Marine Toys for Tots

A local morning radio program, WAAF, held it's annual Toys for Tots toy drive last Friday morning at Boch Toyota in Norwood.  This is the same radio station that I typically listen to on my 62 mile commute to the office.

Ironically, I had previously scheduled an appointment at this same dealership and on the same day as the toy drive, to have two recalls taken care of on my Corolla.

So, I stopped at Walmart on my way over and purchased several toy for the drive.  Dropped my vehicle off and was able to sit front and center and enjoy the show in person.

The top picture shows the morning show crew, which includes LB (Lyndon Byers, an ex-Boston Bruins #34, who spent the early eighties with the team and who was also their enforcer).  Also, sitting all the way to the right is Mr. Ernie Boch Jr. of  Boch automotive.

It was a good take for a good cause and helped kill the 2+ hour wait time for my vehicle repairs.  There was also free food and swag and look at the number of toys donated, all going to a worth cause!

New Tradition Perhaps?!

I joined my neighbor and a couple friends at the Pot Belly Pub in Mellville Thanksgiving morning.  They were having a special of 16oz shrimp Bloody Mary's along with "pic and shit" (hors d'oeuvres).

My neighbor and friends are Harley riders and this pub is a biker-type bar and one of the places they stop in at when out riding.  So, not only did I experience my first "biker" bar, but also my first (couple) of Bloody Mary's.

Cheers!!

Spider Bird

Nope that's not Spiderbird clinging to the side of that Box Elder tree, nope.  Rather that's a White Breasted Nuthatch.

They're about the same size as the Chickadee but they sport a cool looking blue-grey topside.  They love the suet we put out and can often be seen filling their bellies upside down.

Flat & I'm NOT Talking About Women's Shoes...

If you're in the area and happen to have a can of Fix-A-Flat, please stop by and lend a hand.  Our Halloween pumpkin has sprung a leak and deflated...

A Passerine Bird - The Blue Jay

Ever since the bird feeders went up last week we've had oodles and oodles of birdies visiting and dinning.

My outdoor thermometer read 18 degrees yesterday, however, that didn't seem to bother the birds.  Here is a handsome Blue Jay grabbing a nibble.

They're a skittish bird and easily spooked.  They seems to swoop in, grab some food and then they're off, up in the trees at a safe distance.

They offer a beautiful blue color to the otherwise drab colors of Winter.

I Survived Thanksgiving!

This Wild Turkey hen has hanging around the neighbor the last several days.  She's by herself, with no other turkeys in sight.  She'll call out every now and they but there's no replies, alas.

I'm guessing she's feeling pretty good now that Thanksgiving has passed. Perhaps, a sense of security, however, her days could be numbered as she crosses the street quite often,  They're not the brightest bulbs on the tree these turkeys and this one is no exception.  I'm afraid it's just a matter of time before someone hits her, especially with the knucklehead speeders on out street.

My neighbor called on Wednesday afternoon, the day before Thanksgiving, to let me know that he and his wife took care of our Thanksgiving turkey this year.  He said all we need to do now is catch it...

BRRRR!

 

Yup, it was that cold when I got in my car Thursday morning!!

Grampy Wall Update

 

I added a couple additional Charles B. Frye Sr. pictures to his wall.

 

Sure wish I had my grandfather's drawing talent.

 

My favorites are his doodles and free hand drawings.

Super Cold!

Gulp, gulp, gulp...AH!

Vent Me!

 

Picked up a couple flex pipe exhaust vent pipes and installed them on the two bathroom ceiling fans/lights my brother helped me install a couple months ago.  By getting these in place, I'm able to direct the exhaust up and cover the entire unit with insulation.

 

It's a win win!

Mr. Hinkley

 

Here's Hinkley. Affectionately, referred to as "Hink". 

 

He passed his Canine Good Citizenship test and a barrel fun of energy.

Hear ye, hear ye!

 

Well, it's final begun, our new chickens have begun laying!!  We got our first two eggs from them yesterday!

 

Just over their six month birthday. A little longer than I expected, however, I'm sure the colder weather and shorter days had an effect.  Either way, they're finally earning their keep and we're getting fresh eggs, yummy!!

Silly Earth's Rotation

 

The sunsets off our back deck this early November have been nothing short of spectacular to say the least!

Larry, Daryl and Daryl Construction, Perhaps...

 

So, the town is in the process of replacing the water pipes on our street. What a mess too!  There's pipes, signs, equipment and machinery littering the street, not to mention the new potholes and half assed blacktop patching and paving they've done!

 

Anyway, they've made their way to the stretch of roadway in front of our house, where they've been working for a couple weeks. I'm guessing here but earlier this month they were replacing the water connectors that run to each house.  The pictures above show them tackling the next door neighbors line.  Much to my ire and VERY frustratingly the knuckle-heads thought it OK to back them equipment down onto my lawn and WELL past the property line, like 25' past, UGH!!

 

You can see in the second picture that they've patched their work BUT not all of the damage.  The red lines show just how far down the lawn they went.  They left two deep ruts in the lawn but chose NOT to repair, why?!?!  Good old fashion American laziness is my guess!  So, I called the town hall to log a formal complaint.  I was assured that all damage will be addressed and repaired when the bulk of the work has been completed - new loam, leveling, seeding, etc.

 

We'll see! I will believe it when I see it!

A Foul Visit...

 

The wild turkey's paid us a visit the other morning.

 

They we're awful curious about the chickens - the other big birds.  Several of them had the courage to take an up close look and personal look.

 

This is the first time I've seen the wild turkeys show any interest in the chickens.

 

I hope they continue to visit and stay longer. They're enjoyable to watch.  Perhaps, once I get the bird feeders filled and hung they'll stick around longer to forage on the morsels and mess the birds make.  

Life Is Good!

 

What a beautiful morning today!

 

Pour myself a second cup of coffee, pulled out the lawn chair and sat in the driveway watching time pass by.

 

Go BRUINS!!

Taste of the Region!

 

JoAnne, Emilie and I attended a local food festival called "Taste of The Region" this past Tuesday evening.  The event was held at the Tri-County Regional Vocational High School.  We've been going to this event the past several years and always have fun and leave stuffed - this year was no different.

 

There were local area restaurants with a variety of delicacies offered for sampling. New this year was the British Beer Company and their 20oz Pumpkin Beer, A YUMMY!!  I didn't even this fly floating around in my beverage it was SO good!

SHU Senior Day

SHU Senior Day @ Campus Field

4:00PM Friday, November 1, 2013

 

Sacred Heart University vs Siena

 

This years team has only (3) seniors: #6 Jen, #15 Stephanie and #32 Melinda.

 

Emilie and I took off from Franklin at noontime and headed to Fairfield, CT.  We arrived early and walked around the SHU campus; it was a beautiful day.  Although, SHU lost 2 - 0 it was a memorable game being that it was senior day.  Emilie and I got to walk Stephanie out on the field in front of everyone before the game. A very special moment indeed.  We spent some time with Stephanie after the game then headed home.  It was a long day, with a lot of driving but SO worth it getting to spend time with two of the loves of my life!!

 

Stephanie's a senior this year; graduating in the Spring.  NO idea where the four years have gone?!?!

 

http://www.sacredheartpioneers.com/sports/w-fieldh/2013-14/releases/20131101385tp4

Happy Halloween 2013

 

Snapped this picture of rather unusual SUV.  What made is unusual you ask?!  Well, some might guess the skeleton tied to the front brush guard and I admit that's not something you see every day.  On a day like Halloween this would be considered expected.  However, I took this picture back in September...you see what I mean?

 

Happy Halloween All!  Be safe!

Title Town!

 

2013 World Series Champions!