I'm not as competent as I used to was...
| My Dad is one cool guy. In the old Yankee tradition he can handle most anything that comes his way and he doesn't complain about anything except the government and the way they spend our money. He just turned 79 and he is dealing with inoperable bladder cancer and has been getting chemotherapy which really drains his energy. So a few days ago Susan and I were over setting up a portable propane heater in his living room to try and get the temperature up from 50 degrees to something a little more comfortable since we had had a wicked ice storm the night before that knocked out power to most of southern Maine and New Hampshire. He had been without power for 12 or 14 hours and he was all bundled up in layers of clothes but he didn't want to come over to our house where we have a generator because he's used to taking care of himself and doesn't want to be a bother. Well we got the heater going and fired up his outdoor barbecue so we could heat up some Campbell's Vegetable Beef soup for him. After a little lunch and warming up a bit he thanked us for coming over to help. He said he should have been able to handle it himself but "I'm not as competent as I used to was". Let me tell you when he said that we all looked at each other and burst out laughing. It couldn't have been more priceless. I mean this is a guy who doesn't open up and share such a thing. He has always been one to "suck it up" and to have him open up for a second and come out with that line was so damn funny even he laughed hard for a long time.  So I am thinking about "not being as competent as I used to was" myself. One of the reasons is my brainstorm to cover the houseboat with tarps so I wouldn't have to shovel off the beast every time we get a snowstorm. Last year Susan and I had to repeatedly go up shovel and it's no fun plus a little dangerous being up on there. So I bought the biggest tarps I could find and set up a 2x4 ridge pole over the roofs and tied the things down. Now for years we have had winters with the biggest snowstorm being less than 8" - 10" so I was confident my structure could survive a typical storm and the first few were a breeze. Even the Ice storm which brought the area to it's knees was no problem for the "Must Be Nice" custom tarp system solution. As many of you know, just when you think you've got things figured out that's when you are gonna get screwed and let me tell you now my 2x4 ridge pole was not match for the 24" snowstorm that hit us on December 21st. |
| So maybe "I'm not as competent as I used to was" myself. When I was a little younger I probably would have made that structure a lot stronger but I chose to cut a few corners and I paid the price. Let me tell you these blue tarps are slippery when they are covered in snow and I struggled to keep my balance as I shoveled off the beast yet again. I've rebuilt the amazing tarp system again with much more ridge pole support and I am hoping that we'll make it through the winter without another collapse. Guess what my next post will actually have some progress on the interior of the boat. It's about frigging time isn't it? Hang to the riggins, Wado |
Ain't that the truth? About the tarps, and the patriarch. I have found out more about the guy since his diagnosis than I ever knew. The "Cranky Yankee" has a soft side-just don't let anyone know!
As crappy as cancer is, and knowing I can't change it, in some cosmic way, has brought me a little closer to my grandfather and given us something we've previously taken for granted-time.
As for your typical "Goldthwait" tarp rigging system, I hope it holds. However, should you require further tarping assistance, I suggest you call Mr. Tarpdini himself, my husband. Than man can keep anything out of a tarp. You should see him in camp action-quite amazing.
Great boat! The Professor and MaryAnn are anxiously awaiting the 3 hour tour!
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Mr. Tarpadini.... I love it!!
I'll send you a coupon for a tour as soon as I get my printer working.
Oh my god I am so funny!!!
Wado
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