December 2, 2011
Are You Kidding?

Got on a US Airways flight Wednesday, after we took off a co-pilot Roger Murdock informed us of our flying time and whatever else they were doing in the cockpit. Wait a second, co-pilot Roger Murdock? After we landed in Detroit I asked about co-captain Roger Murdock, the guy in the cockpit laughed and said "there he goes" towards a pilot walking away. I said "I thought he was a seven foot black guy" Here's a little travel tip; that's not the first thing you should say when you land in Detroit. True story
Last weekend Jackson had his license plate stolen while at the dealership having service work performed. We called the Morehead City police, were a little disappointed we didn't get the hot cop we saw earlier, filed a report and got instructions on how to make a temporary tag and file for a new one. Because he was worried about being pulled with the homemade tags Jackson wanted to drive the Jeep back, but I convinced him he would be better off with the CRV. Later Sunday he was pulled for going 83 MPH; Merry Christmas Jackson!
Looking through the newspaper earlier this week I saw that on this day in history famed actor Cary Grant died in 1986. I liked several of his movies, especially the one with Myrna Loy (make panting noises here) about a home purchase and remodel in Connecticut. What a gentleman, always played the bon vivant to a T; what the hell was he doing in Davenport Iowa? That is kind of an old joke with those of us who travel frequently as part of our jobs; we will not likely die in a warm comfortable bed at home, more likely a Holiday Inn Express in BumFart Arkansas. Hope it's not in Davenport Iowa
Speaking of which, my room in Grand Rapids Michigan last night featured a spiral staircase. No kidding, went up the stairs and there was a Russian hooker up there working. No that was a joke, she was Mexican. OK, I made that part up, but here is a picture of my room.

The new Muppets movie is rated PG.

According to an article in USA Today yesterday Jackson is the second most popular male baby name in the USA today; whoa spiral vortex...............................and yet is was different when we used it twenty years ago

From Stephen Colbert: "I can't believe Barney Frank is stepping down. I wonder where he'll tax and spend his retirement years." Funny guy, tell us about that all boys school in Virginia you attended Stephen

Another quote, this one from Jim Gaffigan: "Lack of knowledge is my Achilles' knee"
But this person did not suffer from a lack of knowledge, or at least a complete lack of knowledge. Can you name all three of the tattoo subjects?

Now go back to the title of this week's entry and insert it into each subject covered in this blog.
OK I'm done for the morning, working my way back to Detroit this afternoon, 530 flight home, off to Virginia and Ohio all of next week. If this made you smile pass this blog on to a friend, or a couple of hundred

November 25, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving

I remember TAR's grandmother's Thanksgiving offering during Grace many years ago:" I'm thankful I can still use the bathroom." Amen Bubba.
Another busy week capped off my a feast at Tim and Lynn's estate outside Smithfield. Dink went with us and had a large time. I know I have eaten enough to see me through liberation day at the concentration camp now.
TAR returns today; Jay and Holly are coming this morning, and Jackson and I will try to catch some supper. Wish us luck.
Fished with an old Sanford friend last Saturday. We chased Fat Alberts throughout the Atlantic Ocean, and only slid one over the gunnel, but he was a beau. Nice work Randy Mann; 10-12 pounds plus. Beatuiful fish and a great day on the ocean.

Ringing the Salvation Army bell at the Wal-Mart Monday, VW service in Greenville Tuesday, and then off to Michigan through the rest of the week.
Did I forget anything? Oh yeah; happy 57th to SWMBO

November 18, 2011
Florida Trip

Time for TAR and I to get away and spend a little time together, it's been a while. Left last Saturday for Bonita Springs, FL, made it to Daytona that night, nice upgrade to an oceanfront room on the 12th floor. Thank you Holiday Inn Priority Club. We got in about sunset, looked at the moon coming up over the ocean and immediately knew what our dinner choice would be......................

You can't hide class. Yeah, by the time I took the picture 2 were missing
Off to our AHRI meeting, I made a mental note of where the cougars were...........only to find out later they were panthers, not cougars. Hope those scratches heal before next year's swimwear season.

As always with AHRI the meeting was time well spent. and a lot of fun mixed in. If anyone wants to know how to run a meeting call me and I will get you in touch with the best.
While TAR shopped Tuesday afternoon I went out in the Everglades and made some new friends. I asked for an endorsement for a line of knit shirts, got no where with that. Really neat to get into the swamp and see these guys, always surprised at how dark they are.

Home in time, funny how I call a hotel "home"...................... for a cocktail party, yes, go figure....but also in time for a sunset that was unreal. I've been taking pictures of these things all of my life and still realize "oh this is good, this is better, this is the best" Wonder if Anyone else ever thinks the same?

One great plus from this trip was the elimination (pun, get it?) of many minutes, nay hours sitting in a parking lot waiting for you know who. I figure with this contraption, and convincing SWMBO to crawl out of the window at 75 MPH Sundance Kid style, I could shave hours off a trip. I think it is a wonderful idea and dub this contraption the Double Header. Any other thoughts for a name?

And this is in here because I like the picture. Funny I remember this day, I took Daddy to ride, Jackson was working in the parking lot at the Sheraton, I handed him the camera and told Daddy to wave. If that doesn't make you laugh I don't know what will. I miss that old car....................and that old fellow too.

So that's in from this old eastern shore, this year will be a very different but happy Thanksgiving. We're talking a food blog, food blog, food blog..................................

November 11, 2011
Veteran's Day

Last weekend my planned Hampden-Sydney motorcycle ride was changed due to rain, and the fact that my horns decided to quit working. Not as easy to fix as you might think; still going through the old bike with a multimeter. Got to be a short in here somewhere...........................In the by and by I'll just ride around with a freon horn and a whistle in my mouth. Hmmmm, better get that fixed.
Drove up to Durham and spent Friday night with the Highs and was as usual treated like royalty. Ate well, watched the truck race and exchanged lies with the FO. Good times indeed.
The next morning up for the short drive to Hampden-Sydney. Saw this guy sitting next to us, looked a little familiar. Recognize him? Look like anyone you know ?

Odd to be at a football game sitting with Jackson. They beat Washington & Lee and won the conference championship. Jackson admitted he "kinda" wished he played this year, but that is a whole lot of work. Think this week's game with Macon is important? Take a look at this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh9kEvu2f1Q

Take special notice around 1:16 of a good looking # 83 from Morehead City
Took off for VA and MD this week; this was my view Wednesday morning from my hotel. Made me wish I'd checked in before 9:00 PM that night. Pretty area

And this was my view Thursday morning. Made me think of old Everett Lytle from Trion daze. Worked with Burch Vickery and enjoyed a meal very late Wednesday night at my favorite restaurant. If you remember an earlier post they are still looking for the cockatoo but the picture below it has been removed.

Last Sunday I rode the motorcycle down to Cedar Island and back, 103 miles. Coming through Davis I saw this elusive wild creature which is proclaimed by many as the wiliest of all God's hunted creatures. He was walking down US 70. If you look closely you can see a "turkey crossing" sign in the background by the utility pole. A friend of mine shot a zebra in Africa last summer; I asked him if he fed him a sugar cube or an apple as he put a pistol in his ear; guess you need to feed this guy some corn?

And TAR and I are heading to FL Saturday for the annual AHRI meeting in Bonita Springs.
http://www.ahrinet.org/
For the first time in a long time I am not on the board! Committee work in two meetings should be productive, and maybe spend a little time in the sun Monday afternoon.
My numbers are down, send this blog to others!

November 4, 2011
Somewhere Chris Turns 57 Today

Oh grandchildren; it is so much fun to teach them while they're young and impressionable.

In town for Halloween, only had a few children to come by, and I had ice cubes ready for all of them. Turn down the lights and they love the noise ice cubes make hitting the bottoms of their little bags, now to clean up that egg splatter. Pygmy and I used to give away ice, hot dogs and old biscuits for Halloween. Man I'd like to have some of those biscuits now.
Then it was off to the big cities around Raleigh. I wasn't able to get a room at the Y; well I was able to get a room, but not the preferred corner room so I saved some cash for Skuttle and crashed with my grandson in Sanford. He is an interesting young man; I enjoy my time with him more and more. And my granddaughter smiled at me. Good times sleeping in Jackson's old bunk beds. I remember my father sleeping below Jackson years ago and Jackson talking his ears off after bedtime. Good memories.
Yeah, I don't know what this is, saw it close to my customer in Rocky Mount and found it intriguing; sorry I will not be able to attend although Las Vegas is betting my eyes will be red Thursday night.

And guess what? No not that. Got a little, no a lot of free publicity for dear old Skuttle this past week in The HVAC News:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/117907-distributor-serves-customers-in-a-famous-way

Glad I said the right things. Maybe I didn't say the right things but Mike Murphy made it sound like I did. He's a good guy with a great publication, known him for many years now and always been first class; especially considering I'm with a small company which doesn't advertise in his publication.
If the weather allows I'll be cycling today to Durham and then on to HSC Saturday for their showdown with Washington and Lee. Winner takes the conference championship so say it with me: winner winner chicken dinner.
Maryland and Virginia next week and then off to somewhere close to Naples Saturday for an industry meeting. More on that next week, enjoy the ride