Vol. 1, Issue 4
Been a while since I had time to post. The last few months have been busy with birthdays, holidays, over time at work, tons of yard work around the house, tons of house work, working on the Jeep, and researching The Conch Republic.
The weather has definitely been strange this year. In May alone we had record cold, record heat, and an out-right blizzard giving us record snow fall. The month was also almost garaunteed to drop rain during the weekends. Granted we had drought conditions almost all through last year, but it really didn't need to make up for it in one month this year. Almost daily one county or another (or more) have had flood warnings. I also can't remember the last time I saw the floor of my basement.
It hasn't been all bad though, I was able to get the decorative border stones from the East side of the house relocated to the along the front where the flower beds used to be. Turns out there was already a cement border along the front. Not being the most motivated with gardening, I took the lazy way out and just removed enough grass, dirt, and weeds from the cement to place the new border stones. Looks nice though. I was also able to hack down most of the jungle that resided on the East side of the house, install a patio block walk way for the meter reader, relocated the lawn mower shed, clear and de-weed the West rear side walk, mow countless times, had the power company trim a very large set of branches from the maple tree out front over the highway (they still haven't removed what the cut down), and spent an afternoon scrubbing and relocating the kayak. Now I just wish I could remember where I put the tiki decals for it.
Probably two of the biggest things I've done so far this year is remove the old clothes line pole and the old broken jury-rigged light pole from the back yard. The clothes line wasn't too bad, just dug around it, wrapped a cargo strap to the base, hooked it up to the D-ring on tow hitch on the Jeep, and pulled it out. The light pole was another story. I dug a smaller diameter hole (learned from the clothes line) and encountered a good number of thick roots from the old maple tree that was removed a few years ago along with the bushes I took out when I first bought the house. As I was hacking at the roots I got a nice shock. Turns out there wasn't conduit around the wiring for the light after all. Nope, instead it was an almost flat yellow-ish white coated set of wires. Yes, I should have turned off breakers before digging. Worst part is, I had. Long story short, eventually determined the breaker for the wire was in the upstairs junction box marked "bathroom". No, I have no idea why that was. After getting the power turned off I was able to snip the wires and the pole came out so easily I didn't even need to use the Jeep on it.
Some other random things I did so far this season are relocate the flag holder back to the front of the house, install a flag holder on the back, bought a Conch Republic flag for the back yard, picked up some faux plants for around the house, printed out and hung a number of photos from my trip to the Halifax area, and have plans for a short vacation in Duluth, Minnesota. Sadly enough, I've never been to the Great Lakes before so I'm looking quite forward to it. With luck I might get to see one of the rumored sea monsters that live in the Lakes.
Before I forget, I also went ahead and purchased an NX Frameless Trail Top from Bestop. The fold back "sunroof" feature gets used every day it isn't raining. While I was on Quadratec's site I also went ahead and purchased a pre-runner/light bar from Off-Camber, aluminum pedal covers from Drake Offroad, a new-style (1999+) front bumper with center mounts for the license plate, and thanks to eBay I was able to find some exellent condition factory front bumper stops. If you squint, my Jeep still looks stock... if you squint really hard.
Had a few new arrivals around the house as far as tropical/nautical decor as well. My mother picked me up a metal ghecko that hangs on the side of the house on the front porch outside, the kids got me a wooden seagull sitting on the end of a pier for my birthday, for father's day I got some japanese-style outdoor laterns, and my mother gave me a bottle of wine wearing a hawaiian shirt for my birthday. For myself, I have a Conch Republic mini-flag hanging in the tiki porch next to our pirate flag (I got the super fan pack from King of Conch).
I was sad to hear however that 2013-14 is supposed to be the last season of the new Hawaii Five-0. That show was a family favorite around here with not just my kids but also my parents enjoying watching it. Glad I have all the episodes downloaded from iTunes. Also disapointed that every time I schedule a kayaking day, it rains non-stop. I think once the rain clears today I may install the roof rack on the Jeep so next time its nice after work I can just load the kayak and go to Clear Lake for a bit.
Not much else to say really, so I will end with "Aloha".
Monday, June 24, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
Vol 1, Issue 3
Missed a post last week. Had a sick daughter to keep an eye on Monday and a crazy work schedule the rest of the week due to the Iowa Highschool Basketball championships. However I did decided to attempt to patent the idea of anti-microbial can coozies... and if possible the concept of flying ninja helper spider monkeys. Long story about the monkeys. Not going to share it here but it did lead to the idea of the anti-microbial can coozies. Surveying the targeted consumer audience went well though so it may actually by worth looking into some day. Hopefully Kickstarter will still be around by then.
The kids in the local school district were happy last week also due in part to basketball. Wednesday was a regularly scheduled half day of school, the girls HS b-ball team won their first round game and as a result the district was given Friday off of school so that families would be able to attend the afternoon second round game for the HS girls' team. Unfortunately the girls didn't win the second game, but they did at least make it to the second round which in itself is an accomplishment.
Saturday found me once again in uniform being poked and prodded by evil physicians who supposedly find no glee in their jobs (yet they did volunteer for it). On the bright side it lasted less than 10 minutes, altho at the time it felt like forever (so did waiting in line for all the stations we needed to fill out paperwork at) and eventually I was able to call it a day after 12 hours of waiting, swearing at computers, swearing at government computer policies, and in between swearing having a few cigarettes with friends and other members of the unit. Don't get me wrong, all together it was actually a good, fun day. Thanks to budget restraints I was able to take Sunday off as comp time for extra training I had in January. The way things look its going to be a common event for me the next few months as I still have a day of comp for January and this weekend will be picking up another two for a required training class. I wish Congress and the President could put the Nation's best interests first for once, you know?
March 7 looks to be promising. My son will finally be an official teenager (13) and is very excited about it. Last night I needed his assistance birthday shopping. All the things he wants are only availible online so we sat down and looked to see what ones we could find on either Amazon or eBay that were in the US, and which were closests (in order to theoretically arrive soonest). Fortunately it appears they should all be here by Saturday at the latest. Being a kid though, my son has already asked me to check my email for tracking updates twice this morning before he went to school. I just hope there aren't any weather delays with his presents getting here.
Not really sure what else to say. The week I would have written about last Monday was just sort of average with nothing significant really occurring. I have started tuning up my bicycle for use later this month/early next month. With the kids both taking the bus to school this year there's no longer any reason I can't bike to work in the mornings and then take an extended detour home in the afternoons. I was going to start over Spring Break (next week) but last Tuesday or so Mother Nature decided to drop snow on us again... and then again last night/this morning. I don't mind other than the fact I was enjoying seeing grass but it is only March and we do usually get another round of snow at least once this time of year. On the down side it once again buried my kayak so it may be a few a while before I have it cleared off and taken inside so I can clean it up, apply the new decals, check the hull, install and adjust the seat, and the other yearly maintenance before my first trip onto the water. Looking forward to it as I completely missed last paddling season. Half tempted to get a fishing license and try fishing from the kayak once or twice. More than a few times I've come across areas away from shore with a lot of decent sized fish around me... and there's a spot I consistently see eagles swooping in and carrying off good sized fish from.
If all goes well I finally decided to go with the Trektop NX from Bestop for the Jeep. I like that not only would it have the front flip-back section/sun roof but it also converts into a nice looking bikini/safari top just by unzipping the windows (which looks a lot easier than on the factory soft top that I have). Probably be the only new Jeep equipment I purchase this year, but I will keep my fingers crossed for some of the other stuff like the spare tire saddle bags I found the other week.
I guess that's all for now. See you next time.
Aloha
Missed a post last week. Had a sick daughter to keep an eye on Monday and a crazy work schedule the rest of the week due to the Iowa Highschool Basketball championships. However I did decided to attempt to patent the idea of anti-microbial can coozies... and if possible the concept of flying ninja helper spider monkeys. Long story about the monkeys. Not going to share it here but it did lead to the idea of the anti-microbial can coozies. Surveying the targeted consumer audience went well though so it may actually by worth looking into some day. Hopefully Kickstarter will still be around by then.
The kids in the local school district were happy last week also due in part to basketball. Wednesday was a regularly scheduled half day of school, the girls HS b-ball team won their first round game and as a result the district was given Friday off of school so that families would be able to attend the afternoon second round game for the HS girls' team. Unfortunately the girls didn't win the second game, but they did at least make it to the second round which in itself is an accomplishment.
Saturday found me once again in uniform being poked and prodded by evil physicians who supposedly find no glee in their jobs (yet they did volunteer for it). On the bright side it lasted less than 10 minutes, altho at the time it felt like forever (so did waiting in line for all the stations we needed to fill out paperwork at) and eventually I was able to call it a day after 12 hours of waiting, swearing at computers, swearing at government computer policies, and in between swearing having a few cigarettes with friends and other members of the unit. Don't get me wrong, all together it was actually a good, fun day. Thanks to budget restraints I was able to take Sunday off as comp time for extra training I had in January. The way things look its going to be a common event for me the next few months as I still have a day of comp for January and this weekend will be picking up another two for a required training class. I wish Congress and the President could put the Nation's best interests first for once, you know?
March 7 looks to be promising. My son will finally be an official teenager (13) and is very excited about it. Last night I needed his assistance birthday shopping. All the things he wants are only availible online so we sat down and looked to see what ones we could find on either Amazon or eBay that were in the US, and which were closests (in order to theoretically arrive soonest). Fortunately it appears they should all be here by Saturday at the latest. Being a kid though, my son has already asked me to check my email for tracking updates twice this morning before he went to school. I just hope there aren't any weather delays with his presents getting here.
Not really sure what else to say. The week I would have written about last Monday was just sort of average with nothing significant really occurring. I have started tuning up my bicycle for use later this month/early next month. With the kids both taking the bus to school this year there's no longer any reason I can't bike to work in the mornings and then take an extended detour home in the afternoons. I was going to start over Spring Break (next week) but last Tuesday or so Mother Nature decided to drop snow on us again... and then again last night/this morning. I don't mind other than the fact I was enjoying seeing grass but it is only March and we do usually get another round of snow at least once this time of year. On the down side it once again buried my kayak so it may be a few a while before I have it cleared off and taken inside so I can clean it up, apply the new decals, check the hull, install and adjust the seat, and the other yearly maintenance before my first trip onto the water. Looking forward to it as I completely missed last paddling season. Half tempted to get a fishing license and try fishing from the kayak once or twice. More than a few times I've come across areas away from shore with a lot of decent sized fish around me... and there's a spot I consistently see eagles swooping in and carrying off good sized fish from.
If all goes well I finally decided to go with the Trektop NX from Bestop for the Jeep. I like that not only would it have the front flip-back section/sun roof but it also converts into a nice looking bikini/safari top just by unzipping the windows (which looks a lot easier than on the factory soft top that I have). Probably be the only new Jeep equipment I purchase this year, but I will keep my fingers crossed for some of the other stuff like the spare tire saddle bags I found the other week.
I guess that's all for now. See you next time.
Aloha
Monday, February 18, 2013
Vol 1, Issue 2
No changes in lattitude, but good changes with attitude.
Despite what the meteorologists tell me, it is a proven fact that winter is over at least in the Midwest United States. How do I know this? Back on Tuesday the 2013 Spring Edition of the Quadratec Jeep parts catalog arrived in my mailbox. As usual this brings to mind many questions. Such as: do I want a new soft top this year? If so, do I do a classic style or one with the a flip-back front option? Would upgrading to LED head/tail lights be a good investment? New door retainer straps? Tubular bumpers? New feul hatch from Drake Offroad? How about the new Roughrider Spare Tire Organizer from Bestop? Maybe some of the GEAR storage from Smittybilt? And just how old is the gal on the cover of the catalog?
Granted the majority of the stuff I can/will probably do without...but it would be nice to have at least one new addition to the TJ this year. As in previous years I am also torn between going with a rugged/almost military style look vs. a cleaner/sleek styling. On the one hand the rugged style is something I'm very familiar and comfortable with. Yet on the other hand the cleaner/sleeker look does seem to work best when the top is down/off. The VDP Overhead Storage Console also pulls me towards it in a way, yet I've never really had the feeling I need more storage up front. Decisions, decisions...
Another sure sign of Spring, Tax returns are on their way. Granted they won't be as large this year as previous ones, but I will be able to pay off my remaining debt and be back "in the black" financially. I think that will help with new Jeep parts and possibly a vacation later this year.
Finally the ultimate sing of Spring, my son's birthday is only a few weeks away. Not sure what to get the little guy this year. He has been asking for a good number of Doctor Who Lego-style building sets. More than likely I will be ordering him some as they would combine two of his favorite things: Legos and Doctor Who. Altho I am a bit envious that the internet wasn't around when I was his age therefore preventing me from seeing if any such toys were available way back then. Perhaps if I ask nicely he will let me check out the Dalek mini-figures.
Its been cloudy this week, but I find myself opening my curtains (its been almost six months with them closed) and letting what sunshine is out there find its way in. I know that probably doesn't sound like much to most people, but between the PTSD and the possible seasonal disorder I am taking it as a good sign. I'm also cooking much more than I have in a while. Actual recipes, not just box meals. My dSLR is also charged and ready to go on an outing. I haven't been able to even look at my Nikon in a very long time, so its definitely a good sign I'm showing interest in it again. Oh, and I've starting playing Rally Sport Challenge 2 again. Definite sign of Spring when the racing/off-road bug hits me.
Purchased an issue of a beach house style magazine over the weekend. If the prices listed are any indication of what the average cost is, I am beginning to understand why average people don't have beach houses. It did give me plenty of ideas though. Thinking the picture frame style that resembles unfinished wood with rope going through is kind of cool. May have to try that if I can ever find any prints I like for around the house.
There you go, my thoughts and ramblings for this week. See ya' around and until next time:
Aloha
No changes in lattitude, but good changes with attitude.
Despite what the meteorologists tell me, it is a proven fact that winter is over at least in the Midwest United States. How do I know this? Back on Tuesday the 2013 Spring Edition of the Quadratec Jeep parts catalog arrived in my mailbox. As usual this brings to mind many questions. Such as: do I want a new soft top this year? If so, do I do a classic style or one with the a flip-back front option? Would upgrading to LED head/tail lights be a good investment? New door retainer straps? Tubular bumpers? New feul hatch from Drake Offroad? How about the new Roughrider Spare Tire Organizer from Bestop? Maybe some of the GEAR storage from Smittybilt? And just how old is the gal on the cover of the catalog?
Granted the majority of the stuff I can/will probably do without...but it would be nice to have at least one new addition to the TJ this year. As in previous years I am also torn between going with a rugged/almost military style look vs. a cleaner/sleek styling. On the one hand the rugged style is something I'm very familiar and comfortable with. Yet on the other hand the cleaner/sleeker look does seem to work best when the top is down/off. The VDP Overhead Storage Console also pulls me towards it in a way, yet I've never really had the feeling I need more storage up front. Decisions, decisions...
Another sure sign of Spring, Tax returns are on their way. Granted they won't be as large this year as previous ones, but I will be able to pay off my remaining debt and be back "in the black" financially. I think that will help with new Jeep parts and possibly a vacation later this year.
Finally the ultimate sing of Spring, my son's birthday is only a few weeks away. Not sure what to get the little guy this year. He has been asking for a good number of Doctor Who Lego-style building sets. More than likely I will be ordering him some as they would combine two of his favorite things: Legos and Doctor Who. Altho I am a bit envious that the internet wasn't around when I was his age therefore preventing me from seeing if any such toys were available way back then. Perhaps if I ask nicely he will let me check out the Dalek mini-figures.
Its been cloudy this week, but I find myself opening my curtains (its been almost six months with them closed) and letting what sunshine is out there find its way in. I know that probably doesn't sound like much to most people, but between the PTSD and the possible seasonal disorder I am taking it as a good sign. I'm also cooking much more than I have in a while. Actual recipes, not just box meals. My dSLR is also charged and ready to go on an outing. I haven't been able to even look at my Nikon in a very long time, so its definitely a good sign I'm showing interest in it again. Oh, and I've starting playing Rally Sport Challenge 2 again. Definite sign of Spring when the racing/off-road bug hits me.
Purchased an issue of a beach house style magazine over the weekend. If the prices listed are any indication of what the average cost is, I am beginning to understand why average people don't have beach houses. It did give me plenty of ideas though. Thinking the picture frame style that resembles unfinished wood with rope going through is kind of cool. May have to try that if I can ever find any prints I like for around the house.
There you go, my thoughts and ramblings for this week. See ya' around and until next time:
Aloha
Monday, February 11, 2013
Vol 1, Issue 1
Sometimes its tough being a parrot head in the Midwest, but I make do. For those who haven't read any of my previous works, let me introduce myself. My name's Trenton, I live in small town Iowa (small towns being about all we have compared to the rest of the nation) in an older home with my two kids entering their teen years. I love the entire idea behind sailing, island life, and living like a Jimmy Buffet song when I can. I'm also a veteran, which is part of the reason for the whole beach/tropics/island life style inspiration. Not quite sure what a "real" beach house looks like, but I try my best when it comes to decor around my place. About a year ago I converted my front porch into a small, slightly tiki themed room. Yes, unlike a certain bar in a neighboring lakeside town, I do have an authentic tiki from Hawaii in my tiki porch/hut. I also have the apparently pre-resequite faux palm tree, complete with gecko lawn decoration trying to crawl into flower pot with it.
Life is good overall. Someday I hope to find a tiki gal, but until then I'm not fretting over it. I like to road trip in my tiki-decaled Jeep TJ (preferably top down in the summer). I also like biking and kayaking. If all goes well this year I will get to start sailing too. A co-worker of mine has a small Hobe catamaran that he likes to take out on weekends. Schedule conflcts prevented us from sailing together last summer, but I'm determined to get on the water with him this year.
I can't say I blog about exciting things all the time, but my goal is to blog at least once a week about things going on in life. You never know when what seems mundane to a person might seem interesting to someone else. For example, I'm typing this out on a Logitech bluetooth keyboard for Android with my Nexus 7 tablet from Ausus while watching Hawaii Five-O (current series, not the classics unfortunately) and having a spiced Chai latte from one of the local coffee shops a few blocks from my place. Not the most high tech setup, but it works for me.
I also tend to insert random thoughts into things at odd moments. For example, its currently quite sunny outside even though its only in the lower 20's F and the feel like temperature is around 7 with high winds. Don't you hate it when the whether looks misleading? I'd give anything for my Kuwaiti 90 degrees F at 6am right now. Don't get me wrong though, I'm happier than a witch in a broom factory I don't have to put up all the sand from over there though.
So that's part of my life and about me in a nutshell. If you'e read this far, thank you. Hope to see you around soon next "issue".
Aloha
Sometimes its tough being a parrot head in the Midwest, but I make do. For those who haven't read any of my previous works, let me introduce myself. My name's Trenton, I live in small town Iowa (small towns being about all we have compared to the rest of the nation) in an older home with my two kids entering their teen years. I love the entire idea behind sailing, island life, and living like a Jimmy Buffet song when I can. I'm also a veteran, which is part of the reason for the whole beach/tropics/island life style inspiration. Not quite sure what a "real" beach house looks like, but I try my best when it comes to decor around my place. About a year ago I converted my front porch into a small, slightly tiki themed room. Yes, unlike a certain bar in a neighboring lakeside town, I do have an authentic tiki from Hawaii in my tiki porch/hut. I also have the apparently pre-resequite faux palm tree, complete with gecko lawn decoration trying to crawl into flower pot with it.
Life is good overall. Someday I hope to find a tiki gal, but until then I'm not fretting over it. I like to road trip in my tiki-decaled Jeep TJ (preferably top down in the summer). I also like biking and kayaking. If all goes well this year I will get to start sailing too. A co-worker of mine has a small Hobe catamaran that he likes to take out on weekends. Schedule conflcts prevented us from sailing together last summer, but I'm determined to get on the water with him this year.
I can't say I blog about exciting things all the time, but my goal is to blog at least once a week about things going on in life. You never know when what seems mundane to a person might seem interesting to someone else. For example, I'm typing this out on a Logitech bluetooth keyboard for Android with my Nexus 7 tablet from Ausus while watching Hawaii Five-O (current series, not the classics unfortunately) and having a spiced Chai latte from one of the local coffee shops a few blocks from my place. Not the most high tech setup, but it works for me.
I also tend to insert random thoughts into things at odd moments. For example, its currently quite sunny outside even though its only in the lower 20's F and the feel like temperature is around 7 with high winds. Don't you hate it when the whether looks misleading? I'd give anything for my Kuwaiti 90 degrees F at 6am right now. Don't get me wrong though, I'm happier than a witch in a broom factory I don't have to put up all the sand from over there though.
So that's part of my life and about me in a nutshell. If you'e read this far, thank you. Hope to see you around soon next "issue".
Aloha
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