Saturday, May 31, 2008
Championship Series
~
We watched the Celts beat the Pistons at the Gerry5 last, and Tommy O took the plunge - tendering his membership papers and demonstrating his prowness at billiards. Should be a nice series against the Lakers.
~
Boston Celtics v the LA Lakers in the Finals... seems like deja vu.
Rain Delay
~
The toy box lid has to be stiffened with some cleats so that it doesn't bend. Maybe I'll concentrate on that in the morning, because by noon we have to go to the Saugus High School Graduation, where my nephew, Kyle, will be giving a speech as the senior class president.
~
We're pretty proud of Kyle. He'll be attending college in Virginia, majoring in theater.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Week 21 POTW
~
I don't blame you if you are a little pissed.
~
Entirely skipping the crucial Thurs post to name the Peeps of the Week is inexcusable...
~
And yet.... I do have an excuse!
~
I had dinner last night with a company CEO who wants to buy Nanepashemet Telecom. Unless he can make me an offer that turns me into a gentleman boatbuilder with no financial cares, there will be no deal.
~
It could happen.... Pigs could fly.... and Monkeys could jump out of my ass.
~
ANNOUNCING
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for Week 21 of 2008
- Bill Hillegas
- Pat Piscatelli
- Michael Bloomberg
- Rosella Mercuri
- Meaghan Bruett
- Sandy Greenlaw
So far, no monkeys.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Strange Coincidence
~
This has happened before to me before, so I shouldn't be so amazed, but it's still so freaking weird!
~
Plus when got home from my field work today Grandson Will was over for a visit which was a fun end for a strange day.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Weekend Revelation
~
Somebody driving by this weekend saw the Dory frames and asked me how many boats I am going to build. My glib response was that it depended upon how long I lived. But that is pretty much the truth. If I could cut the nut by building boats, I definitely would. But until then, Nanepashemet Telecom will have to carry the burden of paying for everything.
Hot Dog Rolls
Will Sleep Over
~
Even Jack Dog and Roenick are psyched.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Karmic Toy Chest
Those of you who view me as a narcissistic, self-absorbed, ego-maniac are not too far off the mark.
~
But you can't say that I'm not honest.
~
Now, back to talking about me...
~
I just finished the first sealer coat of epoxy on the exterior of Will's Toy Chest. I'm reasonably satisfied with the craftsmanship, but the design is what I am totally pleased with.
~
Three of the oak sides were part of the kitchen that I built 18 years ago when we first moved to Beverly Ave, and the inside bottom is cedar that I salvaged from my mother's hope chest. Too bad you can't smell it because it is still aromatic after over sixty years.
~
There is a lot of good karma in this chest, and so to be more still when Grandson Will starts using it.
Lamp Post Envy
~
Now, guess what?
~
Joanne wants a new lamp post.
~
I should have seen it coming.... but I have to admit, it is a good idea. She picked out this Azek PVC model which I like too. I may decide to buy the stock and build it, using the extra stock to build a cuppola from the Azek as well.
~
I'll build another cupola for Jim-Bob so that he doesn't think that we're trying to steal his thunder.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Success
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
---
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Memorial Day Weekend
~
All I could think of looking forward to this weekend is three days off.
~
But the ability to enjoy those three days in peace and freedom, without having a German, Japanese or Russian telling me exactly what I could do with them is the true focus for this weekend.
~
What a different, and dark world it would be today without the extraordinary actions and sacrifices made by the past generations of Americans in the Armed Services. The fact that I am writing this Blog in English and not German, and can say whatever I want without governmental repression.... this alone is testament to their services to us and America.
~
I think of my father, who was blown off a ship in World War II, and spent a year in the Veteran's Hospital, my grandfather who was gassed in a trench in World War I, and my father -in-law, who was wounded by a Chinese artillery shell and held as a prisoner of war in Korea.
~
It was the actions and sacrifices of these and millions of other men and women, who have given me the audacity to expect three carefree days of peace and relaxation this Memorial Holiday weekend.
~
Have a great, fun, peaceful weekend.... but take the time to remember exactly why you are able to do so.... and give some thoughts and prayers to those who sacrificed for you.
Tuna Lips said...
and don,t for a minute think that Hassan the camel trader would like nuttin' better than to have your lilly white tookus muling around his figs and carpets whilst he watches good ole made in the USA porn. Cant have one without the other.
Help a vet, and pray for thems that fell so we might have our days in the sun.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Adjustments
~
The discarded chest base was used to create a display shelf for the antique bottles that we excavated ten years ago from the original Sundance Pre-School site, which was an apothecary, then a clam shack before becoming the florist shop that we demolished to build the school.
~
It would be possible to get all of the toychest sanding done tomorrow, apply a sealer coat of clear epoxy and be ready for spray varnish when the Tender is ready next week or so. But I have to carve Will's initials on the inside lid and that will take some time.
~
I don't want to cut any corners on this project, and have taken every step I know to strive for perfection. This one is turning out well, but they'll be other chances to build chests for grandkids yet to be born.
Three Day Weekend
I'm only a few conference calls and some accounting work away from a long three day weekend. The weather report is aces. Looks like summer temps are kicking in.
~
The WhaleEye hasn't been launched so that we'll be giving quite a few fish a stay of execution until a future weekend. Then all bets are off, because fish will die this season.
~
I'm just going to lay low and stay around the hood. Both Mike and Kate talked about dropping by, and we have Little Will on Sunday and Monday. Looks like there is a great chance to get all of the sanding done on the Tender and Will's Toychest so that I can begin the spray varnishing next week.
~
BTW, yesterday, I completed my second running workout on the tread mill with NO KNEE PAIN!
~
If I can get some quality workouts in over the weekend, then maybe I can salvage the attempt at the Marine Marathon this October.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Week 20 - POTW
Announcing...
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 20th week of 2008
- Jon Lester
- Rich Berliner
- Will Murray
- Kelley Clark
- Bianca de la Gaza
- Ray Allen
Can't wait to check my email tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Return to Normalcy
So Kristi Yamaguchi emerged victorious in Dancing With The Stars. I called that one episodes ago. I'm glad it's over though. Time to resume my manly role as a manly man, untainted by attention to a ballroom dancing diversion.
Tuna Lips said...
You call a jap winning anything on Americanish tv normalcy? What next, you gonna open up a 'gay care center' so all the chilluns can get learnt up on not being normal?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Cause for Concern
There are a couple of points of concern that I have to bring to your attention today.
~
First... I did not throw a No-Hitter yesterday for the Red Sox against the Kansas City Royals. It was Jon Lester, not John Nestor. The fact is that I've never even pitched for the Red Sox. So stop all of the congratulatory emails and voicemails. You know how annoyed this makes me.
~
And Second.... I've just recently found out that Dale Johnson, aka "Buck", was noted as the best marksman in his Army battalion. Buck with a rifle. That is definitely cause for concern.
Coming Together
~
Of course it all won't pan out as I imagine it. If it did, I'd be looking for loft space with a loading dock near a water put in for my ultimate Nanepashemet Boatbuilding business pretty soon.
~
That will happen sooner or later... but sooner is definitely preferable.
~
BTW, Will's Tool Chest is already finished... mentally in my head. I'm happy with the design. Now all I have to do is complete it with some solid craftsmanship. Since I'm not working with a printed plan, the mental part is the hard part.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Finals
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Convergence
~
The mahogany has some stress cracks, but these will be sealed by the absorption of the first coat of epoxy.
~
I also sanded out the dovetails but was less than 100% satisfied because the fit was not as precise as I would have liked for a project of this importance. The gaps were filled with a glue and sanding dust putty that will cause the flaws to disappear, but I know that they are there and a juried woodworker will see them.
~
The vast majority of you Peeps won't have a clue, so I guess I shouldn't get pissed off with myself about it.
~
The project will be completed well before Will's birthday in mid-June, but I'm rushing it because I want to spray it with multiple coats of marine varnish while the Tender interior is also being varnished, and I'd like to launch the Tender as soon as possible.
~
Both projects will be completed with the varnishing at the same time.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Clean Up Your Act
~
But if cleanliness is next to Godliness, then my garage must be right next to Hell.
~
That is one filthy place.
~
I glued and clamped the dovetails on Will's Toy Chest today, but the bulk of the day was spent trying to clean and get order in the garage. It looks pretty good to me now, but to the untrained eye, it still must resemble a chaotic pigsty.
~
The day ended right though when Tommy and Linda O'Shea came over with some natural casing hot dogs that we grilled with chicken wings and kielbasa... chased down with some Dark and Stormies.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
POTW Week 20
ANNOUNCING...
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 20th Week of 2008
- Sarah Crawford
- Ted Bruschi
- Steve Spillane
- Stacey Butler
- Charles Sheen
- Nick Herz
Tuna Lips said...
Comes to groomin', whatsoever you does, dont lets em shave your man parts. Why once, I was passing time with some some seemingly decent gents, and we took to tales of grooming and what passed for fashion at the time. This after several white wine spritzers. Next thing I knowed I was garbed in latex and gettin' my nuts shaved by a tattooed feller with a pierced foreskin named Reggie. Castro district has got nuttin'; to do with Fidel. Jeepers.
Cancellation and Obsession
~
It's true that I am dangerous in a tool store or on Amazon at night. I have no idea why I have bought some of the tools that I have. I suppose that irrational tool buying is a better vice than most obsessions but it's still bad.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Asian Catastrophes
What's with the massive loss of life from earthquakes and hurricanes in Asia? 100,000 dead from a typhoon in Burma... 20,000 dead from an earthquake in China.
~
Doomsday prophets might give this as evidence that we come closer to the "End of Days".
~
I think that's hogwash.
~
As the earth has become a global village via the Internet and other communication media, obscure provinces in China become next door neighbors. In 1916, a meteorite hit Siberia with the force of 1000 nuclear explosions. Nobody knew about it for 10 years. That could never happen today.
~
At any rate, thousands of people dying in natural catastrophes seems to be more of a 3rd world phenomenon. Katrina in New Orleans left 1800 dead.... a relatively low number compared to the carnage in Asia.
~
The only thing I can think of for the exponential Asian loss of life is a difference in building codes between the two cultures.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Project Progress
~
I showed the panels to Joanne with the combination of oak and mahogany. She was impressed. That's good because she normally has no trouble telling me if something that I've done sucks.
~
I also received the Epiphanes Varnish from Jamestown Distributors. That gives me no excuse in finishing the Tender refit.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Project Status
~
Yes, Will Nestor's Toychest is coming along fine. All of the side panels have been have been cut, biscuit joined and glued. The next step is to rough sand the panels, then cut the dovetails. The rough assembly of the carcase should be done by the weekend. Then I have to figure out what the lid and base assembly will look like. I've got a month to get this project done... so no problem.
~
The Herreshoff Columbia Yacht Tender seasonal fit out is also progressing nicely. Yesterday, I epoxied all of the seat seams and touched up any areas where the epoxy failed. I also epoxied some reinforcing fiberglass to some stress points in the bottom of the hull. Three quarts of Epiphanes Clear Gloss Marine Varnish is on order from Jamestown Distributors, and I will spray this on the interior when I have scraped and sanded the epoxy touchups. Then I'll turn over the hull, attach the brass bar to the keel, and spray a few coats of varnish on the outside hull. Can't see the launch happening before June, but it has to look good so I can impress all of my new friends at the Boston Yacht Club.
~
The Chamberlain Marblehead Gunning Dory is another story. I keep promising to join the frames to the bottom, and I have them all laid out, but I haven't progressed due to the urgency of the top two projects. When I get some receivables from Nanepashemet Telecom, I'll buy that 8 HP Honda 4 Stroke Outboard from Ryan Marine, and the project will gather some steam, because the engine will require some design modications in the Dory plan. I want the motor to tilt up into the hull and will need to check the mounting and make provisions for the gas tank. I realistically can't see any movement on this until mid-June, after Will's chest is complete.
~
So now you should be happy enough. You're completely updated on the status of the projects, so ease up on the emails.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Dr. Jim
~
I was really hoping that it would work itself out. In fact, it starts to feel fine when I regularly bike on the Cybex. But running brings that pain back.
~
Surgery can't be an option if I'm to make it to the Marine Corps Marathon this October. I've got to figure this out.
Piscabo said...
Don't look at it as a problem. It can and is empowering if you let it. For instance, that pint of Cherry Garcia and that Kettle of Mac n' Cheese, those go unattended if you are out there training. The boat? Same thing. While your knee injury may shut one door, it opens so many others. Seize this opportunity. You can do it.
Mother's Day Wish
~
I suppose you want me to say something profound here concerning the "Circle of Life" or something like that.
~
That's just too much pressure.
~
This is a Blog.... it's not inspirational philosophy on demand!!!
~
Granted, I know that every once in a while, I make a point to ponder. But this isn't one of those times. Plus I'm watching an episode of "Yankee Workshop", and it's hard to have deep thoughts while watching Norm Abram sand a piece of teak wood.
~
So a wish of "Happy Mother's Day" will have to suffice for now. Joanne is in a great mood. All of her kids are home, and we'll have a clambake at the end of the day. Ryan has the Lobsters, and I have to come up with some Clams. For Joanne, every day is a Happy Mother's Day when her kids are around... and grandkids are the frosting on the cake.
~
BTW, if you regularly come to the Nanepashemet Blog for your helping of inspirational guidance, then you must be mentally starving by now.
Tuna Lips said...
I echo those sayings, and give a mega dittos to the praise for mommas around the globe. Though she is singin' with the angels, my mammy is near to me in my time of need, and utters her loving words which were really only meant to learn me things. I recall them frosty nights, her setting down after a long day of driving the plow, and then dance lessons with the local preacher, and after she served us little ones a fricasee o' possum and crow, her sittin' by the firelight, mud smear on her chin, hair all mussed up, blushin' as pappy serendaded her with "I'll Pass You my Moonshine if You Shows Me Yer Jugs". Many rivers have been crossed since those halcionic days, but this remains true: momma kept our feets shod and our tummies full, our neighbors at bay and the coppers on her side the law. Blessins to you momma. Little TL is now growed big, with white in his hair and unnatural emulsion from my unmentionables. But I will abide, for I knows you loves me and will make it all okay.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Bonus Saturday
~
I'll take it.
~
My plan is to glue up some panels for Will's toychest, then powerwash the Tender, then get a workout in on the Cybex..... all before noon. Then I'll see how the rest of the day plays out. Maybe I'll epoxy the frames on the Dory bottom.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Odd Ducks
Call It Quits
~
Now we can stop worrying about the Clinton's soiling the White House, and can turn our attention to McCain v. Obama. Not a pretty sight either. But somehow, this choice seems less toxic.
~
It would be nice to see Bill and Hillary crawl under a rock and confront their golden years in self-adulating, ego-driven hell. I doubt that we have seen the last of them though.... no rock is big enough.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Cherry Garcia Fix
POTW Week 19
~
Unfortunately for you, my policy is never to give the specifics of business situations in this Blog, even though it would be infinitely more interesting. But suffice it to say, that a number of independent business opportunities are eerily coming together at the same time.... which could make this a great year.... pour moi.
~
This isn't the first time that this has happened to me. Good things seem to come in bunches. Which reminds me that it is Thursday, and time to to select the Peeps of the Week.
ANNOUNCING....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for Week 19 of 2008
- Jan Ford
- Joanne Nestor
- Jerry York
- Denise Kearns
- Roger Clemens
- Maddie Gill
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Herreshoff Tender Maintenance
~
Tomorrow morning, I hope to power wash the interior in the morning then sand and reinforce the epoxy in the afternoon. That should get me in a position to spray a coat of marine varnish on Friday if the weather holds up.
~
With a little luck, the Tender will be ready for the season by the weekend.
~
I'm going to get some heavy duty rowing in this year... as much as possible.
Going Green
Jim Peabody has been helping Tommy O' Shea getting his front lawn in shape. It's looking good.
~
I've never really taken good care of my lawn. Basically went through the motions over the years. It always looks good enough from across the street, and if you have the need to inspect it up close, then you're a whack job and I don't care what you think anyway.
~
But now Jim Bob and Tommy Tank Top have thrown down some smack. There's no way that I can stand pat and watch their lawns turn a luxuriant green, while mine stays sketchy with large brown spots.
~
So we'll be cultivating, fertilizing, seeding and watering until my lawn dominates these horticultural wannabees.
Anticipation
Sometimes you wake up and dread the coming day. Other times, you can't wait to get out of bed and embrace it. Today it's the latter for me.
~
Sprint should be coming up with big investment news, which should be good for Nanepashemet Telecom. Our other customers are preparing orders and getting ready to move. Other massive stuff is happening. It could be a crazy, busy summer.
~
But it won't be all business.... I'm not going to leave the fish alone this season. There are Striped Bass and Football Tuna swimming out there right now that have no idea that they will end up on my grill in the coming months.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Annual Confession
Once again, I come to my annual confession that I am a fan of "Dancing With the Stars".
~
Not sure why I feel so guilty about this... so ashamed.... so very vulnerable.
~
Does enjoying a Tango, Cha Cha Cha, or Samba make me less than a Man????
~
Do I compromise my masculinity by savoring the Waltz, Quickstep or Paso Doble???
~
Those of you who know me best, know that I am a MAN, a Man's Man, a Manly Man... the type of man that women immediately undress with their eyes... a real man who doesn't drink martinis or light beer... not a limp wrist in either arm.
~
So what if a little Ballroom attacks this premise. I can live with it.
Tuna Lips said...
Well bully fer you, showing your inner child to those of us who hide our eyes and cower. Look on the bright side, with that Obammy feller lined up to run this here country, the Marine Marathon will soon have a new category. Like the over 40 category, a gay category ta boot, and youse and yer fairy dance buddies can compete against one another for 'fastest queer' and 'snappiest running trunks'.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.- Author unknown
Tuna Lips said...
Life is queer? Speak fer yerself, there, Liberace.
Tuna Lips, Out!
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Gathering Momentum
~
Tomorrow morning, I'll glue up a panel for the Chest, epoxy the middle frames to the Dory bottom, and drill holes in the keel brass for the Tender - all before noon. That should establish some momentum.
Derby Winner
Antidote
Kill Me Now Please
~
That means that Joanne has fired up a heaping serving of the "Lifetime Channel".... you know, television for women.
~
Gag me with a freaking spoon.
~
I won't make it to 3:00 PM. This is my last day on Earth.
Friday, May 02, 2008
POTW Week 18
Here are the POTW selections this week... late as usual.
~
I'm feeling kind of bad for my cat Roenick. It really seems like he is mourning the loss of his domineering sister Isabelle. He just mopes around the house and issues these depressing moans from time to time.
~
I miss Izzy too, but you don't see me in a deep funk. Snap out of it Roenick!
ANNOUNCING....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for the 18th week of 2008.
- Andrew Peabody
- Barry Lutchen
- Nick Herz
- the entire Customer Care Department of Nordic Track
- Manny Ramirez
- Jill Phillips
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Loathsome and Demonic
How's this for trash talk from my loathsome, demonic, archrival Joe Collins?
Collins Said....
Good news... While the rest of us are running the Marine Corp Marathon, maybe you can run the Marine 10K that day ! A little concerned about the litany of ... "may achin knee, my broken treadmill, customer support, my weight, my moods" Am I running with Lutch?!!?
Workouts since last report:
4/14 14.2 bike
4/15 4 mile walk Dallas
4/16 12 miles bike Dallas
4/17 12.3 bike Dallas
4/19 3.4 treadmill run
4/21 2 miles (outdoors)
4/22 2 mi
4/24-27 4 rounds golf
4/29 11.3 bike
4/30 2 mile run Weight down to 205... building strenghth, character and determination ! !
Registration is now open:
http://www.marinemarathon.com/page11.aspx
I will beat him, irregardless of the sacrifice and pain that it takes.