💙 Brocks Place make-over..

 

Working on re-creating Brock's blog page. Wasn't to thrilled with the dark version I had before so I decided to go with some colors that match his actual fur color. I am changing out the layout a bit as well as far as links, etc. Like always I am forever changing things around out of boredom usually, that and I like trying to stay somewhat creative in my attempts.

TRUTH..!

 

Sprung a leak..

 

Sitting here editing photos last night and I could hear what sounded like water gushing, but as I was on the back porch I couldn't make out where it was coming from. Our neighbor has an irrigation system for their lawn and it was just prior to when the system usually comes on. I followed the sound out through the front door and there it was.. right at the streets edge and corner of their lawn. Dang thing was spewing water 7-8 feet up...lol. 

Right after I snapped this photo it stopped and the actual sprinkler system started as normal..  I don't know if this thing has a purge to it, or its lost its cap, or what the cause was.. but from where I was sitting on the back porch it sounded like it was coming from the side of our house.. raising my concern a bit. I will have to inform them when I see them hopefully today..

W/E visitors

 

Lorrie & Mike took a cruise over the past week and they stayed here as their arrival & departure location as they often do, mainly due to the convenience of Port Canaveral. Its always nice having them stop by even if it is only for a couple days. Its better and longer when we actually cruise with them, but alas not this time..lol. Gives us a chance to catch up and a nice break from the daily grind. We enjoy their company, have a few laughs, good meals, and some time just to visit with other family members.

Now that we have two reliable vehicles, we may be able to reciprocate and actually take the drive and visit them up in Georgia where they are from. As stated, always good company and a great break when we can and do get together. They took an 8 day 7 nighter this round, and we are hoping to possibly get together and take one in January with them as a celebration of birthdays, and anniversaries as we have several during that month.

Close Call..

 

This guy barely avoided having a very bad day...lol. He was spraying the waters edge with some form of weed/algae prevention chemical, and his rear wheel sunk almost instantly in a soft spot at the waters edge.

I thought for sure he was going to take a swim.. he shut down the ride and jumped off just in time to prevent it from rolling over and going into the water. 

That thing sank up to its axel in like 2 seconds, narrowly escaping a bad situation. He managed to keep it upright though after struggling for about a minute to hold it there. He ended up calling his company or co-worker and the brought another machine and hooked on and pulled him out without any issues. But dang if I didn't think he was going in the pond. That really would have sucked...

Obviously the rear is heavier than the front and thankfully so for him. if that front wheel had sunk as well it surely would have rolled over, and he would have been swimming with the fishes, turtles and possibly gator.. making for a really bad day!

Finally posted

 

I finally got around to posting a pic of our Grandson Carter. This is his one month old pic...what a handsome dude...!

Got it..

 

I got the laptop. It took all day for me to get it running though. The woman's mom couldn't remember her password, so I just reset the PC from the start. so It was a waiting game to reset, re-download, update, etc. but she is up and running and so much better than that chrome book I could barely do anything with..

So I am again a happy camper Now I get to have fun trying to remember all my log ins, passwords, etc. and setting it up to the way I want/need it to be. Unfortunately I was unable to save the info and files I wanted to from the old PC.. 

In need of anew..

 

Well my laptop has crapped out..Turns on gets stuck in repair mode and then says failure to repair, so I just get a black screen..grrrr. and of course everything important to me is on that thing.

So I went marketplace shopping on Facebook and came across this brand new HP, the guy selling says his mother had bought it a couple years ago and never used it cause she couldn't figure it out.. So its basically brand new. I assume I will also have to update the operating system as I do not know what it has at present and neither did he.

But the price was negotiated and agreed upon, I pick it up tomorrow AM. so hopefully I will have a good running computer again. I am currently using a small Chromebook that cant do squat as far as graphics, etc and get bogged down when more than two tabs are open. so I am tired of getting frustrated and am looking forward to using a decent machine again.

Hopefully I can figure out a way to get all my files, images, programs, etc off the other one.. gunna suck if I cant..I really hate starting over and trying to remember shit...lol.

Eyes Front..(Erin is in the wind)

 

All eyes on the tropics this week. Several forecasted spaghetti models.. Sure hope this thing takes an abrupt turn North as they say. Otherwise we here on the Space Coast could get blasted with a major surprise. Its still far enough out that an exact track is not possible, but forecasters are predicting a possible northern turn and skirting the east coast out to sea. Either way, we are sure to see some serious winds and rain, just hoping that its not a Cat-3 or worse if landfall does occur. 

Best case scenario is that it will turn due to a trough opening between two systems out to see just off the coast of Florida, giving it an out and being forced by water and weather conditions that are not so favorable for a direct hit.

Finally, she be gone..!

 

It only took two and half weeks to get rid of her..lol. Calls, texts, next option was to have me make the call and have it end up wherever.. Only thing that stopped me was that I no longer legally owned the car..

  

Even uncooperative on the flatbed...lol. Way to fight it girl..

ER trip, not me..

Spent the better part of 4 1/2 hours at the ER today for Daneka... She blew out her knee a couple weeks ago, was given crutches and a brace and took a few days off from work for mending.. she was doing fine going up and down stairs the past few days and figured all was good. Apparently not, as she knelt down at work today and when she went to get back up, it blew out again and she managed to slice her hand while attempting to catch herself. They sent her to the hospital, via ambulance and I had no more than gotten home and got the call from her boss.. So back in the car I go, and met her at the Canaveral Hospital on Merritt Island/Cocoa. Unbelievable that it takes 4 1/2 hours to get a set of x-rays and a couple pills for pain. Anyway, she is back on crutches again in severe pain and needs to follow up with her PCP and possibly Ortho dept.. depending on results.

Its never a dull day around here that's for sure..but I can feel for her too, when I did my ankle years ago, I can totally relate. My ankle had actually swollen to the size of a softball and they had to physically cut my boot off 'cause they couldn't get my foot out. I was told then, that I would have been better to have broken it, as it would have healed faster and been less painful. I literally stepped on my own ankle playing ball with the kids at the Eckerd camp I was a counselor at. I rolled it inward and my weight and motion forced me straight ahead hence stepping on my own foot/ankle. I came a fraction of an inch of tearing the Achilles Tendon. Very, very painful..I battled pain and weakness in that ankle for over three years always feeling like it wanted to pop out again and pinching the nerves. To this day, if I turn my foot just right, it looks like I have two ankle bones.  

Anyway, hope she gets some relief, and it doesn't become a routine issue for her. At least she was at work, and Worker's Comp. should cover it and her time out of work.

Found..

 

Back in the day...lol.

$$$ Free & Clear

 

Contacted the finance company that held the loan on the Jeep today.. Was assured having surrendered it back to the dealership where it was purchased and surrendering the plates back to the state, I am now free and clear of any financial responsibility toward or on the Jeep. Was told that a letter was forthcoming stating as much and that our business together had been concluded. 

They were actually nice and a pleasure to deal with throughout the ownership, etc. Made it really easy to return the vehicle, no questions asked, and the loan closure was as simple as agreeing to a formal statement via text message.

So it is done, finite, gonzo.. no more obligation or paying for finance and repairs..

High & Tight..

 

Figured it was well beyond time for a haircut. Was really starting to look a bit scraggly and it was getting uncomfortable with the heat we have had down here also. Did not shave it down, although I did consider it for a moment or two.. 

So, instead I opted to hit the local shop I favor here in Cocoa, and had them go high & tight, next best thing to a complete shave.

I can actually feel what little breeze we get once again on the back of my neck, etc.. Helps keep the head a bit cooler.

I am usually only good for 1 maybe 2 haircuts per year anyway, the only place it really grows is the burns, and the neck, aside from the facial scruff I carry around.. that's my age monitor and definer..lol.

But in general, I do like having it shorter than short most times, Life has just gotten in the way and I never seem to get it done, but today I actually had a few moments of free time and was going past the barber anyway, so....Even Jesse, the barber said looks like its time for your annual and laughed..but he was not wrong..

Gnarly weather ahead..

 

As colorful as it is, it is a sign of what's to come. This Big ol' shelf cloud just mozzied on over the house a little while ago. The Northeast is about to get drenched big-time. We have been getting larger amounts of rain over the past couple of days, but had not seen any clouds like this one here. This was on Friday, and we now have a couple good sized systems out in the Atlantic we are keeping eyes on for the next few days as well. 

Typical weather here in Florida this time of year with the hurricane season starting to ramp up things for the next month or two.

Just surprised to see this thing hanging so low and large over the house..lol.

My problem child has finally left the building..after sitting for 3 mo.+/-..someone else' headache now. Free and clear of the loan, no more repairs, no more problems..! RELIEF...also nice to have use of the garage again..

Actually a 2025, brand new SUV. ( R2 )

 plenty of leg room

  roomy cockpit

  massive space..

  The fronts.. R2-D2

 The pair from the back..

Check out that mileage right there...70 of that was me so it was bought with around 25 miles on it.

I honestly didn't think I would like the Rogue, but actually I love it the more I drive it.. It is only the base model but has all the features just not the upgrades that are available. but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth, Cause it sure beets the hell out of dealing with the Jeep and Focus..Of which, both are now ready for disposal from our lives.

2021 Nissan Rogue (Deb's new ride) D-2

(2021)  69,000 +/- miles, excellent shape, even has a sun/moon roof which she has always wanted..lol. Nice cobalt blue color, I am sure the stickers/decals, etc on the back will be getting removed. It belonged to our daughter-in-law, a Marine and she was proud to show it..we assumed the balance of her loan to purchase it from her as she upgraded to the third row seating of the Path Finder in the same cobalt color..She has been totting two little ones around in it as their family vehicle for awhile so it will need a good cleaning inside but other than that,,,she is prime. It's gunna take a little getting use to as it also has umpteen buttons and gadgets within for comfort and ease of access to all the features. Once cleaned I will add some interior pics as well.

One down, Also purchased my 2025 Rogue today from same dealership as all this took place. Mine however is Grey with faux wood grain interior.. Next post will show that one.

Cleaning Out..Goodbye 'ol girl.!

 Bright and early I was at it, cleaning out Fiona.. All personal items, trash, and anything not associated with the car is all but taken out, plates removed, registration on seat, ready to roll onto a flatbed and outta our lives. She has been a great car for gas mileage and the many travels we had taken with her, but just like us old folk, eventually we begin to breakdown and parts are getting harder to find and afford..lol.

Finally happened..

 

Fiona, the Focus finally taking a final nap.. Deb was headed to the store made it about 1.2 miles and she crapped out. Sounded and acted like it was out of gas, so she had AAA pop on out and throw some gas in her, and nope... still crapped out. So a tow.. 'friggin 1.2 miles was $130.00+/-. ridiculous.. Also AAA is not worth the cost. Limited to 2 calls per cal. year and a 5 mile tow after which it cost $7.00/mi. ??? WTF. I am in the wrong racket that's for sure..

Finally got it towed back after Deb had to walk in this unbearable heat back to the house, 'cause I didn't have a running vehicle..So tomorrow... its gone. Used it as a trade in on a new vehicle and surprisingly managed to get 3500 for it.. I believe that is about or slightly more than we paid for it to begin with.. The thing is not roadworthy at all at this point anyway as the sub-frame is all but rotted out with very visible holes in it and large sections missing completely.. Gotta love them Northern rust buckets...lol. Its kind of to bad though, the body is excellent condition, engine was great, just the frame and the rockers are shot. Rockers I could live with and an inexpensive fix, frame not so much..So she gotta go..

I am also returning the Jeep as I cannot afford to pay unknown repairs and finance at the same time. So we will be getting 2 newer cars with warranties on them and being rid of the nickel and dime routine we seem to be stuck in at the moment. Deb will be getting a '21 Nissan Rogue, and I either a '24 Rogue or a '24 Nissan Versa. We will be finalizing the details tomorrow at a dealership in Titusville. SO.... NO MORE MICKY MOUSING and REPAIRS.. Will post pics after done, I drove the '24 Rogue home tonight and its a smooth riding powerhouse for an SUV.. I like it! All the conveniences, power, most of the options, and a real pleasure to drive..Its like sitting in a cockpit..lol buttons and switches everywhere...and all at a comfortable reach and feel.

Can't catch a break..

 Can never seem to catch a break..we are still trying to figure out the Jeep issues and down to one car, and of course,, the added wear and tear we are putting on it finally caught up with us. Its bad enough the thing is a northern rust bucket underneath and the sub frame is all but shot with big sections missing due to being rusted through and falling off. Have not been able to do an alignment either due to same rust issues and we are going through front tires like crazy now. Well we were headed home yesterday evening and we could smell what we thought was another car that had passed us, but as we turned the corner to enter the complex "Poof" a puff of smoke billowed out from under the hood, and no power steering which meant only one thing...we lost the belt..Well we didnt actually loose the belt this time, it just slid off the pully due to a different issue. The pully tensioner apparently had gotten to hot and started to bubble up and forced the belt out of the grooves and off the pully itself. Mechanic said he never seen anything like that before..

So this is a Saturday evening, with Deb needing to get to work and Nikki to other appointment in the next couple days as well as work. PANIC time.. how we gunna get this fixed by Monday AM.???

Thankfully we have found a great mechanic that actually goes out of his way to help when we need him the most.. Thank you Josh.. Josh came over today on a Sunday taking time away from his plans to render the aid and fix the issues we had. Granted it still cost me $230+ but hey for a Sunday service call.. I'll pay it.I am beginning to think we are single handedly providing the mans income with the number of times he has been here between the two vehicles over the last two and 1/2 months...and we are not done yet.. Its a shame to, 'cause the car is in excellent shape body wise and engine wise, its just the frame is shot and the rear end is also making some concerning noises.. I need the Jeep on the road as I no longer trust the car and its a matter of time before something serious goes wrong.. So yah, Jeep and then another vehicle so I/we can rest easier when Deb is heading to/from work.I dont even like driving it myself at this point, but what can ya do...

My Console Surfer

 The best mornings start with a cup of fresh coffee and a wagging tail..! Convince me otherwise, I'll wait___

 

This goofball and his rides..  He loves going for rides and checking out everything along the way. He bounces from rear windows and sticking his out out to greet strangers pulled along side at stop lights to parking his ass on the console so he doesn't miss a thing.

He occasionaly just puts his head on the shoulder of either myself or whomever happens to be the passenger. He rides great just have to hold him back when I come to stops as he is not steady on his feet yet.. still figuring out the whole balance issue on the console.lol. I enjoy taking him along as much as he loves going.. Although I could do without the occasional wet-willies in my ear..

Successfull transplant

 Flashback - approx. 1 1/2 years ago I found these small trailers along a pathway in the neighborhood, I snagged a couple and potted them into these square pots here..I believe there were five individual ones that I had started at the time.

After the first 4 months I decided to put them together into one small approx. 1/2 gallon container and stuck it out back near the porch. Well apparently neglect, and just trimming is the answer to their survival..lol. as you can see This is what I now have in that same spot.

you can see the small black container/pot I used and left undisturbed, the dang thing has completely taken over the patio pavers I used to contain it. It is now creeping up the actual wall with no supports at all. The poor Spineless Yukka in the center is being surrounded and some are actually trying to latch on and grow up the stalk..lol.I am debating to let it go, or take some time to selectively thin out the area. I kind of like it going up the wall but also want to be able to display other plants in the same area without them being taken over as well.

But hey I guess I can't complain as apparently it was a complete success from transplant to this current over-growth.. Seriously, plant it, ignore it, let mother nature do her thing and occasionally trim it back (my trimming is via weed eater during lawn mowings) and is usually only about two - three inches or so a couple times/month, thats it.. just let it go..!

Awakening Earth..

'Ol Mother Nature is sure sending us some signs and messages lately.. Hail storms, Tornadoes, Massive Flooding events, Large uncontroled fires, Extreme heat indexes, sinkholes opening... we might want to start paying attention as she seems to be speaking in volumes that are only getting louder.. Just a suggestion..!

Way to go Sir Tom..Much Respect

 

Proud to say this is a friend, fellow classmate and military brother..Graduated St.Johnsbury Academy together back in '81 and both enlisted into the military. Tom has had a distingushed career thus far and continues to flourish.

Not to shabby for a small town boy. I had the pleasure of hearing Tom at the SJA Veterans Bench Dedication ceremony a few years ago, and he has still not lost that drive and ambition to serve and better our country. Much Respect to you Sir.. Considering he graduated Norwich Univ. back in 1985 this man has dedicated over 40 years of his life in service to this nation, trained some of our best, led a great dea many and has held the appropriate power and responses to this day.

This one hell of a resume... Read it Here! You have definitely done our town, our classmates, family the Air Force, and the country proud. Wishing you continued success and rightfull promotions and missions Tom.

Favorite Buffet..

 

735 N Courtenay Pkwy Merrit Island, Fl. 

Always a good selection, tasty foods and treats. Fast service relaxed environment. If they dont have it... you dont need it..lol.

 Very competative prices and you will not leave hungry. Deb and I try and eat there at least once a month as a treat out together. If every in the area be sure to check them out, hell, give me a call and I will go too..!

Best Chinese and Japanese foods around. We have a second favorite as well down in the Melborne area.

Still no luck..

 

Well we replaced the coupler pigtail to the alternator, only to discover something else is draining the battery as a ghost discharge. We have all but ruled out the battery, alternator and ECM as they all show current coming to and from. The latest educated guess from the mechanic is that the TIPM fuse box itself is the issue, and if so can range from $99 used and unprogrammed up to around $1600.. joy, joy, joy..thats 4 friggin monthly payments for the jeep.. I did mange to find on online that is basically a plug and play, for around $200-250.00, just need to swap out the fuses and provide a Vin number and they will program it for $75.

If it is not that, then I think I will be returning the damn thing and will look for another vehicle. I keep waiting for the boot to drop and have them tell me its the wiring harness which is an expensive proposition I am not willing to entertain. Thats like trying to find a needle in a haystack and there is no guarentee, eitherway, its a time consuming repair that I cannot nor want to make, especially at a dealer facility were they rake you over the coals for the almighty dollar. NOT HAPPENING! 

Sunset avitar

 

This was a created avitar from some program I assume AI of sorts. Not to sure I like it much, but still kind of cool how they do overlays, progression and such. Will probably look for something a little bit clearer an somewhat more accurate..lol.

Newest family member..

 

Acquired today 06/27/2025

He was a return to the shelter for whatever reason.. It's beyond my understanding as to why someone would go through the trouble of rescuing a dog, then giving up on them...he is so gentle and a big baby... if you adopt or plan to adopt.. be SURE you are in it for life..

 It is so unfair to the animals to get their expectations and hopes up, and then just shatter them all over again... Rest assured, he is HOME now forever !!

This is Brock Lee.. Taking his freedom ride. We adopted him from (Brevard County Sheriff's Office) BCSO/PetCo rescue. He is 3 -3 1/2 years old and a snuggle bug. Likes to be right on your heals and be part of what ever is going on. Wasn't going to have another dog, but just couldn't resist his reactions to me when I approached him for the first time. He's a handsome dude, well behaved and somewhat chill at least so far.

So far he has moved right in, made himself comfy and enjoyed lovin's and treats.. Been exposed to the dogs next door and across the pond, by the birds, our daughter and son in law, and all is great. Have nly heard him bark once at the heighbors dog more so because I think they surprised him..lol. He's had a big day today and is currently passed out on a chair cushion on the back porch with us. We'll see how he does tonight come bed time.. He is still a little skiddish when it comes to entering the bedroom area and stands at the door with a real inquisitive look on his face., as if to ask can I come in or no way, not happening..but where he has to be right on your heals, I'm sure he will adjust and feel more comfortable in entering the room.

GATOR still not running..

 

Had the mechanic back again today to try and diagnose the issue... best guess without following the schematics is that the ECM is not sending the message to the alternator to crank out the juice to charge the battery. Will take a jump, and start, but as soon you disconnect the cable, it struggles and dies out almost immediately. So the alt. is not cherging the battery and the ECM is not telling the Alt. what to do....grrrr.

New ECM for this thing is like $500 + programming.. However I did find a used one online for around the $136.00 range still awaiting a reply as to if it comes programmed or not before committing to purchase.

This little bundle of joy....

Before we go that route, though we are going to check the schematics and trace any wiring to and from the ECM and Alt.