last laugh might be on me

decided to delete the original post ...... that maybe I was privileged and another was not.

Update; February 1st

Tried a different tactic, went out to the shop after hours and found the bay door open - and 'Toolie' pounding away on a broken spline shaft.  Said he didn't think of calling me back, but had ordered parts and they should be in, in a couple of weeks.  Again - just Toolie trying to be that "good guy".

small engine repair

These days, not to many of these shops still around. But when googled, I found All Trades Tool and Machine Repair, one of only two shops listed locally.

Tom "Toolie" Cheske's shop had the better review, "most reliable and (Toolie) a darn good guy".  Over the phone, Toolie mentioned that he wasn't to big on the newer 4 stroke engines, but could work on the older carburetted 2 strokes. His business card in all caps, reads; BRING ALL YOUR BROKEN TRADE TOOLS.  So just now, out east, I dropped off our bowling club's, serviceable Makita RBL 500 commercial leaf blower.


When I asked about taking a photo, Toolie softly whispered, " OK...... Pardon me, but I'm a little camera shy".  By accepting one more piece of broken down equipment, he proved to be, and still - that "darn good guy".

blood, and more blood

A request from my Primary Care to see a Gastroenterologist, has sent me down a true rabbits hole.  My new 'Gastro' guy keeps requesting more requests. Says I have a "fatty liver". Twice to radiology for ulta-sounds, twice to the lab for blood work.  Today's latest lab visit filled a few more vials.


Guess I must have a real fat liver. 14 vials in one sitting.

bubble girls

The hardest, was to find somewhere, somehow on the island (Useppa) to initially inflate the large, soft plastic orbs. We found Brian's house as he described it over the phone, "you'll see a large Oak, decorated".  The rest was easy, we could just roll 'em home.

Back at our cottage, Bella & Lola, climbed inside each and had a real go at it - while running, bumping each other, rolling around, across the ground.  They giggled, screamed, the dog barked and we all laughed hard.


Couldn't miss Brian's house.  He used his reverse "shop-vac" to blow-up the individual bubbles.

Halfway there

Bella climbs inside

Lola down and rolling

Funny Lola

birds of a feather ....

A common resemblance or behavior, with a dog for example, is often referred to as a 'mere exposure effect'.  The idea that a person might choose a dog (or fish) who looks or behaves similar to themselves is quite common.

Upon returning from Charlotte Harbor;

Matt McCourtney with his favorite species, the Snook, which he caught many of.  Both; similar personalities.

Steve Best's, 450 lb mounted Goliath Grouper.  Both; a look-a-like (and maybe same personalities).