Archive for July, 2009

Fire plug

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009


Here’s a candid shot from LRN1’s Eagle Scout project a few years back. With all the Eagle stuff we’ve been doing, it seems appropriate to look back. That thing looks pretty nice there, no? Although perhaps just a little difficult to see. Featuring an appearance by a much younger LRN2.

More Short Shrift today. I had to go to Tracy to issue a Young Women camp calling. That may have been the last one for this year.

Not much else to discuss. Good day at work. I only have one more to go before YW camp, so I ought to be busy tomorrow.

No posts next week. There’s not even an cell phone signal up there. I’ll try to remember to leave a Loyal Reader link for you to leave scintillating comments.

I’m hoping to post at least a few times during the cruise that starts the following week. There ought to actually be some decent Great Art too.

Today’s food violence news: There’s nothing lower than a bologna thief. This guy’s picture looks just like your typical lunchmeat felon, doesn’t it?

See you tomorrow.

Blogger on rock

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009


Here’s me standing on a rock at Worlds End State Park in Pennsylvania. Part of my famous Camping series.

Extreme Short Shrift tonight. I came home way early today for a medical appointment (have no fear, Loyal Readers – I was having my allergy medicine prescription renewed and getting some anti-seasickness patches for the cruise) and spent the afternoon comfortably at home, but hung around with LRN4’s book group friends when I ought to have been blogging. My loss is your gain.

Not much new, fortunately. Not anything, in fact.

So let’s have some food violence and move along: I admit it’s not exactly violent, but it any news that combines elephants and the World Champion Cranberry Sauce Eater is worth reading, if you ask me.

See you tomorrow.

Cherry picker

Monday, July 6th, 2009


Here’s LRN1 picking cherries. Great Art taken last year, but reminiscent of our experience this year.

No post Friday. Sadly, none of the Loyal Readers seemed to notice. I was busy enjoying the holiday.

Which we did. Didn’t do much. Worked on the sprinklers some, swam for a few hours in the nice, warm water, did a little programming, watched some TV, napped, and generally relaxed.

Lardville did their fireworks show on Friday night, as predicted. Apparently, they were avoiding some overtime payments. Good idea. The show was quite nice. We walked five minutes down the street and watched from our neighborhood park, which was convenient. No crowds.

I heard that some cash-starved cities around here canceled their fireworks shows this year, so we’re grateful for what we have.

Made some Limited MARV progress. I got a rudimentary, non-functional navigation system written and started testing it. There’s WAY too much noise. I’m currently working on ways to filter data. It looks like I’ll have to come up with a motion threshold too – the Arduino is interpreting the noise as motion, and it seems to be non-Gaussian in nature. I’m also toting with the idea of constant recalibration of the zero point in order to combat accelerometer drift. Need to keep it simple while I’m at it.

Anyway. LRN1 is delighted to report that he got SD card writing working this afternoon. That’s our last hardware obstacle, so we’re excited about it. Now we have to solve thorny software problems. And then there will be packaging. Need to start figuring that out soon.

The weather has cooled down a bit but remains sunny and warm. No complaints. Other than that it needs to be a little warmer to keep the pool water swimmable. It’s always something, isn’t it?

Sadly, LRN5 canceled her weekend visit. I hope you had a nice time anyway, LRN5!

We’re also missing LRN2. Hope you’re having a great time at LRN21’s house, LRN2! Leave a comment!

Here’s today’s food violence news: Mugged by a bear. What’s up with all this sandwich violence lately?

See you tomorrow.

Cruiser

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009


Here’s a cruise ship leaving Port Canaveral. I’ve got cruising on the mind. Part of my famous Machinery series.

Busy day, busy evening. Attended the Branch’s Elders Quorum presidency meeting. It went well. Their home teaching is outstanding, and they’re working on making it even better.

And the holiday weekend is starting to fill up too. Friday, we have an Eagle court of honor to attend, yard work to do, my new dresser to get set up, and a fireworks show to attend. Apparently, they’re doing the fireworks on Friday to avoid paying overtime on the Fourth. Whatever.

Saturday, we’re attending another young man’s Eagle project fundraiser – a car wash. I’ll get one or two cars done.

I also have one more Young Women camp calling to make. Plus, I’m absolutely committed to getting the MARV navigation system coded and working. Also the guidance and autopilot systems, if possible. And I need to help LRN1 get the data logging capability working and/or the display screen. I need one or the other to confirm the nav system is working.

Sunday will be as usual – quite busy.

Also, I want to spend at least a little time in the pool. Busy, busy, busy.

Things remain extremely busy in the toilet aviation world: And powerful.

See you tomorrow.

Ford’s projector

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009


Here’s Henry Ford’s movie projector. Great Art taken at the Fairlane Estate in May 2008. Part of my famous Machinery series.

Regular day. Nothing to talk about, really. Worked a little, went to a bunch of meetings, commuted. Beautiful weather. No complaints.

One more work day this week, followed by the three-day holiday.

Today’s toilet news: The age-old dilemma has finally been solved! Check out their pricing – the more you buy, the more they cost. Brilliant!

And it’s 9:00 – time for bed. See you tomorrow.