I'm Always Mentally on Vacation

Friday

2012-02-18T04:42:00.001-05:00

More diving.

My dive master.

A road less traveled.

Sea glass.

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Rescue Diver

2012-02-17T05:33:00.001-05:00

Last night I obtained my Rescue Diver certification, and by default I qualify as a Master Scuba Diver. This is to top of the recreational Padi food chain.

From here if I continue to study, I would either be working towards an instructor certification, or go down the path of a Tech Diver.

For now I plan to gain more experience and let the training soak in.

We have two last boat dives this morning and Gigi is riding along. Whales were seen yesterday and I hope they are still there.

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Location:Ms Bea Rd,,US Virgin Islands

A Good Thursday

2012-02-16T20:13:00.001-05:00

Plus a night dive!

Lunch view.

Side mount diving

2012-02-16T07:08:00.001-05:00

Tuesday

2012-02-14T17:13:00.001-05:00

My hammock on the beach.

YouTube Video

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Location:Ms Bea Rd,,US Virgin Islands

Fun Stuff

2012-02-13T18:44:00.001-05:00

Turtle.

YouTube Video

Dive buddy.

Lazy dive.

Reef shark.

Dive master.

New clown nose.

Lost goat.

A weber.

Island grilled chicken on a weber.

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The Eagle has landed

2012-02-12T15:20:00.001-05:00

I waited until I was safely at 30,000 feet before I make this claim. Gigi is with me at last, and we are flying to St Croix.

She has been doing very well but I know it is a struggle for her. I see a huge improvement since the surgery, but i know the tiny baby steps must be discouraging if you are the one racked with pain.

I always seem to sit near a guy that shuffles cards. I don't see the appeal. Oh great. Now the guy behind me is shuffling cards.

Arrive in the city.

My new tanks and new wet suit.

View from lunch.

Sunrise at the villa.

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Bon voyage

2012-02-11T06:01:00.001-05:00

Farewell winter people.

© 2012 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.

Ring The Church Bells!

2012-02-10T06:53:00.001-05:00

It is St Croix eve. It is time to prepare for Rasta Clauses visit this evening.

I will set out my green, yellow, and red stocking in hopes that Rasta Clause bless me with a good safe trip.

I will leave out a Johnny cake, glass of dark rum and a fatty for the old man just in case he comes by.

Surely good tings will follow….and I will reach tomorrow….safe.

Blog Nova

2012-02-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

One rarely gets to see a blog Nova in real time, but I think I have spotted one. Check out Mic's blog and give me your assessment.

Warning: Wear welding goggles.

Finally

2012-02-09T06:47:00.000-05:00

FYI guys...."Understanding Women" is now out in paperback.

3 days

2012-02-08T06:55:00.000-05:00

I am the only person I know who trains for a vacation. I love outdoor activities and I especially love water sports. St Croix is a play ground for water activities.

I learned years ago, that if you want to play hard, you need to shed some lard.

Since the first week of October I am down 25 pounds and feel great. Daily power walks have toned up for the legs kicks I need for diving.

Yesterday I repaired my primary dive light. The switch had broken somehow on my last quarry dive.

I feel good… my dive equipment is in shape… I am in shape.

3 more days.

New Island Property

2012-02-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

I own some more property on St Croix. Meet my new used scuba tanks. Mine... all mine. They are waiting for me...full of air. Nice to have friends there looking for deals.

I Knew It Was Possible

2012-02-07T08:53:00.000-05:00

Gigi Udate II

2012-02-07T07:10:00.002-05:00

I am happy to report that Gigi seems to have turned the corner after 4 months of recovery.

We were told from the onset that this procedure would have a year recovery at best. We were unprepared for the slowness and frequent setbacks….the intense pain and the drugs used to control that pain.

She is mending nicely, meds are adjusted and she was fitted with a tens unit that helps her deal with pain.

She is walking better and her mobility is improving.

And yes, she will be traveling to St Croix on Saturday.

The Packing Has Begun

2012-02-06T06:52:00.000-05:00

All my dive hear has been checked, and serviced, and is packed. The carry on is coming along. That is two sets of flip flops, not a mismatched pair.

I have a nice 2 ½ pound bag of Starbucks French Roast for my dive instructor.

I’ll start looking around for yellow boys and trying on some shorts. I’m going to leave fat pants behind since loosing some weight.

If Given a Choice….

2012-02-05T07:47:00.000-05:00

I prefer the extra pulp orange juice over the standard or no pulp offering. Yesterday I was grocery shopping at the orange juice cooler and a woman grabbed a no pulp OJ. I quickly grabbed the extra pulp OJ and thanked her for my free extra pulp. She got it and smiled.

I prefer a nice blended red wine over a single grape wine….at least at my price point. My new favorite red is bold, fruity, and affordable at $10 a bottle…less at Costco. It is Apothic Red.

I prefer California wines over all other offerings. South Africa is second followed by Australian.

I clearly prefer Jasmine long grain rice over all others. It has a unique taste. Get a bag and try it.

Amazing

2012-02-04T12:23:00.000-05:00

I am a huge fan of Earth Sciences especially Geology; specifically plate tectonics. Show me a good earth quake or volcano and you'll see a fascinated wReggie.

The video below records all the earthquake activity in and around Japan in 2011. There are random quakes and tremors there all the time.

But if you want to see something really cool then speed this video up to 147 seconds and watch the big 9.0 quake of last year with the subsequent after shocks and quakes.

Plans

2012-02-04T06:45:00.003-05:00

What can I say? I am so transparent. One week and I will be headed to the airport to visit my island.

This year I have two trips planned and booked there. The next one is in June.

Then in late may/June we plan to be on Jekyll Island for a week in the RV. We missed Jekyll entirely last year.

In July I am heading to Phoenix for a conference. I like Phoenix. I would love to do another rafting session through the desert down the Salt River.

Between now and May we have our RV in Southport to visit.

This week I will tie up loose ends at work, and study Rescue, CPR, and O2 Administration for my tests the following week.

Today is dive gear packing and general packing. I like to be ready.

BREAKING NEWS - I just got on the first class upgrade list. First class will be a blessing for Gigi's comfort.

Geezer Gas

2012-02-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

Tonight I got my Nitrox Certification. Nitrox is a blend of oxygen and nitrogen that is heavy on the oxygen. The gasses are blended from a natural 21% which we all breathe, up to 40%.

Nitrox or enriched gas allows one to dive longer with less nitrogen loading. Used properly at the right depths, it can extend dives and leaves the diver a bit more refreshed.

It comes with risks of convulsions if used improperly. Therefore the classes are required.

It turns out the class was difficult, requiring manual tables for calculations and algebra. Shit.

But I passed. Now I can breathe geezer gas.

A synesthesia moment.....

2012-02-02T06:47:00.000-05:00

For those of us with synesthesia, Thursday personally represents a truly unique color all its own.

Thursday

While other days share yellow, green and blue, Thursday is uniquely rich amber. It has always been amber to me. My oldest sister who suffers from the same affliction sees Thursday as amber too.

It is so clear and comforting. You see it?

Port In A Storm

2012-02-01T17:39:00.000-05:00

For 23 years I have maintained a heliport on my property to receive friends and family.

Back during Hurricane Hugo the heliport was shut down for almost 2 months from fallen trees.

Hunnicutt Heliport

Recently fellow blogger Mic came by and cleared some debris that had fallen on my landing space.

Unfortunately, the crowds I run with cannot, or will not, buy a helicopter.

I just may withdraw the offer going forward, and expect you to visit by motor car only. It is expensive to maintain a heliport.

Power Walk on a 70 Degree February Day

2012-02-01T17:05:00.000-05:00

It Is Coming Along

2012-01-30T17:24:00.000-05:00

This ties the guest house to the main house and gives me more outdoor living area.

Looking good day 2.

Day 3 and I can see me here grilling and chilling.

A nice detail around the gate.

Getting ready to add the crushed stone to bond it all. Then comes the deck renovation.

Old and New

2012-01-30T05:41:00.003-05:00

New Left - Old Right

This is not a big deal to most of you but it is a big deal to me. I am a huge fan of corporate logos and a huge fan of the Carolina Panthers.

I love a good recognizable logo like Burger King, Quaker Oats, Coke, etc. The shape and colors are works of art.

I like the upgrade for Carolina. This leans we’ll likely see a few tweaks to the uniform too with Nike taking over NFL apparel from Reebok.

Poetic Remix

2012-01-29T07:14:00.000-05:00

Stopping By Porkchops on a Snowy Evening

Whose porkchops these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his porkchops fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the porkchops and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The porkchops are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Saturday 2 Weeks Till STX

2012-01-28T20:03:00.000-05:00

Tanner is growing some nice butt dreadlocks.

The patio begins.

A Good Week

2012-01-27T21:06:00.002-05:00

It was a super week for me. I have been very busy with a full schedule. When I’m busy, I have fun working.

Today, I met with the attorney and CPA that I referred to my client who recently died. We had a brainstorming session on behalf of the widow. We wanted to make our most thought out recommendations to her. It was wonderful to see how we all fulfilled our moral and ethical obligations in her best interest. There were a lot of good ideas tossed around.

Over the years I grew very close to this client and his wife. We discussed their children, and grandchildren, and all matters of possibilities for her. I meet with her Tuesday to discuss our meeting and I am excited.

My favorite and “go to” dive shop was robbed Monday night. I mean they were wiped out by professionals. The place was trashed, and we all felt violated.

Our dive community is tight. We like the managers of the store, and most customers know each other. We dive with each other at the quarry, and trust each other literally with our lives.

Sunday we are all going into the dive shop and help them recover, by cleaning, stocking, and getting the store back to normal.

This will be good.

Gigi made improvement this week. This is good too.

It was a good week.

I am Eligible but, No Thanks

2012-01-27T08:26:00.000-05:00

After virtually no consideration, I have decided not to seek the office of President of The United States.

In the words of a wise island man I once heard say, “Two dollah, gimmee two dollah, gimmee two dollah”.

My Known Universe

2012-01-26T06:59:00.000-05:00

What can I say….my favorite planet. This is a recent release from NASA that shows the entire earth at incredible resolution. Go ahead and click here to reveal the detail. Look at all the stuff going on down on this beautiful world.

Power Lines

2012-01-25T17:02:00.000-05:00

My brain usually filters out power lines to reveal a more pleasant world. Today my power line filter broke, and I could see them.

How crude that we live in 2012 and we still string up vulnerable power and communication lines on dead trees.

Extremely Unproductive

2012-01-25T06:53:00.002-05:00

By now I had plans for my patio to be in place and deck surface being demolished for a new surface. Enter the cold rainy season and I have pallets of pavers and a pile of crushed stone in my driveway. I think it will still be a few weeks now before we dry out enough to proceed.

Meanwhile, I sit back and watch you people (bloggers) be so productive in the cold darkness of winter, while I just curl up in a ball and wait for spring. I need so much to paint, but I can’t make myself commit. I need to have the living room carpet removed for a more dog friendly floor covering, but it remains undone.

I used to think that if I had the money then I would just hire everything to be done, but it doesn’t work that way. It is difficult to find qualified and honest workers that will do the job correctly and on budget.

I called a roofing guy two weeks ago for an estimate to patch a few soft placed on the number one dwelling. It hasn’t stopped raining enough for him to show up.

It’ll get done eventually.

My Line of Thinking

2012-01-24T07:05:00.001-05:00

I found it necessary to upgrade my air capacity now that I have been running with a more experienced crowd at the Quarribean. Yesterday I bought a steel tank that takes my air up about 50%.

This may work out perfectly if I take the side mount classes in St Croix. Then I could dive with my two aluminum 80s or my single 117. If I use either system, I have stepped up my bottom time just by purchasing one additional tank.

Just a note on the space shot: I have suspended development until I complete my latest scuba classes and get back from St Croix. I am still looking for a March Launch.

Dive 66

2012-01-22T17:47:00.002-05:00

We planned this Sunday morning dive last week, when the forecast called for warm and sunny temperatures in the mid 60’s. A few days ago that forecast changed drastically.

I arrived at the quarry at 9 AM and the other 3 guys were already there and suited up.

The wind was howling and the temperature was 30. We all suited up, and the many layers made the change comfortable under the circumstances.

My friend from the dive shop brought me a steel tank with 120 CF. I usually dive an aluminum 80 CF tank. The steel was much heavier which means I needed less weight. It also held a lot more air.

We planed the dive place and depth, all to try and see the paddlefish.

After a 47 minute dive I still had 1/3 of my tank with air. I could have gone another 15 minutes. I may have to buy a steel tank.

Wherever the paddlefish were, they decided to move elsewhere in the quarry. We didn’t even see a paddle fish turd.

FAQ II

2012-01-22T07:21:00.000-05:00

So what do I look for in this familiar live cam picture?

1. My favorite Dive Boat. I can watch them load and unload.

2. The snorkel boat to Buck Island, Captain Big Beard.

3. The town Square. The town Square is very small on St Croix….and it is yellow.

4. Street light. It is a gathering place at night. I put the red tape on the pole just to say I was there. It was September of 09 when I defaced public property.

5. A great sitting place to chat away and have a beer. Yes you can carry an open container around town. How nice.

6. Another great sitting/beer spot.

7. The Deck Bar. This handy little bar dispenses cold drinks to passers by.

8. Coconut tree. I watch the palms blowing in the wind. I see it grow every year. It is my adopted tree.

9. Trash. I can tell just how much partying went on the night before by how many beer cans and cigarette butts are stashed here.

10. Where the tourists stand to talk to folks back home while they view them from back home on the live cam.

FAQ

2012-01-21T06:55:00.000-05:00

From time to time I get questions about St Croix, so I want to take the time to answer some of the common questions I receive.

How is the Bacon on St Croix? It is delicious. Remarkably, it tastes very much like the bacon here in the states. I always make sure that I buy plenty so I can keep my strength up for island activities.

What language do they speak? English is the native language. It is a wonderful and colorful language that I managed to pick up quite well as a child. It has funny letters in front of some words that don’t get pronounced so they are meaningless and only there as an ornament to complement the word. The word “gnat” is a great example. Funny though, in St Croix they don’t have a word for snow.

Are there any giraffes there? I have not seen one but that doesn’t mean a giraffe isn’t there. I plan to continue my search for a giraffe in the coming weeks.

Somebody Try This

2012-01-20T05:44:00.000-05:00

I don't own a soldering iron or I would.

Things

2012-01-18T18:27:00.001-05:00

Sadly I saw this morning that the oil refinery on St Croix is shutting down ASAP. That means a direct loss of about 2,000 jobs plus. It accounts for about 20% of the gross domestic product on the island. I know some friends loosing their livelihood.

It was the one industry St Croix could count on. How can a petroleum company not make money? The world economic slowdown did them in.

Gigi fell again Monday night. It was a hard fall. If she was a horse, I would shoot her. She loosened a few screws but should be okay if she will take it easy.

This I know, all bad things will pass.

The weeks worth of hay.

Annual Physical

2012-01-17T18:14:00.000-05:00

I had my annual physical yesterday. They noticed my weight was down, and thankfully they have me an inch taller than I really am, so my body mass index was good with the extra inch in height.

I was amazed that my blood pressure was dead on normal at 120/80. I take meds for this and it always creeps up every year. Next my pulse was textbook normal at 72 bpm. I usually register over 80 bpm.

Then came the exam and questions. Thumping and poking, listening, looking in my ears and throat, walking and reflexes, then the boxers come off and all that stuff gets checked.

Here come the questions…Are you happy? Do you feel good? Tell me how you exercise? Does the little fellow still work? Why do you have 5 dogs? How is your wife? Is you mother still going strong? Sisters are good too? Need any refills? Let’s go to the lab.

I think it went well. I'll have to see the blood tests to be sure.

A Simple Business Plan

2012-01-17T07:04:00.000-05:00

I would like to have this stylish classic.

And operate it here. I could lie in my hammock between customers.

Phfantasy Phfootball

2012-01-16T06:37:00.000-05:00

There are few other teams in the NFL that I admire and respect. First I am an NFC guy so sans the AFC entirely. Then it comes to a handful of teams that I will pull for if my Panthers are out of it.

Teams that come to mind are the Packers, Giants, Saints in a pinch, but without a doubt The San Francisco 49ers are among the teams I respect. The admiration came about when the Panthers were in the NFC west back in the 90s.

So this weekend the 49ers host the Giants at Candlestick. Imagine if you will preparing a feast of sourdough sandwiches with salami, phfantastic sides like potato salad. The pack assorted adult beverages to keep away the cold. Heck Napa’s finest is just a stones throw away as is good old Anchor Steam Beer.

Board a small craft on the Sacramento River somewhere in The Delta. Cruise down the river all bundled up with radio, portable TV and iPad in hand and head to Candlestick.

Then arrive and bask in the glory of history and the NFC Tile game from the comforts of the boat.

Congratulations San Francisco. Make us proud.

Dive Gear

2012-01-15T05:01:00.000-05:00

I am coming up on my third season of scuba diving. For the past few weeks I have been cleaning and servicing gear for my upcoming trip. All my regulators have been serviced and even one regulator was replaced. My redundant air system is in the shop being serviced now. It will go with me to the island.

The New observation deck
at the dive quarry.

Different dives call for different equipment, whether it is a boat dive, shore dive, lionfish hunting dive, photography dive, drift dive, you name it. There is a specialty item needed for each type of dive.

You can’t take it all underwater, so I am planning now for what I think I’ll need. No matter what, I end up with pockets stuffed and a lot of equipment strapped to me.

I used to think it was nonsense to take a knife. Now I take two in case of entanglement. I used to think it was nonsense to take a light. I always have one…two on night dives. You never know when you want to look under a rock. I am one of the few divers I know that have two redundant air systems, and I always take one depending on the dive depth.

My new smaller camera tucks right into a small pocket so it will always be with me. The old camera was bulky and had to be hand held throughout the dive.

Then there are wetsuits to consider. I think now I will take a shorty and a rash guard. The rash guard is a body suit that offers protection from stinging plants and animals but little thermal protection. A shorty wet suit over this should keep me warm in 80 degree water.

How I feel Today

2012-01-14T05:20:00.000-05:00

I love some classic James Brown music. I love some vintage Led Zeppelin. Remix the two, and you have a foot stomping delight for wReggie. Enjoy.

National Wisdom

2012-01-13T08:21:00.002-05:00

A person or group, is a sworn enemy of the state, and is trying to take what you and your family, and nation have. You have been sworn to defend the nation from all enemies. You kill the sworn enemy who was trying to kill you just moments ago. This is good. Your President is proud.

Piss on him. This is bad. Your President is ashamed and will prosecute you for pee peeing on a dead Taliban soldier.

Better to kill than to relieve.

Immersion

2012-01-13T06:29:00.001-05:00

Every morning I read the local online papers of St Croix. I want to know what is new, what is real news, crime, government, etc. Then I logon the local forums to get the dirt where plain locals banter back and forth about the goings on island wise.

Last day there June 18, 2011

Then I’ll eye the webcam so see what is going on before I check Facebook and find out more accurate local news I want from friends down on the island. Who is doing what, where are the popular places, who saw dolphins.

Then sometime during the day, usually during the commute, I’ll tune in the local radio station to here advertising, weather and news. I love the local radio commercials.

In a matter of minutes, almost automatically, I know more about the St Croix community than I do my own community. Theirs is more interesting to me, and certainly more of a challenge being 1500 miles away.

All of this is done for me via an RSS reader so I spend very little time getting the news I want.

When I get there, I feel like I’ve been there.

30 Days

2012-01-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

wRescue

2012-01-12T06:11:00.000-05:00

I have been studying for my rescue diver certification almost every night. The study is fascinating to me because rather than focusing on dive skills, it focuses on diver psychology.

Human psychology is why I like my business. It is not the business I like per se, but the human reaction to it that sets me off.

Dealing with a panicked diver is proving to be more interesting to me than I had imagined. Distressed divers are a victim in the water, but a patient out of the water. I can give oxygen and CPR and hit them with a deliberator. I can wrap wounds, stabilize and report to authorities their condition.

I must be careful not to drown myself in the rescue, and I must try and think what is going on in their mind to protect me…..while I am helping them.

What I have found most fascinating so far is that if I every assist with a helicopter rescue from a boat deck that I must stand clear of the basket or rope, until it discharges static electricity on the deck of the boat. Failure to do so will likely electrocute me. How cool is that? Who would have thought static electricity was involved?

TV Drama...This May Sound Selfish

2012-01-11T19:20:00.000-05:00

Since I can remember I have stopped what I am doing every weekday evening at 6:30 PM, and watch the National News on one of the three networks. It is not that I find them the most trusted sources, I just want a digest of the news that the rest of

America

is watching.

When I was a kid up through college it was Walter Cronkite. Eventually I migrated over to ABC News and I watch Diane Sawyer now.

But when local news of a tornado runs over into my National news I get pissed.

It is embarrassing that Southerners get so many tornados. It is downright inconvenient when it affects my nightly news digest.

Outdoor Space

2012-01-11T06:37:00.000-05:00

The long rows of winter are on us. Long dark nights followed by dreary days. Thankfully the cold has spared us so far.

My old pal Peaches enjoying the
last deck referb 10 plus years ago.

I am about to begin a back deck/yard upgrade. This weekend I will have a mason come in and grade and prepare the plot between my deck and guest house to receive a rather large patio made of pavers.

Then I’ll set my fireplace out there after a few modifications Mic recommended, and make this an outdoor living area and transition between the two structures.

After that I will remake the deck. It needs to be resurfaced badly. In addition I want to build new railings and features to bring about a better entrainment place for me to cook and serve food.

Part of my plans calls for me into shaming my old contractor into an encore production and build me a matching shelter over a part of the deck that matches the shelter he built last year. He is the same guy that did all the work on my home last year along with the now famous chicken coop. He reads this blog so I consider my shaming done now. I’ll see if he takes the bait.

All this would be nice to have in place by Spring.

___________________________________________________

32 Days till Travel

2012-01-10T08:06:00.000-05:00

I am looking so forward to being on the plane headed to the island.

Kind of Close

2012-01-09T17:16:00.000-05:00

I guess it was bound to happen at some point. On Saturday I suffered from we male divers call premature inhalation. My dive buddy felt slighted but didn't make a big deal of it. I was embarrused.

It seems that the cold of the water, the depth of the dive and frankly I was a bit intimidated by my buddy's experience...all this led to premature inhalation.

Old fool running out of air.

It was going just fine for a while when I noticed I was consuming air at a high rate. Before I knew it I was down to 500 pounds and that is the point I should have been on the surface.

Yet there I was 55 feet down under, and I still had to work my way to the surface and do a safety stop.

I motioned to my buddy that I was low on air and began my assent. I had no idea where I was in the quarry. My air was rapidly dropping so I put my hand on my reserve regulator just in case. Down to 200 pounds and I was still doing my safety stop.

By now the pressure needle was buried near zero and about that time I surfaced. We were 200 yards from shore.

He looked a bit peaved at having a good dive cut short.

In thinking this out I noticed at the begining of the dive that I was at 2800 pounds and normally I start with 3000. This tank was filled last summer when the heat caused it to read 3000, but now in the cool of winter it gave up 200.

Plus I was diving in a dry suit whick uses air too.

I need to be a little more careful next time. Thank goodness I had a big reserve tank just in case.

Useless Foods

2012-01-09T06:38:00.000-05:00

I abhor extruded food with the rarest exceptions like pasta, Crunchy Cheetos and ground meat.

Bugles are the worst offender followed by Pringles. I put curly fries in this family too.

Fritos are a hybrid and provide useful scooping in chili and sauces. Plus Fritos have a rich corn flavor and lots of salt.

On the drink side let me mention Fresca and Tab. Does anyone really drink that crap? They are a waste of good water.

My Dive Group on 1/1/12

2012-01-08T05:32:00.001-05:00

This is the crowd I dove with on New Years Day. I didn't know the guy was filming, but he managed to capture the quarry well. I dove with him yesterday just the two of us.

Me taking a picture of me with my new camera.

Yesterday was dive 65.

Dive buddy Garth yesterday.

And remember....friends don't let friends eat curly fries.

Fries

2012-01-07T16:58:00.000-05:00

In the world of French Fries I say crinkle cuts rein supreme. Who can argue the fact that the extra surface provided by the wavy ridges adds extra flavor and extra salt surface? When dipping in ketchup, again the crinkles are hands up superior. They just scoop up ketchup.

I like my crinkle cut fries a bit over cooked, either baked or fried.

Second in line of tastiness is the shoe string fry typically found at fast food restaurants. I love the texture and again additional surface exposing the potato to all the goodness of the fryer.

Third in my line of French Fry preference is the steak fry. It sizes up with the crinkle cut fry, and is smooth like the shoe string. We have these types of fries and my club. They are darn good.

WARNING - Curly fries are an abomination. I don’t eat them and you shouldn't either.

Tonight

2012-01-06T20:11:00.000-05:00

I’m kind of excited about the weekend.

My dear old departed friend Peaches

We just finished a great seafood and pasta meal with red wine and good friends. All the animals are fed and I am settling in with one last glass of wine.

Tomorrow at 8 AM I get a massage from Sherri. She is outstanding. My low back is longing for this.

Then I’ll blow leaves until midday and have some warm soup.

Finally the NFL playoffs begin at 1 PM on Saturday and Sunday…. 4 games of 8 teams struggling to stay alive. It will be exciting.

And I’ll most likely nap a bit here and there.

Just for tonight, all is right in my world. Good night.

Three Things You May Not Have Seen

2012-01-06T06:54:00.000-05:00

According to lonelyplanet.com, my very own US Virgin Islands is the number one destination spot for 2012. I knew it, and I am going. Twice….maybe thrice. I have always found St Croix in the mid 80’s, clear blue water, white sand, cheap rum, lush vegetation, good food and nice people.

I bought a new dive camera that shoot stills and video and works above and below water. It was designed for extreme sports and is water proof to 130 feet and shock proof. I installed a wireless card that takes the images from the camera and sends them to my iPad automatically without wires or cables.

When I travel, I no longer carry a computer with charging cords and assorted cables to process pictures and blog. Just a lightweight table with charger and everything else is wireless.

Speaking of wireless doodads, I picked up this nifty thermometer that measures meat temperature and smoker temperature remotely.

I can set up a 16 hour smoke and go to bed. What I’ll do is set the darn thing to wake me up if the planned temperature gets too high or too low. Then I set the receiver by the bed and come up with some good dreams. When I wake up…I have BBQ!

I Had to get this Off my Mind

2012-01-05T06:54:00.000-05:00

I have three things I wish to discuss this morning and those being; Geology, Philosophy and Collards.

I find geology fascinating. I love rocks, fault lines, volcanoes; plate tectonics….you name it. I seriously considered majoring in geology back in college. To this day, I’ll pull over in my truck if I see an interesting road cut, just to examine what went on geologically.

St Croix is very geologic and is near an active plate. I spend a lot of time looking at rocks and hills both above and below the water.

It would be so much fun to sit through a semester or two of university level Geology 101 again. The lab work was fun too.

Logic is another subject I love. We absorbed a lot of logic in philosophy back in college. I used to love studying the classic arguments of logic. I remember many to this day.

Recently I have had a resurgence of love for the common collard. I eat them fresh, frozen or canned. I swear the canned chopped collard would be good on a hotdog.

When I make them fresh, I add sugar.

I love the nutrient rich juice left over called “pot liquor”.

Whole Collard leaves could easily be used in ethnic recipes that call for grape leaves. I even thought about making redneck sushi where I would roll pork BBQ with a layer of rice, then wrap it in a collard leaf and slice and serve like sushi. Add sauces for dipping.

I had the Upper Hand

2012-01-04T06:16:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I attended an old fashioned “Reading of the Will” with an attorney and surviving spouse at her home.

The estate is large enough where we have to take our time making the correct decisions for the survivors.

As solemn as the moment was yesterday, I had moments where I was guffawing inside.

I volunteered to pick up the attorney at his office, have lunch to prep, and make the hour drive up to her home. I greeted the attorney in my pick up truck and offered a dozen eggs as a gift. I was dressed business casual and he had on a suit. He didn’t quite know what to say.

He invited me to lunch so he was paying (business rules) and all I got was a bowl of soup and water. This threw him again. I just wasn’t that hungry.

Then we arrive at my/our client’s home and she greets him formally with a hand shake and gives me a bear hug.

I love it when I can make stuffy and formal feel unnatural when it is generally accepted.

In the end we will take good care of her. I am going to make numerous calls today with her via conference call to assist her in settling and notifying various agencies.

Tweaks Before I Travel

2012-01-03T07:21:00.000-05:00

I am starting to make little piles and lists of thing that I will take to St Croix.

Sundays dive revealed a bad connector on my inflator hose, and the dive computer was telling me that the battery was low. I fixed both issues today. I would hate to discover the problem down there where getting parts can be a hit or miss.

In case you are shocked to hear that, yes, I have a dive computer, they are very common. The computer consists of a small puck of electronics that calculates a whole host of things to keep me well within the boundaries of safe diving. Divers constantly refer to the computer during a dive.

And finally I think I got a permanent fix hopefully for my favorite mask. I dropped off my Spare Air tank to be serviced. I would hate to have my backup emergency air fail on me when needed,

Yellow boys were located yesterday and the famed swimming trucks will make the trip again this year. Yellow boys have become the Bret Favre of swimming apparel.

Things are starting to fall into place.

Rasta Clause is coming.....

2012-01-02T07:13:00.000-05:00

In 40 days.

This Year is Fine so Far

2012-01-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

What a thrilling day for me personally. I got back in the water for the first time since Gigi’s surgery.

It is unusually warm here now, and today’s high was 65. The water at the quarry was 50 at the surface, and 40 degrees at 60 feet of depth. The surface air temperature made prep was very tolerable.

More importantly is the community at the quarry. There were at least 2 dozen folks there working on Quarry Facilities, cooking food, and diving. All volunteers who love diving.

I belong to this non profit diving club, The PDRA, and they support 3 area quarries. Annual dues are $70, and we all agree to abide by the rules of the quarry and common dive practices. For that, we get a key to the quarry, and a card saying we are in good standing.

We have shelters, set up benches, sunken buses and boats, underwater platforms, an outhouse, electricity and water….and a bunch of knowledgeable fun loving divers. We share food, beer, and dive stories.

The Boston Butt was fantastic. It was moist, it had a nice bark and smoke ring, and very tender with a hint of apple smoke. I may have to make a few of these next year for tailgating.

A good day.

Post One, Day One

2012-01-01T07:19:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year every one! I personally don’t say Happy New Years….it drive me crazy.

As of 7 AM I have a Boston Butt (shoulder) on the smoker for an all day slow cook with apple wood.

And as southern tradition holds, we will cook a giant batch of collards and have black eye peas. Corn bread is good but not required. This is the traditional New Year day meal that our parents taught us to make for good luck in the coming year.

In an hour or so after feeding the herd and flock I’ll head up to the quarry and get off a few dry suit dives.

Then back to the home where I’ll watch our final game of the season and hope for an upset.

It sounds like a good day.

Post 426 Finishing 2011

2011-12-31T07:06:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-30T06:58:00.000-05:00

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.

Mighty Fine Plane

2011-12-29T07:02:00.003-05:00

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.

Very Soon

2011-12-28T15:53:00.000-05:00

State Taxes

2011-12-27T18:13:00.002-05:00

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.

From a Recent Graduate of the Instutute

2011-12-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

Important not to confuse your buckets!!!

Goodbye Old Friend

2011-12-26T09:37:00.001-05:00

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.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:21:00.003-05:00

A Christmas Win 48-16

2011-12-24T17:26:00.000-05:00

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.

2012 Come on Down!

2011-12-24T06:49:00.001-05:00

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!

Emotion Suppression

2011-12-22T18:15:00.000-05:00

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.

His Skills Will Be Missed

2011-12-22T17:08:00.000-05:00

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!

How to Plan a Party

2011-12-22T11:06:00.000-05:00

Just another helpful tip from Mental Vacation.

Stuff I Want to Do in 2012

2011-12-21T06:09:00.000-05:00

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.

Every Five Years Starting at 50.....

2011-12-20T06:13:00.000-05:00

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.

Southport, NC

2011-12-19T16:32:00.000-05:00

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.

Sick Dreams

2011-12-19T07:55:00.001-05:00

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

2011-12-18T07:31:00.000-05:00

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…..

Siblings At Christmas

2011-12-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

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

Stuff I Do Not Like

2011-12-17T07:12:00.000-05:00

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.

Only at An NFL Game

2011-12-17T05:32:00.002-05:00

Time Warps and Anticipation

2011-12-16T07:57:00.002-05:00

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.

Friday

2011-12-16T07:32:00.000-05:00

Cool Beans III

2011-12-15T10:31:00.000-05:00

I love cool technology.

The Way It Is

2011-12-13T18:24:00.000-05:00

Changing out The RV Water Pump

2011-12-12T17:34:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-12-12T06:33:00.000-05:00

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.

Learn to be a Thief

2011-12-11T05:15:00.001-05:00

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.

You Knew I Couldn't Wait

2011-12-10T13:04:00.002-05:00

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.

New Good Stuff in my Life

2011-12-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

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!

Comfort Food

2011-12-08T06:16:00.000-05:00

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.

Quarry Sharks

2011-12-07T06:28:00.000-05:00

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.

Pearl Harbor

2011-12-06T07:31:00.002-05:00

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.

I Clean Up Good

2011-12-05T19:06:00.002-05:00

Sunday Day Dreaming

2011-12-05T06:32:00.000-05:00

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.

This Beats All....old meets new.

2011-12-04T06:52:00.000-05:00

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

Saturday Butt Rub

2011-12-03T14:44:00.002-05:00

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.

Friday in Costume

2011-12-03T05:18:00.001-05:00

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.

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