clamping the strips together using a plywood clamping system as illustrated here.
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Not because of aesthetics. I doubt that any untrained eye can spot a staple hole in the hull.
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I'm using it because it should align the planking strips together better, thus saving time against the horrendous amount of sanding that these projects entail.