Hows everyone doing?

[Mark_C]

Just curious to see how everyone is. Its usuallu about now Carla and I are having the summer bash and catching up with folks.

Us, we're good. Carla had the CoVid early on and was in hospital for a few days, but the rest of us were spared or didn't show any symptoms.
Carla is back in work now and I find myself off for the summer, with a possible restart in September. I'd prefer working but there's nowhere to put the kids, local daycares have closed or are full and there's no camp for kids under 5, so I'm off for the summer.
The kids, Tiernan (9) and Anya (4), are doing well enough. As I'm off we're doing the odd beach day (we're local, we know where to go), playing games, and chillin.
Finished all the yard work, wall builds, and landscaping, so the outside is pretty much solid. I am n process of building a custom kayak trailer from an old jet ski hauler, which is keeping me busy.
This week I'm also breaking down the big tanks and already have the 30cube set up as the new 'pest tank' in the dining room. I bought this tank chipped so its a risk, but we'll see how it goes.
The IM 30Pro arrives tomorrow, so rest of the week will involve break downs and set ups.

Per now, I'm chillin with my favorite summer drink, a Gimlet.



Lemme tell you a Gimlet story...

About 2 years back, Carla and I were sitting at a place called the Black Trumpet on the seafront in Spring Lake. A beachfront Victorian mansion with open porches. Sadly, it has since closed. But, regardless...
I thought, 'This is all very Hemmingway. I'll emulate him but without the shooting myself in the head part - I wonder what he would have to drink.' So, out came the wonder computer phone thingie.
Seems Hemmingway was HUGE on Gimlets, so much so that no matter where he travelled he would carry his own lime juice - he figured he could always find gin, but lime juice might not always be in supply.
So, when the bartender came over, a gentleman who was in his 70s at the least, and had been doing the job for years, and asked, 'What would you like, sir?', I replied 'A gimlet, please'.
And he replied, 'Very good sir. Did you know Hemmingway was a big gimlet guy?'
Best bartender ever.

So yeah, just chillin.

 

[CosmicMan]

Just curious to see how everyone is. Its usuallu about now Carla and I are having the summer bash and catching up with folks.

Us, we're good. Carla had the CoVid early on and was in hospital for a few days, but the rest of us were spared or didn't show any symptoms.
Carla is back in work now and I find myself off for the summer, with a possible restart in September. I'd prefer working but there's nowhere to put the kids, local daycares have closed or are full and there's no camp for kids under 5, so I'm off for the summer.
The kids, Tiernan (9) and Anya (4), are doing well enough. As I'm off we're doing the odd beach day (we're local, we know where to go), playing games, and chillin.
Finished all the yard work, wall builds, and landscaping, so the outside is pretty much solid. I am n process of building a custom kayak trailer from an old jet ski hauler, which is keeping me busy.
This week I'm also breaking down the big tanks and already have the 30cube set up as the new 'pest tank' in the dining room. I bought this tank chipped so its a risk, but we'll see how it goes.
The IM 30Pro arrives tomorrow, so rest of the week will involve break downs and set ups.

Per now, I'm chillin with my favorite summer drink, a Gimlet.

View attachment 30381

Lemme tell you a Gimlet story...

About 2 years back, Carla and I were sitting at a place called the Black Trumpet on the seafront in Spring Lake. A beachfront Victorian mansion with open porches. Sadly, it has since closed. But, regardless...
I thought, 'This is all very Hemmingway. I'll emulate him but without the shooting myself in the head part - I wonder what he would have to drink.' So, out came the wonder computer phone thingie.
Seems Hemmingway was HUGE on Gimlets, so much so that no matter where he travelled he would carry his own lime juice - he figured he could always find gin, but lime juice might not always be in supply.
So, when the bartender came over, a gentleman who was in his 70s at the least, and had been doing the job for years, and asked, 'What would you like, sir?', I replied 'A gimlet, please'.
And he replied, 'Very good sir. Did you know Hemmingway was a big gimlet guy?'
Best bartender ever.

So yeah, just chillin.

Thanks for the story Mark. I am about to go on an annual camping trip in August that I started going to for a few years now. It’s a very anticipated event with a special feel since it has been going on for 19 years now. I can bet there will be plenty of Gimlets.

Still getting used to the new reality, recently the corporation I work for announced a permanent virtual work force. Personally I enjoy not commuting and getting more things done at home. Lot’s of good times with my wife and kids. Four year old son and 1 month old daughter!

Took my son out last weekend for his first boat trip and he caught a 19 inch Fluke. He did not really want to touch it.

 

[deepblue68]

So glad all is well mark and everyone here is doing fine.iam very thankful that iam working and looking forward to tasting some of those crafts beers when the time comes.
Stay healthy and best wishes my friend

 

[myrjon]

Marissa and one of her 10 flounder caught @ point. Might have to zoom in

 

[Diogenes]

Just curious to see how everyone is. Its usuallu about now Carla and I are having the summer bash and catching up with folks.

Us, we're good. Carla had the CoVid early on and was in hospital for a few days, but the rest of us were spared or didn't show any symptoms.
Carla is back in work now and I find myself off for the summer, with a possible restart in September. I'd prefer working but there's nowhere to put the kids, local daycares have closed or are full and there's no camp for kids under 5, so I'm off for the summer.
The kids, Tiernan (9) and Anya (4), are doing well enough. As I'm off we're doing the odd beach day (we're local, we know where to go), playing games, and chillin.
Finished all the yard work, wall builds, and landscaping, so the outside is pretty much solid. I am n process of building a custom kayak trailer from an old jet ski hauler, which is keeping me busy.
This week I'm also breaking down the big tanks and already have the 30cube set up as the new 'pest tank' in the dining room. I bought this tank chipped so its a risk, but we'll see how it goes.
The IM 30Pro arrives tomorrow, so rest of the week will involve break downs and set ups.

Per now, I'm chillin with my favorite summer drink, a Gimlet.

View attachment 30381

Lemme tell you a Gimlet story...

About 2 years back, Carla and I were sitting at a place called the Black Trumpet on the seafront in Spring Lake. A beachfront Victorian mansion with open porches. Sadly, it has since closed. But, regardless...
I thought, 'This is all very Hemmingway. I'll emulate him but without the shooting myself in the head part - I wonder what he would have to drink.' So, out came the wonder computer phone thingie.
Seems Hemmingway was HUGE on Gimlets, so much so that no matter where he travelled he would carry his own lime juice - he figured he could always find gin, but lime juice might not always be in supply.
So, when the bartender came over, a gentleman who was in his 70s at the least, and had been doing the job for years, and asked, 'What would you like, sir?', I replied 'A gimlet, please'.
And he replied, 'Very good sir. Did you know Hemmingway was a big gimlet guy?'
Best bartender ever.

So yeah, just chillin.

I need to learn about one of these local spots you speak of lol. My daughter was born in September, has barely left the house since. One of these days I need to adventure and find a section of sand I can let her have some fun with. Anyways, Im glad your family is fine, and your wife recovered as well.

 

[MadReefer]

Other than being extremely busy at work; really bored when off from it.
The office probably won't happen this year seems no one is interested or won't do it.
Waiting on one quite still but doubt it.
Tank is ****, lost a few fish. Will try and do a water change this weekend.
Just not into this tank any more; bitch to clean that curved glass and I'm short.
No change in the sea horse and manually removed air about a dozen times.
Did giraffes restaurants for outside dining, not to impressed honestly.
Started looking at sports cars since we saved from not going out.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

 

[Paulie 069]

Just curious to see how everyone is. Its usuallu about now Carla and I are having the summer bash and catching up with folks.

Us, we're good. Carla had the CoVid early on and was in hospital for a few days, but the rest of us were spared or didn't show any symptoms.
Carla is back in work now and I find myself off for the summer, with a possible restart in September. I'd prefer working but there's nowhere to put the kids, local daycares have closed or are full and there's no camp for kids under 5, so I'm off for the summer.
The kids, Tiernan (9) and Anya (4), are doing well enough. As I'm off we're doing the odd beach day (we're local, we know where to go), playing games, and chillin.
Finished all the yard work, wall builds, and landscaping, so the outside is pretty much solid. I am n process of building a custom kayak trailer from an old jet ski hauler, which is keeping me busy.
This week I'm also breaking down the big tanks and already have the 30cube set up as the new 'pest tank' in the dining room. I bought this tank chipped so its a risk, but we'll see how it goes.
The IM 30Pro arrives tomorrow, so rest of the week will involve break downs and set ups.

Per now, I'm chillin with my favorite summer drink, a Gimlet.

View attachment 30381

Lemme tell you a Gimlet story...

About 2 years back, Carla and I were sitting at a place called the Black Trumpet on the seafront in Spring Lake. A beachfront Victorian mansion with open porches. Sadly, it has since closed. But, regardless...
I thought, 'This is all very Hemmingway. I'll emulate him but without the shooting myself in the head part - I wonder what he would have to drink.' So, out came the wonder computer phone thingie.
Seems Hemmingway was HUGE on Gimlets, so much so that no matter where he travelled he would carry his own lime juice - he figured he could always find gin, but lime juice might not always be in supply.
So, when the bartender came over, a gentleman who was in his 70s at the least, and had been doing the job for years, and asked, 'What would you like, sir?', I replied 'A gimlet, please'.
And he replied, 'Very good sir. Did you know Hemmingway was a big gimlet guy?'
Best bartender ever.

So yeah, just chillin.

Not a very manly drink there Nancy, lol just playing
As for me things are lil tough, my boat shut down for season because of the virus wthen bosses heart issues so I’ll be losing 48-51 thousand dollars this year, that’s a hard pill to swallow. On top of that I’m stuck in a household full of females (I’m drowning in a sea of estrogen) every single day someone has a period and attitude, sometimes it’s 2 at a time, thank god for my aquarium and Oregano to keep me from going on a killing spree, started looking for a land job but really don’t want to go down that road, I need to be in the ocean but boat jobs are hard to come by nowadays

 

[Sponge]

@MadReefer you can’t just say “started looking at sports cars”... DETAILS BROTHER. As for me. Most of you know my deal. Last October/ November came down with kidney issue and I am still in recovery mode. Bla bla bla. Covid has in a small way helped me out. I have been required to distance myself and mask up (medications have my immune system down) longer than Covid requirements and that’s tuff to do when your the only one. But with virtually everyone doing it I feel much less like an idiot. Either way I am slowly recovering and expect to be back to normal in a few months. No sports cars on my horizon or runs to the beach. And my health hasn't helped my ability to take care of my home and yard like @Mark_C but on the bright side tanks never been better.

 

[Haus]

Great thread, Mark.
We’re in a good place here. I’ve been working virtually, which is interesting for a pediatric physical therapist, but talking families through exercises and activities has made them much more comfortable with carrying everything over between sessions, so we’ve seen a lot of progress. The state’s going to run us through training on a return to in-home visits, so that change seems imminent. So far as my work in schools goes, plans are being made but personally I doubt our kids are in school come september. Maybe the special Ed population is more likely, which means I’d be there with them, but time will tell.

The kids are so happy to be with other kids again. Our younger two go to township Rec camp, and never want to leave. Seeing how giddy they were to see other kids was simultaneously beautiful and heartbreaking. Loss of social interactions have been so tough on all these kids, and FaceTime only does so much. It’s been amazing seeing how socially awkward they started off, even with their closest friends, but they’re back in the swing of things, and they seem to value their friendships and relationships so much more than before. That’s awesome. My older one is 12, so everything’s awkward In its own way, but she’s got a close group of friends and an active social life she’s enjoying. We had great bonding time during quarantine, which is a really bright silver lining.

Glad to have soccer practice back. More normalcy, social benefits, and routine, with purpose. I’m really looking forward to going to their games again, whenever that may be.

We’re trying to find the right balance. Avoiding crowds, trying to keep most hangouts/play dates outdoors, but glad to see them re-connecting. It’s fun.

Tank-wise, my current system is doing real well. Lots of great trades since quarantine ramped down, and I switched from 2-part to aquaforest with exciting results-most of my coral looks very healthy, colorful, and growing. Still taking it too slow getting the bigger system up, but I’ll get there. I’ve identified the overflow I’ll order, and my father-in-law and I are game planning the drilling and plumbing. I’ll cure the rock soon and then be able to play with my planned scape, and then get it up and running, hopefully before the end of august. Excited but patient. I’ll start the tale of the tank thread when I’m sure I’m moving forward.

Looking forward to the virtual meet Monday. I’ll try to get these going more consistently. The first one was fun. I see a lot of promise there. Even when we’re back to in person, I hope we’ll continue these regularly. For now a few a month would be great, and when we have in-person I’d like to keep them going at least monthly.

 

[Haus]

Looks great @Sponge! Glad you’re feeling better. Was happy to see you looking spry the other day. Keep it up!

Here’s mine:

 

[MadReefer]

@MadReefer you can’t just say “started looking at sports cars”... DETAILS BROTHER.

LOL. Been looking at Mustang convertibles mainly and couple of Corvettes. I saw two which were sold so still looking; one Vette was 2007 and dealer claimed only 35k miles not sure I believe him as no warranty. So now looking at Ford / Chevy dealers for pre-owned ones.

Your tank is great wish mine looked 1/100th as good as yours. BTW did find the missing fish still alive; think to hot during day as I saw them at night, temp is 75 / 76.

 

[myrjon]

Not a very manly drink there Nancy, lol just playing
As for me things are lil tough, my boat shut down for season because of the virus wthen bosses heart issues so I’ll be losing 48-51 thousand dollars this year, that’s a hard pill to swallow. On top of that I’m stuck in a household full of females (I’m drowning in a sea of estrogen) every single day someone has a period and attitude, sometimes it’s 2 at a time, thank god for my aquarium and Oregano to keep me from going on a killing spree, started looking for a land job but really don’t want to go down that road, I need to be in the ocean but boat jobs are hard to come by nowadays

Paulie sorry to hear .there has got to be something .marina work?? as far as your other issue ,I am with u 3 total oh my..good thing we have our tanks ... chin up.

 

[Sponge]

LOL. Been looking at Mustang convertibles mainly and couple of Corvettes. I saw two which were sold so still looking; one Vette was 2007 and dealer claimed only 35k miles not sure I believe him as no warranty. So now looking at Ford / Chevy dealers for pre-owned ones.

Your tank is great wish mine looked 1/100th as good as yours. BTW did find the missing fish still alive; think to hot during day as I saw them at night, temp is 75 / 76.

I vote. Vette. Can’t wait to see what you choose.

 

[MadReefer]

I vote. Vette. Can’t wait to see what you choose.

Leaning towards the mustang, always wanted one. Well, I actually had a 4 cylinder crap one years ago. Good deal as my college buddy was the salesman, no convertible, but that car had tons of problems. Also, can squeeze 2 people in the back o the mustang.

 

[Sponge]

Leaning towards the mustang, always wanted one. Well, I actually had a 4 cylinder crap one years ago. Good deal as my college buddy was the salesman, no convertible, but that car had tons of problems. Also, can squeeze 2 people in the back o the mustang.

I once broke down in Chicago with my brother and the mechanic we called sent his wife to pick us up. Now he saw us... and towed my car to his shop. His wife showed up in a Vette. We had to sit together in the passenger seat. It was insanely uncomfortable and crazy that they would pick up two people in that kind of car. But I can tell ya. It’s one heck of memory. Hahaha

 

[Paulie 069]

Leaning towards the mustang, always wanted one. Well, I actually had a 4 cylinder crap one years ago. Good deal as my college buddy was the salesman, no convertible, but that car had tons of problems. Also, can squeeze 2 people in the back o the mustang.

When I very first got married my wife was going to buy me a 74 stingray Corvette with t T roofs About three days before I was going to get it my work truck broke down and she said that instead of the vet she would buy me a brand new F150 this was 1994 maybe 93 Anyway I chose with the truck because I could not put my tools into a Corvette and take it to a muddy job site

 

[Paulie 069]

When I very first got married my wife was going to buy me a 74 stingray Corvette with t T roofs About three days before I was going to get it my work truck broke down and she said that instead of the vet she would buy me a brand new F150 this was 1994 maybe 93 Anyway I chose with the truck because I could not put my tools into a Corvette and take it to a muddy job site

But right now my dream car would be a 67 Camaro with all of today’s upgrades

 

[DangerDave]

no summer bash?! I know I know, still sucks though. Great thread too! Anyway, I’m working at home and dealing with 3 new drivers in my house. I havent seen my truck in weeks. I bought a beater to drive around till the bronco ships (which I cant register or title without camping out overnight at dmv...which isnt happening), but I think a kid claimed that one too. One of the fellas has a yj transfer case sitting on the kitchen table in pieces. at least I’ve moved my drinking to the sandbar on the weekends. Actually that doesn’t help much as the kids have been taking the skiff out alone. We went to the sandbar outside our inlet, and the looked like this:



I mean we were with them that day obviously, but they’re still crazy ass teenagers. Wife says if I’m that worried to give them the bigger (my new) boat. I guess I’m not all that worried

 

[Paulie 069]

no summer bash?! I know I know, still sucks though. Great thread too! Anyway, I’m working at home and dealing with 3 new drivers in my house. I havent seen my truck in weeks. I bought a beater to drive around till the bronco ships (which I cant register or title without camping out overnight at dmv...which isnt happening), but I think a kid claimed that one too. One of the fellas has a yj transfer case sitting on the kitchen table in pieces. at least I’ve moved my drinking to the sandbar on the weekends. Actually that doesn’t help much as the kids have been taking the skiff out alone. We went to the sandbar outside our inlet, and the looked like this:

View attachment 30432

I mean we were with them that day obviously, but they’re still crazy ass teenagers. Wife says if I’m that worried to give them the bigger (my new) boat. I guess I’m not all that worried

Children are gods gift to you,,,, bull cr$& they grow into teenagers that quickly suck the life out of you, and only thing you can do about it is pray they have kids like them in the future. Don’t get me wrong, I love my girls to death but lately they have me begging for death to hurry up and get here I’m waiting

 

[Rossim2i2]

Hey Everyone!

Kinda late to the party here. I'm lucky where my wife and I can both work remotely. Work is really busy, but I can't complain as I know many have it much worse than me. It is interesting working from home full time with two young kids (3 and 6). They are going crazy, but we have been getting out of the house the last month or so. My parents live close by and have a pool, so the entire family gets together over there every weekend. Like others said, its good to have the kids out and socializing with their cousins and friends.

I don't think I'll be back in the office until sometime next year, which I'm fine with. I'm a homebody anyway.

After messing around with things around the house and the yard at the start of the lock down, the tank became my COVID project. Wife wouldn't sign off on getting a second dog, so I went with the tank! Its nice to be home and be able to keep an eye on it all day, especially during the first months.

Hope everyone gets back to some type of normalcy soon and things pick up for those out of work! Also looking forward to meeting some of you during Monday's virtual call!