Tender Maintenance

When I took the tarp off of the Tender, it didn't come close to resembling this photo that was taken last June before the launch.
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One season of use and one winter really put some wear on - especially in the interior.
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Estimated work to get it back in shape....
Vacuum and clean - 1 hr.
Powerwash - 1 hr.
Sand Interior - 3 hrs.
Sand Exterior - 1 hr.
Tape and epoxy seats - 2 hrs.
Misc. Epoxy repairs - 1 hr.
Spray Varnish 1st coat - 2 hrs.
Spray Varnish 2nd coat - 1 hr.
Reattach Naval Brass to Keel - 1 hr.
Misc. - 1 hr.
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That's 14 hours. Makes me start to wish I made this thing in fiberglass.
Doesn't matter because it's one of the best looking craft in Marblehead Harbor.

Apathy

I'm tired of the Democratic Presidential race.
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Don't care if the Pope is coming here.
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Americans in Iraq for way too long doesn't rile me.
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Big Papi in a slump is no big deal.
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And I'm not even concerned about who wins "Dancing With the Stars".
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That's how apathetic I am. It's freaking sad.

Bouncing Back

Despite my weakened, flu-ridden condition, I managed to get up and into action today... made it to the bank and the post office and sat in on a conference call.
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I know what you're thinking. "A lesser man would surely have wiltered."
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I appreciate the sentiment, but I didn't become a mountain of a man overnight. There was a time when I would have pussied under just like the rest of you. This strength comes from years of self discipline, singleness of purpose, and the utter lack of acknowledgement of pain.
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I have to stop now. My fingers are getting tired from typing.

Tuna Lips said...

Now, I take yer point there, Big Train. Bully on yeh.

Fer your considerin': The way ole TL rolls, I'd never have spake a word of feelin' under the weather in the first place.

I am a cyclone, comin' to a trailer park near you.

Under the Weather

I haven't been sick for well over 10 years, but yesterday, something hit me like a freight train.
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First chills and fever, then a pounding headache and backache that lasted all night.
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Naturally, I put up with the distress with the strength and stoicism that has always characterized my behavior in the face of pain.
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I hope to sleep tonight then back into the maelstrom, but I still feel rather crappy.

Full Agenda

Yesterday, Kevin Rockett finished tiling my basement, and we put it back together again so that it can function. This is the third major renovation to the basement, and hopefully the last. Between kids and cats, it tended to deteriorate quickly.
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Ryan and Courtney just finished renovating their basement. Let's see how long it takes before grandson Will makes his mark.
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I still have a great deal of finish carpentry and painting to do downstairs, but at least it can now be used, primarily for my home office and the treadmill. Can't wait for the part to come in for that machine so I can test if my left knee can stand the running strain.
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Also pulled out the Tender and removed the winter tarp. A dirty mess on the inside that has to be powerwashed, sanded and revarnished.
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There's no shortage of things to do, not to mention getting the taxes done by Wed.
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BTW, contrary to popular belief, Dale Johnson is not Tuna Lips, and his son Jeremy is not retaining me as a wedding planner.

Yahweh Piscatelli said...

The first trial balloons of an escuse appear on the horizon, and just as I go out and get fitted for a new pair of running shoes. Are there anymore real cowboys left? Jeez.

Mo swang and missed a 2-2 screwball that backed into the hole in his swing.

The other one was not so lucky.

First herring have been spotted down the cape. Schoolies not far behind.

Nestor, I am laying down a gauntlet of my own. Run the 4th of July race in Hingham, a 5 miler. Good tune up for your 26.2 mile event.

Striped Bass Weathervane

Is this the best looking freaking weathervane that you ever saw???
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I think so too.
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Cape Cod Weathervane Company sells these Striped Bass copper vanes, and one is definitely going to end up on the top of my garage one of these days.
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I'm putting this on the wish list with the 8hp Honda Four Stroke.

POTW - Week 15

OK, just shut up.
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I warned you that the selections might not be on time didn't I???
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So you never screw up ???? Ever???
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My point exactly, so get off my case.

ANNOUNCING.....
Nanepashemet Peeps of the Week for Week 15 of 2008

• Dale Johnson
  
• Kevin Rockett
• Dave Bruett
• Brendt D'Orio
• Lindsey Kepnes
• Emily Engardia

I'm tired, so leave me alone

Cruising

Tomorrow I have to get the POTW stuff done early, because I'm going on the New England Wireless Association Boston Harbor Cruise in the evening when I'd normally be tending to this tedious task.
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So if you have any of your pathetic recommendations or nominations, you'll have to submit them soon.
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Because there's a lot of heavy drinking that goes on in these functions... open bar and all. And you don't want me making the selections if I'm under the influence.
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Actually, I don't plan to really party. This is the opportunity to pick brains, and lie about how good your business is with your competitors. A combination of deception and bullshit, mixed in with a dose of intimidation.
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I can't wait.

Think, then Speak

Lately I have borne witness to some business situations where otherwise intelligent people say some really stupid stuff.
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As in.... not a thought of the implications, the context, or the audience before something highly inappropriate is blurted out.
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The key phrase here is "not a thought".
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Is it so hard to freaking think of what you are saying before the you blurt out the first freaking thing that comes into your FREAKING MIND??????
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YOU FREAKING STUPID, MORONIC, FREAKING IDIOT!!!!!
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Ok.... I'll calm myself down. I do have self control that is almost superhuman. Especially dealing with people in delicate business situations that call for discipline and forethought.
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So why don't you try some discipline and forethought.... YOU FREAKING STUPID, MORONIC, FREAKING IDIOT!!!!!
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Use some braincells and think before you let your lips flay with your stupid, one dimensional, uncalled for ramblings.
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Next time, try thinking before you open your big mouth. Freaking Moron.

Dory Resurgence

Pulled out the Dory Plans
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Time to get serious.
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I've got the base and the frames done. This weekend, I'll attach the middle frames to the base, then turn it over on the base mould and adjust the bottom camber.
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After that, it will be game on.... add the stems, and start planking. We'll have pictures.
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Mark Ryan of Ryan Marine is going to charge me a little under $2k for the 8hp Honda Four Stroke. That's a fair price, and I'll buy it if I can only collect a little more receivables from Nanepashemet Telecom. I'd like to have it on hand during the construction process so that I can customize the motor well around it.

Head Game

Talk about kicking someone when they're down!
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I drop my guard, and innocently point out to you that my treadmill problem is altering my training routine, and I get this taunting email from my Archrival, Joe Collins, inviting me to work out with him at the Oakley Country Club, and watch the Sox on opening day.
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I hope he doesn't think I was born yesterday.
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There's no way I'd let him screw with my head at his hotsy totsy country club. I'm not in country club workout shape yet.. and he knows it. Plus he knows that the Boston Yacht Club doesn't have a gym, and he's trying to rub it in.
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I'm wicked on to him.

Critical Delay

This was supposed to be the day that I began training on the Nordic Track Treadmill.
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But no. The incline engine and console worked, but the tread didn't move. A call to their customer care center put me through a diagnostic over the phone, and they say that I needed a new controller processor circuit board.
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It will be six to ten business days before the part is delivered.
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Don't they understand that I'm on a very strict schedule???? That this delay could inexorably alter the delicate pattern that has been established to bring me to peak performance on October 26, 2008 at the Marine Corps Marathon????
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I'm still going to refrain from running on the pavement before I get some low inpact treadmill training in. So I hope the freaking part comes in on time.
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Meanwhile, the CYBEX reclining bike will have to do.
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Maybe this diversion is ordained from GOD. Maybe the Almighty has decided to intercede in this training effort for the betterment of my glory in October.
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I doubt it... but maybe.

Piscabo said...

Sounds like you need to think over your training approach. I do my best thinking over a bowl of mac and cheese. Also, a pint of Smithwick's and a chicken pot pie with a real crust can be solution inspiring. Finally, tucking into a meatball (not hamburger) and green pepper thin crust pizza with a sixer of Coors light and a remote to welcome the boys of summer back to Fenway, well, it doesn't get much more American than that. You are a patriot. I am getting misty, forgive me.