Post 426 Finishing 2011

What a year. It all started okay and ended okay with a lot of scary stuff in the middle.

My readership is up about 65% from levels the same time last year. That is so cool. Thank you to everyone who stops by daily to read my drivel.

I took some fun trips this year.

Two of the trips were to San Francisco early in the year where I met fellow blogger Phfrankie Bondo at The Shack. A swell guy he is. He showed me how to spin a chicken and why it is worth the effort. And we drank some good wine and had lots of laughs.

I did a ton of scuba diving this past year. I finally got off shore of North Carolina on 3 dives.

We did us some great tailgating, grilling and camping this year and left the RV down in Southport.

Gigi had the surgery of all surgeries. Almost 9 hours, 20 bolts and two metal rods later she struggled to survive the first 24 hours. It was a living nightmare but we survived.

I took care of her; I ran the house, took care of the animals and worked. And I found out how great and caring some people are. It is their nature. And I found out just how useless and shallow other people are. It is their nature. Compassion doesn’t necessarily run down blood lines either.

In the end all the struggle brought Gigi and I even closer together. Throughout the recovery my theme to her was, “Don’t worry, I got your back covered.”

I let no one mistreat her, take advantage of her or give her substandard care.  

Just the other day I lost it in the pharmacy when a zit faced clerk informed me that they couldn’t fill a scrip until Tuesday because it was too soon.  I went on a tirade about wiping her face and butt, combing her hair and brushing her teeth, coaching her to breath in the hours just after the procedure, rolling her on and off a bed pan, helping her struggle to walk and now it comes down to a 20 year old telling me my wife must endure pain until Tuesday because you said so. I lost it but got the medicine she needs.  

Things are much better now but she has a very long road to recovery.

It has been a fantastic year. And thanks for stopping by. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

It wasn’t Safe in the Water

I had stopped by a small beach on typical black water river that I often see in Eastern NC. The water runs very still and it is clear yet black in appearance from all the tannic acid left by rotting vegetation. It sounds nasty but black water rivers are beautiful to me.

On the beach were planks supported by poles. It looked strange.

Way over on the far bank was a group of juvenile alligators sunning in the mid day warmth.  

A friend and I were standing at the waters edge when out of nowhere small silver fish began to jump on land. They were followed by large mature flounder that were literally walking on what appeared to be crude chicken type legs.

The flounder started gobbling up the fish and snapping at us. I was instructed to get up on the planks for safety because a flounder can deliver a nasty bite.

In just a few moments the alligators joined in the carnage. We watched the bizarre scene from the platforms in amazement of what we were witnessing.

Wow! Two nights in a row of very vivid dreams. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Mighty Fine Plane

It was the most fantastic, futuristic catamaran airplane that I had ever seen. It had clean lines and curves like I’ve come to expect from Apple products. I don’t know who manufactured and designed this plane but it was a work of art.

The whole plane was white on white with white leather seats, plush carpeting, and richly piled headliner made the inside quiet under power.

There were just hints of rich burl wood trim here and there and the lighting was soft and indirect.

Inside the air was very fresh and perfectly temperature controlled.

And it was mine. It all seemed perfectly believable and Gigi knew how to fly it.

We took off with one of the dogs for a maiden flight. I was stretched out on a large rear sofa watching the night sky from an almost silent cabin. Cedie was asleep on the floor.

One we reached cruising altitude Gigi informed me that she was going to leave the plane on auto pilot, and she would be leaving for a while to run some errands.  She entered another small cabin and undocked from our plane and went on her way.

I went in the back and fell into a deep sleep.

I awoke 8 hours later and Gigi was not back. I became worried. I could see that it was now morning and our altitude had dropped significantly. Something must be wrong.

I frantically looked for an instrument cluster or radio but none was apparent. What in the world was I going to do?

Suddenly the dog started barking and I woke up.  

Damn that was a good dream. I want a catamaran plane. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Very Soon



© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

State Taxes

North Carolina will raise their fuel tax by 4 cents January 1 to 38 cents per gallon. Combine the federal tax, and we are in the top 5 fuel taxed folks in the country.

If I drive 10 miles from my office to South Carolina I can save $9 a tank for diesel.

On booze, I pay $52 for a half gallon of Makers Mark in NC. In SC it is $42 for the same bottle.

SC here I come in 2012. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

From a Recent Graduate of the Instutute

Important not to confuse your buckets!!!


© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Goodbye Old Friend

My first generation iPod Touch died in action Christmas Eve. It was toward the end of the tailgate and it just went silent. Efforts to reboot failed and it was pronounced dead later that afternoon. 

That old iPod was a Christmas gift from Gigi years ago, and it alone led me down the slippery slope of Apple gadgets. 
Unresponsive 

It was so cutting edge….it had apps and wifi. I could send and receive email….surf the web.

It made it down to St Croix numerous times before taking a back seat to my iPhone.  

The iPod led to the iPhone and the iPhone led to the iPad. Before I knew it I was hooked on Mac. 

I daydream about all the future Apple gadgets and it all started with an iPod. 


© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Merry Christmas





© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

A Christmas Win 48-16


The last home game of the season. I will miss our little lake.



A very minimal spread but good. First time without a grill. 



Oysters shells from games past. 


Three dead dogs leftover. 


A flood of cops come back to settle a few drunks at the game. 


Life is surely good for me. Merry Christmas. 


© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

2012 Come on Down!

I am really looking forward to 2012. I like even numbered years over odd, and 2012 is so symmetrical. It has a good feel. And for those of you who lack the ability to see what color is associated with 2012; it is green.

2011 was yellow and I am glad to see it go.

Not since 2000 have I been so excited about a number.  

Come on 2012!

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Emotion Suppression

I have a headache and a sick heart. I learned today, that yesterday a client of mine died in a car wreck. He was a true friend.

The pain I feel is personal and professional….such a waste….so many plans gone undone.

He was 68 years old and had many more years to go.

This is such a bad time of year to die. Any time of year is bad, but Christmas is the worst.

I have notified the people that need to be notified, and I will meet with the widow next week.

Still I have a big lump in my throat. It was so unexpected. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

His Skills Will Be Missed

I remember reading this when It happened. He inspired me to pick up the game of golf. So sad. 

From ESPN - The greatest golfer in history is gone.

North Korean dictator/superstar golfer Kim Jong-Il has died at 69 -- a fitting age, because 69 is under par on every regulation golf course.


Associated Press
Kim Jong-Il never needed a swing coach to master the sport of golf.
Kim shot 38 under, including 11 holes-in-one, at the 7,700-yard championship course at Pyongyang in the VERY FIRST golf round of his life, according to North Korean state media. This was in 1994, when Kim was 52 years old. Even more impressive, Kim stood just 5-foot-3, yet he was able to overpower a course as long as any ever played in major championship history. Who knows how good Kim could have been if he had taken up the sport earlier? Who knows how many times he bested 38 under in the 17 years since his first round?

What we do know is that no matter how many more majors Tiger Woods does or doesn't win, the debate of Tiger vs. Jack is really an argument about who is the second-best golfer in history.

More than his undisputed greatness on the course, it's probably Kim's simple approach to the game that will be his enduring legacy. While other great golfers have written books full of tips, tricks and swing thoughts, Kim had the best approach to conquering the sport of golf: Have your national propaganda department lie for you.

Try it out the next time you hit the links!

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

How to Plan a Party

Just another helpful tip from Mental Vacation.  


© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Stuff I Want to Do in 2012

Get my Padi Rescue Certification and get my Padi Nitrox Certification. Then learn to side mount dive with two tanks.

Launch my weather balloon to space.

Go to St Croix two or more times. Dive, dive, dive.

Go back to San Francisco with Gigi. Go back to Phoenix with Gigi.

Spend more time in Southport and Jekyll.

Learn to master my Weber smoker.  

Rebuild my deck. The deck needs a new surface and I want a more customized man space cooking area. I think I can do this myself.

Buy and install a new Jeep Roof.

Buy Gigi and new car.

Take a road trip with the guys to a football game. 

Play a little more golf. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Every Five Years Starting at 50.....

The good news is all day I can have all the clear liquids and yellow jell-o I want. Then at cocktail hour this afternoon I have two for one MoviPreps. They say it will really give you a run for your money.  


In other news....I watched my first 3D HD TV the other day and it darn near scrambled my brain. It made my right eye hurt too. Yes it was more than realistic, more like surreal. The trickery is amazing but truly made my head hurt.


© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Southport, NC

Yesterday I woke up sick so I decided to slip on down to Southport, NC and deliver that imaginary cat to my mother in law.

It worked out just fine for me. I listened to the first half of the Carolina/Houston game and watch the second half at a local bar on the Cape Fear water front.

Southport is a unique North Carolina port town.  It is small and very historic. It is located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and is the entry point for traffic to the port in Wilmington, NC.

Bald Head island is nearby as is Oak Island.

I overnighted in the RV, visited a friend and client and headed back this afternoon.   



A small section of downtown Southport. The Cape Fear River is behind me about 100 yards.


Here is the pier at Southport. Look closely and you can see the second brightest lighthouse in the world. The lighthouse is still running even though it is not necessary.


I love an old cemetery. These are some of the oldest graves in North America. When the Charleston earthquake hit it was felt all the way up to Southport.  Locals thought it was The Rapture and ran to this cemetery to watch the bodies rise from the grave.


The old waterfront Yacht Basin. Lots of good eateries here.


A typical historic house in Southport. The TV series Matlock was filmed in Southport and Wilmington. I saw them filming an episode years ago.

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Sick Dreams

I woke up Sunday with a fairly nasty sore throat, so that put a stop to the diving plans. Overnight the cold intensified and that set the stage for some darn good dreams.

By some strange circumstance I had been chosen to be President Obamas chief assistant. I was at his side constantly watching his back and offering advice.

I remember the protocol....yes Mr. President, no Mr. President. That would be a good idea sir.

All the while my skin was crawling because I can't stand the man personally, but I had a duty to uphold that I did to my best ability. I respect the office and all it stands for.

Damn stressful night it was.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

wReggie-1 Winter-0

I have always wanted an outdoor heater but wasn’t willing to pay $500. I bought this one at Home Depot yesterday for $99.

My brother in law had one going while we were grilling, and the darn thing was so warm he had to throttle it back. It made outdoors at 46 degrees comfortable.  

Imagine the possibilities….tailgating, camping, sitting on the deck, winter diving…..

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Siblings At Christmas


Realize I am 5' 71/2 tops and I look like a giant.


© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Stuff I Do Not Like

Don’t care at all for clowns, sock monkeys, marionettes, or a ventriloquist dummy.  Add a flying monkey to that list too. It all creeps me out.   

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Only at An NFL Game



© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Time Warps and Anticipation

Its 57 days until my coveted winter island vacation. With travel now in sight, my mind tends to drift to island land in my dreams.

Last night I was there, Gigi and I. I walked to the dive shop to get on the morning schedule when I suddenly realized I forgot to pack my dive gear. I was panicked. I hate to rent dive gear.

Then I was transferred back a week and realized that now I had another chance to pack.    

Sunday I plan to dive for real in the quarry. It has been a long spell since I dived and I need to get some practice in. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Friday



© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Cool Beans III

I love cool technology.




© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

The Way It Is






© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Changing out The RV Water Pump





I know....you're asking yourself, "can this man do almost anything?"

Yes, direct current and water mix under the sink. The new one works great.

Location:Woodside Rd,Southport,United States

Yesterday Was Cold.

At least the outcome of the tailgate was good if the game wasn't. 


Lamb and hen spinning. 


Flank Steaks being cut.


Chicken, lamb and beef. I made 10 pounds of wings too but they got Hoovered up before we could take a photo. A few oysters showed up too. 


The uni-bomber showed up. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Learn to be a Thief

Break into a door.....


Or break into a padlock. 


Nothing is safe.

Not handy with a file? Buy a set of bump keys here.

Now I'm off to some serious tailgating. Atlanta is in town and everyone hates Atlanta about as bad as they hate Dallas and Philly. Go Carolina. Lamb, chicken and flank steaks on the grill today.

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

You Knew I Couldn't Wait


Slabs of pork ribs all covered in a dry rub. 15 pounds to be exact. I tried and tried but couldn't remove the membrane on that one side. It looks easy on YouTube.


The smoker coming up to speed. I used the Minion Method of lighting the fire.

Dead on 200....I throttle back on the air intake. Now shes at 225 for the last hour and fifteen minutes. Notice the nice Carolina Blue sky on the reflection.

I figure these babies will cook at least 5 hours.

UPDATE
Okay...three and a half hours and the temp has never exceeded 245. The deck has the nice smell of pork and apple wood smoke. I took a peek at the firebox and about half of the charcoal is ignited burning from the center outward. There is still plenty of water in the bowl. And the ribs ....they are something you dream about.

This smoker is really engineered well.

UPDATE
They were good but not great. This cooking method is a bit of an acquired art. They were dry and I should have taken them off 90 minutes earlier. If I bought these ribs in a restaurant, I would have complained.

Live and learn.


© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

New Good Stuff in my Life

I know….I know you’re thinking, “What the hell wReg, another grill?”

This is the coveted Weber Smoker. It will do slow and low with charcoal and smoke, to make BBQ like a pro. Briskets, ribs, and butts will be my domain going forward. I can see smoked salmon in my future.

At retail these things are as expensive as an oven. I got this one new in the box on Craig’s list for $200.   

Also yesterday I made Cruzan Rum Balls. Oh man…..they are GOOD.

wReggie's wRum Balls -The Recipe:

1 (16-ounce) package vanilla wafers, finely chopped
1-1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup Ghiradelli unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 cup Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chocolate sprinkles

Directions:
1) In a large bowl, combine your finely crushed wafers, chopped nuts, coconut flakes and cocoa. In another bowl, mix your rum and condensed milk. Pour your milky rum into your dry bowl until all gets wet. Leave your mess in the fridge for two-to-three hours. If your stuff seems too soft, add more cookies until it gets firmer.

2) Hand-roll your dough into one-inch balls. Now roll your balls in chocolate sprinkles, coconut flakes, or whatever else you feel. Next, lay your balls on waxed paper… it helps with the stickiness.

3) Store rum balls in an airtight container for one-to-three days to develop the flavors. The longer your balls sit, the more the taste intensifies!

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Comfort Food

Last evening it was rainy and raw with gusty winds.  I called Gigi from my commute home and suggested it was a nice evening for hamburger and onions.  

Hamburger (ground chuck 93% lean) and onions is a little more than it sounds, but that is the basic ingredients. We cook it all until it is brown and caramelized, and season the heck out of it with garlic, pepper, oregano, and whatever else we can think of.   

After an hour or so we’ll spoon out a bowl and top it with cheese or sour cream (I like some hot sauce) and then settle in to some good warm eating. No veggie and no bread, just all the goodness rendered in that bowl. It is a winter time treat.

Tonight the leftovers will make on hell of a beef and mushroom pizza.

I am stoked about Sunday for it will be a meat fest. I’m cooking wings with hickory wood, a whole chicken and a boneless leg of lamb on the rotisserie with apple wood, and then two flank steaks back on the hickory grill.

This will be the final big tailgate of the season so we are bringing out our best stuff.

The final tailgate will be Christmas Eve and likely will be a Hot Dog event with homemade chili. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Quarry Sharks

We now have these in our diving quarry …..



Paddlefish. …10 of them. I can’t wait to get back in the water and look for them. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Pearl Harbor

In 1966 my dad and I were reading the Sunday paper together, and it suddenly dawned on him that it had been 25 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor. Tomorrow it will be 70 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Dad sat me down many times and told me details of the attack, and what he was doing when it happened so that I could remember. It was very similar to my grand parents telling me about World War I, and The Civil War.

They all wanted me to know the reason for their outrage, and why the wars were necessary. They wanted me to know the fear that they felt. They wanted me to know the pride that they felt. They wanted me to know the sacrifices that were made for future generations.

In the end it was all war, death, and destruction.  And other wars followed, and many more will follow.

I didn’t forget Dad. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

I Clean Up Good



© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Sunday Day Dreaming

Panther Quarterback Cam Newton
Sunday is our first home game in a month and that means tailgating. It is going to be cold too with temperatures in the 40’s and wind gusting to 13 MPH.

Cold and wind wreak havoc with heat sources. This means that charcoal fires will need to be bigger than usual, and fed more often.

            SIDEBAR: Is it necessary to really have a “w” in front of reak to make wreak?  

Also too the chafing dishes will be powered by propane instead of sterno to keep the steam high and food hot.

I plan on cooking about 150 wings on the grill and spin a couple of large hens on another grill. After the success of that roast pork the other night I am considering spinning a pig and chicken if I can get there early enough.

The final tailgate will come on Christmas Eve and then the year is done. Man it has been a fast season. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

This Beats All....old meets new.

Cook on the trail and charge the iPhone. Add a good knife, a hammock, and a blanket and a man could go places.

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Saturday Butt Rub


A Boston Butt shoulder from Wal-Mart for $1.95 a pound. Sliced fresh garlic inserted in the meat. Nice store bought pork rub all over.


Chunks of apple wood are collected to smoke the pork. (Hey Mic...we cooked oysters on that blade.)




The pork is cooking via rotisserie for about 3 hours. Not BBQ but still the fats will render some tender and moist meat with layers of flavor. 




The butt is spinning.



The butt is smoking. Life is good. Results posted later if I remember and don't Hoover it all up.


Oh baby...here it is! The dogs are sitting around worshiping the grill. Soon! Very soon after it rests. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Friday in Costume

Yesterday was a hoot. I drove down to the coast to mingle and socialize with some friends at their home. The party was the 100th bourbon tasting.



What made the day different is a dressed up for the event. Oh it wasn't all that fancy but more dressed than most people brother these days. My clothes were unnecessary, so it made me suspicious.

I had on pressed khakis, a nice dress shirt, a sweater, and a blue blazer with dress shoes. A very acceptable casual dressy for the south in the fall of the year.

Everywhere I went folks would ask who I was and were was I from? People would go out of their way to talk to me. At the gas station people would strike up a conversation. At the party no one hesitated talking to me. At supper back in Southport I had many folks conversing with me with so many questions.

Today I'll put on my jeans and sweat shirt, be anonymous again, and head back home for the weekend.

It was a fun experiment.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Please Don't Hate Me

This is work I promise.

I have to drive 4 hours tomorrow to the coast where we have a meeting with 50 plus folks of the Bull Shitters Bourbon Sipping Society. It is our 100th meeting.  

There will be bourbon, 2 bushels of fresh NC oysters, live music, low country boil and good times.

Most are friends, a few clients and maybe a few new customers. I gotta work the crowd.

Latest stats from the last 99 BSBSS meetings:

Different Bourbons:  70

Most Sipped:  Woodford Reserve   7X

Special Sip (20 Sippers):  Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23yrs Old (95.7 Proof)

House Brand:  Makers Mark

Manhatten Brand:  Jim Beam

Best Mixed Sip:  Bourban, Ice, & Glass

Best Ladies Mixed Sip:  Bourbon, Ice, H2O, & Glass

Best Southern/Dixie/Redneck Mixed Sip:  Sun Drop, Bourbon, Ice, & Glass

Tidbits:  Jim Bowers brings his own Scotch

             Sy Schaffler, "Little" Tommy Polo, 9X9 Ben "The Book" D'Addario--Beer

             Dave Young has a chilled bottle of Grey Goose e/w stainless martini glass

             George Salchert & John Carroll both have to leave for cocktails with their wives @ 5:00 PM

             Bland Clarkeeeeee is required to leave by 5:50 PM to make it home by 6:00 PM

             Paul Hursh doesn't walk any different after 2 hrs. of sippin'

             Kathy Marks is our professional Manhatten bartender.

             Anita Stevens turns John Carroll into an eating machine when she brings liverwurst, onions, mustard, & bread.

             Geroge Berts has been converted to Dixie drinking & always brings Sun Drop Regular & Diet.

After the meeting I'll head to the RV and overnight. Then back home Saturday Morning. 

My clients are my friends. Life is truly good and I am blessed.

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

A Pack of Instant Grits to Anyone

who admits they watched the entire video. Leave your name and address and I swear I'll send the grits. 


© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Return of Rasta Clause


Rasta Clause is an old jolly fellow, 
who smokes a big fatty,
to get kind of mellow.  

His hair is gray, with long dreads, but clean,
his clothes are old too, 
and are always red, yellow, and green. 

When he smiles his teeth are all broken and brown,
Walk in town early enough,
And you’ see him lying face down. 

to be continued......

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Space Assignments Thus Far

Mission Specialist Bondo - Remote Tracking Telemetry – Bondo will be assigned the task of GPS Tracking via the Internet and confirmation of tracking telemetry prior to launch. He will then guide the recovery team, all from Mission Control back in The Delta.

Mission Specialist Mic – Recovery and Communication. – Mic will be assigned the task of communication with ground support specialist Bondo. He will also assist in recovery.  He specializes in canopy tree top recovery.

Mission Specialist Hensley – FAA Comunication, Launch and Recovery.  Hensley will be assigned the task of FAA communication prior to launch and follow up with landing information. Assists in launch and recovery.

Mission Specialist Swicegood – Payload Specialist. Provides the Swicegood command module and helps with launch and recovery. Backup specialist to recovery and communication specialist Mic.

Mission Commander Hunnicutt -   Captain of the ship, and makes all real-time critical decisions on behalf of the crew and in coordination with the Mission Control Center (Bondo).

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Three Things

I love eating oranges this time of year. Oranges are free food on weight watchers. I eat about four a day.

By golly I have eaten my weight in bananas since I started this weight reduction and I have found that I prefer Chiquita over Dole. The skins are thick as rhino hide on the Doles leaving less fruit. They are more difficult to peel too. I buy a bunch a day now.

And finally I love tracking a package. UPS is the best but US Postal is getting better. I sent a package out today for a Wednesday delivery. I’ll check on it tomorrow once it shows up online. 

It is better when the package is coming to me but sending one is phfun too. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

I Found This Very Old Photo

What can you tell me about this man?

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Poor Bastard

I don’t need an oven; I already have a nice microwave.

I don’t need a jet ski; I already have a nice boat.

He just doesn't get it. Someone save this poor grill. 

 And now for something completely different. 


Miami Vice, episode 5, Filmed on St Croix. I recognize every scene. Most of it is in Christiansted. Some of the first part is in Frederiksted. It was call St Andrews on the script.

And look! The mother ship is talking. I got the GPS working for the space craft!




GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com





© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Weigh In


I am down 20 pounds from this unflattering picture in September. Officially down 14 pounds from the beginning of weight watchers. 

I have lost 5 pounds in my head alone. Fat pants are loose. I feel good. 

10 more pounds to go to reach my goal. I should hit this by St Croix time.

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Space Hardware

More space hardware arrived yesterday. It was a functioning Motorola i425 phone with GPS.

I spent part of Saturday morning programming the new phone. This phone is mighty old by cell phone standards so there is a bit of a backwards learning curve for me.


To make matters more difficult I am not in the coverage area for Boost Mobile. In fact coverage is going to be an issue for where I launch this thing.

If I launch west today, say in Clover, SC, the darn thing floats 47 miles east.

Here is the data I got back from a proposed launch this morning.

Initial Position
35.13 degrees north, 81.19 degrees west, 211 meters.

Just East of Clover, SC

60,000 feet - Ascent
35.19 degrees north, 80.70 degrees west, 18288 meters.
24.6 nautical miles, 86 degrees magnetic from the initial position.
The magnetic declination is -6 degrees.

Burst

Burst Point

35.08 degrees north, 80.56 degrees west, 30000 meters.
31.2 nautical miles, 100 degrees magnetic from the initial position.
The magnetic declination is -6 degrees.

Impact

Impact

35.25 degrees north, 80.25 degrees west, 211 meters.
46.7 nautical miles, 87 degrees magnetic from the initial position.
The magnetic declination is -6 degrees.

When I compare this to the coverage map, I get a bit queasy. I may have to calculate a Lincolnton, NC launch.

There is still lots of stuff to do and plenty of time. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

Cars

I test drove a new car yesterday. It was a 2012 Ford Flex. It was like floating in a cloud compared to my current aging fleet of cars.

I hate buying a new car but I must. Gigi needs a solid car with automatic transmission.  

First appearance the Flex is boxy and unattractive but it grows on you. It has the comfort of a car with the room and practicality of an SUV. It is huge inside but parks and handles like a car. It is so quiet.   

And so begins the long agonizing process I must endure buying a car. Other folks buy cars quite casually and often. Not me.

I did get my pickup detailed yesterday. That thing is slick and shiny as a wet eyeball. I dropped off my jeep for the same treatment. My two red vehicles will be gleaming.

Finally today I will transport two convicted egg eaters to a new home. I am not at the point where I can eat pet chickens so they will go to a friend’s house to live out their days and think about their transgressions and the good life they threw away.  Punishment enough. 

© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.

How it all went down

For the past week, almost half of the eggs in the coop were cracked and eaten. I got Tanner, chief of security on the case, and here is how it all went down.








© 2011 wReggie’s I’m Always Mentally on Vacation. These Terms and Conditions of Use apply to you when you view, access or otherwise use the blog located at www.wreggie.com (the “blog”). Terms and Conditions can be found at http://reghunnicutt.com/terms.html.