While I was fixing breakfast for Roy and me (the guys had gone to McDonald's as usual), I raised the blanket on the starboard berth to open the middle cupboard and get out the placemats. There lay Al's missing knife! I replaced the blanket, leaving the knife where it was. When the guys got back, I had everyone come down into the main cabin. Then I had Al slowly and carefully raise the blanket. Was he ever surprised and happy to see his knife! We all had a lot of fun.
It's amazing how rapidly my elbow has been healing. I don't need to wear the sling any more, and I can finally eat with my right hand.
We've had fantastic weather all week--in the 80's and 90's. The guys have been getting lots of work done, and I even did some sanding and varnishing today. Used my left hand.
Among my mail was a catalog I'd sent for. It listed the interface and software I need for a weatherfax. Just exactly what I was looking for, and only $129, so I'm going to send for it. Hope it gets here before we leave. I filled out the order form and rushed it over to the post office, but the last outgoing mail was at 4:15 today, so it won't get out until Monday.
The side curtain was supposed to be ready yesterday. I phoned first thing yesterday morning, but she said it wouldn't be ready until afternoon. Then I got busy and didn't get over there. Didn't get there again today, so now I won't be able to get it until Monday, and thunderstorms are predicted for tomorrow.
I can't find my important papers, including my income-tax returns and all the papers regarding my medical claim. Last Sunday, in the haste and chaos, they disappeared. I've been looking all over and can't find them. I just hope I didn't throw them out by mistake.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday, April 29, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
I went with Al to get his camera, and then we went to a marine supply store to buy some line and a fid. They didn't have the right size fid, so we went to Sear's, but they didn't have the right size either. (Note to landlubbers: a fid is a tool that's used to splice rope.) Ate a good lunch at a little Chinese restaurant and then went to Boat/U.S., which did have the fid Al needed.
Al lost his favorite pocket knife a few days ago. He thought it might have fallen out of his pocket in the life-raft, so he phoned the place to see if they had found it, but they hadn't.
I had Al drop me off at Janaf Plaza. I went to the optical section in Montgomery Wards. They didn't have the right size frames for Roy's lenses either, but they said they could replicate the prescription and sell him the whole thing, frames and lenses, for $79. That didn't sound too bad, but I thought I'd check a few other places first, so I crossed the street to Military Circle Shopping Center. There were half a dozen optical shops listed on the directory. I started towards one of them, but on the way I passed another, so I decided I might as well check there first, and am I glad I did! They had the right size frames, and they were only $25! And that included installation! I nearly fell over. They installed them in five minutes, and I was on my way.
Went downtown to check my mail. There was a lot of it, including another refund check. Lucky day.
Al, Lloyd, and Butch ate supper at a Chinese restaurant. When they got back to the boat, Butch realized he'd lost his wallet, so he drove back to the restaurant, but it wasn't there. Then he came back to the boatyard and found his wallet lying on the ground where he'd gotten out of the car. All the money was still in it. More luck.
Al lost his favorite pocket knife a few days ago. He thought it might have fallen out of his pocket in the life-raft, so he phoned the place to see if they had found it, but they hadn't.
I had Al drop me off at Janaf Plaza. I went to the optical section in Montgomery Wards. They didn't have the right size frames for Roy's lenses either, but they said they could replicate the prescription and sell him the whole thing, frames and lenses, for $79. That didn't sound too bad, but I thought I'd check a few other places first, so I crossed the street to Military Circle Shopping Center. There were half a dozen optical shops listed on the directory. I started towards one of them, but on the way I passed another, so I decided I might as well check there first, and am I glad I did! They had the right size frames, and they were only $25! And that included installation! I nearly fell over. They installed them in five minutes, and I was on my way.
Went downtown to check my mail. There was a lot of it, including another refund check. Lucky day.
Al, Lloyd, and Butch ate supper at a Chinese restaurant. When they got back to the boat, Butch realized he'd lost his wallet, so he drove back to the restaurant, but it wasn't there. Then he came back to the boatyard and found his wallet lying on the ground where he'd gotten out of the car. All the money was still in it. More luck.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
When we took the life-raft in on Monday, we had asked to be notified when they opened it up, so we could go over there and see if all four of us could fit in it. They phoned yesterday and left a message for us at the marina office, so I called them first thing this morning and they said we could come in any time. I also phoned the bank, where I'd lost the $20 in the ATM last week. To my amazement, they told me to come in and they'd give me my money!
We all went over to the life-raft place and sat in the raft. We could sit in it with our knees raised, but we couldn't hold our heads up straight. After a few hours like that, we'd feel mighty uncomfort-
able, but we'd live. With the 406 EPIRB, we should be picked up within a day or two. Of course, we hope we never have to use it.
The guys returned to the boat, and I borrowed the car and drove to the bank. The clerk filled out a form, phoned my bank, and then gave me the $20 on my word alone. I had no way of proving I'd been shorted, and they hadn't even counted the cash in the machine yet. I really hadn't expected to ever see that money again. They were very nice about it.
The frame had broken on one of Roy's pairs of glasses, and he had asked me to get the lenses mounted in new frames, so I went to an optical store, but they didn't have the right size frames.
Bought a bunch of groceries and returned to the boat. Got there just in time. The guys were getting ready to go to lunch and then to the amphibious base. We ate at the nearby McDonald's and then drove to the base. The guy was very nice, but I was disappointed in the "tour". He just showed us around one building, not the entire base. Then we watched an inspection and promotion.
Al's camera has been giving him messages that it needs servicing, so we drove to a place that was supposed to be an authorized service center, but it turned out to be the wrong place, so we had to drive all the way to Virginia Beach. We had never been in downtown Virginia Beach before, so Roy and I strolled to the beach. Miles of sand and hotels as far as the eye could see. And the Atlantic Ocean stretching before us.
The guy at the SONY shop said the camera would be ready at ten tomorrow morning. We took a scenic shortcut back to the boat.
After supper, we watched the pictures Al had been taking with his video camera. They were sharp and clear, with real-life colors. We were impressed.
We all went over to the life-raft place and sat in the raft. We could sit in it with our knees raised, but we couldn't hold our heads up straight. After a few hours like that, we'd feel mighty uncomfort-
able, but we'd live. With the 406 EPIRB, we should be picked up within a day or two. Of course, we hope we never have to use it.
The guys returned to the boat, and I borrowed the car and drove to the bank. The clerk filled out a form, phoned my bank, and then gave me the $20 on my word alone. I had no way of proving I'd been shorted, and they hadn't even counted the cash in the machine yet. I really hadn't expected to ever see that money again. They were very nice about it.
The frame had broken on one of Roy's pairs of glasses, and he had asked me to get the lenses mounted in new frames, so I went to an optical store, but they didn't have the right size frames.
Bought a bunch of groceries and returned to the boat. Got there just in time. The guys were getting ready to go to lunch and then to the amphibious base. We ate at the nearby McDonald's and then drove to the base. The guy was very nice, but I was disappointed in the "tour". He just showed us around one building, not the entire base. Then we watched an inspection and promotion.
Al's camera has been giving him messages that it needs servicing, so we drove to a place that was supposed to be an authorized service center, but it turned out to be the wrong place, so we had to drive all the way to Virginia Beach. We had never been in downtown Virginia Beach before, so Roy and I strolled to the beach. Miles of sand and hotels as far as the eye could see. And the Atlantic Ocean stretching before us.
The guy at the SONY shop said the camera would be ready at ten tomorrow morning. We took a scenic shortcut back to the boat.
After supper, we watched the pictures Al had been taking with his video camera. They were sharp and clear, with real-life colors. We were impressed.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
First thing I did this morning was take the starboard curtain to a canvas shop to have the plastic window replaced. She said it would be ready Friday.
What a convenience, having Butch's rented car! We all went over to West Marine (twenty miles each way) and bought out the store. Ate at Burger King on the way back.
Al's son used to be a Navy Seal at the amphibious base next door to where we are now. Al phoned his son, who is now in Alaska, and got a list of names of his old buddies who might still be here. Then Al phoned the base and talked with one of them. He offered to give us a guided tour of the base and also to give Al the information he needed for splicing the new line we bought.
Al brought the neatest video camera with him. It's not much larger than an ordinary still camera, but it does everything under the sun. You can even play the tape directly back to a TV. Al is going around taking pictures all over the place.
After supper, Roy had a lengthy conversation with Al regarding the size of the boat vs. the quantity of gear Al brought. Al agreed to ship a lot of it back.
What a convenience, having Butch's rented car! We all went over to West Marine (twenty miles each way) and bought out the store. Ate at Burger King on the way back.
Al's son used to be a Navy Seal at the amphibious base next door to where we are now. Al phoned his son, who is now in Alaska, and got a list of names of his old buddies who might still be here. Then Al phoned the base and talked with one of them. He offered to give us a guided tour of the base and also to give Al the information he needed for splicing the new line we bought.
Al brought the neatest video camera with him. It's not much larger than an ordinary still camera, but it does everything under the sun. You can even play the tape directly back to a TV. Al is going around taking pictures all over the place.
After supper, Roy had a lengthy conversation with Al regarding the size of the boat vs. the quantity of gear Al brought. Al agreed to ship a lot of it back.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
It has really gotten hot. Was in the 80's yesterday and 90 today. Roy and Lloyd have been busy working on the boat. I did the laundry in the morning. When I got back to the boat, there was Butch! He arrived at Kennedy last night, took the train to Washington, D.C., rented a car there this morning, and drove down. And Al was supposed to arrive at Norfolk Airport at 4:30!
We went over to the airport to meet him. Watched everyone get off the plane, but no Al. Butch inquired at the United desk and found out the plane from Sacramento had been an hour late getting into Chicago, so Al had missed his connecting flight. He'd be coming in on the next flight, at 8:30.
So we returned to the marina. The clerk in Cobb's store handed us a telephone message from Al, saying he'd get here at 8:30.
Returned to the airport at 8:15 to pick up Al. The plane was late, of course. Would arrive at 8:55.
Watched the people getting off the plane, but no Al! We couldn't believe it. How could he have missed this plane? We went down to the luggage area. Here came two big bags of Al's. The guys took the bags, which weighed about 200 pounds each, off the belt, and we stood around waiting for Al, but he didn't show up. We figured the bags had been checked through from Sacramento, so they got here ok, but Al must have missed the plane in Chicago. We were waiting in line to ask an airport employee what had happened to him, when all of a sudden Al walked up! He had stayed on the plane while everyone else got off and had gone into the restroom. He had two more huge bags with him. We had both known Al would bring too much stuff, but a thousand pounds!! We couldn't believe it. Something's got to go. But at least Al's here, safe and more or less sound.
We went over to the airport to meet him. Watched everyone get off the plane, but no Al. Butch inquired at the United desk and found out the plane from Sacramento had been an hour late getting into Chicago, so Al had missed his connecting flight. He'd be coming in on the next flight, at 8:30.
So we returned to the marina. The clerk in Cobb's store handed us a telephone message from Al, saying he'd get here at 8:30.
Returned to the airport at 8:15 to pick up Al. The plane was late, of course. Would arrive at 8:55.
Watched the people getting off the plane, but no Al! We couldn't believe it. How could he have missed this plane? We went down to the luggage area. Here came two big bags of Al's. The guys took the bags, which weighed about 200 pounds each, off the belt, and we stood around waiting for Al, but he didn't show up. We figured the bags had been checked through from Sacramento, so they got here ok, but Al must have missed the plane in Chicago. We were waiting in line to ask an airport employee what had happened to him, when all of a sudden Al walked up! He had stayed on the plane while everyone else got off and had gone into the restroom. He had two more huge bags with him. We had both known Al would bring too much stuff, but a thousand pounds!! We couldn't believe it. Something's got to go. But at least Al's here, safe and more or less sound.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 25, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Sometime in the middle of the night, there was a knock on the boat. Roy heard it and got up, but I was off on planet nine. Yep, it was Lloyd. The train had only gone as far as Richmond; they'd brought him to Newport News by bus and then by shuttle bus to Norfolk. He'd taken a cab out to the marina and somehow managed to find the boat. The bag he'd checked had gone to Charlottesville, North Carolina.
I phoned the company that recertifies life rafts and found out the turn-around time is two weeks! So we borrowed Mrs. Cobb's car and took the life raft over there this morning. Also took the large fire extinguisher for refilling, but they said it was too worn to be refilled, so we had to buy a new one. Roy talked them into doing the life raft in one week. He noticed they do hydrostating of dive tanks, so we returned to the boat, got his tank and the small fire extinguisher, and took them over there. On the way back, we stopped at Moore's Building Supply and got the wood Roy needed. That was the store I was going to when I fell off my bike. I found the driveway where it happened but didn't see a hole in the pavement. No one had erected a monument to commemorate the occasion.
Lloyd made a thousand phone calls to AMTRAK to find out what was happening with his bag. Mostly, he got recordings, but eventually he got to talk with a couple of human beings. They told him the shuttle bus would take his bag to Howard Johnson's at 9:20 tonight, and he should be sure he was there on time to get it.
We ate an early supper and then caught the 7:30 bus downtown. It got us there nearly an hour early, but the next bus would have gotten us there ten minutes late. We went up to the lobby of Howard Johnson's and found out where the AMTRAK bus would stop. Then we sat on the overstuffed chairs and waited. I was so comfortable, I nearly fell asleep.
At nine o'clock, we went outside and waited. 9:15 came and went, 9:20 came and went, 9:30 came and went. No sign of the shuttle bus. Our return bus went by at 9:40, but there was no point in our returning without the bag. Lloyd phoned AMTRAK to see if he could find out anything. After several minutes of recordings, he had just gotten to talk to a human when the bus arrived. Hooray, hooray, his bag was on it! What a relief! Not wanting to hang around for the 10:40 bus, we took a cab back and beat the 9:40 bus by a country mile.
I phoned the company that recertifies life rafts and found out the turn-around time is two weeks! So we borrowed Mrs. Cobb's car and took the life raft over there this morning. Also took the large fire extinguisher for refilling, but they said it was too worn to be refilled, so we had to buy a new one. Roy talked them into doing the life raft in one week. He noticed they do hydrostating of dive tanks, so we returned to the boat, got his tank and the small fire extinguisher, and took them over there. On the way back, we stopped at Moore's Building Supply and got the wood Roy needed. That was the store I was going to when I fell off my bike. I found the driveway where it happened but didn't see a hole in the pavement. No one had erected a monument to commemorate the occasion.
Lloyd made a thousand phone calls to AMTRAK to find out what was happening with his bag. Mostly, he got recordings, but eventually he got to talk with a couple of human beings. They told him the shuttle bus would take his bag to Howard Johnson's at 9:20 tonight, and he should be sure he was there on time to get it.
We ate an early supper and then caught the 7:30 bus downtown. It got us there nearly an hour early, but the next bus would have gotten us there ten minutes late. We went up to the lobby of Howard Johnson's and found out where the AMTRAK bus would stop. Then we sat on the overstuffed chairs and waited. I was so comfortable, I nearly fell asleep.
At nine o'clock, we went outside and waited. 9:15 came and went, 9:20 came and went, 9:30 came and went. No sign of the shuttle bus. Our return bus went by at 9:40, but there was no point in our returning without the bag. Lloyd phoned AMTRAK to see if he could find out anything. After several minutes of recordings, he had just gotten to talk to a human when the bus arrived. Hooray, hooray, his bag was on it! What a relief! Not wanting to hang around for the 10:40 bus, we took a cab back and beat the 9:40 bus by a country mile.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
What a shock! All our procrastination caught up with us today. We both thought Al and Lloyd were coming the first week of May, so we were taking our time getting ready. Luckily, Roy phoned Al today. He nearly fell over when Al told him Lloyd is already on his way by train and should arrive today, Al will fly out Tuesday, and Butch is also coming! Butch won't be going with us on the trip; he just wants to help get the boat ready. He's going to fly to JFK, rent a car, and drive down from there. He'll probably get here Wednesday.
Boy, talk about lighting a fire! We spent most of the afternoon scrambling around like crazy, trying to get ready for Lloyd. We had to move most of our junk from the main cabin to the aft cabin, to make room for the guys. Got enough done so Lloyd will have a place to sleep at least.
I phoned AMTRAK to try to get a clue as to what time Lloyd would arrive. Found out there's no AMTRAK station in Norfolk; he'll come in to Newport News, on the other side of the water. Fortunately, AMTRAK runs a shuttle bus to Howard Johnson's in downtown Norfolk. The next train is scheduled to arrive at 9:27 in Newport News, and the bus will reach Norfolk at 10:05. We don't know if Lloyd will take a cab out to the boat tonight or stay at Howard Johnson's until morning.
Ate our usual lupper at the buffet restaurant. It's the last one; next week, it will be closed, and the following week, we'll probably be gone. Besides, it will have changed hands.
Boy, talk about lighting a fire! We spent most of the afternoon scrambling around like crazy, trying to get ready for Lloyd. We had to move most of our junk from the main cabin to the aft cabin, to make room for the guys. Got enough done so Lloyd will have a place to sleep at least.
I phoned AMTRAK to try to get a clue as to what time Lloyd would arrive. Found out there's no AMTRAK station in Norfolk; he'll come in to Newport News, on the other side of the water. Fortunately, AMTRAK runs a shuttle bus to Howard Johnson's in downtown Norfolk. The next train is scheduled to arrive at 9:27 in Newport News, and the bus will reach Norfolk at 10:05. We don't know if Lloyd will take a cab out to the boat tonight or stay at Howard Johnson's until morning.
Ate our usual lupper at the buffet restaurant. It's the last one; next week, it will be closed, and the following week, we'll probably be gone. Besides, it will have changed hands.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Monday, April 18, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Clear, sunny, breezy, and cool today, but considerably warmer than yesterday. Walked to Food Lion with the blue wagon and hauled home a bunch of groceries.
The wood Roy bought yesterday turned out to be the wrong kind, so now he's hunting again. Spent several hours riding his bike to various lumber yards, but couldn't find the kind he needs.
The wood Roy bought yesterday turned out to be the wrong kind, so now he's hunting again. Spent several hours riding his bike to various lumber yards, but couldn't find the kind he needs.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Friday, April 22, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Insane weather! Cold, raw, and damp today. A couple of months ago, we'd have thought it was a lovely warm day if the temperature went up to fifty, but now that we're used to eighties, fifty seems frigid.
Phoned the bank about my ATM problem. They told me to phone my bank in California and see if $200 was actually taken out of my account. It was. This bank counts the ATM money once a week, on Wednesdays, so I have to wait until then. If they have an extra $20, maybe I'll get it back.
Made out our California tax returns and took care of some other junk. Phoned the two other places in Morehead City that I was supposed to get refunds from. One had sent it to the wrong address, so they'll send it to me here May 6th. The other hadn't sent it out yet, but they should send it in a week or two. Unfortunately, they only submitted part of it to Medicare, so now they have to send in a claim for the balance.
Roy started out on his bicycle to a lumber yard to get some wood to fix the mizzen mast, but it started raining, so he returned to the boat. A few hours later, the rain quit, so he tried again.
Phoned the bank about my ATM problem. They told me to phone my bank in California and see if $200 was actually taken out of my account. It was. This bank counts the ATM money once a week, on Wednesdays, so I have to wait until then. If they have an extra $20, maybe I'll get it back.
Made out our California tax returns and took care of some other junk. Phoned the two other places in Morehead City that I was supposed to get refunds from. One had sent it to the wrong address, so they'll send it to me here May 6th. The other hadn't sent it out yet, but they should send it in a week or two. Unfortunately, they only submitted part of it to Medicare, so now they have to send in a claim for the balance.
Roy started out on his bicycle to a lumber yard to get some wood to fix the mizzen mast, but it started raining, so he returned to the boat. A few hours later, the rain quit, so he tried again.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
The surveyor came back today and found a lot more problems. Roy is pretty down. He has so many problems to correct and so little time, he scarcely knows where to begin. But I bet he gets it all done.
I went down to the post office and was delighted to find a huge pile of mail, especially a big stack from Kathy. There was an hilarious card from Kathy that cracked me up. It says, "Happy Birthday, Mommy, from your baby." The baby in the picture is about 20 times the size of the mommy! Any time I need a laugh, I look at it.
Was very glad to get my driver's license and a big, fat refund check from Carteret General Hospital. Now I can pay off my VISA. If I'd just known how slick Medicare works, I could have sure saved a lot of time and hassle and money. Also got the California income tax forms, so I can finally get that out of my hair.
On the way home, I stopped at Revco and got the prescription filled that Dr. Devereux had given me. Got some money from an ATM and stuck it in my billfold without counting it. Went to HQ to get some 180-grit sandpaper. To my astonishment, they didn't have it! They were just like all the other stores--went from 150 to 220 with nothing in between. What in the world has happened to 180? Never had a problem getting it before.
Picked up some cookies at Farm Fresh and returned to the boat. Counted the money I'd gotten at the ATM. It was $20 short! First time I've ever been shorted at an ATM. In fact, I've often marveled at the accuracy of the critters. There's no way I can prove I was shorted, but I'll phone them tomorrow anyway.
I went down to the post office and was delighted to find a huge pile of mail, especially a big stack from Kathy. There was an hilarious card from Kathy that cracked me up. It says, "Happy Birthday, Mommy, from your baby." The baby in the picture is about 20 times the size of the mommy! Any time I need a laugh, I look at it.
Was very glad to get my driver's license and a big, fat refund check from Carteret General Hospital. Now I can pay off my VISA. If I'd just known how slick Medicare works, I could have sure saved a lot of time and hassle and money. Also got the California income tax forms, so I can finally get that out of my hair.
On the way home, I stopped at Revco and got the prescription filled that Dr. Devereux had given me. Got some money from an ATM and stuck it in my billfold without counting it. Went to HQ to get some 180-grit sandpaper. To my astonishment, they didn't have it! They were just like all the other stores--went from 150 to 220 with nothing in between. What in the world has happened to 180? Never had a problem getting it before.
Picked up some cookies at Farm Fresh and returned to the boat. Counted the money I'd gotten at the ATM. It was $20 short! First time I've ever been shorted at an ATM. In fact, I've often marveled at the accuracy of the critters. There's no way I can prove I was shorted, but I'll phone them tomorrow anyway.
Wednesday, April 20, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
It's remarkable how much better my arm feels today. As long as I don't move it, it doesn't hurt at all, and even if I do move it, the pain is very slight. Of course, I still can't do anything with it. We take two arms and hands for granted until something like this happens, then all of a sudden our life changes. It's a struggle to do the simplest little thing, like eating or dressing. Tying my shoelaces is a major feat. I don't see how Row ties his laces at all, much less any of the other skillful things he does. By the time the break has healed, I should be a whiz with my left hand.
Used my left hand to push a wagon-load of dirty clothes over to the laundromat. Folding the clean clothes was a problem, but I finally managed. Returned to the boat, ate lunch, and then pushed the wagon to the store for a few groceries.
Roy found a lot of rot inside the mizzen mast. He dug it out and is hoping he can repair it without having to remove the entire mast.
Used my left hand to push a wagon-load of dirty clothes over to the laundromat. Folding the clean clothes was a problem, but I finally managed. Returned to the boat, ate lunch, and then pushed the wagon to the store for a few groceries.
Roy found a lot of rot inside the mizzen mast. He dug it out and is hoping he can repair it without having to remove the entire mast.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Kept waking up in pain. Finally got up around 4 a.m. and sat on the berth in the main cabin. Dozed for about an hour. Then washed as best I could, ate breakfast, and struggled into my clothes. I was bound and determined to go to a doctor whether Roy liked it or not, so I planned on leaving before he woke up. Wanted to catch the 6:30 bus, but it took me so long to do the least little thing that I missed it and had to take the 7:30. Just tying my shoelaces was a major task. I don't see how Roy ties his laces at all.
It was cold and windy early in the morning, so I wore my heavy jacket. Even with it on, my teeth started chattering as I was walking the one block from the bus to the hospital. Even inside the hospital, it felt chilly.
They were very nice, and I didn't have to wait long. They x-rayed my elbow, and it was indeed broken. As soon as they put a sling on my arm, it started feeling better. They spent a lot of time phoning around to find an orthopedist who could see me right away. Finally found one in an adjacent building. Went over there with my x-rays. He said the break wasn't bad, but it would take six weeks to heal. In the meantime, I can't lift anything with my right hand or push or pull or exert any pressure on it. Great. Just when we're getting ready to sail across the Atlantic. I won't be able to raise sails or handle dock-lines, or anything. Now I'm even more useless than I was before.
I have to go back to the doctor's May 3rd. If the break is healing properly, we'll be able to leave any time, but if it's not, I'll have to have an operation, and that will set us back another week. I'm so mad at myself for pulling such a stupid stunt.
I was amazed at how easily Medicare works. I didn't have to fill out any forms, and I didn't pay one cent. Just showed them my card and walked out. Wish I'd known that last summer.
It was one o'clock by the time I left the doctor's office. Ate a little lunch at Wendy's and then walked a few blocks to Makita's Service Center to buy the trigger switch Roy needed for his 3/8" electric drill. It was sizzling hot by then, so I stuffed my jacket into my back-pack.
As expected, Rick at Boat/U.S. had not paged me, so I tried to phone him after I left Makita's, but he wasn't in. Boat/U.S. was only about six blocks from where I was, so I strolled down there, hot, tired, and thirsty. Rick had returned by the time I got there. I found a chair and sat in it until Rick had obtained all the information he needed to write up the order and had actually written it up. This took until 4:20, but at last it was a done deal.
Rode the bus back to Cobb's. Was happy to see that Jofian had been returned to her natural element, as promised. Poor Roy had had to dock her all by himself, and it was a windy day. I felt so bad about not being able to help him. He had had quite a struggle, but he finally managed to get her tied up. We're in slip #3. Sure feels good to be back in the water.
The finger docks here are little stubby things, barely ten feet long. They don't begin to reach the center of the boat, so there's a gap of about two to three feet between the boat and the dock. Also, the docks don't float, so at high tide, the deck's several feet above the dock. All this makes getting on and off the boat a little tricky when you only have one hand to hold on with.
It was cold and windy early in the morning, so I wore my heavy jacket. Even with it on, my teeth started chattering as I was walking the one block from the bus to the hospital. Even inside the hospital, it felt chilly.
They were very nice, and I didn't have to wait long. They x-rayed my elbow, and it was indeed broken. As soon as they put a sling on my arm, it started feeling better. They spent a lot of time phoning around to find an orthopedist who could see me right away. Finally found one in an adjacent building. Went over there with my x-rays. He said the break wasn't bad, but it would take six weeks to heal. In the meantime, I can't lift anything with my right hand or push or pull or exert any pressure on it. Great. Just when we're getting ready to sail across the Atlantic. I won't be able to raise sails or handle dock-lines, or anything. Now I'm even more useless than I was before.
I have to go back to the doctor's May 3rd. If the break is healing properly, we'll be able to leave any time, but if it's not, I'll have to have an operation, and that will set us back another week. I'm so mad at myself for pulling such a stupid stunt.
I was amazed at how easily Medicare works. I didn't have to fill out any forms, and I didn't pay one cent. Just showed them my card and walked out. Wish I'd known that last summer.
It was one o'clock by the time I left the doctor's office. Ate a little lunch at Wendy's and then walked a few blocks to Makita's Service Center to buy the trigger switch Roy needed for his 3/8" electric drill. It was sizzling hot by then, so I stuffed my jacket into my back-pack.
As expected, Rick at Boat/U.S. had not paged me, so I tried to phone him after I left Makita's, but he wasn't in. Boat/U.S. was only about six blocks from where I was, so I strolled down there, hot, tired, and thirsty. Rick had returned by the time I got there. I found a chair and sat in it until Rick had obtained all the information he needed to write up the order and had actually written it up. This took until 4:20, but at last it was a done deal.
Rode the bus back to Cobb's. Was happy to see that Jofian had been returned to her natural element, as promised. Poor Roy had had to dock her all by himself, and it was a windy day. I felt so bad about not being able to help him. He had had quite a struggle, but he finally managed to get her tied up. We're in slip #3. Sure feels good to be back in the water.
The finger docks here are little stubby things, barely ten feet long. They don't begin to reach the center of the boat, so there's a gap of about two to three feet between the boat and the dock. Also, the docks don't float, so at high tide, the deck's several feet above the dock. All this makes getting on and off the boat a little tricky when you only have one hand to hold on with.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday, April 18, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Another beautiful, warm, sunny day. Did some more varnishing. Roy tried to replace the speedometer cable in the Sumlog, but found out he couldn't, because there was no way to take apart the propeller unit without destroying it. Anyway, the other log should work ok now.
Phoned Boat/U.S. again. The boy, Kevin, has gone back to Newport without writing up my order or telling anyone else about it. The guy I talked with today, Rick, said he'd phone Kevin first thing tomorrow morning to find out the status of the order and then page me. Where have I heard that before? We'll see.
Everything was going great until late afternoon. I finished varnishing, took a shower and washed my hair, and then rode my bike to an ATM to pop out some money so we can pay the yard bill tomorrow so we can go back in the water. It was a perfect day for a bike ride. After I got the loot, I decided to go to a hardware store another mile or two down the road and see if I could get some 180-grit sandpaper. I don't know what's happened to 180. I've been to several different stores. They have plenty of 120, 150, 220, etc., but no 180. I thought surely this big building-supply store I was going to would have it. Unfortunately, the store was farther than I remembered, it was rush hour, I ran out of shoulder, and there was no sidewalk. This is one of the worst places to ride a bike in I've ever been. There are no bike lanes, and drivers, especially those making left turns, don't seem to pay any attention to bicyclists. Twice I had to make emergency stops and another time I had to swerve to avoid left-turners. Cars and buses were zooming by me so fast and so close, I could feel the air pressure as they went by. I could hardly wait to get off the street, away from the traffic. As soon as I saw the store I was looking for, I turned eagerly into the driveway without paying enough attention to where I was going. I assumed the driveway slanted, but there was a rise of about an inch. My front wheel hit it at the wrong angle, deflected, the bike toppled over, and I went sprawling. My first concern was my glasses--I was afraid they'd fall off and break, but they stayed on and were fine. I was wearing my helmet, so there was no damage to my bean. I was afraid the bike might be damaged, but it seemed to be ok. The skin was scraped on my left knee and right elbow--no big deal. But my right arm hurt and felt all twisted. I was afraid it was broken. Managed to pick myself up, raise the bike, and stagger over to the store. Wouldn't you know--after all that, they didn't have any 180-grit sandpaper!
My right arm was hurting something fierce, and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to ride back to the boat. I had visions of phoning Cobb's Marina, asking them to lend Roy their car, and have him come after me, but I decided to try riding my bike. Couldn't do anything with my right hand but rest it on the handlebar. Couldn't use it for braking or steering. Rode very slowly and carefully, walking my bike across busy intersections. As soon as I got back to the boat, I was going to ask Roy to borrow the Cobb's car and take me to an emergency room. Even if my arm wasn't broken, there was definitely something wrong with it that needed medical attention.
What a relief when I finally reached the boat! And what a disappointment when Roy wasn't there! He had gone someplace on his bike, too. It was after six, so there was no way to get to a hospital and back by bus, and I was afraid to try to drive Mrs. Cobb's car by myself with my arm in that condition, so all I could do was wait.
Pretty soon, Roy returned. Ironically, he had gone to the huge building-supply store, HQ. If I'd known he was going there, I could have had him get the sandpaper and none of this would have happened.
Roy seemed reluctant to take me to an emergency room. He checked my arm and didn't think it was broken. He told me to lie down and rest for half an hour. I tried, but didn't get much rest. We ate supper, Roy washed the dishes, and I went to bed early.
Phoned Boat/U.S. again. The boy, Kevin, has gone back to Newport without writing up my order or telling anyone else about it. The guy I talked with today, Rick, said he'd phone Kevin first thing tomorrow morning to find out the status of the order and then page me. Where have I heard that before? We'll see.
Everything was going great until late afternoon. I finished varnishing, took a shower and washed my hair, and then rode my bike to an ATM to pop out some money so we can pay the yard bill tomorrow so we can go back in the water. It was a perfect day for a bike ride. After I got the loot, I decided to go to a hardware store another mile or two down the road and see if I could get some 180-grit sandpaper. I don't know what's happened to 180. I've been to several different stores. They have plenty of 120, 150, 220, etc., but no 180. I thought surely this big building-supply store I was going to would have it. Unfortunately, the store was farther than I remembered, it was rush hour, I ran out of shoulder, and there was no sidewalk. This is one of the worst places to ride a bike in I've ever been. There are no bike lanes, and drivers, especially those making left turns, don't seem to pay any attention to bicyclists. Twice I had to make emergency stops and another time I had to swerve to avoid left-turners. Cars and buses were zooming by me so fast and so close, I could feel the air pressure as they went by. I could hardly wait to get off the street, away from the traffic. As soon as I saw the store I was looking for, I turned eagerly into the driveway without paying enough attention to where I was going. I assumed the driveway slanted, but there was a rise of about an inch. My front wheel hit it at the wrong angle, deflected, the bike toppled over, and I went sprawling. My first concern was my glasses--I was afraid they'd fall off and break, but they stayed on and were fine. I was wearing my helmet, so there was no damage to my bean. I was afraid the bike might be damaged, but it seemed to be ok. The skin was scraped on my left knee and right elbow--no big deal. But my right arm hurt and felt all twisted. I was afraid it was broken. Managed to pick myself up, raise the bike, and stagger over to the store. Wouldn't you know--after all that, they didn't have any 180-grit sandpaper!
My right arm was hurting something fierce, and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to ride back to the boat. I had visions of phoning Cobb's Marina, asking them to lend Roy their car, and have him come after me, but I decided to try riding my bike. Couldn't do anything with my right hand but rest it on the handlebar. Couldn't use it for braking or steering. Rode very slowly and carefully, walking my bike across busy intersections. As soon as I got back to the boat, I was going to ask Roy to borrow the Cobb's car and take me to an emergency room. Even if my arm wasn't broken, there was definitely something wrong with it that needed medical attention.
What a relief when I finally reached the boat! And what a disappointment when Roy wasn't there! He had gone someplace on his bike, too. It was after six, so there was no way to get to a hospital and back by bus, and I was afraid to try to drive Mrs. Cobb's car by myself with my arm in that condition, so all I could do was wait.
Pretty soon, Roy returned. Ironically, he had gone to the huge building-supply store, HQ. If I'd known he was going there, I could have had him get the sandpaper and none of this would have happened.
Roy seemed reluctant to take me to an emergency room. He checked my arm and didn't think it was broken. He told me to lie down and rest for half an hour. I tried, but didn't get much rest. We ate supper, Roy washed the dishes, and I went to bed early.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 1994 MY BIRTHDAY!
Bless his ever-lovin' little heart! I didn't know bunnies laid Hershey Kisses as well as Easter eggs! It was like Easter all over again--everywhere I looked, there was a Kiss! There was one on top of the salt shaker, one on a cup, even one in my shoe! There was a big peppermint patty with a Kiss on it, and a whole bag of Kisses wrapped in a newspaper on top of the cereal box. After a bit of hunting and some clues, I found a sweet birthday card under the tablecloth. What a fun way to start my birthday!
The weather was beautiful but windy. Did some more varnishing and put the winches back on. When I went over to the office/store, Mrs. Cobb, her daughter Nancy, and a stranger surprised me by singing "Happy Birthday" to me! Roy's been telling tales out of school.
In the evening, we went to the buffet restaurant. Since it was my birthday, my meal was free. Everything was delicious, as usual.
Apparently, the restaurant is going to be changing hands. There was a sign on the door, saying it would be closed for remodeling from April 28th to May 1st and would reopen May 2nd under a different name.
The weather was beautiful but windy. Did some more varnishing and put the winches back on. When I went over to the office/store, Mrs. Cobb, her daughter Nancy, and a stranger surprised me by singing "Happy Birthday" to me! Roy's been telling tales out of school.
In the evening, we went to the buffet restaurant. Since it was my birthday, my meal was free. Everything was delicious, as usual.
Apparently, the restaurant is going to be changing hands. There was a sign on the door, saying it would be closed for remodeling from April 28th to May 1st and would reopen May 2nd under a different name.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
The surveyor arrived on schedule and worked all day. Very nice guy. Seems to be knowledgeable and competent. He found several things that need repairing. After we go back in the water, he'll come back again.
Today was supposed to be very stormy and windy, but other than a few showers in the morning, it was a beautiful day. Didn't hear from the kid at Boat/U.S. Phoned E & B Discount Marine. They had the quart of bottom paint Roy needs, so I took the bus over there and got it. Then I went to the Naro Cinema and saw "In the Name of the Father". It was excellent! Best movie I've seen since "Schindler's List" and "Remains of the Day".
Today was supposed to be very stormy and windy, but other than a few showers in the morning, it was a beautiful day. Didn't hear from the kid at Boat/U.S. Phoned E & B Discount Marine. They had the quart of bottom paint Roy needs, so I took the bus over there and got it. Then I went to the Naro Cinema and saw "In the Name of the Father". It was excellent! Best movie I've seen since "Schindler's List" and "Remains of the Day".
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 15, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Another hot, glorious day! I began the miscellaneous varnishing, and Roy put some of the hardware back on and straightened up the boat for the survey.
Around 3:15, I left to go to Boat/U.S. First I went downtown to check the mail and was delighted to receive a birthday card from Carol, Rick, and Meghan. First one this year. Also received a letter from Steve. He had checked with the phone company to find out why our calling card had been cancelled. Turned out someone had used our calling card number to make calls to Germany and the Netherlands! So now one mystery has been solved, but another one has been created: Who got hold of our calling card number and how? We've never written it down, and we certainly haven't given it to anyone. Nor have we ever made any calls to Europe. I hope when the phone company re-issues our card, they give us a new code number. We certainly don't want to pay for someone else's long-distance calls.
We haven't received state income-tax forms from California, so I went to the copy place next to the post office and made copies of my 1992 return, whited out the amounts, and ran three more copies. I'll just change 1992 to 1993 and use those forms.
Always before when I've gone to Boat/U.S., I've had to walk to and from Military Circle or Janaf Plaza, a distance of about 1 1/2 miles, so today I was resolved to take the bus. Rode the #20 to Military Circle Shopping Center and stayed on the bus, expecting it to continue east on Virginia Beach Blvd., as the schedule showed. To my dismay, the bus turned left and headed back to downtown Norfolk! Got off at the first stop and began walking in the direction of Boat/U.S. Needed a few groceries, so I crossed the street to Farm Fresh and bought them. To my surprise, a bus came by just as I got back to the street, so I got on it and rode to Boat/U.S.
Wouldn't you know--the young clerk who's supposedly handling this order hadn't gotten the price of the paddle-wheel, so he couldn't collect the money. On top of that, the store didn't have any of the other stuff Roy wanted, so it was a wasted trip. I should have phoned before I went over there.
It was 6:20 when I left the store. There's a bus stop right in front of the store, and I expected a bus to come by around 6:30, but when I got to the stop, the sign said the bus stopped there only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.! So I had to walk to Janaf Plaza after all. At least it wasn't raining this time. Both previous times it had been pouring. Today was sunny and warm, but I had the two bags of groceries to carry.
Got to Janaf in plenty of time to catch the #15. In fact, it was 10 minutes late. But then I began worry about its tight connection with the #8. The #15 is supposed to arrive at the transfer point at 7:15; the #8 is supposed to leave the transfer point at 7:15. With the #15 already 15 minutes late, I figured there was no chance of catching the #8. Oh well, there'd be another #8 at 7:45, so I'd just wait patiently, right? Wrong. Fortunately, a little voice said, "Check the schedule." Oops! After 7:15, there isn't another #8 for TWO HOURS! I wasn't about to sit on the bus bench for two hours, so I figured I'd have to take a cab. Would probably cost about four or five dollars. But when the bus stopped at a light, I went up and asked the driver if she could phone the dispatcher and ask the #8 to wait for me. She did, and it did, so I got back to the boat on schedule after all. What a relief!
It was 7:40 when I reached the boat, 9:00 when we ate supper, and 11:15 when I finally got to bed. Way past my normal bedtime.
Around 3:15, I left to go to Boat/U.S. First I went downtown to check the mail and was delighted to receive a birthday card from Carol, Rick, and Meghan. First one this year. Also received a letter from Steve. He had checked with the phone company to find out why our calling card had been cancelled. Turned out someone had used our calling card number to make calls to Germany and the Netherlands! So now one mystery has been solved, but another one has been created: Who got hold of our calling card number and how? We've never written it down, and we certainly haven't given it to anyone. Nor have we ever made any calls to Europe. I hope when the phone company re-issues our card, they give us a new code number. We certainly don't want to pay for someone else's long-distance calls.
We haven't received state income-tax forms from California, so I went to the copy place next to the post office and made copies of my 1992 return, whited out the amounts, and ran three more copies. I'll just change 1992 to 1993 and use those forms.
Always before when I've gone to Boat/U.S., I've had to walk to and from Military Circle or Janaf Plaza, a distance of about 1 1/2 miles, so today I was resolved to take the bus. Rode the #20 to Military Circle Shopping Center and stayed on the bus, expecting it to continue east on Virginia Beach Blvd., as the schedule showed. To my dismay, the bus turned left and headed back to downtown Norfolk! Got off at the first stop and began walking in the direction of Boat/U.S. Needed a few groceries, so I crossed the street to Farm Fresh and bought them. To my surprise, a bus came by just as I got back to the street, so I got on it and rode to Boat/U.S.
Wouldn't you know--the young clerk who's supposedly handling this order hadn't gotten the price of the paddle-wheel, so he couldn't collect the money. On top of that, the store didn't have any of the other stuff Roy wanted, so it was a wasted trip. I should have phoned before I went over there.
It was 6:20 when I left the store. There's a bus stop right in front of the store, and I expected a bus to come by around 6:30, but when I got to the stop, the sign said the bus stopped there only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.! So I had to walk to Janaf Plaza after all. At least it wasn't raining this time. Both previous times it had been pouring. Today was sunny and warm, but I had the two bags of groceries to carry.
Got to Janaf in plenty of time to catch the #15. In fact, it was 10 minutes late. But then I began worry about its tight connection with the #8. The #15 is supposed to arrive at the transfer point at 7:15; the #8 is supposed to leave the transfer point at 7:15. With the #15 already 15 minutes late, I figured there was no chance of catching the #8. Oh well, there'd be another #8 at 7:45, so I'd just wait patiently, right? Wrong. Fortunately, a little voice said, "Check the schedule." Oops! After 7:15, there isn't another #8 for TWO HOURS! I wasn't about to sit on the bus bench for two hours, so I figured I'd have to take a cab. Would probably cost about four or five dollars. But when the bus stopped at a light, I went up and asked the driver if she could phone the dispatcher and ask the #8 to wait for me. She did, and it did, so I got back to the boat on schedule after all. What a relief!
It was 7:40 when I reached the boat, 9:00 when we ate supper, and 11:15 when I finally got to bed. Way past my normal bedtime.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
HOT!!! Sunny and hot! Got the sixth coat of varnish on the cabin walls, and Roy put a second bottom coat on the keel and also mounted the new tracks and finished putting the name decals on the bow. He did a beautiful job. Several people came by to admire them.
Roy checked with another boater about the surveyor we had an appointment with for this Saturday. The other boater advised against him and gave Roy the names of two better surveyors, so Roy cancelled the appointment and made an appointment with one of the others. We're planning on going back in the water Monday or Tuesday, so we want we can have the survey before then.
Phoned Boat/U.S. and gave the clerk the model number. He phoned the factory and came up with a price of $30 for the entire unit--bronze through-hull, sender, and paddle-wheel. Even I knew that was too low, but he insisted. A few hours later, he paged me and said he'd made a mistake--the price for the entire unit is $64.50. The $30 is for the bronze through-hull alone. All Roy wants is the through-hull and the paddle-wheel, which won't cost much. Since they have to special order the stuff, they have to be paid in advance, so I'll go over there tomorrow and pay them.
Roy checked with another boater about the surveyor we had an appointment with for this Saturday. The other boater advised against him and gave Roy the names of two better surveyors, so Roy cancelled the appointment and made an appointment with one of the others. We're planning on going back in the water Monday or Tuesday, so we want we can have the survey before then.
Phoned Boat/U.S. and gave the clerk the model number. He phoned the factory and came up with a price of $30 for the entire unit--bronze through-hull, sender, and paddle-wheel. Even I knew that was too low, but he insisted. A few hours later, he paged me and said he'd made a mistake--the price for the entire unit is $64.50. The $30 is for the bronze through-hull alone. All Roy wants is the through-hull and the paddle-wheel, which won't cost much. Since they have to special order the stuff, they have to be paid in advance, so I'll go over there tomorrow and pay them.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Glad we painted and varnished yesterday. Today, it poured off and on all day. Roy had plenty to do inside the boat, so I stayed out of his hair. Went downtown to see if there was any mail and was astonished to find a big package of mail from Steve. Roy had just phoned him a couple of nights ago, so that was really fast.
The movie I had planned on going to was no longer showing, so I went to one that sounded stupid but had been given 4 stars by the reviewer. I'd give it 2 1/2. It was a British comedy, so I could only understand about 30% of the dialog. French movies are easier to understand than British movies.
Roy wants to replace the plastic through-hull that came with the Sumlog with a bronze one, so I walked to Boat/U.S. in the torrential rain to see if they had one. At least this time it was a warm rain; the last time I walked to Boat/U.S., the rain was freezing cold and a gale was blowing out of the northeast.
The clerk in Boat/U.S. tried to tell me that a bronze through-hull would interfere with the electrical impulses to the Sumlog. I thought to myself, I'm sure a master electrician with more than 30 years' experience would not even consider installing anything that would in any way adversely affect the performance of the Sumlog or any other device. Of course, I didn't say that, but merely expressed some polite skepticism. Finally, the clerk phoned the company and was told that a bronze through-hull would not mess up the electrical impulses. In fact, the company makes bronze through-hulls for newer models of the Sumlog. I didn't have the model number with me, so the clerk said to phone him and he'll call the company again and see if they have a bronze through-hull for that model.
Slogged back to the bus stop (about a mile and a half) through the downpour. As soon as I got on the bus, the sun came out.
When I got back to the boat, I was delighted to see that Roy had put the new registration number and stickers on the bow. He has also started putting the name on.
The movie I had planned on going to was no longer showing, so I went to one that sounded stupid but had been given 4 stars by the reviewer. I'd give it 2 1/2. It was a British comedy, so I could only understand about 30% of the dialog. French movies are easier to understand than British movies.
Roy wants to replace the plastic through-hull that came with the Sumlog with a bronze one, so I walked to Boat/U.S. in the torrential rain to see if they had one. At least this time it was a warm rain; the last time I walked to Boat/U.S., the rain was freezing cold and a gale was blowing out of the northeast.
The clerk in Boat/U.S. tried to tell me that a bronze through-hull would interfere with the electrical impulses to the Sumlog. I thought to myself, I'm sure a master electrician with more than 30 years' experience would not even consider installing anything that would in any way adversely affect the performance of the Sumlog or any other device. Of course, I didn't say that, but merely expressed some polite skepticism. Finally, the clerk phoned the company and was told that a bronze through-hull would not mess up the electrical impulses. In fact, the company makes bronze through-hulls for newer models of the Sumlog. I didn't have the model number with me, so the clerk said to phone him and he'll call the company again and see if they have a bronze through-hull for that model.
Slogged back to the bus stop (about a mile and a half) through the downpour. As soon as I got on the bus, the sun came out.
When I got back to the boat, I was delighted to see that Roy had put the new registration number and stickers on the bow. He has also started putting the name on.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
The day started out cold and damp, but by noon it had warmed up. Went all the way to 77! Roy painted the finish coat on the hull and also painted the waterline. Jofian looks beautiful again. I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of her with the three planks out and her hull looking so awful. Then I'd take another picture now, and we'd have a great before-and-after pair.
It finally occurred to me where to find the address I needed, so I addressed the envelope and mailed it. Bought a few things at the discount store, which is similar to K-Mart. In the afternoon, I sanded and varnished the cabin walls. That's coat number five. Just one more to go.
Roy rode his bike to a sign shop and bought two computer-generated name decals for the boat.
It finally occurred to me where to find the address I needed, so I addressed the envelope and mailed it. Bought a few things at the discount store, which is similar to K-Mart. In the afternoon, I sanded and varnished the cabin walls. That's coat number five. Just one more to go.
Roy rode his bike to a sign shop and bought two computer-generated name decals for the boat.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday, April 11, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Never saw such changeable weather. One day 80, next day 50, then back to 80. Today was 50 and cloudy, but no rain to speak of. Too cold to varnish, so I wrote some letters. At Roy's request, I phoned Benmar to see if they had received the pilot-house controls for the auto-pilot that we had mailed back to them for repair last week. To my amazement, they had not only received them but had already repaired them and shipped them back! We should get them today or tomorrow. Now that's what I call real service!
Set out to go to the library, the post office, the drugstore, and the grocery store. Had scarcely left the boat when Mrs. Cobb drove up and offered me a ride. She was going down Little Creek Road, which is where I was going, so I couldn't very well refuse. One of her daughters was in the car and had a pair of crutches. She said she had fallen off a gangplank on Saturday and broken her foot. Roy knew about it, but had forgotten to tell me.
I asked Mrs. Cobb to drop me off at the library, and she did. Unfortunately, the library doesn't open until 12:30 on Mondays. If I had walked, I'd have gotten there about 12:30, but in the car, I got there much too early, so I went to the post office, bought some stamps, and mailed some letters. Couldn't mail one of the letters, because I didn't have the address. My main purpose in wanting to go to the library was to find the address in an Oakland phone book.
Went to an ATM, but it spit out my card, so I had to cross busy Little Creek Road and go to a different ATM. This one worked. Crossed the street again, went to Revco and Food Lion, and then rode the bus back to the boat. Roy was gone, so I ate a hasty lunch and took off again. Met Roy on Dunning Road. He had ridden his bicycle to the buffet restaurant for lunch.
I walked back to the library, but it turned out they didn't have out-of-state phone books, so it was wasted effort. Read some interesting magazine articles while I was there. On the way back to the boat, I stopped at the discount store and bought a few things.
Roy spent the day doing a lot of miscellaneous things on the boat, including getting the new tracks ready to mount and the porthole rings ready to put back on. We might have to postpone the survey; we're not sure everything will be ready by Saturday.
Set out to go to the library, the post office, the drugstore, and the grocery store. Had scarcely left the boat when Mrs. Cobb drove up and offered me a ride. She was going down Little Creek Road, which is where I was going, so I couldn't very well refuse. One of her daughters was in the car and had a pair of crutches. She said she had fallen off a gangplank on Saturday and broken her foot. Roy knew about it, but had forgotten to tell me.
I asked Mrs. Cobb to drop me off at the library, and she did. Unfortunately, the library doesn't open until 12:30 on Mondays. If I had walked, I'd have gotten there about 12:30, but in the car, I got there much too early, so I went to the post office, bought some stamps, and mailed some letters. Couldn't mail one of the letters, because I didn't have the address. My main purpose in wanting to go to the library was to find the address in an Oakland phone book.
Went to an ATM, but it spit out my card, so I had to cross busy Little Creek Road and go to a different ATM. This one worked. Crossed the street again, went to Revco and Food Lion, and then rode the bus back to the boat. Roy was gone, so I ate a hasty lunch and took off again. Met Roy on Dunning Road. He had ridden his bicycle to the buffet restaurant for lunch.
I walked back to the library, but it turned out they didn't have out-of-state phone books, so it was wasted effort. Read some interesting magazine articles while I was there. On the way back to the boat, I stopped at the discount store and bought a few things.
Roy spent the day doing a lot of miscellaneous things on the boat, including getting the new tracks ready to mount and the porthole rings ready to put back on. We might have to postpone the survey; we're not sure everything will be ready by Saturday.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
We changed our minds about varnishing the doghouse before finishing the sides. We can't put the winches, cleats, etc., back on until the sides are finished, and we want everything in place before the surveyor comes next Saturday, so I put coat number four on today. It was another perfect day for varnishing. Windy and partly cloudy but very warm. Went to 81! The varnish dried almost before I could get it out of the can.
Roy worked on the bow rollers for the anchor chain. He was thrilled to have the adjustable platform to stand on. First time he's ever been able to really get at the rollers.
Went to our usual Sunday-evening pigout. Boy, it was good! Seems to get better each week, probably because we're learning which items to choose.
Roy worked on the bow rollers for the anchor chain. He was thrilled to have the adjustable platform to stand on. First time he's ever been able to really get at the rollers.
Went to our usual Sunday-evening pigout. Boy, it was good! Seems to get better each week, probably because we're learning which items to choose.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Much warmer today. Varnish dried almost as fast as it was applied. Now there are three coats on the cabin walls, so I'll probably start on the doghouse tomorrow.
Roy put another coat of bottom paint on the keel and also finished making a straight waterline.
Roy put another coat of bottom paint on the keel and also finished making a straight waterline.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday, April 8, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Sunny and clear, but windy and fairly cold. A few days ago, the temperature was in the 80's; today it was in the 50's.
I took the day off from varnishing to do some other things that needed doing. For some time, I've been wanting to go to a store called Marine Electronics to see what I could find out about getting a weatherfax system. Since we already have a shortwave radio, a PC compatible computer, and a printer, I figured we shouldn't need anything but an interface between the radio and the computer plus a program to interpret the data.
Rode the bus downtown and turned in my business license at City Hall. I spent about $430 to try to start a business and didn't make one cent. Oh well, at least I tried. And I've still got the Quick-
Basic compiler to play with. Also the pager. And I've learned there is absolutely no demand any more for applications programmers, at least in this part of the world. There are so many top-notch commercial programs available that businesses can buy just about anything they want off the shelf for a few hundred dollars, instead of spending tens of thousands for custom programming. And now there are even relatively simple do-it-yourself programming programs, such as dBASE and FoxPro. For that matter, database managers take care of all the input, output, changes, deletions, etc., so the only programming needed is for processing, and that's just a small percentage. In another ten years, you'll probably be able to just talk to your computer and tell it what you want it to do, and it will figure out for itself how to do it. So the high-demand career of the 70's and 80's is now in the trashcan, except for systems programmers and games programmers.
Went to Waldenbooks at Waterside. They had sent me a $5 coupon that would have expired April 30th, so I wanted to use it. Wanted to buy some foreign language textbooks, but they didn't have any, so I got a little teach-yourself Italian tape and booklet, just in case we get to Italy. Wanted to get one for Portuguese, too, but they didn't have it. With luck, we won't need one in England. Maybe.
Went by the post office and got the mail, which consisted mainly of the Italian translation of our insurance policy that I requested the other day. That was very fast service.
Stopped at a bank and then rode the bus to Military Circle Shopping Center, where I transferred to another bus that went to Military Highway and Northampton Road. I had never been in that area before, except passing through the intersection on a bus, but the street sign said 5700 Northampton. The address of Marine Electronics was 5760 Northampton, so I figured it must be within a block. Hah! After I wandered around a while and then phoned the store, I realized I was at 5700 Northampton in Norfolk. The store is at 5760 Northampton in Virginia Beach, a totally different numbering system. No bus runs on Northampton, so I had to walk. Must have been about two miles, but I finally found the place. The guy I talked with agreed that all I needed was an interface and a program, but they didn't sell parts of systems; they only sold entire systems for two or three thousand dollars. He suggested I try a radio store or Heathkit. (Heathkit went out of business years ago.)
When I checked the map, I saw I was closer to Shore Drive than to Military Highway, so I figured I might as well walk back to the boat. It was a lovely day for a walk, and I saw some new scenery. Even found a little park with a lake where you can fish. There was a ramp for launching small boats, or you could rent a boat.
Stopped at the little shopping center at Shore Drive and Little Creek. Found strawberry jam at a bargain price, so I bought two jars.
Roy put the finish coat on the area between the rubrail and the toerail on the starboard side. He also continued figuring out ways to make a straight line along the curved hull for a new waterline. The old one was too low when the boat was loaded.
I took the day off from varnishing to do some other things that needed doing. For some time, I've been wanting to go to a store called Marine Electronics to see what I could find out about getting a weatherfax system. Since we already have a shortwave radio, a PC compatible computer, and a printer, I figured we shouldn't need anything but an interface between the radio and the computer plus a program to interpret the data.
Rode the bus downtown and turned in my business license at City Hall. I spent about $430 to try to start a business and didn't make one cent. Oh well, at least I tried. And I've still got the Quick-
Basic compiler to play with. Also the pager. And I've learned there is absolutely no demand any more for applications programmers, at least in this part of the world. There are so many top-notch commercial programs available that businesses can buy just about anything they want off the shelf for a few hundred dollars, instead of spending tens of thousands for custom programming. And now there are even relatively simple do-it-yourself programming programs, such as dBASE and FoxPro. For that matter, database managers take care of all the input, output, changes, deletions, etc., so the only programming needed is for processing, and that's just a small percentage. In another ten years, you'll probably be able to just talk to your computer and tell it what you want it to do, and it will figure out for itself how to do it. So the high-demand career of the 70's and 80's is now in the trashcan, except for systems programmers and games programmers.
Went to Waldenbooks at Waterside. They had sent me a $5 coupon that would have expired April 30th, so I wanted to use it. Wanted to buy some foreign language textbooks, but they didn't have any, so I got a little teach-yourself Italian tape and booklet, just in case we get to Italy. Wanted to get one for Portuguese, too, but they didn't have it. With luck, we won't need one in England. Maybe.
Went by the post office and got the mail, which consisted mainly of the Italian translation of our insurance policy that I requested the other day. That was very fast service.
Stopped at a bank and then rode the bus to Military Circle Shopping Center, where I transferred to another bus that went to Military Highway and Northampton Road. I had never been in that area before, except passing through the intersection on a bus, but the street sign said 5700 Northampton. The address of Marine Electronics was 5760 Northampton, so I figured it must be within a block. Hah! After I wandered around a while and then phoned the store, I realized I was at 5700 Northampton in Norfolk. The store is at 5760 Northampton in Virginia Beach, a totally different numbering system. No bus runs on Northampton, so I had to walk. Must have been about two miles, but I finally found the place. The guy I talked with agreed that all I needed was an interface and a program, but they didn't sell parts of systems; they only sold entire systems for two or three thousand dollars. He suggested I try a radio store or Heathkit. (Heathkit went out of business years ago.)
When I checked the map, I saw I was closer to Shore Drive than to Military Highway, so I figured I might as well walk back to the boat. It was a lovely day for a walk, and I saw some new scenery. Even found a little park with a lake where you can fish. There was a ramp for launching small boats, or you could rent a boat.
Stopped at the little shopping center at Shore Drive and Little Creek. Found strawberry jam at a bargain price, so I bought two jars.
Roy put the finish coat on the area between the rubrail and the toerail on the starboard side. He also continued figuring out ways to make a straight line along the curved hull for a new waterline. The old one was too low when the boat was loaded.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
The rain was coming down pretty good when I got up, so I put the hose in the intake pipe for the water tank. Needless to say, the rain immediately stopped. Works like a charm every time.
Roy took off bright and early on his bike and got his hair cut. The barber did a good job this time. Didn't cut it too short.
I bought some groceries and then sanded and varnished the cabin sides again.
Poor Ron on the next boat had been planning on putting his boat back in the water this weekend, but today he found out the bearing in the steering mechanism had frozen, and he can't even get at it or the drive shaft without cutting off the rudder and part of the keel. It's a steel boat, so that isn't easy. He just bought the boat a few weeks ago, so this is the first time he's had a chance to work on it. It's a real shame, especially since he's such a nice guy.
Roy took off bright and early on his bike and got his hair cut. The barber did a good job this time. Didn't cut it too short.
I bought some groceries and then sanded and varnished the cabin sides again.
Poor Ron on the next boat had been planning on putting his boat back in the water this weekend, but today he found out the bearing in the steering mechanism had frozen, and he can't even get at it or the drive shaft without cutting off the rudder and part of the keel. It's a steel boat, so that isn't easy. He just bought the boat a few weeks ago, so this is the first time he's had a chance to work on it. It's a real shame, especially since he's such a nice guy.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Sort of rainy in the morning, so I did the laundry, and Roy worked on the sonar installation. By noon, the sun was shining, so I finally finished sanding the sides of the cabin. Roy sealed it, and I applied the varnish. Roy also continued putting primer on the hull. Around five, he rode his bike to a barber shop for a haircut. Guess what--it's closed on Wednesdays! Just like the hardware store in Baltimore and the museums a couple of years ago in Washington.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
What a beautiful, warm, sunny day! Perfect day for painting and varnishing, but we didn't get much of either done, although Roy put a second coat of primer on the port side of the hull. He also removed a lot of cleats and stuff from the cabin walls and the porthole rings, so I was able to sand where all that had been. With luck, tomorrow I'll finally be able to apply the sealer and one coat of varnish. We've found a lot of cracks in the woodwork, where moisture can seep in. Also found some places where the varnish hadn't adhered at all; it just lifted right off. We want to do it right this time.
Roy needed another gallon of bottom paint. Cobb's would have ordered it for us, but at the list price of $180. Boat/US and West Marine sell it for about half that. I phoned Boat/US, but they didn't have any in stock and couldn't get any until at least the 14th. West Marine had two gallons in stock, so we borrowed Mrs. Cobb's car and went over there. On the bridge, we got stuck in a horrendous traffic jam. There had been an accident two or three miles ahead, and northbound traffic was at a total stop. Nothing moved for more than half an hour. Turned off the engine and read a book. Roy napped.
When we finally got to West Marine, Roy went in and bought the stuff he needed (of course, much more than a gallon of bottom paint!), and I went across the street to Farm Fresh and bought some groceries.
The local bus company is going to start bus service between Norfolk and Hampton, but it probably won't start until after we leave.
Roy needed another gallon of bottom paint. Cobb's would have ordered it for us, but at the list price of $180. Boat/US and West Marine sell it for about half that. I phoned Boat/US, but they didn't have any in stock and couldn't get any until at least the 14th. West Marine had two gallons in stock, so we borrowed Mrs. Cobb's car and went over there. On the bridge, we got stuck in a horrendous traffic jam. There had been an accident two or three miles ahead, and northbound traffic was at a total stop. Nothing moved for more than half an hour. Turned off the engine and read a book. Roy napped.
When we finally got to West Marine, Roy went in and bought the stuff he needed (of course, much more than a gallon of bottom paint!), and I went across the street to Farm Fresh and bought some groceries.
The local bus company is going to start bus service between Norfolk and Hampton, but it probably won't start until after we leave.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Monday, April 4, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
Rain had been predicted for today, but fortunately, it didn't materialize. The sky was partly cloudy, and the wind was cold, but the sun shone. Roy applied a coat of bottom paint, and I sanded the port side of the cabin walls. Roy also boxed up the two pilot-house controls for the autopilot, so we could send them in for repairs. I took the box to the post office, so I could pick up the mail while I was there, but the mail didn't amount to much. Bought a few groceries on the way home.
We had read a letter in the SSCA Bulletin that told about special privileges cruisers receive in Italy (such as free docking) if they have an Italian translation of their insurance policy. I was going to phone a translation service to find out how much it would cost, but then it occurred to me that the insurance company might already have a translation and would send me a copy. I phoned them and sure enough, they did and will. So that saved a bit of moolah.
We had read a letter in the SSCA Bulletin that told about special privileges cruisers receive in Italy (such as free docking) if they have an Italian translation of their insurance policy. I was going to phone a translation service to find out how much it would cost, but then it occurred to me that the insurance company might already have a translation and would send me a copy. I phoned them and sure enough, they did and will. So that saved a bit of moolah.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 1994 Easter - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
What a fun day! The Easter bunny found the Jofian and laid eggs all over the place! The first one I saw, an orange one, was sitting on the hot-water faucet. I thought it was the only one until I took a drink of water and noticed the water was green and sweet. There was a green egg (jelly bean) at the bottom of the glass. Then I found two inside a bowl and two more in the refrigerator. Later, when I took the carton of eggs out of the refrigerator, it was full of Easter eggs! It's lucky I put on my glasses before I started the microwave, or we'd have had cooked jelly beans for breakfast. They were all over the place! Everywhere I looked, there were more Easter eggs. One was in my clothes, one on my bottle of Ibuprofen, one in the box of cocoa mix, and two or three in the toaster oven! I was cracking up! Then Roy came hopping--well, actually crawling--across the cockpit on all fours. What a cutie pie!
Sanded the starboard side of the cabin walls, and Roy put another coat of primer on the starboard side of the hull. Around six o'clock, we went to the buffet restaurant and pigged out as usual.
(Interesting how different the date for Easter, even when the days in the year match, just the way the moon cycle does not line up.)
Sanded the starboard side of the cabin walls, and Roy put another coat of primer on the starboard side of the hull. Around six o'clock, we went to the buffet restaurant and pigged out as usual.
(Interesting how different the date for Easter, even when the days in the year match, just the way the moon cycle does not line up.)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
What a glorious day today! Warm, sunny, and clear, with just a light breeze until evening. Perfect varnishing weather, so I got on coat number six. The last one for the rails, so now I can start on the cabin and stuff.
Walked a couple of blocks to a nearby discount store and got the vacuum cleaner we wanted. Should have gone there in the first place.
Walked a couple of blocks to a nearby discount store and got the vacuum cleaner we wanted. Should have gone there in the first place.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, April 1, 1994 - Haulout, Norfolk, VA
It's April Fool's Day, but neither of us could think of anything clever to fool the other one with.
Sunny and clear, but windy and cool. Brought a bunch of groceries home from the nearby IGA. Then finished sanding and varnishing the fifth coat.
Our little hand-held vacuum cleaner gave up the ghost, so I set out for HQ to buy a new one. Missed connections on the bus, so I walked the last couple of miles, but the next bus went whizzing by when I was still four blocks from Granby, so I'd have been better off waiting for it. Ran off some copies, liberated some cash at an ATM, and then went to HQ. To my surprise, they didn't have the kind of vacuum cleaner we wanted, so I headed back to the boat just before dark.
Sunny and clear, but windy and cool. Brought a bunch of groceries home from the nearby IGA. Then finished sanding and varnishing the fifth coat.
Our little hand-held vacuum cleaner gave up the ghost, so I set out for HQ to buy a new one. Missed connections on the bus, so I walked the last couple of miles, but the next bus went whizzing by when I was still four blocks from Granby, so I'd have been better off waiting for it. Ran off some copies, liberated some cash at an ATM, and then went to HQ. To my surprise, they didn't have the kind of vacuum cleaner we wanted, so I headed back to the boat just before dark.
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