Shipslog

a short 'little more'

2026-06-27T21:49:57.218-04:00

Well, I must celebrate or at least wait until after the 4th for the PET scan. That is now scheduled for the 9th of July.

Waiting ain't no fun. I usually can distract my mind by working, but I hurt my right arm moving heavy doors to paint them. uninstalling and then installing them took its toll. now I am just lying around THINKING.

I feel good now 'cept my arm. At times I think I am better off not knowing stuff. The Drs try to sound up beat, but you wonder if they are thinking "This could be BAD!"

Anyway I will be absent feeling sorry for my self. LOL I will let you kow the good news later when I learn it.

Have a great FOURTH, the is a great country to live in, I love it and like many vets, I am proud to have served this great country. I ain't really proud of the fact we have men and women in harms way now, but, in the end we pray for the best and continue to love our land.

Nite Shipslog

follow up More on me.....

2026-06-25T20:36:28.068-04:00

To answer a question to a Michigander friend, The whole thing from start to finish was less than 2-2.5 months me thinks. I watched it grow for a few weeks hoping it would be smart and go away on it's own. LOL... My Sherry says 'Dream -on!' LOL

For now I made a trip to a NEW Doctor. It was for a consult on a body scan for Merkel cell carcinoma. My uneducated understanding is they are looking to find if this 'tumor' was the mama or just a child. The way I understand it if it was the mama, then all is well and it is gone. if it is found other places (he is concerned about the lungs), then there is need for concern.

He seems to be planning to schedule radiation on my face no matter what they find. I hope I am misunderstanding. LOL

Anyway we are now waiting by the phone for the scheduled scan. Evidently he doesn't know if I am a cat or a dog , because he is calling it a PET SCAN. I will let you know....

I am wondering if I am falling into the Doctor Trap that many of us OLD people get into. I told my sweetheart today that if this keeps up they will destroy my possibility of hiking 'the trail' before I die or live in front of a TV. Meaning, I need at least 10 months clear to walk the entire 2190+ miles.

YEAH I KNOW, I KNOW, the last time I only needed a few days to tell me I could not start in January. LOL And made it only 25 miles. HAHA But I still need to try again to tell my Stubborn brain I need to SHUT UP.

Bye y'all

Nite Shipslog

The latest on me, LOL

2026-06-18T21:45:27.421-04:00

Okay now I am still a little confused. It has been determined that the 'thing removed' was 'The immunoprofile is consistant with a high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. The findings are highly concerning for Merkel cell...there is a possibility of metastases.

I copied this:

Metastasis occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors in distant organs or tissues. These secondary tumors are called metastases and retain the characteristics of the original cancer, not the tissue where they appear.

So now when I thought I was thru with this mess I will see someone else about a body scan to see if there are any more of these 'boogers' in my body, or something like that.

When Doctors say something like " This is usually nothing but it needs to be done just to MAKE SURE? Make sure WHAT, my brain asks? LOL

I know you medical people will enjoy reading this Just to help you some CD56, CK20, LCA and KI-67 WERE ALSO PERFORMED. Got that?

Now that all that is said, I am going to see another Dr. on the 24th to decide how to search my body for mean booggers.

My girl is still having trouble controlling her blood pressure, but she is doing well otherwise. WE walk most days and she feels better.

TAke care, love you guys, sorry I do not know more. Things stay a little hectic around here.

Nite Shipslog

Trying to get used to age

2026-06-11T20:29:35.996-04:00

Picture of the day:

MY Granny and Grandpa DArnell. This was taken in the 1930s. They both died in the 1940s. DAddy said when they were picking cotton and ran across a wasp nest, they called his dad and he put his hand under his arm in the sweat, then reached and pulled the wasp nest and stomped it with his bare feet. His sweat shoo-ed the wasps.

this is Grandpa and Grandma about 1903, that is my dad on GRandpa's knee.

Today’s stuff:

I have been thinking more and more about the

end for me. I remember

when I KNEW I would live to be 105 to 120

years. LOL Now? Not so

much. I have accepted something. I think I

kinda thought that this last

episode for me (concerning the growth), not

caring, if this was my end

thing.

That is not a sad thing methinks, just reality. I am not depressed. But for the first time in my life I can remember laying in bed all day. I have never been a ‘napper’, seemed a waste of time to me. LOL

For the past few months. I have been working 10-12 hour days and not being worn out or tired. All of a sudden, I am light headed and two hours of WORK, (like today I cleaned and painted most of a storage building on the back side of our property, ) I am shot and went directly to bed. After a bowl of fish chowder.

Sorry if this sounds like a sad sack. I still have not learned what my ‘removed growth’ was. I get the stitches taken out in a few days, the Dr. said he may have the results by then.

I am just curious, I really don’t care what it was.

Night to all of you, And thanks for your support prayers and positive thoughts.

Nite Shipslog

PS: I forgot how to use this blogger format.. That age/mentality thing... This is a mess....

So, some things finally come to a head..

2026-06-06T11:56:13.156-04:00

Pic of today

Me & my sweetheart on Blood Mountain (GA) when we started hiking the Appalatchian Trail in our 60's.

For today:

Yep like waiting for Christmas or a Birthday, if you ive long

enough they finally get here. My surgery finally happened. I

know some of you wondered what I was talking about about

my red nose. So here is WAS:

Now I look like this:

Yep, as you cn see even thought I am 87 years young, I am

still pretty. LOL

The Doctor did a good job. He described it to the family while

I was still recovering, “I gave Mr. Darnell a reverse face

lift!”

As of now, they do not know what they removed, it is still

being analyzed. They have ruled out serious cancer, and

several skin cancers. I will let you know when we know.

He did not cover the surgery location with bandage, saying it

will heal better exposed as long as I stay out of the sun.

One thing I do not like is huge pillows when I sleep. He

recommended I use three or four pillows so I could sleep

more erect. That is not fun to me, I feel like I am sliding

down a hill, LOL

I feel good. Sherry is also doing well and is re-taking over

some of the household duties to keep me inactive and

recover. She still cannot stand for long periods, but we

are managing well with the help of our sons & family at

times.

I just wanted to touch base here for the family and readers

who have wondered how things are going. I have to

admit it has been tough. Seldom in our near 70 years of

marriage have we been ‘down’ or ‘sick’ at the same time.

Anyway, God, love, and even fate has been good to us. WE

did get some kicks out of the nurses who kept saying, “What

is wrong with you Mr. Darnell, you are not normal, I am

looking at a blank medical history page here, with the only

medication a ‘multi vitamin’ once a day?”

Of course I do have a medical history. Like everyone else. I

also ‘enjoy(?)’ hearing thru implants. I didn’t do that without

time ‘under the knife’, as it said.

WE do eat well and try to take care of ourselves as we

approach 90 years of age and 70 years of marriage.

Most of you have suffered much more than we have. Close

friends and family have had terrible set backs lately and it

lets us know how blessed we are.

Thank you all for reading. I am beat right now..

NiteShipslog

PS: Sometimes I still worry about my sanity. LOL

Still kicking around

2026-05-28T21:38:57.697-04:00

Still in NC working on the new to us house. and seeing doctors. I thought I was going to skate thru the last years without the help o doctors. I have been fortunate and doctors to me have been audiology. Not physical. Since my new red nose. Actually it is a twin, since it sits beside my first nose.

I am pretty beat, but catching up. It is hard to list all the jobs that have come up, I am still trying to keep up the cooking and house inside requirements.

Sherry is coming along great. She is cooking tomorrow's dinner. beans, salmon patties, and cornbread. she did dinner today with my left-over chic soup, she added a hot dog. It was great.

She has days she feels weak. Today she was good and we walked about 30 minutes which included one big hill.

I finished my dr's visits with operation preps at the operating facility. The operation will take place one week from now, on June 4th.

WE also bought the place in Leesburg, FL back from our son Mark. The price included a lot we have at the coast in North CArolina. He plans to build there.

Our future is up in the air of course, When nearing 90 yrs of age we know many things will be out of reach.

I just wanted o touch base. YOu guys have been so supportive.

Nite Shipslog.

My time to see a surgeon, LOL

2026-05-09T21:21:35.132-04:00

Pictures of today

My Mother, Grace Missouri Lloyd DArnell

My boy's Mother, Sherry Lucille Harris DArnell

Sherry's Mother, Susie Geneva Hawes Harris

To Me. Above are 3 special MOTHERS this Mother's Day. Two are gone, but one is still here to enjoy!

Hope everyone who reads this stuff is doing well.

Before I go any further I must wish all you sweet mothers, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!! I visited a doctor and he looked at this neat growth on my face beside my nose and thought for sure I was growing another nose. He said I do not need more analyzing, that is cancer. I do not remember, nor know, the different names of skin cancer. bUT i AM scheduled soon for some plastic surgery It is still weeks away.

It is growing pretty fast. pretty fast. It looks like I am growing a second RED nose. Maybe it is a "RUDOLF" syndrome.

I thought I was ready to get back in the groove, but not so. I am feeling every year of this old age. Trying to keep up with things around here.

Love you guys and do hope you all have a great Mother's day.

OUr sons wanted to have a get to gether here, so I have spent some extra time getting ready. WE will have one of the boys go to KY Fryed, or Bo Jangles for chicken for who ever drops by. Both boys have given her some beautiful flowers. This girl is a sweet and loving mother.

WE both are thinking of our mothers. WE had the best.

I had the best also, as a mother in law.

Nite Shipslog

The new doctor has a unique name

2026-05-04T18:57:59.427-04:00

Sherry met with Dr. Ufondu, yep pronounced YOU -fondu. He was very nice and was very pleased with Sherry's improvement. He dropped one of her meds, and said I will see you in 6 months if you are as well as today, then, the next check-in will be a year.

We were very happy about this. so much so , Sherry says she is fixing breakfast in the AM. ;-)

WE have waited for that NEWS with baited breath, now we B happy.

HOWEVER for my self, I will see a doctor in the AM. He is a plastic surgeon, he is going to make me pretty. Or something like that.

Thanks so much for the support, thoughts and prayers.

Nite Shipslog.

Only if you have lived in a motor home.......

2026-04-27T22:00:14.129-04:00

...would you understand this entry...

Moving from this above to the house below, eah thru the back door of course.

I had to guard my sweetheart, but we did move from the RV into the house. She did well and did not push herself. She is still dong well and for he most part she has had good blood pressure. She is not one to WATCH someone else work, but she is going good.

I am still shocked. We are moving from about 310 sqft RV into a 3BR house with a kitchen, dining, living and sitting room house. AND IT IS HARD TO FIND ROOM FOR ALL THE STUFF WE CARRIED IN THAT RV!! THAT IS A FACT.!!!!!

I am still doing 96% of the cooking and cleaning. We are programmed, in our later years, for two meals a day. You would be amazed at how much more moving around it takes to make dinner/breakfast here, where in the coach, I never moved over 5 paces while cooking, cleaning and washing dishes.

When cooking pots, .pans, dishes are within an arms reach, refer within a step.

AT night this old man must get up a minimum of 2 times to pee. That was 4 steps with something to hold on to as I moved. Now it is 25 steps, at an old man's shuffle of 6" a step.

If it wasn't so much work, I would move back into the RV!!!

But my friends, we are really doing good. This afternoon. I cooked a meat loaf for the first time in many years We had our sons over to eat. It did not slice as well as it used to in GITMO and Key West when I cooked at times for the family. But they all said it was still good. I used Sherry's recipe.

I have had some time to read other blogs, but not the time to comment.. Thans for your understanding. We are doing well. Love all you guys that take time to read and those who take the time to comment.

Take care.

Nite Shipslog

WE are still working this out.

2026-04-22T21:56:04.023-04:00

Hi family, friends and readers all.

Sherry is doing great. We are walking a little, something like a city block ;-), Blood pressure is down and seems pretty steady. She is on a lot of meds, but is handling it well. I am busy and still doing the job as our cook and bottle washer. Even a little house cleaning. LOL

I have cut my work down to about 8-9 hours, things ae shaping up.

I installed the washer/Dryer, stove and hood this week, so Tomorrow, Thursday, we plan to start our move from the RV into the house.

Sorry I am absent but hoping things change. I have my yearly dr. appt Friday AM, and Sherry to get her mammogram that PM.

Things are moving right along.

Nite Shipslog

PS Thanks for all the prayers, thoughts and comments, love you all for it and makes us feel good of course..

Update from NC 3

2026-04-16T22:39:00.001-04:00

Today’s picture:

Many years ago, my boys did out-grow me, here they are making me look taller., LOL Thanks guys!

Now for today:

Staying busy getting our new to us home ready to move into. Still in the RV. Having trouble with my beautiful wife. She wants to jump in and do stuff, I am still doing the cooking, trying to do the cleaning and washing.

She had gotten out for a couple local trips, one main one was to get the new appliances we need. They will be delivered next tuesday.

I am trying to keep my days down below hours, but at times I go 10. Most of that is looking for misplaced tools, imma thinking I am the worlds worst. As an example: Today I spent close to an hour looking for my ever needed screw gun. I found it of course, making me feel ‘dumb.’

Sorry, about the absence, but things are looking up. The Doctors here are behind and her REAL appt. is not until next month. Blood is high some days some days normal.

I am told that is normal for a-fib. OUCH.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

My mama caught me in 'A -FIB' several times and things did not go well for the kid.

Update #2 from NC

2026-04-08T22:05:00.003-04:00

Today’s picture:

Below Granson Luke , Jenna and Palmer on her first BD. We missed the big BD party for Palmer but they brought us some food from the party (Enough for a few days for us), when they came to visit Grandma Sherry on our return to NC

Now for today:

Sherry saw her Doctor here in NC today. Nothing major to tell except the blood pressure remains toooooo high. It actually was near 200/80 at the Dr. office. Sherry does have hwa is referred to as the “White Coat Syndrome”, meaning the appointment time raises her Blood pressure.

The Dr. has referred her to a Cardiologist here, no appointment yet.

Her Dr. did increase one med, from once a day to to twice. We are anxious to talk to the cardiologist of ccourse.I am doing m best to pet my sweetheart, but it sorta makes here feel, how do I say it? Feel bad to be served a little. She is used to be the one serving.

I am forcing her to eat my cooking and do my normal job of washing dishing.

WE are living in the motor home, it makes sense to us.

I have washed the house and the outside buildings including the I room efficiency. I have repaired two water leaks caused by the winter freezes up here. That was a mess.

I am staying busy waiting for the recommendations of a cardiologist (of course we both are). The best report is that Sherry is showing VERY LITTLE results of the stroke. She is coming back strong with her voice and speech. She held her own in conversations with her Dr.

Continued prayers appreciated.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

April update

2026-04-04T22:50:00.000-04:00

Back at the hospital above Sherry and Dr. & Nurse.

WE made the trip from Florida to NC. Sherry lay on the couch a lot of the trip ad we made it a 2 day trip this time. Traffic was terrible the first day. On our trip north we pass over the bay area of Jacksonville, FL. Normally it is bustling. It was DEAD. not one ship being off loaded. and very few Hugh containers on the piers. Gonna be some empty shelves in stores soon.

On a normal day, there are two container ships being unloaded and a couple anchored awaiting their turn. There were NONE waiting.

'that is just an observation.

The Interstate 95 was stop and go, so we opted to take local roads thru the country on our last day. That was a great idea. Not only NO traffic on US15, but some great country scenery.

I am correcting every other word it seems. I am beat, Sherry is also. we made it to NC. She s a stickler for appropriate flowers on her parents graves. So we did that today. She is BEAT.

She is a stickler for times and meds. Her evening meds she takes exactly at 9PM I woke her to take them, but she is back to sleep . I know an hour or so won't matter, but she will be upset at herself later. But I am glad she is resting.

She tried to contact her Dr. but could not until Monday Her Blood Pressure top number still stays near 150 and that ain't good. But the doctors in Florida were concerned about the pulse rate. IT IS doing great around 60.

Thanks for your concern and prayers. Positive thoughts are also very much appreciated.

You guys are good for my insides, THANKS!

Nite Shipslog

PS Gas prices in Florida were $4 and above. GA & SC $3.60-$3.90. Trip usually about $210 was closer to $300. OUCH

ONE more Update

2026-03-31T19:31:00.000-04:00

We are in the RV in son Mark's yard. We plan to head north and take two day to reach our home base in Belmont, NC. Will depart in the next few days. Sherry is doing well, I haven't noticed a speech problem in a couple days. She is still weak.

Just a note about the Waterman Hospital in Tavares. I do not know much about hospitals, but I would bet this one is at the top of the list of good ones. Everyone was supportive friendly and courteous. They went above and beyond in the caring.

Dr. Panara celebrating at Sherry's going home. He said, when asked, but my bread is better! ;-)

Two ladies who prepped her for a procedure became like sisters to her with words of encouragement, most of them scriptures.

Anyway I cannot say enough good about the Doctors, staff, cleaning crew and Mess Hall workers. Sherry was given a choice of 2 or 3 meals before each meal time. Their motto is something like this: "We continue where Jesus left off".

I did write the Admin wit our thanks.

Be back in a few days....

Nite Shipslog

Quick update

2026-03-28T21:58:00.007-04:00

We ae out of the hospital. She is worn out. Still not out of the woods. we will hve to monitor the results a cay or so before making the decision to head back North.

She did have a stroke, it was minor compared to what it could have been. It has effected her voice / speech some. (But still had a great KISS!). Problem is the rapid heartbeat and blood pressure.)

Of course valve replacement, several types of pace makers, etc. DRs say main problem is A-fib. they were hesitant to do a procedure that required days,weeks of follow up since we were heading north soon.

Any way they released her, now the weight is on our shoulders whether to take the trip home with a chance of a hospital stop may be required,

Thanks for the support and prayers. Love you guys, we are all beat. Imma say if a long hospital stay does not kill you, you are tough. ;-)

NIte Shipslog

Just now....Things funny and those you do not expect.

2026-03-24T18:43:00.000-04:00

Today’s stuff:

Friend Don just turned 89 years old. His Great Grand daughter, 6 years old, came to see him. It was her birthday too. Don asked her “Ava, how old do you think I am?”

Looking at him for a few seconds she said, “Fifty thousand!”

WE cracked up when we heard that. Remember the program, “Kids say the darnedest things?”

Things funny help you in life. But those unexpected things, the BUMPS in the road? Not so much.

This was Sherry’s 2 or 3^rd day in the hospital. Her Blood pressure got too high. They have ran a lot of tests. Good Doctors. I am home gathering some things to take back to the hospital. I thought I would explain that I will not be aboard the Blog for awhile.

She is I in good spirits. Most tests showed nothing, but some with questions. Still awaiting the doctor’s recommendations.

I am not thinking very well, but thought I would ask for prayers of you that pray and Positive thoughts for those who don’t. I am NOT thinking of losing her! But I can use the prayers and support. Jack Jr. drove down from NC and Mark is here, so She has some good support here.

Love you guys. Will try to keep you up to date.

Nite Shipslog

Monday Heroes and In-laws.

2026-03-22T17:49:31.336-04:00

ABOUT yesterday...Note push mower: For high grass there was some adjustment for high grass but very little. Most of us cutting 6" grass had to push forward 3' then pull it back and go again, many time it took 3 times to get it down, BUT it was done no matter how high the weeds....And then goats, like Victor, we used goats in GITMO around where ammo was stored. Less dangerous!

Picture of the day:

Actual picture of USMC landing on Iwo Jima, WWII

Today’s stuff: Now....

There have been a lot of mother-in-law jokes, I even used some. Friend Victor stays in trouble over in the UK about where his MIL parks her broom. BUT ME? I had the best, Susie Hawes Harris, she was one sweet woman. However, Sherry embarrassed me once while we were parked in front of their house. She was smooching me so heavily that her mother came out in her night gown to tell SHERRY to ‘Sit up in that car!’

That is my version of the TRUTH!

Many of us men migrate to the family of our wives. I certainly did. Sherry’s family was very dear to me. I have many heroes, most military. Sherry and I grew up during WWII and our brothers served in that war. Both were in the Pacific. My brother, Junior, was a ‘decorated’ gunner on a Destroyer Escort ship.

Junior, 101 yr old this year... Wish he was still here... Picture is Just before leaving Shelby NC to serve on the Ship below, the USS Baron

Sherry’s Brother Lefty Harris (100 yrs old ) was a decorated US Marine. He was wounded during the USMC landing on Iwo Jima.

Sherry, Lefty and Johnny, just after the war.

I have mentioned Sherry’s brother (Passed but 93 yrs this yr), Vernon Gomez; he too was a hero of mine, serving at least two tours in Vietnam.

Above is Vernon and his wife Janet.

I am reluctant to list friends, cousins, nephews, uncles who served, I might miss one. They too, are my heroes.

I brought that up mainly because in the last few days

Becky, one of Lefty’s daughters, called Sherry to verify that had lefty lived, he would be 100 yrs old now? Sherry who knows every birthday of everyone in our families, living or dead. Yes, Sherry said Lefty was born March 1926 making him a 100 this month.

WE all trained, simulated being ordered ashore or dropped in a combat zone. Some, reading here, actually were there, I was fortunate and never saw combat.

With their background, veterans, think of those military standing ready near Iran today. Most are on ships awaiting orders. WE, out of harm’s way, feel for the anxiety of WAITING! I admire every man and woman in uniform now. There was a time seeing a uniform brought automatic, RESPECT.

During my time, a man in uniform could stand on the road with a thumb out and be picked up immediately. Most of us did that at one time or the other in 50s & 60s.

Nite Shipslog

PS: When I visit VA hospitals and see the VETS who lost sight, limbs and many with shattered nerves. I am thankful for their service and realize how blessed to have served in three branches and still be walking around.

Sunday.... ..... If you are still here…..

2026-03-21T21:15:36.519-04:00

Picture of the day:

Today’s stuff:

Things have a way of changing in this life. Standards,

guidelines, morals, mowers and even house styles. I

have heard the term “They moved the goal post!” I

think I understand that.

I saw a big truck yesterday, front raised high. When I was 16 I would have thought that is the coolest thing ever. Now? It looked stupid and the COST came to mind, who can afford that and still buy groceries?

AS a kid pushing a lawn mower (no motor!), I got paid 50 cents to mow a small yard. Today the cost can be $100 and the guy is using a $5000 zero turn mower.

We had a little (comeuppance) experience with buying a used mower awhile back. I wanted a zero turn mower. They look cool when ‘someone else’ is driving. WE finally

agreed on the price $2000. Sherry got out the check book. “I do not take checks, we can use ‘zorrow’, zelle’ (or something like that) or cash.”

I said, ok I will go to the bank and get cash. (I was in another town it was 3PM). “Our banks close at 2 o’clock every day.” he said. It was past that time. He agreed to hold it until the next day when we could arrange payment.

Truth is, I could not believe ANY bank closing at that time during the week. So we drove by a bank and I checked the time. Sure enough, closing daily 2PM. As I said, things change.

Now to the mower. I can usually adapt to mechanics or physical actions, BUT A ZERO TURN MOWER IS CRAZY TO DRIVE. First notice, there is NO steering wheel, just two handles Left and Right. I am finally getting it a little, in the meantime I have cut down two Azalea bushes I planted 25 years ago when I built that house. LOL

Things change since I cut grass with a $20 push mower.

Nite Shipslog

PS: I have only paid to have a lawn cut when someone needed the money. I need the exercise and yes I am cheap. ALSO I have never paid that kind of money for a mower, but I did not want to buy another standard riding mower, the zero turn looked COOL! ??!!?? LOL

Saturday The country of Iran.

2026-03-20T21:10:23.513-04:00

Picture of the day:

This is a fair shot of Tehran, greater Tehran is over 13 million citizens:

Today’s stuff just facts and statistics:

In reference to the Mediterranean area of the world.

Sherry has been to Jordan and Israel; not far

from Iran. I was in France, Spain, Crete, Turkey,

Greece, Italy and Sicily other countries of the

Mediterranean. Together Sherry & I made Germany,

Belgium and Switzerland.

Since this undeclared war with Iran,

I had assumed it was about the size of Maine

and also sort of a backward country.

However this is IRAN also:

I prefer to know something of the areas our military is

sent to. You can be very surprised when your mind is

not broad enough. As a Marine with NATO forces I

spent a few weeks in the back country of Turkey. My

impressions: it was a backward country, I was 17

years old. I was shocked later when I saw Istanbul,

it’s size and how modern it was. I was overwhelmed.

I am interested in Iran. Hey, it is 2 ½ times the size

of Texas.

dark green is Iran size it covers most of our Mid West

Does that surprise you? It did me. There are

5 other cities over a million in population one of them

over 3 million. Iran population approx 86 million.

Their army? Quads force, 90,000 elite troops. Special

Forces 125,000 troops. Combat ready army? 600,000

That is a total of 815,000 troops.

This is not a backwards country. Now I am told this is NOT Vietnam! and it is not. BUT who knows?

Look back at the Vietnam statistics:

North Vietnam had an army of approx 480,000 . The

French fought there for about 8 years lost 55,000

French soldiers and pulled out without winning. USA

followed them. After nine combat years we pulled out

without winning, losing 58000+ good men and women.

I pray that this ‘WAR’ has been thought thru and has

an objective for an ending. I am praying we do not go

Boots on the ground.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

This is not an obsession with me, But I read

where our president said that the USA will

flatten Iran if they do not surrender

unconditionally. WE have had too many WARS

that brought the USA NOTHING but PAIN!

Now Iran is 2.5 times the size of Texas, FOR

EXAMPLE Just THINK how hard it would be to 'wipe

out' a country that size. count the cost in soldiers,

missiles and bombs at 1-2 million dollars a minute.

But wait, it will

be faster with nuclear weapons. Are they there

already, you can bet you bippy they are. Every

carrier and sub of the USA carries them I and many

sailors have loaded them aboard.

Our president just said this week, quote " I can

end this war in 2 seconds." That is a REAL

scary option.

Friday, I WISH …. …..

2026-03-19T22:05:46.919-04:00

Picture of the day:

Stephen Hawkins, can you imagine making this work for you?

Today’s stuff:

I wish I could ‘WILL AWAY’ circumstances/ or pain!’

When you cannot, what do you do?

Sherry just read a quote to me of Corrie ten boom, It was concerning a woman in Russia she had met. Disease had reduced her to one moving body part, “ONE FINGER!” With that, she typed Bible verses and wrote books.

Hawkins, a physicist, ALS took him but he did not stop!

I appreciate the things I read. I firmly believe every one of you that Blog, at one time or the other, say something that ‘HITS HOME’ to we who read what you write.

Just lately two of you brought tears to my eyes as I read what you wrote. Victor just put a song on an entry, it concerned a boy's relation with his dad, and also a shoe box.

I do not have a picture of me and my dad together. I wish I did. My dad educated himself. He was a full time farm hand at 8 years old and could not attend school. By the time I left home, his education easily matched that of a ‘Doctorate’. His wisdom, knowledge and common-sense approach to religion and life made him a light to thousands of people. I wish I could tell him now, how much I admired him.

My friend Billy is blind. WE talk some, he can tell daylight from dark and at times distinguish forms. He went blind during a medical operation which had NOTHING to do with his eyes. Did that stop him? Huh uh! He has fenced his yard and has built a carport.

My Aunt Georgia, went blind and still maintained a home, cooked and cleaned house. I told you all that once as a 6 year old I followed her into the kitchen, she was pouring coffee to serve. “Aunt Georgia, if you are blind, how can you tell how much you are pouring?” I asked.

"See my finger over he edge of the cup Jackie, I can feel the heat as it gets near the top.” She explained several things to this little kid. I was (still am) amazed.

Sister White was sweet but opinionated. Funny that; I understand she was raised in ‘Brown Town!’ ... Another friend, Jinks, lived in Brown Town. Jinks went blind as he aged. Sister White would mention Jinks many times as being the laziest man she knew. He lays around and expects his wife to serve him hand and foot.

I told Sherry, “Sis White is tough on Jinks, he’s blind.”

"Jack, Sister White knows handicaps. She could not speak properly until she started to school at 6 years old. She was raised by parents that were referred to as ‘Deaf and Dumb’. They still worked and raised a family.”

I moved to the Belmont area in 1954, so I was new there. Brown Town is a community of Belmont where most folks named Brown, lived. Sherry knows a lot of people

And then there is Nick Vujicic, his ministry is Life without Limbs, No arms or legs. He is inspirational!

Google him if you want to see some amazing stuff.

MA ‘s blog says, “If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull part.” Imma trying.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

WOW! Somehow there are people who decide to whip a problem, and there are those who fold.

Thursday, Fill in and catch up

2026-03-19T11:21:30.338-04:00

Picture of the day:

Gerald Ford Air Craft Carrier

Today’s stuff:

I mentioned previously fire is dreaded aboard ship. I was forced to recall one just yesterday when I read of one lately on the Aircraft Carrier Gerald Ford, there was a big fire, it was reportedly started in the ships laundry, and burned thru compartments that contained a 600 beds. The ship was past it's time for over all maintenance and should NEVER have been deployed further. Someone dropped the ball. 12 months of 12-20 hour days kills moral.

After hours the entire ship is covered by sailors doing their after hours assignment as a ‘Fire Watch’. Each fire watch is assigned a specific area to patrol. The job is assigned to the lower pay grades and is broken down into 4 hour walks.

In my entire time at sea I experienced one fire. It just had to happen during one of my times as a ‘fire watch’. So after the shipboard notice was given over all speakers: “FIRE, FIRE 02 LEVEL FRAME 90, THIS IS NOT A DRILL, FIRE, FIRE”. It was my job to run my assigned area rushing sailors and officers to a weather deck. I will never forget one compartment the men were watching the movie ‘Rat Patrol’ on the TV, they were so engrossed they were fanning smoke from the screen, true dat. Sailors are crazy. They did leave, but did not want to.

That fire Report reminded me when blogging about shipboard life, I over looked the Laundry, a BIG part of ALL ships. Someone must do the laundry, right?

Try thinking of the amount of laundry on a carrier, associated with the life of 5000+ sailors. The laundry washes at least 5000 bed sheets a week. They wash every man's laundry. All clothes have the owner's name on it. On your Division’s Laundry Day, you come back from your job, and your sheets and clothes are piled on your bunk.

Each man folds, rolls, his clothes and puts them away; then replaces his sheets. Yes, there is a great system that ensures YOUR clothes are on YOUR rack (bed) every laundry day. They never lost even my underwear or socks.

It is hard to wrap your mind around the jobs and requirements to run a ship. There are plenty of ‘side jobs’ called ADDITIONAL DUTIES All low ranks must spend so many weeks a year on mess duty (assisting the cooks), fire watch, compartment cleaning, mail Petty Officer, passageway cleaning, security duty, and burn runs (burning out dated classified documents and messages). As a fire watch you definitely learn parts of the ship you never knew existed. LOL

Enough, every job, occupation, and just life, has some boring and exciting parts. It has been nice meeting folks on line, losing some has sure made me sad at times. Right now, I am hit hardest thinking of Jean of Opp and Paula, the cowgirl. Two wonderful women we met on Journals and Blogs. Amazing how close we get sometimes.

All people are important. EVERYONE has a life, there fore a story. With the right writer, your life would make a best selling book.

See ya

Nite Shipslog

PS:

Life gets to you sometimes. Thanks for stopping by the Shipslog

Sherry is washing clothes today, and it is shaking the RV.

Wednesday, Taxes, everyone’s favorite subject (not)

2026-03-17T19:50:00.086-04:00

Picture of the day:

Today’s stuff:

Tax time, I can relax, ours?... done! We even got a refund, the first time in many years. Every year I

remember an eye opening time. We were stationed in GITMO, my ‘Commander in Chief & President', was Mr. Richard Nixon.

It wasn’t a law, but sort of an expected rule, as president of the USA it was a practice to make his Tax return public. Our present president is an exception, he promised todo that, but later refused. Anyway, Sherry and I, lower-income enlisted folk, under Nixon’s command paid twice more in taxes than the President of the USA! He had paid a whopping $750.00 in federal Income tax. His salary was $100,000 a year, ours, less than $6,000. That blew my mind.

I am very sure he paid the right amount with deductions and loopholes, therefore the Commander-in-Chief of the Army still paid less tax than a Private in that Army.

In my opinion our tax system is NOT fair, but we still live in a GREAT country. I would like to see a straight 10% income tax on EVERYONE who ears over $50K. Maybe a Federal Sales tax of 15% on everything purchased, no exceptions or loopholes. Get rid of most of the IRS and all income tax. It would sure make it simpler for businesses that pay employees and forget withholding taxes.

With the 15% fed sales tax, when buying a car for $5000 we pay $750 tax. When the Billionaire buys a Yacht for $500,000, he pays $75,000 sales tax.

Yeah I dream a lot. I jump thru the hoops every year and fill out our tax forms. I am one cheap dude. One of my son’s pays $250 to have his done, the other might do his own.

OF COURSE I do not KNOW, but I hear there are some Billionaires who pay zero in income taxes, because their income is in stocks/bonds etc and taxed different than me. Our tax system is employee driven, not investment.

My mind will no longer hold things together, so I get very lost in IRS language. I have read about 100 of the nearly 7,000 pages of the tax code. It actually goes to 75,000 pages when the explanations and directions are included.

I won’t even try to guess the # of presidents and congressmen who have read even 10% of that code. HOWEVER, I guarantee there are lawyers who have read enough to find the loopholes, as they say. They get paid good money to do that. LOL

Ok ,I have said too much, but get your taxes filed, pay what Uncle Sam says pay, so my SS check will arrive next month. Oh yes, and THANK YOU very much!

Nite Shipslog

PS: I didn’t bitch too much did I?

Thanks for stopping by the Shipslog

Tuesday, Insight of Military life

2026-03-16T21:21:11.718-04:00

Picture of the day:

That picture was taken a short 70 years ago, She was cute wasn't she. She married a Marine. I was a smart fellow as a kid.

Today’s stuff:

WE all think of the military personnel and dangers when they are deployed. Seldom do we think of trouble at home when the military person MUST get back home i.e. the death of a loved one back home.

Military troops know that the Red Cross will help with notification of home problems, but we seldom expected it. My BIL Sgt Vernon Gomez Harris, deployed to Nam with the Green Berets, His & Sherry’s mother died. The Red Cross gave him assistance; he made it across the Pacific and the USA in time for the funeral.

While deployed to Cuba I was notified my dad was dying. If he had been declared dead the USN would have flown our family back, but since it was ONLY a notification of serious sickness, I was flown back immediately. Sherry and the boys came to the USA at the death.

I mentioned in a comment to Victor about this, as my plane approached Charlotte, NC the weather was so bad the plane was diverted to Tennessee or Virginia, I forget which; I rented a car and drove to Charlotte. But Dad had died during the diversion.

We all understand that is bad, but not like your loved one returning from deployment in a box.

So I am asking for your prayers for those families who will be seeing loved ones next, some in coffins. War is terrible, but when you sign on and wear the uniform you swear on your life to do what is required. I was fortunate I never saw combat, but my cousins, brothers, in-laws and other kin did, we were thankful they all returned, walking. Sherry's brother Lefty, was wounded on Iwo Jima but came back alive.

A lot is entailed in life, I hear hints of the draft being reinstated. IMHO 6 months to 2 years in the military is very good for most of our youth. Many people have not known discipline, and it would do them good.

I do not personally foresee the need for a draft in the present situation, but my friends, if it were to come to a World War, it WILL be necessary, and we all will cry and pray. I Remember WWII. And make no mistake, if this one comes, we here in the USA will see what Europe has seen twice.

Nite Shipslog

PS:I am stuck on the sad side, Imma try to polish the other side… HONEST!

Monday, Shipboard life

2026-03-15T20:22:00.002-04:00

Picture of the day:

Above is an LST it is flat bottomed, it can pull up to a beach and the bow opens for troops and trucks to make a landing. That was my 2nd ship.

My last ship for 2 years the USS Independence

For today:

This entry is in response to questions about the big USN buildup in the Mediterranean Sea and Iran. WE have thousands of sailors/marines aboard those fleets living around the clock. They are launchig rockets/missles over 400 in the first 72 hours, each missile costs 1.5 to 3.5 million dollars. Remember someone must move those around to get them ready to fire. So their work day aboard is not normal right now.

I have been on cargo ships, transport ships and aircraft carriers. Life is a little different on all ships because of the size. Smaller ships have one mess deck for enlisted personnel. Air craft carriers have over 5000 men when fully activated and have 2 mess decks, at least one of them is open 24 hours a day. At Meal times both are open.

That would be a rocket coming over

Above would be fuel coming over And below would be the trip to the atsea grocery store.

All ships must be resupplied. At sea a supply ship will pull alongside to high-line supplies over. Ship crews form work-details to move all supplies hand to hand across decks and down to supply rooms. Supply ships can be for groceries, medical and office supplies etc. The munitions come from Ammo- supply ships, using the same procedures. That includes shells, rockets, bombs and anything having to do with fire power.

Working hours for the most part are same as ashore. There are ‘firewatches’ over the complete ship after normal working hours, with fire details ready at a moments notice 24/7. Fire is the most dangerous thing for a ship other than the ‘enemy.’

At times troops are transferred via high line. One of the top transfers is the Chaplain. Carriers have their own Chaplains both Catholic and protestant. Some do not like it, but the chaplains are trained in several religions and do what they can to satisfy the needs of the troops. When a smaller ship needs a chaplain he is sent over via high line. I have seen them Baptised as they went into the ocean when the ships leaned toward each other during the tranfer. He went down into the water then back up. This was no surprise, but he does get wet. His Sacred materials are prepared for such an incidence and are protected.

All USN ships have retail sales stores. Very small on smaller ships and much larger on Carriers.

All ships have a medical section. The carriers have a small hospital LOL.

Naturally all sailors look forward to pulling into port and having some liberty off the ship. (Not now of course.)

You can imagine how much ‘resupply’ is going on now. ALL those rockets and missiles must be replaced on the ships. This is the most any fleet has fired EVER before. Cost of this one so far has been about $28,000 per second. Now that is more than you will make next week.

Say a prayer for the troops, there is always danger, that is why it is called war.

Nite Shipslog

PS:

I have sailed the Med a couple times, it is absolutely beautiful blue water much like our Caribbean..

Ship stores? You can buy tobacco, snacks, mail supplies etc. (very small 7-11 lol)

We all are praying this 'war' will end soon.

Sunday income, cost of living

2026-03-14T21:16:00.002-04:00

Picture of the day:

Note: clarification, In my opinion methinks USA & Israel bit off more than they WANT to chew. In other words, in my opinion and some reports say, they did not expect the straits to be closed and oil to sky rocket, IMHO WE have he greatest Military in the World, and we can chew much more, but the results can HURT!...

For today:

WE do not watch TV. Most of the last 10 years it was on about an hour a year, now in the last year it has never been on. We have 2 TVs in the RV they are never used. Telling the truth we don’t know how to turn them on. LOL

I have nothing against TV. My hearing is probably the most cause. I used closed caption for years but now I cannot hear (read) as fast as TV personalities talk. They, especially news people, try to squeeze all the words possible into each minute, they lose me.

My news comes from the internet. I just read today we have 31 million workers in the USA living from pay check to paycheck. The increased gas prices are hurting them. In many cases that is because not everyone knows how to conserve. BUT in most cases it is because of debt and lower wages.

The cost of gasoline is hurting workers. Can you imagine, diesel (headed for $7) is over $5 a gal now. Can you imagine a trucker paying $500 for a fill up of only 100 gallons. That is his lively hood. Growing up at least 8 of my kin (inc a brother) made their living driving a truck.

Everything you use in life came part of its way to you

via truck.

Notice all the Walmart and Amazon trucks on the road?

So you can bet the prices WILL & MUST go up.

I become agitated inside when I hear someone complaining about having ‘nothing’ and they have hundreds of dollars of tattoos. I guess that is like I have heard: many people who shop for things they do not NEED, when they are depressed about income.

WE lived paycheck to paycheck for a while. But we were both raised by parents from the depression era. All our lives we heard, “Always put something back for that rainy day, IT WILL come.” WE tried to save something even if it was fifty cents a month.

WE made an assumption that our lifestyle would rub off on our sons, but we were mistaken. I should have been more forceful in handling finances.

Many people are head over heels I debt for things

they want, not that they need.

Ending with: For the life of me, I cannot fathom buying a house today while making car and Credit card payments even on a builder’s income much less on a carpenter’s salary.

Nite Shipslog

PS: I know, I sound depressing. Right now I need to do as MA says, polish the dull side. (or something like that) ;-)

SOOOO… Tomorrow a brighter subject TAXES! ;-)