My Desultory Blog

Lexington Lab Band playing the music of my generation

RichC — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:01:39 +0000

Lexington Lab Band for more

Should plan a trip home to Sidney for the movie Jimmy

RichC — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:00:20 +0000

The movie Jimmy made its début in early June and will be screened in my hometown with a high school classmate of mine introducing the movie and answers a few questions (it shows at 3PM and 9PM at the Historic Sidney Theatre for those interested or in the area). It would have been great to [...]

What does an old car tell the world about you?

RichC — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:50:06 +0000

Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver talks about his 1983 Mercedes Benz 300D and closes with, “it’s solid, reliable, robust, well made, it’s got a lot of integrity … and I hope that I represent those values.”

How fiscally responsible are the charities you support?

RichC — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:01:00 +0000

Every year we see and hear of charities wasting money and the generous gifts given by their donors and unfortunately some charities and their hired solicitors are just out and out crooks (and unfortunately able to get away with it year after year). If you intend to give to organizations that you are not intimately [...]

A couple crazy ladies are coming our way

RichC — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:07:50 +0000

My sister-in-law warned informed me that they were on their way to our house from Jamestown, NY with dad’s old truck looking like the Clampetts (Beverly Hillbillies). Of course my older sister-in-law Chris (she still looks and acts pretty young) probably envisioned herself as a “young” Donna Douglas (Elly May) … while I was thinking [...]

1982 Mercedes 300D AC diagnosis

RichC — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:05:26 +0000

Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated (video/audio below). I’ve installed a new AC system (compressor, r/d & expansion valve) in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel after a thorough cleaning and proper charge, but occasionally there is a clatter-rattle when at idle. The AC seems to be cooling just fine and I think the [...]

Privacy vs security when it comes to digital data collection

RichC — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:57:00 +0000

I’ve delayed opining on the latest NSA and whistleblower story over the last couple of days because I can see both sides and like most Americans , value the liberty our constitution protects, yet expect our government to protect us. It is a frustratingly difficult conundrum we face … or I should say, those we [...]

New specialty wrenches came in today

RichC — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:36:30 +0000

Oh new tools toys came in today. My lowball ebay bid on a set of Hazet wrenches paid off … and now I can set the valves on the old diesel.

Archive video: Oh how he enjoyed the garden!

RichC — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:35:00 +0000

My sister-in-law shared some of her cellphone video with me last week at the funeral and I enjoy remembering Brenda’s dad working in the garden at the farmhouse. This one is a few year old, but he was doing what he enjoyed. Great clip Chris! *Video: dad h tilling up the garden at the farmhouse [...]

Audi prices the 2014 TDI diesel line up in the U.S.

RichC — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:15:00 +0000

So you really would like a Audi TDI diesel? (I nod my head yes) Well it’s not going to be cheap. Here are the 2014 prices for their A6 TDI, A7 TDI, and Q5 TDI as shared by Motor Authority. 2014 Audi A6 TDI starts at $57,500 — 24 mpg city/38 mpg highway for 29 [...]

A happy birthday to Taylor and my new diver certification card

RichC — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:33:06 +0000

My son Taylor and I celebrated his 24th birthday today since we were both at home. We went to Chili’s, a favorite spot of his (well mine too) and they treated him to a birthday desert … on top of ribs and of course chips and salsa. Mail call was also interesting today as my [...]

Yes, I still dream about extended cruising on our sailboat

RichC — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:59:00 +0000

Encore’s sailing projects have taken a back seat to illness, funerals and wedding this past year, but I’m doing my best to do some project planning and research for next year. I received a reply from the Rich Boren, the CEO of CruiseROWater after I made a comment about his infatuation with fish tacos. In [...]

The 1982 Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel–brutally tested

RichC — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 12:14:00 +0000

I can’t believe Brenda wanted to drive the new old Benz on a 1000 mile road trip before I even test drove it on the highway, but she did. When I checked in last week and asked how it handled, she said, “well, it wouldn’t go much over 85?” Huh!?!? You’re driving the 1982 MB [...]

Repost: The Passat TDI: all 48 states, but how many MPG?

RichC — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 12:50:14 +0000

Some road trips are more epic than others, and I’m excited to announce that we have a pretty epic one planned. Today, two drivers, Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger, depart from Volkswagen of America’s Herndon, Virginia headquarters in a 2013 Passat TDI® Clean Diesel. They’ll drive it 8,000 miles and pass through all 48 contiguous [...]

Well done, good and faithful servant – Matthew 25:23

RichC — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 02:30:00 +0000

Life returning to “normal” doesn’t feel right after being with family and friends for the funeral and burial of Dr. Frederick Howard, Brenda’s father – I’m not sure when I will realize that he is gone. We remembered dad’s life through stories and humor this past week and as Christians, knowing he is now truly [...]

Can the stock market continue to rise this summer?

RichC — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:40:21 +0000

There sure seems to be a disconnect between what my gut tells me about the economy and what the financial markets have been doing … and I know I’m not the only one growing concerned as evident by the growing number of articles. Europe is clearly in recession, China is slowing, U.S. consumer spending and [...]

In need of a smile?

RichC — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:30:29 +0000

With funeral preparations underway for my father-in-law, it has each in the family working to celebrate the extraordinary life of Frederick Howard (obiturary). I’ve been search through some old photos and video … and getting plenty distracted. I came across a short segment of my daughter Katelyn in 1989 and couldn’t help but smile. *Video: [...]

Quite the legacy my father-in-law left behind

RichC — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 04:01:00 +0000

Some of us are fortunate to have wise men in our lives … someone that mentors and shapes us … someone who is an example for patterning our day to day lives. I was fortunate to have one of these wise men, that being my wife’s father, Dr. Frederick A. Howard – August 24, 1925 [...]

Another component to replace on the Mercedes Benz 300D

RichC — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 11:18:00 +0000

If it isn’t one thing, it is another when it comes to an old car in an unknown condition. Thankfully I’m getting to know my new beast and am thoroughly enjoying learning about and repairing some of those “unknowns.” The latest item in the multiple air conditioning components that I’m replacing is the auxiliary fan [...]

Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers post a new VanSession video

RichC — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:01:25 +0000

Saving muscles as you age – “use them or lose them”

RichC — Fri, 31 May 2013 11:43:00 +0000

Here’s some pretty much commonsense advice from Dr. Susan Williams at the Cleveland Clinic’s Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, but a sound reminder for those of us noticing our bodies changing in our 30s, 40s and 50s. First Williams says that we should try to maintain a normal weight without the “rollercoaster of weight gain and [...]

Interview and music from Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers

RichC — Thu, 30 May 2013 20:09:59 +0000

Adding another interview from the hard working young band, Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, that appeals to those of my generation — mentioned their van sessions in the past. I wish the music recording audio was better, but the HD video and interview from Baeble is excellent. (video below) Watch the full video at Baeblemusic.com

Cats and toilet paper– rethinking over verses under

RichC — Thu, 30 May 2013 18:15:00 +0000

Saw this animated GIF image and immediately thought of a couple of my friends who have cats … and the eternal debate as to which way to reload the toilet paper – over or under? (although doesn’t look like it matters!)

Kickstarter project: Shorts with a waterproof pocket

RichC — Thu, 30 May 2013 10:52:00 +0000

Although there might be a way to improve on the “hatch” in order to store a phone, wallet, car remote, etc … these Stash Waterproof Pocket Shorts are a great idea for beach-goers, water sport enthusiasts or … cough, cough … sailing. I’d like to think the new upstart company will raise the funding, but [...]

Great yawning pranks

RichC — Wed, 29 May 2013 18:57:29 +0000

Repairing/replacing the Mercedes Benz 300D Air Conditioning

RichC — Wed, 29 May 2013 11:34:00 +0000

I’ve been accused of knowing a little about a lot of things, but not very much about anything. This becoming exceedingly clear when it comes to understanding automotive air conditioning systems and I’ve been getting quite frustrated. The first hurdle is getting over the “leave that to the pros” and “it is illegal to [...]

This Key Lime Pie photo was suppose to post yesterday …

RichC — Tue, 28 May 2013 20:50:00 +0000

I still don’t have my Postie WordPress plug-in working from my iPhone, hmm? So I’ll re-post the photo of the delicious Memorial Day pie that my wife made, since we still have one pie left for tonight. Mmm, it is THAT good … and a long with the corn on the cob signifies that summer [...]

Obama administration wants higher airline taxes

RichC — Tue, 28 May 2013 11:43:07 +0000

Hard to believe that the already high price of air travel (20% is already in taxes) could go up another $14 per flight. May 27, 2013 — Another airfare increase may be on the way. But this time It has nothing to do with the airlines. The Obama administration has proposed raising the taxes on [...]

The grave marker for my mom on Memorial Day

RichC — Mon, 27 May 2013 13:47:04 +0000

Although Memorial Day is one where we remember and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our country and our freedom, this year I’m remembering my mom who died 5 months ago since her grave marker was set in time for Memorial Day. I think spending a little time there with my dad helped [...]

Evaluating the the interior on the 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D

RichC — Sun, 26 May 2013 11:22:00 +0000

One of the tasks on my list this Memorial Day is to evaluate the interior of the new to me 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D turbodiesel. Although for its age the interior is in good condition, it does need both cleaning and some repair. Unfortunately I don’t have the repair skills enabling me to do this [...]