We're trying to launch a hot air balloon, but this weather has been holding up the launch.
At this very moment the sun is breaking, so I'm sending this post and going outside to launch. Update in an hour or so.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Inclement Balloon Weather
We're trying to launch a hot air balloon, but this weather has been holding up the launch.
At this very moment the sun is breaking, so I'm sending this post and going outside to launch. Update in an hour or so.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
We had snow on Christmas Day
My whole childhood I thought it would be the bees knees to have snow on Christmas. Well, here it is, and I'm only 34!!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Marking Time
Last night was the first time I noticed Arthur say the word tornado correctly. He used to say "tormado". Just a while before that, in the evening, Arthur got to set the pace of our walk to the bridge and back. And for the first time, I was secretly hoping that he would be merciful.
Today we're going sledding at Oldman pass to try out the sledding. There was a winter storm warning in effect there until noon today, which is about when we plan to arrive. We were going to go yesterday, but the snow level was reported to be too high, and the storm was still in progress.
Today we're going sledding at Oldman pass to try out the sledding. There was a winter storm warning in effect there until noon today, which is about when we plan to arrive. We were going to go yesterday, but the snow level was reported to be too high, and the storm was still in progress.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Kindergarten Chorus Line
Arthur in the green hat sings along during the Green Mt. School Christmas show.
Delicious Wine
Friday, December 07, 2007
Robotics
In the ongoing attempt to gain knowledge in the fields of robotics, I attended a seminar where Joseph Fernando of Microsoft gave a technical introduction to Microsoft Robotics Studio (MSRS). He was quite interesting and eloquent and has encouraged me greatly to push ahead in learning robotics.
Perhaps of even more importance is that the host of the meeting was accepting volunteers to be on their ICRA Challenge team and I have volunteered for that. This could really boost my learning curve and sounds like a lot of fun.
When I told the kids that I joined a robot team, Arthur said "Can we come?"
At the seminar, I learned of several other opportunities for kids of different ages, so I expect we'll get a chance to be involved in a lot of robotic events in the future.
When I have more time, I'll try to relate what was cool about the lecture on MSRS.
Perhaps of even more importance is that the host of the meeting was accepting volunteers to be on their ICRA Challenge team and I have volunteered for that. This could really boost my learning curve and sounds like a lot of fun.
When I told the kids that I joined a robot team, Arthur said "Can we come?"
At the seminar, I learned of several other opportunities for kids of different ages, so I expect we'll get a chance to be involved in a lot of robotic events in the future.
When I have more time, I'll try to relate what was cool about the lecture on MSRS.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Pictures With Santa
We held a "Come See Santa" event at the Grange, offering to take an print pictures for $4.50 per 8x10 sheet.
I did the photography, and struggled mightily with my shutter-speed the whole day and manged to capture about 50% blurry pictures. But, through attrition, I was able to get good shots of almost everyone.
Jamey and Arthur were great sports to let us take their pictures ad infinitum, while I practiced; it took me ages to get one in focus.
I think I'll insist on professional lighting before I undertake another portrait attempt. Two halogen floodlights provided the dominant lighting in this shot, and I'm actually tickled pink that we had them as they made the pictures one thousand times better than they would have otherwise been.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Stinging Raspberries
No, this isn't some rare fruit, I'm referring to the kind of raspberries you get from scraping your elbow or knee on a gymnastics mat at high speeds.
Any adult who can remember the last time they got one knows that you cannot look at a fresh raspberry without causing it to sting. Rinsing it with water is a teeth-gritting endeavor and applying any sort of chemical is, under the Geneva Convention, torture.
Thus my defense is that I didn't fully remember these facts.
Jamey got a humdinger of a raspberry at the local gymnastics facility last Saturday. I'm not normally the most germ-phobic creature in the world, but I was at the gym and it struck me that many a skin ailment could be lurking on the surfaces there.
So, there we are, hours later in the bathroom, replaying the age-old ritual:
I spray, he shrieks, and a few moments later, when he can be coherent, describes the preceding 10 seconds as the worst in his entire life.
He backed off on that assertion a little later, but the point is that it stung and I am now perceived as the household liar.
To further my defense, search google images for the word "staph".
Any adult who can remember the last time they got one knows that you cannot look at a fresh raspberry without causing it to sting. Rinsing it with water is a teeth-gritting endeavor and applying any sort of chemical is, under the Geneva Convention, torture.
Thus my defense is that I didn't fully remember these facts.
Jamey got a humdinger of a raspberry at the local gymnastics facility last Saturday. I'm not normally the most germ-phobic creature in the world, but I was at the gym and it struck me that many a skin ailment could be lurking on the surfaces there.
So, there we are, hours later in the bathroom, replaying the age-old ritual:
"We need to disinfect that, Jamey." (grabbing hydrogen peroxide bottle)Jamey appraises the bottle skeptically.
"Will it sting?"
"No." (I state flatly, though a small voice inside says 'maybe....probably...')
I spray, he shrieks, and a few moments later, when he can be coherent, describes the preceding 10 seconds as the worst in his entire life.
He backed off on that assertion a little later, but the point is that it stung and I am now perceived as the household liar.
To further my defense, search google images for the word "staph".
Sunday, November 11, 2007
MP3 of Me
I guess I'm still in the honeymoon phase of being able to load .mp3 files online, because I'm going to share this hokey recording of me doing my best Hank Williams impression.
Arthur's First Favorite Song
It was super-cute one day when I heard Arthur singing this to himself in bed. I tried to capture him on .mp3, and it's still cute, even though he was unsettled and halting due to the recording process.
Monday, November 05, 2007
First Prizes
A few days later Arthur's name was drawn from a pool of names submitted to the principal for good behavior and chose a fluffy stuffed bunny as his prize.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Spending Your Time Wisely
I heard on NPR this week about a man who wrote a diary that documented his entire life, in 5-minute segments! 24 hours a day!
He kept track of everything; I'm talking about the temperature of the walls, ceiling and floor of his den, for example.
Well, my blog is not nearly that detailed, but it does raise an interesting point: what content is worthy enough to take the time to write it and take all the readers time who read it?
It's an ongoing consideration, but one thing that I'm sure is worth the time is this:
The brand-new video game I created*
http://www.popfly.ms/users/utherp/Zimstroids
* Okay, I had a little help. Actually I just supplied the picture. :) But the website is mine to keep, and share!
UPDATE: This game apparently doesn't "just work" as I expected it to. It's not particularly amazing, so don't bother unless you're interested in seeing what microsoft's Popfly is all about.
He kept track of everything; I'm talking about the temperature of the walls, ceiling and floor of his den, for example.
Well, my blog is not nearly that detailed, but it does raise an interesting point: what content is worthy enough to take the time to write it and take all the readers time who read it?
It's an ongoing consideration, but one thing that I'm sure is worth the time is this:
The brand-new video game I created*
http://www.popfly.ms/users/utherp/Zimstroids
* Okay, I had a little help. Actually I just supplied the picture. :) But the website is mine to keep, and share!
UPDATE: This game apparently doesn't "just work" as I expected it to. It's not particularly amazing, so don't bother unless you're interested in seeing what microsoft's Popfly is all about.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Bingo Teaser
The random-number-generator is currently undergoing extensive stress-tests, and the results are looking very random indeed.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Map
Here's what we've come up with so far:
Things to pack on our journey to the map area
1. Pack a bottle so we can make the poisonous lake not poisonous. JGZ
2. Take a water balloon so that we can pour it in a glass and stir it so we can see what chemicals or poison it has in it. AJZ
3. Bring a Leatherman tool, to help us in unexpected difficulties. JEZ
4. Bring some food and drinks for our journey. JGZ
5. Try every way: North, East, West and South. AJZ
6. A penny alcohol stove. JEZ
7. Pack a tent. JGZ
8. Take a sample of dragon dust. AJZ
9. Don't breathe while you are in there, or put a mask on. JGZ
10. A bottle of denatured alcohol. JEZ
11. Check out the jungle. AJZ
12. Bring Important Tools JGZ
13. Some rope. JEZ
14. A flashlight. HKZ
15. A First Aid Kit. HKZ
16. Go to the place where everybody is sleepy (Groggy Village) and then go to the X and then you go straight to the right. AJZ
17. Toys. JGZ
18. Sleeping bags, pillow JGZ
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Free Information
If you're like me, you get out in your car, get to town and realize there is a place you've been dying to go, but don't remember exactly where it is. You have your cell phone, but don't know the number. Your enthusiasm for paying for 411 service is on par with your enthusiasm for sticking a toothpick in your eye.
If you are like me, allow me to introduce you to the "No Tears" 411
1-800-GOOG-411
Not only is it free information, but it's by the free information people: Google.
Never pay a fee for directory information again.
http://www.google.com/goog411/
If you are like me, allow me to introduce you to the "No Tears" 411
1-800-GOOG-411
Not only is it free information, but it's by the free information people: Google.
Never pay a fee for directory information again.
http://www.google.com/goog411/
Monday, October 01, 2007
Saffron Ice Cream
Not only did we have Saffron Ice Cream today, but it was Homemade Saffron Ice Cream.
Our ice cream maker that we were given 9 years ago on the occasion of our marriage, has rattled about amongst our possesions for most of that time. However, we always agreed that, unlike many things we've had to jettison just to fit in our house, the ice cream maker should stay.
Well it all paid off today. In case you are wondering, saffron ice cream is indeed as decadent and delicious as it sounds. We made it the extra-decadent way with 6 egg yolks per quart.
Jamey got some practice separating yolks from the albumen and helped me greatly in the elaborate process involved in making good ice cream from scratch.
He also helped me make lunch by slicing potatoes, tomatoes and onions. He is so enthusiastic about cooking, he reminds me of me as a boy and I'm fantasizing that I can send him off to culinary school someday and when I retire I'll become his "Tester" for the delicacies he invents for his 5-star restaurant. :)
Our ice cream maker that we were given 9 years ago on the occasion of our marriage, has rattled about amongst our possesions for most of that time. However, we always agreed that, unlike many things we've had to jettison just to fit in our house, the ice cream maker should stay.
Well it all paid off today. In case you are wondering, saffron ice cream is indeed as decadent and delicious as it sounds. We made it the extra-decadent way with 6 egg yolks per quart.
Jamey got some practice separating yolks from the albumen and helped me greatly in the elaborate process involved in making good ice cream from scratch.
He also helped me make lunch by slicing potatoes, tomatoes and onions. He is so enthusiastic about cooking, he reminds me of me as a boy and I'm fantasizing that I can send him off to culinary school someday and when I retire I'll become his "Tester" for the delicacies he invents for his 5-star restaurant. :)
This Mask is Fierce
Arthur has been going great-guns with cutting shapes lately. He's focused way beyond his years when in pursuit of something that catches his interest.
Above is Arthur in the mask he made 100% by himself (except I had to tie on the string). This is just something he did, out of the blue.
It is an alien. A very fierce alien. And if you look at it you might have bad dreams, but Arthur won't because he's wearing it and, as such, can't see it.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Silly and Sillier
Arthur!? Did you actually just brush your teeth with gum in your mouth?
Mmhmm.
But even sillier than that, is the fact that our Trinitron HD-TV, despite having a DVI connection in the back is, in the words of the user's manual, "...not intended for use with personal computers"
Why!!??
This is not to say that I'm ungrateful for the TV; it is perfectly nice and I appreciate having it. What I mean to remark on is only the ghastly missed opportunity of Sony to tie-in to the rapidly growing media-PC market by simply making their DVI compatible with PCs.
I suppose there are perfectly good technical reasons for this. Maybe someone will enlighten me.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Creating Things
Jamey and Arthur and I have been creating things this morning.
Arthur created a nutritional drink. Here is the recipe:
Jamey created a Banana Smoothie:
Specifically what I created today was a Reporting Services report that creates a new, random, printable bingo-playing card every time you refresh the report. Since installing reporting services might be too elaborate for many of the people I plan to give my bingo software to, I plan to include 100 or so pre-made cards, as .PDF files, on the CD I distribute.
I know, I know....you can hardly contain your excitement, but you are just going to have to wait until Christmas. :D
Now Jamey has another invention:
Arthur created a nutritional drink. Here is the recipe:
How to make SuperSwords
by Arthur
Nickname is Frud
It's a nutritional drink that makes you healthy
It is a mix between swords and something else
It's like your hands are as tough as swords
How to make
A lot of greens (any green you can find, as long as it's healthy for you)
Add a splash of milk and a splash of water
Jamey created a Banana Smoothie:
Banana SmoothieAnd I got my Bingo program revived from my dead hard drive. Luckily I had been e-mailing updates of the code to my dad, so I only had to search my mail and I found a fairly recent version of the code.
by Jamey
First you have any type of milk you want
Pour it in a glass
Then take a banana and peel off the skin and cut it into the glass
And then you take something to squish and stir it until the banana is not there
Then you can drink it.
Specifically what I created today was a Reporting Services report that creates a new, random, printable bingo-playing card every time you refresh the report. Since installing reporting services might be too elaborate for many of the people I plan to give my bingo software to, I plan to include 100 or so pre-made cards, as .PDF files, on the CD I distribute.
I know, I know....you can hardly contain your excitement, but you are just going to have to wait until Christmas. :D
Now Jamey has another invention:
How to make snowballs in summer
First you have a round balloon. If it has air in it, you pop it. And if it doesn't you just pour water in it.
And then you put it together and put it in a freezer and freeze it.
And then you take off the plastic.
And then you have your snowball in summer!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Somethings Very Bright
1. Something in the sky, due east, 45 degrees above the horizon at around 6 AM yesterday. It's too bright to be anything but Venus.
2. Arthur, who has been grouped with the top readers in his Kindergarten class and already knows what N, E, S and W stand for on a weathervane, which came as a shock to me. (tip: The Magic School Bus rocks!)
3. Jamey who is now reading with the 2nd grade class because they can't keep up with him in his 1st grade class.
Both kids were eager to show us around at their school at last nights open house. Both were characterized by their teachers with words like: awesome, well-adjusted and polite, in addition to the academic accolades.
2. Arthur, who has been grouped with the top readers in his Kindergarten class and already knows what N, E, S and W stand for on a weathervane, which came as a shock to me. (tip: The Magic School Bus rocks!)
3. Jamey who is now reading with the 2nd grade class because they can't keep up with him in his 1st grade class.
Both kids were eager to show us around at their school at last nights open house. Both were characterized by their teachers with words like: awesome, well-adjusted and polite, in addition to the academic accolades.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Nothing Much
I went to buy some more New Morning Honey Grahams and found none on the shelf, except the cinnamon flavor, which I settled for. I guess the power of this blog is stronger than I suspected. There is some small chance that my blog had nothing to do with it, but that doesn't seem likely to me.
Ever notice how you can come home from work and want to write something meaningful and find that your brain is as blank and dark as a newly made blackboard? So, this post is about nothing much, but is posted in an effort to prove I have some neurons that haven't been completely blighted by fatigue.
We donated Mr. P to our neighbors. Another way to say it would be that we bargained their labor for our chicken.
Jamey was fairly broken up about it for a few moments. And he'll probably remind us of the trauma in coming weeks and months.
The chicken was big and hungry and mean; he attacked Arthur more than once. But we've found that our friend Kendra and George Orwell are right, and the other rooster, Roadrunner, has stepped up his nastiness to fill the void now that Mr. P is gone. Yesterday he nipped Heidi behind the knee, drawing blood, through her jeans! So, if logic is to follow, we should get rid of him too. However, everyone is beginning to think they will be able to keep the inner trapdoor shut while feeding the little beasts henceforth.
Ever notice how you can come home from work and want to write something meaningful and find that your brain is as blank and dark as a newly made blackboard? So, this post is about nothing much, but is posted in an effort to prove I have some neurons that haven't been completely blighted by fatigue.
We donated Mr. P to our neighbors. Another way to say it would be that we bargained their labor for our chicken.
Jamey was fairly broken up about it for a few moments. And he'll probably remind us of the trauma in coming weeks and months.
The chicken was big and hungry and mean; he attacked Arthur more than once. But we've found that our friend Kendra and George Orwell are right, and the other rooster, Roadrunner, has stepped up his nastiness to fill the void now that Mr. P is gone. Yesterday he nipped Heidi behind the knee, drawing blood, through her jeans! So, if logic is to follow, we should get rid of him too. However, everyone is beginning to think they will be able to keep the inner trapdoor shut while feeding the little beasts henceforth.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Road Trip to Pendleton
We took a road-trip to Pendleton, OR. It is far.
For some reason I thought that just because it's closer (compared to when we lived in Renton) that meant it was close. Not the same thing.
We got there in time to see the barrel racing finals and the bull riding finals. Oh, and the wild cow milking, which is a real kick.
I am equal parts shocked and amazed that we paid to watch humans attempt to survive for 8 seconds on top of 2000 pounds of angry elastic with hoofs and horns. Merely amazed that they all survived.
If you are ever hankering for lunch while traveling highway 14 through Bingen, WA allow me to recommend the Solstice Cafe. They have a wood fired oven there where they bake artisan bread and pizza among many delicious looking things. Everything is artisanal, organic, fresh and heirloom where possible. Their caprese salad (fresh mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, basil and special vinaigrette) was the best I've had since Naples.
On the way back we determined that a short hike to stretch the legs would be a fine thing. So we stopped at Horsethief Butte to "see a view". The documentary evidence is here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ZimFam/HorsethiefButte
For some reason I thought that just because it's closer (compared to when we lived in Renton) that meant it was close. Not the same thing.
We got there in time to see the barrel racing finals and the bull riding finals. Oh, and the wild cow milking, which is a real kick.
I am equal parts shocked and amazed that we paid to watch humans attempt to survive for 8 seconds on top of 2000 pounds of angry elastic with hoofs and horns. Merely amazed that they all survived.
If you are ever hankering for lunch while traveling highway 14 through Bingen, WA allow me to recommend the Solstice Cafe. They have a wood fired oven there where they bake artisan bread and pizza among many delicious looking things. Everything is artisanal, organic, fresh and heirloom where possible. Their caprese salad (fresh mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes, basil and special vinaigrette) was the best I've had since Naples.
On the way back we determined that a short hike to stretch the legs would be a fine thing. So we stopped at Horsethief Butte to "see a view". The documentary evidence is here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ZimFam/HorsethiefButte
Friday, September 14, 2007
Graham Crackers
As a child one of my favorite meals was graham crackers dipped in milk.
And the best graham crackers I knew of were Honey Maid.
As an adult I discovered Honey Maid contains the evil, nasty, dreaded and dangerous hydrogenated oils. Oh my!!
How is a boy to replace his favorite snack?
It didn't seem possible; all the other brands either had hydrogenated oils too, or were just nasty tasting.
However today is a new morning, and I have discovered a graham cracker worthy of the mantle that once was laid over Honey Maid's square shoulders. And, fittingly, the crackers are made by New Morning. I found them in Wild Oats grocery store. Hopefully you can find them somewhere because these crackers have all the delicious, light crispy goodness of Honey Maid (maybe even better flavor) without hydrogenated oils!! Oh, and they use organic grain too.
Previously I had planned a blog to rant about the idiocy of Nabisco or whoever it is that makes Honey Maid for not seeing the anti-hydrogenated-oil train coming and hopping onboard. But now I can just smile as I munch down my New Morning Honey Grahams.
And the best graham crackers I knew of were Honey Maid.
As an adult I discovered Honey Maid contains the evil, nasty, dreaded and dangerous hydrogenated oils. Oh my!!
How is a boy to replace his favorite snack?
It didn't seem possible; all the other brands either had hydrogenated oils too, or were just nasty tasting.
However today is a new morning, and I have discovered a graham cracker worthy of the mantle that once was laid over Honey Maid's square shoulders. And, fittingly, the crackers are made by New Morning. I found them in Wild Oats grocery store. Hopefully you can find them somewhere because these crackers have all the delicious, light crispy goodness of Honey Maid (maybe even better flavor) without hydrogenated oils!! Oh, and they use organic grain too.
Previously I had planned a blog to rant about the idiocy of Nabisco or whoever it is that makes Honey Maid for not seeing the anti-hydrogenated-oil train coming and hopping onboard. But now I can just smile as I munch down my New Morning Honey Grahams.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Swinging a Bat
Over the weekend Jamey and Arthur and I played around with a whiffle-ball and bat. I made them a tee-ball stick out of a cascara branch and gave them tips on stance and such.
We all had fun and decided to play baseball more. The last hit of the day was Jamey clobbering a home-run such that we couldn't find the ball.
Monday night Jamey was at his friend Logan's house so I thought it a good chance to let Arthur have more swings. We started off with the tee, but before long Arthur was consistently hitting my pitches and we abandoned the tee as unnecessary. Arthur was positively giddy, uncontrollably giggling, with excitement over his ability to hit the ball so well and often.
We all had fun and decided to play baseball more. The last hit of the day was Jamey clobbering a home-run such that we couldn't find the ball.
Monday night Jamey was at his friend Logan's house so I thought it a good chance to let Arthur have more swings. We started off with the tee, but before long Arthur was consistently hitting my pitches and we abandoned the tee as unnecessary. Arthur was positively giddy, uncontrollably giggling, with excitement over his ability to hit the ball so well and often.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Arthur Goes to Kindergarten
Arthur poses for first-day-of-school portrait, just before leaving for Kindergarten.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Eclipse
I actually got to see the eclipse at about 3:50 this morning. Heidi saw it too and was fairly impressed.
It wasn't full anymore, but 3/4 full I'd guess. Very cool looking. And unusual that we had the clear sky to see astral phenomena; a real treat.
Speaking of which, I got my moon picture promised in my previous post up to the web album.
It wasn't full anymore, but 3/4 full I'd guess. Very cool looking. And unusual that we had the clear sky to see astral phenomena; a real treat.
Speaking of which, I got my moon picture promised in my previous post up to the web album.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Hiking Pictures
We took a short hike to Dewey lake and all I brought back were these pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ZimFam/DeweyLake
Pink Paintbrush, hugging hoppers, fool moon throo zoom etc...
http://picasaweb.google.com/ZimFam/DeweyLake
Pink Paintbrush, hugging hoppers, fool moon throo zoom etc...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Several Pictures
This morning the boys and I did some exploring and I took the camera along. You can see the results at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ZimFam/ObservedInOurYard
The first picture in the album is Roadrunner, our Araucanian rooster.
Then there's a picture of the boys when they weren't hiding in the ferns.
After those, there are butterfly, spider, large spider nest stuck to bracken fern, a flower and some slugs.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ZimFam/ObservedInOurYard
The first picture in the album is Roadrunner, our Araucanian rooster.
Then there's a picture of the boys when they weren't hiding in the ferns.
After those, there are butterfly, spider, large spider nest stuck to bracken fern, a flower and some slugs.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Anniversary Day
Though I don't have the time to write cleverly, I really must make a journal entry. Too much has happened.
Yesterday was the 9th Anniversary of our marriage (Heidi's and mine). She came back from the beach and we had a romantic dinner at Leonardo's in Battle Ground, with our two progeny by our sides. Last year we went to Mt. Adams. Neither of us could remember the year before. On our 6th I bought Heidi 6 pairs of shoes. This year she ordered my 9 articles of clothing; my wardrobe has become a little patchy, so this should be super.
My cousin Gaylen and his wife Karen welcomed Molly and Grace into the world.
And our chickens, Butter and Santa Claus, each produced an egg on the same day for the first time. They were only the 2nd and 3rd eggs in total. Strong omens of fertility in the chalk-dry height of summer.
My stalks of wheat are drooping over their own clutches of bulging grain.
Jamey has lost his second top front tooth and now has the prototypical gap-front look of kids in the tooth-losing stage.
The crickets have ratcheted up their chirruping, which comes so predictably clear in this parched time of year one is tempted to believe that their sound only carries on dry air. But this is their high time. They've grown from little motes to survive until they are old enough to play their staccato violins, which are paradoxically harder to locate as their volume increases.
So there's my post. It's scattered and strange and wonderful, like any good summer.
Yesterday was the 9th Anniversary of our marriage (Heidi's and mine). She came back from the beach and we had a romantic dinner at Leonardo's in Battle Ground, with our two progeny by our sides. Last year we went to Mt. Adams. Neither of us could remember the year before. On our 6th I bought Heidi 6 pairs of shoes. This year she ordered my 9 articles of clothing; my wardrobe has become a little patchy, so this should be super.
My cousin Gaylen and his wife Karen welcomed Molly and Grace into the world.
And our chickens, Butter and Santa Claus, each produced an egg on the same day for the first time. They were only the 2nd and 3rd eggs in total. Strong omens of fertility in the chalk-dry height of summer.
My stalks of wheat are drooping over their own clutches of bulging grain.
Jamey has lost his second top front tooth and now has the prototypical gap-front look of kids in the tooth-losing stage.
The crickets have ratcheted up their chirruping, which comes so predictably clear in this parched time of year one is tempted to believe that their sound only carries on dry air. But this is their high time. They've grown from little motes to survive until they are old enough to play their staccato violins, which are paradoxically harder to locate as their volume increases.
So there's my post. It's scattered and strange and wonderful, like any good summer.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Loose Wetsuits
Jamey's was pretty close to fitting, but Arthur could get no relief from the chilly water in his loose-fitting wetsuit.
Arthur's 5th Birthday Cake
Grandma Jill supplied the action-figures. The Battle Ground Bakery ran wild with them. Not pictured is the delicious bavarian creme filling. Mmmmm.
Jamey G on Driftwood
Jamey climbs the largest piece of driftwood around the vicinity of Klipsan Beach.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Arthur is Turning Five
I remember turning 5. I was in pre-school and I got a green paper crown with borders done in Elmer's glue dipped in green sparkles. I was surprised and pleased that a fuss was being made over me at school. I hardly knew these people, and here they were crowning me king for a day.
All that attention on my fifth birthday left a lasting impression on me. Later I learned that a person's personality is generally established by or in their fifth year. So, perhaps that year really is physiologically important to humans.
In any case tomorrow is Arthur's 5th birthday. He has requested a chocolate-chip birthday cake with Qui-Gon Jinn, R-4, "Three-C PO", Darth Vader and R2-D2. I think there were others I'm forgetting.
He will be humored.
He is definitely much more aware of what to expect out of a birthday this year. He knows the ritual and has no trouble enumerating his desires.
He asked for a remote-control airplane, and car. The car was to have many colored buttons on its remote control with which you could make turns, go, stop and blow blue smoke.
There were a few other things on his list, which I forgot, but I clearly remember his final request: "...a xylophone stick, because I think I lost mine."
If this is his personality for life, I'd say he's in good shape.
All that attention on my fifth birthday left a lasting impression on me. Later I learned that a person's personality is generally established by or in their fifth year. So, perhaps that year really is physiologically important to humans.
In any case tomorrow is Arthur's 5th birthday. He has requested a chocolate-chip birthday cake with Qui-Gon Jinn, R-4, "Three-C PO", Darth Vader and R2-D2. I think there were others I'm forgetting.
He will be humored.
He is definitely much more aware of what to expect out of a birthday this year. He knows the ritual and has no trouble enumerating his desires.
He asked for a remote-control airplane, and car. The car was to have many colored buttons on its remote control with which you could make turns, go, stop and blow blue smoke.
There were a few other things on his list, which I forgot, but I clearly remember his final request: "...a xylophone stick, because I think I lost mine."
If this is his personality for life, I'd say he's in good shape.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Random News
A new US Poet Laureate has been named: Charles Simic
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/01/AR2007080102764.html
You can now get the Mt. St. Helens Volcanocam in high-definition:
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/
Jamey has made great strides (strokes?) in learning to swim. I purchased short-sleeved, short-legged wetsuits for all four of us (mid-summer is a great time to get sale prices on that kind of thing). They are not a panacea, but bought Jamey more time to practice before the cold took hold. Arthur's is unfortunately far to large for him. He's swimming in his before he hits the water, if you know what I mean. So despite needing protection from the cold more desperately, he is so far getting less. I mean to rectify that.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/01/AR2007080102764.html
You can now get the Mt. St. Helens Volcanocam in high-definition:
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volcanocams/msh/
Jamey has made great strides (strokes?) in learning to swim. I purchased short-sleeved, short-legged wetsuits for all four of us (mid-summer is a great time to get sale prices on that kind of thing). They are not a panacea, but bought Jamey more time to practice before the cold took hold. Arthur's is unfortunately far to large for him. He's swimming in his before he hits the water, if you know what I mean. So despite needing protection from the cold more desperately, he is so far getting less. I mean to rectify that.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Books and Movies
If you're looking for good historical fiction in the space and time of 1600's India, look no further than these two books:
The Twentieth Wife
The Feast of Roses
Both are by Indu Sundaresan, who lives in the Seattle area.
If you're looking for some good foreign films:
The Road Home
Bread And Tulips
Both of these are safe for family viewing, are well-crafted and generate compelling emotional responses.
The Twentieth Wife
The Feast of Roses
Both are by Indu Sundaresan, who lives in the Seattle area.
If you're looking for some good foreign films:
The Road Home
Bread And Tulips
Both of these are safe for family viewing, are well-crafted and generate compelling emotional responses.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Chicken Rebellion
I must seem a bit like the capricious, vengeful god of the Old Testament. To my chickens, that is. Some days I bless them with a fresh patch of garden, (remember the mobile coop I made them? Aka The Impenetrable Movable Fortress) fresh water and fresh chicken feed - all in one day!
And then, on other days, things can get a little sketchy. Water this day, food the next, new garden patch once a week. Sometimes, especially with the heat we've been having, they seem almost preoccupied with their water; not even taking the usual few moments to eye me suspiciously before sucking it down single-mindedly.
This morning was time for salvation, after several days of testing their faith with meager rations, intermittently supplied. They had suffered much and it was only just that I should reward their devotion to me, trapped though they are, in their coop.
Lifting the coop lid, I found the water dish full of dust and the food dish likewise. I left the lid wide-open so the chickens could forage while I cleaned the coop and replenished their supplies.
By the time I returned I found the chickens on a pilgrimage, and progressing rapidly (to Utah, I suspect, in search of a prophet who might guide them to a more loving, caring deity that wouldn't let their water-dish go dry). However, being the relatively omnipotent creature that I am (compared to the chickens I mean), and also loving and caring, I resolved to persuade them that a trip to Utah was not in their interest, at this time. I foresaw coyotes in their near future. Beyond that my vision of their destinies revealed only nothingness. Clearly I needed to intervene.
I did my best to communicate the dangers of their proposed trip, by placing my self between them and Utah, and then raising my arms, with an empty dish in each hand and gently waving them like tamborines in slow-motion. We had one of those rare moments of crystal-clear interspecies communication. They seemed instantly to grasp the danger the coyotes posed and agreeably began making their way back to the coop.
Once back, however, their mood was anything but agreeable. Confronted with the coop–which perhaps took on the appearance more of a jail, or some kind of death-trap, when the food and water ran out–their fear of the coyotes reached an equilibrium with their reticence to enter it. This happened just feet...inches even, from the coop entry. They became like little magnets repulsed by their polar opposite: the coop. (The cat behaves like this often regarding her safe-haven. Me (holding door open to laundry room): "C'mon kitty, food and water!?" Cat (flopping down two feet from the door): "I'll think about it.")
Suddenly the angry god within me welled up and my impulse to smite them was growing exponentially. Get in the coop! I firmly, and telepathically said (in my best James Earl Jones voice). They are birdbrains however, and didn't perceive the danger they risked in disobeying my telepathic order.
So there we stood, me holding open the door, they looking on from a distance.
While I was wondering if I should begin praying, the most intelligent of those woefully dumb beasts noticed that I had put fresh hay in their sleeping quarters. He looked at it, and I heard the voice of Eric Cartman say "That looks pretty good.", and he began to snack at the edge of the hay. This apparently helped him to forget his obstinacy and return home, where he found ample fresh food and water. Of course the hens, to my persistent delight, follow him everywhere (he's a rather dashing fellow) and presently, all had resumed their rightful residence.
And then, on other days, things can get a little sketchy. Water this day, food the next, new garden patch once a week. Sometimes, especially with the heat we've been having, they seem almost preoccupied with their water; not even taking the usual few moments to eye me suspiciously before sucking it down single-mindedly.
This morning was time for salvation, after several days of testing their faith with meager rations, intermittently supplied. They had suffered much and it was only just that I should reward their devotion to me, trapped though they are, in their coop.
Lifting the coop lid, I found the water dish full of dust and the food dish likewise. I left the lid wide-open so the chickens could forage while I cleaned the coop and replenished their supplies.
By the time I returned I found the chickens on a pilgrimage, and progressing rapidly (to Utah, I suspect, in search of a prophet who might guide them to a more loving, caring deity that wouldn't let their water-dish go dry). However, being the relatively omnipotent creature that I am (compared to the chickens I mean), and also loving and caring, I resolved to persuade them that a trip to Utah was not in their interest, at this time. I foresaw coyotes in their near future. Beyond that my vision of their destinies revealed only nothingness. Clearly I needed to intervene.
I did my best to communicate the dangers of their proposed trip, by placing my self between them and Utah, and then raising my arms, with an empty dish in each hand and gently waving them like tamborines in slow-motion. We had one of those rare moments of crystal-clear interspecies communication. They seemed instantly to grasp the danger the coyotes posed and agreeably began making their way back to the coop.
Once back, however, their mood was anything but agreeable. Confronted with the coop–which perhaps took on the appearance more of a jail, or some kind of death-trap, when the food and water ran out–their fear of the coyotes reached an equilibrium with their reticence to enter it. This happened just feet...inches even, from the coop entry. They became like little magnets repulsed by their polar opposite: the coop. (The cat behaves like this often regarding her safe-haven. Me (holding door open to laundry room): "C'mon kitty, food and water!?" Cat (flopping down two feet from the door): "I'll think about it.")
Suddenly the angry god within me welled up and my impulse to smite them was growing exponentially. Get in the coop! I firmly, and telepathically said (in my best James Earl Jones voice). They are birdbrains however, and didn't perceive the danger they risked in disobeying my telepathic order.
So there we stood, me holding open the door, they looking on from a distance.
While I was wondering if I should begin praying, the most intelligent of those woefully dumb beasts noticed that I had put fresh hay in their sleeping quarters. He looked at it, and I heard the voice of Eric Cartman say "That looks pretty good.", and he began to snack at the edge of the hay. This apparently helped him to forget his obstinacy and return home, where he found ample fresh food and water. Of course the hens, to my persistent delight, follow him everywhere (he's a rather dashing fellow) and presently, all had resumed their rightful residence.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Making a Peep
I'm making a peep so you all will know I still live and breathe.
I was inspired to do so by my discovery of the word: triskaidekaphobia, which I have a mild case of.
I was inspired to do so by my discovery of the word: triskaidekaphobia, which I have a mild case of.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Jamey Graduates
This is Jamey (center) with his Kindergarten teacher Ms. Zumstein (left) and Ms. Baher.
Arthur vs. Pseudotsuga
I don't know why the expression is "fell out of a tree", as in "Arthur fell out of a tree", when the sucky part about falling when you are in a tree is that you have to fall through the tree.
This picture documents an event that transpired over a week ago. Arthur is perfrectly fine now and no limbs were broken (ba dum bum).
Biodiesel in Washington State
This is good news for Washingtonians. In the past, all of our biodiesel had to be imported from Iowa, now we'll have a state-of-the-art facility for making it right here.
I've begun to hear concern over the inevitable competition between oil crops and food crops, or oil crops and native forests (and all their threatened species), which concerns me. Obviously we'll have some intricate problems in the future. The first maxim of living "green" is to use less and that will undoubtedly apply in a renewable-energy based future.
Before we consider the serious problems that will come about from the emergence of biofuels as a world economic force, let's think of some possible benefits.
For the time-being, though it seems well worth encouraging biofuel science and production in order to reduce some of the "Road Warrior"-style showdowns that will inevitably occur in a post-petroleum world.
The nation's largest refinery of biodiesel fuel is rapidly approaching completion at the Port of Grays Harbor in Southwest Washington — and not a moment too soon.http://www.acppubs.com/article/CA6449212.html
I've begun to hear concern over the inevitable competition between oil crops and food crops, or oil crops and native forests (and all their threatened species), which concerns me. Obviously we'll have some intricate problems in the future. The first maxim of living "green" is to use less and that will undoubtedly apply in a renewable-energy based future.
Before we consider the serious problems that will come about from the emergence of biofuels as a world economic force, let's think of some possible benefits.
- Farmers of the world have a potentially lucrative cash crop, that doesn't have to be food-grade.
- Traditionally poor nations that happen to be located in the tropics may find that wealth is in their future.
- Greasy foods may become scarce; a boon to most Americans (despite their cravings)
For the time-being, though it seems well worth encouraging biofuel science and production in order to reduce some of the "Road Warrior"-style showdowns that will inevitably occur in a post-petroleum world.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Slug Bug
The kids have been thrilled about our new car (as have Heidi and I). We have dubbed it SB, which is short for Silver Bullet or Slug Bug. They now play the slug bug game (without the slugging) every time we go for a drive and are tickled pink that they get the first one free.
As for me, I'm happy that it is getting 42.5 mpg. I need to take it in and have the turbo looked at though, because it frequently loses oomph when the RPMs are between 2500 and 2900.
In my prior post, the 35 mpg fleet average remark is to do with an energy bill that Senate is working on currently. The car companies are wailing as usual that is just isn't possible. However, I think there are plenty of decent ideas already in existence that could make that goal achievable. The only thing that would be hard to do is maintain the status quo, which we've already established needs to change.
NOTE: Updated link to wikipedia's Scientific Opinion on Climate Change page. 6/18/2007
As for me, I'm happy that it is getting 42.5 mpg. I need to take it in and have the turbo looked at though, because it frequently loses oomph when the RPMs are between 2500 and 2900.
In my prior post, the 35 mpg fleet average remark is to do with an energy bill that Senate is working on currently. The car companies are wailing as usual that is just isn't possible. However, I think there are plenty of decent ideas already in existence that could make that goal achievable. The only thing that would be hard to do is maintain the status quo, which we've already established needs to change.
NOTE: Updated link to wikipedia's Scientific Opinion on Climate Change page. 6/18/2007
In the future...
We will all be driving this....http://www.zapworld.com/ZAPWorld.aspx?id=390 or something like it. Then 35 mpg fleet average wouldn't be so tough.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
More Charles Johnson
I just finished Charles Johnson's Soulcatcher, which is, in the words of Amazon.com...12 original short stories based on the PBS series Africans in America: America's Journey through Slavery
The guy is talented. And it makes me want to learn more about some of the back-stories, lesser-known motivations and facts about historical figures of the early 1800's US. Johnson provides perspectives you just don't get often. He points out in his preface that authentic information about the contributions of African Americans thorughout history is exceedingly hard to find in our education system. I'm definitely going to pursue more information about Frederick Douglas and Phillis Wheatley, not to mention some of the other characters and events he uses in his short fiction. He sprinkles just enough factual information to pique the curiousity; make you want to know what really happened.
I also recently finished Sherman Alexie's latest novel, which was good.
If anyone is interested in these books, I'm happy to send them along to someone who would enjoy reading them.
The guy is talented. And it makes me want to learn more about some of the back-stories, lesser-known motivations and facts about historical figures of the early 1800's US. Johnson provides perspectives you just don't get often. He points out in his preface that authentic information about the contributions of African Americans thorughout history is exceedingly hard to find in our education system. I'm definitely going to pursue more information about Frederick Douglas and Phillis Wheatley, not to mention some of the other characters and events he uses in his short fiction. He sprinkles just enough factual information to pique the curiousity; make you want to know what really happened.
I also recently finished Sherman Alexie's latest novel, which was good.
If anyone is interested in these books, I'm happy to send them along to someone who would enjoy reading them.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
The Farmer Song
Is that the real title of the song? I don't know. It is perhaps an odd turn of events that the song that I know best by heart, I don't even know the title of.
Odder still, the fact that as President of the local Grange chapter I found myself crooning the audience with that song on the occasion of that chapter's 80th Anniversary, and to a surprising level of approval. If only they'd heard it in three parts!
Being solo, I compensated for the lack of texture by miming the story a bit, which I think helped sell it.
Several of the people had heard the song, usually long ago, and were happy to hear it again.
Now I've become much more curious about the origin of the song. So, if any of the readership cares to share the song's history at least within the family, I'd love to hear it.
Odder still, the fact that as President of the local Grange chapter I found myself crooning the audience with that song on the occasion of that chapter's 80th Anniversary, and to a surprising level of approval. If only they'd heard it in three parts!
Being solo, I compensated for the lack of texture by miming the story a bit, which I think helped sell it.
Several of the people had heard the song, usually long ago, and were happy to hear it again.
Now I've become much more curious about the origin of the song. So, if any of the readership cares to share the song's history at least within the family, I'd love to hear it.
Hard Drive Failure
Waaaah, whaa haahaaaaa!! My hard drive is ruined. Some recent photos, music, passwords improvements to my BINGO SOFTWARE!!!
Gone.
Like last years corn.
I even took it into a computer shop where they tried three separate methods of recovering the data; unsuccessfully.
What I have learned is that RAID configurations are worth it. Backups are still crucial, and trusting my blog and e-mail to Google has been among my happiest decisions of late.
There now. Lesson learned. Tears drying, life proceeding.
Gone.
Like last years corn.
I even took it into a computer shop where they tried three separate methods of recovering the data; unsuccessfully.
What I have learned is that RAID configurations are worth it. Backups are still crucial, and trusting my blog and e-mail to Google has been among my happiest decisions of late.
There now. Lesson learned. Tears drying, life proceeding.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Letter From Clearwater
During lunch, I read the Volcano Review and found that various other roads were closed (hwy 25 almost should be, it is so rough in places). Luckily, last summer, Tom came down and we discovered some cool places along the north fork of the Lewis river, so we headed out there and finally got some hiking in. A short hike to Curley Creek Falls, which is a minor falls, but interesting since it gushes under a stone arch just before dropping into the Lewis. Last summer, it wasn't gushing at all, it was dry as a bone.
During the hike, Jamey and Arthur took an interest in what Heidi and I could tell them about the plants, which turned out to be a fair amount. Although there was a plenty I wished I had my Pojar and Mackinnon for. Both Jamey and Arthur can identify Pseudotsuga mensiezii and Tsuga heterophylla by their needles. They can also pronounce those names!
We sniffed the California Vanillaleaf flowers and found them most pleasant. We talked about how Salal doesn't need a lot of light, and so is suited to live in the understory of a Pseudotsuga forest. Similarly, Acer circinatum and Tsuga are tolerant of low light. But Tsuga is capable of shading out Pseudotsuga, given enough time.
Anyway, both the kids were impressive in their interest-level and ability. Jamey continued to probe me for each plant's strategy and abilities, while Arthur delighted in confirming and reconfirming his grasp of the difference between the above conifers.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Newness
Ever since I learned of the wonders of diesel fuel (not that long ago) I have wanted a small, diesel-powered vehicle for taking long trips in. Now that gas is 40 cents costlier than diesel, per gallon, (add that to diesel's inherent 35% better efficiency and you get something impressive, which I bet I could figure out if it was 9 AM, instead of 9 PM) and I have a new job, which requires me to commute (everywhere is far from here) I finally have the perfect storm of motives to act on that fantasy. So, over the past weekend Heidi and I settled on a car that looks like this one:
http://www.aiwana.com/p8sky.jpg
Ours is a TDI, which are known for their excellent gas mileage. And I got my first 10 gallons of B5 diesel. Shout out to Charlie for tipping me off on where to find that north of Portland.
We're all lovin' the bug. I have 200+ miles since I filled up and am well above the half-tank mark. Woohoo!
http://www.aiwana.com/p8sky.jpg
Ours is a TDI, which are known for their excellent gas mileage. And I got my first 10 gallons of B5 diesel. Shout out to Charlie for tipping me off on where to find that north of Portland.
We're all lovin' the bug. I have 200+ miles since I filled up and am well above the half-tank mark. Woohoo!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Another New Microsoft Product
Microsoft is pumping out so much technology, I can hardly keep up with the names. This one sounds cool. It's called Silverlight:
http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/why-compelling.aspx
Sounds like it is a Flash competitor, vector-graphics capable, and can run equally on Mac or Windows! Who knows, maybe I'll have my bingo app Mac compatible by Christmas? (I didn't say which Christmas :)
http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/why-compelling.aspx
Sounds like it is a Flash competitor, vector-graphics capable, and can run equally on Mac or Windows! Who knows, maybe I'll have my bingo app Mac compatible by Christmas? (I didn't say which Christmas :)
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saw Something Nasty
At least one of my regular readers wrote to me and asked what was so nasty in the woodshed. For the answer to that, you need only rent this movie and realize I'm trying NOT to be like the Starkadders:
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Comfort-Farm-Eileen-Atkins/dp/6304216939
When I put that phrase on my blog, it was completely fictional, more of a motto than anything. But now I may truly lay claim to having seen something nasty (twice!). Unfortunately we don't have a woodshed, so I had to settle on a slightly less romantic setting for my nasty-thing siting: the laundry room.
I know what you're thinking Mom, you saw nasty things in the laundry room the whole time I lived at home, but his is different.
My previous experience with cats, and their eating habits has led me to believe that they require their food to be chopped up into tiny pieces, perhaps soaked in gravy etc... Now, I have learned that, far from needing their food cut for them, cats (at least our sweet little Flower) are capable of catching, killing and rending the hide from a rabbit and savagely consuming it without any helping human hand.
You've probably guessed, by now, what it was that I saw in the laundry room. The first time it was really just a few puffs of fur, and an organ. The second, it was half a rabbit, the half with the back legs, and several organs, laid out as though for the benefit of students in a class on vivisection.
So there's my authentic claim to seeing something nasty. And you too, can claim a more modern, though less surprising claim of seeing something nasty on the Internet.
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Comfort-Farm-Eileen-Atkins/dp/6304216939
When I put that phrase on my blog, it was completely fictional, more of a motto than anything. But now I may truly lay claim to having seen something nasty (twice!). Unfortunately we don't have a woodshed, so I had to settle on a slightly less romantic setting for my nasty-thing siting: the laundry room.
I know what you're thinking Mom, you saw nasty things in the laundry room the whole time I lived at home, but his is different.
My previous experience with cats, and their eating habits has led me to believe that they require their food to be chopped up into tiny pieces, perhaps soaked in gravy etc... Now, I have learned that, far from needing their food cut for them, cats (at least our sweet little Flower) are capable of catching, killing and rending the hide from a rabbit and savagely consuming it without any helping human hand.
You've probably guessed, by now, what it was that I saw in the laundry room. The first time it was really just a few puffs of fur, and an organ. The second, it was half a rabbit, the half with the back legs, and several organs, laid out as though for the benefit of students in a class on vivisection.
So there's my authentic claim to seeing something nasty. And you too, can claim a more modern, though less surprising claim of seeing something nasty on the Internet.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Speaking of Excitement
Hopefully my last post didn't give the impression that I have no excitement in my life. I meant only to suggest that I thought it strange that I should be looking to world news for excitement. And to write it down to assist myself in deciding what, if anything to do about it.
There has been a fair bit of excitement around here lately.
There has been a fair bit of excitement around here lately.
- We held a tree-sale at the Grange that was so popular, all 350+ trees were sold within three hours. It proved to be the single most effective fund raiser we've had since I've been a member.
- I have recently made functional (though still Alpha-quality) a Bingo-party hosting program. You can track the Take, the Pot and the Proceeds; display the numbers called in large font (for use with a projector if you are hosting a large crowd); manually choose the numbers called (if you want to use another random number picker); use the built-in random number picker; generate playing cards to print (from Excel). You can use it as a tool to host Bingo fund raisers, or just play it at home. If I can figure out how to deploy it and get it to at least Beta-quality, guess what you are all getting for Christmas this year? Won't that be exciting?!
- Both of my cacti are growing well. One, which I've had for roughly 15 years (cared for by my mother for 8 or more of those) is now sprouting it's first new segment. The other one, which I picked up from the wild has sprouted a second bud in as many years.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Excitement
Excitement is a strange thing. I have noticed that I often get online and search my blog feeds and the news for something exciting. And I have noticed that I don't get nearly as much excitement that way, in any given day, as I usually hope for.
What seems to work better for me is to do my best to ignore the news for a few days at a time. Then, I get a much better ratio of excitement to time-spent-online. On non-news days, if I read good literature (Charles Johnson for example), do something physical and go out into the world etc.. I feel healthier; I have fewer cravings for the cheap-thrill of daily news.
Furthermore, I'm continuing to consider what qualifies as excitement to me, and whether there is any virtue in seeking it. This is very nearly the same topic brought up by a very fine teacher I had in high school: Carvil Dutch Day. He asked us "What is fun?". Everyone agreed "fun" was worth seeking, but none had a firm grasp on how to describe what qualified as "fun".
What seems to work better for me is to do my best to ignore the news for a few days at a time. Then, I get a much better ratio of excitement to time-spent-online. On non-news days, if I read good literature (Charles Johnson for example), do something physical and go out into the world etc.. I feel healthier; I have fewer cravings for the cheap-thrill of daily news.
Furthermore, I'm continuing to consider what qualifies as excitement to me, and whether there is any virtue in seeking it. This is very nearly the same topic brought up by a very fine teacher I had in high school: Carvil Dutch Day. He asked us "What is fun?". Everyone agreed "fun" was worth seeking, but none had a firm grasp on how to describe what qualified as "fun".
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Achievements
Jamey was sent home with a book that's labeled as a Second-Grade reading primer. His ability to read has just exploded some time in the past two weeks or so. All of a sudden, he can decipher anything, even if he's never seen the word before.
Arthur received a Naydenov Gymnastics Champion ribbon from his gymnastics instructor (Jamey and he have resumed classes). Unfortunately, the ribbon was consolation-prize for having been jumped upon by another student, while playing in the "foam pit".
He said the teacher gave it to him to make him feel better.
Jamey is getting a lot out of the classes too. His height alone makes him an unlikely gymnast, but it does worlds for him to have such great physical exertion.
Arthur received a Naydenov Gymnastics Champion ribbon from his gymnastics instructor (Jamey and he have resumed classes). Unfortunately, the ribbon was consolation-prize for having been jumped upon by another student, while playing in the "foam pit".
He said the teacher gave it to him to make him feel better.
Did it work?The teacher is, in fact, impressed by Arthur's abilities, whose leg is rapidly regaining it's old range-of-motion.
What?
Did it make you feel better?
Hmmm. Maybe a tiny bit. (smiling)
Jamey is getting a lot out of the classes too. His height alone makes him an unlikely gymnast, but it does worlds for him to have such great physical exertion.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Oxherding Tale - Summary
By an almost comical mixup involving overdrinking, a child is born to a slave and his owner's wife. Though the mother is repulsed and essentially goes mad, the master is fond of the boy and gives him the best education; though he is still considered a slave.
When he comes of age he sets out to earn enough to buy his own and his family's freedom. This is not as simple as it sounds.
That is only a literal summary of the story. What impresses me most about Johnson's writing is the sensory overload, philosophical musings, colorful characters and rich metaphors.
When he comes of age he sets out to earn enough to buy his own and his family's freedom. This is not as simple as it sounds.
That is only a literal summary of the story. What impresses me most about Johnson's writing is the sensory overload, philosophical musings, colorful characters and rich metaphors.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Oxherding Tale
Reading Oxherding Tale, by Charles Johnson. Very good, philosophy-riddled fiction.
Reminds me that I wanted to check into something I heard about a while back having to do with putting books into an open lending-market and being able to borrow against the same market.
Reminds me that I wanted to check into something I heard about a while back having to do with putting books into an open lending-market and being able to borrow against the same market.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Thirteen Inches to go
We've had just over 67 inches of rain this season (starts Sept 1.)
13 more and we'll have our typical yearly rainfall here in sunny Amboy, WA.
13 more and we'll have our typical yearly rainfall here in sunny Amboy, WA.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Wild Weather
It was a strange week; after snow-dusting on the 2nd, we had a high of 81 on the 6th.
Heidi and the boys came back from the beach, amoxicillin in-hand. Jamey had had a bad earache; both boys were sick. But the magic of amoxicillin worked again. As did some liquid I have yet to hear the name of, which when applied directly to the ear, alleviates the pressure.
I found it hard to sleep while they were gone. Yesterday I made up for the lack, by napping in the afternoon, after working on a portable chicken coop.
Jamey adopted 2 of the chickens that his kindergarten class hatched as a "learning experience". Arthur felt left out, so was allowed to get 2 of his own from Wilco.
Chickens grow really fast.
So, we're madly trying to fabricate an impenetrable, movable fortress for them to live outside in.
Lief might be glad to know that I've now made use of most of the decking material he sent home with me. The pieces have gone to a raised garden bed, where I'm growing a fabulous crop of garlic at present; the foundation of the toolshed that Bopop helped me build and now, the impenetrable, movable fortress of a chicken coop.
So, there is life-after-death, at least for decking material.
I've heard that people only need something to be excited about, which seems true. But sometimes it seems that if you can't think of something exciting enough to get you out of bed in the morning, thinking of something stressful can do the job. (Did I suffocate the chickens with that cover I put over them to keep Roadrunner from jumping out? No, I didn't. Whew.)
Heidi and the boys came back from the beach, amoxicillin in-hand. Jamey had had a bad earache; both boys were sick. But the magic of amoxicillin worked again. As did some liquid I have yet to hear the name of, which when applied directly to the ear, alleviates the pressure.
I found it hard to sleep while they were gone. Yesterday I made up for the lack, by napping in the afternoon, after working on a portable chicken coop.
Jamey adopted 2 of the chickens that his kindergarten class hatched as a "learning experience". Arthur felt left out, so was allowed to get 2 of his own from Wilco.
Chickens grow really fast.
So, we're madly trying to fabricate an impenetrable, movable fortress for them to live outside in.
Lief might be glad to know that I've now made use of most of the decking material he sent home with me. The pieces have gone to a raised garden bed, where I'm growing a fabulous crop of garlic at present; the foundation of the toolshed that Bopop helped me build and now, the impenetrable, movable fortress of a chicken coop.
So, there is life-after-death, at least for decking material.
I've heard that people only need something to be excited about, which seems true. But sometimes it seems that if you can't think of something exciting enough to get you out of bed in the morning, thinking of something stressful can do the job. (Did I suffocate the chickens with that cover I put over them to keep Roadrunner from jumping out? No, I didn't. Whew.)
Monday, April 02, 2007
Snow Dusting
This morning we had a light dusting of snow. I found that odd. This is regarding my quest to mark the latest date in the year that I've ever seen snow. Today's might not count, because it was so thin, but it was definitely snow, not frost.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Arthur's cast off, again
Don't know if I blogged this, but after they took the first cast off, the doctors decided to put one back on Arthur's broken leg. Well, now that one is off and he is on the road to getting some flexibility and muscle back in his leg.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Shed Building
With my dad's enthusiasm we finally got started (and nearly finished) putting together a sheet-metal shed that I bought about a year ago to cover our well and pressure tank. Until this weekend we were staring at a big blue plastic tarp. To say the view has improved is to understate it.
We have raspberries, kiwi and some fruit trees to plant. Many have already been planted. We have deer-proof fence to erect. Strawberries, garlic and rhubarb are really beginning to take off. Heidi has turned the house into a greenhouse with hundreds of seedlings growing in tiny pots; marigolds, onions, tomatoes and more.
If we can manage to nurture all these things, we're going to be up to our ears in goodies this summer and fall.
We have raspberries, kiwi and some fruit trees to plant. Many have already been planted. We have deer-proof fence to erect. Strawberries, garlic and rhubarb are really beginning to take off. Heidi has turned the house into a greenhouse with hundreds of seedlings growing in tiny pots; marigolds, onions, tomatoes and more.
If we can manage to nurture all these things, we're going to be up to our ears in goodies this summer and fall.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Scooba dooba doo
Despite some travails with our Roomba Discovery, I took the plunge again with iRobot and purchased a Scooba for Heidi's birthday present. (What could be better than the gift of never mopping again?)
So far we're pretty darned happy with it. The grout is so deep between the tiles, that it doesn't clean it, so we'll still have to do that manually. For the other 7/8ths of the floor though, we have an industrious little helper.
I think they've improved the AI in the Scooba as compared with the Discovery SE we had. I can't help but marvel at how well this one follows the walls and finds its way around the perimeter of any kind of obstacle.
Also note: despite the hard-sell they're doing on the "special" Clorox solution, once you open the package, you will find that a white vinegar and water solution is also approved for use in the Scooba. Heidi went to a seminar on natural cleaners and found that there isn't much you can't do with:
Vinegar, Baking Soda, Borax, Alum and Hydrogen Peroxide.
I'll see if I can get recipes up here soon.
So far we're pretty darned happy with it. The grout is so deep between the tiles, that it doesn't clean it, so we'll still have to do that manually. For the other 7/8ths of the floor though, we have an industrious little helper.
I think they've improved the AI in the Scooba as compared with the Discovery SE we had. I can't help but marvel at how well this one follows the walls and finds its way around the perimeter of any kind of obstacle.
Also note: despite the hard-sell they're doing on the "special" Clorox solution, once you open the package, you will find that a white vinegar and water solution is also approved for use in the Scooba. Heidi went to a seminar on natural cleaners and found that there isn't much you can't do with:
Vinegar, Baking Soda, Borax, Alum and Hydrogen Peroxide.
I'll see if I can get recipes up here soon.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Heidi's Birthday
Today is Heidi's birthday.
Three days ago I heard the first bird of spring.
Yesterday we got a "walker" for Arthur and he went back to preschool with it and was practically hailed as a war-hero.
Tomorrow I'll attempt to erect a deer-proof fence around our garden.
Three days ago I heard the first bird of spring.
Yesterday we got a "walker" for Arthur and he went back to preschool with it and was practically hailed as a war-hero.
Tomorrow I'll attempt to erect a deer-proof fence around our garden.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Premature
Ok, so I was a bit premature; we have snow on the ground and Arthur is back in his cast. His leg wasn't quite healed enough to leave it off.
Winter hasn't left us quite yet. I believe March 1st is equal to the latest date of the year that we've had snow fall and stick in my memory.
Winter hasn't left us quite yet. I believe March 1st is equal to the latest date of the year that we've had snow fall and stick in my memory.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Emerging From Winter
It feels like we're emerging from winter on several fronts:
- Arthur's cast was removed and while it will be quite a while before he can run and jump, it feels good to reach this milestone and see that dark and cold night diminish in the rearview.
- Jamey is over his cough. It took Cheratussin, Albuterol, steroids and amoxicillin, but he made it. From now on, we're seeing the doctor no later than the third day of a cough.
- Heidi has started a copious number and variety of seeds; onions, lavender, tomatoes and more.
- Some plants are emerging outside, including the garlic I planted in November in our raised bed (thanks Kendra and Charlie for sharing the cloves).
- More daylight. Woohoo!
Friday, February 23, 2007
New Couch
We finally broke down and bought a couch. And a loveseat (not pictured, but in the same style :)
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Fun Weekend
Heidi and I got to spend a weekend in Seattle yesterday and the day before.
Thanks to my parents for affording us the break.
What I learned:
The grand-finale of our weekend was a music concert opened by Neko Case, who is from Washington, I'm proud to say. (She even mentions Spanaway (and obliquely, McChord) in her song "The Needle Has Landed"). She has gallons of talent, a moody sound and unusual lyrics, and was tons of fun to see.
The headliner was Merle Haggard, whose songs I can't name, but whose sound and voice I know well. He put on a fine show; clearly a veteran of the stage. He had a smooth presentation and fine sense of humor that allowed the event to have an intimacy that I've mostly only read about.
A highlight of Merle's show was when he brought up Hillary Clinton and many of us thought he was about to get negative. We should have known better, considering his very pleasant, professional presentation-style. Nevertheless, his set-up generated confusion about what his point was going to be regarding Mrs. Clinton. A jumble of cheers and boos ensued as we all jumped to conclusions about where he was going with his joke, an uncomfortable quiet settled in, during which a man piped up "You got the wrong town, Merle.". So Merle quit talking and strummed up a song that made his position crystal clear with a sincere chorus of:
I was surprised, as I'm sure a good many were, but he made an eloquent case.
Another highlight was a song about his wife (who was singing in the chorus) and how if you see her out dancing (on a table in some bar), to please call the law and turn her in. Later, she came up and they did a Johnny & June tribute by singing Jackson.
Thanks to my parents for affording us the break.
What I learned:
- Etta's is a great place to have brunch. (Tom Douglas is a hero of mine. Eat at any of his establishments for a real treat)
- Il Fornaio is as good as I remembered; another entirely worthy eatery.
- The character of the U-District hasn't changed much in 10 years.
- Hotel Monaco is pretty-danged nice. No funky smells, goose-down comforters and a complimentary gold-fish "companion" in each room. They also supply soap from L'Occitane.
The grand-finale of our weekend was a music concert opened by Neko Case, who is from Washington, I'm proud to say. (She even mentions Spanaway (and obliquely, McChord) in her song "The Needle Has Landed"). She has gallons of talent, a moody sound and unusual lyrics, and was tons of fun to see.
The headliner was Merle Haggard, whose songs I can't name, but whose sound and voice I know well. He put on a fine show; clearly a veteran of the stage. He had a smooth presentation and fine sense of humor that allowed the event to have an intimacy that I've mostly only read about.
A highlight of Merle's show was when he brought up Hillary Clinton and many of us thought he was about to get negative. We should have known better, considering his very pleasant, professional presentation-style. Nevertheless, his set-up generated confusion about what his point was going to be regarding Mrs. Clinton. A jumble of cheers and boos ensued as we all jumped to conclusions about where he was going with his joke, an uncomfortable quiet settled in, during which a man piped up "You got the wrong town, Merle.". So Merle quit talking and strummed up a song that made his position crystal clear with a sincere chorus of:
"Let's put a woman in charge"Upon which the crowd literally erupted in cheering.
I was surprised, as I'm sure a good many were, but he made an eloquent case.
Another highlight was a song about his wife (who was singing in the chorus) and how if you see her out dancing (on a table in some bar), to please call the law and turn her in. Later, she came up and they did a Johnny & June tribute by singing Jackson.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
iRobot Create
iRobot has released a new product called Create which is a modified version of the Roomba and is intended to act as a platform for building custom robots.
In their forum I have seen examples of one that can paint images as it rolls and one that picks up small debris using a robotic arm mounted on the top.
In their forum I have seen examples of one that can paint images as it rolls and one that picks up small debris using a robotic arm mounted on the top.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Another Optics Advance
Finally the purpose of eyelashes and squinting explained.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070124175420.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070124175420.htm
Saturday, January 20, 2007
What The Future Holds
This is just unreal; storing information on photons!
http://www.physorg.com/news88439430.html
http://www.physorg.com/news88439430.html
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Arthur Ailing
Poor little Arthur has a hurt leg. He's going to be Okay though; in 4 to 6 weeks. He has a cast as his leg suffered a fracture high on the tibia.
His leg took the brunt of an argument he got into with a tree that encroached on our sled-run.
It was not his fault at all. He was an innocent bysledder.
Heidi and I are taking full responsibility and it's made us sick to think we could have allowed this injury to our precious little boo-head.
However, Arthur is really getting into the spirit of invalidity; watching movies all day, calling for guava juice and having it promptly delivered. He's a real trooper; staying in a remarkably cheery mood despite the circumstances.
This has been a stern warning to us all to seriously and meticulously consider safety first before engaging in potentially risky activities.
His leg took the brunt of an argument he got into with a tree that encroached on our sled-run.
It was not his fault at all. He was an innocent bysledder.
Heidi and I are taking full responsibility and it's made us sick to think we could have allowed this injury to our precious little boo-head.
However, Arthur is really getting into the spirit of invalidity; watching movies all day, calling for guava juice and having it promptly delivered. He's a real trooper; staying in a remarkably cheery mood despite the circumstances.
This has been a stern warning to us all to seriously and meticulously consider safety first before engaging in potentially risky activities.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Rush Hour
As you can see, traffic was at a standstill during rush-hour today, on account of the snow.
More snow pictures here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/zimfam/SnowDay
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Ice On The Whiskers
Heidi and I went for a walk this morning while it was still 16 degrees out. Ice formed on my whiskers at the corner of my mouth. That was a first for me.
We didn't get as much snow as the Seattle area; sounds like it's been nicely coated up there. We couldn't have made a snowman on our little bit of precipitation. But I've really been enjoying the insanely sparkly ice-crystals that form when it is this cold. And the frost-heaves have been stupendously long and impressive.
Cool to note is that wherever the clover sprouted (which I planted in the fall) the frost heaves are completely absent; even if the clover is thin and sparse. Then, immediately adjacent, the dirt has erupted 2-3 inches with myriad miniature ice-columns.
Also neat is how much heat we can capture on these clear days, even when it stays in the thirties outside. With my office door closed, it went from 63 in the morning to 74 around noon, when I opened my door do cool off.
This is my 300th post!
We didn't get as much snow as the Seattle area; sounds like it's been nicely coated up there. We couldn't have made a snowman on our little bit of precipitation. But I've really been enjoying the insanely sparkly ice-crystals that form when it is this cold. And the frost-heaves have been stupendously long and impressive.
Cool to note is that wherever the clover sprouted (which I planted in the fall) the frost heaves are completely absent; even if the clover is thin and sparse. Then, immediately adjacent, the dirt has erupted 2-3 inches with myriad miniature ice-columns.
Also neat is how much heat we can capture on these clear days, even when it stays in the thirties outside. With my office door closed, it went from 63 in the morning to 74 around noon, when I opened my door do cool off.
This is my 300th post!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Humiliation, Repentence and Learning
I'm about to confess something, though you shouldn't get excited because this is really quite obscure, and only mildly relevant to anything.
By the time I took Poetry 101 at the University of Washington, I had (I thought) a lot of experience in literature and poetry from other classes and reading I'd done on my own. I struggled a bit, psychologically, with taking a 101 class in a subject I was already fairly acquainted with. Sometimes I found the material too basic, the pace too slow, while at other times I admired the skill of the professor (Joyce Moody) in discussing the subject.
The description of my infamous behavior follows.
We were discussing some songs of Leonard Cohen, who has long been a subject of my interest and, at the time of that class I had already, repeatedly, consumed the majority of his recorded work and quite a bit of his books. Of more direct importance to this story, I had read a biography of the man. So when Prof. Moody posed this question to the class,
(as featured in the song Suzanne) you can imagine that I was practically bursting to share my "extensive" knowledge. However, preferring to hear other opinions, and having nothing more interesting to say than "Suzanne was his wife", I held my peace.
Unfortunately, the initial answer that was given was, in my view, both then and now, absurd. This was not the fault of the gentleman who provided it. After all, this was a 101 class, the point was to learn, not to already have the answers.
Of course, in my zeal to set the record straight, forgetting my philosophy of listening first, I shot my hand in the air so that I could shoot down this wild speculation with fact.
"Suzanne is the name of Leonard Cohen's former wife." I said, triumphantly.
That remark essentially silenced further discussion of Leonard and Suzanne, which is too bad, because I would have loved to dwell on both of them for a considerable amount of time.
Even at the time I felt a nagging shame for my behavior, but for the life of me I couldn't pinpoint the source of it.
Recent events have finally helped to suggest where and how I was wrong.
First of all, just because Leonard was married to a Suzanne, doesn't mean that "his wife" is the answer to the question "What or Who is Suzanne?", which was the important thing. So, I feel beefheaded for smugly thinking I had provided "the" answer to a question that was obviously soliciting a symbolic or metaphorical answer.
Secondly, I regret that I felt the need (and acted on it) to "correct" my classmate. Everyone would have benefitted from the mediation of Prof. Moody, but my injection of "fact" into the discussion completely deflated the discussion and so whatever she was driving at became lost.
Finally, embarassingly, I was wrong; literally. My assertion was; if he was married to a woman named Suzanne, how could the poem "Suzanne" be about anyone else? I was wrong, wrong, wrong. The evidence was circumstantial.
The fact is, according to the recent Lian Lunson documentary "I'm Your Man", that the Suzanne in the song was the wife of a friend of Leonard's. Which brings us back to the original question: "What or who is Suzanne?" Only after finally learning the answer to 'who' have I realized that 'what' is the far more interesting question.
That is my humiliating story for the day. Hopefully this will provide some measure of therapy for myself and add a little light to the world.
By the time I took Poetry 101 at the University of Washington, I had (I thought) a lot of experience in literature and poetry from other classes and reading I'd done on my own. I struggled a bit, psychologically, with taking a 101 class in a subject I was already fairly acquainted with. Sometimes I found the material too basic, the pace too slow, while at other times I admired the skill of the professor (Joyce Moody) in discussing the subject.
The description of my infamous behavior follows.
We were discussing some songs of Leonard Cohen, who has long been a subject of my interest and, at the time of that class I had already, repeatedly, consumed the majority of his recorded work and quite a bit of his books. Of more direct importance to this story, I had read a biography of the man. So when Prof. Moody posed this question to the class,
"What, or who is Suzanne?"
(as featured in the song Suzanne) you can imagine that I was practically bursting to share my "extensive" knowledge. However, preferring to hear other opinions, and having nothing more interesting to say than "Suzanne was his wife", I held my peace.
Unfortunately, the initial answer that was given was, in my view, both then and now, absurd. This was not the fault of the gentleman who provided it. After all, this was a 101 class, the point was to learn, not to already have the answers.
Of course, in my zeal to set the record straight, forgetting my philosophy of listening first, I shot my hand in the air so that I could shoot down this wild speculation with fact.
"Suzanne is the name of Leonard Cohen's former wife." I said, triumphantly.
That remark essentially silenced further discussion of Leonard and Suzanne, which is too bad, because I would have loved to dwell on both of them for a considerable amount of time.
Even at the time I felt a nagging shame for my behavior, but for the life of me I couldn't pinpoint the source of it.
Recent events have finally helped to suggest where and how I was wrong.
First of all, just because Leonard was married to a Suzanne, doesn't mean that "his wife" is the answer to the question "What or Who is Suzanne?", which was the important thing. So, I feel beefheaded for smugly thinking I had provided "the" answer to a question that was obviously soliciting a symbolic or metaphorical answer.
Secondly, I regret that I felt the need (and acted on it) to "correct" my classmate. Everyone would have benefitted from the mediation of Prof. Moody, but my injection of "fact" into the discussion completely deflated the discussion and so whatever she was driving at became lost.
Finally, embarassingly, I was wrong; literally. My assertion was; if he was married to a woman named Suzanne, how could the poem "Suzanne" be about anyone else? I was wrong, wrong, wrong. The evidence was circumstantial.
The fact is, according to the recent Lian Lunson documentary "I'm Your Man", that the Suzanne in the song was the wife of a friend of Leonard's. Which brings us back to the original question: "What or who is Suzanne?" Only after finally learning the answer to 'who' have I realized that 'what' is the far more interesting question.
That is my humiliating story for the day. Hopefully this will provide some measure of therapy for myself and add a little light to the world.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Jamey's Reading Award
Jamey won a certificate for reading 10 books already this year in his Kindergarten. Although his abilities are not news to us, we are nonetheless exceedingly proud of him and glad to see him recognized at his school.
I Spy Someone Who Has a Can
Jamey and his kindergarten class, performing during the Green Mt. school Christmas program. It was held last night due to inclement weather on the originally-scheduled night.Update: Every member of the class held something that rhymes with 'an'. The chorus chanted something like this:
...I spy someone who has a fan
I spy someone who has a can
I spy someone who has a pan
Let's play I Spy together...
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