THE NEW D-LEAGUE

cordmaker 74

All-Conference
Jul 5, 2025
371
2,152
93
Good morning folks. Cool morning in the east.

Busy times at work. And about to get busier. A guy who is actually very good at carrying his share of the load told me yesterday he’s retiring —at 63. He just says he’s had enough, and wants to use his remaining time on other things. Can’t blame him for that. I’m seven years older and it certainly makes me reflect on my situation.

For now, heading in for another round. Hope you all are doing well.
If you can retire do it, enjoy life while you can, it’s too short!
 

cordmaker 74

All-Conference
Jul 5, 2025
371
2,152
93
I think just woods for a long while. We are in town but very secluded due to the way the subdivision is built. Due to the sewer systems and roadwork the yards and grass areas are all fully excavated. I'd say anything beneath the subdivision is too deep to get to even if I found it. The only thing my detector brings up is aluminum from walks I have made. It did bring up a quarter a few times and a couple nickels but I am not used to the depth guage yet as to how far down it is. I dug down a couple inches but, nope...
Nm
 

BBUK

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2005
626
3,486
120
If you can retire do it, enjoy life while you can, it’s too short!

Good moring All,

I haven't regreted retiring for a second Sir. Even though I have not had a day off since I retired.

I retired officially September 20th, 2025. While I have finally had a couple retirement funds finalized, I am stil wrestling with a couple retirement streams of income. Our IRA's we haven't touched but will when we have to, hopefully if the Lord doesn't take me home I can fund those streams properly in the five or six years I have before I have to use them.

Heading out to a doctor appointment and the comissary in a few minutes with My Darling.

You all have a fine, fine day. Make it count...
 

vhcat1970

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2025
3,314
2,351
113
^ If one lives long enough, everyone has to touch their IRA's. You may want to look what your income is now & what it will be when forced to take IRA distributions. You could be better off tax-wise starting to take some early. I realized too late that we should have taken some before we had to. -
 

MdWIldcat55

Heisman
Dec 9, 2007
21,393
85,715
113
Good morning folks. Cloudy and cool in the east. I’m having a hard time getting started today, but heading out for a run soon.

The acting boss came around yesterday, as nervous as a newborn calf, and started asking me if I was happy, if he could do anything for me…Finally he blurted out, “please don’t tell me you plan to retire soon…” They are in the hole that bad, through negligent hiring up the food chain. The truth is, they’ve been good to me, and I wouldn’t leave them in a bind unless I had health reasons or they hired a boss who I didn’t mesh with. So I put his mind at ease, and will hang in awhile.

Heading out. You all have a good day.
 

BBUK

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2005
626
3,486
120
Good morning folks. Cloudy and cool in the east. I’m having a hard time getting started today, but heading out for a run soon.

The acting boss came around yesterday, as nervous as a newborn calf, and started asking me if I was happy, if he could do anything for me…Finally he blurted out, “please don’t tell me you plan to retire soon…” They are in the hole that bad, through negligent hiring up the food chain. The truth is, they’ve been good to me, and I wouldn’t leave them in a bind unless I had health reasons or they hired a boss who I didn’t mesh with. So I put his mind at ease, and will hang in awhile.

Heading out. You all have a good day.

Ha, MdW,

I had to laugh with your post. (At least your leadership know's what they have/ need.) I haven't spoke much about my retirement other than where I worked and what I did. My leadership wanted more show from me but what that entailed was, instead of working 8 hours to get the job done, I worked the 8 hours of show and presentations and then came home to get back online to get the job done another 8 hours or more many nights doing my actual job ensuring my people had what they needed to get their jobs done. Since I had two people in Hawaii as well as across the country I was easily able to plan to where I could work with all my people. (34 federal civilians and then 10-12 contractors.) I did not COR but I did the COR's job (easy) and got them plussed up as well ensuring they fullfilled their contract(s). I did that for nearly 18 months... I had great people and not one knucklehead. (A first!)

It was all about the show so SES's could get more face time and bonuses. The job really didn't matter to them BUT, the job is what the five-sided house needed.... I will stop by saying this; many, many initiatives have been farmed away from what I once directed out of the agency I worked for. The service(s) suffered. They never should have cared if they ever saw my face... (Multiple SES positions were re-aligned away from that agency.)

Hello All,

I trimmed all my youngest daughters shrubs and bushes this morning after I dropped the BB off at school and planned to mow but My Darling called me and they are here working on my garage spackling, sanding, and readying for paint. (They told me Saturday and Sunday but this is better.)

I am already beat but thankful!

Have a, the sun is shining day EVEN if the sun "ain't" shining!!!
 
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MdWIldcat55

Heisman
Dec 9, 2007
21,393
85,715
113
Good morning folks. Happy Derby Day. I need to go online, find out the horses, read up on the jockeys and weather, so when all my DC-region friends start emailing and calling me around noon as the only Kentuckian they know to get my picks as they head to Derby parties I can fake a short response.

Warming up a bit in the east. Looks like rain. Cats and Pope still struggling to fill the roster with a needed wing scorer and another front court player. Really poor off season for Pope when he needed a great one.

Take care folks.
 

warrior-cat

Hall of Famer
Oct 22, 2004
191,758
156,634
113
Morning D-Legionnaires!

47° this morning with light winds. Mid 70's for a high today with light winds.

Headed out in a couple of hours to Wichita Falls TX. again, with a co-ed softball team that is not my normal one. Going to a tournament that proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis. Going to try out my new senior softball bat which I can't use in our league but can in most tournaments. Supposed to be a good one but requires breaking in before its actual performance hits its peak. Just got in Wednesday. $229.00, yeah bats these days are expensive. Still, it feels good with practice swings so, we will see.

Well, got get off my butt and walk the mutt (monster) before I get ready to go.

You folks relax and enjoy your weekend and relax a bit and God Bless.
 

Pidgie

Senior
Jul 4, 2025
156
545
93
I hope everyone has a great day.....if you are in to the ponies I hope you win a pocket full of cash on the Derby........I have to cut grass and then sit back and watch and wait for my pigeons to come in from a 229mile race today.....I am hoping to improve my lot over last week.......everyone have a great day! I have lived all but two years of my life in Louisville......never been to the Derby.......I have been to the track one time to see the horses run.......not my bag of fun.
 

berniecarbo

Heisman
Apr 29, 2020
5,113
29,102
113
Question for those who know something about it? In making lampshades, I have always cut the patterns with a large bandsaw, but now that it is becoming more of a hobby instead of business, I got rid of the bandsaw. It was over 100 years old, well built and VERY heavy (over 1000 pounds). I am considering a scroll saw, but am reading that chipping or melting could be a problem. The cuts must be smooth. We have switched from styrene Backing to PVC as the PVC ages better than styrene. Can I staple 10 or so pieces of pvc together and make accurate curved cuts with a scroll saw without chipping or melting or do I need to get another bandsaw (much smaller)?
 

BBUK

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2005
626
3,486
120
Question for those who know something about it? In making lampshades, I have always cut the patterns with a large bandsaw, but now that it is becoming more of a hobby instead of business, I got rid of the bandsaw. It was over 100 years old, well built and VERY heavy (over 1000 pounds). I am considering a scroll saw, but am reading that chipping or melting could be a problem. The cuts must be smooth. We have switched from styrene Backing to PVC as the PVC ages better than styrene. Can I staple 10 or so pieces of pvc together and make accurate curved cuts with a scroll saw without chipping or melting or do I need to get another bandsaw (much smaller)?

Way out of my league Sir.. (In my best Archie Bunker voice I was....Stifled..)


Hello All,

I have been up at it since 7. (Went to my Men's breakfast this morning at church at 8 but had to ensure the workers were here first. (They are priming now.) that dust even though the interior door has not been opened has caused My Darling pain...)

It had to be done though...

I am drinking some cocao powder hot chocolate too though I use no sweetner. I like it. (trying to drink the heart-healthy stuff.)

I am actually able to sit a lot today now (So Far...)

Have a warmer day than we are having here but take your day and warm it up as I am trying to do.... ;)
 
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Pidgie

Senior
Jul 4, 2025
156
545
93
Question for those who know something about it? In making lampshades, I have always cut the patterns with a large bandsaw, but now that it is becoming more of a hobby instead of business, I got rid of the bandsaw. It was over 100 years old, well built and VERY heavy (over 1000 pounds). I am considering a scroll saw, but am reading that chipping or melting could be a problem. The cuts must be smooth. We have switched from styrene Backing to PVC as the PVC ages better than styrene. Can I staple 10 or so pieces of pvc together and make accurate curved cuts with a scroll saw without chipping or melting or do I need to get another bandsaw (much smaller)?
Most of the scroll saws have a fine blade.........they have a tendency to deflect........I see band saws all the time on Craigs list..........usually less than $150....most people who buy them really don't use them, so they are not wore out....Craftsman had one that was very durable......I made wooden cornice scroll blocks with the one I had.......in short......I used the hell out of it.....I gave it to a friend a couple of yrs ago.....
 

berniecarbo

Heisman
Apr 29, 2020
5,113
29,102
113
Most of the scroll saws have a fine blade.........they have a tendency to deflect........I see band saws all the time on Craigs list..........usually less than $150....most people who buy them really don't use them, so they are not wore out....Craftsman had one that was very durable......I made wooden cornice scroll blocks with the one I had.......in short......I used the hell out of it.....I gave it to a friend a couple of yrs ago.....
Thanks. Then you would recommend another band saw? One thing I need is a pretty good throat clearance for some of my bigger shades.
 

warrior-cat

Hall of Famer
Oct 22, 2004
191,758
156,634
113
Looks like the Reds are having as bad a day as I had. We lost the first game, won the second, and completely bombed in the third. I did not play well, but there is always tomorrow at our league games.

Reds have been doing well this year but lost the first series with the last place Pirates early on and are now losing the second game of the current 3 games series 15-3. What is with them and the Pirates?
 

Pidgie

Senior
Jul 4, 2025
156
545
93
Thanks. Then you would recommend another band saw? One thing I need is a pretty good throat clearance for some of my bigger shades.
The Craftsman I had was a 16" throat........if that works for your bigger shades....seems to me you would have to cut the number of pcs cut at one time on a scroll saw.......I had a scroll saw that I bought off of CL and it ended up at my daughter's house to be used for her crafting.
 

berniecarbo

Heisman
Apr 29, 2020
5,113
29,102
113
The Craftsman I had was a 16" throat........if that works for your bigger shades....seems to me you would have to cut the number of pcs cut at one time on a scroll saw.......I had a scroll saw that I bought off of CL and it ended up at my daughter's house to be used for her crafting.
Thanks. I think the bandsaw I had weighed 1400 pounds. It was a monster with a huge throat. I'm not sure if a 16 throat would be enough. That is why I was hoping a scroll saw might work. Lowes has a 21 inch pretty cheap, whereas it seems a bigger throat on a bandsaw means a lot more money. I need to look at a few.
 

BBUK

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2005
626
3,486
120
Thanks. I think the bandsaw I had weighed 1400 pounds. It was a monster with a huge throat. I'm not sure if a 16 throat would be enough. That is why I was hoping a scroll saw might work. Lowes has a 21 inch pretty cheap, whereas it seems a bigger throat on a bandsaw means a lot more money. I need to look at a few.

Ya’ll getting kinky now….

Hello All,

The guy finished my garage yesterday. I wore myself out putting stuff back. (Just to clear my yard.)

I am either going to cut my daughter’s grass today or put up the ceiling shelf in my garage. Not sure which. I’d like to do both after church but doubt it.

Just dropped My Darling off for choir. Drinking coffee. Our church has a 150 year anniversary service of sorts today. (Last night when I got in bed, I felt like I was a founding member.)

Enjoy this Lord’s Day.
 

cordmaker 74

All-Conference
Jul 5, 2025
371
2,152
93
Good morning D, man it's 36 here in the Berg this morning! I hope my sister's garden is ok!! Shift happens, yesterday I had completely ground out one of my glass tulips, trying to get a few ready for some Mother's day sales, was cleaning the glass with alcohol and dropped one of the pieces, hit the mat I was standing on then bounced, I thought that sounded funny, dang thing went down a floor vent, can't get it because I can't move my work bench! The way I cut my glass (if each piece breaks right) they will all line back up for soldering, had to scrap that tulip, I'll try to use part of it on another tulip, each piece is so precise in fitting together. Mrs. M says, why don't you move your ornament box in front of you on the floor and that won't happen again, problem solved!! Have a great LORD'S DAY D!
 

Pidgie

Senior
Jul 4, 2025
156
545
93
Well.....race two is in the books......this week we flew from Elkton, TN. That is a 229 mile race for my birds. I ended up with 7 birds in the premiums this week.......3rd place was my best position...So far I have 16/23 birds returned.......the forecast winds for 5/9 are steady out of the West 6-8 mph........the race is 250 miles and if the wind forecast holds up. I won't fly....I have enough birds on the East coast....I will train for the 300 mile race the following week.......after that I will probably only send birds on the 400 -500 mile races to finish the year........I am tugging at the bit to get my babies in the air and to start training them.......I expect much improvement this year with my new bloodlines.....hope remains eternal! Everyone in the D-league have a great day!
 

MdWIldcat55

Heisman
Dec 9, 2007
21,393
85,715
113
Good morning folks. Just back from church. Still learning stuff. I had always heard the words of Jesus quoted in John as "I am the way, the truth and the light." Or at least I thought so. But apparently the consensus is that the last word is "life."

Clear and cold in the east. I went for a run before dawn and it was 36 degrees.

Great Kentucky Derby yesterday. Always glad to see a horse bred at Claiborne Farms win. Hope you all have a good day.
 

warrior-cat

Hall of Famer
Oct 22, 2004
191,758
156,634
113
Out the door shortly for 2 co-ed games today. The first at 1pm and the other at 5:20pm. Still a little tired from yesterday's games. The big reason we lost our third game yesterday was the amount of time between the 2nd and the 3rd games. We had 3 hours and most of the team went out to the parking lot and grilled, ate, drank beer, and some even drank harder stuff. As we were warming up for the third game one guy said that the vodka he had drunk was wearing off. Kinda pissed me off. Drive an hour one way to play a tournament only to be ousted because of partying. Well, if is not my normal team and playing is better than not I suppose.

Luckily so far, it (drinking and smoking pot) has not had that big of an impact on my team's league games as we are currently 4-0 and in first place. We have almost 3 1/2hrs between our 2 games today so...crossing my fingers. About 4 or so guys on this team smoke pot between games. Beer is drunk by almost everyone except me between games. Being the pitcher, I am the closest to the batter and need my faculties intact along with my reflexes. I drink a beer or two after the games are over.
 

berniecarbo

Heisman
Apr 29, 2020
5,113
29,102
113
Out the door shortly for 2 co-ed games today. The first at 1pm and the other at 5:20pm. Still a little tired from yesterday's games. The big reason we lost our third game yesterday was the amount of time between the 2nd and the 3rd games. We had 3 hours and most of the team went out to the parking lot and grilled, ate, drank beer, and some even drank harder stuff. As we were warming up for the third game one guy said that the vodka he had drunk was wearing off. Kinda pissed me off. Drive an hour one way to play a tournament only to be ousted because of partying. Well, if is not my normal team and playing is better than not I suppose.

Luckily so far, it (drinking and smoking pot) has not had that big of an impact on my team's league games as we are currently 4-0 and in first place. We have almost 3 1/2hrs between our 2 games today so...crossing my fingers. About 4 or so guys on this team smoke pot between games. Beer is drunk by almost everyone except me between games. Being the pitcher, I am the closest to the batter and need my faculties intact along with my reflexes. I drink a beer or two after the games are over.
I played on a team once sponsored by a Strohs beer distribrutor. No one would even bother going to pick up the free beer. I also played on a team sponsored by a bar. We went undefeated one year and it was free drinks if we won. I never drank till after the game though.
 

BBUK

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2005
626
3,486
120
I played on a team once sponsored by a Strohs beer distribrutor. No one would even bother going to pick up the free beer. I also played on a team sponsored by a bar. We went undefeated one year and it was free drinks if we won. I never drank till after the game though.

Sir,

I got drunk on Stroh's beer once, just once as the old saying goes....

I was going to work some this afternoon but I easily talked myself out of it. It can wait until tomorrow. I have a 1030 video appt, then after that I will put the ceiling shelf cross-bars up then go mow my daughters grass. I should finish about the time it is time to pick up the BB. (Will save me a trip as he is within walking distance from his house to his school.)
 

warrior-cat

Hall of Famer
Oct 22, 2004
191,758
156,634
113
Morning D-legionnaires!

60° this morning with light winds. High to be near 90° for the day.

Won both games yesterday by run rule. 6-0 and we are headed for another league championship at this pace. That would make it 3 years running. Ran into a woman whose husband and I played together on men's teams many years ago and Co-ed together with her. I was at the hospital when both of her children were born and took their kids for walks and trick or treating a time or two. Her son was in town and was playing for a team that was run by an old high school buddy. When he was a still a baby to toddler he was going through health problems that required surgery in OKC, and I went there many times to visit. One time I bought a stuffed bear for him to hold and sleep with, and she said he still has that bear today and wants to give it to his children when he has them.

Well, Monday, Monday so get at it folks.

Be safe out there and God Bless.
 

MdWIldcat55

Heisman
Dec 9, 2007
21,393
85,715
113
Good morning folks, especially you Star Wars Jedis.

I was a young chap just weeks out of college (well, out as far as I was concerned, if not those holding my degree) and had moved to Ft. Lauderdale to look for work when the first Star Wars came out. I went to the nearby cinema with a young woman I was seeing, and found it surprisingly entertaining, if a bit juvenile for a 21-year-old. And, that's the beginning and the end of my association with the franchise. Never saw any of the sequels or spinoffs. I think you had to be a little younger than I was then for the Star Wars universe to really capture your imagination.

Beautiful day in the east. Sunny and mild and everything looks really, really green like it can in the early part of May, before any scorching from the heat. I hope it is a good one for all of you.
 

AustinTXCat

Hall of Famer
Jan 7, 2003
53,779
318,268
113
Is your wife from eastern Ky too?
No, Austin native.

Good morning and happy Cinco de Mayo (aka "Drinko de Mayo" or "Stinko de Mayo"). Wife stable. Hospital keeping her. Unknown how long. Pain so severe she cannot walk or even move legs much.

Back working today. Off this coming Friday. Month should go quick.

Y'all take care.
 
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MdWIldcat55

Heisman
Dec 9, 2007
21,393
85,715
113
Good morning folks. A clear, sunny, beautiful day in the east.

Austin, I'm really sorry to hear what your wife is dealing with. My thoughts are with you and her.

Busy day at work. But I do plan to cut out early and catch the Nats-Twins game, just three subway stops down the line for me.

You all have a good one.
 

BBUK

All-Conference
Jul 3, 2005
626
3,486
120
ATXC, still praying for recovery and comfort for both of you.

I do hope all others of you are well as well. I was stupid busy yesterday and fell into bed after showering about 9. I was up at 6 but did get good sleep. Been at it since. It looks like I am going to take a needle in the back soon to see if that aleviates some serious hip issues. I won't go into all the details but My Darling just had this done and had a hard time of it. I wish I could have taken it for her and even taken it twice.

We shall see, I had to stop for a few minutes but I am putting the storage shelving on my garage ceiling. Worked all day on my daughters yard and it came out good. (She may not even notice and the hedge trimming and bushes, edging, and mowing I did but I did it.) I was done after I picked up the BB though...

You all have a fine rest of your day(s)...
 

vhcat1970

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2025
3,314
2,351
113
Got in 50 minutes of my normal 1 hr/ 4 mi walk before I decided it would be raining before I got home if I went further. Home 10 minutes & it's raining - expected to continue for several hours. We can use it. Best to your wife & you, ATXC.