Acute Case of Global Warming

OK, so maybe it's just regional, but it sure is warm. It officially cracked 102 so far today. Not sure where it's headed from there.

Oil and Old Trucks

I have a theory on why it is that old trucks never need new oil. It is related to the fact that old trucks are so leaky. See, an old truck pops a new oil leak every chance it gets (when you aren't looking). Originally I assumed that those leaks were a product of sloppy workmanship at the factory, or perhaps abusive treatment by the (former) owner. But now it has dawned on me that the leaks are really a shrewd move by the truck to guarantee its longevity. See, it's sandbagging oil, all over the engine-compartment, in anticipation of a time when the owner fails to refill the oil in a timely manner. At times like that, a sort of reverse-osmosis occurs, and the engine sucks back previously leaked oil in order to keep from overheating. A diligent leaker can store up enough oil that way to go for many months of the owner forgetting to refill.
This is the only explanation I can think of that jibes with my experience. Exhibit A: Snowflake, a 1976 Ford F-100, which has gone I-don't-know-how-long since an oil change, whose oil-level, when I checked it yesterday, after several trips where the the oil-light blinked at me at nearly random intervals, registered but a speck on the tip of the dipstick. This vehicle has traveled miles upon miles in this condition.
By contrast, I have experience with a 90's era Chrysler sedan, whose engine compartment was leak-free, until one day when all-at-once it leaked the majority of it's oil, while travelling up to Snoqaualmie Pass. In that case, I had about 7 seconds, I would estimate, to pull over and stop the engine or suffer engine-block-lock. Being the deliberate person that I am, I waited about 12 seconds, which was plenty of time for the Chrysler fill the power-void created by my indecision, take command of the vehicle and insist that we pull over. At the time, I attributed this to just plain rude behavior by the Chrysler, but now I realize it was just not cagey enough to have packed away oil-storage for just such an event.
Anyway, I put some more oil in Snowflake yesterday, and you know, I think she just wasn't used to it, because, almost immediately she began spewing it out in big clouds behind us as we drove up the road. I'm going to have to expand on my theory to explain that.

Sundown

Sundown
Originally uploaded by King Cnut.

This is an early attempt by me to enhance an image using the Curves feature in Paint.net.
Paint.net, by the way, is free and it has become a rather nice piece of software.
Search flickr.com for "high dynamic range" for more examples of what curves can help you achieve.

Signs of Summer

Signs of Summer
Originally uploaded by King Cnut.

It is strawberry and daisy season. Because of all the late snow we had this year, I was tricked, twice, into thinking the daisies were snow. At night, when all you can see is flecks of white, glowing under the moon, it is fairly convincing.
The kids are way excited about the berries beginning to ripen. Red Huckleberries (Vaccinium parviflorum) are starting to ripen now too.

Jamey Waving

 

Arthur Enjoying the "Yo-Yo"

Arthur Enjoying the "Yo-Yo"
Originally uploaded by King Cnut.

Heidi got this really great shot of Arthur riding the "Yo-Yo" at the Portland Rose Festival. June 2, 2006.

Fellow Passenger Having Fun

 

Four-Headed Dragon

 

Painted Faces - Portland Rose Festival

 

Carousel Bronc-Rider