Marla Hooch is a pretty girl!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
My Inside Post....
Fridays.... Good day to remind yourself that you love your neighbors... I know I do...
Damn! Damn, damn, damn, DAMN!
(the heading.... a direct quote from Terry Hutchinson who just phoned here moments ago.)
New Zealand, after a great start, held the advantage at the weather mark. The expectation has been that Alinghi would be faster in 14knots and more. This did not appear to be the case today and it looked like we were set up for a very close race. What a pity that the result was decided by gear failure! In a bit of breeze (which it was for these boats) gear failure is an ever-present fear.
Watch the videoA few minutes after both boats did a tack set, New Zealand’s bowman was seen going to the end the pole with the tack of the back up spinnaker, to set up for a peel. It became evident that there was a small tear close to the tack of the spinnaker.
Unluckily for the New Zealanders, just before they were ready for the peel, the spinnaker blew, knocking the bow man off his perch at the end of the pole. The new spinnaker was not properly attached at the tack with the peeling strop and was hoisted prematurely. (Will the debrief point to a case of bow bungle or grinder red mist?) The back up spinnaker then blew around behind the main. The head of the original spinnaker had to then be retrieved because they had now run out of haliards. To add to their horror, when the second back up kite went up there was a twist in it. By the time the new spinnaker was flying and the second spinnaker was “tender-dropped”, they were on the layline.
Although the chaos on the bow was somehow sorted out in time for them to gybe, Alinghi was already safely ahead. Teams spend a lot of time smoothing out every possible sharp point on the boat, especially around the hatch and headstay foil area to prevent a knick in the spinnaker, but these things happen. Looking forward to a great battle tomorrow! (www.americascup.com)
Watch the videoA few minutes after both boats did a tack set, New Zealand’s bowman was seen going to the end the pole with the tack of the back up spinnaker, to set up for a peel. It became evident that there was a small tear close to the tack of the spinnaker.
Unluckily for the New Zealanders, just before they were ready for the peel, the spinnaker blew, knocking the bow man off his perch at the end of the pole. The new spinnaker was not properly attached at the tack with the peeling strop and was hoisted prematurely. (Will the debrief point to a case of bow bungle or grinder red mist?) The back up spinnaker then blew around behind the main. The head of the original spinnaker had to then be retrieved because they had now run out of haliards. To add to their horror, when the second back up kite went up there was a twist in it. By the time the new spinnaker was flying and the second spinnaker was “tender-dropped”, they were on the layline.
Although the chaos on the bow was somehow sorted out in time for them to gybe, Alinghi was already safely ahead. Teams spend a lot of time smoothing out every possible sharp point on the boat, especially around the hatch and headstay foil area to prevent a knick in the spinnaker, but these things happen. Looking forward to a great battle tomorrow! (www.americascup.com)
Congratulations....
...to Gersh (Kate) and Emily... My two friends who are definitely in the middle of a great adventure...
I once was lucky enought to work with Emily and I've been friends with Gersh for years.... She even refers to me as 'Sailor Joe', which I find quite endearing...
Together, the two have sold their house and have purchased a boat in which they will be living aboard---in West Grand Traverse Bay... This is definitely an adventure that I wish I had the cajones to do!
So, Gersh and Emily, Congratulations on your new home and adventure Together...
PS. Boat Warming Party tonight.... Contempo Casual Marine Dock A..
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Not bad....For a First Series!
So, they've just posted our sailing scores under the racing section of www.gtyc.org... Feel free to follow our progress... Our boat sails in Spinnaker A and goes by various names...
J-33 Sail Number USA 33009...AKA 33009....AKA Rotten to the Core...AKA TBD...
Spinn A Fleet
Sailed:3,
Discards:0,
To count:3,
Ratings:PHRF,
Entries:7,
Scoring system:GTYC PHRF
Boat
SailNo
Helm
Adjusted Rating
SP 1
SP 2
SP3
Total
1.)Kokomo
97834
Schulz
-21
1.0
4.0
2.0
7.0
2.)33009
33009
Wipperman / Richter
84
2.0
2.0
3.0
7.0
3.)Flying Toaster
513
Dow
90
DNC
1.0
1.0
10.0
4.)Relentless
43816
Hagen
45
3.0
5.0
5.0
13.0
5.)Liberty
51778
Phelps, D
69
4.0
3.0
7.0 DNF
14.0
6.)AHYADOOIN'
25489
Husted
-21
DNC
6.0
4.0
18.0
7.)Illusion
43790
Porter, Scott
66
5.0
DNC
DNC
21.0
J-33 Sail Number USA 33009...AKA 33009....AKA Rotten to the Core...AKA TBD...
Spinn A Fleet
Sailed:3,
Discards:0,
To count:3,
Ratings:PHRF,
Entries:7,
Scoring system:GTYC PHRF
Boat
SailNo
Helm
Adjusted Rating
SP 1
SP 2
SP3
Total
1.)Kokomo
97834
Schulz
-21
1.0
4.0
2.0
7.0
2.)33009
33009
Wipperman / Richter
84
2.0
2.0
3.0
7.0
3.)Flying Toaster
513
Dow
90
DNC
1.0
1.0
10.0
4.)Relentless
43816
Hagen
45
3.0
5.0
5.0
13.0
5.)Liberty
51778
Phelps, D
69
4.0
3.0
7.0 DNF
14.0
6.)AHYADOOIN'
25489
Husted
-21
DNC
6.0
4.0
18.0
7.)Illusion
43790
Porter, Scott
66
5.0
DNC
DNC
21.0
Wow... Nice Article from the Record Eagle?
TC man sails to top
Former resident a tactician in the America's Cup
BY JAMES COOK
The Associated Press Emirates Team New Zealand, left, sails next to Swiss Defender Alinghi.
TRAVERSE CITY — To put it in layman's terms for those unfamiliar with sailing, Terry Hutchinson is in his version of the Super Bowl.
The former Traverse City resident is a big component in this year's America's Cup, the granddaddy of sailing competitions.
"He's ascended in the world of sailing to the top,” said Ed Reynolds, president and co-owner of Quantum Sails, where Hutchinson worked for several years after college. "This is his life-long dream. The guy has been on a relentless pursuit for 25 years and has achieved it.
"The local sailing community is proud. He was out sailing with us on Wednesday and now he's Peyton Manning trying to win the Super Bowl.”
Manning won his Super Bowl this year, and the 37-year-old Hutchinson is chasing sailing's version of the holy grail.
This year's America's Cup has some interesting plots, especially the matchup between the Swiss team Alinghi and Emirates Team New Zealand.
Hutchinson
The New Zealanders won back-to-back Cup titles in 1995 and 2000 (both in 5-0 sweeps), but was hit with a large defection of its best sailors to Swiss team Alinghi shortly after the second victory.
In the next America's Cup, the Kiwi-led Alinghi swept New Zealand 5-0, embarrassing New Zealand on its home waters.
Three years ago, the Kiwis turned to Hutchinson as their tactician, an unpopular move at the time. Bringing in an American to fill such an important position in a country where sailing is one of the top sports was vilified. Only six of the 28 team members are non-New Zealanders.
But that was then, and this is now.
Hutchinson has outmaneuvered one of the all-time greats in competitive sailing's history — former New Zealand skipper Brad Butterworth — to put the Kiwis up 2-1 on Alinghi in the best-of-nine series.
"Unless you're hooked into the sport, you probably don't appreciate it,” Reynolds said. "But New Zealand has beaten perhaps the greatest tactician ever on tactical calls by Terry.”
The fourth race is Thursday, and two more wins by Hutchinson and his crew would end the three-time reign of Butterworth's as the sport's supreme tactician.
In head-to-head competition heading into the America's Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand has won six out of 10 matches with Alinghi.
"On the first run we picked some nice places to gybe and they didn't really get away from us,” Hutchinson said on the team's Web site. "On the run into the bottom, we gybed in a tough position for Alinghi and then they gave us the right gate when we had the left gate favoured by about 10 degrees. Further up the leg we were coming at them on port. They tacked about a length to leeward of our sailing line and we were able to pin them there out to the layline. The boat was going well but we did not lose concentration at any point in the race. We know the chances are that the boat in the lead at the first cross will win. Yesterday we sailed a really good race, but we didn't win because the breaks went Alinghi's way. Today one came to us and we took advantage of it.”
Reynolds, 52, and Hutchinson became best of friends in the time Hutchinson was in TC, and the two still talk almost daily, especially during the Cup.
Reynolds has even been invited to the New Zealand by the team, but doesn't know when he'll be able to go, because of his work schedule.
While Hutchinson was in Traverse City in the '90s, the Grand Traverse Yacht Club held fund raisers to send him to the Congressional Cup in Long Beach, Calif., a race he won, which added to his already impressive college credentials and helped get him noticed on the national level.
Hutchinson earned first-team All-American honors in each of his four years at Old Dominion and helped lead the Monarchs to four national championships. In 1989 and 1990 he was named National Collegiate Sailor of the Year — the first person to accomplish the feat twice.
Former resident a tactician in the America's Cup
BY JAMES COOK
The Associated Press Emirates Team New Zealand, left, sails next to Swiss Defender Alinghi.
TRAVERSE CITY — To put it in layman's terms for those unfamiliar with sailing, Terry Hutchinson is in his version of the Super Bowl.
The former Traverse City resident is a big component in this year's America's Cup, the granddaddy of sailing competitions.
"He's ascended in the world of sailing to the top,” said Ed Reynolds, president and co-owner of Quantum Sails, where Hutchinson worked for several years after college. "This is his life-long dream. The guy has been on a relentless pursuit for 25 years and has achieved it.
"The local sailing community is proud. He was out sailing with us on Wednesday and now he's Peyton Manning trying to win the Super Bowl.”
Manning won his Super Bowl this year, and the 37-year-old Hutchinson is chasing sailing's version of the holy grail.
This year's America's Cup has some interesting plots, especially the matchup between the Swiss team Alinghi and Emirates Team New Zealand.
Hutchinson
The New Zealanders won back-to-back Cup titles in 1995 and 2000 (both in 5-0 sweeps), but was hit with a large defection of its best sailors to Swiss team Alinghi shortly after the second victory.
In the next America's Cup, the Kiwi-led Alinghi swept New Zealand 5-0, embarrassing New Zealand on its home waters.
Three years ago, the Kiwis turned to Hutchinson as their tactician, an unpopular move at the time. Bringing in an American to fill such an important position in a country where sailing is one of the top sports was vilified. Only six of the 28 team members are non-New Zealanders.
But that was then, and this is now.
Hutchinson has outmaneuvered one of the all-time greats in competitive sailing's history — former New Zealand skipper Brad Butterworth — to put the Kiwis up 2-1 on Alinghi in the best-of-nine series.
"Unless you're hooked into the sport, you probably don't appreciate it,” Reynolds said. "But New Zealand has beaten perhaps the greatest tactician ever on tactical calls by Terry.”
The fourth race is Thursday, and two more wins by Hutchinson and his crew would end the three-time reign of Butterworth's as the sport's supreme tactician.
In head-to-head competition heading into the America's Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand has won six out of 10 matches with Alinghi.
"On the first run we picked some nice places to gybe and they didn't really get away from us,” Hutchinson said on the team's Web site. "On the run into the bottom, we gybed in a tough position for Alinghi and then they gave us the right gate when we had the left gate favoured by about 10 degrees. Further up the leg we were coming at them on port. They tacked about a length to leeward of our sailing line and we were able to pin them there out to the layline. The boat was going well but we did not lose concentration at any point in the race. We know the chances are that the boat in the lead at the first cross will win. Yesterday we sailed a really good race, but we didn't win because the breaks went Alinghi's way. Today one came to us and we took advantage of it.”
Reynolds, 52, and Hutchinson became best of friends in the time Hutchinson was in TC, and the two still talk almost daily, especially during the Cup.
Reynolds has even been invited to the New Zealand by the team, but doesn't know when he'll be able to go, because of his work schedule.
While Hutchinson was in Traverse City in the '90s, the Grand Traverse Yacht Club held fund raisers to send him to the Congressional Cup in Long Beach, Calif., a race he won, which added to his already impressive college credentials and helped get him noticed on the national level.
Hutchinson earned first-team All-American honors in each of his four years at Old Dominion and helped lead the Monarchs to four national championships. In 1989 and 1990 he was named National Collegiate Sailor of the Year — the first person to accomplish the feat twice.
I'm Cheering on Team New Zealand!
(Various photos of working in Europe with parts of Emirates Team New Zealand)New Zealand Team Pulls Ahead
June 27, 2007 Associated Press
VALENCIA, Spain -- On a day of shifting winds and swelling waves, the challenger from New Zealand took the lead Tuesday, beating defending champion Swiss Alinghi after nearly losing a crew member overboard.Emirates Team New Zealand is ahead 2-1 after prevailing in an America's Cup race that featured eight lead changes, bow-to-bow sailing and a victory margin of 25 seconds. The fourth race in the best-of-nine series for the Auld Mug, the oldest trophy in sports, is today. The last three series were decided in 5-0 sweeps.
Wind blew in all directions across the course, generating large swells and testing both teams' decision-making. By the finish, Alinghi found itself with a deficit for the first time in America's Cup racing.The race was delayed for nearly two hours because of the tricky winds, and Alinghi owner Ernesto Bertarelli said the sailing should have been postponed."I don't think the wind should decide the regatta," he said. "The competitors should decide the race on their ability. I think we raced really well, we were just a bit unlucky."New Zealand conceded the early lead to guard its advantage on the right side in the blustery conditions. The move paid off as the Kiwis took a 300-meter lead up the first upwind lap. But a poor spinnaker set around the second marker almost threw bowman Richard Meacham over the side, allowing the Swiss back into the race up the third leg.Alinghi's faster boat gained on the Kiwis to round the final marker by a boat length. But the Kiwis split to the left behind a stronger breeze, and the lead changed three times over the final run before the NZL-92 boat earned a difficult victory.After a quick start, the Swiss team sped out on the left but came back too late to keep the Kiwis from getting away. The SUI-100 yacht crashed through the whitecaps as the Kiwis bobbed up the right, slicing through the swell.
VALENCIA, Spain -- On a day of shifting winds and swelling waves, the challenger from New Zealand took the lead Tuesday, beating defending champion Swiss Alinghi after nearly losing a crew member overboard.Emirates Team New Zealand is ahead 2-1 after prevailing in an America's Cup race that featured eight lead changes, bow-to-bow sailing and a victory margin of 25 seconds. The fourth race in the best-of-nine series for the Auld Mug, the oldest trophy in sports, is today. The last three series were decided in 5-0 sweeps.
Wind blew in all directions across the course, generating large swells and testing both teams' decision-making. By the finish, Alinghi found itself with a deficit for the first time in America's Cup racing.The race was delayed for nearly two hours because of the tricky winds, and Alinghi owner Ernesto Bertarelli said the sailing should have been postponed."I don't think the wind should decide the regatta," he said. "The competitors should decide the race on their ability. I think we raced really well, we were just a bit unlucky."New Zealand conceded the early lead to guard its advantage on the right side in the blustery conditions. The move paid off as the Kiwis took a 300-meter lead up the first upwind lap. But a poor spinnaker set around the second marker almost threw bowman Richard Meacham over the side, allowing the Swiss back into the race up the third leg.Alinghi's faster boat gained on the Kiwis to round the final marker by a boat length. But the Kiwis split to the left behind a stronger breeze, and the lead changed three times over the final run before the NZL-92 boat earned a difficult victory.After a quick start, the Swiss team sped out on the left but came back too late to keep the Kiwis from getting away. The SUI-100 yacht crashed through the whitecaps as the Kiwis bobbed up the right, slicing through the swell.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
An Old Fashioned Boy Bitch Fight!
Definitely file this under 'ABSURD', but enjoy the start of an all time winning boy bitch fight between my inflated friend Andy (Notam22) and myself (collegetripp..)
On Tue Jun 19, 2007 08:35 PM, CollegeTripp wrote:> long time no see... how are you?
On Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:58 AM, NOTAM22 wrote:> > ok. i thought maybe you disapeared. so much for being such great friends > huh.
(that was kindof bitchy? Huh?)
> On Thu Jun 21, 2007 02:22 PM, CollegeTripp wrote: yea... I guess... weird how that phone-thing works two ways... but thanks for answering anyway...
(alright... matchpoint college!)
On Sun Jun 24, 2007 06:11 PM, NOTAM22 wrote:
> I guess I kind of figured it was because I didn't want to date you or sleep with you. I believe the last time we hung out was in march and I was the one who called you. O well. It doesn't matter. Andy
(Ok... ouch! Uncalled for... yet still makes me laugh... Alright...seriously, are you serious! Seriously readers... when he called me in March, it was his birthday and he invited himself to my party! pathetic!)
On Sun Jun 24, 2007 06.12 PM, CollegeTripp wrote.
>Wow...
People have told me that you're pretty full of yourself... and I had a hardtime believing it until I just read the first line of that message you sent me...
I guess my friends were right...
Cheers...
(Dude, that has to hurt a little hearing from someone who introduced you to all of my friends. To which the Troll wrote...)
On Tue Jun 26, 2007 09:36 AM, NOTAM22 wrote:
> Your a real piece of work you know that. Maybe if you were hot enough to get a bf you wouldn't have to go home to your dog and cat. I guess this is the end of our shallow friendship. Bye
(OK... ouch to me... I love my dog... He's probably spot-on about the cat however... Unfortunately... at this moment I had a Dixie Carter moment, like she normally had on the show 'Designing Women!... Ready for the flood gates to open?!!)
From: CollegeTrippSubject: Re: ya def wowDate: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:27 AM
>Andy...
Come on... You're proving my point again and again... It's amazing you can get into your condo with your head as swollen as it is.. And now you're calling me ugly and that's why I don't have a BF? Wow... 7th Grade is fun... And what do you expect--to make me feel pathetic because I live my life the way I do and have pets? None of my friends seem to agree with you!
Are you finally feeling better now that's off your chest? What's going on with you? Have the anti's worn off? Maybe it's some bad reaction to a "protein" shake? Let's check, is the acne under control? That's usually a sign of a problem... Seriously, your
anger needs some attention?
It's funny that you actually sent me that last message... What a child! I'm copying and pasting it to my blog, and showing my friends; we've been in search of a good laugh. ... and may even email it to my friend Rick Gordon! You may have heard of him... Don't think he'd be impressed with how you treat people.
((So long... Enjoy the condo and puka shell necklace shopping (that's fromReid!)).
Probably won't see you downtown at any of the spots we went out... You know, being ugly, or as you may call it... an un-hottie, I tend just to gohome and feel sorry for myself with my cat and dog...
Man, you do know me Andy... Wow... You really know me! I guess all my friends who met you (and subsequently refer to you as "the narcissist") are only there either because they're successful, and pathetic, or just maybe feel sorry for me...
Well, now you've done it... I guess I'm crying... Damn , where's my dogand cat for support.
Talk to you when I get back from the Med... Enjoy your boring life, dude!
(Whew! That actually felt good!)
(Tonight my salute goes out to doucebag of the day.... ((da da da daaaaaaa)) Andy the No-Tam22!)
On Tue Jun 19, 2007 08:35 PM, CollegeTripp wrote:> long time no see... how are you?
On Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:58 AM, NOTAM22 wrote:> > ok. i thought maybe you disapeared. so much for being such great friends > huh.
(that was kindof bitchy? Huh?)
> On Thu Jun 21, 2007 02:22 PM, CollegeTripp wrote: yea... I guess... weird how that phone-thing works two ways... but thanks for answering anyway...
(alright... matchpoint college!)
On Sun Jun 24, 2007 06:11 PM, NOTAM22 wrote:
> I guess I kind of figured it was because I didn't want to date you or sleep with you. I believe the last time we hung out was in march and I was the one who called you. O well. It doesn't matter. Andy
(Ok... ouch! Uncalled for... yet still makes me laugh... Alright...seriously, are you serious! Seriously readers... when he called me in March, it was his birthday and he invited himself to my party! pathetic!)
On Sun Jun 24, 2007 06.12 PM, CollegeTripp wrote.
>Wow...
People have told me that you're pretty full of yourself... and I had a hardtime believing it until I just read the first line of that message you sent me...
I guess my friends were right...
Cheers...
(Dude, that has to hurt a little hearing from someone who introduced you to all of my friends. To which the Troll wrote...)
On Tue Jun 26, 2007 09:36 AM, NOTAM22 wrote:
> Your a real piece of work you know that. Maybe if you were hot enough to get a bf you wouldn't have to go home to your dog and cat. I guess this is the end of our shallow friendship. Bye
(OK... ouch to me... I love my dog... He's probably spot-on about the cat however... Unfortunately... at this moment I had a Dixie Carter moment, like she normally had on the show 'Designing Women!... Ready for the flood gates to open?!!)
From: CollegeTrippSubject: Re: ya def wowDate: Tue Jun 26, 2007 10:27 AM
>Andy...
Come on... You're proving my point again and again... It's amazing you can get into your condo with your head as swollen as it is.. And now you're calling me ugly and that's why I don't have a BF? Wow... 7th Grade is fun... And what do you expect--to make me feel pathetic because I live my life the way I do and have pets? None of my friends seem to agree with you!
Are you finally feeling better now that's off your chest? What's going on with you? Have the anti's worn off? Maybe it's some bad reaction to a "protein" shake? Let's check, is the acne under control? That's usually a sign of a problem... Seriously, your
anger needs some attention?
It's funny that you actually sent me that last message... What a child! I'm copying and pasting it to my blog, and showing my friends; we've been in search of a good laugh. ... and may even email it to my friend Rick Gordon! You may have heard of him... Don't think he'd be impressed with how you treat people.
((So long... Enjoy the condo and puka shell necklace shopping (that's fromReid!)).
Probably won't see you downtown at any of the spots we went out... You know, being ugly, or as you may call it... an un-hottie, I tend just to gohome and feel sorry for myself with my cat and dog...
Man, you do know me Andy... Wow... You really know me! I guess all my friends who met you (and subsequently refer to you as "the narcissist") are only there either because they're successful, and pathetic, or just maybe feel sorry for me...
Well, now you've done it... I guess I'm crying... Damn , where's my dogand cat for support.
Talk to you when I get back from the Med... Enjoy your boring life, dude!
(Whew! That actually felt good!)
(Tonight my salute goes out to doucebag of the day.... ((da da da daaaaaaa)) Andy the No-Tam22!)
The Next Offshore Adventure.
We've just signed up for my favorite regatta of the year... Heading to Beaver Island is definitely a highlight of the summer, and it's always fun to sail there with all friends...
Monday, June 25, 2007
Submarine Newport!
I was of the notion that golden retrievers knew how to swim from birth? When Newport came into my life I couldn't wait until she was strong enough to take to the beach... All the goldens that I have ever been around love to jump of the dock and fetch sticks or the tossed tennis ball... Being a water dog and being named after the sailing capital of the United States--I have envisioned the day that she would follow me to the beach and swim, like the other goldens do.
Man, I sure have been robbed of my dream... Recently Newport and I strolled after 'doggy daycare' to east bay... She immediately ran after rocks that I threw out into the water... She ran and played and chased the waves...
On leaving the east bay beach... I decieded to walk to the end of the dock for one last look at the water on such a lovely day... Newport was drying out and seemed happy as a clam...
Until..
While walking out the dock, I happened to kick a group of rocks off the end of the dock. Newport immediatly chased them--right off the end of the dock...
Now this is where I feel robbed.. Instead of Newport kicking her paws for dear life, just floated off the end of the dock, submerged about 6", and not moving one bit.
Time stopped... 1 second.... 2 seconds... I looked for a rock to toss at her to get some form of response. 4 seconds... 5 seconds... At this point I was ready to jump.... 6 seconds... 7 seconds...
Finally, Newport started struggling to get her head above water... She attempted a gulp of air which all she attained was water.... Gagging she started sinking again...
By this time, a small armada had arrived to see what was happening... As I grasped for her from the dock , all were shocked when they saw what was surfacing...
A golden retriever who couldn't swim?
Although it terrified me, I take Newport to the beach daily... You'll be happy to know, she is now at least attempting to look like she's swimming... What this equates to is bouncing on her hind legs while fiercly splashing with her front paws. (quite comical to watch, especially when she gets quite deep.... it's like she's riding an underwater pogo stick...)
So, hopefully we'll get it... But in the mean time... any suggestions?
Man, I sure have been robbed of my dream... Recently Newport and I strolled after 'doggy daycare' to east bay... She immediately ran after rocks that I threw out into the water... She ran and played and chased the waves...
On leaving the east bay beach... I decieded to walk to the end of the dock for one last look at the water on such a lovely day... Newport was drying out and seemed happy as a clam...
Until..
While walking out the dock, I happened to kick a group of rocks off the end of the dock. Newport immediatly chased them--right off the end of the dock...
Now this is where I feel robbed.. Instead of Newport kicking her paws for dear life, just floated off the end of the dock, submerged about 6", and not moving one bit.
Time stopped... 1 second.... 2 seconds... I looked for a rock to toss at her to get some form of response. 4 seconds... 5 seconds... At this point I was ready to jump.... 6 seconds... 7 seconds...
Finally, Newport started struggling to get her head above water... She attempted a gulp of air which all she attained was water.... Gagging she started sinking again...
By this time, a small armada had arrived to see what was happening... As I grasped for her from the dock , all were shocked when they saw what was surfacing...
A golden retriever who couldn't swim?
Although it terrified me, I take Newport to the beach daily... You'll be happy to know, she is now at least attempting to look like she's swimming... What this equates to is bouncing on her hind legs while fiercly splashing with her front paws. (quite comical to watch, especially when she gets quite deep.... it's like she's riding an underwater pogo stick...)
So, hopefully we'll get it... But in the mean time... any suggestions?
UPDATES COMING!
I know, I know... I've been slacking while the transition to the new loft has been taking place. Lots and lots have been going on and can't wait to tell you all about the trials and tribulations going on.
Please keep checking... You won't want to miss...
Please keep checking... You won't want to miss...
Friday, June 15, 2007
10..3...2...1... Blast off!
Today was the last day I'll ever drive to 10321 for any work function... Although excited that the pressure of maintaining two addresses is over, I started to get a little emotional as we shut the doors for the last time.
I've been traveling from downtown to 10321 for 10 years now... I experienced 10321 as a summer job, which blossomed to a career. I've met my bestfriends from 10321, was able to purchase a house because of 10321, and have had some of my most stressful times because of 10321.
I celebrated 9 birthdays at 10321, including the month of "joe" (aka: 23 on the 23). I've started and ended about the same number of relationships...
Shutting the doors for the last time today was difficult. The building is nothing but an empty core, ready for it's next owner to spend some more love. I hope they do.
I'm really going to miss 10321, but look forward to what lies ahead at 1576.
I'm attaching the only two pictures that I have of 10321. One of a blizzard in early october taken from my old desk... And the other shows some of the fun we had growing up and working at 10321.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tonight...
I finally fell back in love with sailing with my friends.... Having been ever so absent the last couple of months from my "cheerleading" obligations with our sailing team, I feel like I've just gotten it all back... I don't know if it's just that today feels like summer for the first time, or if tonight's race on the 33 was really fun, but I'm back with a new enthusiasm that I had unfortunately lost...
Monday, June 11, 2007
Ridgetop Farms.
So, it's one of the warmest days of the summer so-far... We've been working our butts off trying to get this move done, and luckily to say were almost there. So what does a guy do after a stressful hot day?
He goes hay-bailing....
Two people that I love dearly have a farm on one of the most beautiful ridgetops in Leelanau County... For those of you not familiar with Leelanau County, do a quick google of it and experience it's beauty.
I've been bailing hay with Bill for a couple of years now... Back in the day that I had my sportscar, Bill made me a deal that in return for my work bailing hay, that he would give me this old blue minivan... I agreed...
I think that by now my due is paid up on the minivan, but I like going out to bail hay.. Sure, it's messy and hot and makes my skin itch... But there is some family ritual to it.
You see, Bill and Betsy are family to me.. In fact, I would say that everyone who know's Bill and Betsy feel the same way...
So, althought it's been a stressful, long, day... I'm bringing Newport to the farm and am going to spend some time with the fam. No better way to relax.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Pressure Cooker
We're well into the move to the new office, while continueing production at both locations.... Getting a tad bit stressful to everyone... Fuses are very short at the moment, and there seems to be no concise plan of exit strategy here other than pack your own shit and go...
No wonder everyone is bitching at everyone. Hopefully we'll make it through sanely.
No wonder everyone is bitching at everyone. Hopefully we'll make it through sanely.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Martini Tuesday...
YE Haw.. My favorite night of the week... Martini Tuesday... Beacon Lounge... Top of the Park... Downtown Contempo Casual.
!Palabra, a su madre!
Ok... Ok. Here it is... Wip, I'm finally telling everyone...
My trip to Spain has been cancelled... As it often does, in my line of work, plans have changed...
You see, we are in the middle of moving from our lowly, cramped, dirty, un-codeworthy office into a very large, state of the art, comfortable office. This project has been going on throughout this past year, and has been quite a large focus... It's been quite the education; if you've never built a building from the ground up, be prepared for some snags along the way. One mainly, being overages and delays...
My boss has been pretty amazing through this process. Besides doing his job and working on restructuring our company from the ground up, he has taken the roll of being the project foreman... And he's done an amazing job.
With so many responsibilities on his shoulders, he's delegated a couple to his trusty support staff... Mainly Nate and I. It's been very cool being courted by companies that want you to buy from them! We've set the contracts with the new telephone and paging systems, trash, internet, and furniture... Pretty fun stuff... Or is it...
Here come the lessons from building a new office... Delays... For the past 3 months I have had the pleasure of calling ATT. (Ho hum) We pretty much have a set meeting... You see, we need to keep our phone number the same... But unfortunately aren't able to have dual service at both locations while we move... The dilemma... Finding a date to switch the phones over...
Now I know that sounds pretty easy... But believe me, I am finding the stress in it... Looking at my wall calendar, I started my ongoing relationship with the phone lady in march.... Calling nearly everyweek as the building move in date dragged out...
Our current date is June 13.... Just one week away... I haven't called to change it? Do you think I'll have to?
So... what does this have to do with Spain? Thanks.. I often get sidetracked..
I was to leave for Spain in 2 days... Right in the middle of the move... Right in the middle of our busiest time of the year... Trying to get everything done to be gone for 10 days in the middle of our current situation seemed impossible... Which it seems to have become...
Luckily, the trip was cancelled, and I can concentrate on having a successful move... But, in a nutshell--that's why I'm relieved not to go to Spain.
My trip to Spain has been cancelled... As it often does, in my line of work, plans have changed...
You see, we are in the middle of moving from our lowly, cramped, dirty, un-codeworthy office into a very large, state of the art, comfortable office. This project has been going on throughout this past year, and has been quite a large focus... It's been quite the education; if you've never built a building from the ground up, be prepared for some snags along the way. One mainly, being overages and delays...
My boss has been pretty amazing through this process. Besides doing his job and working on restructuring our company from the ground up, he has taken the roll of being the project foreman... And he's done an amazing job.
With so many responsibilities on his shoulders, he's delegated a couple to his trusty support staff... Mainly Nate and I. It's been very cool being courted by companies that want you to buy from them! We've set the contracts with the new telephone and paging systems, trash, internet, and furniture... Pretty fun stuff... Or is it...
Here come the lessons from building a new office... Delays... For the past 3 months I have had the pleasure of calling ATT. (Ho hum) We pretty much have a set meeting... You see, we need to keep our phone number the same... But unfortunately aren't able to have dual service at both locations while we move... The dilemma... Finding a date to switch the phones over...
Now I know that sounds pretty easy... But believe me, I am finding the stress in it... Looking at my wall calendar, I started my ongoing relationship with the phone lady in march.... Calling nearly everyweek as the building move in date dragged out...
Our current date is June 13.... Just one week away... I haven't called to change it? Do you think I'll have to?
So... what does this have to do with Spain? Thanks.. I often get sidetracked..
I was to leave for Spain in 2 days... Right in the middle of the move... Right in the middle of our busiest time of the year... Trying to get everything done to be gone for 10 days in the middle of our current situation seemed impossible... Which it seems to have become...
Luckily, the trip was cancelled, and I can concentrate on having a successful move... But, in a nutshell--that's why I'm relieved not to go to Spain.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Finally...
Today Nate and I started packing our offices up and the first shipment has been successfully moved to the new loft.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Quick Shout out of Gratitude.
After being away for a weekend on the J-33 sailing... I wanted to give a quick shout out to a couple of people in my life who make things a little bit easier....
Connie and Sue... Newport and I thank you. I never had to worry that my little "hunny baby" was taken care of.. Plus, I love coming home and getting the best receptions from you.
Mom... Again, Newport and I thank you... I loved coming home and seeing you playing with Newie in the back yard while you were doing your word search... I love that "we" are rebuilding a family, and don't worry, we'll get the "holiday family" time thing down.
Christian... Being my roommate has been one of the best things lately... Not only are you a great roommate, but you are a wonderful friend.
Wip... Thanks for always supplying us with a great time... You spend countless hours working so that we can have the best of the best and most prepared vessel.
Lib.... Man, those sammies were unbelieveable...
Reed... Thanks man for the use of the glasses... And Prada even... Can you believe how shiny that fog was?
Your help this weekend made everything that much more fun.
Connie and Sue... Newport and I thank you. I never had to worry that my little "hunny baby" was taken care of.. Plus, I love coming home and getting the best receptions from you.
Mom... Again, Newport and I thank you... I loved coming home and seeing you playing with Newie in the back yard while you were doing your word search... I love that "we" are rebuilding a family, and don't worry, we'll get the "holiday family" time thing down.
Christian... Being my roommate has been one of the best things lately... Not only are you a great roommate, but you are a wonderful friend.
Wip... Thanks for always supplying us with a great time... You spend countless hours working so that we can have the best of the best and most prepared vessel.
Lib.... Man, those sammies were unbelieveable...
Reed... Thanks man for the use of the glasses... And Prada even... Can you believe how shiny that fog was?
Your help this weekend made everything that much more fun.
Friday, June 1, 2007
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