Tuesday, December 30, 2008

27: My Birthday

Haha. That image you see just above is the first birthday comment I received when getting on the computer this morning. It was a comment left on my MySpace from one Ms. Ashley Falk, who else? Anyway, it was nice to receive well wishes from no less than 10 people today, out here on the boat, and back at home.

After waking up about 11:15am, and making it down to the galley for lunch, I was kind of disappointed not to see a cake with my name on it. I'd seen it done for damned near everybody over the last year... didn't know I had to request it. But the food was good, and off to shift I went.

Signing on the computer, it was nice to see my BDay notice from FMDF, my most favorite place on the web.

I also decided to venture out from MySpace and get on board with the whole Facebook thing. It's neat I guess. I like the fact that more of my family members are on it, as well as more of my international friends from work and stuff. That all went well.

It was an okay birthday, nothing great by any means. No cake, no presents... not much of anything really.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas on the Odyssey

Hey folks! It's Xmas here in the Gulf of Mexico too! Don't have much to say, so I'll let the pictures do the talking. Hope everyone viewing had a great holiday as well.

Tera setting up our trees.


Meghan decorating sugar cookies.


Martin and John on the bridge.


Plate 'o cookies.


Gingerbread house the MMO's made.


My stocking full of treats.


Everyone waiting for gift exchange.


My present wrapped in plotting paper.


Present I received from Stig.


Roast pig, lobster tails, lamb, and prime rib.


Bread and dessert spread.


X-Mas cake.


"Happy Holiday" bread design.


Edible arrangement made by our cooks.


Our cooks with their artwork.

Meghan and Tera enjoying some fake beer with dinner.


Me and Meghan at gift exchange.

Winter Research Campaign



Ever year it comes. It's completely inevitable, so get used to it. Sadly, the winter means that MD'ing season is over for many enthusiasts across the country. The ground is frozen too hard to dig, snow is covering everything, and temperatures are just too darn low to stand more than a few minutes of swinging your machine. So what do you do?

Sure you you can browse your favorite online forum (FMDF) and enjoy all the finds from those lucky enough to live far enough South to MD year round. Or maybe you can update your MD finds database in your fabulous iDetect software, or however else you keep track of your finds. Making charts, comparing month to month numbers and all that jazz.

But what about doing something proactive, that will increase your chances of finding all that old silver coinage, relics, and other old trinkets? Yes, I'm talking about research. The winter months are a perfect chance to use the time you normally would be MD'ing, to hunt out those old areas and get the goods. That being said, I felt I'd offer you a few options to aid in your quest.

- Wikipedia.org
I'm sure many of you are familiar with Wikipedia and it's vast database of knowledge. And yeah, it's true that there are many things found within it's pages that are unverified... but odds on, your town's history is pretty safely rooted in fact. Just entering in your town/city name as a search inquiry will be all you need to start learning. If it's a well written history, it may provide outside links to other informational resources, and a bibliography of books used.
LINK

- Local Library
As I lead on with Wikipedia, books. Books are research gold. Most local libraries have sections dedicated to State and local history. Just walk in and ask for finger pointing in the right direction. You can't go wrong with this option, but it may take a little time to get down to what you want.

- Local Government Webpage
Most town and municipalities have a webpage regarding their local government. Information here usually includes things the names of local officials, tax rates, etc. But odds are you can find some sort of brief on the history of the area, and maybe a link to local historians who may also be able to help you in your quest.

- Sanborn Maps
Trying to find old home sites or gathering places that have long since been forgotten? Well tread on over to the online version of Sanborn Maps. Here you can view and print maps from your town, and surrounding towns dated back many many years, and get a feel for what the place used to look like. An invaluable tool when wanting to locate those old items that make your 1929 Wheatie look like a 2008 Memorial.
LINK
Username: proquest
Password: welcome

Saturday, December 20, 2008

2008 Year In Review


Well it's the time of the year... the end. 2008 was a short year for me for two reasons. I started nearly half way into the year with this great hobby, and also with my work schedule, I'm away from land every other month. It makes finding good time to get out there and swing the machine pretty touch. But I managed. I made it out for at least one day in six separate months, from Spring to Winter. So let's get this ball rolling with a monthly breakdown and yearly totals.

May
Days Hunted: 3
Coins Found: 100
Dollar Value: $4.03
Other Notables: Found 6 pull-tabs, 1 rusted/bent Hoop Earring, and 1 Canadian Penny ('78)

July
Days Hunted: 7
Coins Found: 100
Dollar Value: $5.21
Other Notables: Found 8 pull-tabs, 5 earrings (1 x .925), 2 rings, 5 buttons, 1 Key, 1 Sterling Crucifix, 1 Token, 5 30-06 casings

August
Days Hunted: 6
Coins Found: 124
Dollar Value: $5.89
Other Notables: Found 3 pull-tabs, 1 horseshoe earring, 1 heart charms, 1 Skull/Crossbone w/ Pink Stone necklace charm, 3 x lead 9mm bullets, 1 Sacajawea Dollar coin, Boy Scouts Summertime Award pin, and 1 WWII Era US Army Air Corps Enlisted lapel device.

September
Days Hunted: 9
Coins Found: 125
Dollar Value: $6.29
Other Notables: Found 15 pull-tabs, 7 charms, 1 charm bracelet, 1 button with British Royal Family Coat of Arms and Order of the Garter motto, 4 wheat pennies, 1 Scarab Beetle Watch

October
Days Hunted: 1
Coins Found: 21
Dollar Value: $1.14
Other Notables: Found 6 pull-tabs, 1 earring, 1 .25 ACP bullet, 1 Chuck E Cheese Token

November
Days Hunted: 7
Coins Found: 96
Dollar Value: $3.77
Other Notables: Found 4 pull-tabs, 5 30-06 casings, 6 wheat pennies, 1 BICEN Quarter, 1 ring (.925), 2 Buttons (1 being a 1829-1832 Benedict & Coe Federal Navy Button)

2008
Days Hunted: 33
Coins Found: 566
Dollar Value: $26.33
Notables listed above.

All in all, a great short year... can't wait to get 2009 off to a good start!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Starbucks for a fraction the price.

Don't waste $5+ on that seasonal yummy treat, the Peppermint Mocha Latte, at Starbucks this year. Instead, make you own for a fraction of the price.

I'm pretty resourceful out here on the boat, and was really craving that hot goodness from Starbucks. I knew I had seen some Candy Cane Sprinkles from Target on board, and I fixed the problem.

In one 8oz coffee cup, first add:

1 tsp sugar
1 tsp Nestle Quick Powder
1/2 tsp Candy Cane Sprinkles

Add coffee, and your preferred creamer, and just like magic, Peppermint Mocha!

It's awesome, I have at least two a day now.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

In The Treasure Corner with Dan Hughes

Back in August, only a few short months after I pulled the good 'ol ACE 250 out of the closet and really got into metal detecting, I caught wind of one Mr. Dan Hughes. While browsing around my favorite place on the net, FMDF, I came across a thread about a book. Turns out Dan had authored a book on the hobby, and it seemed to be pretty good. Sadly, I never bought his book :( But in reading about it, I was introduced to him and his knowledge.

Later that same month, something awesome happened. Dan started a Podcast available to all, via the web. To me, this was perfect. I could be anywhere; at home, or out in the middle of the ocean... and be able to subscribe and download his latest stories and tips to listen to at my leisure.

His series covers all sorts of topic regarding the great hobby of metal detecting. These include things like:

- How to Obtain Permission to Hunt Ground
- How to Understand Depths and What You Might Find There
- How to Deal With Pesky Onlookers

Dan is currently working on the 9th installment, and I personally can't wait. Be sure to check it all out over at The Treasure Corner. (http://danhughes.libsyn.com/index.php?post_category=treasure)

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Minelab Delivers!



Last week I submitted a "Success Story" to Minelab concerning my 1830s button find. Turns out they liked my story enough to email me and ask for permission to use it in electronic and print material. Not only that, but they sent me some great gifts.

- A nifty carabiner style Dakota watch with compass
- A great looking short sleeve polo
- A black/red (my fav!) hat.

Thanks to the great folks at Minelab!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Thanks for the Cards


I'm not at home to receive them, but thanks for all the X-Mas and Bday cards that make it to my place while I'm away on the boat.

I'd personally like to thank Vlad and Carol Kononov from Tripp, SD for the great card with a silver Mercury Dime attached on the inside. Very thoughtful!

Also, thanks go out to The Arsenaults up in Maine. Great card and I was very surprised by the wheat penny. Pleasure working with you at FMDF!

Sorry pic is so bad, but it's a cell phone pic from back home.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Holidays How-Do

Just a friendly Holiday Greeting to all my readers and other interested parties. Here I am at my desk on the M/V Ocean Odyssey, where I'll be all through the holidays. So since I won't be there to wish you all the appropriate well wishes, this goes out to you. My parents, Grandad, Aunt and Brother in TX... Grandparents, Cousin, Aunt and Uncle in VA... Aunt, Uncle and Cousin in DC... friends all over the US, mostly in the North East (NH, CT, MA), Northwest (WA), and my local VA people. Also to new friends recently added to the XMAS card list our in South Dakota and also up in Maine.

The best to all of you!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Trip to TX

Figured I'd update any and everyone on how the trip to TX went. Simply put, it was a great time... but I'll get more specific than that.

At 6am on Nov. 20th, Ash and I caught started the journey. By 1045a we had landed in Dallas/Ft. Worth. My parents picked us up and off to Uncle Julio's for some fine Mexican cuisine in Ft. Worth. It was pretty yummy, very fresh tasting. A little pricey as far as I'm concerned for Mexican food, but it was good.

After that we drove down by where the new Cowboy's stadium is STILL under construction... and then made our way home... to Granbury.

The next morning we woke up late, and then headed over to the beach at Lake Granbury to get in some MD time. You can see my post from Nov 26th for more info on that.
It was really just to waste time while waiting for the 2:30p showing of the new Disney Pixar movie, Bolt. Which, if you have the opportunity to see, was pretty sweet. Rhino the Hamster makes the movie!



After filling up on popcorn, candy and soda... it was time to make it back home. My Dad was off to the DFW area to watch High School footballs playoffs, so we just went home and fizzled out. The plan was to hit up CiCi's Pizza after for food, but the movie snacks had canceled those plans. After recovering a few hours later, we were hungry. And much to my surprise, my mom shuttled us over to Hammond's BBQ in Glen Rose. MY FAVORITE #1 BBQ place EVER! Nothing like brisket perfection, fried okra, and drinks out of a mason jar!

The next morning, Saturday I believe, we all woke up early and made it to a local diner called The Firehouse. Their country fried steak and eggs is the only place that rivals IHOPs version in my opinion. Anyhow, it was our yummy breakfast before heading out to Arlington and spending the majority of the day at Six Flags Over Texas.

We had a great time at Six Flags. Since we were there when it opened we were able to ride pretty much every roller coaster in just a few short hours. We met some cartoon characters, had a half decent lunch, and bought a supergirl cape, haha.







We left the park about an hour and a half before it closed. After riding all the coasters and wandering around, didn't see much use in staying just to stay. So since I guess we had time to kill on the way home, my dad took us by the Ft. Worth Stock Yards... were sadly, there was no cattle to see. But it was neat walking around the shops and stuff.



The next day was a lazy day. We drove over to Cleburne and had lunch with my Grandad. It was good seeing him. Twice in one year is a new record for me.

Monday morning, we started our 3.4-4 hour journey down to San Antonio. It was a long, boring ride. Nothing exciting to report on the way down. We stayed at the Drury Plaza Hotel which has a River Walk entrance. It was a nice place. Room was big, had WiFi (which I used to download a few movies, hehe) and they gave 3 complimentary cocktails for each person per day. What's not to like!? We spent the rest of the day checking out The Alamo, the River Walk, Ripley's Odditorium and Louis Tusaud's Wax Mueseum. We also made the rounds at the River Center Mall.







Our last full day in TX and we were headed off to Austin, the state capitol. We spent about an hour at the capitol building, where we got lots of neat pics. Then made it north to Round Rock near the Dell Diamond baseball field to eat a BBQ place my buddy Shane, who lives in Austin, recommended. I rated it maybe #3 on my list.





And there you have it. That was pretty much our trip to TX. Can't wait to do it again in a few months, maybe when it's baseball season again. Hope you all enjoyed the story and pics!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Turkey Day Swingin'

Ahhh Thanksgiving... not really one of my favorite holidays, but whatever. The morning started off hectic, running around trying to get milk and garlic before heading of to the g/f's parents house so she could make the mashed potatoes before it was time to eat. In all that mess, I took the time out to swing the MD in the front and back yard.

Right outta the gate a found a few pieces of trash and a '44 Wheat penny. I was pretty stoked at that point. Not even 5 minutes later I got a signal on my X30 that was jumping around between +32 and +40... so honestly, I was thinking I found some silver. But when I dug up the item, about 4 inches down... to my surprise it looked like a button. But not just any button. I've been doing this long enough now to recognize an older military button... it was just trying to find out how old.

As you can see from the image below, the front of the button shows an eagle with an anchor, and 13 stars. What you can't see on the back, is that it reads, Benedict & Coe... which was what the Waterbury Co (known to make old military buttons) was known as from 1829-1832. And the style matches that of an 1830s Federal Navy Button. Amazing!!!!



Other than this great find, I found 2 more Wheats, a '44 and a '52, along with a bunch of clad.

After that, it was off to my uncle Dan's for TDAY #2.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

TX Huntin', Nov 21, 23 & 25

I was able to get a good 3-4 hours of MD'ing in over 3 days of my week long trip to TX. I had been in contact with a guy by the name of Aaron Mclain of Granbury, TX's Parks and Rec Dept. about detecting in the town. And he graciously replied, short and sweet:

"I can only speak for the city parks and city athletic fields. We do not allow digging in the city parks. It can create uneven playing surfaces and hazards for others. You can visit the city beach and use the detector in that area and dig holes as long as they are covered back up. unfortunately, most of the Brazos River shoreline is privately owned and access is limited."

That being said, I took it upon my first day there to hit up the towns' beach upon the man-made Lake Granbury. Sadly, there wasn't much to be found there, only 4 coins... but hey, apparently the beach has only been there a few months. That same day I found a few more odds an ends, 30-06 brass casings, 4 more coins... and old iron tool pieces in my parents front yard. Nothing exciting.


Two days later I decided to try my luck in the area right next to my parents where I know there used to be a trailer that had been rented out. It's no longer there, but surely the people that lived there left something? The finds there were meager at best. A few coins, 40oz bottle tops, pull tabs, and lots of trash.


My last day of hunting ended up being a night hunt. We didn't get back from Austin until the sun was setting, so I grabbed a flashlight and made the most of it. All these finds were in the front yard and side yard. I'm glad I stuck at it, 'cuz I pulled a '41 wheat! WOO!