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A needed distraction …

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I’m gonna try getting out again for a little while. I’ll be heading North to attend the Long Island Fire, Rescue and EMS Mega Show on Feb 23rd and 24th. I think it will make for the perfect “distraction” from everything else going on in my life.

I’ll be up there with my MN8 FoxFire family working the booth. I’m not sure what our booth “number” is but we’re never hard to find. We’re the guys with the “glow in the dark” stuff and there’s usually a huge crowd gathered around …. look for us and stop by to say hello if you’re at the show.

I feel like it’s going to be a good trip…. I know it’s a much needed one for me.

As far as the show / booth goes, we’re bringing some new products with us…. our newest actually.

MN8 FoxFire has started making 1 x 3 inch helmet “bars” (as opposed to tetrahedrons) for those of you  not wearing a leather helmet (of course we’ll have plenty of our tetrahedrons available as well).

In true firefighter fashion, the bars have proven to be useful in other applications as well …. be sure to drop by and check em out…. I know you’ll love em!

We’ll have all of our other great products on hand as well …. Helmet Bands, Equipment bands, Grip Wrap, Epoxy, Tee-shirts, hats etc. and I’ll be on hand to give ya a personal demo. If you’re not familiar with our Products, visit our Web Site HERE or find and follow us on Face Book HERE .

We’re also going to have a special guest / visitor in the booth with us this weekend. My little sister, Marci; is gonna make the ride up with me !

EASY fellas…. EASY. Like I said … she’s my SISTER.

I’m not gonna call her a “booth babe” but she will be hanging out at the show with us. Be sure to to say hello and give her a  chance to tell ya how awesome she thinks our product and the entire MN8 FoxFire team is.

We’ll be leaving out first thing in the morning (Thursday) and arriving in Long Island sometime late evening.

Our travel route will take us straight up I-81 from Roanoke to I-78 to I95 and the Lincoln Tunnel (most likely). If you’re on the way and wouldn’t mind a visit, just let me know … we LOVE stopping by and visiting Firehouses when we travel (who knows, you may even make the pages of Ironfiremen.com). Marci and I both will be checking and updating Face Book as we travel so hit us up if you want us to drop by and / or meet up.

Follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book HERE

We’ll be staying at the Sheraton on Motor Parkway in  Hauppauge, Long Island. We’ll be looking for something to “get into” so if you’re close by or have any good suggestions, let us know. I know we’ll head into the City on Friday sometime (or maybe just one evening) but we’re flexable.

I think this trip will be just what I need to get back in the swing of things.

It’s gonna feel good to be back in New York, in my kilt and working. I’m excited! Hell, just being able to wear my kilt will make the trip worth while (of course I’ll wear my kilt ANYWHERE).

Wearing it around the farm draws too much attention (it distracts the cows …LOL). I had the chance to slide back into it down in Florida for 2013 Fire / Rescue East but I really wasn’t “there” yet. This trip feels more “normal” … like it should be.

The only thing that will be missing on this trip will be my “little buddy” …. the “Buckaroo #2″ … aka Rhett Fleitz (The Fire Critic). Yea …. once again, Rhett will be unable to make the trip. He’s afraid the hotels gym wont meet his needs / specs.

I’ve nicknamed him “WTA” (While Tony Atlas).

You see, Rhett’s been on a STRICT diet and workout program lately …. he’s “bulking up”.

He’s been drinking all the “muscle juice” he can find. Eating egg whites laid by a hen with only 3 tail feathers who sits on her nest facing east.

For lunch, the leaf of lettuce in his salads was grown on a glacier at the base of Mount Everest.

For dinner, a single green bean, uncooked and grown in only the purest of soils. 

For desert, he can down a 12 pack of creamy, delicious probiotic Activia yogurt faster than the cookie monster can eat a sleeve of Chips Ahoy. Of course he can “snack” on protein bars and such as long as he just eats the cardboard wrapper they’re contained in.

You see, Rhett in preparing to enter his 1st bikini contest …. no kidding ! A BIKINI CONTEST!

His wife Becky has been training for over a year now to participate in her first fitness / figure / bikini contest. She doesn’t need the training … she’s already HOT (blind … but HOT ..LOL). Well, Rhett decided he’d support her by being be her side in her endeavor … as in RIGHT by her side.

He wrote about it in a post titled  ”THE CHANGE BEGINS – TRAINING AND DIETING FOR A GOAL“ 

In all seriousness, Rhett’s been VERY disciplined in sticking to his diet / workout.

He’s sticking to it and it’s paying off …. HE LOOKS GREAT (although still not as good as Becky).

What he doesn’t realize is that like everything else in his life, he STILL wont surpass Dave Statter!

As hard as Rhett is trying, Dave does double the effort by accident. It just come natural to him and once again, “Fire Boy” is left playing “catch up”.

LMAO …. all kidding aside, Rhett has some family obligations keeping him from making this trip. We have PLENTY more scheduled for 2013 so it wont be long before we’re back on the road, together again.

So, I’ll try to keep ya posted as much as possible throughout the weekend. Once again, if you’re on our route or will be attending the show, be sure to let me know so we can meet up. Until I get back to ya ….

Stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on February 20, 2013 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Smoke, fire, a priest and a 3yr old!

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It’s been a mad house around here!

The weather is unbelievable. It’s 60 degrees one day and blowing snow the next.

All I know is that the Buckaroo and I took full advantage of the couple of warm days we had over 4 day break.

We actually worked pretty hard on the cold days as well but the good news is that we got a lot accomplished.

I get a lot of comments / e-mails etc asking about “the Buckaroo” so I figured I share a few pics from this week with you. He’s actually became pretty popular on the site.

A lot of folks seem to think he’s my son but he’s actually my grandson (yea … I know I don’t look that old..LOL).

He’s only 3 years old but has been with me on the farm pretty much every day that I’m not on duty. I even made a bracket to mount his car seat into the tractor when he was a baby (now he drives it).

The comments often range from one end of the spectrum to the other. Some  say how “cute” and “cool” it is that I keep him with me while some have threatened to call Social Services .

LMAO … TRUST ME … the Buckaroo is VERY well taken care of and far from neglected.

If you ask him …. HE owns the farm and every piece of equipment we have…

It’s “his” tractor … “his” truck … “his” cows etc…. sometimes, I feel like I’m working for him…LOL

I wish I had the farm years ago and could have spent this much time with my daughters. If I only knew “then” what I know “now”.

 

 I’m thankful for a job that allows me the time at home. I only wish it paid enough that I didn’t have to spend every day “off ” working a 2nd job.

The good news is that the work I do on my off days is enjoyable to me and being able to share it with my grandson is an added blessing.

We have some great adventures together and I almost feel young again…ALMOST.

LOL… sometimes just trying to keep up with him wears me out!

So, for everyone asking about the Buckaroo … he is doing very well and THANK YOU for asking.

I thought about starting him his own “Face Book Fan Page” but it seemed kinda creepy.

I will try to add an album of Buckaroo pics on my FB page so those of you needing a “Buckaroo fix” can keep up with his adventures.

Be sure to follow, Like and Share us on Face Book  .. tell all your friends as well.

 

Click  HERE  to follow Ironfiremen.com on Face Book .. click “Like” 

Ok, so last cycle; I was busy filling you guys in on our latest New York City Trip. THANKS again to all who donated and help support Brothers Weidmann, Gersbeck and the FDNY Rescue 2 Mayday Fund! 

I didn’t get to make a “regular” type post or to keep you updated on things happening here in “The Noke” so I’ll try to catch ya up now.

We did catch a little work last day (Monday).

Thankfully, we were on it quick, nobody was injured and the damage was minimal.

Randy was detailed down to station #5 who was 1st in. He still can’t grasp the term “Medic truck” so we’ve just been telling him that he’s riding the “life saving crew” …. LMAO … THAT he understands!

So 5 rolls in with light smoke showing and goes to investigate.

The Captain radios back that they have a “working fire” and directs his crew (of 1) to make the stretch.

The Chief was in house with 5 and established command very quickly. He calls me on the radio to advise me that 5 has a hydrant and gives us an assignment to search (yea… searching from an Engine … that’s what you have to do when you run with a minimum staffing of 3 ).

I’ve got “Boots” (Todd Harris) riding backwards and I’ve got to tell ya .. it felt great! Usually, I’m thinking, worried about Rookie Randy…. is he with me? Is he in a good position? Is he paying attention etc. With Boots, I don’t have to worry about any of that.

We came off the rig, I get my hook and tell boots to take the fire floor from side Alpha and that I’ll take the floor above from side Charlie … “I’ll meet ya on the 2nd floor”. Not the best but that’s how we operate.

The fire was a small kitchen fire located in the rear B/C corner of the home. We approached from the Bravo side and placed our rig on Alpha. I walked the Delta side to get to and enter from Charlie giving me the full 360 view of the house. I was quick to get by the fire room and locate the stairs.

For as little fire as there was, it was a pretty good smoke condition on the 2nd floor (low heat). When I came out of the first bedroom, I seen a MN8-FoxFire helmet band coming up the steps and knew it was Boots. We searched the remainder of the 2nd floor together like a well oiled machine. As a Captain, there’s not a better feeling than watching your men do their job and do it well. Boots is a good fireman!

Our searches were negative ( ALL CLEAR ) and we finished up by doing some ventilation, salvage and overhaul work.

We did get to see Rookie Randy out in the front yard…..LOL

He even changed my bottle for me ( I wont mention that he put an “empty” on me before Georgie pointed it out to him)

Units on scene were C-shift .. Engines 5, 13 and 2. Ladder 5, Medics 5 and 2. Battalion Chief 1 and 2, Support 2 and our investigation unit. Another good job by all members on scene!

I also had a special visitor / guest on the middle day of last cycle. Our newly appointed Department Chaplin, Father Sandy Webb stopped by.

You may remember my January 19th post titled   ” I need a Priest “. Well, Father Webb is back from his trip and graciously accepted my request to bless my new helmet.

He was excited and for several reasons.

First off …he had just gotten his name and title sewn onto his turnout coat. He was beaming with PRIDE.

He was also excited to know that Ironfiremen.com would have the honor of posting the first ever pic of him in his gear!

Check out that new white helmet Father Sandy is sporting (I’m still wearing my old helmet in this pic).

LMAO .. how odd / funny is that? A Priest excited about making it on THIS site!

I’ve posted about Father Webb several times here on the site and remain excited to have him as part of our family.

A Chaplain Program is nothing new to our Department but this is the first time it has taken a hold and actually been productive.

A lot of that is due to Father Webb and his commitment to our members.

He’s the first Chaplain we’ve had that you can / will actually find / see in a firehouse.

He was also excited because we caught a run while he was here.

I figured… he has a badge, coat and helmet so we put him on the rig!

After getting back to quarters, we shared a few stories over some coffee and cake but Father Webb was on a tight schedule. He had never blessed a helmet before and asked if there was any “traditions” etc that he should know about. He also wanted to know if we would do this in front of everyone or alone.

Having my helmets blessed is a personal tradition of mine so I decided to do it in private. I haven’t really discussed it with the boys but I’m sure they didn’t mind.

I have to say that this was by far the best and most memorable blessing I’ve had done (and I’ve gone through several helmets). Father Webb came prepared. You would have never known it was his first.

I wont share his exact words but he asked a blessing upon me and the helmet. I found his words comforting and am honored that he accepted my request. He even made me a card to place inside my helmet to remind me of the occasion.

“This Fire Helmet was Dedicated to the Greater Glory of God and Blessed for the Protection of Captain Willie Wines Jr by the Rev. Sany Webb on Saturday February 4, 2012″  

I haven’t placed the helmet into service yet because I still need a new “front”. Of course if you read the previous post I linked to above ” I need a Priest ” then you seen and remember that Rhett had the Brothers over at Box Alarm Leather LLC make me a custom front.

That front is just too nice to wear on my “first out” helmet. So, as soon as we get that new front in here this fancy new Phenix leather will be in service … I CAN’T WAIT!

Special thanks to Father Webb for the “Blessing” and everything else he does for me and my Brothers and Sisters here in Roanoke.

I’m going to wrap it up here for tonight but promise to get back with another post tomorrow. I have a lot of exciting news to share as far as new web sites and projects that Rhett and I are involved in ….. 2012 is going to be EXCITING !

Until I get back… stay SAFE and in House!

Captain Wines

 Comments are always welcome and easier than ever when logged in to Face Book!

 

Posted by on February 11, 2012 • Filed under: news • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I know ..

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I know, I know .. I haven’t posted all week and, once again; I apologize.

I know I say it all the time but I just been covered up. It’s the start of the “busy time” for the farm and the weather has actually cooperated this week.

I’ve been putting in as much time as possible to get prepared for the upcoming hay season. The rains have stopped and the sun has been shinning so it’s been work..work …work.

We’ve been plowing, discing and spreading fertilizer. LOTS of fertilizer! LMAO … I know .. I know .. I spread that year round..LOL

I’m talking about a different fertilizer .. the pelitized kind.

Between the cost of the fertilizer and diesel prices, this just may be our last season. My stress level is through the roof!

The only good news this week is that my quality of help has improved. Of course right now I feel like Im running a “driving school” more than a farm but the little fella is catching on quick …

The Buckaroo has “driving fever” right now and I guess I’m actuall lucky to even get him to go with me and help any more. I think he’s found something he likes riding as much as tractors …. the 4 wheeler he got for his 3rd birthday.  Here’s a short video … look at the little fella go!


LMAO .. that’s my boy!

So, 4 day break is over and I’m back at Lucky #13 for the Friday, Sunday, Tuesday cycle. It’s been a good day for a couple reason. The first being that it’s been a relatively quiet day. For that, I’m thankful because I need the break.

The 2nd reason is because Boots (Todd Harris) is off. Now I don’t mean that way … I miss him already and wish I was down at the beach with him. The reason him being off is “good” is because of who they sent to fill-in. WHEEZY.

 Those of you who have followed me since the “Melrose Misfit” days will know Wheezy well. For those of you new to the site, you can find out more about and meet Travis Meador..aka “Wheezy” by clicking  HERE .

So, Wheezy being here is also a good thing for a couple reasons. 1st .. I miss him. 2nd … he’s fun to work with. 3rd .. I can continue my “investigation”. You see, while Professor Fleitz and I were off taking over the Jersey Shore we had some “fill ins” here at Lucky #13. Wheezy just happened to catch that transfer as well.

While I was away, someone made me a new headboard. Just look at her … oh yea … she’s a NICE ONE ! It even comes with sound ! Yea … every time you move, turn or roll over something (or a couple of things) rattle and “clank”.

A BEAUTIFUL piece of fretting but nobody will “own up”. Insert a little “firehouse detective” work and I’m pretty sure I have my suspects narrowed down. God love him .. Wheezy aint smart enough to come up with all of this on his own but he is dumb enough to allow Boots to coach him along and talk him into doing it! LMAO

I wish I new who taught that scoundrel to fret ….hummmm… wait …. it was me! LMAO I guess it really is “all on the big wheel”. Like I said.. Wheezy (and Boots for that matter) is a blast to work with and he’s a good fireman to boot. I love him.

Moving on, I talked with Captain Schmoea little this evening and he asked about the tornadoes that slammed the East Coast. He was worried and wondering if we were affected.

Well, luckily; our immediate area was spared but a lot of folks within a 100 miles or so were not so fortunate. Yesterday, we sent a team down to Washington County, Va to help out.

The team consisted of 17 members from Roanoke Fire/EMS, Roanoke County Fire / Rescue and Salem Fire / EMS. Here are the men preparing to leave .

I just received word that the team has returned home safe and sound. I’m not sure what kind of work they were assigned but whatever the task, I’m sure they gave  110% !  Well done guys .. thanks and welcome home.

photo by Va. State Police found on WDBJ7.com

Here’s a picture of some of the damage from the storm that left 4 dead in SW Va.

You can read more on the storm and its damage on WDBJ 7.com 

Other states such as Alabama were hit a lot harder. The death toll, at 329 (and possibly growing); is the worst since 1932.

See MSMBC article  HERE

You know, my first thoughts were of the first responders. The fire fighters, medics and police officers. I wondered about the stations. Were any firehouses caught in the path of destruction? What about the first responders families and homes? Just like back in hurricane Katrina, many of these folks had to be out on the job that night  not knowing if their own homes or families were affected.

Like me, just keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers as they begin to pick up and rebuild.

Ok, I’m gonna end here for tonight. I have a ton of stuff I need / want to tell and catch you up on but it will have to wait until tomorrow night. Until then, stay safe and in house! Thanks for following.

Captain Wines

 

Posted by on April 29, 2011 • Filed under: fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, news, special-operations, Uncategorized, videos • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Behind every good fireman…

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And  NO, I’m not talking about a Medic  LMAO!!! ( just kidding guys). I am talking about our wives or girlfriends. As big, bad and tough as we think we are…. take a minute and think about the women who keep us going.

Taking a little heat, some smoke, a little hard labor… that’s nothing compared  what most firefighters put their significant other through! TRUST ME … these gals are a whole lot tougher than we are. We’re gone 24 hours at a time. On our days off, we’re working again (2nd and 3rd jobs) or running around,  in an attempt to “unwind” ; who knows where, with who knows who and doing who knows what.

They see us at our highs and lows. For those of us who will talk and share our pain or stories, they listen…. for those who wont, they suffer the unknown. They take either with understanding and love and wake beside us in the morning to do it all again. They are as dedicated to us as we are to the job.

I’m telling you all this because I know a lot of my readers are actual firefighters. That said … I know how you are. I know how you think. I understand how easy it is to forget things. This is me helping you ….. TOMORROW IS VALENTINES DAY! Buy her SOMETHING …. ANYTHING…. go to Kroger in the morning if you have to … just don’t forget!

Here, in “The Noke”; we have some help. We have a Women’s Auxiliary. The Roanoke Firefighter’s Auxiliary.  These ladies do several things throughout the year to support our members. Their latest endevor was to hold a “Sweetheart Dinner”  last night at a local watering hole.

They make it easy for us. There are other firefighters there so the guys are comfortable.  We can hang out, have a few beers and tell a couple lies. Most bring a significant other so the women don’t have to worry about being stuck with a bunch of firemen standing around talking about “the job” … there are other women there  (who understand and share the same lifestyle) for them to connect with. It also gives our gals a “night out”…. something they all deserve!

Our gathering was at Corned Beef & Co. for dinner and drinks. There was also a Comedy Show afterwards. We had a great turnout and even a better time. THANKS and hats off to The Auxiliary, it’s President Missy Mutter and her board for another great event!

L-R Willie Wines Sr and George Perdue

The really cool thing is that the Auxiliary is able to draw both the “young” and “older” crowd. We had everyone from rookies to retired members in attendance. My dad … Willie Wines Sr … aka “Pop” even made it out.

We had ranks represented from Firefigher to Battalion Chief.

Friends, family, local supporters … you name it … they were there.

I don’t know how to help the Auxiliary gain more support for their events but I will say that if you are local and reading this … you need to get involved.

Check out the Auxiliaries site (where they also have contact info)  HERE  or on their Face Book page   HERE

Here are a few more pics from the event ….

L-R Randy "Smiff", Josh Compton, Scott Mutter, Lori Compton and Dale Barker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The last pic there is Tonya (Rakes) Meeks. Tonya left our Department a while back for bigger and better things but she still remains a big part of our family. As you can tell, we all had a good time and hope to see more of you at the next event.

The dinner was held on an “A-shift” night so regrettably, Rhett wasn’t able to attend. I was hoping he was off and able to attend so he could have brought his daughter Jade along. The Buckaroo and I could have made it a “double date” LMAO…

Rhett gets worked up when the Buckaroo chases after Jade and he also seemed a little upset that he missed the dinner. Well, don’t worry, I made it up to him and took him out for his very own day of fun …

Skating!      LMAO …. look at the little fella go!

As far as the Buckaroo goes… he understood as well. The weather was a bit warmer today (despite the high winds) so not only did he get to help me (his “Paw-Paw) … today, was the first day he actually got to use his very own tractor …

So heres my point …. tomorrow is Valentines Day (or Today..depending on when you read this … MONDAY … Monday is Valentines Day … the 14th). Don’t forget to take care of those who take care of and love us.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all of you ….. if nobody else does … I luv ya!

Thanks as always for reading and following. Don’t forget to “share” and “like” on Face Book as well as to “tweet” on Twitter. Tell all your friends!

I’ll check back as soon as I can … A busy farm day Monday and football practice Monday night. Don’t forget to buy a gun raffle ticket … hit me up under the “contact” tab.

Until I get back, stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on February 13, 2011 • Filed under: news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A reader run blog …

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What an idea right? Well it seems as though that’s is exactly what Ironfiremen.com has turned into. Here we are, in the middle of the   Black Diamond Boot 2010 / 2011  Fire / EMS Blog of the Year Contest and my postings have been sporadic at best. Well, who needs the author when you have fans (readers) like mine! You folks have stuck with me regardless and we still hold a sizable lead with only a few days remaining in the contest.

Voting ends at Midnight, on  Tuesday February 1, 2011. You can vote once every 6 hours right up to that point. The direct link to voting  is  HERE.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I take this contest VERY seriously. I WANTto win!  Just look at the company I’m in.  The top ranked and leading bloggers and Fire/EMS sites on the web today!

Statter,  A Firefighter’s Own Worst Enemy,  The Happy Medic,  Wild Fire Today,  Fire Law by Curt Varone  and  Mike Ward  (aka .. Fossil Medic) of Fire Geezer are the ELETE!   And those are just the “Fire” Blogs!  For me to even be considered is unbelievable!

Anyway, this week,  the week of the contest; should be the week where we are posting three, four maybe five times a day. This is the one week out of the year that we want and need the extra traffic. We should be throwing out some “top shelf” posts…. I haven’t done neither.

I know … I know … excuses are like  ”@#$ holes” … everybody has one…LOL.   All kidding aside, I’m facing circumstances beyond my control this week. You all know how hectic it is for me working the job, farming, blogging and trying to play football.  I briefly mentioned it in the last post (and will not go into detail) but, I’ve had a death in the family this week. One of my Grandfathers passed away and, understandably; has consumed most of my thoughts, attention and time.

If there can be ANY good news from events such as this it may be the fact that you are reunited with family that you don’t necessarily see on a regular basis (the sad news attached is that it takes events such as this to see each other again).  I have seen and spent some time with folks I haven’t seen in a while. Aunts, Uncles, old family friends etc but most importantly are 2 of  my sisters (I have 4).

You have all met Marci several times here on the site but have only seen my “baby sister” Jessie once. Jessie was in from Long Beach, Ca. just this summer for another family funeral. I took and posted the above picture then. I really liked how it turned out so I’ll use it again.

 Moving out wasn’t good enough for Jessie … she went all the way to California! She’s a lot like me (and all of us I reckon) in that she’s tougher than she looks. Who would have thought that the “baby” would move the furthest away?  Why would she do it??? Yea … a fella. I’ve met this cat one time and she sure seems to be sweet on him. He seemed like an OK guy but wears his hat a little funny … I need to “nip” that  ” in the bud” ASAP. … it may even be rubbing off on the Buckaroo..

LMAO… I hate a baseball cap worn “backwards” (bill to the back). The Buckaroo knows this. Every now and again, he’ll turn his hat around just to fret me (wonder where he gets the “fretting” from?)

The hat “pet peeve” has me in somewhat of a pickle. You see, now the Buckaroo thinks wearing his fire helmet backwards is the “right” way … the bill  IS in the front.

LMAO … how do I explain to him that some hats have the bill in the front while with  fire helmets it goes in the back??

I don’t know why but for some reason today, he HAD to wear his fire helmet to the funeral. I got him in his car seat and looked back to see him “sporting” it backwards .. LOL .. it wasn’t worth the argument or explaining so I let it ride.

You may also notice my little fella all dressed up. Typically, you folks see him nude or in farm cloths. Today, he’s all decked out in his “Sunday’s best”.

He even had a neck tie but his little shirt was too small to get the top button (he’s 2 and wearing 4′s) so we went with the sweater …. sweaters ROCK.

Yea … he gets his good looks from me .. LMAO

Hey Rhett … be sure to show Jade this pic ….

He doesn’t yet understand the concept of “good” cloths vs work or play cloths. I guess like about everything else the Buckaroo does, he gets it honest.

I understand the concept but can’t always make it work.

Now there’s a shot for ya … suit and tie on a tractor …. LOL .. talk about RED NECK!

So anyway, that’s why I haven’t been here as regular as I should have the past several days. Most of the family will return home tomorrow evening so my routine should work back toward somewhat “normal” …. thanks for understanding.

I have received several e-mails and comments throughout the contest and my time away. For those of you who sent them, hang in there … I will reply. I have received some great requests  and suggestions and will address them in the very near future.

Tonight’s title is  “A reader run Blog” because it has been your involvement that has kept me and this site going this week. Not only with the comments and e-mails, but also with the voting.  It’s almost mid-night on Sunday and we are very near to the 800 vote mark! WOW!

The votes keep coming in and I have already removed all the coverings from the sexy pics. Speaking of which … you’re welcome. I have received several comments etc on my ploy for votes. I did have an alternate idea …. I was going to post a picture of either Dave Statter or Rhett Fleitz shirtless and offer to ADD a piece of covering for every 100 votes …LMAO

For you ladies, you can find more pics like the one I used in several Firefighter Calendars. Rhett, over on Fire Critic; posted back around Christmas on his Top 10 Firefighter Calendars ….   HERES   the link and a bonus shot ..(one for my “Allstate”  gals  …)

Of course I can’t give one for the ladies and not do the same for the fellas ….. sorry guys … no calendar link for these …

Thanks again for the votes and support …. keep up the great work, voting ends at midnight on Tuesday. I’ve got another long day ahead tomorrow so I had better get a little sleep. I’ll try to check back in tomorrow night.

Until then, stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on January 31, 2011 • Filed under: news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Taking it to the next level ….

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It always comes or happens before you’re ready or expecting it but when the time comes … it comes. Here at the Ironfiremen Ponderosa, it seems as if that moment is upon us. We have moved to another level and it’s all encompassing. The Buckaroo, the farm, this blog and even my friends have been affected. I LOVE it … I’ve been laughing my tail off for days now …. let me explain.

I posted last day on Coon’s Birthday party. I took the Buckaroo with me and he seemed kinda “sweet” on my “little buddy” aka “Fire Boy” Rhett Fleitz’s daughter Jade. It was killing Rhett.  Me,  I’m used to it.  I raised 2 daughters … the Buckaroo is the only boy I’ve had in the house except for one of my dogs (Remington) and at times I thought me may be a little “shakey” ( if you know what I mean).  Anyway, as the saying goes; with boys .. you have 1 “rooster” to worry about. With girls, you have to worry about every “rooster” in town!  LMAO… now I get a little “pay back” for all the worry and firehouse fretting over my gals. Rhett was squirming and I’d bet my pension that if the Buckaroo could have gotten another one of those pink lemon-aids in Jade he would have that pink Boa she was wearing hanging on the mirror of the tractor or his firetruck bed … LMAO.

This morning (2 days after the party) he stepped it up a bit.  I was talking to him over breakfast .. asking him how his day was yesterday .. if he fed the cows .. had any trouble etc.  He was short on his answers and looked at me as serious as he ever has… “Paw Paw … what’s that  ”Jade”  doing?”  LMAO .. I don’t know son why? … “I better call and check on her” he says …. how could I not give him my phone?

“Is Jade there? … I wanna play wif her ..” LMAO… that’s my boy! I wish I could have gotten Rhett’s reply on the video … PRICELESS!  He threatened harm to the Buckaroo but I quickly stepped in and advised him to pick on someone his own size … otherwise, the Buckaroo would kill him.. LOL.  I’ve learned Rhett’s “button” !

It’s been a good day for my little fella all the way around …. he got his first and very own tractor today. Better yet .. it’s a Deer..

We headed to Christiansburg to check on the progress / status of the “Cowboy Cadillac”. When the Buckaroo is with ya .. it’s a sin to pass a  “ Tractor Supply Company” store and not stop so we did. I had seen this little tractor back at Christmas but just didn’t have the money to buy it. Someone is looking after me because apparently they over ordered and now have then at less than 1/2 price.

The Buckaroo seen it … test drove one in the store and decided he needed one.  He explained how we could feed twice as fast by running 2 tractors and how much work we’d get out of another front end loader.

We loaded it on the truck and headed to the barn for assembly.

 

I had forgotten how many of those teeny tiny screws and caps they could put into one box.

Of course, the Buckaroo helped me to lay them all out in a neat and orderly manner …

A few pre-fab test drives … a little pushing around the shop floor and things began to go together nicely ..

Good thing for me … I had my little Buckaroo right there beside me helping …   

Nothing like a little “pat on the back” when you’re biting your tongue to keep from teaching your little helper every curse word you’ve ever learned.

I damn near had to call Fire Geezer to interpret the instructions for this thing. I’m not sure what language they were written in but I figured that he posts all of those British, German etc storied that he must know how to read some of this stuff …

I HATE the fact that I couldn’t afford this thing at Christmas because the look on that little fellas face when he was able to clim aboard was worth a million bucks. He LOVED IT!

He’s put a hundred miles on it already and I’ll have to but new teeth for the bucket by this time next week.

It’s days like today that make working 2 and 3 jobs just to make the bills worth it. I’m just glad I don’t have to paint or hang gutter… LMAO

We loaded her up and headed to the pasture for feeding.

Who could ask for more??  A beautiful girl … a new ride … and acres of nothing but breath taking views and cattle to fill out your day.

The Buckaroo really has taken it to the next level!!

As for me …. yea … I’m kicking it up a notch too.  Ironfiremen.com is gonna shift it into overdrive! Tonight at midnight, voting begins for the Black Diamond 2010 Fire Blog of the Year.  I wanna win this thing! I have some great ideas to keep you folks coming back time and again and hope that I can secure your vote. I’ll go into more detail in the next few posts as to why I’m “different” and hopefully deserving of your time.

Until then .. thanks for reading or following (no matter the reason) and don’t forget to check back in as soon as possible …. voting begins in less than an hour and a half!

Stay safe and in house …

Captain Wines

Posted by on January 24, 2011 • Filed under: news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Another level of fame!

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Oh yea.. I’m hitting the “big time” now! I bet Statter or The Fire Critic don’t have a Christmas oriniment … well, I do. Kinda … sorta… At least Hydrant Gal “thinks” it’s me ..LOL

How’s that for a headline Statter?? “Ironfiremen’s influence has no borders” .. (she’s from Canada Dave). Cool huh? I’ve followed Hydrant Gal for some time now and always enjoy her postings. Check out her latest installment HERE. It’s kinda cool how we have never actually met  yet something as simple as a Christmas tree ornament reminds her of me. I hope her and “firefighter” have a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays … thanks for thinking of me … it warms my cold little black heart (LOL) !

Speaking of warming here’s another “cold weather tip” that I forgot. This one is for at home more so than the station but an important one just the same..

1.) Pour Brandy into the toilet (and don’t flush it). That way, if you haven’t paid the ele. or gas bill or maybe if you’ve been too lazy to cut firewood and the heat is off ; the toilets wont freeze. Also, it assures the dogs have a reliable source of water and they end up a lot happier at the end of the day LMAO.

Yea… I’m “sick” (LOL).  Either that or my brain is frozen. Have I mentioned how cold it is? Geesh! The Buckaroo is the toughest man I know. He’s running around like it’s summer. We’ve had several chores to accomplish this morning and he’s hung in there like a CHAMP. We fed from the John Deer as opposed to the New Holland and that always gets him a little excited…

This John Deer is a 2555. It’s the oldest tractor I own but there are several “neat” things about it. It’s not every day that you see a IAFF Union sticker in the back window of a tractor now is it?

She was also in the 2009 St. Patty’s Day Parade here in “the Noke” …hauling the IAFF L-1132 wives / kids etc…

I guess when you’re as simple as I am, little things like that are kinda cool. So anyway, the Buckaroo has done just fine today and we’ve even got a little work done.

So, I wanted to take a minute to get ya Day 11 of Santa’s Sexy Helper up just in case I don’t get the chance tonight.. here she is

I may not get the chance to post tonight because Im gonna slide over to BW3′s for a few adult beverages with the boys from #3-A and whoever else shows up. Im sure I’ll have to listen to a few “hero” stories from Rhett (The Fire Critic). They caught some more work the other day . He was the 4th Engine in so I’m sure he made 5 or 6 rescues single handedly or knocked down the fire with a can or booster line. He talks all that “fluff” about working on an Engine and all but there are a few of us who know the REAL truth…

yea.. he’s a Medic at heart.. LMAO.  Don’t forget to submit your firefighter tattoo … deadline for the “give away”  is midnight tonight!Also, you won’t want to miss Taking it to the Streets with Chris Naum on  Firefighter Netcast  tomorrow night. Chris has a huge list of guest that are sure to make this a show you wont want to miss. I’ll check back in as soon as I can. Until then, stay warm, dry, safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on December 14, 2010 • Filed under: news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

All I got is a “quickie”

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Geesh I’m beat! Long day today folks so I think all I’ll be able to muster up is a “quickie”. I recently bought a new trailer so I’ve been hard at work delivering hay in an attempt to get it paid off. The Buckaroo and I took it out this morning on her “Madden Voyage.

We had to pull to Dublin, Va. and ended up making several trips. This makes for a really long day but, the Buckaroo was in heaven. The farm we delivered to had several dogs who LOVE to play catch and, they had a nice John Deer to unload with.

I’ll assume you noticed his “signature wave”.  Again, he had a BLAST. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it wore the little fella out…

And I thought “Coon” could snore! LMAO .. I didn’t have the heart to tell the little fella that we still had to feed and water at home. I gotta tell ya …. being a “paw-paw” is AWESOME.  All the stress and “whatever”  from the firehouse simply vanish when I can get off duty and spend a day with the Buckaroo. Oh, by the way; you do know he’s my grandson … right? So many people e-mail, comment or ask about my “son”.  I post about him all the time …. If I’m off duty, he’s usually with me etc so I guess most people just assume he’s mine. Well, in case you didn’t know or were wondering;  I have 2 beautiful daughters and no sons. Randi-Jo (25)  and Reba (22).  The buckaroo is Reba’s son. I know … I don’t look old enough to be a “paw-paw” but it’s true (it’s the mustache that makes me look younger).

Speaking of kids, my good friend and Brother Firefighter (Roanoke County Fire / Rescue) Brandon Sheppard had his first child and I failed to mention it on a post. I’ll give all the details tomorrow but Brandon’s son was born on November 17th (Reba’s birthday) and turned 3 weeks old yesterday. Mom, Dad and Baby Sheppard are all fine and Brandon returned to duty this cycle. Again, I’ll fill ya in with the details in the next installment.

Speaking of the next post, I have some “good stuff” lined up. I have been elevated to a new level in “blogdom”. Elevated or “dropped” to … you’ll have to decide. I also have some “scoop” on some fellow bloggers that is sure to bring a chuckle … or at least a grin. I have pics and video and even a “smear campaign”.

Anyway, you’ll have to check back tomorrow for all that. As for now, if  it’s ”Day 16″ of  “Santa’s Sexy Helper” you’ve been waiting for…. here she is ….

Day 16

Hot tub and Tottie time! Back to duty tomorrow …. I’ll see ya then. Stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on December 9, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Animations (monkey see, monkey do), finger pointing and firemen doing real work!

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ALL ABOARD!   Seems as though everybody is jumping on the Xtranormal“band wagon”.  Those little animated videos are poping up everywhere on the Fire/EMS Blog Network. Who knew that after only a month or so, the top bloggers on the network would be mimicking me? Oh yea.. it’s true and like they say…. imitation is flattering… but STATTER? I always held him as a leader in the blogging community … an original … capable of putting his own “spin” on a story or the one setting the standards for getting the truth out. And now, not only does he follow MY lead; he also wants to work for Geezer rather than The Iron Firemen? 

Watch Dave’s attempt at animated humor here.  What is it Dave? Writer’s block? Nothing new happening in PG County or Northern Va. these days ?  Now, I know that you are the last journalist that needs lecturing to (especially by me)  but seriously old friend…. stick with the NEWS. Leave the “frhetting” and firehouse shenanigans to me! LOL.

The Fire Critic has even followed suit.  Yep… Monkey see, Monkey do! The thing about Rhett jumping in the ring is that at least he put a little “firehouse” spin on it.  By that I mean that he posted his video and everyone is accusing  ME of being the author. The ultimate firehouse spin…. do something but make it seem as though someone else did. Check out his animation herebut be warned of some vulgar language beforehand.  I guess this means I’m at least a little closer to the “big time” when two cats such as these steal my material …. the good news is that I’M A GIVER! Anything to help a brother out… LOL.

Moving on, I didn’t post yesterday because we were fairly busy. Boots was off representing our department at CPAT practice most of the day. Because of that, we had an overtime fill-in. You may remember Matt “Wheels” Wheeling from my “Melrose Misfit” days. Wheels was on A-shift but felt like a C-shifter. Anyhow, he covered for boots yesterday and then finished out his time and a half tour over at Station #3. Here’s an older shot of wheels…

We ate well, caught a few ball games and handled some routine calls in between. I should have known something was gonna happen before the tours end because there was a full moon last night. It never fails. We caught a little work with our Brothers and Sister from Station #5. A decent job with several side stories. E5 got in quick and marked it a worker. The Battalion established Command and put 5 to work. He called us on the radio and advised us to lay in (from 1 block away) and advance a 2nd line … heavy fire from the 2nd floor Alpha / Bravo corner.

We stopped at the hydrant and I told Boots to catch it then meet up with me inside. I got out of the truck and hustled up to the house and through the front door. I hadn’t been in there 2 minutes and Boots taps me on the shoulder “I’m with ya Capt”. WHAT? WOW!  I told him right then “Damn.. I haven’t seen a hydrant caught that fast since Scotty and I were privates on Engine #5″ (both of us were FAST on a plug back then). Boots took the compliment with a smile.

Later, after we were “under control” and taking up; I was out front talking to Scotty (Scott Mutter). He was riding the South Battalion last night (our Battalions cross the tracks to assist each other when a “working fire” is transmitted). He kinda laughed and told me “I haven’t caught a hydrant in YEARS”. What do you mean I asked. Well, apparently; Scott rolled up as Boots was catching the hydrant. He told him “get on in there with Willie… I’ll get this for ya”. LMAO. I smell a cover up! The kicker to it all is that Boots confessed (when we got back to the house) before I could turn it around on and fret him a little. It made for a good laugh anyway.

Another side story from the fire was who got the nozzle. You may remember a recent fill-in at Lucky #13 Carlie Walshe.

Last night, Carlie caught her first “real” fire and even had the knob. Decent fire from the 1st and 2nd floor, a good smoke condition and moderate heat. She hung in there and did a fine job. What’s even more impressive is that nobody got the nozzle away from her! LOL. A good job and nice stop by all hands involved… E5, E13, E2, E3, L5, M5, M2, RS1, B2 and B1. To Carlie.. well done gal! Here’s a shot of Boots cutting off her coat tail and a few others..

(Pictured above:  the “over time” crew of E3-C Lt. Brian Wray {D.Bocock-RS1} Matt Wheeling, and David Lucas changing their bottles)

We are back on duty tomorrow and I’ll do my best to get another post up. I want to follow up on the roles of the first due officer from Chris Naum’s Taking it to the Streets. I also received more pictures from our last retiree breakfast. Drew Abel took some GREAT shots and I’ll do my best to get em up for our local guys.  Following my post Old Firemen and Dirty Balls , I received a cool e-mail from their marketing department .. I’ll share the details soon.

As far as a “Buckaroo” update…. he’s keeping busy as well. I think he’d go to the station with me if I’d let him. At home, he’s in my hip pocket 24/7. I’ll leave ya with a shot of the little fella on a somewhat different John Deer… a yellow one

Gotta love that “signature wave”!  That’s it for now… Thanks again for reading. Don’t forget to follow and tell all your friends about us on Face Book and Twitter. Until the next one, stay safe and in house!

Captain Wines

Posted by on November 22, 2010 • Filed under: fires, news, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,