BOOM !!!!!! and a Happy New Year

There was a big Boom at the New Year and a freaked dog. We spent the night watching all the New Years stuff on TV. We both took naps so we could make it until midnight. The 31st was our 5th anniversary. We didn't get to spend it in Maui this year. If we had I'm sure I would have been asleep. After all its 2 hours later over there.


But being home it was time for a cannon shot. The cannon I have was passed down to me from my dad. It was built by his uncle in 1917 in the city of Tacoma foundry. My dad got into a lot of trouble with it as a kid. I got it about 30 years ago. I have fired it for a lot of New Years, 4th of Julys, Sonics Championships (Yea a really really long time ago), A Couger win over the Huskies (That was for Rick) and a few other occasions. Tony will most likely get it next. Jeanne can barrow it.

This is the cannon with a hammer to drive home the wading.

The stick was made by Bob Prescott many years ago.

He turned it down on his lathe for a perfect fit.

Loading consist of a pill container about a quarter in size full of black powder. First you install the fuse then you pore in the powder. That in, you then put in some dry wadding. (Its really important to use last years tax returns) Next comes a couple of damp wads. (Wet newspaper). Each is driven home with the ram and hammer. The tighter it gets the louder it gets. Then light the fuse. Testing has shown that you don't want anything in front of the cannon and don't put anything else in the barrel. Thats what got my dad in trouble.




I wasn't very nice to Charlie. I did put him in the back room before I lit the cannon. When I went back to get him he was hiding behind the toilet, shaking really bad. He is a big boob when it comes to loud noises. Poor guy. His father image was not very nice.

After we calmed down a little bit we went to bed. He wanted to hide under the covers. He was shaking really bad. I need to get him some ear plugs. Doesn't he look pitiful?


Anyway it was a good New Years eve. Sue and I had a Champange toast at midnight for our anniversey. So far after getting married in Maui we have spent three anniverseys there, one in Arizona and one at home. I have been awake twice. Arizona and here. I tell you its the 2 hours difference.


2009 will be another year of change. I hope I get some business. Boats don't sell very well currently. I put in for my Social Security so at least I might get some money. I want to move to Arizona. Sue doesn't want to get that far from the kids. I figure I'll see them in the summer when we get out of the heat of the south and become reverse Snow Birds with the motor home. Its and ongoing topic. In the mean time Sue says I still have to work untill I'm 83.

Happy New Year from

Joe, Sue and Charlie

Charlie is better this morning. But I think he is getting tired of flashes going off in his eyes.

On another note. Sue is doing fine after her little time with the doctor. So far Charlie is in charge of syympthy and I in charge of all the work. She says thank you to all for the cards and flowers.


Thank you