It’s not my scheduled day but I’m covering a tour for a brother which has me riding down at “The Big Show” on A-shift today. Engine 1, Ladder 1, Medic 1, Battalion 1 and RS1 are housed here along with of Chief’s administrative offices which are located on the 3rd floor. There was a time in my career that I could say that I’ve worked at least a shift in every station in the city. I can’t say that anymore. This will be the first night I’ve spent in this house and I have yet to stay in the new #5. This house is another station established from the closing of 2 high profile and busy houses. Old #1 (now called “Historic 1) and old #3. I made Captain at old #3 and Dad retired from #1. Here are the pics..
Now, I know what some of you are thinking.. I work at the “new” #3 … so how was the “old #3 closed to form the new #1. Well, yes, my station is #3 but it took the place of the Airport station (#10). When Old #3 was closed, the Engine and Medic went to join the Ladder company and Battalion from old #1 to form the new #1. Confusing??? You should try working here LOL. Anyway, I’m here tonight and working with some old friends. Most notable is probably Roger “shit bird” Guilliams. Roger has been on Ladder #1 A-shift for 100 or so years now so we worked plenty together from my days at Old #3. I’m doing a little Truck work today and Roger is my wheel man. Here he is in action..
Now usually, this company runs a 100′ Tiller truck (hook and ladder) and I have to agree with Captain Schmoe, if you’re gotta ride a ladder, A tiller is the way to go and driving the tiller is without a doubt the best seat in the house. Unfortunately, the Tiller (the only one left in the city) is in the shop…BROKEN. So, we are riding the “Beast”. A 121 rear mount Gruman. 
Big, bulky and SLOW…real slow but hey, we actually made it to a call earlier today. A stove fire out on arrival that needed a little ventilation and utility control.. just look at Guilliams dancing around the rig..
A few runs with nothing eventful or blog worthy. We were able to attend Chief Slayton’s retirement party held at our Union Hall. Bobby worked almost 44 years and had been a Battalion Chief for 25 of em! There was a great turnout of young and “older” faces at the party. Here’s a few old “Jakes” chewing the fat…
(Left to right…all retired Captain Carl Epperly, Captain Ed Watts, Captain Gerry “Big Daddy” Sullivan and Battalion Chief Jim Patton) I can’t count high enough to tell ya the years of service and experience sitting right there. Here’s another shot of some of the group in attendance..
Captains Trussler and Flora along with Lt. Hylton organized the event which turned out to be a huge success. Foutz worked up about 60 or so chicken on his mobile kitchen …. beans, slaw, chips, cake and plenty of cold beverages made for a heck of a spread. Lt. Hylton opened the remarks with a quote (that I can’t remember word for word) concerning beginnings and endings. Captain Trussler presented Chief with a beautiful bugle then Captain Flora presented the refurbished grates from the fire place at Station #9 (where Bobby spent a lot of time). Needless to say, (as evidenced by his years of service) Chief Slayton is passionate about the job and did his best to hold back the tears. But, just like he said; it’s impossible to spend this much time with so many good people and form the bonds we do and not be emotional about it…
Chief was a little nervous when my dad offered to tell a few stories from back in the days that he drove Bobby… LMAO… maybe they should wait a few more years before telling some of those adventures. Here’s a shot of Bobby and Pop…
Congratulations and good luck again Chief.. you have EARNED it. Ok, so I think I’m gonna wrap it for tonight.. It looks like I’m working again tomorrow and then my regular tour on Monday… YEA.. 72 hrs straight.. WooooHoooo (what was I thinking???) Anyhow, I’ll try to get a post or two up while working. Until I do or can, stay safe and in house..
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First off, I need to say that my / our thoughts and prayers go out to several folks this week / today. We have had some family members of our brothers pass this week. 1st Lt. Riddle from down at “The Deuce” lost his brother this past week. I haven’t spoke with Brian since his passing but hope he knows he has been in my thoughts. Brian and I are old old friends going back as far as Roanoke EMS (pre-pre merger days). If you need anything at all Brian, don’t hesitate to call.. you know I’ll be there. One time B-shift “Melrose Misfit”, and then Captain of A-shift Hippie Hotel (here..station #3) to now A-shift Battalion Chief James Firebaugh lost his father this week. James is also a long time personal and family friend. A little like myself, James farms and runs an excavating company on his days off. I say a “little” like myself because James runs a pretty successful farm (mine seems to be more like his excavating company…digging a hole). James’ sister, her husband and children live across the street from my dad so I’ve gotten to hear plenty of stories about “uncle James” and their adventures. The funeral was today and we were not able to attend but I’m sure James knows he and his entire family are in our thoughts and prayers as well. Again James.. I’m just a phone call away.. ANYTHING.. hay field, feeding or just someone to talk to or that will listen. We also lost 2 vol. firefighters in Rocky Mount this evening. The engine apparently swerved to miss a vehicle while responding to a fire. The engine rolled multiple times, (at least twice) killing the only 2 members on board. I know the names but like others reporting will not release them until the family has been notified. Rhett has some coverage and links over at VA Fire News and STATTER has a report as well.. Again, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rocky Mount Vol. Fire Department and all the friends and family of the 2 firefighters.
Ok, moving on… I made an early post last day busting a few balls of some folks up in Baltimore at the 2010 Firehouse Expo. I was calling it “Blog Camp” because Rhett was up there doing his “talking on the not REALLY radio” thing (firefighter Netcast) as well as covering the event for any one or all of this 1,000 Blogs / web sites. Well, it sounds like once again he’s brought shame and embarrassment to our company. He spent who knows how many days up there MOOCHING off poor old retired Dave Statter. He continuously harassed FireGeezer to the point that Bill was passing out his coffee mugs for free just to have someone else to talk too. I hear rumors of a couple bed wetting incidents and understand he was sent home early for eating the crayons at one of the arts and crafts exhibits. Several pictures were taken but many weren’t published because of the fact that the photographer / publisher thought that Rhett was actually an under age kid and didn’t have consent from his parents for publishing. Little did they know that Rhett has been in the fire service now for ohhhh… 100 years or so. He avoids “5 o’clock shadow” by waxing and keeps his boyish looking face by the application of daily protein masks. Here’s a shot from back in 1978 and it looks almost just like him today..
LOL.. he knows I’m just kidding and honestly it sounds like they had a BLAST. I understand (from all I’ve read) that the Expo was a huge success. Here’s a Paul Combs cartoon that kinda sums it up…
I even got a little extra coverage from the ball busting. Dave Statter sent me a PERSONAL e-mail AND.. AND took the time to not only read but comment on my little Blog here. The Fire Geezer also took the time to read and even allowed my site to grace his pages. Anyhow, it was fun fretting them up there from way down here and the little bit of back and forth we had. Who knows..maybe one day they’ll invite me to one of their little “Blog Club” meetings / get together.
I was gonna make a “regular” post later that evening but the honest answer is that we had a long day and I just wasn’t feeling “PERKY” enough. For a quick update though, we did catch a small job late that night / early the next morning. A small basement fire that Coon snuffed out rather quickly. No injuries, 5 people displaced and solid work by all companies on scene. Here are a few pics after the fact..
The Engine got ZERO…NILL…NOTTA.. sleep last day and the Medic took just as bad a beating. Today has been pretty busy as well. Ever heard firemen talking of one another and saying “I’d follow that guy to Hell with a garden hose”?.. 
There ya go..LIVING PROOF! That’s my little “Pee-Wee” out there “doing it”. He and Coon arrived first on the Gut Wagon and little Pee-Wee went to work. Coon is out of the frame (that’s photography talk..aint it Schmoe) because he’s establishing command and formulating his strategy to get to the “head” (brush fire talk..for all you non-County or Report on Conditions types). Just look at him (Pee-Wee).. notice how he positioned his body between the raging mulch fire and a civilian! Unselfish sacrifice! DOING IT.. all alone and with nothing but a garden hose. That’s my boy! LOL… So, we had that inferno then hauled a little lumber. Yea… hauled lumber. What else would we use that “almost a ladder” looking thingy atop our Engine for??
You see, out here in “never never land” we’re like step children or the younger brother. We get all the “hand me downs”. And, because they shut down stations #5 and #9, we were lucky enough to get one of their storage sheds. Now, A-shift (on the day Rhett was off to Blog Camp and I pulled the tour) prepped the site. Landscape timbers staked to the ground, fabric and hand spread gravel. B-shift helped “set” the building and get her leveled up. And today, we (C-shift) got the material and built a new ramp for her. Here are the boys at work… wood butchers!
Notice Coon in command again…LOL. We had to build a new ramp because the one that came with the building had a 6 inch lip. If our riding lawn mower worked, theres no way we could have drove it up onto the ramp and into the building. 
Now, I know what you’re thinking but, DONT PANIC. Part of being a “Green” station means that we also recycle. So YES, I have a plan and NO the old ramp will not be wasted. I have given the boys a strict DIRECT ORDER to stop placing our gallon milk jugs in the recycle container. We will keep them aside and separate, then place them under the old ramp to be used as flotation devices. We will then move the unit out to our “retention pond” aka mosquito brothel.. and use it as a floating dock… BRILLIANT!! LMAO..we’ll be fishing and tanning by next cycle. All kidding aside, all 3 shifts have worked hard to get the (much needed) building in here and it does make a nice addition. Back to last day for a moment… we had several visitors but one we (I) haven’t seen in a while. Retired Battalion (the called “District”) Chief James Patton stopped in. I had the honor and privilege to drive Chief Patton for many years as a Private at Station #2A. The station assignment itself (considering the crew) was some of my most memorable years but without a doubt, driving Patton was one of the highlights of my career. We ran a lot of fire together.. both sides of the track. IMS was not used as it is today so whenever we got on scene, instead of needing my help with running a command board etc.. he’d just say to me.. “get in there and put the damn thing out”! Yea..yea.. today we’d call it “free lancing” but that’s just how it was done back then… right or wrong. I will say that by running all those fires and getting in with just about every company / officer on the shift, I learned a TON. I got my first “grab” with Chief Patton. We were first in on the Command car with reports for a man trapped in the basement. I was able to get in, find him and get him back to the door. There, (without a coat or mask) the Chief came in to help me get the victim out into the yard. He passed away the following day up at UVA burn center but you never forget em. Anyway, Chief stayed a while, spun a few old tales and really seemed to enjoy the visit. I miss him and those days still…. here we are.
Jumping back to today and our lumber hauling. While out shopping we ran into several of our brothers. I posted the other day about Ladder 5 and their new lettering “War Pipe“. I mentioned that the Engine had “War Wagon” (the name I’ve called her since our days back at #9 as Melrose Misfits) but didn’t post a pic. Well, today I got the shot. Here’s one of the “War Wagon” (now E5) and another of Todd “Boots” Harris giving us the “what for” from “Lucky 13″.
Ok, I’m gonna try to wind it down here and save a little for next day. I need to try and get a little rest tonight before another long day in the fields tomorrow. And speaking of the farm.. YES.. I am getting the comments on the “farm hands” and no I’m not gonna post em ..LOL I’ve already told ya that you’re all SICK. I’m appauled at what some of you have said / implied. I will say that I’ve found somewhat of another advantage to having the gals on the crew. Now, every Tom, Dick and Hary volunteer to work for me. That’s the good news. The bad news is that they are nowhere near as easy to look at. Check out these two bums that came out on Friday..
See?? All they asked all morning is “when are the farm hands getting here”? LOL.. For those who don’t follow regular or know, those two “jack legs” are Opie and Brandon Sheppard (from Roanoke County). All kidding aside, these two are TOP NOTCH hands on the farm. They can handle any of and all the equipment regaurdless of the attachment and I don’t have to worry about em. Neither has busted a window yet..knock on wood. Thanks for the help guys.. you were life savers!
Ok, that’s enough and way too much for tonight. We are back on Wednesday, until then stay safe and in house… I hope we do.
Captain Wines
I mentioned in my last post that Rhett was off to “Blog Camp”. I’ve gotten a few comments concerning his trip and even received an update from none other than Dave Statter himself! (WOW… Statter sent ME an e-mail)… Here’s what he said..
This is to inform you that Rhett is adjusting well to camp life. He is enthusiastic and participates in all activities.
Rhett has learned to make his own bed (but there is still the bed wetting issue) and does his cabin cleaning chores well.
He could use help on the working well with others department and does still cry when he doesn’t get his way.
I think camp will be good for Rhett and will help him mature.
We should inform you of an error that was made as camp started. Due to his physical stature we accidentally placed Rhett in a cabin with the youngest campers. We apologize for the mistake and have notified the parents of the other campers who may have felt threatened.
For more complete report check here: http://statter911.com/2010/07/23/dave-rhett-survived-day-1-come-referee-at-the-firegeezerstatter911-booth-in-baltimore-and-some-serious-business/
Dave Statter
Cabin 1
LMAO.. That’s good stuff! I bet they’re having a ball! I can see Stater and Fire Geezer now trying to teach Rhett “the ropes”. They may as well jump out the window of what ever floor of the hotel they’re staying in… I can see it now..
FIREGEEZER: So there we were. We had just finished shining the brass and feeding the horses. We had gathered by the radio for some Amos and Andy and maybe a quick game of Blind Mans Bluff or marbles.
That’s when it happened. A neighbor came running in saying that there was a house on fire just blocks away. We sprang to our feet, slid the pole and began to hitch the team.
When we got there, it was engulfed in flame. But, in those days; we knew our job. We didn’t need fancy or high tech equipment. We had “wooden ladders and iron firemen” and didn’t mind going to work! I’ll tell ya there you little whipper snapper… I’ve never seen a bucket brigade work so smoothly.
(Then, of course; he’d go into a 30 minute rant explaining to Rhett exactly what a bucket brigade was as well as the various sizes and type of fire buckets)
FIRE GEEZER continues: Oh you shoulda seen it Dave
STATTER: What do you mean SHOULD have old timer? I was THERE! As a matter of fact, not only was I the first reporter on scene, I made history with my coverage.
STATTER continues: I got the first live action shots with my brand new (state of the art) 4 lens Tintype camera
STATTER: Those shots were the first of their kind. Never before in history had mobile or aeriel reporting been done. The logistics alone kept most average reporters at bay. It’s not easy launching a blimp at a moments notice..
STATTER continues: And we didn’t have all this “texting”, “churping” “Picture booking” or electronic day room stuff back then. No “thumb typing” in those days.
Rhett then interrupts as the two old salts Statter and Geezer continue to unfold the story..
RHETT: (spoken with his pitiful child like lisp) Ummmm guys…guys these old stories and history stuff is ok but there’s nothing in it about me. Don’t you know any stories from a fire that I was on? I’ve been on 2 you know! I’ve wrote a book, run a gazillion web sites and can text a million words per minute on my blueberry.
RHETT continues: You old guys are really starting to bore me… I need my nap. Anybody seen my Fire Geezer sippy cup?
LMAO!!! I feel sorry for John Mitchell and Mike Ward ….
Well.. kinda. I’m working on A-shift today. Rhett REALLY REALLY wanted to go to “Blog Camp” this year and needed a day off so I stepped up to the plate. I understand they will have live exhibits on typing, multi tasking, media uploads etc. Vendors will have the newest crayon colors on display as well as many other art and crafts materials. I bet he’s having a BLAST! I honestly don’t know how they’ll fit it all under one roof. LOL … ok, ok he’s actually up at the Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Md. and no kidding I wish I were there with him. My understanding is that he will again share a booth with some real and famous “bloggers” such as Fire Geezer and Dave Stater. Here’s a link to the Expo Site. I think he may even do some live broadcasts for BlogTalk Radio.. anyway, he’s there and I’m here. That puts 2 Captains in the house today. Well, Captain Craft aka “Big Mac” decided he’d drive and I’d ride the seat. Scary??? Not near as much as if I had drove … LOL. So thanks to Big Mac for keeping me in my “comfort zone” today, the guys have taken very good care of me. Here’s a shot of Big Mac running the tires off her… 
That green blur outside his window is trees… YEA.. we had to be doing what?? 35-40mph!! WoooHooo We have caught a few runs today. The most excitement was an electrical fire at a local middle school. Dispatch misunderstood me and marked it a “working fire” but we soon located the source and made it a “can handle” for the initial compliment.
Snakes, electricity, and hookers with an Adam’s apples……. I DON’T FOOL WITH EM!! LOL We did get to see our Brothers from over at the New #5 a few times today. Seems as though they have made some new decals for their rigs. The Engine now has “War Wagon” on the windshield while the Ladder reads “War Pipe”. 
War Pipe??? Come on guys.. we are Nationally Accredited! Did your Captains not brief you on the discussions of the last Captain’s meeting?? We are a kinder .. gentler Fire Department. War?? Can’t we all just get along? Maybe you guys just dont understand the dynamics of today’s fire department… Now take us for example.. 3 engine.. we’re lovers..not fighters..
See???? “Peace Pipe” …. doesn’t that project a better image?? LOL No kidding guys, the lettering looks GREAT. Apparently special “logos” / decals etc are becoming more popular within the Department. I caught a shot of Ladder 7′s new logo on their rig the other day while at training… they also have shirts with the same logo..
(Hope my sponsors.. Evan Williams and old Milwalkee dont see that Jack logo on here..lol) Personally, I like to see items such as rig decals, tables, company shirts etc. I think it helps build morale and bonds a company together. And I’ll tell ya, with the way members are shuffled from station to station and shift to shift around here, we need all the help with morale and company building we can get.
Ok, as for the deleted post… I assume you have all read the comments. I pulled the trigger a little too soon and let a cat out of the bag that was supposed to stay in there for a little longer …
Damn cats! Anyhow, he asked and I took it down..(it was funny as hell though). As for our (C-shift’s) last day of the cycle post .. I got lazy.. that plus of Internet here SUCKS. And, like I’ve been telling yall.. this is my busy time on the farm… HAY..HAY…HAY..then throw in a few cows.. and MORE HAY.
The farm work plus working on paint, hardwood floors etc at the house. I’m having to pack up all my …ummmmmm…errrrrr stuff..yea..stuff and have decided to try to sell a lot of it. For those of you who have visited or seen the “Command Center”, you know that over my and Dad’s careers I have collected a TON of Fire memorabilia. It’s about half and half Roanoke specific and just Fire Department in general. Old badges (even a Squad 1), Rules and Regs from the 1930′s, extinguishers, over 40 FDNY Code 3 trucks (including the Battalion 44 set) from pre September 11th, Top Jake dolls and the entire GI Joe Firefighter collection. Old clippings, bells, ticker tape machines, fire alarm boxes, an old Chemox , a MSA canister mask and tons and tons more. I want to lay it all out again some where and take pics in order to post them up for sale..either here..that “Craig” guys page, Ebay or who knows where. Here is a little sampler from packing up..
I have a few pretty valuable items but I’m thinking it’s gonna be an “all or nothing” type deal..I’ll have to see. Anyway, that’s gonna wrap it up for tonight. Back to the fields tomorrow and then here again on Saturday to begin C-shift’s cycle. There are a few other things I wanted to hit on tonight but will wait until Saturday for full details. It looks as if Collective Bargaining is gonna pass and will soon be headed our way. Rhett posted an article on one of his sites here and I will hit on it Saturday as well. That and so much more…LOL sitting on the edge of your seats right??? Anyway, until then, stay safe and in house.
Captain Wines
The previous post was removed …. we are back on Monday, see ya then. Stay safe and in house.
Captain Wines
Ok folks.. it’s our first day back and I have a lot to cover tonight. It’s kinda going to be like a roller coaster because I have both good and sad to cover. First off, it’s taken a while for it to get out but we (Roanoke Firefighters), the State and Nation have lost a GREAT Union activist / leader, mentor and friend. D. Duane Dixon passed away last week (7-10-10) in Fort Myers Fla. I don’t even know where to begin. Duane has done so much for Firefighters across this great Nation. He worked for the Roanoke Fire Department for 25 years before retiring as Lieutenant in 1988. He served as President of our local (L1132) as well as Secretary treasurer. He served as Secretary Treasurer of the VPFF for 30 years. He went on to be elected President Emeritus for L1132 and Secretary Treasurer Emeritus for the VPFF. Today, he remains the only Emeritus Officer in the history of the VPFF! He has a collage scholarship fund in his name through the VPFF. My oldest daughter Randi-Jo had the honor of receiving that scholarship in 2003. I have made many Union trips along side Duane and can tell you first hand of his dedication to our efforts. He was well known for his efforts not just here but across the country. I can remember people waiting in line to come up and speak with Duane on many issues. I mentioned he worked here for 25 yrs many of which was at Station #3 (the old #3 of course). The house behind the station was gone when I was assigned there in 2000 but I remember the stories vividly 
I’ll say that I am proud to have served and worked with with Duane on Firefighter issues and will keep fresh the memories of our travels … he was a BLAST when the days work was done. He taught me that there’s more firefighting done behind the doors on Capital Hill than behind a nozzle. Often times when I think of him, I remember back to when he not only had hair; but a pony tail. Yea.. he had a pony tail and wore it in STYLE. I know I have a pic of us together when he had it but due to all the packing etc at my house, I cant get my hands on it right now. So, for the time being, I’ll steal a few pics from Rhett’s site over at Vafirenews.com . Check out the link because as always, Rhett has a really nice article about Duane. Here are the pics… first his Department photo and then one of him at IAFF Convention. 
A celebration of Duane’s life is being held in Fort Myers this Sunday but plans are also in the works for another “service” (if you will) here in Roanoke. I’ll get the date, details etc out as soon as they are confirmed. Moving on, it’s been another busy one here in “never never” land. We’ve done everything from bee killing to turnout gears inspections to calls. Yea..bee killing. At the fuel pumps we discovered a nest of yellow jackets inside where the nozzle hangs. YEA!! A BIG nest too… maybe ohhh a million! (LOL) Ok so maybe not a million but I’d rather fight 10 men than get stung by just 1 yellow jacket.. where’s big Phil Chitwood when ya need him? The good news is that the garage had “a guy” and they found him some bee spray.. 
Now I know that in the top pic you can only see 3 of em but TRUST ME.. there was at least 20-25 and we were fighting for our lives! I never knew Coon could run so fast (LOL). The TOG inspection and our runs today have been routine.. nothing special to report or no amazing pics. I did get some great video footage of the boys from #3 B-shift fretting “mini-me” over at station #5 yesterday though… Mentos in a diet coke… we’ve all seen it a thousand times yet it remains funny everytime you see it…check it out..
http://www.youtube.com/get_playerWe also had a special visitor this evening. Our old Buddy Officer Combs from our Station #9 days has finally found us… Combs came by to share a cold drink (and NO.. we did NOT play the Mentos joke on him…he carries a gun and pepper spray) a few laughs and some stories before having to get back to the grind.. 
Not much else to report on firehouse wise. I will say that I have been getting all the comments as to my farm help but have chosen NOT to publish them.. Hummmm… I wonder why? Dirty ol Firemen! Some of you guys are just SICK…. SICK I tell ya! Lol. The truth is.. it’s all a business ploy. Yea… use young, attractive women on the farm is good for business.. (bad for my health but good for business). You see, word travels fast in a small community so… everyone either A.) wants to hire me to cut / harvest their hay or B.) purchase their hay from me and pay extra for delivery so they can see the crew first hand. See??? It’s a win / win for me. The works rolling in and I have the best looking farm help in the valley. Here’s a shot of my newest help (Jess) helping get up cows yesterday morning… 
I know … I know… this farming stuff is rough but hey… if it was easy, everyone would do it 
Oh yea, I’m also working on some new stuff for the blog. I have a few pics I want to share with you but don’t want to just throw em out there. I got a new program for jigsaw puzzles where hopefully, I can let out a “piece” of the picture / puzzle at a time. I haven’t figured out all the details yet like if the puzzle can / will be build on the site or not. I may have it so you request (or maybe somehow “win”) the pieces and put them together through your e-mail on your computer. A few decisions need to be made and some small details worked out but TRUST me.. you’ll want to see the pics. Ok, so I’m gonna wrap it up for tonight. We’re back Saturday and Monday. Until then, stay safe and in the house! Captain Wines
I know, I know! So I haven’t posted in a while AGAIN. I told you folks I have a lot going on right now and reminded you that past all this personal stuff, this is my busy time of year on the farm. It’s not that I don’t want to post because I do. Believe it or not, I’ve grown to enjoy “blogging” and know you folks enjoy keeping up with what we are into. The post lately have been more about me than station life because 1.) I’ve been off a lot and 2.) you can only post so much about cleaning, cooking and running EMS calls. That said, believe me… I haven’t been slacking.. I’ve been a busy little bee
Ahhh wait.. I can find and you guys deserve a better picture than that…
Now there’s a little bee I’d like to see busy (LOL). But no kidding.. work work work.. busy as a beaver..
I’m sorry guys.. again I can do better…
LOL made ya nervous with the better “beaver” pic huh? But seriously.. I’ve been as busy as a one legged man in a butt kicking contest..
Or how about as busy as a one legged stripper???? 
Well, I’m not sure if that’s busy or talent but anyways, you get the picture..I’ve been busy. The good news is that I’ve learned alot along the way and plan to share these lessons in future posts. What kind of thing you may ask?? Kayaks. They come in all sizes, colors etc…. TONS of em.
Now what I didn’t realize is that choosing a size is NOTHING like choosing ski size. Apparently, longer is not always better. Longer skis allow you to go faster and have more maneuverability. Kayaks..NOT SO MUCH. You see, they are longer to accommodate heavier people. They displace more water that way and how deep your kayak sits in the water has EVERYTHING to do with stability. SO… if you only weigh 132lbs. (yea..I’m up to my fighting weight) then you don’t weigh enough to sit a 15′ kayak low enough to be stable. The result??? You and all your stuff get wet. Hummm. BUT … should you listen more closely to those who know a little about this kayak / boat stuff and get the right size.. then a float down the river can be quite relaxing..
There are not many better places to be on a hot summer’s day. Well…. that is unless the river of your choice has some rapids. Big rapids. Oh and LOTS of em too. THEN the best place to be is sitting on a rock by said river…lol
Now I’ve also learned that at some of these fancy beach resorts you can find / rent transparent Kayaks / boats / canoes …. thinking maybe I’ll take a little trip and try on out..
Looks pretty fun huh??? Boat doesn’t look bad either (lol). AND, while I’m on a water theme.. I’ve also learned that those little seats with the backs on em that you strap onto your canoe seat is WELL WORTH the money..
OMG what a difference they make on a day trip. They also make these fancy paddles with funny little grips that are WAY easier on you paws… damn river Gypsy’s and there secrets…LOL
I’ve learned that I like the smell of salt water and the feel of OBX sand between my toes more than a snoot full of hay dust and chaff down your jeans
I’ve learned that my boots look a whole lot better by Clark’s tiki bar than they do in the barn..
I’ve learned that there isn’t a restaraunt in town that can top a meal from Gary’s beach house kitchen…
I know..I know I’m OBX obsessed right now but hey… it’s just because of the pleasures associated with the beach. It’s a SAFETY issue. Yea Safety. This farming and hay making in 100 degree heat is dangerous. You never know what you’re gonna run into..
See?? This year has been the worst I’ve seen. The heat and dry conditions are driving the rattle snakes out of the mountains looking for water….. better watch your step.
See???? Maybe for safety’s sake I should just go back to the beach…hummmmm Whats the worst that can happen there?? (better not show those pics..lol) All kidding aside, I will be heading back down in a few weeks but as for now, I am back at work. Today is day 2 and tomorrow we head out for our 4 day break WooooHooo! These last 2 days have almost killed me! I thought you were supposed to ease back into this work thing. We have run our butts off! No fires but a steady flow of runs (we did miss a 3 alarm shed fire with our County brothers last day). Captain’s meetings, clinicals, paper work … just as when I was off… busy busy. We did have some VERY special visitors this morning. None other than Ben “Tyrone” Obaugh and his boys! YEA.. is was like having the old crew back together. The Medic was out of service so we had to send a man to #5 and another to #14. Hats off and THANKS to Joe and Lt. Bradford for stepping up and volunteering to take the transfers so Coon, Opie and I could eat with Tyrone.
It was just like old times less Wheezy and Bugg. Between runs, we got to hear stories of Jill locking the kids in the car, Tyrone breaking Noah’s arm and of when he set an oil fire inside one of our local 4 story downtown buildings. Oh yea.. a multi-company response. I’d have loved to seen the look on Captains Dewhurst and Bedwell’s face when the elevator door opened and there stood Tyrone in his HVAC uniform covered in extinguisher dust… LMAO!! Yep… thats my Tyrone! The details will have to wait cause Im gonna wrap it up for now. It’s off to 4 day break and the hay field tomorrow. We’re back on Thursday and I’ll try to get back to “regular” type postings. Thanks for hanging in here … stay safe and in the house.. see ya soon.
Captain Wines
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