Poltrack Blog

When we shipped out for Yankee Station about the USS Bon Homme Richard in 1970, our first stop was Pearl Harbor. I was excited about seeing the Island and had just purchased a small rangefinder camera. We spent some time at Pearl as the ship was being readied for war and I was able to spend some time off the ship. I had a friend who lived in Hawaii and was able to get around. I wasn't interested in visiting tourist spots, so when the opportunity to hike through a rain forest was offered, I jumped at it. I had the camera with me, and made a valiant attempt to keep it dry as I scampered over wet moss and stones. One misstep on a mossy rock and I fell into a pool clutching the camera. When I lifted it out of the water I watch water stream out of the innards. Surprisingly I was able to develop the roll and got these three photos. I felt this stump looked a bit like a face. Note the water damage along the bottom. Lots of mini waterfalls along the trail We were wet...

In fall when the temperatures drop, the mice move in. Last week in the wee hours of the morning, I could hear them in the attic bowling with acorns. There was plenty of evidence, acorn and sunflower seeds, droppings, chewed paper and insulation. I brought Paris the cat upstairs and she proceeded ot play with a dolls dress. I opted for non lethal traps this year, I  decided to give them a chance in the woods to find shelter and avoid being owl food. They are cute but annoying. So far I have captured 4 mice and it has been quiet. Trapped!   www.poltrack.net

I don't know why it took so long to visit Porter Hill Sweets in New Ipswich, but it was worth the trip. It is the just the place to find some unique Christmas gifts for folks that love chocolate. Owner Will Poole shared this photo with me with this story  "Here is the stereoscopic view of the house when Col. Bellows lived here (retired engineer City of Philadelphia) with this family. The bay window/door is gone, and the 1830's addition is evident, the porch roof that we have now was a much later addition. The tall, slender man behind and to the right of Bellows is the ghost we see frequently around here, same clothes and lanky silhouette." I chose this tasty treat Rose Petals too Something for Thanksgiving Nickel plated steel candy molds Multiplying like rabbits Visit to see the molds Exterior view Retail and Online Death by Chocolate   www.poltrack.net

It was fairly easy to avoid exercise when I was working. There was always a time conflict with work and meetings. It was easier to sit in front of the computer and eat chips than seek out an elliptical machine. However that all changed in March of 2016 when I retired. I discovered that my AARP insurance covers membership in a program called Silver Sneakers . The program is offered at Mount Wachusetts Community College which is about a 30 minute commute. I was pleased to find that the fitness center has a lot more offer. I have NO EXCUSE for not exercising Fitness Center I have never tried to play, I have zero coordination The Center has an extensive collection of machines and free weights I've decided that swimming is the best activity for me.  A Silver Sneaker class, a mix of toning and stretching exercising.  I look forward to swimming in a heated pool knowing that it is below freezing outside   www.poltrack.net

I finally had the opportunity to visit the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The USS Constitution was launched in 1797 and earned the name "Old Ironsides" during the battle with the HMS Guerriere when its 18 pound iron cannonballs bounced harmlessly off the reinforced 24 inch tripled layered hull. One British sailor is reported to have yelled "Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!". Charlestown Navy Yard Got Cannons? I have no idea why there were so many of these, or where they are meant to go. Below decks, it must have noisy during battle 33 pound cannonballs and some interesting armaments that would tear through rigging Meal time aboard Old Ironsides Rank has its priviledges  Each cannon had its own name Recoil prevention Stay off "Prudence" A view of Bunker Hill Afloat again Rigging Beautiful Ship For two years the USS Constitut...

When we travel to Parker River Wildlife Refuge, we stop for lunch in Newburyport, Next to the restaurant is an interesting gift shop that specializes in rocks, crystals and gems. On this day in October they had items for Day of the Dead which is celebrated from October 31 to Nov 2. Skulls galore Cross Smile Reflection Colorful   www.poltrack.net