Chapter 301

Congratulations to Chelsea for "graduating" from high school for the second time and moving on to a whole new world. Whoop! Whoop!

The last two weeks at work have been all about cleaning up old messes, throwing out old junk, and packing what's left into boxcars. The explosion proof room fondly referred to as the "bomb room" was one of the messes next year's instructor tackled. This room was filled with toxic ooze and things that "go bump in the night", most of it unlabeled. Kurt bravely got into that room, cleaned it up and somehow emerged without an extra eye in the middle of his forehead.

The floor had so  much grease on it that we had to scrape it off with a flat-nosed shovel. The hot water power washer in the corner was broken when it was moved into the new shop in 1983 and has been chilling there taking up space and leaking oil ever since.

This was an open barrel of unidentified sludge sitting in a pool of oil that Kurt tackled. 

Icky things that have been sitting around since I arrived at the shop about 10 years ago were cleaned up or eliminated.

Kurt disposed of evil liquids, scraped the slime off the floor, and power-washed the room. Now it looks so much nicer, and most likely more legal with the EPA as well. How did we pass our fire inspections year after year???

This student continued helping us long after others had lost interest. If he needed to take a social media break in his trash cart, I'm certainly not going to argue. 

After a tough week, I enjoyed sitting in our little sanctuary watching birds and listening to my fountain. It was a very relaxing evening.

Since Kurt was volunteering his two week "vacation" from Infinity where he works now, I tried to help him whenever I could, even if it was my lunch time. You can see what we are attempting to clean up in the background.

More stuff in the same small gas engine area.

After Kurt worked his magic (and worked like an Energizer Bunny), the area looks respectable once again.

While I was at Reber Ranch buying some bird seed, I saw this "Flaming Squirrel" seed sauce. I guess mammals are affected by habanero pepper heat, but birds are unaffected by it. Anyway, the picture of the flaming squirrel entertained my simple mind. 

Saturday we went to the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport with our Jaguar group. It was a surprising good museum all for the entry price of "free-99". A good place for a cheap outing (Richard and Chelsea). The museum was fascinating and the company was great. 

The Trieste II (DSV-1) was the first deep submergence vehicle built by the U.S. Navy, and first explored the depth of the Mariana Trench. No thanks, doesn't look very inviting to me. Too Jules Verne-y.

Deep Quest is a deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV). Their effort was successful, earning Lockheed the contracts to build two DSRVs. Deep Quest performed research and recovery operations during its 13 years in action, including raising a World War II fighter plane from 3,360 feet.

And we can't forget the world's fastest human powered submarine. Brings back memories of Chris and Carissa's college days when they each built subs for their respective universities and met at the real submarine races in San Diego. 

Here's part of our Jaguar group looking on with slack-jawed wonder at a "suicide sub". The Japanese "Captain" of this sub was given honor, cherry blossoms, a head scarf, and a one-way ticket to steer toward an enemy ship in this torpedo. Once again. No thanks!

Our Jaguars parked at the restaurant where we went for lunch. Ours is the red one in the middle.

We ate at the Whiskey Creek Steakhouse which was one of the restaurants featured in Restaurant Impossible. One of the suggestions the host of the show gave was to give up on the smiley faces on the hamburgers. Obviously the owners did not heed this advice as smiley faces appeared on all hamburgers served. 

After lunch we went over to the Walkers to spend some time with Reagan (and her parents) and stay the night since Father's Day was at their house.  My friend MaryLou knitted this cute hat for Reagan and, as you can see, Reagan really likes it.

Reagan's Father's Day gift to all of us was taking her first steps with a lot of the family around to see it. I couldn't tell if Chris was very proud or very scared. He should be both. (JoAnn, there is live video on Facebook. Oh, but I forgot. You don't have Facebook)

As you all know, I am notorious at forgetting to take pictures of really important things but I did manage to get most of the men in this picture. Here's Richard, Ryan, Grampa, Chris, and Reagan having dessert.

Happy Father's Day to all!

This kid likes to eat. She eats anything and everything no matter what it is...except tzatziki sauce. That she just spreads in her hair.

Reagan went to visit Aunt Kyanne in her classroom. She looks totally non-plussed about this situation.  I see this look and posture all day long in my class. Actually, I'd be happy if they sat this well.

Jamming.

Reagan picking out her new stuff from the REI catalog.

Four of the five babies from the birthing class that Carissa and Chris participated in. They met at the park for a group first birthday celebration. Reagan is hailing transport to take her on to her next activity.

Have a great week, everyone!