i Air announced its anticipated transcon Tender Loving Service^TM today.
New Airbus non-stops via:

     Washington to San Diego             San Diego to Washington  
Departs           Arrives           Departs            Arrives     
9:15a             11:35a            12:35p             8:30p     
Washington to San Francisco         San Francisco to Washington     
Departs           Arrives           Departs            Arrives     
9:00a             11:40a            6:15a*             2:21p    
 6:45p             9:25p             12:35p             8:30p     
Washington to Los Angeles           Los Angeles to Washington     
Departs           Arrives           Departs            Arrives     
9:15p             11:35p            12:35a*            8:15a     
Washington to Seattle               Seattle to Washington    
Departs           Arrives           Departs            Arrives     
6:45p             9:45p             11:59p             7:40a     
Washington to San Jose              San Jose to Washington     
Departs           Arrives           Departs            Arrives     
6:45p             9:30p             11:00p             7:05a

or as you like, here is a visual presentation. GoFlyi 😮

The case shroud for the mechanism was filled with snow white powder. The motor ran with its usual hummmm but the door and hardware were immobile. First generation automatic garage doors had a belt drive which would have been simple to renew but the latest iteration use a roller worm and nylon gear arrangement. Compact but somewhat more expensive when they wear and spectacular when they self destruct as did mine. The snow flakes in the cover shield were the finely ground remains of the sprocket’s teeth. A google search returned a part identification and now the replacement bits are on their way via UPS ground.

• parts – $30
• sweat equity – ??
• elbow grease – ??
• grease on Levis – $50

Must be wearing the correct shade of winter tan — the tourists are starting to seek local knowledge and ask for directions. Welp, it was another glorious day in (winter) paradise but my mission here is complete and its nearly time to head back to be with the gang. I miss ’em.

On COPS the perps hang themselves with incriminating statements. Last night’s episode involved a sting operation. A high buck Mercedes-Benz mountain bike was left leaning (unlocked) against the side wall of a liquor store late at night. A gentlemen came upon the lone bike and wasted no time in spiriting the thing away. Arrested, he had no problem telling the officers that “he’d thought someone had forgot it there and that he was going to take it”. He was convinced in his own mind that this was OKAY. In his scheme of things, anyone stupid enough to leave their big dollar ride just sitting somewhere – “forgotten” deserved to lose it. Yen and yang cause / reaction in his king of the hill, dog eat dog, every man for themselves, ghetto world. He was hauled away for his interpretations and the trap re-set. The next victim was much sharper and quick on his feet to explain as the cuffs went on: “Hey, I thought it was the bike that had been stolen from me last week and I was lucky to find it there”. When confronted that the bike that he was recovering actually belonged to the city he spoke up: “Ooops! My mistake it was hard to see in the darkness and all and also I didn’t have my glasses on me.” Eddie Murphy couldn’t have performed it better. Is there a problem officers? Oh! I can see! Oh! Thank you!

Having fought off a stress induced lo-level cold from last week, I’m getting back into the swing of it with my regular afternoon off visits to the beach. I’m starting to recognize some of the locals. Being a Sunday the place was ideal for people watching, lots of boating and PWC, bicyclists but very few jogging on the greenway path. Latin country western from car stereos. Spanish chatter. I wished that I spoke the lingo. English is a second language here. In the Publix asking an esoteric question like: “In what isle might I find the flat bread?” creates a scurry of confusion as an interpreter is sought. The cashier, even after determining that I am Euro-American refuses to use my language. I am a foreigner. Chainsaw noise from a renegade pocket mini motorcyclist or powered skate board. A light onshore breeze carries the aroma of sun tan lotion, charcoal brickets, and sometimes odor of baking fish. I guess my stuffed nose is working normally now, cured by tropical sun.

Faced with a defective GFCI Receptacle (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) and braving cautions and warnings against electrical shock and burning the house down hazards, BOURGIRL dove in with screw driver and needle nosed pliers. Once you’ve done this job once (supervised by one other who has done this job at least once) you become self sufficient. Follow written instructions and wrap the bare ends around the post clockwise so that they will tighten properly. Secure the device and stand back!

When the house is wining hand after hand you break your losing streak by sitting it out or by changing dealers and tables. Davenport was on a roll in the first set 6 – 2. Serena Williams suddenly “had to take a medical time out”. What better way to break the stride and concentration of her opponent. Lindsay sat solitary on the players bench for an unnatural cool down while Serena and her personal trainer diverted public sympathy. Could they not see through this? What a strategic play. The momentum changed in the 2nd set and by the final set Davenport was crushed.

Yesterday was the official hangar rollout for the enormous A380 in Toulouse, France. Over here, at our Airbus training center outpost, I thought there might be some fanfare hupla spill over. Being at the right place at the right time: maybe some bubblie? or at least, score a slice of cake? No dice 🙁