Deinna & Gale made Cheese Burgers & Fries (Cupcakes) for granddaughter Kerrilyn's 12th birthday Party. The cupcakes were Yellow Cake buns with brownie centers.

The ketchup,mustard and cheese were  buttercream Frosting, with shaved coconut for lettuce.

It's was an overwhelming success and great surprise for Kerrilyn

Yummy!!!!!!!!!

We bought a large roll of 1/4" tubing for the garden water drip system. Looking for a location to store it so that it did not become tangled mess, I came up with this simple project to keep it within easy reach.

Mounted on the wall in the Garden shed should keep handy.

A real live "hero" died this week. "Wild Bill" Guarnene, one of the World War II veterans whose exploits were dramatized in the TV series "The Band Of Brothers" has died . He was 90. I first met Bill and his son at a Riviera Owners meet in Flint Michigan. My wife Deinna and I attended a Round-Up of his unit, the 101st Airborne, in Scottsdale AZ. a few years later. When we traveled to Pennsylvania, we made sure to travel to South Philly were Bill lived alone to visit him. He was in his 80's then, I climbed the few steps of the stoop and knocked on the door.  Bill did not come to the door, he lost his leg in the war and getting around was a challenge at his age. So he yelled, "Who is it?" from the couch. I said it was Lou. Bill replied, come on in, and bring the "Broad" with you. This was Bill at his best - a warm and loving person that was a great inspiration to me. 
The book "Band of Brothers" by Stephen Ambrose, recounts Easy Company, 506th Regiment Airborne, through basic training to the end of the war. Here is Bill's web site:
http://wildbillguarnere.com/

Wild Bill

Bill showed us a picture of Fran, his wife.

He said he carried this picture throughout the war.

Bill & I in his home in South Philly.

Bill's home since the war.

His car

Happy New Year and best wishes for you in the coming New Year!!

From Deinna & Lou

Our visit to South Park.

Lou, Donna and Deinna outside the "South Bark" Dog Wash.

Donna Walker, my former shipmate at Fleet Imaging Command Pacific, excellent videographer and now retired PHC, tells us about the Saturday Night Walkabout, sponsored by the South Park Business Association. The business' stay open one Saturday night a month for pedestrian traffic to cruise the neighborhood. Donna's dog washing business is doing very well, so much that there is often a waiting line.  Behind the sign, she has a very large, comfortable outdoor waiting area which doubles for those waiting in line and also the drying area for the freshly washed dogs.

Inside "South Bark" are the four large dog washing stations. Donna explaned the layout promotes comradery with the customers and easy access to their dogs in the wash tubs.

  All necessary items are at the ready: shampoo, towels and well trained assistants to help with

 your questions. Donna and her partner developed a 

"Blueberry Shampoo" that is 

patented and now being sold nationwide.

"South Bark" also offers many training events and discount coupon offers.

For pricing and washing options, check out their website.

Located at:

2037 30th Street, San Diego CA 92104

619-232-7387

woof-woof

Here are links for "South Bark" 

Web Site:  http://www.southbark.com

Map Location:  http://www.southbark.com/map.html

What started our trip to South Park was 

seeing the Christmas Tree Donna Walker posted on her FaceBook page. 

 I showed it to my wife Deinna and she said "we need to go see that."  

So, getting the directions from Donna, we set off for South Park.

If you live in San Diego and don't know where South Park is,
well, it is a friendly little neighborhood located
east of Balboa Park, West of I-15,
 and as you guessed,
it is south of North Park.

The tree is located at the corner of Grape St. and 30th St.,
and is almost directly in front of "The Big Kitchen" restaurant.

In her youth, Whoopie Goldberg lived close-by 

and actually worked at The Big Kitchen.

Covering it's wall are hundreds of pictures  - - of the famous,  

not-so-famous, and infamous people who have visited throughout the years.

There are pictures of Bob Dylan,  President Bill and Hillary Clinton, 

a life-size cutout of Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, 

lots of different San Diego personalities and the list goes on and on.

You'll just have to see for yourself!

We understand this restaurant was constructed in the early '60's, and the

wooden front counter was made even earlier than that.

There are as many nooks and crannies within the confines of the Big Kitchen

as there are nooks and crannies in an English Muffin!

So, if you're ever in the mood to reminisce, or just check out

some of the early San Diego neighborhoods,

make sure you put South Park at the top of your list.

Maybe you could even have a bite at The Big Kitchen.

The atmosphere, along with great breakfasts, are quite a treat.

Go ahead, get out there - there are plenty of places 

right here in San Diego you never knew existed.

It's fun to find them!

*************************

Here is Deinna's Centerpiece for Thanksgiving Dinner

We had to take this picture early, for our dear, darling, children will soon arrive, and devour it!  Hope you and yours have a MOST wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, we hope you will enjoy the day with friends and family.

Here's the Bird. We smoked this for five hours today, the day before.

Great Day at Great Lakes IL

My grandson, Tony John Adzima, graduated from Boot Camp

on August 9th 2013.

Once again, America can sleep well.  For the third time in history,

an ADZIMA has assumed the watch.

The last time I was there was February 1966. Quite a bit has changed, but the Mission is still the same,

creating the greatest sailors in the world.

The drill hall ready for graduation. 

Tony's ship was the USS Marvin Shields, Division 296

The marker was for family members to find seats in front 

of their sailor's division.

State flag bearers waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Ditto for the Drill Team.

Hurry-up and wait.

Some things never change.

Finally, Tony's Division arrives. The black things they are carring are their raincoats.

The drill team ready to perform.

The events in front of the reviewing stand were projected on screen. 

The State flags on parade.  A state flag was present for each state which had a sailor graduating.

Reviewing the troops.

It's hard to pick out one person when they are all dressed the same, and with bad hair cuts.

Tony is circled. 

Then finally "Liberty Call"

Mom (Nicole) greets her new Sailor.

Boot Camp Buddies.

After looking at the cars at the Vista Rod Run, we came across the "Yellow Deli" restaurant, located at 315 East Broadway. Drawn in by the rustic look of the outside, we wanted to check out the inside also. Much to our amazement we found it difficult to absorb the interior all at once. To say that we were both overwhelmed by the decor is an understatement.  We loved it, it's just our cup of tea.

Here is a link to their website.   www.yellowdeli.com   
Here's a link to more photos.

From the sidewalk, this is the arbor that greets you.

At the top of the spiral staircase, you look across to the dumbwaiter that brings the orders up from the kitchen, located on the first floor.  

Notice the three shelves of the dumbwaiter containing customer food orders.  

This is the view from the other side showing the rope and pulley system.

By the bar is another dumbwaiter that lowers the dirty dishes to be cleaned.

This is the "Whatever You Are" room, aka the Unisex bathroom.

Here is the 'next in line' waiting area.

Deinna admires the upstairs lounge next to the bar.

The indoor lounge looks out to the outdoor lounge area with waterfall, staircase and barstools.

Little nooks and crannies all over.

We ate here, and can recommend both the food and the service.

 Sunday, the 4th of August, we went to the "24th Annual Vista Rod Run" in Vista, California.  Deinna's long time friends, Mike and Terry Dowd,  were the main reason we made the trip.  They
 traveled from Bishop, Ca. to attend the show with their '55 Chevy Nomad station wagon.

 Deinna surprised Terry by sneaking up on her from the back.

Mike appeared a few minutes later.

 Here is their pride and joy.  A beautiful Orange 1955 Chevy Bel Air Nomad station wagon. Mike had the same model car when he was in high school.  Sold it to buy their first house. This one he purchased around 2004.

                                                             Mike, Deinna, Terry and Lou

It was wonderful to see Mike and Terry again.  It's been along time since out last visit.

Here is a link to all the photos taken at the Rod Run.

This Independence Day we added to "Old Glory",

with a US Army flag, in memory of Lyle, Deinna's first husband, 

and a US Navy flag, for my service and my grandson, Tony, who is now on active duty in the Navy.

After welding the bases together and drilling the concrete for the mounting bolts,

the bases and poles were painted, and the bases installed.

Attached the poles.

Next came he flags.

The windsocks in the center are (L to R)

 US Navy,  POW/MIA (prisoner of war, missing in action)

and the US ARMY.

Deinna and I had lunch at the new Lemon Grove Cafe. 

Look familiar?

It's where the old Antique Row Cafe was, located at  

3521 Lemon Grove Avenue (at Lester Ave) 

Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Here's a link to their site.

Give it a try if you're looking for a new place to eat.  Both the food and the service were good.  It's almost like Alice's Restaurant - you can get almost anything you want.

They offer American, Greek or Mexican food.

We parked in the rear and found this Banana tree, determined to get to the sunlight, 

it has pushed itself up through the asphalt curb. 

  

Originally submitted at Woodcraft

This jet unit works as an abrasive thicknesser and surface finisher on stock as wide as 32".

Jet Drum Sander, Model 16-32 Plus Package

I would buy this again

By Jamulwood from Jamul Ca on 4/2/2013

 

5out of 5

Pros: Strong, Works Effectively, Versatile

Best Uses: Home Repair, Small Projects, Large Projects

Describe Yourself: Avid Do-It-Yourselfer

Primary use: Personal

The Jet Drum Sander is all I hope it would be, it preforms well. The paper is easy to change. The finish is super, as long as you move through all the grits. The unit was shipped from Walter Meier in Tennesee, and arrived in a timely manner. The only thing that was disappointing was the the delivery of the the sand paper from Woodcraft, it was shipped Fedex to San Diego, arrived on Monday, when I called Fedex they said it was turned over to the Post Office and was to be delivered on Friday. Huh??? 3 days across the country, 5 days the last 20 mies??

(legalese)

Warren toolmaker now exporting Maine-made tools to China

Merry Christmas to All from Deinna and Lou. 

   From our home in Jamul, to wherever you are celebrating Christmas, we wish you happiness and health.  This is the time of year to rejoice in the comfort received from God, our family and our friends.  May your family be warm, your friends be true, and your holiday joys be abundant.

   For our military personnel, those serving our country in other ways, and all those away from home, may God grant you a safe and speedy return to your loved ones.

Originally submitted at Woodcraft

LEIGH D4 Accessory Kit includes VRSD24 Vacuum & Router Support and #2411-8 bit set. Leigh's ingenious VRS provides router support and dust-free routing. 12-Piece bit set features 1/2" and 8mm shank bits. Includes: 1/4" x 8° dovetail; 5/16" x 8° dovetail; 7/16" x 8° dovet...

Leigh D4R-PRO With Accessory Kit

Just the Best!

By Lou from Jamul CA on 12/20/2012

 

5out of 5

Pros: Easy To Use, Easy Minor Ajustments, Good Video Instructions, Vacuum System Works Well, Adjustable Size Dovetails

Best Uses: In The Workshop

Describe Yourself: Avid Do-It-Yourselfer

After trying different brands this is the Cadillac of dovetail equipment. First test box was correct!

(legalese)

Happy Thanksgiving Day!  

We wish you and your family the best, and hope you have a safe, wonderful and grand culinary experience.  Bon appetit!

 

                                                               Lou photo

Cooking the bird!



We smoked our turkey this year, the same as we did last year, the day before Thanksgiving.  If you have never smoked anything, you can't believe how great it is, and how easy. I had never done it before but always wanted to give it a try.  Never wanting to invest in something I didn't know if I would like, we found this one at the Swap Meet.  The guy said he wanted $15, I offered him $10, and he said "take it".  Once I tried it, we both thought it was great.  We have also smoked briskets, pork chops, pork tenderloin, beef ribs, chicken, and anything and everything we thought it would cook well.  Always been happy with the results.

If you are going to try this, make sure you have everything ready. Turkey was prepared by Deinna, a nice 14 pound bird, an onion cut in half and some apple pie filling inside the cavity.  Extra pie filling for basting, every hour.  A digital thermometer is recommended, one that will permit constant monitoring to the nth degree (more about this later).  A bucket of water with apple wood chunks, which needs to be soaked for 24 hours.

See how prepared we are.  Notice the digital thermometer.  The base should be positioned somewhere close to the smoker.  We had it on the bar counter.  From the base, the sensor cord, about four feet long, goes through the smoker lid with the probe at the end which inserts into the breast of the turkey, or whatever you're cooking.  You can read the temperature of the meat without opening the smoker lid.  Wonderful!  Precise monitoring of the internal temperature of the bird and separate monitoring of the smoker itself cannot be overstressed.

(click any photo to enlarge)

  

 

This is our electric smoker.  We have the wet apple wood surrounding the element at the bottom of the smoker.  Above that is located a pan of water which provides moisture.

  

The smoker has a heat indicator in the lid.  Optimum temperature of 225 degrees has now been reached.  We begin!

First, we insert the digital thermometer probe/sensor into the turkey breast.

  The bird is now on the top smoker rack, and basted.  We put the lid on

and Hour number One begins!

 At hour number Two, I removed the lid for the hourly baste, and jerked the aforementioned digital thermometer, a $39.00 investment, plus buying an extra probe, off the bar top and directly into the bucket of water I used to soak the apple wood, thus rendering it totally useless.

Being a former camera repairman, I made a mad dash to my tool box.  I disassembled the digital thermometer, used a hair dryer and compressed air to remove the water, but to no avail.

You'll see in the following picture the old reliable analog thermometer I frantically hunted through the kitchen drawers for, and finally found. 

 

I inserted the analog thermometer into the preexisting hole left by the digital probe.

At hour three, we repeated the basting.

 

 Hour four, basted again and checked water, added more.

Hour five - golden brown - turkey is pronounced DONE!  

 

We are going to let it rest for an hour, then carve it up.  It will be ready for tomorrow's dinner.

 

Turkey is now carved, very moist!  The kitchen is cleaned up.

What's any holiday without a little excitement?

Now we can really enjoy Thanksgiving Day!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, your friends and family!

If you don't know what you are looking at, this is a Stained glass version of Navy's Photographers Mate rating badge. Worn on the left arm of enlisted personnel, it designates the sailors job description. Nickname "IFGA" it gets it name from the real formula (I:F::G:A) it represents. The (I)mage size can be measured on the negative and is to the (F)ocal length of the lens as the (G)round is to the (A)ltitude. The three known factors (I,F and A) then can be used to determine the size of an object on the ground, like a trailer truck loaded with a missile. Remember the Cuban missile crisis? This beautiful glass piece was made by my wife, for my work space, the IIS Department in the lower center wing of Building 251 NASNI.  I removed it when I retired in July of 2006. It's been hidden in a "safe place" since then waiting to have a  frame made so we could properly display it. Now hanging in our music room, back lit by the morning sun each day, it really brightens my day. We interpreted this colorful version to represent the "Secondary colors" Yellow, Cyan, Magenta, on top, of the negative passing through the lens and diaphragm of an enlarger and creating the "Primary colors" Red, Geen, and Blue in the print.

Here is Deinna in November 2005 after we installed it my office. 

The "Crow" shown below is the last version of the many transitions that this rating badge has gone through for the Photographers Mates since 1944. Another version was a bellows type camera in place of the IFGA. Another version of the IFGA had wings for aerial camera men.
Photographer Mates did all phases of photography: shooting ground and aerial pictures, processing film and paper, both by hand and machine processors, and recording all events of historical and newsworthy interest. PH's also used motion picture camera equipment to record film documentation, pioneered the use of Video recording in the fleet, and basically subsidized the growth of digital photography. In the 90's, we paid Kodak $2,500 apiece for a one megapixel camera. 

Also, in the year 2006, the Navy began consolidation of the Photographers' Mate (PH) with the Journalist (JO), Draftsmen (DM), and the Lithographers (LI) into the new rate Mass Communication Specialist (MC).
So if you ever have a need for an IFGA fix, keep the post handy.

Sunday, October 21st, was "Jamulfest" here in Jamul at St Pius X Catholic Church. The day started at 8 am with Jamul's only parade of the year, on a stretch of Lyons Valley Road.  Small, but fun, with lots of locals participants. The main event is a whopping 1,200 pound deep pit BBQ.  Local dance groups provide some of the entertainment, and this year, a high school dance band preformed. A big white elephant sale (one mans junk is.....)!  Games and jumping tents for the kids.  Raffle prizes included a Grand Prize of $1500 dollars cash.  Also a raffle for a 55 inch TV.  The 'beer garden' provided lots of refreshments. Each year the Knights of Columbus, Council 9659, man the bar.  In addition, with the help of many parishioners, also set up and tear down the festival booths.  There were numerous 'crafters' providing handmade jewelry, tole paintings, and one lady, Lisa Howe, who traveled from Scottsdale AZ to make available a selection of her beautiful pottery.  We placed an order that was so big we have to pay it in installments! The ladies of the parish contribute immensely to organizing and keeping things running smoothly at the White Elephant sale and also making sure everyone gets fed. The Kiwanis conducted the Gymkhana (an equestrian event consisting of speed pattern racing and timed games for riders on horses) for our young Jamul equestrians.  St Pius X is one of the few church's (read only church) with it's own horse corral. 

"Thanks" to all who sponsored the Jamulfest with financial assistance.  Also, to all the contributors to the community raffle. 

This is the only time I have to wear this outfit. Like Dolly Parton says, "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap." 

So, mark your calendars - next year, October 2013 - and we'll see you then!

Photo by Deinna, location our back yard!