DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
Too much happening since my last post... but my son Jay, my sailing son finally came home from the Pride of Baltimore in late July... Jay had made up his mind to take a course and sit for his captains ticket... Well the course is very expensive... and so Jay decided to study on his own... and did he ever... day in and day out for two weeks straight... It ain't easy stuff.. Jay went to Boston for the testing... And he passed... And now has his Captain's Ticket... Congratulations Jay !! WTG... I am so proud of all my kids.... More later... byeeeee
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Oh yes... The Pride is back... The Pride II of course..
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
Wow... no posts since February... Life does move along quickly sometimes...
In this edition of "This is My Life.." My son Jay arrived back in the states aboard the Pride of Baltimore II. The Pride is a tall ship, the "good will" ambassador of the State of Maryland, USA... He arrived April 30, 2006 at the inner harbor in Baltimore. We (his siblings and I) met him at the dock. It was a long trip from Long Island in the wee hours of 4/30/06, but we were there on time with time to spare...
Here the pride comes in, sails already down but with cannon blasting. Jay worked the cannons. Other ships in the harbor also blasted cannon in salute and still others blasted their air horns constantly. There was even a fire boat to welcome the Pride home.
The big story behind this particular ship is the fact that this past September 5th, the Pride II was caught in a squall off the coast of France. (I believe 2 squalls, actually...) During same, the rigging gave way and the ship was dismasted. This means the masts cracked and fell... harrowing from the stories told... Miraculous in that none of the 12 people on deck or the 6 people below was killed or injured. With skill and commitment, the captain was able to limp the Pride to Saint Nazaire, a port city in Western France. Repairs would have to be made there...and the crew, was befriended by a local family. Some of the crew flew home, and replacements arrived in January of 2006, my son Jay among them.
From January to the middle of March, the crew and repairman worked on the Pride. A local family, headed by a man with many "friends" helped the Pride's crew and even provided connections for needed work and dinners for the shipmates. Jay became friendly with the family. (see photo below)
Jay with 3 members of the family that befriended him (he played piano with the daughter, and trumpet with the son)
I'm at work as I write this and there may be an alarm coming in... so... will write more about this later... bye
Wow... no posts since February... Life does move along quickly sometimes...
In this edition of "This is My Life.." My son Jay arrived back in the states aboard the Pride of Baltimore II. The Pride is a tall ship, the "good will" ambassador of the State of Maryland, USA... He arrived April 30, 2006 at the inner harbor in Baltimore. We (his siblings and I) met him at the dock. It was a long trip from Long Island in the wee hours of 4/30/06, but we were there on time with time to spare...
Here the pride comes in, sails already down but with cannon blasting. Jay worked the cannons. Other ships in the harbor also blasted cannon in salute and still others blasted their air horns constantly. There was even a fire boat to welcome the Pride home.
The big story behind this particular ship is the fact that this past September 5th, the Pride II was caught in a squall off the coast of France. (I believe 2 squalls, actually...) During same, the rigging gave way and the ship was dismasted. This means the masts cracked and fell... harrowing from the stories told... Miraculous in that none of the 12 people on deck or the 6 people below was killed or injured. With skill and commitment, the captain was able to limp the Pride to Saint Nazaire, a port city in Western France. Repairs would have to be made there...and the crew, was befriended by a local family. Some of the crew flew home, and replacements arrived in January of 2006, my son Jay among them.
From January to the middle of March, the crew and repairman worked on the Pride. A local family, headed by a man with many "friends" helped the Pride's crew and even provided connections for needed work and dinners for the shipmates. Jay became friendly with the family. (see photo below)
Jay with 3 members of the family that befriended him (he played piano with the daughter, and trumpet with the son)
I'm at work as I write this and there may be an alarm coming in... so... will write more about this later... bye
Thursday, February 23, 2006
A Month Later and I F*cked up Again!!
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
I don't know why I write here... I am very inconsistent. While hoping things would get better... all they do is get worse... And in this case, I'm the cause... My son Dan, recently returned home from his second friggin deployment to Iraq, celebrated (not) his 25th birthday on the 21st.
Being the "perfect" father that I am did not even get him a birthday cake... We were going to go out to dinner on the evening of his birthday (I got that night off by switching work dates with an associate from work) but when the evening came, Dan did not feel like going... so we didn't. To compound the situation, I forgot(neglected) to get Dan a birthday cake or a proper birthday card... Nice goin Dad...
Well I really am at a loss. I am just not functioning like I should. I used to be good at surprise parties and special events and such... now I just f*ck up too often. Maybe things will improve in time... only time will tell... mean while need to get Dan a cake and right away... later....
I don't know why I write here... I am very inconsistent. While hoping things would get better... all they do is get worse... And in this case, I'm the cause... My son Dan, recently returned home from his second friggin deployment to Iraq, celebrated (not) his 25th birthday on the 21st.
Being the "perfect" father that I am did not even get him a birthday cake... We were going to go out to dinner on the evening of his birthday (I got that night off by switching work dates with an associate from work) but when the evening came, Dan did not feel like going... so we didn't. To compound the situation, I forgot(neglected) to get Dan a birthday cake or a proper birthday card... Nice goin Dad...
Well I really am at a loss. I am just not functioning like I should. I used to be good at surprise parties and special events and such... now I just f*ck up too often. Maybe things will improve in time... only time will tell... mean while need to get Dan a cake and right away... later....
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Time Flies.... Just throw the clock out the window and see....
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
I must have some type of allergy... I'm stuffy and sneezy too long for it to be a cold... At first I thought is was Jays new kitten he brought home from Erie because every time I touch it... My eyes get watery and I get stuffy... But it now happens when I'm away from the kitten as well... Who knows... probably just old age setting in... Anyway, Advil Cold & Sinus tablets and Afrin Nasal Spray (both in generic brand) have helped.
My shed in the back yard, built by me alone in 1985 was in a terrible state of disrepair. Animals of every description (that is of local origin) ate away at the flakeboard side to get inside for the winters... Lots of my precious (junk by some peoples standards) was destroyed in the process. Since he came home from sailing on tall ships, my eldest son, Jay, now working construction with his friend Freddy decided the walls of the shed should be replaced. Good idea... We can throw out the damaged old junk and put in some new junk... Cool....
Well, after investigating the shed, Jay decided I would be better off totally demolishing the old shed and building a new one from the base on up. "Should only be about $600 Pop"... He said.... Well, $1,200 later the shed is nearly finished. Now don't get me wrong, the old shed was roomy (10' x 10' and 10' side walls to a barn peak) and had a 2/3 loft, but the new one is even better. Still 10' x 10' and 10' side walls with an a frame peak, has a full loft with purchased but still not installed pull down stair case to the loft. Neato...
The front of the shed has double doors, 37" wide each and I'll be able to store my "junk" securely... It is presently wrapped in tyvek and has ice and waterproof material on the roof. Next, eventually, will come the roofing shingles and vinyl siding... This was all supposed to be done before Jay left to go sailing again but I'm happy he got as much done as he did... (his girlfriend Casey helped enormously) My daughter Rachel and I put down a new wood floor over the old one and I've painted it (to seal the wood) with primer and when the weather warms a little.... Will do a second coat with a latex enamel paint.
Once the shed is finished I'll have to empty the garage... Throw out lots of "stuff" and put a lot of what is presently in the garage, in the shed. The whole purpose of the re-construction of the shed. Actually the real reason was needing a good secure place for storing personal belongings her kids have accumulated while living away at college and since rooms in the house have been re-delegated in usage. Well... Now we'll have it...
I'm working out more (physically). I bought a Gazelle exercise machine awhile back, but with the house in a state of flux, with moving rooms around, had no place to keep it set up. Now I have room for it in my room and I use it 3 - 4 times a week. Supposed to do a 20 minute workout each time, but with my borderline COPD, need to work up to that. For now each workout is about 9 - 11 minutes in duration... Will have to increase that if I want to see any results...
Running for Chief of an ambulance company somewhere in Suffolk County again ...(March 2006) wish me luck... This group really needs some change in leadership again.... Not sure I'm it, but what we have now has to go... Nuff said on that account...
Still working nights dispatching for a close by fire district...and that works well for me...After getting some sleep in the morning... have a lot of the day to myself...
OK... soon will try to post some picks of current events for all to see. Till then... Imagine...
I must have some type of allergy... I'm stuffy and sneezy too long for it to be a cold... At first I thought is was Jays new kitten he brought home from Erie because every time I touch it... My eyes get watery and I get stuffy... But it now happens when I'm away from the kitten as well... Who knows... probably just old age setting in... Anyway, Advil Cold & Sinus tablets and Afrin Nasal Spray (both in generic brand) have helped.
My shed in the back yard, built by me alone in 1985 was in a terrible state of disrepair. Animals of every description (that is of local origin) ate away at the flakeboard side to get inside for the winters... Lots of my precious (junk by some peoples standards) was destroyed in the process. Since he came home from sailing on tall ships, my eldest son, Jay, now working construction with his friend Freddy decided the walls of the shed should be replaced. Good idea... We can throw out the damaged old junk and put in some new junk... Cool....
Well, after investigating the shed, Jay decided I would be better off totally demolishing the old shed and building a new one from the base on up. "Should only be about $600 Pop"... He said.... Well, $1,200 later the shed is nearly finished. Now don't get me wrong, the old shed was roomy (10' x 10' and 10' side walls to a barn peak) and had a 2/3 loft, but the new one is even better. Still 10' x 10' and 10' side walls with an a frame peak, has a full loft with purchased but still not installed pull down stair case to the loft. Neato...
The front of the shed has double doors, 37" wide each and I'll be able to store my "junk" securely... It is presently wrapped in tyvek and has ice and waterproof material on the roof. Next, eventually, will come the roofing shingles and vinyl siding... This was all supposed to be done before Jay left to go sailing again but I'm happy he got as much done as he did... (his girlfriend Casey helped enormously) My daughter Rachel and I put down a new wood floor over the old one and I've painted it (to seal the wood) with primer and when the weather warms a little.... Will do a second coat with a latex enamel paint.
Once the shed is finished I'll have to empty the garage... Throw out lots of "stuff" and put a lot of what is presently in the garage, in the shed. The whole purpose of the re-construction of the shed. Actually the real reason was needing a good secure place for storing personal belongings her kids have accumulated while living away at college and since rooms in the house have been re-delegated in usage. Well... Now we'll have it...
I'm working out more (physically). I bought a Gazelle exercise machine awhile back, but with the house in a state of flux, with moving rooms around, had no place to keep it set up. Now I have room for it in my room and I use it 3 - 4 times a week. Supposed to do a 20 minute workout each time, but with my borderline COPD, need to work up to that. For now each workout is about 9 - 11 minutes in duration... Will have to increase that if I want to see any results...
Running for Chief of an ambulance company somewhere in Suffolk County again ...(March 2006) wish me luck... This group really needs some change in leadership again.... Not sure I'm it, but what we have now has to go... Nuff said on that account...
Still working nights dispatching for a close by fire district...and that works well for me...After getting some sleep in the morning... have a lot of the day to myself...
OK... soon will try to post some picks of current events for all to see. Till then... Imagine...
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Been two months now.....
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
Well, it's been two months since my last post. Lots has happened. But this post will be happily submitted regarding the home-coming of my Marine Son Cpl. Dan. It was a wild scene at Camp Lejeune's Court House Bay housing complex when the Marines of the 4th Amphibian Assault Battalion, H & S, 2nd and 3rd platoons returned from their second deployment in Iraq. Families, friends and fellow Marines were on hand to welcome everyone home.
We arrived at Jacksonville, NC (just outside Camp LeJeune) the day before the Marines arrived and we set up (along with all the other parents and families) miles of welcome home banners. It was truly a site to see.
(click on the photo to enlarge then hit back button to return here)
The arrow points to our banners, the big yellow one and the white one between the American Flag and the Marine Corps Flag, both of which (flags) we brought with us. The Marine welcoming committee set up a huge tent and supplied the families with refreshments (pizza and sodas). Jay took video pictures with my Kodak digital camera. He stood up on the balcony to get a good view when the busses arrived and yelled like hell as soon as he saw his brother, Dan, get off the bus.
After we hugged Dan (Rachel and I) Dan ran to hug Jay, who at the same time ran down from the balcony. With tears of joy, the two brothers hugged and held on for quite awhile.
As soon as the Marines were released, we took Dan back to our hotel to "freshen up" and then out to dinner at his favorite restaurant, The Texas Roadhouse. Dan had his last resturant meal there before leaving in January and his first upon return... fitting...no?
We had a fine time, ate and drank well and then went back to the hotel to rest and talk and talk and talk. It was great seeing him home again. Everyone commented how much Dan and I look alike... I see it too...
On the left is me as a USMC Sgt (circa 1973) and Dan (taken at this years Marine Corps ball, more on that later)
Well, he's home...For awhile anyway... He's fixed up his room to his liking ( I think) and is now taking a long deserved rest. None of us know what the future holds...But we hope it's not another trip back to the sand-box. Later...
Well, it's been two months since my last post. Lots has happened. But this post will be happily submitted regarding the home-coming of my Marine Son Cpl. Dan. It was a wild scene at Camp Lejeune's Court House Bay housing complex when the Marines of the 4th Amphibian Assault Battalion, H & S, 2nd and 3rd platoons returned from their second deployment in Iraq. Families, friends and fellow Marines were on hand to welcome everyone home.
We arrived at Jacksonville, NC (just outside Camp LeJeune) the day before the Marines arrived and we set up (along with all the other parents and families) miles of welcome home banners. It was truly a site to see.
(click on the photo to enlarge then hit back button to return here)The arrow points to our banners, the big yellow one and the white one between the American Flag and the Marine Corps Flag, both of which (flags) we brought with us. The Marine welcoming committee set up a huge tent and supplied the families with refreshments (pizza and sodas). Jay took video pictures with my Kodak digital camera. He stood up on the balcony to get a good view when the busses arrived and yelled like hell as soon as he saw his brother, Dan, get off the bus.
After we hugged Dan (Rachel and I) Dan ran to hug Jay, who at the same time ran down from the balcony. With tears of joy, the two brothers hugged and held on for quite awhile.
As soon as the Marines were released, we took Dan back to our hotel to "freshen up" and then out to dinner at his favorite restaurant, The Texas Roadhouse. Dan had his last resturant meal there before leaving in January and his first upon return... fitting...no?
We had a fine time, ate and drank well and then went back to the hotel to rest and talk and talk and talk. It was great seeing him home again. Everyone commented how much Dan and I look alike... I see it too...
On the left is me as a USMC Sgt (circa 1973) and Dan (taken at this years Marine Corps ball, more on that later)
Well, he's home...For awhile anyway... He's fixed up his room to his liking ( I think) and is now taking a long deserved rest. None of us know what the future holds...But we hope it's not another trip back to the sand-box. Later...
Friday, September 23, 2005
It's Great Day!!!
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
IF YOU ARE VISITING FROM MARINEPARENTS.COM... WELCOME... PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE COMMENTS AT THE END OF EACH ENTRY. THANKS.... SEMPER FI!
IF YOU ARE READING MY BLOG FOR THE FIRST TIME, REALIZE THE FIRST ENTRY IS THE MOST RECENT. IF YOU'D LIKE TO GET MORE BACKGROUND, START AT THE BEGINNING, AUGUST 2004 IN THE ARCHIVES (links on right side)
Today is Thursday September 22 and I heard from my Marine son, Dan. He called from Al Asad, Iraq... The news was the best... his unit is being replaced and will soon be coming home. Thank G-d. He said no more patrols...I am on cloud 9.
When I arrived at work tonight... I found out that a local paper had done an article about Dan... This is a "full size" newspaper and they devoted a full page plus to Dan's story. Included in the article were pictures of Dan, Dan's grandfather (also a Marine) and me. In addition, a photo of the Commanding General of Paris Island when Dan graduated as honor man of his platoon, in April of 2002. What a great article... I have to go to the newspapers office tomorrow and pick up extra copies...
Jay left today to go to Boston. He is to be "best man" and a friends wedding. He'll be home next week and we have lot's to do around the house before Dan comes home.
Rachel and I received our results from our EMT exams... we both passed. Rachel is going for her EMT-CC certification and has another test to take.
That's about all I've got for now... will be back again soon... thanks for reading.
IF YOU ARE VISITING FROM MARINEPARENTS.COM... WELCOME... PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE COMMENTS AT THE END OF EACH ENTRY. THANKS.... SEMPER FI!
IF YOU ARE READING MY BLOG FOR THE FIRST TIME, REALIZE THE FIRST ENTRY IS THE MOST RECENT. IF YOU'D LIKE TO GET MORE BACKGROUND, START AT THE BEGINNING, AUGUST 2004 IN THE ARCHIVES (links on right side)
Today is Thursday September 22 and I heard from my Marine son, Dan. He called from Al Asad, Iraq... The news was the best... his unit is being replaced and will soon be coming home. Thank G-d. He said no more patrols...I am on cloud 9.
When I arrived at work tonight... I found out that a local paper had done an article about Dan... This is a "full size" newspaper and they devoted a full page plus to Dan's story. Included in the article were pictures of Dan, Dan's grandfather (also a Marine) and me. In addition, a photo of the Commanding General of Paris Island when Dan graduated as honor man of his platoon, in April of 2002. What a great article... I have to go to the newspapers office tomorrow and pick up extra copies...
Jay left today to go to Boston. He is to be "best man" and a friends wedding. He'll be home next week and we have lot's to do around the house before Dan comes home.
Rachel and I received our results from our EMT exams... we both passed. Rachel is going for her EMT-CC certification and has another test to take.
That's about all I've got for now... will be back again soon... thanks for reading.
Monday, September 19, 2005
An Anniversary and No Winner...
Well... today is September 18, 2005. My wife passed away 14 years ago today. I still miss her... I'll always love her...
As posted previously... went today to Blazing Bucks fund raiser for a neighboring fire department... big money... but no winners for us... Rachel joined us too and we had a good time with lots of friends, went to dinner with Liz afterwards...
see ya later...
As posted previously... went today to Blazing Bucks fund raiser for a neighboring fire department... big money... but no winners for us... Rachel joined us too and we had a good time with lots of friends, went to dinner with Liz afterwards...
see ya later...
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