Diesel fuel when left to sit over the winter can collect water and algae. It is the bane of boaters and one of the most common causes of engine failure. In 2005 we experienced the problem offshore on an overnight run from Beaufort, SC to Wilmington, NC. We encountered large swells and wave heights of 8 to 12 feet. This tends to stir things up a bit and cause the clumps of algae to clog the pick-up tube, filters and sometimes engine injectors. We got past that crises on our own although is was nerve wracking.
Since then I've mounted additional filters and a magic device called Algae-X on the fuel lines. Added algaecide and kept the tank full to minimize condensation. We had a problem free year (fuel wise anyway) in 2006. This spring our luck ran out and we have had the engine shut downs every time we ventured out, sometimes at rather inopportune times.
More algaecide was added to the fuel, filters replaced and the fuel pump disassembled and cleaned. Today, Jason and I too the boat out for an hour run down the waterway and everything behaved perfectly. Might just push our luck and take it sailing and see if the wash tub action of ocean waves creates more trouble. At least I now feel I've isolated the problem so can take quick action.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Exactly
My day has come! This is what you have to look forward to when you are over the hill. I found it on one of the blogs I like to read now and then.
"Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -
Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway,
I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage,
I notice mail on the porch table that
I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table,
put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back
on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think,
since I'm going to be near the mailbox
when I take out the garbage anyway,
I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my cheque book off the table,
and see that there is only one cheque left.
My extra cheques are in my desk in the study,
so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.
I'm going to look for my cheques,
but first I need to push the Coke aside
so that I don't accidentally knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm,
and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke,
a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye - they need water.
I put the Coke on the counter and
discover my reading glasses that
I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk,
but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter,
fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.
Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
I'll be looking for the remote,
but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,
so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs,
but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers,
but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table,
get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to
remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day:
the car isn't washed
the bills aren't paid
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter
the flowers don't have enough water,
there is still only 1 cheque in my cheque book,
I can't find the remote,
I can't find my glasses,
and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day,
and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem,
and I'll try to get some help for it,
but first I'll check my e-mail...
Do me a favor.
Forward this message to everyone you know,
because I don't remember who I've sent it to.
Don't laugh - if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!"
"Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -
Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway,
I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage,
I notice mail on the porch table that
I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table,
put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back
on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think,
since I'm going to be near the mailbox
when I take out the garbage anyway,
I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my cheque book off the table,
and see that there is only one cheque left.
My extra cheques are in my desk in the study,
so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.
I'm going to look for my cheques,
but first I need to push the Coke aside
so that I don't accidentally knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm,
and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke,
a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye - they need water.
I put the Coke on the counter and
discover my reading glasses that
I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk,
but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter,
fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.
Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
I'll be looking for the remote,
but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,
so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs,
but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers,
but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table,
get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to
remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day:
the car isn't washed
the bills aren't paid
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter
the flowers don't have enough water,
there is still only 1 cheque in my cheque book,
I can't find the remote,
I can't find my glasses,
and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day,
and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem,
and I'll try to get some help for it,
but first I'll check my e-mail...
Do me a favor.
Forward this message to everyone you know,
because I don't remember who I've sent it to.
Don't laugh - if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!"
Amazon Unbox
TIVO announced a new video service in conjunction with Amazon. I can now rent movies from Amazon and download them to my TIVO box or computer for viewing. To encourage my participation Amazon had a special deal where I could rent a movie from a short list of about a dozen for only $.99. Seemed like a good deal and convenient way to rent flicks so I gave it a try. I give it 3 stars out of 5.
The download went smoothly and I had directed the movie be loaded to the TIVO which happened. The hitch comes with the requirements that you must watch the movie within 30 days and once started, you have 24 hours to watch the whole thing or as many times in that 24 hours as you wish but then it is gone. Why just 24 hours?
I have on a few occasions started to watch something, felt tired and elected to finish another day. Sometimes other events intervene and I don't get back to the movie for several days. I can re-download the video from my Media Library at Amazon but that will require the hour or more time required for the download in addition to the extra work in obtaining it again.
Further, the normal rental rate is $3.99 which I think is expensive nor does Amazon have as large a selection as Netflix. I do not copy movies, but assuming I could copy the Amazon rentals - defeating the DRM, it might then be a better deal.
With Netflix the average rental rate for me is $3.00, I can watch the movie as many times as I want and can keep it more then 30 days if so inclined. The quality of the DVD is superior to the "best quality" recording available from TIVO/Amazon. I'm not impressed. Netflix came up with a unique system that has always worked flawlessly. I admire companies that innovate as they have (also Apple and Amazon past).
I would have rated Amazon lower but I can see how the convenience and immediacy of selecting a movie to fit your mood and inclination can appeal to folks. Thus I give it 3 stars.
The download went smoothly and I had directed the movie be loaded to the TIVO which happened. The hitch comes with the requirements that you must watch the movie within 30 days and once started, you have 24 hours to watch the whole thing or as many times in that 24 hours as you wish but then it is gone. Why just 24 hours?
I have on a few occasions started to watch something, felt tired and elected to finish another day. Sometimes other events intervene and I don't get back to the movie for several days. I can re-download the video from my Media Library at Amazon but that will require the hour or more time required for the download in addition to the extra work in obtaining it again.
Further, the normal rental rate is $3.99 which I think is expensive nor does Amazon have as large a selection as Netflix. I do not copy movies, but assuming I could copy the Amazon rentals - defeating the DRM, it might then be a better deal.
With Netflix the average rental rate for me is $3.00, I can watch the movie as many times as I want and can keep it more then 30 days if so inclined. The quality of the DVD is superior to the "best quality" recording available from TIVO/Amazon. I'm not impressed. Netflix came up with a unique system that has always worked flawlessly. I admire companies that innovate as they have (also Apple and Amazon past).
I would have rated Amazon lower but I can see how the convenience and immediacy of selecting a movie to fit your mood and inclination can appeal to folks. Thus I give it 3 stars.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Drambuie Christianed
Finally! Drambuie is not only legally but spiritually christianed Drambuie. The ceremony was held July 6th at St. James Marina. The Reverend Meta Ellington officiating.
(You can quietly click on this image to see more)
We timed the ceremony to coincide with Travis and Aki's visit; and fortunately, Chris, Laura and Maya were able to attend as well. We invited several of our neighbors and, in addition family, Meta, Bill, Kay and Jason. We wish Josh, Pam and Tyler could have been with us.
Since we didn't have a virgin's pee we used copious amounts Champagne to liberally splash Drambuie's bow and our innards. It being the usual hot humid summer weather we moved the celebration back to our home and shared low country boil (aka Frogmore soup).
Koko was happy to have her cousin Ferdinand visit.
 |
| Drambuie Christiani |
We timed the ceremony to coincide with Travis and Aki's visit; and fortunately, Chris, Laura and Maya were able to attend as well. We invited several of our neighbors and, in addition family, Meta, Bill, Kay and Jason. We wish Josh, Pam and Tyler could have been with us.
Since we didn't have a virgin's pee we used copious amounts Champagne to liberally splash Drambuie's bow and our innards. It being the usual hot humid summer weather we moved the celebration back to our home and shared low country boil (aka Frogmore soup).
Koko was happy to have her cousin Ferdinand visit.
Travis and Aki Visit
 |
| Travis and Aki Visit - July 2007 |
Travis and Aki arrived from San Francisco for a week (almost) long visit. They took a red eye flight, arriving in Raleigh around 9 am on July 4th and we drove to Southern Pines so they could visit Grandma Lil. After the visit we drove on to St. James, stopping briefly at a roadside stand so Aki could check out the produce.
During the visit we went to the great city of Wilmington but didn't see any movie stars. We also visited Myrtle Beach, Bald Head Island and Lowes Hardware to mention a few of the major destinations. Travis and Aki were a little traumatized at leaving Jax but I understand he had a great time visiting friends while they were gone.
Hopefully they'll return around Christmas.
Maya Moves to North Carolina
Its been a busy month so I have gotten behind on my blogs. Technically this should have been posted in June because Maya arrived in her new home in North Carolina on June 28th. I think her parents came with her but Hazel and I were too captivated by this lady.
(You can click on any image you like to see a larger, static image)
Maya thoroughly enjoyed the experience and even found time to catch up on some reading.
One of the cool things about her new home is that it has stairs. Stairs were a new experience and she wanted to quickly perfect her climbing skills by repeating the process over and over. I heard some crabby person comment that Maya was tiring her out. One small glitch, Maya didn't figure out how to descend the stairs.
The house closing had a "small" (understatement) problem but it was ultimately resolved to every one's relief and satisfaction (sort of).
A week after the move, Chris and Laura brought Maya to St. James and we hung out at the beach. Travis and Aki and arrived for their visit so it was great having everyone here. More about Travis and Aki in a later post.
(You can click on any image you like to see a larger, static image)
Maya thoroughly enjoyed the experience and even found time to catch up on some reading.
One of the cool things about her new home is that it has stairs. Stairs were a new experience and she wanted to quickly perfect her climbing skills by repeating the process over and over. I heard some crabby person comment that Maya was tiring her out. One small glitch, Maya didn't figure out how to descend the stairs.
The house closing had a "small" (understatement) problem but it was ultimately resolved to every one's relief and satisfaction (sort of).
A week after the move, Chris and Laura brought Maya to St. James and we hung out at the beach. Travis and Aki and arrived for their visit so it was great having everyone here. More about Travis and Aki in a later post.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Americas Cup
The Americas Cup race is held every four years and is considered by most to be the top sailing event. This years race was the best, most competitive in its 156 year history. Unfortunately the media took little interest. Maybe its the area we live in but I didn't see much coverage in the national press either.
Even though the American team was eliminated early in the event, I wish we could have gotten past our egocentrism and at least given attention to the final race. The Swiss entry, Alinghi defeated the New Zealanders by one second in a fantastic daring duel.
I realize that watching a sailboat race is akin to observing the life drama of Bermuda grass...sometimes. Part of the problem is that sailing as do all sports has nuances that are not apparent to the casual viewer. Its better if you know which boat has the right away and which is playing chicken. That is where a good sportscaster can make a huge difference.
Oh well. Maybe Larry Ellison will do better in 2011 and an American boat will be in the finals.
Even though the American team was eliminated early in the event, I wish we could have gotten past our egocentrism and at least given attention to the final race. The Swiss entry, Alinghi defeated the New Zealanders by one second in a fantastic daring duel.
I realize that watching a sailboat race is akin to observing the life drama of Bermuda grass...sometimes. Part of the problem is that sailing as do all sports has nuances that are not apparent to the casual viewer. Its better if you know which boat has the right away and which is playing chicken. That is where a good sportscaster can make a huge difference.
Oh well. Maybe Larry Ellison will do better in 2011 and an American boat will be in the finals.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Advertising Revenue
While waiting in the store to be waited on, I accidentally happened to notice the young woman standing nearby. Her back was to me and as I glanced over I noticed that she was wearing shorts that had "Oak Island," in bold letters, across her butt. I studied the message with care as it prompted the idea for this blog.
Now I haven't ever had a message printed on my butt (with or without shorts). The idea, however, may have merit. My tee shirts, emblazoned with witty comments, do not seem to attract much attention. Maybe butt messages (BMs for short) would work better.
Since I have an aversion to providing free advertising to anyone or anything - even an island - my brainstorming led me to a concept that could earn money. As I perused the young woman's message (I'm a slow reader), I thought about potential advertisers. Some soon came to mind and then I had an even more brilliant idea - shape the message to the medium or more accurately its size and shape.
Think about the derriere that would sport the words "Food Lion." And their competition, "Lowes Foods." Products such as "Plumber's Friend" could certainly find an outlet here. The potential is huge.
As for me, how about "Clap ON, Clap Off" or, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up."
And my wife might suggest "Where's the beef?"
Surely you can suggest some clever ideas. I have to go, the young lady is now glaring at me.
Now I haven't ever had a message printed on my butt (with or without shorts). The idea, however, may have merit. My tee shirts, emblazoned with witty comments, do not seem to attract much attention. Maybe butt messages (BMs for short) would work better.
Since I have an aversion to providing free advertising to anyone or anything - even an island - my brainstorming led me to a concept that could earn money. As I perused the young woman's message (I'm a slow reader), I thought about potential advertisers. Some soon came to mind and then I had an even more brilliant idea - shape the message to the medium or more accurately its size and shape.
Think about the derriere that would sport the words "Food Lion." And their competition, "Lowes Foods." Products such as "Plumber's Friend" could certainly find an outlet here. The potential is huge.
As for me, how about "Clap ON, Clap Off" or, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up."
And my wife might suggest "Where's the beef?"
Surely you can suggest some clever ideas. I have to go, the young lady is now glaring at me.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Blondes Rule
Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with those expensive, double-pane energy-efficient kind. Yesterday, I got a call from the contractor who installed them. He was complaining that the windows had been installed a whole year ago and I had not paid for them yet.
Hellloooo? Now just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid. So I told him just exactly what his fast-talking sales guy had told ME last year... namely, that in just ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves!
"Helllooooo"? (I told him). "It's been a year"!
There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just hung up.... He hasn't called back, probably too embarrassed about forgetting the guarantee they made me.
Bet he won't underestimate a blonde anymore.
Hellloooo? Now just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid. So I told him just exactly what his fast-talking sales guy had told ME last year... namely, that in just ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves!
"Helllooooo"? (I told him). "It's been a year"!
There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just hung up.... He hasn't called back, probably too embarrassed about forgetting the guarantee they made me.
Bet he won't underestimate a blonde anymore.
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