Monday, July 31, 2006
Death to the Bugs
We have had an ongoing termite battle for the last 5 years since we moved into our home. We almost immediately found subterranean termites and had to deal with them. They were not covered by the pre-sale inspection since their damage was hidden until we removed some cabinets in the garage. We also found drywood termites that were treated locally in a few places as we found them. The final straw was a pile of sawdust and termite excrement found by our front door.
Anyway, last week we had the house tented as a kind of "reset" button. The termites will be back -- that is a fact here in SoCal. However, it will take time for the colony to grow to the point it was at which will minimize the damage.
We went to Carlsbad last Thursday - Saturday to avoid hearing the little bug screams (and of course we had to be out of the house anyway). This was after a major effort of bagging all of our food in special plastic to seal it from the gas. It turns out that we know for a fact that the sealing worked since a moth was alive in one of the bags when we got home. That was our inadvertent version of the coal miner's canary.
One unfortunate but interesting casualty was a small bat that we found dead on our balcony. I knew that there were bats in Orange County, but not around our home. It was around 1 inch long and looked like a little brown mouse with wings. I'm not sure if it was a fruit eater or a bug eater. I tried to do a little research but couldn't figure it out. I guess this will make us think when we hear something fluttering at night.
One ironic item was seeing the movie "The Ant Bully" while we were in Carlsbad. The kids didn't seem to make a connection between that and our tenting, but if they were younger it might have really been an issue!
Anyway, last week we had the house tented as a kind of "reset" button. The termites will be back -- that is a fact here in SoCal. However, it will take time for the colony to grow to the point it was at which will minimize the damage.
We went to Carlsbad last Thursday - Saturday to avoid hearing the little bug screams (and of course we had to be out of the house anyway). This was after a major effort of bagging all of our food in special plastic to seal it from the gas. It turns out that we know for a fact that the sealing worked since a moth was alive in one of the bags when we got home. That was our inadvertent version of the coal miner's canary.
One unfortunate but interesting casualty was a small bat that we found dead on our balcony. I knew that there were bats in Orange County, but not around our home. It was around 1 inch long and looked like a little brown mouse with wings. I'm not sure if it was a fruit eater or a bug eater. I tried to do a little research but couldn't figure it out. I guess this will make us think when we hear something fluttering at night.
One ironic item was seeing the movie "The Ant Bully" while we were in Carlsbad. The kids didn't seem to make a connection between that and our tenting, but if they were younger it might have really been an issue!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
High School Graduate Andrew George
Andrew is officially a High School Graduate. Last Monday he received his diploma. He took a slightly non-traditional route in that he had to finish a 3 week class after the "official" graduation, but he stuck to it and got it done.
The family needs to figure out the best way to commemorate this accomplishment now. We were remiss in not getting that figured out ahead of time. Oh well, at least we won't skip it.
It's off to Fullerton College to work in the Theatre program next.
Congratulations to Andrew!
The family needs to figure out the best way to commemorate this accomplishment now. We were remiss in not getting that figured out ahead of time. Oh well, at least we won't skip it.
It's off to Fullerton College to work in the Theatre program next.
Congratulations to Andrew!
Monday, July 17, 2006
BSA Tall Ship Argus
The Orange County Council of Boy Scouts of America has a Sea Base facility in Newport Harbor. Since 1972, a key attraction of Sea Base has been the tall ship Argus. Unfortunately, the Argus has probably taken its last voyage as a BSA ship (and possibly last ever).
The Argus is over 100 years old. It is mainly oak and iron. However, the Coast Guard has put the ship out of commission due to extensive wood rot and iron fatigue. It made (or is about to make) one last trip to Catalina Island and then to Long Beach Harbor to be stored at a donated docking facility until its final fate is determined. Repair estimates are around $1.5 million and a fundraising effort to save it came up far short. There was even an attempt to sell it on eBay with no bidders.
Here is a link to articles in the Orange County Register for more details on the current news: http://search.ocregister.com/cgi-bin/texis/webinator/multi?uquery=argus
I have fond memories of the Argus -- especially of an overnight trip to Catalina Island with Troop 339 (including Shoo, Lee and others). It has been a visible symbol of Boy Scouts in Orange County for as long as I have been in scouting. The Argus gained particular fame in April, 2004 when it rescued a stranded diver in the open ocean (I will post that article separately for anyone that wants more details).
How could I have never arranged to take my family on one of the local cruises that were sometimes available? Looks like it's too late now. The best bet now seems to be that some historical society purchases it and makes the necessary repairs to keep it operational. However, it's unlikely to be used as a scouting vessel again.
Good luck, good ship Argus!
The Argus is over 100 years old. It is mainly oak and iron. However, the Coast Guard has put the ship out of commission due to extensive wood rot and iron fatigue. It made (or is about to make) one last trip to Catalina Island and then to Long Beach Harbor to be stored at a donated docking facility until its final fate is determined. Repair estimates are around $1.5 million and a fundraising effort to save it came up far short. There was even an attempt to sell it on eBay with no bidders.
Here is a link to articles in the Orange County Register for more details on the current news: http://search.ocregister.com/cgi-bin/texis/webinator/multi?uquery=argus
I have fond memories of the Argus -- especially of an overnight trip to Catalina Island with Troop 339 (including Shoo, Lee and others). It has been a visible symbol of Boy Scouts in Orange County for as long as I have been in scouting. The Argus gained particular fame in April, 2004 when it rescued a stranded diver in the open ocean (I will post that article separately for anyone that wants more details).
How could I have never arranged to take my family on one of the local cruises that were sometimes available? Looks like it's too late now. The best bet now seems to be that some historical society purchases it and makes the necessary repairs to keep it operational. However, it's unlikely to be used as a scouting vessel again.
Good luck, good ship Argus!
Labels: Scouts
BSA Ship Argus rescues diver
As promised in my post above, here is the article about the Argus saving a diver in the open ocean:
Monday, April 26, 2004
While underway returning from a weekend trip to Catalina Island with Troop 681 on the Boy Scout Tall ship Argus, a new trainee spotted a man in the water off the port side. Zack, on his first voyage on the Argus decided to look at the object floating about 150 yards away closer with a pair of binoculars. “I was wondering if I could read what the logos on the balloons might be.” To his surprise it appeared that there was a green balloon being waved by a man. Dan Carlock had become separated from his dive partners on a dive out by the oil platforms mid channel between the mainland and Catalina Island. Surfacing alone he tried to attract attention with his whistle but was unnoticed as the current swept him further away. “I had been in the water over four hours”, reported Dan.
Serendipity had certainly been at play as we were well off the normal direct run from Catalina to Newport Harbor. The Argus was off course as a result of altering course to avoid the ‘cargo ships’ whose booming horns we could hear in the thick fog. The fog was lifting and we were heading back to Newport when we spotted the man in the water. Zack said, “ Because we had practiced a man over-board yesterday (Saturday) I knew just what to do. “MAN OVERBOARD” was yelled and quickly all hands leaped to the drill. The small boat was brought in and was underway within seconds. “This is NOT A DRILL” yelled Captain Fred a long time captain of the vessel. First Mate Al Sorkin yelled, “Main sail crew keep pointing,” all hands were pointing at the man in the water and a life ring had been deployed as per previous training.
“Headsail crew douse the inner jib and outer jib” the mate Al called. This was done so that the captain could maneuver the ship easier as our engine roared to the job speeding us toward the small boat already half way to the man in the water. “Start the Generator and heat some water for cocoa,” I requested. I knew that the man had to be cold. The next order was, “Bring blankets and dry towels to the main deck he might be in shock!” All of the training we had ever done was important.
Within minutes we had him aboard and got him dry and warm. One of the men supplied him with dry clothes, and another made him a sandwich as one of our scout leaders Kelly S. (a Navy Paramedic), checked all of his body signs.
“He’s alert and doing well”, we reported by radio to the Coast Guard. “We are on our way to your position” they replied. As Captain Fred went in to the Galley to meet our guest, he joked; “That will be $4.50 for the sandwich.” Every one laughed knowing that not only were we PREPARED but also we had done our GOOD TURN for the day.
Monday, April 26, 2004
While underway returning from a weekend trip to Catalina Island with Troop 681 on the Boy Scout Tall ship Argus, a new trainee spotted a man in the water off the port side. Zack, on his first voyage on the Argus decided to look at the object floating about 150 yards away closer with a pair of binoculars. “I was wondering if I could read what the logos on the balloons might be.” To his surprise it appeared that there was a green balloon being waved by a man. Dan Carlock had become separated from his dive partners on a dive out by the oil platforms mid channel between the mainland and Catalina Island. Surfacing alone he tried to attract attention with his whistle but was unnoticed as the current swept him further away. “I had been in the water over four hours”, reported Dan.
Serendipity had certainly been at play as we were well off the normal direct run from Catalina to Newport Harbor. The Argus was off course as a result of altering course to avoid the ‘cargo ships’ whose booming horns we could hear in the thick fog. The fog was lifting and we were heading back to Newport when we spotted the man in the water. Zack said, “ Because we had practiced a man over-board yesterday (Saturday) I knew just what to do. “MAN OVERBOARD” was yelled and quickly all hands leaped to the drill. The small boat was brought in and was underway within seconds. “This is NOT A DRILL” yelled Captain Fred a long time captain of the vessel. First Mate Al Sorkin yelled, “Main sail crew keep pointing,” all hands were pointing at the man in the water and a life ring had been deployed as per previous training.
“Headsail crew douse the inner jib and outer jib” the mate Al called. This was done so that the captain could maneuver the ship easier as our engine roared to the job speeding us toward the small boat already half way to the man in the water. “Start the Generator and heat some water for cocoa,” I requested. I knew that the man had to be cold. The next order was, “Bring blankets and dry towels to the main deck he might be in shock!” All of the training we had ever done was important.
Within minutes we had him aboard and got him dry and warm. One of the men supplied him with dry clothes, and another made him a sandwich as one of our scout leaders Kelly S. (a Navy Paramedic), checked all of his body signs.
“He’s alert and doing well”, we reported by radio to the Coast Guard. “We are on our way to your position” they replied. As Captain Fred went in to the Galley to meet our guest, he joked; “That will be $4.50 for the sandwich.” Every one laughed knowing that not only were we PREPARED but also we had done our GOOD TURN for the day.
Labels: Scouts
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
New Car & GPS choice
We have been talking about getting a new car for me for over 2 years. My Altima is older than my 10 year old daughter by about 6 months. However, it has low mileage and still runs well. The clincher is that Andrew is now driving and needs a way to get to school.
On Fathers Day, the family surprised me by taking me car shopping. Due to a family connection, we were able to get employee pricing at Chrysler (ironically they brought back employee pricing for everyone after I bought the car). Anyway, I purchased a 2006 Pearl Blue PT Cruiser. Just the basic model. The only options I wanted were Air Conditioning, Automatic, and GPS Navigation. Why did I want GPS? It is useful for driving to new places, but mostly as a toy (I have to admit that). The dealer found me a car with AC, Automatic, and Sirius Satellite radio. I told them to keep trying, so they gave me the Sirius radio for free. They also setup a work order to install the GPS unit the following week.
First of all, the Sirius radio is cool. I'm not a Howard Stern fan, so that meant nothing to me. However, the comedy stations and the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s stations have been nice. I get 1 year free with the radio. I doubt that I will renew the subscription next year, but I will enjoy it while I have it for free.
The GPS unit turned out to be a saga. It turns out that the 2006 PT Cruiser has had the dash redesigned and the Chrysler Mopar in-dash GPS unit no longer fits. I found this out after leaving my car at the dealer one afternoon and returning to find that nothing was done. Instead they ordered a Garmin-built unit that would be installed on the top of my dashboard. I had to persuade them to dig out some specs for the unit. It was much cheaper than the one I intended, smaller, less functional, and sat in an obvious spot for thieves and blocking my vision.
At that point, I did some serious research into options. The dealer wasn't helpful. I found a Pioneer in-dash unit that was very cool. It was small and would slide the screen in and out of the dash as needed. It also was a DVD player. Lots of cool toy potential. However, the cost was more than I had paid and the dealer was not willing to eat the additional cost. I was not willing to pay additional cost.
A few days ago, I decided to think about portable GPS units. As it turns out, this was the obvious answer to make this more than a toy. A unit that could easily move from car to car and travel with us would be very useful. In fact, it would have been really helpful on our trip back East last April.
Yesterday this was resolved. The dealer is refunding what we paid for the GPS and I am spending less than that to purchase a high end portable unit. The order was placed last night. I can't wait to get my new toy!
On Fathers Day, the family surprised me by taking me car shopping. Due to a family connection, we were able to get employee pricing at Chrysler (ironically they brought back employee pricing for everyone after I bought the car). Anyway, I purchased a 2006 Pearl Blue PT Cruiser. Just the basic model. The only options I wanted were Air Conditioning, Automatic, and GPS Navigation. Why did I want GPS? It is useful for driving to new places, but mostly as a toy (I have to admit that). The dealer found me a car with AC, Automatic, and Sirius Satellite radio. I told them to keep trying, so they gave me the Sirius radio for free. They also setup a work order to install the GPS unit the following week.
First of all, the Sirius radio is cool. I'm not a Howard Stern fan, so that meant nothing to me. However, the comedy stations and the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s stations have been nice. I get 1 year free with the radio. I doubt that I will renew the subscription next year, but I will enjoy it while I have it for free.
The GPS unit turned out to be a saga. It turns out that the 2006 PT Cruiser has had the dash redesigned and the Chrysler Mopar in-dash GPS unit no longer fits. I found this out after leaving my car at the dealer one afternoon and returning to find that nothing was done. Instead they ordered a Garmin-built unit that would be installed on the top of my dashboard. I had to persuade them to dig out some specs for the unit. It was much cheaper than the one I intended, smaller, less functional, and sat in an obvious spot for thieves and blocking my vision.
At that point, I did some serious research into options. The dealer wasn't helpful. I found a Pioneer in-dash unit that was very cool. It was small and would slide the screen in and out of the dash as needed. It also was a DVD player. Lots of cool toy potential. However, the cost was more than I had paid and the dealer was not willing to eat the additional cost. I was not willing to pay additional cost.
A few days ago, I decided to think about portable GPS units. As it turns out, this was the obvious answer to make this more than a toy. A unit that could easily move from car to car and travel with us would be very useful. In fact, it would have been really helpful on our trip back East last April.
Yesterday this was resolved. The dealer is refunding what we paid for the GPS and I am spending less than that to purchase a high end portable unit. The order was placed last night. I can't wait to get my new toy!
Labels: Day Trip, Driving, GPS
