How I became "The Poolpatcher"

As anyone who has known me for any length of time knows, one of my early passions was treasure hunting with a metal detector. My dad gave me my first metal detector during the spring of 1980. My first time out with it I found a 1906 Indian Head penny and the hook was set. I would use that metal detector every chance I had...and I had plenty of chances!
After being transferred to Lake Station Indiana in 1987 I bought a underwater metal detector and began find rings, coins, keys, fishing lures and even a set of false teeth underwater. It seemed like the deeper I got (wading) the better things I found. I often thought "gee, if only I could get out in the deep water under the rafts and diving boards it would be great". So, on a whim, I decided to become SCUBA certified. One thing led to another and I eventually became a PADI Master Diver. Now, I had two passions!
One afternoon, I went into Lake County Divers Supply in Hobart Indiana just to get my tank refilled with air. While the staff was doing that, they received a call from a man who wanted to "rent a diver" to find a leak in swimming pool. They turned to me and asked if I was interested. At that time divers were making $45.00 per hour. I saw dollar signs and without any hesitation I agreed to meet him.

"Frank" was the owner of pool company in Hammond IN and we met at a pool that his company has recently built. After suiting up in all my gear and entering the pool, Frank told me what to look for and the most logical places. I found a hole in the liner in less than a minute. Frank cut patch, put some glue on it and handed it to me. The whole process took less than 5 minutes. When I got out of the pool, Frank said "thanks" and handed me a $100.00 bill. I was shocked. I told Frank if he ever needed another diver to please call me directly. I gave him my home phone number. The next day when I got home from work I had two messages from Frank...2 more leaks in 2 different pools. The day after that, another call, another repair. I was in business and it was all by accident! Every time Frank's secretary would call she would say "is this the poolpatcher"? The name has stuck with me.

I kept the business going for 20 years and reestablished it every time I was transferred by the Army. Finally, in 2007, Barbara said "enough is enough" and I gave the business away to a fellow diver...but I kept my name...THE POOLPATCHER

A wacky weekend in Hollywood!

Congratulations! You have found the most obscure blog on the Internet! My good friend "Retired Guy" has recently created a blog so I thought I would try it as well. I really can't decide if I want to give out some of my history or just make this blog a diary of sorts. Having spent 4 years in the US Navy, followed by 10 years in law enforcement, and then 20 years in the Army, I can probably find some interesting if not hilarious stories from my past...I have seen a lot, done a lot, traveled a lot, and lived a lot.

Just for starters, I think I'll relate one of my first experiences with Retired Guy. He was a 1LT in our Army Unit (447th MP Co.) and was the "XO". Captain Wonder was our Commander and he was a free spirit to say the least. During the summer of 1984(?) we were doing duty at San Luis Obispo California. One afternoon after lunch in the mess hall, I was walking toward my "hooch". I saw Cpt Wonder heading my way. I ducked between a couple of buildings but it was too late. He yelled out "Sergeant Morris! Go pack military and civilian clothes to last 3 days and meet me at the helicopter pad in 15 minutes". When I arrived at the helicopter pad, there was a Huey warming up. Retired Guy was there also. At this point, I really did not know Retired Guy very well as he was relatively new to the unit. Anyway, the 3 of us got into the chopper and it lifted off. I asked the Captain "where are we going"? He said we were heading to Long Beach. On the way to Long Beach, the pilot flew very low over a nudist beach. I really think the rotors acted as a sandblaster on the beach goers!

Once we arrived at Long Beach we toured the Queen Elizabeth (or was it Queen Mary?) and saw Howard Hughes' "Spruce Goose". It was a very memorable day. Later we rented a car and drove to Hollywood where we found a motel. After eating dinner and walking around Hollywood for a few hours, we returned to the motel. There was 2 beds and I sensed a problem... The Captain said "since I'm the highest ranking guy here, I'll sleep in this bed, you two can have the other. I will never forget getting into bed with Retired Guy, rolling over and saying "You know LT, I don't usually sleep with someone on the first date"! I giggled over that for a couple hours! It was a great couple days...one that I will never forget.

OK...that's enough for today...tune in occasionally. I have no idea how often I will update this or what I'll post but I will try to add something as time permits. It's actually kind of fun doing this!