3D Parafoil Red Goldfish Kite

We just bought a new kite on Ebay called a "3D Parafoil Red Goldfish". I'm looking forward to flying it at the beach this year. Our Grandkids are going to love it. My father loved to fly kites and I'm sure he would have got a kick out of this one. There always seems to be a steady 20 mph breeze here at the Outer Banks and it's actually a well known place for flying kites. Kitty Hawk Kites are well known all over the world and of course this is where the first flight was recorded in 1903 by the Wright Brothers because of the wind currents.                                       

Actinic keratosis

This is my third and last week of treatment for actinic keratosis using Efudex cream. The healing process will begin next week and will grow new skin tissues in a couple weeks.

AK is a precancerous condition that affects only the top layer of skin (the epidermis). Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun damages the skin and if left untreated, 15% of AK can turn into a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). When they are found early, AKs are highly treatable. UV light from the sun and commercial tanning lamps or beds are the major causes of AK. UV light causes changes in the genetic material of the skin's cells. AK can happen at any age, but the risk increases with accumulated sun exposure.

The photo on the bottom is 4 weeks after treatment while in the healing process.

YouTube - rickmanz's Channel

Hi everyone. Cindy and I have put all our videos on YouTube. Just click on the link below.
YouTube - rickmanz's Channel

Enjoyed the Summer at Outer Banks

This past summer we practically lived at the beaches on the weekends. The water temperature was in the 70's by July and we had a great time enjoying the beaches along the Outer Banks. So far, our favorite beach is on Pea Island because it is somewhat secluded. We're looking forward for our families to join us this coming summer for some fun in the sun.

We relocated to the Outer Banks from Michigan

It's been awhile since I've posted anything. I thought I would continue to keep our blog current so here goes...

In July, of 2009 I was able to land a job with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore which is located at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I work as a peservation worker restoring historical sites and buildings. It is quite interesting type of work and I enjoy working for the Park Service. 

Over the past 25 plus years I have worked in middle management with the auto industry shipping vehicles from plant to dealerships all over the country. Due to the downturn in the auto industry in 2009, my position was terminated and like many others, found myself searching for a new job. I have always enjoyed working with my hands since I was a kid. I liked the sense of accomplishment building or constructing projects. I was a steel worker in my younger days fabricationg steel structures according to blueprint. It feels good to be back in this type of work with people who have so much skilled talents. There is so much history here to learn and write about. I will write of projects we have already completed and upcoming projects as well.

Cindy and I love the warmer weather and we live within 15 minutes of the beach. Most weekends we spend at the beach when weather permits. We rented a nice house near the sound.

Out of a Job and looking for Work

Friday, March 6th, 2009 was my last day working for Allied Systems. I was terminated due to downsizing of the company. With the state of the economy and the auto industry in such terrible shape , many other people are in my position. I was hoping to get another 4 years in with Allied so I could retire at 62 but sometimes life throws you a curve.

I started my career with Allied as operations manager of our Niagara Falls, N.Y. terminal in 1983. In 2002, I transferred to the Detroit area to help improve our quality and reduce our claims cost. I am very grateful of spending 26 years with Allied and I worked with some great people over the years. I feel that I've done a good job for Allied and I have no regrets.

Cindy and I have begun plans to move out of state to warmer weather and hopefully both find jobs. Winters are nice but we would prefer the warmer weather. We would like to live near Myrtle Beach or Orlando area and will likely test the waters before we make our move.

Shannon's Birthday

Flash From The Past

The 1st of February is my daughter Shannon's 35th birthday. I am marking this occasion by a remembrance of her teen years and her love (at that time) for Michael Jackson during the 1980's. The time when frizzy perms, shoulder pads, tapered pants and Vanilla Ice were the "in thing". Enjoy the flashback video.

Today, she is married to a great guy with three handsome boys and is still as pretty as ever.

Happy Birthday Shannon - I love you.

Shannon's High School photo (1991)