Interests and Hobbies

Of which there are MANY!

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The newest hobby... BOATING: 

        Wow. It's amazing what good friends can get you hooked on. If you would have told me two years ago I would own a boat I would have bet you on it (and lost a lot of money).  This was totally out of character for me to do, but after spending time with friends on their boat (thanks Eric)... I began to think this boating stuff is really alright!  It is really a great family activity.  So, my wife and I started looking and we found a boat.  A 1988 Rinker Captiva 206 Cuddy!  Yes, she's old but fiberglass doesn't rust!  And with a 305 V8 with Alpha-One outdrive, she flies! And the gadgets... radios, GPS, ect... I love it!  I can't wait for summer!

Speeding on the Muskegon River, North of Hardy Hydro Dam

Military items: 

        I seem to have been collecting more military items such as inert ordnance.  My last find was at a sporting goods store.  They guy had some artillery projectiles and I picked them up pretty cheap because the seller was no long in the area.  There was one I couldn't identify but it was in great shape.  So, I'm out in the garage looking the fuse over and I noticed a small marking on the bottom.  It was a Waffenampt inspection proof!  I had to remove some paint on the projectile where I saw some lettering and I found another Waffenampt and other markings!  Turns out I have an unfired 15cm (150mm) artillery projectile from 1941 Germany!  Now, I don't know who brought this thing back but this thing weighs a lot!  I can't imagine it being hidden in someone's duffle bag!  I bet there are some stories behind this piece. I just love this old stuff... neat to wonder where it's been these last 67 years!  That's what amazes me with these historical items!

Marksmanship: 

        Ok, this one has it's own page already.  Go to my marksmanship page which covers my marksmanship background and accomplishments.  And yes, this can be an expensive hobby!

The Dachshund: 

        Yes she's family, but she takes up so much of our time she falls into the hobby area as well!  Our faithful little pooch Molly.  She will be four this May and I swear she is what keeps this house together!  At least, she acts like she owns the whole place.  Really I think that is all we are here for, to serve her!  We just hope she understands that when Nolan arrives she won't be getting all the attention she's been so used to!

Firearms: 

        Not much to say here. Even though I've been out of the competitive marksmanship area for a while, I still like to plink. However, with ever increasing prices of ammunition, even plinking is getting hard to afford.  Anyway, I am a Federally licensed collector of Curio and Relic (C&R) Firearms.  There are a lot of fun things to own out there but I'm only going to do it by following the rules!  There is just too much at stake to try to own things that will get you in trouble.  The C&R items are wonderful.  Just like I mentioned above about the military items, it's a great wonder to think of the time that has passed and what these items have been through.  These old items really bring history home. Of course, not everything I have is C&R, there are others.  I have a few items that have sentimental value, but most of this collection is fluid and if the need arises, they will be parted with!  I have more photos and some videos posted at my PhotoBucket page.

Electronics: 

        Yes, I like electronics. When I was in college, I passed the exams to be a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, General Class.  My call sign is K8APS.  I am only on VHF and UHF these days. After we moved to town I didn't have the property for a long wire antenna and I didn't want to put up a tower so I ended up selling my HF rig (an Icom IC-746, a radio I really miss). I have an Icom IC-2800H dual band mobile in my personal truck using a Diamond antenna and an Icom IC-208H dual band mobile in my company vehicle using a Comet antenna. I use a Yaesu VX2R micro-HT for a portable radio and I do have an old Yaesu FT-530 dual band HT for back-up. I have built programming cables for all my radios and they work great. Programming a lot of memories is a snap when you can do it from a PC! And if you are wondering, I passed my General test when code was required (although it was only 5 words per minute).

 Vehicles:   

        Well, I used to own a 1993, four-wheel drive, Ford Ranger (Splash) with 31 inch tires (pictured at right).  It really got around well, at least until I rolled it in January of 2001.  What a way to start the new year.  Thank God for insurance!  Anyway, now I have a Chevrolet K1500 Silverado truck with a step side bed.  It has much more room inside than the Ranger did.  Also, it has a LOT more power.  It has the 350 cu-in engine with throttle body injection.  Mileage isn't too bad at about 18 MPG. 

We just purchased a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD for Laura. Very nice crossover indeed, and we got a good deal from Rockford Motors.  They took good care of us.

Our rental car in South Carolina, Summer 2007.

Home Brew:

   Yup, as in homemade beer. Well, if you are a purist, it isn't entirely homemade.  I open the cans of malt.  I am a fan of good beer, homemade or not.  On our honeymoon we went to Ireland and drank a lot of Guinness. However, I would have to say that ever since my time in Germany, wheat beers have been my favorites.   

The photo to the right was the most recent batch... American Wheat was the style and it was from an ingredient kit.  I loved it.  The glass carboy is a new addition to my equipment.  The clear glass is wonderful because you can watch the constant work the yeast is doing! 

So, relax... and have a home brew.

Camping:  

        Camping is great, whether it is a family thing or a "shoot camp."  Getting out in the boonies is always a good time... especially if you have a lot of fire wood!

Comedy:  

        I like to laugh (who doesn't)?  I only care about a few of the shows on the old boob-tube these days.  The first of my favorites is the The Simpson's!  They are a hoot. I always try to catch the new episodes. I'm also a big fan of Family Guy and the classic South Park.  The only thing I really watch is the History Channel (I'd watch the Military Channel if we had it).

Music: I mostly like alternative music. I used to like country, but that has gone by the wayside (way way wayside).   I also enjoy classical.  However, I don't listen to music much at all anymore... can't get the darn songs out of my head.  So, most of my time with the radio is now spent listening to National Public Radio . 

Thanks for visiting!

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Last updated: 28 Feb 2008. Added video link of Molly eating blueberries!