"Gibbet Hill Grill" in Groton, MA.

Pam and I went to Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton, MA for our 37th wedding anniversary.  We have been there several times for other occasions.

The food was fantastic.  The service was great.  Our waitress was outstanding.  As it is a converted barn. I talked a bit to our waitress about the history of the restaurant. 

I told her I had a barn blog and took barn pictures.   The farm has a pretty hill with roaming cattle and what looks like the foundation of a castle at the top.  They have another building for weddings also.  It is a working farm so they grow their own vegetables, raise their own beef, etc.  I thought I would take a couple pictures.

I took sunrise pictures when the foliage was past peak.  The rising sun did make the early morning pictures pop with color.  I went back one afternoon also.  Enjoy …

Hemal Nodes - Deer

My friend Gary and his wife Beth went to visit their kids in Alabama.  Beth took a hunter safety course so she could go deer hunting.  On her bucket list was go hunting and shoot a deer.

She went hunting with her son-in-law and took her first deer, a doe. Congratulations Beth …

Once field dressed they called me about the deer insides asking about dark nodule like things running along the spine in the fat.  Through the years I haven’t posted pictures of deer being gut or pictures from the butcher to keep my blog family friendly.

However, they sent me a picture that I did want to post to show you what they saw in case you ever see this.

In my years of hunting I have never seen dark nodules before.  I sent the picture to my hunting buddies (we hunt NH, MA, and VT) and none of them have seen this either.  Gary said their son-in-law had taken 2 deer from the same area the previous year with no sign of this.

Gary described most of them as the size of engorged ticks and seemed to be filled with blood.  They also appeared to be only in the fat and not the meat.

The internet can be a good thing but can also be a wild goose chase.  Was it CWD … Not to keep bringing it up but Anthony, who shot at and missed an 8 point buck this year, came up with hemal nodes as a possibility along with some other search results.  Gary also asked if the meat would be edible?

I reached out to NH Fish & Game and sent them the picture asking if they could tell us what we were looking at.  A quick pause here:  NH Fish & Game protects, conserves, and manages more than 500 species of wildlife, including 63 mammals, 18 reptiles, 22 amphibians, 313 birds, and 122 kinds of fish as well as thousands of invertebrates.  In the past they have been very good at responding with good information.  Kudos to NH Fish and Game.  I would encourage you to call your States Fish & Game Department if you have critter or wildlife questions like this also.

The Deer Project Leader from NH Fish & Game responded with the following:  "You were on the right track.  These do appear to be hemal nodes.  They’re normal structures found in ruminants like deer, are intermediate between spleen and normal lymph node tissue, and don’t indicate disease. I also sent the picture to the veterinary pathologist at UNH (University of New Hampshire) and she agreed that they are hemal nodes.  She is not a food safety expert, but thought the tissue appears normal and should be safe to eat if handled appropriately.  I hope this information was helpful."

More internet searching confirmed hemal nodes do not taint the meat.  I was wondering if it is genetic or demographic?  From searching it appears hemal nodes are genetic.  It says hemal nodes are normal anatomical structures and are important filtering organs for animals’ circulatory systems, and they are typically trimmed out with excess fat during processing.  They are normal lymphoid organs in an animal’s body.  Hemal nodes are usually ovoid (being larger than a pea), maroon or black in color, and may be either solid or fluid-filled. They resemble a very small spleen or blood clot, and are also called accessory spleens.  

I'm not sure why some deer appear to have them and others don't.  I am going to connect up with my local deer butcher and ask if he has seen hemal nodes in our area and will let you know what he says.  

In any case I wanted to show you this picture in case you ever see hemal nodes in your deer.

Yamaha RD400 C - 1977 - Motorcycle Accident

After years of riding dirt bikes I bought my first street bike in 1977.  It was a Yamaha RD400 C.  Being a 2 cylinder 2 stroke it was all but as fast as the 750cc bikes.

Saturday, October 29, 1977.  I wanted to ride some back roads in CT and enjoy the sunny day.  It was fall and a bit cool so I brought 2 Jackets with me.  I was wearing a denim jacket and I had Elmo’s leather jacket.  It was cold riding in the shade and nice riding in the sun.  For 30 minutes I debated whether I should stop and change jackets but decided not to.

I ended up riding east on Rt. 66 (Meriden Road) heading toward Middetown, CT.  With the reservoir on my left I was making a slow left corner going 45mph.  Ahead on my right was School Street that came down a big hill.  After many accidents School Street is now a dead end and doesn’t connect to Rt. 66 any longer. 

3:30PM … As I was riding on Rt. 66, I saw a car come down the hill on School Street and stop at the stop sign.  It was completely open so I could see the car from a long way off.   As I got close and closer the car suddenly pulled out in front of me making a left turn.  It happened so fast … no time to react … turning without leaning doesn’t work … I thought for an instant I would miss the back end of the car until the driver cut the corner.  I hit the car right in the driver’s headlights.  The driver of the car was going 10 or 15mph so combined speed was around 60mph.  

With years and years of riding in the desert of Arizona I instinctively stood up just before the impact.  I remember the LOUD BANG and looking down to see the front end of my bike passing below me.  Because I stood up I was launched up and over the car.  My boots hit my handle bars and turned them under so the mirrors ended up pointing down.  My front fork and tire was turned and tucked under from hitting the front end of the car.  I hit the top of the windshield and roof of the car on the way over and landed on my side directly on the double yellow lines.  I don’t remember turning the handlebars or actually hitting the windshield and top of the car.  I don’t remember flying gracefully (hehe) through the air but I do remember the impact of the landing on the road.

First pain … my finger.  I thought I broke my finger so took my gloves off to see.  It was ok.  Second pain … I thought I may have broken my hip.  Turns out I landed on my wallet and got hip pointer (bruise) but not broken.  Next my helmet.  Took that off.  Not a scratch on it but I was glad I was wearing it.  I would never ride without one.

The driver that hit me got out of his car and came back to me.  I said “What were you doing?” his response … “I was on my way to Florida”.  Turns out it was an 80 year old man who had just come from his son’s house.  Not sure how many times he looked both ways but it was 3:30PM and he was looking directly into the sun as I approached.  He never saw me. 

Several people, including a nurse, stopped to help and told me not to move.  Confused, the man who hit me turned, walked to his car, and tried to drive off.  My bike was hung up on the front end of his car and someone ran after him so he didn’t go far. 

Ambulance one arrived and started to take care of me.  Don’t move!  Ok.  Feel any broken bones?  No.  Where did you get hit?  I said my legs.  They cut one pant leg where my shin was bleeding.  They cut the other pant leg up to my knee.  They wanted to cut my boots off.  I said no as they were new Chippewa motorcycle boots and I wasn’t about to have them cut off.  Then ambulance 2 arrived.  The crews proceeded to argue about who got to take me away and what hospital to go to.  After a few minutes of that I was on my way to a hospital.

Parents were called … on their way … my mom (who is an RN) was not happy.  X-rays on both legs.  Shins and ankles pretty messed up with contusions and bruising.  Thankfully, nothing was broken.  The next day I was so sore I couldn’t stand up.  Crutches the following few days … then back in school … Oh the memories ...

Jeep Wrangler - Warranty Service Experience

I bought a used 2015 Wrangler JKU Rubicon Hard Rock in 2017 with 20,000 miles.  After driving it I would notice the smell of antifreeze.  I checked the hoses several times, it never dripped.  Over time it there was minimal fluid lost but I could still smell antifreeze.  I thought the smell was from the antifreeze passing to and from the overflow reservoir.

I took my Jeep in for the 30,000-mile fluid changes with nothing being said about my radiator or the smell of antifreeze at that time. 

Months later I took my Jeep to a dealer for my annual state inspection.  I passed inspection and when picking it up I was told my radiator was leaking at the seam.  I was never able to see anything but the mechanic did.  I said, “That should be covered under warranty correct?”  They told me I was out of warranty.  (3 year/36,000-mile warranty).  I had 36,518 miles.  I said that’s not right.  What can I do?  They told me I need to call Chrysler.

I called the Jeep Customer Assistance Center at 844-827-2006 (877-IAM-JEEP) when I got home.  They routed me to FCA Customer Care whose number is 844-827-2006.

I called and spoke to a customer care rep.  I explained the history of the antifreeze smell and what had happened with the dealer.  She took down my vehicle information and assigned me a case number.  One question she asked was “How long ago did I find out about the leak from the dealer.”  I told her as soon as they told me I called.  (I left the dealer 1 ½ hours before.)  In other words when I found out I called.  I didn’t wait for months. 

She took down the dealer information to call them and said she would call me back.  I received a callback and she said Chrysler would cover a new radiator under warranty.  That was great news for me. 

If I had a dealer issue, Customer Care said I could choose any dealer I wanted.  They would call my dealer of choice to inform them of my case and what was to be done.  Customer Care would advocate for me with a positive result.   She asked what dealer I wanted to bring my jeep to.  I told her the same one since it was local and I had no issue with them. 

Customer Care called that dealer to inform them of my case and the resolution.  I had several more phone calls from customer care regarding billing.  Would it be a direct bill from the dealer to Chrysler or would I pay and submit the bills.  Customer care set up a direct bill from the dealer.  I set up an appointment with the dealer. 

On the day of service, I called Customer Care to inform them my jeep was being worked on.  They called the dealer to make sure all went as planned.  The dealer did the install and it was direct billed.  No issues and all went well.

I wanted to share this positive experience and my outcome from FCA Customer Care.  The customer service was outstanding throughout the whole process.

I also wanted to say a couple other things.  1) If you smell antifreeze, get that checked out especially if you are under warranty.  2)  Call FCA Customer Care at 844-827-2006 if you have a jeep warranty issue, are concerned about what may or may not be covered, dealer responsibility question, etc. 

FCA Customer Care took care of me and saved me some big money.  This was my experience …

Time-Lapse Photography - Experimenting

In the past, I have experimented a bit with time-lapse photography and enjoy it very much.  I had a Nikon FE2 film camera for these older photos. It was different experimenting with film as you didn't quite know what you would get until the film was developed.  You had to be a bit more deliberate when experimenting.

I set my tripod up and took pictures of the television.  That was when picture tubes weren't the greatest.  I liked watching sports.  How many remember Howard ...

I carefully set up this candle and left the shutter open on my camera for 24 hours. As you can see the candle opened up on one side and the hot wax dripped over the side. It made an interesting picture. Make sure to take precautions in case the candle falls over or wax drips.  When I took this other candle picture I opened the shutter then came around and positioned myself behind the candle.  When the light reflects you appear like a ghost if you don't stay long enough.  The tough part is to remain still so you aren't a blur.
 

When I went to Disneyland in California I took my camera on several rides to take time-lapse pictures of movement. The Monorail is used to take people around the park. It also makes a stop at the Disneyland Hotel. I was lucky enough to sit in a seat so I could point the camera forward for my experiment. I held my camera very still and took a time-lapse photo as we passed the hotel. The movement of the lights was caused by the motion of the Monorail. You can read the "Disneyland Hotel" sign lit up in red.

I experimented taking moon pictures.  Here is a 23-minute picture of the moon rising.  I kept the shutter open on this other one and moved the camera to create a pattern.  It is interesting how the moon creates tubes not just lines.  


I also took a couple pictures over the tunnel on the parkway in CT.  Not sure you could still do that today without getting arrested. These are old and were scanned.  The lines will have to do unless I can find the negatives.  Either way, you get the idea of the photos.

Here are two I took in Phoenix looking at 7th Street.  More experimenting.  I had the camera on the tripod and with a second or so remaining I pointed the camera down making the tails.  The other I moved the camera up and down with the shutter open.

While staying at a Boston hotel recently there were small orange-colored ornamental lights hanging down from the high ceiling projecting light down toward the escalators.  I took time lapse pictures going up and down the escalators using the handrail to try to hold my camera pointing straight up at the lights.

If I have time I will add some others ...

Hike in New Hampshire

I continue to hike in the woods and take pictures at Monson Village, Beaver Brook, and up North to see animals, birds, scenery, etc.   I wish I could tell you I take pictures of unique subjects no one has seen before ... like a White Water Lily ... or a Blue Bird ... WAIT ... how about this Water Snake or this Dragonfly.

Am I the first to take a picture of a Frog ...the Monarch Butterfly is rare ... NOT ...


I WANT ACTION SHOTS.  Something unique ... a different angle. 




This Blue Heron coming in for a landing had more action. 

I WANT TO SEE A BEAR IN THE WOODS !!!  WITHOUT USING THE NEIGHBORHOOD BIRD FEEDER ... WHERE ARE THE MOOSE ... YES I KEEP SEEING DEER IN THE FIELDS BUT THEY DON'T COUNT ... although they are pretty and the bucks are in velvet. 

I need apples, bird seed, corn, Frank's food plot ... or $25 to purchase one ticket to the ZOO !!


Now that I vented ... my hikes will continue ...

After-Market Vehicle Warranties - My BAD Experience

I bought a used 1984 Toyota Landcruiser FJ60 in 1988 from a Toyota dealer in MA.  In addition, I purchased a 2-year, 24,000-mile warranty from the Toyota dealer.  It was a great truck, and I had no issues.

The warranty required me to have all the fluids changed at 12,000 miles.  I cannot remember the name of the Toyota Dealer in Woburn, MA but I was working close by at that time, so I brought it to them for service.

They changed all the drivetrain fluids as required by the warranty on Friday.  That weekend it started shifting funny.  I brought it back to the dealer on Monday and they told me there was transmission oil all over the bottom of the vehicle and I had blown the transmission!!  They blamed me even though there were no issues before they had done the maintenance required by the warranty 3 days before.

The dealer told me it was not fixable so they would have to find me another transmission.

I did my own searching and found a shop in Upstate NY that had several rebuilt transmissions on the shelf ready to go for $850.  The Toyota dealer wanted to go a different route.  My Landcruiser had 57,000 miles on it.  They said they were looking for a used transmission with less than 57,000 miles on it for a replacement to satisfy the warranty requirement.  I was livid.  I called an attorney and was told there was nothing I could do based on the after-market warranty I purchased.  The dealer gave me no option.

The Toyota dealer found and bought a used transmission from a junkyard in Canada for $150 and had it shipped to Woburn, MA.  I told them I didn't want that and wanted a rebuilt transmission ready to go from Upstate NY.  They said no.  Throughout the process, I also found out there are warranty deductibles per item that I was responsible for paying.  I ended up paying hundreds of dollars in deductibles per the warranty I purchased.  IT WAS A BAD EXPERIENCE.

I currently have a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock and I started getting those vehicle warranty calls.  I talked to one company and told them my story.  The person on the phone promised me that wouldn’t happen with them!  I said I was interested but I wouldn’t sign anything until I could read the warranty agreement. 

They sent it to me.  Reading through their warranty in the middle of the document on page 5 it said, “Replacement of Covered Parts that have experienced a Breakdown may be made with original equipment manufactured parts, non-original equipment manufacturer parts, re-manufactured parts, or used parts, at the Administrator’s discretion.”

This brought back bad memories.  Hmm … let's see … an $850 rebuilt transmission on the shelf ready to go or a $150 used transmission from a junkyard in Canada.  I was forced to take the $150 tranny from the junkyard in Canada at the Administrator's (Toyota Dealers) discretion …

A Jeep Wrangler is one of those vehicles where you can modify pretty much everything.  

With that, this same warranty document, on page 10, “Section V-Exclusions – What’s not covered”.  "Any breakdowns caused by any modifications, alterations, and/or additions to Your Vehicle, or if any modifications, alterations, and/or additions have been made to Your Vehicle You are using or have used Your Vehicle in a manner not recommended by the Manufacturer, including but not limited to, the failure of any custom or add on/aftermarket parts regardless if supplied by a franchised dealer or not, all frame or suspension modifications, lift kits (unless the lift kit option is marked on the Application Page and not to exceed 6 inched of combined lift), oversized/undersized tires or wheels not recommended by the original manufacturer, trailer hitches.  Also not covered are any emissions and/or exhaust systems modifications, engine modifications, transmissions modifications, and/or drive axle modifications, which includes any performance modifications.”  There were more paragraphs after this …

You will get those calls and can purchase a warranty, or not!  It's up to you but you can LEARN FROM MY BAD EXPERIENCE.   

If you are considering one of those after-market or dealer-extended warranties, read it carefully.  I had a Toyota dealer sell me that warranty.  It was not backed by Toyota.  Read the warranty someone is trying to sell you before you throw down your cash and sign so you aren’t forced to settle for “the Administrator’s discretion”.

Note: I had this lousy after-market warranty experience and a bad Toyota dealer service experience.  I did buy another Toyota after my Landcruiser as they make good vehicles.  Over the years I had 2 more bad dealer service experiences with a Toyota dealer in New Hampshire.  They are supposed to be honest.  3 strikes ... I would stay away from Toyota for your vehicle service.

Giving credit where credit is due, I have had positive dealer experiences over the years with a Jeep dealer, a Honda dealer, a Nissan dealer, a Mazda dealer, and a Chevy dealer.  

Beaver Brook - Hollis, NH

Kevin invited his friend Clark to go on a hike in Beaver Brook. It was a nice sunny day with a cool breeze that kept the bugs down. I quickly realized I was the odd man out when Kevin asked that I hang back 25 or 30 yards so they could hike themselves. Should I feel hurt or is it part of the journey into manhood for 11 year old boys?

We hiked to the big rock by the beaver dam. We saw a Northern Water Snake with a fish partially swallowed. We tried to maneuver so it would come out of the water so I could get a good picture. This partial head shot is all I was able to get. It ended up swimming across the brook to the other side and disappearing in the sticks.