Janel & Gary's Photos, Music, and News...: July 2009

Thanks for dropping in....

This will be a spot where we will share our news, thoughts, photos, interesting links, and some music with you.... Oh yeah.. you can also stay abreast of the parts search and build-up of the BMW R-100 RT touring bike and the restoration of my BMW R75/5.

You can find the blog archive at the top of the yellow right sidebar (about 1/2 way down the page) if you wish to read posts from the past...

If you like the music in the background, be sure to open any links in a new tab, or use the pop out player option. Otherwise, when you navagate away from this page you will no longer hear it.

If you pop out the player, it will open the player in a small window which will remain open and playing even after you close your browser.

If you use the pop out option while viewing this page, you will want to mute the player on this page to avoid it running in two instances.

We hope you enjoy your visit!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Next Trip..

I will be traveling out to Camp Perry for the nationals.. not to shoot (I wish) but to attend a training course for coaching shooters. I think I will be heading out on the 21st and returning on the 25th.

Had a new pair of tires installed on the Trailblazer yesterday.

The 28th will be a night spent at the MGM at Foxwoods. There is an event there that Janel wants to see.

Carpet installation should happen within the week so making the move to the new house should be very soon now.

Progress on the camper trailer has stalled, but other things are getting done. Today I spent time removing and fabricating transom parts for the jon boat. The paint is drying as I type. Hardware is waiting so if dry the transom will be repaired and ready to accept a 7 1/2 hp Mercury outboard I have for it (an eBay find). Still need to get a fuel tank and a switch for the electric start.

The boat trailer is still in unopened boxes on the shop floor. When time permits I will assemble it.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Hi everyone..

The trip across the dirt logging road out to Aziscohos Lake was a little too much for one of my rear tires. We had a not-so-slow, slow leak and used a couple of cans of "flat fix" to avoid the trouble of jacking and taking down the spare wheel / tire. We stayed at the Rangeley Inn, and as suspected, when we went out to the truck Sunday morning the right rear tire was flat. The flat repair in a can worked well and I have had no loss of air since using the sealer. The rear tires were due to be replaced anyway, so today I stopped in a tire dealer to get a set of rear tires. They needed to be ordered from a warehouse so their replacement is set for tomorrow.

Got a little yard work in today.. filled some holes in the lawn and leveled an area in the back corner to park "the tin inn". Guess time to move it is getting a little closer.

Comcast guys showed up today and the cable now works in the game room.

I now have the outboard motor for the second jon boat. 7 1/2 hp Mercury 2 stroke with electric starter. That will save my poor elbow.. Motor is a little different in that it has "Ducks Unlimited Special" markings. Needs a little clean up but I suspect it has a lot of life left.

New boat trailer kit has been on the floor of the workshop since July 1st. Just as UPS delivered it. I need to find some time to assemble it.

I want to replace the transom board and need to drill out and replace a couple of rivits in the jon boat as well. I need to stop by Sears to buy yet another of their automatic center punch tools. I hate to think about how many of those I have bought in my lifetime. Somehow, they all just disappear.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Weekend Away

Tom and I drove up to Rangeley this week-end to set up accomendations for the annual deer hunting group from the gun club. Glad to say the trip is well taken care of for 2009. We were able to secure the same rental unit which I had booked in 2007. This place is great.. fills our needs perfectly.. plenty of room, great view, plenty of rooms, Sat TV, plenty of parking room, two kitchens... It just has it all ..

While in the area, a ride out to the Bosebuck camp seemed like a good idea.

Saw a couple deer, a few turkey, rabbit, grouse, and six or seven moose. Lot of fishermen at the camp. Despite the amount of rain which fell over the last weeks, the road is very dusty! We got stuck following a pick-up for seven of eight miles. I am going to need to replace all the air filters in my truck. Also need an oil change..

This is a pretty view of Aziscohos Lake.

kinda tired tonight, so more in the next few days..

The Rat Cat Story - by Janel

Rat cat came to us in a strange way. I was looking out at the greening of sping taking place when I heard a strange sound under the shrubs. I walked around to the front of the bushes and there underneath was what looked like an injured rat or squirrel. Upon further investigation it turned out to be a 5 month old kitten with an abscess so large that he looked like Quasimodo. He was so sick that he allowed me to pick him up and wrap him in a towel. I immediately took him to the vet where he stayed for a couple of days. Apparently he was bit by either another cat or rodent - therefore his name is rat cat. He has been a member of our family for 9 years. He is really a character and very loyal to me. He actually sleeps on my pillow every night and is very aware of any little hurts that we may have. He lays his body on the injured place and seems to think he is healing you. he is a joy and tribulation all in one.

Alexander's History.... Gary

Alexander came into this world, as do many kitties - homeless, very small and not so sure to survive. Cowering in a small and cold steel cage in a bleak shelter, he pulled at my heart strings and I happily added him to my life. He started out tiny, so I thought he needed a big name, thus Alexander the Great. He has since grown to meet his name. He is a big lug but very sweet and affectionate. He can meow up a storm when he wants his chow, which is so often he's on a diet now.

He is an American Short hair tabby cat who has many cute tricks....

He rubs noses and taps on my shoulder when he wants my attention and at meal times'

One cute gesture he taught himself was giving a high five. That was his first trick and it still cracks me up after 10 years.

At night he waits for me to pull back the covers and say, "let's settle in", and thats just what he does. He snuggles into his spot by my side and there he sleeps comfy and cozy all night.

He is a great cat, that Alexander... Whoops.. have to go, Alex is calling me for chow. Time to go , dont want to keep the big guy waiting.

==================================================