Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone. Sorry to not have been posting in the last couple months, but things have be kinda busy. I finished my first three degrees in Masonry. I can now be a Shriner. it's had to believe that I have been on this journey for a year.

I am enjoying the start of my vacation. We are going to have a quite holiday this year compared to last. We are having friends over for drinks tonight, and tomorrow with Georgie's family for dinner. The plan for next week is to finish trimming out the new window in the bedroom, paint the walls and get ready for the new floor. Then off on a road trip to see Joanne.



Sunday, November 21, 2010

Turkey Killing

Well the turkey killing is over. We had 2 at 40 pounds and the other 3 were in the low 20's. I am glad that they are now in the freezer. I always seems like a good idea in July but come November I'm ready to get rid of them.



Monday, November 1, 2010

New Speaker

We just might get a new Speaker of the House tomorrow, even though she just jumped out of the plane


An airplane was about to crash; there were 5 passengers on board, but only 4 parachutes.

The first passenger said, "I am President Obama, the chosen one. The world needs me, I can't afford to die." So he took the first parachute and left the plane.

The second passenger,Nancy Pelosi, said, "I am the Speaker of the House. And I am the smartest woman in American history, so America 's people don't want me to die." She took the second parachute and jumped out of the plane.

The third passenger,John Kerry, said, "I'm a Senator, and a decorated war hero from the Army of the United States of America ." So he grabbed the parachute next to him and jumped.

The fourth passenger, ex-President George W. Bush, said to the fifth passenger, a 10-year-old schoolgirl, "I have lived a full life, and served my country the best I could. I will sacrifice my life and let you have the last parachute."

The little girl said, "That's okay, Mr. President. There's a parachute left for you. America's smartest woman took my schoolbag."

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thanksgiving

This one is named after the meal that he will be attending, I would guess that he is about 30lbs, with still a couple of weeks left to go.



Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Recovery

Recession is when your neighbor loses his Job.
Depression is when you lose your job.
Recovery is when Obama loses his job!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Robbie Knievel

I have 4 extra tickets for the Robbie Knievel show next weekend if anybody wants them,  Robby is going to try to jump over  1000 Peter Sumlim supporters with a Caterpillar D9 Bulldozer.


Should be a good time.

 -

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Walk in the Woods

A nice walk in the woods with Georgie this afternoon. I have been trying to decide when to put the bike up for the winter. I am hoping that I can get one more last ride in before winter.

I would like to share that I joined the Free Masons in September, my lodge is in Brookfield. I did my first degree then, and have been studying for my second degree in November. It's has been fun and I have meet so really nice guys.

I am still liken the iPad, so far it has been a great replacement for my laptop. It has taken some getting use to, but all in all I am very happy.




Location:Walk in the Woods

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

24 Things to Know

The following are 24 statistics about the United States economy that are almost too embarrassing to admit....

#1 Ten years ago, the United States was ranked number one in average wealth per adult. In 2010, the United States has fallen to seventh.

#2 The United States once had the highest proportion of young adults with post-secondary degrees in the world. Today, the U.S. has fallen to 12th.

#3 In the 2009 "prosperity index" published by the Legatum Institute, the United States was ranked as just the ninth most prosperous country in the world. That was down five places from 2008.

#4 In 2001, the United States ranked fourth in the world in per capita broadband Internet use. Today it ranks 15th.

#5 The economy of India is projected to become larger than the U.S. economy by the year 2050.

#6 One prominent economist now says that the Chinese economy will be three times larger than the U.S. economy by the year 2040.

#7 According to a new study conducted by Thomson Reuters, China could become the global leader in patent filings by next year.

#8 The United States has lost approximately 42,400 factories since 2001.

#9 The United States has lost a staggering 32 percent of its manufacturing jobs since the year 2000.

#10 Manufacturing employment in the U.S. computer industry is actually lower in 2010 than it was in 1975.

#11 In 1959, manufacturing represented 28 percent of all U.S. economic output. In 2008, it represented only 11.5 percent.

#12 The television manufacturing industry began in the United States. So how many televisions are manufactured in the United States today? According to Princeton University economist Alan S. Blinder, the grand total is zero.

#13 As of the end of 2009, less than 12 million Americans worked in manufacturing. The last time that less than 12 million Americans were employed in manufacturing was in 1941.

#14 Back in 1980, the United States imported approximately 37 percent of the oil that we use. Now we import nearly 60 percent of the oil that we use.

#15 The U.S. trade deficit is running about 40 or 50 billion dollars a month in 2010. That means that by the end of the year approximately half a trillion dollars (or more) will have left the United States for good.

#16 Between 2000 and 2009, America's trade deficit with China increased nearly 300 percent.

#17 Today, the United States spends approximately $3.90 on Chinese goods for every $1 that China spends on goods from the United States.

#18 According to a new study conducted by the Economic Policy Institute, if the .S. trade deficit with China continues to increase at its current rate, the U.S. economy will lose over half a million jobs this year alone.

#19 American 15-year-olds do not even rank in the top half of all advanced nations when it comes to math or science literacy.

#20 Median household income in the U.S. declined from $51,726 in 2008to $50,221 in 2009. That was the second yearly decline in a row.

#21 The United States has the third worst poverty rate among the advanced nations tracked by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

#22 Since the Federal Reserve was created in 1913, the U.S. dollar has lostover 95 percent of its purchasing power.

#23 U.S. government spending as a percentage of GDP is now up toapproximately 36 percent.

#24 The Congressional Budget Office is projecting that U.S. government public debt will hit 716 percent of GDP by the year 2080

Monday, October 18, 2010

Proud

The end of a very wet week. I did manage to get the last of the things done for winter. Georgie and I tried to get out last bike ride in, but turned around and came home. Getting soaked in 50 degree weather just did not seem like a good idea. We went out for dinner with Brook, Austin and Penny last night. Had a good time. We ran into Peter Welch slumming with us at the same restaurant. I was so proud of myself by keeping my twisted political views silent.



Friday, October 15, 2010

Gloves on

I want to see Brian and Peter, put the gloves on and have at it. Last one standing wins the job. I'm trying to understand how Peter can blame all of the job loses on the Douglas Admin. I thought that we were blaming that on the Bush administration



Thursday, October 14, 2010

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Brian Dubie

This is nice article about Brian Dubie.  Here Regardless of your political view its worth the read, given all the bull shit that we are have to endure on TV.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery











So long windows

So long to Microsoft. I finally went and got my new iPad. What a great toy. There is truly and app for just about anything that could want to do.
Happy Birthday to Dean. We had a great time at his party last night. I fryed up the last turkey from last year, along with some fish that we had left over from the Masons fish fry. We meet some nice flatlander people, which doesn't happen very often.
Well most of the leaves are gone and I've mowed the lawn for the last time. I deck has been cleaned off and is ready for the snow. Enough for now, going to get a motorcycle ride in while I still can.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Wal-mart Greeter

Kinda funny joke that I came across the other day and thought that I would share.




Harley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time.

Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp minded and a real credit to the company and
obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies. One day the boss called him into the office for a talk.

"Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang up job, but your being late so often is quite bothersome."

"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."

''Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear. It's odd though your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?"

''They said, "Good morning General, can I get your coffee, sir?'''

Monday, October 4, 2010

Morgan Horse Farm

Georgie and I tool a ride over to Weybridge VT to check out the UVM Morgan Horse Farm. These are some of the colts. The one on the left looks like he could be a little Midnight


Sunday Ride



Monday, September 27, 2010

Mud Slinger

It's all about Vermont Yankee and letting criminals out early. Too bad these two fools have know ideas what Vermonters really need

Sunday, September 26, 2010

New Water

Well Dad and I got the new pressure tank installed yesterday. After three trips to the hardware store and two leaking joint we got it finished. Amazing how a couple hour project can stretch into a whole day. Experienced a flat tire on the bike. All I can say is if it doesn't feel right, then it not. Stopping is a good idea. I spent and hour on the side of the interstate in Fairlee waiting for a tow truck to take me to Barre. Two hours at Wilkins to replace the tire.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Run in the Woods

So we are coming home from dinner last night around 9. I round the corner at the bottom of the hill and there is a guy in the middle of the road on his cell. I go around and start up and go around the corner and find a pickup on its side. Well I guess I know what the guy on the cell was doing. I check to see if there is anyone else in or under the truck, all empty and clear but smells like beer. I figure I should go back down and see if the guy is alright. Get down there and I don't see him. I thought maybe he might be hiding so I yell "hey you". He comes out of the woods and ask do I know you? should I be scared of you? whats your name? I start to think shouldn't I be asking these same questions asshole? Anyway I ask if he is OK and start to smell the beer. He says "I just need to get it back on its wheels". I say "thats not going to happen". He then runs back into the woods. I went home enough excitement for one night

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Happy Anniversary Georgie

Four years ago Georgie and I were married. 8years ago we had our first date  (give or take a week). It been a wonderful and happy time. I am looking forward to many more. Love U Georgie

Monday, August 16, 2010

Vtrans

 Dean and I did the toy run on Saturday. 900 plus riders thru Barre and Montpelier.

I noticed that my neighbor got a new pickup truck. He works for Vtrans and cause he is and important supervisor we give him a truck to drive back and forth to work. Why can't he use his own vehicle? I am sitting here trying to figure out what kind of emergency we could have that would require him to respond from home. Should he be going to the garage and get a dump truck, loader or grader?  I think that a $35000 commuter vehicle is way excessive not to mention 8mpg and foot the gas bill also.  I bet we could just pull this benefit, if they don't like it then I'm sure that we can someone from the construction industry to gladly fill the position.




Monday, August 2, 2010

iMac

wow 5 nice days in a row. Got things cleaned up after the big wind storm. Hot tub drained, cleaned and refilled. I spent my evenings last week working on Georgies computer. I finally gave up on Sunday and ordered her new iMac. 
I see that our candidates for Governor are starting to run there commercials, I am glad that Peter and draw arrows on a white board (I know politically incorrect). Typical for him to point and blame the problems on someone else.
Happy Birthday Shelly, hope you had a great day.

attached in a self-centered picture      

Friday, July 23, 2010

Just a little wind

Some strong wind the other day, we are still out of power, but the generator is keeping the beer cold. The wind was strong enough to blow the cover of the hot tub and fill it with leaves and sticks. No damage to the house or barn, but we do have a few trees down. We were lucky that no one was hurt, given that we has 20 kids at the farm doing a workshop. 



just down the road, ground  zero  80- 90 mph winds

west down Chelsea Rd.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Vacation

Well its a slow day at work today. Having a hart time getting back into the swing of things after a week of vacation. I rode my bike everyday in the mornings and spent the afternoons in front of the fan. I did get Georgie's hot tub installed and working over the last weekend. We enjoyed a cocktail in it last night, and I got in with my coffee this morning. I get some pictures up next week. We also put up the hay we need for the horses to get us thru the winter. Thanks again to all of our friends that helped out during the hottest days of summer, we couldn't have done it without you.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Thunder Road

I guess that summer has finally arrived, cause there are races on Thursday night at Thunder Road. Dean, John and I had a good night watching the races. Its also a good place to people watch. obviously  some people just should not reproduce. I spent the rest of the weekend working around the house, mowing and edging the lawn, cleaning up the fire pit and mowing the pastures. I'm ready to get this week over and start my vacation.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Bike Week

Sorry about missing a week in my posts. Thing have been kinda crazy with fixing a small rotting problem on the house. Work has been crazy, I've had 2 long weeks, and I don't see a end in sight. I was able to bring back one of the guys I layed off last fall. I felt good to bring him back, I have felt bad for having to do it, even though I no control over economic downturn. Now all we have to do is work hard and smart and hope that things continue to grow then I can fill the other 3 positions.

Cash and I have been home alone for the past week. The is kinda big without Georgie. I went over to Plymouth NH on Friday to see her. We went down to Wier's Beach to check out the doing at Bike Week. It a good place to people watch. On Saturday I went for a great bike ride to Meredith to check out the Harley dealership, then over to Conway the across the  Kancamagus to N.Woodstock and then down to Plymouth. It was fun to be around that many motorcycles. I had some great conversations each time I stopped. I left later in the afternoon for the 2 hour ride home.

Again happy fathers day to my Dad. It was nice to see my family for lunch, miss not having Joanne and Shelley but we were thinking of them. Lastly thank you Krista for the call, I can't tell you how special that was to me.

Laconia Harley Davidson parking lot

White Mountains looking west 

Wier's Beach

  

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Problem Solved

So most of my home repairs usually start by me thinking I'll just replace that board. That will progress to just a couple more boards. Then at some point there after a chain and the tractor come from behind the barn. Then all you have to do is make a hole for the chain, hook it up to the tractor and pull. Problem solved.





Friday, June 4, 2010

Thunder Ride

Recovering today from the Vermont Thunder Ride. I ride to honor veterans. Chuck and I started at the Sharon rest area on I89. From there we went to Richmond, Essex, Milton, St Albans and finished up in Enosburgh Falls. There was a nice ceremony there with some guest speakers. From there the riders broke off and headed home. There was around 1500 motorcycles in the ride. It was lots of fun and a great honor

  

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Stupid Vermonters?

Enough all ready. In my drive to and from Burlington I counted 6 flashing billboards "Click it or Ticket". Now how many years have we had a seat belt law in Vermont? I would guess 10 anyway. Now I know for sure that we Vermonters are not that stupid that we need to be reminded every spring to wear our seat belts. The stupid ones have to be the ones that put this plan into action every years. It is a waste of time, energy, equipment, and  our money..... and ... We enacted a No Billboard law in the 80's. and I think these flashing signs is just another example of our government not play by the same rules.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Deported

Lots of activity around here this week getting ready for our first Midnight Mountain workshop. We are expecting 20 middle school students here tomorrow through Friday. Should be lots of fun for all

So I see that the presidents aunt was granted asylum. Now that really doesn't surprise me. But what I don't understand is if she was ordered deported in 2004, how did she manage to live in public housing until now? Am I missing something here? Now she can apply for a work permit, yet she is disabled. And for the big question I wonder who paid for her attorneys, The tax payers I bet.    

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Freeze Dried

33 degrees and mowing the lawn. It's much more enjoyable when its a little warmer. The question in my mind does the grass really grow when it this cold? I nice wet and cold weekend. Happy Birthday to Amanda. We had a fun time at your party. I'm sure you had more fun that us. 

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day. I have a very special Mom. I love her very much, and thank her for aways being supportive of anything in do. Even the foolish things. I am very lucky to have her. 

Love you Mom

Posted by Picasa

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Big A$$ Fish

Got the the title for the truck today. The first one ever to be completely payed off. Refinanced the house for a big savings, and caught one big ass fish. all in all a good day


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Finally

Looks like the folks in Montpelier have been reading my blog.

http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=12436771

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Too Busy Texting

Well what a fun weekend. Thanks to all that came to Georgie's birthday party. It was lots of fun seeing everyone. Not much new this week except that I almost traded some paint with a trooper on the interstate. Seems he was too busy texting to notice that his lane was running out. Goes to show that just because they have a badge, doesn't alway make them right. I think the state police need a policy of NO CELL PHONES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING.  It bad enough that they have to push all the buttons for the radio, lights, siren, and what ever other gadgets they have.

Had a nice long bike ride on Sunday afternoon. When all over central VT. Looking forward to the mornings getting a little warmer.

Mowed and trimmed the lawn for the  first time this year. I guess its official spring has sprung.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Happy Birthday Maggie

I hope that you have a wonderful day and many more birthdays to come.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Happy Happy

Another great week. We finished the low level ropes course on Saturday, thanks to Nick and Tom. It was great having Amanda with us this weekend. I hope that she had fun. For sure Cash did. He was so tired on Sunday from all the playing he could hardly move.




A great time for all at the Beer Olympics. No one got hurt or in trouble ( and improvement from last year) and home safely.


Sunday was a day to recover. Did manage to get in a ride in the afternoon with Chuck, but by the looks of the weather there won't be much riding this week.

Apologies to George's Automotive in Montpelier. I didn't realize that you were so sensitive. I would rather take my business elsewhere also, and will pass along to all my friends to do the same. yes my bite is as bad as my bark. Maybe next time you will think twice before belittling by wife.

Happy (early) Birthday to Georgie.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

That's a group of blind firemen

A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers. The engineer fumed, "What's with those guys? We must have been waiting for fifteen minutes!"

The doctor chimed in, "I don't know, but I've never seen such inept golf!"
The priest said, "Here comes the green-keeper. Let's have a word with him."
He said, "Hello George, what's wrong with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow, aren't they?"

The green-keeper replied, "Oh, yes. That's a group of blind firemen. They lost their sight saving our clubhouse from a fire last year, so we always let them play for free anytime."

The group fell silent for a moment.

The priest said, "That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight."
The doctor said, "Good idea. I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist colleague and see if there's anything he can do for them."

The engineer said, "Why can't they play at night?"

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Monday, April 12, 2010

Slow Truck From Texas

Well the beginning of a new week. Spent some time this weekend getting the decks washed and cleaned for the summer. Even though it hasn't been all that warm, it's nice to see the deck ready to enjoy. I also fix the fences for the horses that the deer over the winter had managed to destroy. Georgie got her new bike on Saturday and is now peddling around the neighbor hood. Date night on Saturday, went to a movie then over to the Texas Roadhouse for supper. When we arrived they had just ran out of beef. Based on the amount of time we waited, they had to grow the cow, slaughter it, and ship by a slow truck from Texas, cook and then lastly serve. Luckily for us the people watching scene was entertaining, and for me spending time with Georgie made for a fun wait. I finished the weekend with bike ride, and dinner with Maggie and Christa.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Bugs on your Teeth

You should have seen what happens when you ride with a smile on your face.