I probably have something to say.
But maybe not. This may amount to diarrhea of the keyboard. You've been warned.
***
I've just about finished removing the back deck. The main posts are proving a challenge. Apparently, we have a little rule about something called a "frost line".... Our frost line is 36 inches here. Thus, I have about 14 posts encased in concrete sunk to 36 inches. For this, I bought a hydraulic jack, a good heavy chain, and will construct a fairly simple lever. This after I soak the ground around each post, of course.
If that doesn't work, I'm sure Uncle Joel has an engine hoist that'll solve my problem.
Oh...why am I ripping my deck off? Because.
It seems most of the frame was rotten because whoever put it up used much non-pressure-treated wood, which doesn't hold up as well as pressure treated wood. Go figure. Many of the posts were rotten, too, as it turns out. The clincher was that I wanted a more interesting deck, anyway. So...I began ripping. Travis--my cousin--came over and...I'd say he helped, but the fact is that he did about 90% of the work that day. He's a strapping 25-year-old and much handier with a sledgehammer and crowbar than I.
I think I've uncovered the reason the deck went up the way it did. I suspect the last owners put it up to hide the not-quite-to-code gas pipe they ran along the back of the house when they converted the fireplace from wood to gas...but that's just a guess. The friend (a professional carpenter who does work on the side for a bit less than he does with his company) who will build the new deck is looking into my gas pipe problem. I may have to hire someone to fix it before the new deck goes in.
I'm thinking about a tiered deck with some patio work (which I'll do), but I have to know what I'll have to do with the gas pipe first.
***
In other news, I'm the soaring AOC (Air Officer Commanding) for second period this summer. This is one of the airmanship programs the Academy offers cadets during the summer (which is divided into three 3-week "periods"). Faculty gets the opportunity to do military stuff and work with the cadets outside of the classroom. "Soaring" is glider training (not hang-gliding, mind you). They begin with classroom instruction, of course, then take turns being towed in a glider to get the feel of it, then they are towed into the sky and released to fly solo. I'm the liaison to USAFA for this program, as the program is run by AETC (a different command), and when one of the cadets have problems, they need someone who is authorized to take the appropriate action (me).
I went down to check out the airfield and learn my duties, meet people, etc. on Monday. One of my favorite students from last year saw me from afar, yelled, "Captain Black!" and ran over and gave me a hug. He's an instructor pilot and wants to take me up for an "O Ride" (observation ride?). I'll find him when it's time for me to fly, probably. (I'm not going through this training; they just offer me a free ride, which I'll take.)
***
Also, I'm medically and professionally cleared to jump, should I get the opportunity. My bosses (immediate and department head) had to sign on the dotted line to acknowledge that I want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. I also had to see a flight surgeon who had to make sure my ears pop properly, etc. My class starts 2 July...if I get picked up. Cross your fingers. B)
(The flight doc asked about my daily dosage of Naproxin. I said it was issued for my knee bursitis. He said what happens if I don't take it. I said if I quit running, nothing. But I refuse to stop running. He smiled and said OK. Not a problem.)
***
Meanwhile, I'm working on a book review and a conference paper abstract. I did the Starlight Spectacular bicycle ride (with some friends) around Colorado Springs. This is a fund raiser for parks and open spaces, and begins at midnight. It's something like 13 to 20 miles (depending upon which route you take), and they serve breakfast at the end of it. It wasn't a race. It was more fun and less abusive to me than the Garden of the Gods 10-miler I did two weeks ago. My knees did not forgive me for days after that one; as a result, I've made peace with the fact that I'll never run a marathon.
***
Oh. My boss told me yesterday that I won CGO of the Quarter for the Humanities Division for the second quarter. Here's hoping I win at the next level, too, because it's excellent OPR (officer performance report) fodder. He timed the award well, too. This award will go on my next OPR, which will be on the top of the pile when I meet my major's board. My boss knows what he's doing.
***
Someone in the department gave me an odd novelty candle while I was dining with the other CGOs. The wax is clear and there are three tiny snowmen in it. One of the CGOs picked up the candle and turned it upside down and stared at it. I assume he was musing about how it was made or something. I said, "They aren't anatomically correct. I already checked."
My peers didn't disappoint. They immediately launched into random comments about misplaced lumps of coal. English majors have very active imaginations.
***
My motorcycle is back on the road. I'd forgotten how much I love to ride. I'm looking into getting some improved riding gear so I can safely and comfortably ride longer (there's usually not much precipitation, but cold sets in too quickly here).
d
