Author: psumberg

We’d had a day of rain already and yesterday started off the same. We had flash flood warnings and a heck of a lot of rain But, I can only be shut in for a short period without getting a little antsy. So I headed toward Ducktown and visited with a neighbor from Florida who moved here 6 years ago. It was good to catch up. Then I went to Blue Ridge and visited with a cute artist at the Art Center. It was a great way to spend a rainy day.
The sun is out this morning and its a beautiful day.

The app on my iPad I use to post here had a problem.
It seems I’ve fixed it.

I think she’ll be 10 year old this summer and I guess all these years of running, jumping and playing is taking it’s toll on her.  She injures herself way too easily these days.  last year it was a broken toe while fetching a ball.  Yesterday was an injured leg while “attacking” her rope.  Perhaps it’s time to put the toys away and limit her activity to walking and hiking.  Oh, she won’t like that.

Seriously, if you want to check on what I am doing with my photography, you really should visit PaulSumberg.com for the full picture.  (pun intended)

After visiting with Becky and Matt Larson over the holidays and working on a salt print with them I have become interested in this 1830s era photographic process.  So, I am making salt prints and having a ball doing it.

I’m slowly dismantling an old barn/shed/chicken coop at a friend’s place. I’ll use the lumber to build a woodshed at my house. After all, I’ve learned that heating with firewood makes much more fiscal sense than heating with propane. I hope to store 2 seasons of wood in the new shed.

I just looked at the weather radar on my iPhone. Yet another huge winter storm is moving east. Tennessee already had ugly looking weather and it was heading my way fast. This prompted me to go downstairs and light the wood furnace. It’s going to be cold tonight.
It’s been gloomy and windy most of the day and now the rain has begun. I hear thunder too.
Something about today’s weather reminded me of a gale that blew for several days late in 1993. I was on the Southern Star (my 33′ Irwin sloop). Having the convenience of a weather radio to augment the forecast from my barometer, I suspected what was coming and headed toward the coast and safe harbor. I ducked behind a crescent shaped island on the Florida coast and anchored in its bight. I set the big anchor, paid out an extra 10 fathoms of anchor rode, lashed everything down and went below. I knew we were in for a blow.
I put on a pot of coffee, lit the oil lamp and retired to the stateroom to read a book. I liked being able to heat a boat in Florida waters with only an oil lamp or two. The boat was warm and cozy. Every hour or two I went topside to check on the anchor and see that all was secure. Other than that I stayed below deck and read or thought about life and what tomorrow might bring. Heck, I had enough food, coffee and spirits to hold out for several weeks. I was good.
It blew a gale for the better part of 3 days. When the sun finally shined and the wind laid down a bit I set about getting under way again. Ha! That was easier said than done. The anchor must have been buried half way to China. There was no way I could pull it up by hand. The wind was still fresh, strong, probably 20 knots or so.
I reeved the anchor rode through a couple snatch blocks and led it aft along the gunnel to the cockpit and the primary winch for the mainsail. Then I hoisted the main and loosely sheeted it. Next I started the engine and eased the boat ahead a bit, hauling the anchor rode in with the winch. I proceeded this way, alternating between engine and winch until I was lying directly above the anchor. The seas were still rolling and I knew the rise and fall of the boat would lift the anchor. All I had to do was man the winch and crank in the slack in the rode as the anchor eased. Yippee! As the sand gave up my anchor I turned the helm leeward, sheeted in the mainsail enough to gather way and off we went. I locked down the helm, went forward and hauled in and secured the anchor. Then I hoisted the jib, returned to the helm and was on my way.
Here we are nearly 20 years later and we carry the world in the palm of our hands. Who would have imagined back then that one could watch a storm approach on the telephone?
Well, the storm here is blowing. Rain is falling sideways. The dog and I are warm and comfortable at home. I think I’ll read a book. According to the weather information on the iPad it’s going to be a long night.
Ciao

For a year and a half I’ve lived full time at my home in the North Georgia mountains. We’re getting more modern all the time here. We now have a Super Walmart close by as well as Home Depot. We have cell phones and pay TV. Beginning a couple years ago we can even have a drink with a meal in some restaurants. We can buy beer and wine in our grocery stores now as well.
Buying a good cigar or package liquor is a different story however. I have to drive 50 miles (one way) to get a fair deal on liquor and there are no cigar stores near by that know how to keep a cigar fresh. I have to order my cigars from Tampa. And if I have a road trip planed to a metropolitan area I am sure to check my liquor inventory before leaving so I can take advantage of good prices.
This brings me to an observation. I have friends who come up this way from time to time. One such friend is on the road now and should arrive later today. Not once has anyone called me and asked me if I need anything from their area. I promise liquor is 13 bucks a bottle cheaper in Tampa and good fresh cigars are plentiful as well.
Just sayin.