How to Dismantle An ...
Well I finally broke down and got a portable MP3 player. Yep. I got a 1G Sandisk Sansa. So far I am very happy with it. Cost: just under $60. I suppose I could have waited another 3 or 4 months and got one with 8x memory at half the cost, but so what. With 1G of space I put 12 albums on it and had 268M left. Reasonable.
The sound is pretty good. Yesterday I was listening to ...Atomic Bomb on it and I heard a guitar part I had never heard before. Pretty good sound. And that was using a mediocre pair of head phones.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Sunday I acquired a small blast cabinet from the local HF store. This thing has exceeded my expectations.
It sure is nice to be able to sand blast an object without having to put on goggles, a face shield, a respiratator, a hood, and hearing protection. I do wear the hearing protection because the compressor makes a lot of noise.
Hopefully I will have the time and motivation this weekend to put this thing to use.
It sure is nice to be able to sand blast an object without having to put on goggles, a face shield, a respiratator, a hood, and hearing protection. I do wear the hearing protection because the compressor makes a lot of noise.
Hopefully I will have the time and motivation this weekend to put this thing to use.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
It has been so hot lately that the rain today made for a really nice change. I took advantage of the opportunity and sat out on the porch just listening to the rain fall.
Today like most Saturdays is just a catch up day. Laundry, homework, etc. You get the idea.
I finally wet sanded the clear coat on the Miata trunk lid this week. It looks much better now. No waterspots, no primer, and no bare metal. It will do.
Today like most Saturdays is just a catch up day. Laundry, homework, etc. You get the idea.
I finally wet sanded the clear coat on the Miata trunk lid this week. It looks much better now. No waterspots, no primer, and no bare metal. It will do.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Last week I ran into a friend during lunch, let's call him Mr. Sturgeon. No really. He was surprised to see me in a Miata, and David in another Miata. Mr. S previously had a Miata, a red NA much line mine. At the time I believe he was even el president'e of the local Miata club, Rocket City Miata Club. Anyway, he mentioned that he missed the car.
Yesterday I saw him again. This time he was test driving a nice shiny new red Miata. He said he was trying it out for a friend who wanted his opinion. Yeah right.
Yesterday I saw him again. This time he was test driving a nice shiny new red Miata. He said he was trying it out for a friend who wanted his opinion. Yeah right.
Mmmm, cookie!
There is a cookie monster living in my house and I think it is me.
Tonight I had two of the last three chocolate chip cookies. Yum. This weekend I am pretty sure I had the last chocolate chip cookie. Last week I know I had the last three oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies. From the weekend before, I recall peanut butter cookies with Hersies Kisses on top, and then chocolate chip cookies again earlier that week.
No wonder it is time to go on a diet. I will probably wait til we run out of cookies though.
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me,
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me.
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me,
'cause cookie, cookie, cookie stands for C.
There is a cookie monster living in my house and I think it is me.
Tonight I had two of the last three chocolate chip cookies. Yum. This weekend I am pretty sure I had the last chocolate chip cookie. Last week I know I had the last three oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies. From the weekend before, I recall peanut butter cookies with Hersies Kisses on top, and then chocolate chip cookies again earlier that week.
No wonder it is time to go on a diet. I will probably wait til we run out of cookies though.
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me,
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me.
C is for cookie, that's good enough for me,
'cause cookie, cookie, cookie stands for C.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Oh Yes Wyoming!
I read this week that only 1% percent of people online generate content. I am part of that 1%.
I am also proud that my content is part of the 90% as noted by Sturgeon's Law.
I sent a photo into this contest. Look for a picture of my car. I have already picked out my prize. I will win of course.
I read this week that only 1% percent of people online generate content. I am part of that 1%.
I am also proud that my content is part of the 90% as noted by Sturgeon's Law.
I sent a photo into this contest. Look for a picture of my car. I have already picked out my prize. I will win of course.
2006 Volkswagen - Bug'n in July Car Show
Today's car show was probably the best one I have been to this year. The show consisted of all Volkswagens and the car count was probably around fifty or just under.
There were a couple of resto-mods there, one had been featured in a magazine, a couple of Karmann Ghias, a few new Beetles, but by far the major of the cars where all old style beetles.
There were no split windows (1953 and older), but there were 3 ovals windows(1953-1957). One of the ovals was looking for a new owner. The car was unrestored, but most of the original stuff was still there. The guy was looking for an offer, any offer. The engine was intact but seized up. I am sure he will find someone to take the car home with him. One guy standing there said he already had 9 Beetles at home. The seller assured him he needed a nice even ten to complete his collection of projects. Hopefully that car will find a good home.
The other two ovals, a red one and a white one, were both restored. The red one was nice, the white one was incredible. Someone had obviously put a lot of time into it.
On the way out I talked to a guy that was trying to sell a 1967 White Beetle. He wanted $300 for the car. I tried to convince Mr. Wallen that this time share opportunity was too good to pass up. He only had $20 so we kept walking.
The show was at Point Mallard in Decatur. It was two days long and was being held under the large pavilion. Being under cover was nice, because it finally rained today after what seems like months. The temperature was about perfect today, amazing considering it was July.
If your interested in a VW time share, just let me know. I think I could store it in garage in front of the Miata. Of course the truck cab would have to move out to the shop.
Today's car show was probably the best one I have been to this year. The show consisted of all Volkswagens and the car count was probably around fifty or just under.
There were a couple of resto-mods there, one had been featured in a magazine, a couple of Karmann Ghias, a few new Beetles, but by far the major of the cars where all old style beetles.
There were no split windows (1953 and older), but there were 3 ovals windows(1953-1957). One of the ovals was looking for a new owner. The car was unrestored, but most of the original stuff was still there. The guy was looking for an offer, any offer. The engine was intact but seized up. I am sure he will find someone to take the car home with him. One guy standing there said he already had 9 Beetles at home. The seller assured him he needed a nice even ten to complete his collection of projects. Hopefully that car will find a good home.
The other two ovals, a red one and a white one, were both restored. The red one was nice, the white one was incredible. Someone had obviously put a lot of time into it.
On the way out I talked to a guy that was trying to sell a 1967 White Beetle. He wanted $300 for the car. I tried to convince Mr. Wallen that this time share opportunity was too good to pass up. He only had $20 so we kept walking.
The show was at Point Mallard in Decatur. It was two days long and was being held under the large pavilion. Being under cover was nice, because it finally rained today after what seems like months. The temperature was about perfect today, amazing considering it was July.
If your interested in a VW time share, just let me know. I think I could store it in garage in front of the Miata. Of course the truck cab would have to move out to the shop.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Sleep deficit?
Today when I got home, I sat down on the sofa and fell asleep.
Yesterday when I got home, I sat down on the sofa and fell asleep.
Last Friday, if you may recall, when I got home I sat down on the sofa and fell asleep.
And the best part, is that I didn't have trouble sleeping later that night. Now if I could just figure out why I seem to be needing more sleep lately. Perhaps it is from riding around in the Miata in 100 degree heat.
Did I ever tell you about the big orange sofa I had in my apartment after graduating from college. I was nearly 2 miles long and extremely awesome for napping.
Today when I got home, I sat down on the sofa and fell asleep.
Yesterday when I got home, I sat down on the sofa and fell asleep.
Last Friday, if you may recall, when I got home I sat down on the sofa and fell asleep.
And the best part, is that I didn't have trouble sleeping later that night. Now if I could just figure out why I seem to be needing more sleep lately. Perhaps it is from riding around in the Miata in 100 degree heat.
Did I ever tell you about the big orange sofa I had in my apartment after graduating from college. I was nearly 2 miles long and extremely awesome for napping.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Shiney Red Boot
This weekend while I was doing nothing, I decided to have another go at improving the appearance of the Miata trunk lid. Ultimately I would like to get the car repainted next spring but in the mean time I was just trying to cover up some primer that had surfaced. The wind alone was the culprit for the exposed primer on the boot.
The first step was to wet sand off the remaining primer from the last attempt. I don't know what went wrong, but I ended up with a horrible mess. The clear had wrinkled up badly. This took about 45 minutes. I used 5 grits of paper attempting to be careful not to sand through any of the base coat. I did have one blowout about the size of a nickle. No worries though.
I applied 4 medium coats of clear. I think I was using rustolem, but I don't recall for sure. So far so good. I did all the work in the garage with the door up. I ended up with a few dust particles in the paint and a couple of drips (not runs) from the paint can nozzle. The surface has good color and is fairly smooth with the few exceptions I already mentioned. A little time wet sanding should remove the orange peel. Good Job. I think when I am done it will actually look better than the bonnet.
Yeah, yeah, I never can remember which is which. Boot and bonnet. I had to look it up to verify I was using them correctly.
102
Last night as I was driving to school, the weather man on the radio reported the temperature to be 99 F with a heat index of 102. Nice evening to have the top down. Actually it wasn't so bad with the car moving while the sun wasn't shining on me directly.
Forecast for the rest of the week: hotter.
This weekend while I was doing nothing, I decided to have another go at improving the appearance of the Miata trunk lid. Ultimately I would like to get the car repainted next spring but in the mean time I was just trying to cover up some primer that had surfaced. The wind alone was the culprit for the exposed primer on the boot.
The first step was to wet sand off the remaining primer from the last attempt. I don't know what went wrong, but I ended up with a horrible mess. The clear had wrinkled up badly. This took about 45 minutes. I used 5 grits of paper attempting to be careful not to sand through any of the base coat. I did have one blowout about the size of a nickle. No worries though.
I applied 4 medium coats of clear. I think I was using rustolem, but I don't recall for sure. So far so good. I did all the work in the garage with the door up. I ended up with a few dust particles in the paint and a couple of drips (not runs) from the paint can nozzle. The surface has good color and is fairly smooth with the few exceptions I already mentioned. A little time wet sanding should remove the orange peel. Good Job. I think when I am done it will actually look better than the bonnet.
Yeah, yeah, I never can remember which is which. Boot and bonnet. I had to look it up to verify I was using them correctly.
102
Last night as I was driving to school, the weather man on the radio reported the temperature to be 99 F with a heat index of 102. Nice evening to have the top down. Actually it wasn't so bad with the car moving while the sun wasn't shining on me directly.
Forecast for the rest of the week: hotter.
Monday, July 17, 2006
A friend called this evening to tell me it was all my fault. Today he bought a 1966 Mustang convertible off of Ebay. Straight six, three speed. The car is currently near Syracuse, New York but will soon be coming to North Alabama.
If you need someone to talk you into buying something you will probably buy anyway, give me a call and I will talk you into it, but remember if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, that doesn't necessarily make it my fault. After all, a horse by any other name is still a horse of a different colour.
A horse is a horse of course of course,
Unless it's of course a talking horse.
A talking horse, of course of course,
It must be a pony car.
If you need someone to talk you into buying something you will probably buy anyway, give me a call and I will talk you into it, but remember if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, that doesn't necessarily make it my fault. After all, a horse by any other name is still a horse of a different colour.
A horse is a horse of course of course,
Unless it's of course a talking horse.
A talking horse, of course of course,
It must be a pony car.
Today it was hot. A friend made one of those trite comments comparing the temperature and that of Hades. Those were not his exact words. I mentioned that while the temperature was about right, the smell was all wrong. I am pretty sure hell smells like McDonald's hambugers. I worked at the Golden Hiney for a couple of years in HS and I am pretty sure I know what hell would be like. And yes, I do believe everyone will be wearing brown polyester pants.
The last time I was as hot as today was just a couple of weeks ago, around July 4 when I was out in the driveway sandblasting. A few of the pieces I blasted that day haven't been painted yet. Unfortunatly two of them already have a couple of rust spots on them. I am pretty sure it is where sweat dripped on them.
The last time I was as hot as today was just a couple of weeks ago, around July 4 when I was out in the driveway sandblasting. A few of the pieces I blasted that day haven't been painted yet. Unfortunatly two of them already have a couple of rust spots on them. I am pretty sure it is where sweat dripped on them.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Nothing
The family has gone to Maryland for the weekend. I am here.
Yesterday when I got back from Mobile, I unpacked and then sat down on the sofa were I promptly feel asleep. An hour later I was ready. Ready.
I had no idea what I would do all weekend. Nothing. I eventually made up my mind. Nothing. Or pretty close to nothing.
I did make a few exceptions to my plan to do nothing. I worked on the truck a little. I may even do it again tomorrow, if my plan to do nothing doesn't get in the way.
Nothing.
The family has gone to Maryland for the weekend. I am here.
Yesterday when I got back from Mobile, I unpacked and then sat down on the sofa were I promptly feel asleep. An hour later I was ready. Ready.
I had no idea what I would do all weekend. Nothing. I eventually made up my mind. Nothing. Or pretty close to nothing.
I did make a few exceptions to my plan to do nothing. I worked on the truck a little. I may even do it again tomorrow, if my plan to do nothing doesn't get in the way.
Nothing.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Mobile, Alabama
Here I am, here I am, here I am.
Early Wednesday morning I left Huntsville heading down here, to Mobile for work related purposes. Yee haw!
I drove the Miata, but I left the top up. The was already hot when I was loading up the enormous trunk of the Miata, so I decided top-up was probably required for most of the trip. Plus I didn't want to turn into a lobster. Plus I had to work when I got here so it probably wouldn't do to be all sweaty.
Wednesday turned out to include almost a full day of work after making the 6+ hour drive. Today included a 13 hour work day.
How was the food? I had a pretty good shrimp po-boy at lunch but the restuarant name was probably not worth remembering. For Dinner I dined with the King. Burger King.
This is not the worst hotel I have stayed in either. Though it definitly ranks second. Rank. Ha!
I got on the sloop John B. All that moaning reminded me of the song.
Hopefully the weather will allow a little top down time on the drive home. We'll see.
I got 30+ MPG on the way down. Probably because it was down hill (south) all the way here.
Here I am, here I am, here I am.
Early Wednesday morning I left Huntsville heading down here, to Mobile for work related purposes. Yee haw!
I drove the Miata, but I left the top up. The was already hot when I was loading up the enormous trunk of the Miata, so I decided top-up was probably required for most of the trip. Plus I didn't want to turn into a lobster. Plus I had to work when I got here so it probably wouldn't do to be all sweaty.
Wednesday turned out to include almost a full day of work after making the 6+ hour drive. Today included a 13 hour work day.
How was the food? I had a pretty good shrimp po-boy at lunch but the restuarant name was probably not worth remembering. For Dinner I dined with the King. Burger King.
This is not the worst hotel I have stayed in either. Though it definitly ranks second. Rank. Ha!
I got on the sloop John B. All that moaning reminded me of the song.
Hopefully the weather will allow a little top down time on the drive home. We'll see.
I got 30+ MPG on the way down. Probably because it was down hill (south) all the way here.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Friday, July 07, 2006
And for the record, I fixed the phone on Tuesday, July 4th. The solution was simply to replace some of the wiring in the attic. I did this early in the day to avoid the heat.
Sandbeard
Getting the phone fixed left me plenty of time in the heat of the day to stand out in the driveway and sand-blast some truck parts. By the time I was done I was a walking sand castle.
I blasted the motor mounts and the replacement front cross member I bought at the junkyard in Hazel Green. I also touched up the transmission cross member. It still needs a litle bit of work as does the front suspension cross member. Maybe next week.
Movie Suggestions
Netflix provided us with a couple of pretty good movies this week. The Last Samuri and The Butterfly effect. I enjoyed both movies despite the leading actors. Amazing. Check-em out.
Who wants to go see a movie? The new Depp/Pirate movie opens today. And I still haven't seen cars.
Sandbeard
Getting the phone fixed left me plenty of time in the heat of the day to stand out in the driveway and sand-blast some truck parts. By the time I was done I was a walking sand castle.
I blasted the motor mounts and the replacement front cross member I bought at the junkyard in Hazel Green. I also touched up the transmission cross member. It still needs a litle bit of work as does the front suspension cross member. Maybe next week.
Movie Suggestions
Netflix provided us with a couple of pretty good movies this week. The Last Samuri and The Butterfly effect. I enjoyed both movies despite the leading actors. Amazing. Check-em out.
Who wants to go see a movie? The new Depp/Pirate movie opens today. And I still haven't seen cars.
This thing with my internet access being flaky would be a good excuse for why I haven't blogged lately. Only we know the real reason.
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
It is uncanny how many folks I know who have recently created a page on myspace.com. And the answer is, "No, I don't have one." Why not?
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
Upcoming events on my calendar:
July 9 - Athens/Decatur, Alabama - 19th Annual Greater Tennessee Valley Antique Car and Harley Davidson Show. I attended last year but I didn't see all the cars. Someone told me there were over 600 last year. I doubt I will see them all this year. Why?
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
July 22-23 - Point Mallard, Alabama: Bug'n In July 2006 Car Show. Air cooled farfignugen. I am looking forward to this all Volkswagen show, however I will not be going both days. Why?
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
I have the strangest feeling I have misspelled a word. I could run the spell checker and proof read my grammar, but I won't. Why?
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
Wrong. The correct answer is consistency.
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
It is uncanny how many folks I know who have recently created a page on myspace.com. And the answer is, "No, I don't have one." Why not?
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
Upcoming events on my calendar:
July 9 - Athens/Decatur, Alabama - 19th Annual Greater Tennessee Valley Antique Car and Harley Davidson Show. I attended last year but I didn't see all the cars. Someone told me there were over 600 last year. I doubt I will see them all this year. Why?
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
July 22-23 - Point Mallard, Alabama: Bug'n In July 2006 Car Show. Air cooled farfignugen. I am looking forward to this all Volkswagen show, however I will not be going both days. Why?
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
I have the strangest feeling I have misspelled a word. I could run the spell checker and proof read my grammar, but I won't. Why?
L-A-Z-I-N-E-S-S
Wrong. The correct answer is consistency.
Monday, July 03, 2006
The phone has been out for a couple of days. I had the pleasure of trying to track down a short in the phone wiring up in the attic this afternoon. After a few trips up there, I decided to call it a day.
I think I have figured it out. I made a trip to HD for some wire today. Tomorrow I will ascend into the attic again.
I think I have figured it out. I made a trip to HD for some wire today. Tomorrow I will ascend into the attic again.
Home again. Had a great weekend at the race.
Michael Sanders Michael Schumacher got pole. Massa in the 2nd Ferrari had 2nd position.
The 3rd round of qualifying was pretty cool.
I believe 5 cars crashed in the first corner of the race. Unfortunately Kimi was one of them. Only 9 of the 22 cars finished. Schumacher won, Massa second. (Just like last year)
The 3rd round of qualifying was pretty cool.
I believe 5 cars crashed in the first corner of the race. Unfortunately Kimi was one of them. Only 9 of the 22 cars finished. Schumacher won, Massa second. (Just like last year)
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday while out driving, I noticed a few rain drops on the windshield. Being a bit gunshy due to Fridays rain, I pulled over and put the top up. Not another drop fell (while the top was up.) Twenty minutes later, I put it back down again. The sky was clear and the dark cloud was no longer following me.
As I made the final approach to home, the sky began to mist again. While sitting at the red light wishing it was green, I decided I could make it home, no problem.
The rain makes a really nice pinging sound as it splatters on the top of roll bar at 45 mph.
Ping, ping, ping, ping.
As I made the final approach to home, the sky began to mist again. While sitting at the red light wishing it was green, I decided I could make it home, no problem.
The rain makes a really nice pinging sound as it splatters on the top of roll bar at 45 mph.
Ping, ping, ping, ping.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
My internet access as been spotty again this week. What to do, what to do?
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week I went to a local high school (Buckhorn) to do observation, aka field experience, for an education class I am taking at ASU.
On Friday I drove the Miata to school. I was running late that morning. When I parked the car, I checked the sky and decided I would leave the top down to save some time. There was not a cloud in the sky. I checked the sky again during morning break. Still no clouds.
Shortly after lunch the sky turned gray very quickly and the clouds dropped buckets of water. By the time I got out to my car, there was standing water in the seat two inches deep. Is the ability of the seat to hold water the reason why they are called bucket seats?
I put the top up and one window. The other window decided it would only go half way up. Oh well, I thought, it is not like the interior could get any more wet than it already is.
I took a quick look at the sky before heading back inside. The sky was clear and blue in all directions except directly overhead. Sounds like a Ziggy comic strip, eh?
I was pretty much completely soaked when I got back inside. On the positive side, I was not warm all afternoon as I had been on Wednesday.
Ok, if you were paying much attention, you may have noted that I didn’t check the sky at lunch time. Yep! That is probably where I messed up.
The interior is mostly dry today. All except for the carpet. I left the car in the garage overnight with the top up. I don’t like to put it down while the top exterior is wet. Because the top usually stays down for days or weeks at a time I wait for it to dry out before folding it down. Don’t won’t any mildew.
Today the floor mats are out and the car is parked in the driveway with the top down. Things should dry up nicely. Assuming I remember to put it back in the garage before the afternoon thundershowers.
This was not the first time the interior got wet but it was by far the most severe soaking it has had while under my watch. And another positive side note, all the pollen has been washed out of the interior.
This weekend was the 2006 Heart of Dixie Metal Meet. I had intended to go. That was before I realized I had to do field observation on Friday. G’ is working today and I was unable to round up anyone to watch the kids. I may be able to swing by tomorrow afternoon for a little while but all the instruction will probably be over by then.
At last year’s metal meet I made a metal bowl from a flat piece of sheet metal. My intention this year was to use my woodworking skills to help build the fender bucks for a Bugatti they are building. I don’t have the metal working skills to contribute anything meaningful to that project, but I could have learned a lot just by watching. Maybe I will be able to check on their progress tomorrow afternoon.
[Update] I did manage to bring in the Miata before the afternoon thunderstorms rolled through. It was a pretty good storm. The power went out for a while.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week I went to a local high school (Buckhorn) to do observation, aka field experience, for an education class I am taking at ASU.
On Friday I drove the Miata to school. I was running late that morning. When I parked the car, I checked the sky and decided I would leave the top down to save some time. There was not a cloud in the sky. I checked the sky again during morning break. Still no clouds.
Shortly after lunch the sky turned gray very quickly and the clouds dropped buckets of water. By the time I got out to my car, there was standing water in the seat two inches deep. Is the ability of the seat to hold water the reason why they are called bucket seats?
I put the top up and one window. The other window decided it would only go half way up. Oh well, I thought, it is not like the interior could get any more wet than it already is.
I took a quick look at the sky before heading back inside. The sky was clear and blue in all directions except directly overhead. Sounds like a Ziggy comic strip, eh?
I was pretty much completely soaked when I got back inside. On the positive side, I was not warm all afternoon as I had been on Wednesday.
Ok, if you were paying much attention, you may have noted that I didn’t check the sky at lunch time. Yep! That is probably where I messed up.
The interior is mostly dry today. All except for the carpet. I left the car in the garage overnight with the top up. I don’t like to put it down while the top exterior is wet. Because the top usually stays down for days or weeks at a time I wait for it to dry out before folding it down. Don’t won’t any mildew.
Today the floor mats are out and the car is parked in the driveway with the top down. Things should dry up nicely. Assuming I remember to put it back in the garage before the afternoon thundershowers.
This was not the first time the interior got wet but it was by far the most severe soaking it has had while under my watch. And another positive side note, all the pollen has been washed out of the interior.
This weekend was the 2006 Heart of Dixie Metal Meet. I had intended to go. That was before I realized I had to do field observation on Friday. G’ is working today and I was unable to round up anyone to watch the kids. I may be able to swing by tomorrow afternoon for a little while but all the instruction will probably be over by then.
At last year’s metal meet I made a metal bowl from a flat piece of sheet metal. My intention this year was to use my woodworking skills to help build the fender bucks for a Bugatti they are building. I don’t have the metal working skills to contribute anything meaningful to that project, but I could have learned a lot just by watching. Maybe I will be able to check on their progress tomorrow afternoon.
[Update] I did manage to bring in the Miata before the afternoon thunderstorms rolled through. It was a pretty good storm. The power went out for a while.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Yesterday, around dusk, the temperature was once again about perfect. Fortunately I needed to fill up the gas tank on the Miata. And I did.
Saturday morning after getting a much needed hair cut, I took the kids out to the local drag strip for the Mopar Show And Go car show. We only stayed about 45 minutes because we had to head west. The kids seemed to have a good time. I took their picture sitting in a Charger painted up like the General Lee. jJordan seemed interested in the race cars that were reving up the engines. Unfortunately we had to leave before the racing started. I think it might be pretty easy to convince him to go back. Brianna seemed to have a good time also. She picked out a few cars for us to check out. She has a good eye for cars.
After leaving the car show we headed over to Tuscumbia to have lunch with my Father, sister, brother and his family.
Saturday morning after getting a much needed hair cut, I took the kids out to the local drag strip for the Mopar Show And Go car show. We only stayed about 45 minutes because we had to head west. The kids seemed to have a good time. I took their picture sitting in a Charger painted up like the General Lee. jJordan seemed interested in the race cars that were reving up the engines. Unfortunately we had to leave before the racing started. I think it might be pretty easy to convince him to go back. Brianna seemed to have a good time also. She picked out a few cars for us to check out. She has a good eye for cars.
After leaving the car show we headed over to Tuscumbia to have lunch with my Father, sister, brother and his family.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Last night I was standing out in the driveway at about 7:00 pm thinking just how perfect the weather was. Five minutes later after obtaining permission from my significant other I was in the Miata cruising down the road.
"While your out pick up some milk."
"Ok, no problem."
As I was driving along, I passed a friend, Dwayne, heading in the opposite direction. He waved, I called him on the cell phone, and we discussed a Mopar car show that will be nearby this weekend. I wonder if I can bribe my kids into going to this one?
I stopped by my friend David's house and had a short chat with him. I even scored some homemade peach icecream. Around dusk I hit the road again.
Since I was in the neighborhood, I drove past another friend, David's, house. As I was leaving the neighborhood, I see David and his Miata coming in the other direction. I went back to his house and sat on the covered porch for a while.
I eventually made it to Publix for two gallon's of skim milk and a gallon of Milo's Sweet tea.
Around 10:00 I finally made it home. And the weather was still perfect.
Charger Mod #1
Today I had the windows on the Charger tinted. The interior of the car was much cooler when I went to pick it up today. From the outside it looked cooler also. The shop doing the work was a mere two blocks from where I work so after dropping the car off this morning I walked back to work. Apparrently some of last nights perfect weather carried over to this morning. Marvelous.
Tuesday nights weekly woodworking which has mostly been on hold due to Tuesday evening classes occurred on Wednesday this week. In the past week I have made a couple of dollies to put some loose truck parts on. The best part is that the dollies were made completely from scrap MDF, 2x4 pieces, and some old casters I happened to have in the garage.
Ok, not everything was scrap. I had to go to Home Depot to get some 2" x 0.25" lag screws, quantity of 16, at 16 cents a piece. It's all good though.
I have scheduled my field experience for the summer semister. Next week I will be spending Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at a nearby high school. My friend Dave will be at the same school the same days. We will probably car pool.
That is all.
"While your out pick up some milk."
"Ok, no problem."
As I was driving along, I passed a friend, Dwayne, heading in the opposite direction. He waved, I called him on the cell phone, and we discussed a Mopar car show that will be nearby this weekend. I wonder if I can bribe my kids into going to this one?
I stopped by my friend David's house and had a short chat with him. I even scored some homemade peach icecream. Around dusk I hit the road again.
Since I was in the neighborhood, I drove past another friend, David's, house. As I was leaving the neighborhood, I see David and his Miata coming in the other direction. I went back to his house and sat on the covered porch for a while.
I eventually made it to Publix for two gallon's of skim milk and a gallon of Milo's Sweet tea.
Around 10:00 I finally made it home. And the weather was still perfect.
Charger Mod #1
Today I had the windows on the Charger tinted. The interior of the car was much cooler when I went to pick it up today. From the outside it looked cooler also. The shop doing the work was a mere two blocks from where I work so after dropping the car off this morning I walked back to work. Apparrently some of last nights perfect weather carried over to this morning. Marvelous.
Tuesday nights weekly woodworking which has mostly been on hold due to Tuesday evening classes occurred on Wednesday this week. In the past week I have made a couple of dollies to put some loose truck parts on. The best part is that the dollies were made completely from scrap MDF, 2x4 pieces, and some old casters I happened to have in the garage.
Ok, not everything was scrap. I had to go to Home Depot to get some 2" x 0.25" lag screws, quantity of 16, at 16 cents a piece. It's all good though.
I have scheduled my field experience for the summer semister. Next week I will be spending Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at a nearby high school. My friend Dave will be at the same school the same days. We will probably car pool.
That is all.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
What A Mess
Did I say the clear coat could not turn out any worse than it already was? I should have known better.
This afternoon, I intended to wet sand and then polish the paint. The clear was dry to the touch and I had waited the 24 hours for it to cure. Unfortunately something went wrong. The clear did not stick. It looked pretty good but it apparently did not cure. The clear was dry to the touch but it did not adhere to the paint. As I began to wet sand, it started peeling. What a mess!
I got most of the new clear off this afternoon. I still have a little work to do. I will probably just finish removing the new clear, and put some wax on it.
At this point I haven't figured out what went wrong. It could have been the humidity level was too high, the paint was old, or it was simply incompatible with the existing clear coat.
Did I say the clear coat could not turn out any worse than it already was? I should have known better.
This afternoon, I intended to wet sand and then polish the paint. The clear was dry to the touch and I had waited the 24 hours for it to cure. Unfortunately something went wrong. The clear did not stick. It looked pretty good but it apparently did not cure. The clear was dry to the touch but it did not adhere to the paint. As I began to wet sand, it started peeling. What a mess!
I got most of the new clear off this afternoon. I still have a little work to do. I will probably just finish removing the new clear, and put some wax on it.
At this point I haven't figured out what went wrong. It could have been the humidity level was too high, the paint was old, or it was simply incompatible with the existing clear coat.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
My internet access was down again this morning. It seems that it only goes down on the weekends. Is this really true, or are we just not home to notice it the rest of the time.
If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to listen, does it still make a sound?
Tuesday evening was my first night of class for the summer semister. I am already behind on my homework. Go figure.
Miata Make Over
The trailing edge of the miata's truck has become weathered and the primer is visible in some areas. The trunk also had a bad case of miata pox, a'la, water spots. They appear as milky spots in the clear coat.
Today I decided to put some paint on the primer. I figured any paint beats no paint. I already had some red paint, not a very good match, but it will do.
I wet sanded the spots out with 400 and 600 grit paper. Next I sprayed a small portion of the trunk lid to cover the visible primer. Finally I applied 4 coats of clear.
Tomorrow I will wet sand out any dust particles using 1200 and 1500 grit paper and apply another couple of coats of clear.
The red mis-match is fairly obvious when your standing next to the car but from a couple dozen paces away, it is probably unnoticable to those not in the know. I won't know how the clear coat turned out until tomorrowed, but it can't be much worse than it was already.
If the color match bothers me to much I will have to order some touch up paint from paintscratch.com.
If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to listen, does it still make a sound?
Tuesday evening was my first night of class for the summer semister. I am already behind on my homework. Go figure.
Miata Make Over
The trailing edge of the miata's truck has become weathered and the primer is visible in some areas. The trunk also had a bad case of miata pox, a'la, water spots. They appear as milky spots in the clear coat.
Today I decided to put some paint on the primer. I figured any paint beats no paint. I already had some red paint, not a very good match, but it will do.
I wet sanded the spots out with 400 and 600 grit paper. Next I sprayed a small portion of the trunk lid to cover the visible primer. Finally I applied 4 coats of clear.
Tomorrow I will wet sand out any dust particles using 1200 and 1500 grit paper and apply another couple of coats of clear.
The red mis-match is fairly obvious when your standing next to the car but from a couple dozen paces away, it is probably unnoticable to those not in the know. I won't know how the clear coat turned out until tomorrowed, but it can't be much worse than it was already.
If the color match bothers me to much I will have to order some touch up paint from paintscratch.com.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Yawn
I made the weekly pilgrimage to HF this weekend to get a ball joint separator. $6.00
Truck progress this weekend consisted of more grease removal. And trying to separate a ball joint and/or tie rod without the appropriate tool.
I loaned out the engine hoist the weekend. It is amazing how much room that freed up. Unfortunately I had most of the drive train hanging from the hoist so I had to move the engine to the engine stand and the transmission to a dolly. That is an easy way to kill two hours. Who knew.
If you didn't catch it when it was on TV, you definitely need to check out Firefly. We are watching this on DVD via NetFlix. It came highly recommended to me by several folks who had already seen it. I think it was a Sci-Fi channel show.
Summer semester starts this week. I am taking two classes. A friend of mine has decided to join me in my academic pursuit. I don't know what he is thinking!
The cable folks came by last Thursday to check out the network access. The connection has been going every day for a few hours. Unfortunately it was working when they showed up. The guy said "You should call us when it is down." Here's your sign. I did. It took you four days to show upyou idiot.
I made the weekly pilgrimage to HF this weekend to get a ball joint separator. $6.00
Truck progress this weekend consisted of more grease removal. And trying to separate a ball joint and/or tie rod without the appropriate tool.
I loaned out the engine hoist the weekend. It is amazing how much room that freed up. Unfortunately I had most of the drive train hanging from the hoist so I had to move the engine to the engine stand and the transmission to a dolly. That is an easy way to kill two hours. Who knew.
If you didn't catch it when it was on TV, you definitely need to check out Firefly. We are watching this on DVD via NetFlix. It came highly recommended to me by several folks who had already seen it. I think it was a Sci-Fi channel show.
Summer semester starts this week. I am taking two classes. A friend of mine has decided to join me in my academic pursuit. I don't know what he is thinking!
The cable folks came by last Thursday to check out the network access. The connection has been going every day for a few hours. Unfortunately it was working when they showed up. The guy said "You should call us when it is down." Here's your sign. I did. It took you four days to show up
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
While I was out filling up the Miata tonight I did a quick of the mileage on the last tank.
27.1 MPG
My first thought was my mileage per gallon is down. Then I did a little thinking and realized all my driving recently has been stop and go around town. Suddenly 27.1 MPG doesn't seem so bad.
It was probably a little lower before the rollbar.
27.1 MPG
My first thought was my mileage per gallon is down. Then I did a little thinking and realized all my driving recently has been stop and go around town. Suddenly 27.1 MPG doesn't seem so bad.
It was probably a little lower before the rollbar.
The long weekend ended with a pleasant trip out in the Miata to the ATM and the fill'in station. Perfect weather for crusin' in El Modo Miata.
This evening we enjoyed a pleasant gathering at the neighbors. The kids enjoyed some time in the pool we we all enjoyed some excellent smoked chicken.
This afternoon I piddled around the shop a little bit. Didn't get much done but I did get a cross member and a couple of engine mounts degreased. The frame is pretty much finished up but I still have several miscellaneous pieces that need to be sandblasted and painted.
My internet connection has been spotty for the last couple of days. It has quit a twice in the last two days. I called customer support. A truck is rolling out to see us in a couple of days. In the mean time it is back up. Hmmm.
I signed up for a couple more classes last week. That should keep me busy for the summer.
Tune in next week to read about the weather and how the grass is growing.
This evening we enjoyed a pleasant gathering at the neighbors. The kids enjoyed some time in the pool we we all enjoyed some excellent smoked chicken.
This afternoon I piddled around the shop a little bit. Didn't get much done but I did get a cross member and a couple of engine mounts degreased. The frame is pretty much finished up but I still have several miscellaneous pieces that need to be sandblasted and painted.
My internet connection has been spotty for the last couple of days. It has quit a twice in the last two days. I called customer support. A truck is rolling out to see us in a couple of days. In the mean time it is back up. Hmmm.
I signed up for a couple more classes last week. That should keep me busy for the summer.
Tune in next week to read about the weather and how the grass is growing.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
To show you that I must have to much free time on my hands, I will mention that I have been considering a cosmetic re-vamp of this visually dull site. I invested a couple of hours into 'remembering' CSS. Re-armed with this knowlege I set out to redesign this page. BAM! There does not seem to be a drop of creativity in me. I guess that project will just get canned.
Please continue to enjoy the gray background.
Please continue to enjoy the gray background.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
The Miata rollbar was delivered today. A day early by the tracking estimate. I believe it has been 10 weeks since the first bar was delivered. Today's delivery was in reasonable shape. The corners of the box looked tattered, again, but the bar was ok.
I went ahead and installed it today. Pictures soon.
I went ahead and installed it today. Pictures soon.
Monday, May 15, 2006
According to FedEx tracking there is a package due to arrive here in a few days. With any luck it will not be not a Miata roll bar.
I hope to not begin using triple and quadriple negatives in a sentence anytime soon. Should I have to, I don't think it will be much of a problem to craft a wit-less remark or two thanks to the electical engineering digital logic class I took while at Auburn which covered boolean logic extensively. Now if only I could spell and use correct grammar for extended periods of time. That perhaps is too lofty a goal.
In other mundane news, the sod in the back yard is taking nicely. Of course the weeds are coming in nicely also.
GMC Update
The bottom side of the frame has finally received it's final coat of paint. Two more passes on the top side and it will be time to select a new short term goal.
The top three contenders for a new goal are: 1) transmission cross member, 2) front suspension components, and 3) rear suspension components including the leaf springs and the differential. I will probably select the first simply because it will be the least time consuming. I need a few quick successes after spending all that time on the frame.
I hope to not begin using triple and quadriple negatives in a sentence anytime soon. Should I have to, I don't think it will be much of a problem to craft a wit-less remark or two thanks to the electical engineering digital logic class I took while at Auburn which covered boolean logic extensively. Now if only I could spell and use correct grammar for extended periods of time. That perhaps is too lofty a goal.
In other mundane news, the sod in the back yard is taking nicely. Of course the weeds are coming in nicely also.
GMC Update
The bottom side of the frame has finally received it's final coat of paint. Two more passes on the top side and it will be time to select a new short term goal.
The top three contenders for a new goal are: 1) transmission cross member, 2) front suspension components, and 3) rear suspension components including the leaf springs and the differential. I will probably select the first simply because it will be the least time consuming. I need a few quick successes after spending all that time on the frame.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Shhh! Don't tell me how it ends. I am just now getting around to watching last weeks European Grand Prix from Germany. The last race was really close all the way to the last lap.
This weekend is the Spanish Gran Prix. I need to finnish (spelled with 2 'n's as a tribute to Kimi) up the german race so I will have plenty of room on the Tivo.
Still pulling for Ferrari. Hopefully they will gain a few points on Renault this weekend. And last weekend too. I should have the answer to the second part in another hour or so.
This weekend is the Spanish Gran Prix. I need to finnish (spelled with 2 'n's as a tribute to Kimi) up the german race so I will have plenty of room on the Tivo.
Still pulling for Ferrari. Hopefully they will gain a few points on Renault this weekend. And last weekend too. I should have the answer to the second part in another hour or so.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Two Wednesdays back I called to check the status of the Roll Bar. They told me the replacement was being shipped that day. I called back two days later to get a tracking number. They said they didn't have one but the package was on the way.
Last Wednesday I called again to check on the status and to try to get a tracking number again. Same story. I should have received it already. Call back on Friday if you still don't have it.
I finally called back today. They claim it must have been lost in shipping. They are supposedly going to file a claim and ship another one out tomorrow.
Recap:
1. Received original bar damaged.
2. Second box contained incorrect contents.
3. Third package lost in transit.
4. Fourth package ships out today.
What are the odds one order could get messed up three times. What about four?
I originally ordered this mod on March 2. What month is it?
Two Wednesdays back I called to check the status of the Roll Bar. They told me the replacement was being shipped that day. I called back two days later to get a tracking number. They said they didn't have one but the package was on the way.
Last Wednesday I called again to check on the status and to try to get a tracking number again. Same story. I should have received it already. Call back on Friday if you still don't have it.
I finally called back today. They claim it must have been lost in shipping. They are supposedly going to file a claim and ship another one out tomorrow.
Recap:
1. Received original bar damaged.
2. Second box contained incorrect contents.
3. Third package lost in transit.
4. Fourth package ships out today.
What are the odds one order could get messed up three times. What about four?
I originally ordered this mod on March 2. What month is it?
I had one last thought for today, but then I lost it.
It had nothing to do with the storm this evening.
It had nothing to do with my 20th HS reunion next year.
It had nothing to do with the Miata and the fact that the top is up due to the storm this evening.
It had nothing to do with the Charger.
It had nothing to do with the GMC.
It had nothing to do with the 2006 DixieLand Metal Meet.
Ah, yes, now I remember. It did have something to do with the Miata, at least a mod for the Miata.
It had nothing to do with the storm this evening.
It had nothing to do with my 20th HS reunion next year.
It had nothing to do with the Miata and the fact that the top is up due to the storm this evening.
It had nothing to do with the Charger.
It had nothing to do with the GMC.
It had nothing to do with the 2006 DixieLand Metal Meet.
Ah, yes, now I remember. It did have something to do with the Miata, at least a mod for the Miata.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
The power is out.
It is amazing how as soon as the power goes out, the kids think there is nothing to do.
And the Green Grass Grows All Around
Back in 1993 I had a conversation with a couple of friends at work. We were eaves dropping on some older guys who were talking about the grass in their yards. I mentioned that one might seem pretty pathetic if all they had to talk about was their grass.
Several years later, we all sitting around talking about our grass. I guess it seems more interesting when you actually have a yard. I recalled the previous conversation and we all had a good laugh.
Having said all that...
This past weekend, he had sod put down in our backyard. We have been very lucky in that it has pretty much rained every single day since then. The green color sure beats the red clay it is covering up, even if the sod does have a few weeds in it. How can one tell they are there? Well the weeds have really grown alot due to the rain. Hopefully the grass will take too.
Odometer Report
Today the charger rolled over the 1k mark on the odometer.
In other related car news, today my sister bought a 2006 Ford Mustang. Refire Metallic. Or as the Mopar folks call it inferno red. Or as the Mazda folks call it garnet red.
I tried to convince her a new Miata was the way to go, but unfortunately she almost got run over by an ESUVEE while taking the test drive. Bummer.
No living vicariously through her and her new Miata. Perhaps she will let me burn some rubber off the Mustang tires though.
Sunday while driving on the I-565 I was playing with the MPG estimation gauge on the Charger. It is rated 17-25 MPG. It currently seems to get the best mileage at 60 mph. Roughly 26.4 on a nice flat road if you can believe the computer. Slow down to 50 and it drops off some. Speed up to 70 and it drops off a little also. This won't keep me from driving 70 in a 70 though.
While playing the MPG I managed to get the gauge up to around 35 MPG, but only briefly. I also managed to sit at a stop sign and watch it drop by 0.1 MPG second. To bad I can't get 35 MPG for real in this car.
The power is back on. Hurray! I sure am glad the battery in my laptop was charge.
It is amazing how as soon as the power goes out, the kids think there is nothing to do.
And the Green Grass Grows All Around
Back in 1993 I had a conversation with a couple of friends at work. We were eaves dropping on some older guys who were talking about the grass in their yards. I mentioned that one might seem pretty pathetic if all they had to talk about was their grass.
Several years later, we all sitting around talking about our grass. I guess it seems more interesting when you actually have a yard. I recalled the previous conversation and we all had a good laugh.
Having said all that...
This past weekend, he had sod put down in our backyard. We have been very lucky in that it has pretty much rained every single day since then. The green color sure beats the red clay it is covering up, even if the sod does have a few weeds in it. How can one tell they are there? Well the weeds have really grown alot due to the rain. Hopefully the grass will take too.
Odometer Report
Today the charger rolled over the 1k mark on the odometer.
In other related car news, today my sister bought a 2006 Ford Mustang. Refire Metallic. Or as the Mopar folks call it inferno red. Or as the Mazda folks call it garnet red.
I tried to convince her a new Miata was the way to go, but unfortunately she almost got run over by an ESUVEE while taking the test drive. Bummer.
No living vicariously through her and her new Miata. Perhaps she will let me burn some rubber off the Mustang tires though.
Sunday while driving on the I-565 I was playing with the MPG estimation gauge on the Charger. It is rated 17-25 MPG. It currently seems to get the best mileage at 60 mph. Roughly 26.4 on a nice flat road if you can believe the computer. Slow down to 50 and it drops off some. Speed up to 70 and it drops off a little also. This won't keep me from driving 70 in a 70 though.
While playing the MPG I managed to get the gauge up to around 35 MPG, but only briefly. I also managed to sit at a stop sign and watch it drop by 0.1 MPG second. To bad I can't get 35 MPG for real in this car.
The power is back on. Hurray! I sure am glad the battery in my laptop was charge.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Several times in the last couple of weeks I have had something interesting to say only to discovery I couldn't blog. Hmph!
The same was true earlier this evening. I was going to write about racing a storm home. I won and the top stayed down but unfortunately you have missed out on all the very exciting/mundane details.
The same was true earlier this evening. I was going to write about racing a storm home. I won and the top stayed down but unfortunately you have missed out on all the very exciting/mundane details.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
The perfect weather has ended.
Driving home last night [top down] it was sprinkling a bit. No worries, just speed up a little bit. This morning I awoke to the sound of the gods bowling for soup. It rained hard all morning and it was nice an cool this afternoon. What happed to the 85 degree afternoons?
The Miata still has the top down, though it is parked snug in the garage. Today the Charger rolled out in the rain. It was good to get some of the pollen washed off it.
When it rains it pours. By this I mean I have made several posts today after missing several days in the last week.
Driving home last night [top down] it was sprinkling a bit. No worries, just speed up a little bit. This morning I awoke to the sound of the gods bowling for soup. It rained hard all morning and it was nice an cool this afternoon. What happed to the 85 degree afternoons?
The Miata still has the top down, though it is parked snug in the garage. Today the Charger rolled out in the rain. It was good to get some of the pollen washed off it.
When it rains it pours. By this I mean I have made several posts today after missing several days in the last week.
Miata Mod III - Anticipating The Next Surprise
This afternoon when I arrived home, I checked the tracking number for the Not A Miata Roll Bar / Truck Grill. It was delivered today.
Next step: Call California. After four busy signals I got through to the computer which eventually directed my call to customer service.
I asked for the status of my order. After being quizzed on the damage claim again I was told a replacement was shipped to me on April 12th and I should have received it on April 19th.
Yada yada yada. I gave them the Not a Miata Roll Bar return shipment tracking number at which point they acknowledged receiving the Not a Miata Roll Bar.
The kind customer service representative promised to ship a replacement [Truck Grill] out today (It is currently 4:55 PM Pacific Time) and told me I could call back tomorrow to get a tracking number.
You can bet I will.
Did I say truck grill? I meant Miata Roll Bar.
This afternoon when I arrived home, I checked the tracking number for the Not A Miata Roll Bar / Truck Grill. It was delivered today.
Next step: Call California. After four busy signals I got through to the computer which eventually directed my call to customer service.
I asked for the status of my order. After being quizzed on the damage claim again I was told a replacement was shipped to me on April 12th and I should have received it on April 19th.
Yada yada yada. I gave them the Not a Miata Roll Bar return shipment tracking number at which point they acknowledged receiving the Not a Miata Roll Bar.
The kind customer service representative promised to ship a replacement [Truck Grill] out today (It is currently 4:55 PM Pacific Time) and told me I could call back tomorrow to get a tracking number.
You can bet I will.
Did I say truck grill? I meant Miata Roll Bar.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Squealer
On Saturday my Father was visiting with us as well as the rest of the crew I mentioned earlier. Being a good son, I offered him the keys to the new car and stood out of the way. He and my sister drove off.
After they returned, my sister said he squealed the tires pulling out of the neighborhood. I guess she didn't sqeal till they got back.
Is there any doubt that the first 400 miles on the car were probably the hardest. Even my dad couldn't resist seeing what the Hemi had in it.
He claims it was an accident. How can fifty foot tire marks on the pavement be an accident?
On Saturday my Father was visiting with us as well as the rest of the crew I mentioned earlier. Being a good son, I offered him the keys to the new car and stood out of the way. He and my sister drove off.
After they returned, my sister said he squealed the tires pulling out of the neighborhood. I guess she didn't sqeal till they got back.
Is there any doubt that the first 400 miles on the car were probably the hardest. Even my dad couldn't resist seeing what the Hemi had in it.
He claims it was an accident. How can fifty foot tire marks on the pavement be an accident?
Goin' Back To Cali
Thursday morning I went to Kinko's/FedEx at about 6:00 am to send a package to Cali. In the contents field I wrote "Not a Miata Rollbar". The guy behind the counter got a kick out it. He then asked me the value of Not a Miata Rollbar. Since I didn't really know, we decided to insure it for the price of a Miata Rollbar.
Ginger is ready to call the credit card folks and get our money back. I decided to give them one more chance. As it happens I am always low on patience so this is good practice. Assuming my head doesn't explode the next time I recieve a package from California.
I checked the tracking number today. Accord to FedEx Ground the package will be delivered in California on Wednesday. You can pretty well expect I will be calling them on Wednesday to request a new tracking number. And then my head will explode.
There's suppose to be an earth shattering kaboom. Where's the kaboom.
Nah! What's up doc?
Thursday morning I went to Kinko's/FedEx at about 6:00 am to send a package to Cali. In the contents field I wrote "Not a Miata Rollbar". The guy behind the counter got a kick out it. He then asked me the value of Not a Miata Rollbar. Since I didn't really know, we decided to insure it for the price of a Miata Rollbar.
Ginger is ready to call the credit card folks and get our money back. I decided to give them one more chance. As it happens I am always low on patience so this is good practice. Assuming my head doesn't explode the next time I recieve a package from California.
I checked the tracking number today. Accord to FedEx Ground the package will be delivered in California on Wednesday. You can pretty well expect I will be calling them on Wednesday to request a new tracking number. And then my head will explode.
There's suppose to be an earth shattering kaboom. Where's the kaboom.
Nah! What's up doc?
Yesterday afternoon we made the obligatory weekend trip to Home Depot. I bought some black pipe along with the necessary fittings to hook up Big Red, the air compressor, to the regulator.
The regulator had a leak when I first pressurized it, but after a few more spins of the spanner, it was all air tight. No more excuses. Time to get back to sanding the frame.
And I did just that this evening. But! I forgot I needed to buy some new bolts to re-fastener the casters to the truck dolly. I had used some larger wood screws because they were handy, but they haven't held up to the stress of rolling around the garage. On more that one occasion I have had a caster fall off and then dolly tip. Not catastrophic, but not really a pleasant experience either.
The Charger will have been with us three weeks tomorrow. Total mileage is now over 800. Recall it had about 450 when it finally found me, so I am bumping up close to 400 miles now myself. A few more days I will have the lions share.
The regulator had a leak when I first pressurized it, but after a few more spins of the spanner, it was all air tight. No more excuses. Time to get back to sanding the frame.
And I did just that this evening. But! I forgot I needed to buy some new bolts to re-fastener the casters to the truck dolly. I had used some larger wood screws because they were handy, but they haven't held up to the stress of rolling around the garage. On more that one occasion I have had a caster fall off and then dolly tip. Not catastrophic, but not really a pleasant experience either.
The Charger will have been with us three weeks tomorrow. Total mileage is now over 800. Recall it had about 450 when it finally found me, so I am bumping up close to 400 miles now myself. A few more days I will have the lions share.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Yada Yada Miata
Sun. Top down. Sunday afternoon drive to Ardmore. You get the idea.
Yesterday I took Terry by the local Miata dealer. I requested that she sit in both a 2005 and 2006 Miata. She is thinking about getting a new car and I had to make certain she at least considered a Miata.
We also went to see the convertible Pontiac, but unfortunately their were none on the lot. (And Chad wasn't at home either.)
Sun. Top down. Sunday afternoon drive to Ardmore. You get the idea.
Yesterday I took Terry by the local Miata dealer. I requested that she sit in both a 2005 and 2006 Miata. She is thinking about getting a new car and I had to make certain she at least considered a Miata.
We also went to see the convertible Pontiac, but unfortunately their were none on the lot. (And Chad wasn't at home either.)
For your viewing pleasure: A picture of Aaron, Terry, Jordan, and Austin from several years back.
This weekend we had a house full of vistors. My nephews Aaron and Austin and my sister Terry came to visit. We had a whole mess of fun. We ate, played risk, ate, raced slot cars, ate, swam. You get the idea.
This weekend we had a house full of vistors. My nephews Aaron and Austin and my sister Terry came to visit. We had a whole mess of fun. We ate, played risk, ate, raced slot cars, ate, swam. You get the idea.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Guess what came in the mail today.
that's right. A package from the company I ordered the Miata Roll Bar from.
Guess what was not in the package. That's right. No roll bar. The package contained what appeared to be a shiney chrome grill for a pickup truck.
For a brief moment I considered mounting it behind the seats in the Miata but then I noticed it was damaged so I guess I will be sending it back tomorrow. No kidding, it was damaged!
As I said before, perhaps this is the Miata mod that was not meant to be. When I opened the box and discovered the contents were incorrect, I wondered for just a brief second if this company was messing with me. Inconceivable? Insert wittisism regarding paranoia here.
Did I spell that right? Wittisism. It doesn't look right to me.
I took some pictures. Maybe I post them later.
Warning: Holding your breath will cause your face to turn blue.
that's right. A package from the company I ordered the Miata Roll Bar from.
Guess what was not in the package. That's right. No roll bar. The package contained what appeared to be a shiney chrome grill for a pickup truck.
For a brief moment I considered mounting it behind the seats in the Miata but then I noticed it was damaged so I guess I will be sending it back tomorrow. No kidding, it was damaged!
As I said before, perhaps this is the Miata mod that was not meant to be. When I opened the box and discovered the contents were incorrect, I wondered for just a brief second if this company was messing with me. Inconceivable? Insert wittisism regarding paranoia here.
Did I spell that right? Wittisism. It doesn't look right to me.
I took some pictures. Maybe I post them later.
Warning: Holding your breath will cause your face to turn blue.
Guess what came in the mail today.
that's right. The replacement hinges for my laptop.
I took the laptop apart again into nearly a million pieces. When I got it re-assembled, I only had 14 extra pieces left over. Actually I didn't even have an extra screw. Good job!
The laptop is working fine. I am writing this post with it right now. For the record, the keyboard has quit giving me problems since the last time I took the computer apart. I think maybe the keyboard connecter was loose before I took it apart. I made certain it got pressed in really good today.
I took some pictures. Maybe I post them later.
Warning: Holding your breath will cause your face to turn blue.
that's right. The replacement hinges for my laptop.
I took the laptop apart again into nearly a million pieces. When I got it re-assembled, I only had 14 extra pieces left over. Actually I didn't even have an extra screw. Good job!
The laptop is working fine. I am writing this post with it right now. For the record, the keyboard has quit giving me problems since the last time I took the computer apart. I think maybe the keyboard connecter was loose before I took it apart. I made certain it got pressed in really good today.
I took some pictures. Maybe I post them later.
Warning: Holding your breath will cause your face to turn blue.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Weekend Update
Yesterday afternoon, I jumped in the Miata and headed out on what use to be a weekly exercise. The Sunday afternoon Miata ride, often to Ardmore, Alabama which often includes a stop at Sonic for a strawberry milkshake.
During the ride I noticed how much pollen was on the dash. Yuck! Time for a quick wash.
Today Jordan and I washed the car. It is now spiffy clean. Unfortunately the paint is showing its age. Perhaps it canl get a fresh paint job someday.
Charger update: Tomorrow I will have had the new car two weeks. Total mileage so far. Less than 200 miles and the majority of those were put on it Satuday. I probably put that many miles on the Miata the day I got it.
Yeah, I may exagerate just a little bit.
Saturday the charger got christen'ed with its first door ding. OUCH! I plan to get over it in the next week or so. :)
Sunday after the egg hunt was complete, I got to do a little sanding on the truck frame. It seems like it has been forever since time and weather cooperated together.
Yesterday afternoon, I jumped in the Miata and headed out on what use to be a weekly exercise. The Sunday afternoon Miata ride, often to Ardmore, Alabama which often includes a stop at Sonic for a strawberry milkshake.
During the ride I noticed how much pollen was on the dash. Yuck! Time for a quick wash.
Today Jordan and I washed the car. It is now spiffy clean. Unfortunately the paint is showing its age. Perhaps it canl get a fresh paint job someday.
Charger update: Tomorrow I will have had the new car two weeks. Total mileage so far. Less than 200 miles and the majority of those were put on it Satuday. I probably put that many miles on the Miata the day I got it.
Yeah, I may exagerate just a little bit.
Saturday the charger got christen'ed with its first door ding. OUCH! I plan to get over it in the next week or so. :)
Sunday after the egg hunt was complete, I got to do a little sanding on the truck frame. It seems like it has been forever since time and weather cooperated together.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
I have been getting a lot of questions lately from folks wondering why I am not driving my new car. The simple answer is that I have been waiting all winter for this kind of weather so that I could drive around with the top down.
As my wife pointed out though, that didn't stop me from driving around all winter with the top down, because I did. But the weather wasn't just right.
There are only about 2 days a year with just perfect weather and I am going to take advantage of all 3 of them.
As my wife pointed out though, that didn't stop me from driving around all winter with the top down, because I did. But the weather wasn't just right.
There are only about 2 days a year with just perfect weather and I am going to take advantage of all 3 of them.
My computer has been acting up so things have been quiet from this end. I ordered a replacement part over the weekend. It arrived yesterday but unfortunately I ordered the wrong part. This was not obvious to me until I had my laptop in pieces.
Today I ordered the correct part. It should be here the middle of next week.
What is this mysterious part? The hinges on the display of my laptop have lost all resistance. That that means is the display won't stand up. At all. My display is 14.1". I ordered the hinges for the 15" LCD by mistake. They are being shipped from Austin from tomorrow so I expect I will get them Tuesday or Wednesday.
Until then, I will be standing out on the front porch waiting for the package.
Today I ordered the correct part. It should be here the middle of next week.
What is this mysterious part? The hinges on the display of my laptop have lost all resistance. That that means is the display won't stand up. At all. My display is 14.1". I ordered the hinges for the 15" LCD by mistake. They are being shipped from Austin from tomorrow so I expect I will get them Tuesday or Wednesday.
Until then, I will be standing out on the front porch waiting for the package.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
If Your Scared, Say Scared
Friday afternoon Ginger found a snake sunning on the edge of the back porch. I was summoned to handle the situation.
Two things you gotta know:
1. I am afraid of heights. Being 5'6" it doesn't take much height to bother me. Standing on a chair for instance. Heights bother me a lot but only because I don't run into many snakes.
Obviously the second thing you need to know is that I am terrified of snakes. I am not allergic to them though, but that is another story. I think the snake thing goes back to a few encounters I had as a kid.
I bought a pellet gun when I was in college. I decided this might be a good way to eradicate the snake. After retrieving it, I pumped it up and took a shot at the ground. Ginger mentioned the snake is not over there, it's over here. I told her I was calibrating my aim.
The next shot was at the snake. It went right through it and knocked it off the porch. Another half dozen shots and it was immobile. Next came the snake head remover, aka the shovel. Eventually I tossed the remains in the woods and came back inside. Full of adrenaline, but not feeling good about the situation. I hate snakes!
Next I hit the internet to find out something about the snake. It turns out there are 40 varieties of snakes in Alabama. Only six are poisonous. Five of those are vipers. The six is red and yellow. The snake I killed was not a viper and not red and yellow. Whew! After a bit of searching I decided it was a gray rat snake. Farmers may like to have them around, but I don't.
Oh yeah, it was about 30" long and about as round as a half-dollar.
Indiana Jones hates spiders, I hate snakes. Yeah, I am skerd!
Friday afternoon Ginger found a snake sunning on the edge of the back porch. I was summoned to handle the situation.
Two things you gotta know:
1. I am afraid of heights. Being 5'6" it doesn't take much height to bother me. Standing on a chair for instance. Heights bother me a lot but only because I don't run into many snakes.
Obviously the second thing you need to know is that I am terrified of snakes. I am not allergic to them though, but that is another story. I think the snake thing goes back to a few encounters I had as a kid.
I bought a pellet gun when I was in college. I decided this might be a good way to eradicate the snake. After retrieving it, I pumped it up and took a shot at the ground. Ginger mentioned the snake is not over there, it's over here. I told her I was calibrating my aim.
The next shot was at the snake. It went right through it and knocked it off the porch. Another half dozen shots and it was immobile. Next came the snake head remover, aka the shovel. Eventually I tossed the remains in the woods and came back inside. Full of adrenaline, but not feeling good about the situation. I hate snakes!
Next I hit the internet to find out something about the snake. It turns out there are 40 varieties of snakes in Alabama. Only six are poisonous. Five of those are vipers. The six is red and yellow. The snake I killed was not a viper and not red and yellow. Whew! After a bit of searching I decided it was a gray rat snake. Farmers may like to have them around, but I don't.
Oh yeah, it was about 30" long and about as round as a half-dollar.
Indiana Jones hates spiders, I hate snakes. Yeah, I am skerd!
The Miata Mod That Wasn't Meant To Be?
One month and one week ago today I purchased a roll bar for my Miata from an Ebay retailer. This process has been a nightmare.
I received the product damaged. A claim was filed with FedEx. They came and picked it up. The denied the claim because they could not locate any damage to the item. The bar was sent back to the retailed.
At this point I am frustrated with FedEx. Not that it will affect them in any way, but I have been boycotting FedEx since this incident.
The only contact information I have for the retailer is an email address. And they apparently don't like to answer their email. It has been several days since I last emailed them and I have received no response. I just fired off another one today. Hopefully I will hear back from them soon.
I am still interested in getting the bar. Actually at this point I would like the bar or my money back. No more limbo please.
The ad said Customer Satisfaction guaranteed. Hopefully they meant it.
One month and one week ago today I purchased a roll bar for my Miata from an Ebay retailer. This process has been a nightmare.
I received the product damaged. A claim was filed with FedEx. They came and picked it up. The denied the claim because they could not locate any damage to the item. The bar was sent back to the retailed.
At this point I am frustrated with FedEx. Not that it will affect them in any way, but I have been boycotting FedEx since this incident.
The only contact information I have for the retailer is an email address. And they apparently don't like to answer their email. It has been several days since I last emailed them and I have received no response. I just fired off another one today. Hopefully I will hear back from them soon.
I am still interested in getting the bar. Actually at this point I would like the bar or my money back. No more limbo please.
The ad said Customer Satisfaction guaranteed. Hopefully they meant it.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Spell Check This
I don't recall where this came from but check it out anyway.
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is tahtthe frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae.The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthi porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
At this point you should be reminding yourself you can't believe everything you read.
I don't recall where this came from but check it out anyway.
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer inwaht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is tahtthe frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae.The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthi porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
At this point you should be reminding yourself you can't believe everything you read.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
I got my new car today. Inferno Red 2006 Dodge Charger. It is not a Mazda but it still goes Zoom Zoom Zoom.
I have already had several complements and noticed several people checking it out.
Now I just need to figure out what all the buttons do.
XI. Though Shalt Not Blaspheme Thy Tivo.
This weekend the Tivo recorded the Formual 1 practice session, and qualification session, but not the actual race. Why? Because I made a mistake.
At this point it is all about having someone to blame, and that person is me. What happened? When I added Formula One to the Season Pass Manager, I put it at the bottom of the list. That means anything else was a higher priority.
Anything else turned out to be a rerun of "Neds Declassified School Survial Guide" on Nick.
From what I read I missed a good race. I also increased the priority of Formula 1. Next time it will not be pre-empted by reruns of the kids shows.
I have already had several complements and noticed several people checking it out.
Now I just need to figure out what all the buttons do.
XI. Though Shalt Not Blaspheme Thy Tivo.
This weekend the Tivo recorded the Formual 1 practice session, and qualification session, but not the actual race. Why? Because I made a mistake.
At this point it is all about having someone to blame, and that person is me. What happened? When I added Formula One to the Season Pass Manager, I put it at the bottom of the list. That means anything else was a higher priority.
Anything else turned out to be a rerun of "Neds Declassified School Survial Guide" on Nick.
From what I read I missed a good race. I also increased the priority of Formula 1. Next time it will not be pre-empted by reruns of the kids shows.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Today I was asked "Are you opened to change in the future?" To which I responded, "Yes, and I have a whole ashtray full right now."
Saturday evening we watched "The Dukes of Hazzard" movie. Nice car, eh. Can't say I would recommend the movie though.
Sunday afternoon, Jordan and I went out for a bike ride. While we were out, we saw a red Acura NSX driving around. It turns out it was a different NSX, not the one belonging to Danny, the Ferrari 308 guy, but rather, the one belonging to Rich, the Viper guy. It is a really nice car. I requested a ride on an upcoming sunny afternoon.
Did I mention how cool the General Lee was in the movie? Oh yeah, something about an orange '69 Charger.
Today I signed the papers for my new '06 Dodge Charger. Tomorrow it will be delivered to me. Yeeeeehaaaaaw! Unfortunately mine won't have an 01 on the side.
And for the record, watching the movie and buying the new car in the same week was a pure coincidence.
And tomorrow the big white 1998 4x4 Dodge Pickup Quadcab with 71k miles on it is leaving the farm for the last time. Jordan is sad to see the truck leave.
Saturday evening we watched "The Dukes of Hazzard" movie. Nice car, eh. Can't say I would recommend the movie though.
Sunday afternoon, Jordan and I went out for a bike ride. While we were out, we saw a red Acura NSX driving around. It turns out it was a different NSX, not the one belonging to Danny, the Ferrari 308 guy, but rather, the one belonging to Rich, the Viper guy. It is a really nice car. I requested a ride on an upcoming sunny afternoon.
Did I mention how cool the General Lee was in the movie? Oh yeah, something about an orange '69 Charger.
Today I signed the papers for my new '06 Dodge Charger. Tomorrow it will be delivered to me. Yeeeeehaaaaaw! Unfortunately mine won't have an 01 on the side.
And for the record, watching the movie and buying the new car in the same week was a pure coincidence.
And tomorrow the big white 1998 4x4 Dodge Pickup Quadcab with 71k miles on it is leaving the farm for the last time. Jordan is sad to see the truck leave.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Yeah, Just Like the Dukes of Hazzard
Today I drove another Charger. For a few weeks I been thinking this would be the car that I replaced the truck with. Todays drive was different in that I was at a different dealership.
On two occasions I had been to visit the nearest dealership. On both occasions I announced that I would not be taking a car home that day. Both times I did ask what they would let me have the car for. The sales guy has called me a couple of time. I continued to ask how much for the car. I am curious why they would not quote me a price unless I was willing to take the car home that day. I did finally get a "we can probably come off the sticker a couple hundred dollars." Not good enough.
Why did I tell them I wasn't taking a car home that day? I have found that it helps the high-pressure sales guys take 'No' for an answer later when they ask me "Is there anything we can do to get you to take it home today?" I usually then tell them I want to sleep on it for a few days. It is amazing the stupid things they say to try to coerce you. "Best deals are at the end of the month." Well I can probably wait til the end of next month. "This color is hard to get." Well we can order one from the factory and then I won't have to pay for the options I don't want. "I need to sell one more to make my quota." Why is that my problem?
Nine years ago I ordered my Dodge truck from a dealer about an hour away. Why? Because when I asked him how much, the response I got was "$300 over invoice." Today I called that remote dealership and asked the same question. I got a similar response, but this time it was "$600 over invoice." This was a couple thousand better than the maybe a couple hundred off the sticker. Plus the tax rate is 1.5% less. That is $15 per thousand. That adds up pretty quick.
This afternoon I took my truck down to the dealer to let him look it over. They offered me $500 less than I wanted for it. I asked for $500 more. They agreed.
They didn't have the exact car I wanted, but I went armed with the information they needed. I told them where another dealership is that has the exact car on the lot, color, options, dead-on. The dealer with the car was closed so contact will be made Monday morning. Assuming one dealer can get the car from the other dealer, the car will be mine at a price I am happy with. If not, I will probably have them order one for me from the factory. The drawback there is 6-8 weeks of waiting, and we all know I don't have much patience.
This dealer did have a nearly perfect car, right color and most options. He sent me out for a drive while he finished up a sale with another customer. It is a smooth ride.
I suspect I will have a new car soon, though I suspect it will not be until next Saturday. I won't have time to drive down there again til next Saturday, though if they want to bring it to me, I am ok with that.
If they had the car on the lot today, I would have gladly brought it home. Unfortunately I can't get it in orange with a big 01 on the side. Ginger did offer to weld the doors shut for me though.
And tonight we will be sleeping on a new mattress. I tried it out for a few minutes this afternoon. It sleeps well.
Today I drove another Charger. For a few weeks I been thinking this would be the car that I replaced the truck with. Todays drive was different in that I was at a different dealership.
On two occasions I had been to visit the nearest dealership. On both occasions I announced that I would not be taking a car home that day. Both times I did ask what they would let me have the car for. The sales guy has called me a couple of time. I continued to ask how much for the car. I am curious why they would not quote me a price unless I was willing to take the car home that day. I did finally get a "we can probably come off the sticker a couple hundred dollars." Not good enough.
Why did I tell them I wasn't taking a car home that day? I have found that it helps the high-pressure sales guys take 'No' for an answer later when they ask me "Is there anything we can do to get you to take it home today?" I usually then tell them I want to sleep on it for a few days. It is amazing the stupid things they say to try to coerce you. "Best deals are at the end of the month." Well I can probably wait til the end of next month. "This color is hard to get." Well we can order one from the factory and then I won't have to pay for the options I don't want. "I need to sell one more to make my quota." Why is that my problem?
Nine years ago I ordered my Dodge truck from a dealer about an hour away. Why? Because when I asked him how much, the response I got was "$300 over invoice." Today I called that remote dealership and asked the same question. I got a similar response, but this time it was "$600 over invoice." This was a couple thousand better than the maybe a couple hundred off the sticker. Plus the tax rate is 1.5% less. That is $15 per thousand. That adds up pretty quick.
This afternoon I took my truck down to the dealer to let him look it over. They offered me $500 less than I wanted for it. I asked for $500 more. They agreed.
They didn't have the exact car I wanted, but I went armed with the information they needed. I told them where another dealership is that has the exact car on the lot, color, options, dead-on. The dealer with the car was closed so contact will be made Monday morning. Assuming one dealer can get the car from the other dealer, the car will be mine at a price I am happy with. If not, I will probably have them order one for me from the factory. The drawback there is 6-8 weeks of waiting, and we all know I don't have much patience.
This dealer did have a nearly perfect car, right color and most options. He sent me out for a drive while he finished up a sale with another customer. It is a smooth ride.
I suspect I will have a new car soon, though I suspect it will not be until next Saturday. I won't have time to drive down there again til next Saturday, though if they want to bring it to me, I am ok with that.
If they had the car on the lot today, I would have gladly brought it home. Unfortunately I can't get it in orange with a big 01 on the side. Ginger did offer to weld the doors shut for me though.
And tonight we will be sleeping on a new mattress. I tried it out for a few minutes this afternoon. It sleeps well.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I spent the day at a local high school. A class I am taking required that I do 3 days of observation in a secondary school. I had the opportunity to observe two really good math teachers at work.
The school has just over 1800 students which includes only 10-12 grades. About 500 are seniors (My senior class size was 23).
I spent half the day in one class room observing honors algebra. The second half was spent in another room observing AP statistics and algebra I B. There was a remarkable difference in the attitude and behavior of the honors algebra class versus the regular algebra class.
I enjoyed my trip back to high school.
The school has just over 1800 students which includes only 10-12 grades. About 500 are seniors (My senior class size was 23).
I spent half the day in one class room observing honors algebra. The second half was spent in another room observing AP statistics and algebra I B. There was a remarkable difference in the attitude and behavior of the honors algebra class versus the regular algebra class.
I enjoyed my trip back to high school.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Say Buddy, Can I Borrow Some Cache
Thursday night was Guys Night Out. Our Sunday school class does this once a month. This month I volunteered to plan it. Typically it involves meeting at someones house to play video games or watch a movie. This month was going to be atypical.
Two weeks ago, I was asked what we were going to do. In jest, I repeated the plans I had just heard for Girls Night Out. A trip to Chili's. Woo hoo! I even said we were going on the same night at the same time. I was kidding. It got printed up like that. So much for trying to be funny.
For the record, I am excellent liar, and people often believe my stretches of the truth. Sometimes my sense of humor is misinterpreted too. This was one of those cases. When I corrected the mistake, I pointed out that we couldn't go out the same night at the same time. I would need to be at home watching the kids.
The real plan I decided was going to be a geo-caching expedition. This was heralded as the most creative guys night out ever. I selected 7 micro-caches all within about a mile of each other. We had a blast.
We had five guys show up. Not a bad turn out considering how many folks were out of town on spring break. Only one dude had any experience. Everyone thought that I did but I set them straight.
It was cold and dark that evening. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to tell everyone to bring a flash light. GPS's in hand we crusied around University drive hunting for our treasures. It is amazing how a micro-cache can be hidden in plain sight. Two in the Target shopping center parking lot, one in the Wal-Mart parking lot, one at the cinema, one at McDonalds, one at Holiday Inn, and one at Macaroni Grill. All in all, it was a good time.
For more info on this sport, check out www.geocaching.com. You may be surprised to find out how many caches are near you. And you will never look at the Target parking lot in the same way again.
Thursday night was Guys Night Out. Our Sunday school class does this once a month. This month I volunteered to plan it. Typically it involves meeting at someones house to play video games or watch a movie. This month was going to be atypical.
Two weeks ago, I was asked what we were going to do. In jest, I repeated the plans I had just heard for Girls Night Out. A trip to Chili's. Woo hoo! I even said we were going on the same night at the same time. I was kidding. It got printed up like that. So much for trying to be funny.
For the record, I am excellent liar, and people often believe my stretches of the truth. Sometimes my sense of humor is misinterpreted too. This was one of those cases. When I corrected the mistake, I pointed out that we couldn't go out the same night at the same time. I would need to be at home watching the kids.
The real plan I decided was going to be a geo-caching expedition. This was heralded as the most creative guys night out ever. I selected 7 micro-caches all within about a mile of each other. We had a blast.
We had five guys show up. Not a bad turn out considering how many folks were out of town on spring break. Only one dude had any experience. Everyone thought that I did but I set them straight.
It was cold and dark that evening. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to tell everyone to bring a flash light. GPS's in hand we crusied around University drive hunting for our treasures. It is amazing how a micro-cache can be hidden in plain sight. Two in the Target shopping center parking lot, one in the Wal-Mart parking lot, one at the cinema, one at McDonalds, one at Holiday Inn, and one at Macaroni Grill. All in all, it was a good time.
For more info on this sport, check out www.geocaching.com. You may be surprised to find out how many caches are near you. And you will never look at the Target parking lot in the same way again.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
This evening I left my truck parked in front of a coffee shop at the Target shopping center for a couple of hours. I had met some friends to go Geo-caching. That is another story.
When I got home this evening, as I pulled into the garage I noticed a bright light behind me. The bright light was my break light bulb.
Someone stole the left brake light assembly off my truck this evening. The bulb was still connected to the wiring harness hanging out of the hole where the lense goes. The light is bright and white when not covered by the red lense.
Having someone steal something from you makes you think the world is a horrible place.
I quick check of the 'net indicates I will probably be out between $75 and $150 to get a replacement assembly.
Rick is not a happy camper right now and it has nothing to do with the money.
When I got home this evening, as I pulled into the garage I noticed a bright light behind me. The bright light was my break light bulb.
Someone stole the left brake light assembly off my truck this evening. The bulb was still connected to the wiring harness hanging out of the hole where the lense goes. The light is bright and white when not covered by the red lense.
Having someone steal something from you makes you think the world is a horrible place.
I quick check of the 'net indicates I will probably be out between $75 and $150 to get a replacement assembly.
Rick is not a happy camper right now and it has nothing to do with the money.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
My sleep number is 35.
Today I test drove a few cars.
1. Audi A4
2. MazdaSpeed 6
3. Dodge Charger R/T
4. Acura TSX
5. Acura TL
I wanted to get two more in but there is only so much time in a day.
Friday afternoon G' called to tell me a local hobby shop, Hobby Town, was going out of business. Everything in the store was 50% off. I went by and picked up another F1 car for my slot car set. We now have enough cars for us all to play, er, race. The store was packed while I was there. I ran into one of my David friends while there. I had called him earlier to tell him about the sale.
Today I test drove a few cars.
1. Audi A4
2. MazdaSpeed 6
3. Dodge Charger R/T
4. Acura TSX
5. Acura TL
I wanted to get two more in but there is only so much time in a day.
Friday afternoon G' called to tell me a local hobby shop, Hobby Town, was going out of business. Everything in the store was 50% off. I went by and picked up another F1 car for my slot car set. We now have enough cars for us all to play, er, race. The store was packed while I was there. I ran into one of my David friends while there. I had called him earlier to tell him about the sale.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
CTRL-ALT-DEL
I just finished putting my laptop back together. The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 8000. I have had it several years. Maybe five.
It came with a 3 year warranty. I believe that ended two years ago. While under warranty, the CD was replaced twice. Somewhere along the way I had to replace the harddrive. I needed more space. And more memory.
All in all, it has been a good computer.
A few keys are occasionally non-functional. One nice wack at the right spot and it all starts working again.
Tonight, just for fun, I took the keyboard out. Not really just for fun, I just wanted to see how difficult it would be to replace. Not bad. Four screws. I found a service manual online.
Keyboards are fairly cheap. Perhaps I will replace the keyboard soon. I might be able to get a few more years out of this computer.
I just finished putting my laptop back together. The laptop is a Dell Inspiron 8000. I have had it several years. Maybe five.
It came with a 3 year warranty. I believe that ended two years ago. While under warranty, the CD was replaced twice. Somewhere along the way I had to replace the harddrive. I needed more space. And more memory.
All in all, it has been a good computer.
A few keys are occasionally non-functional. One nice wack at the right spot and it all starts working again.
Tonight, just for fun, I took the keyboard out. Not really just for fun, I just wanted to see how difficult it would be to replace. Not bad. Four screws. I found a service manual online.
Keyboards are fairly cheap. Perhaps I will replace the keyboard soon. I might be able to get a few more years out of this computer.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
This evening I began making a new cabinet. A a hanging wall cabinet to be more precise. I got the case pieces created. The face frame pieces still need to be cut to length and glued on.
This cabinet will be hung above the utility sink in the garage when it is completed.
I loaned my truck to David M. this afternoon so I got to drive around in a black Miata this evening.
I loaded my truck to David E. on Friday so I got to drive around in a Honda Pilot on Friday and Saturday.
I had the alignment done on the Pickup on Thursday. They turned the 3 month old drum and adjusted the parking brake as well. The parking brake being out of adjustment was rubbing on the drum and caused the rotor to overheat and warp.
It turns out one of my tires is not quite round. This is still a little bit of vibration at about 50 mpg. Make it stop!
This cabinet will be hung above the utility sink in the garage when it is completed.
I loaned my truck to David M. this afternoon so I got to drive around in a black Miata this evening.
I loaded my truck to David E. on Friday so I got to drive around in a Honda Pilot on Friday and Saturday.
I had the alignment done on the Pickup on Thursday. They turned the 3 month old drum and adjusted the parking brake as well. The parking brake being out of adjustment was rubbing on the drum and caused the rotor to overheat and warp.
It turns out one of my tires is not quite round. This is still a little bit of vibration at about 50 mpg. Make it stop!
Monday, March 13, 2006
This weekend my sister Terry came to visit. The kids were ecstatic to see her.
She made the mistake of asking if I had anything that would buff out the paint on her truck fender. The truck is black. Before we started it was a nice flat black. When we were done it was a nice reflective black. Just like on TV.
I also washed the Miata this weekend. Time to take off the winter coat (of dirt).
Formula One
The F1 season has now started. I watched Friday's practice session and Saturday's qualifying. I am about half way through Sunday's race. Normally I don't watch practice and qualifying but I thought it might be interesting. This year there are more cars, twenty eight. They have swapped from a V10 to a V8. The rev to about 20k RPMs. I believe they are 2.5L. The qualification process has changed and they have droppped the single set of tires rule. Should be an interesting season.
Ferrari had the top two positions after qualifying!
She made the mistake of asking if I had anything that would buff out the paint on her truck fender. The truck is black. Before we started it was a nice flat black. When we were done it was a nice reflective black. Just like on TV.
I also washed the Miata this weekend. Time to take off the winter coat (of dirt).
Formula One
The F1 season has now started. I watched Friday's practice session and Saturday's qualifying. I am about half way through Sunday's race. Normally I don't watch practice and qualifying but I thought it might be interesting. This year there are more cars, twenty eight. They have swapped from a V10 to a V8. The rev to about 20k RPMs. I believe they are 2.5L. The qualification process has changed and they have droppped the single set of tires rule. Should be an interesting season.
Ferrari had the top two positions after qualifying!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Today I loaned my pickup to one of my many friends named David. While he has the Dodge, I am driving his Honda Pilot.
After work I went to pickup the kids at school. Jordan was very pleased that David had left U2's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in the CD player for us to listen to.
As they were getting into the Pilot, Jordan asked if David had left us his credit card. "After all, it is only fair." I don't know where he got that idea, but I like the way he thinks.
Miata Mod
The top secret Miata mod arrived yesterday. Damaged. I suspect it will be two full weeks before I get a replacement. In the meantime I have to deal with a mess of hassle to get it replaced.
After work I went to pickup the kids at school. Jordan was very pleased that David had left U2's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in the CD player for us to listen to.
As they were getting into the Pilot, Jordan asked if David had left us his credit card. "After all, it is only fair." I don't know where he got that idea, but I like the way he thinks.
Miata Mod
The top secret Miata mod arrived yesterday. Damaged. I suspect it will be two full weeks before I get a replacement. In the meantime I have to deal with a mess of hassle to get it replaced.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Monday, March 06, 2006
Weekend Update
We all had a good weekend. The weather is messing with us. It is now March, and we have had a few nice days. That next cold spell will be painful.
Thursday evening Jordan announced he could officially ride his bike. No training wheels, no parents running along behind the bike holding on. He has gotten significantly better. I think he may be planning on enter the summer Olympics in two years.
Saturday I rotated the tires on the truck. Wear patterns indicate it is out of alignment again! Oil change also. And new wiper blades. The pickup now has 70k miles on it. It is a '98, but I got it in the fall of '97.
And I got the truck frame dusted off. Who knows what the future may hold.
Yesterday we loaded up all the bikes and went to a nearby park for a short ride. And some playtime on the playground.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Spotted another spiffy car leaving the neighborhood this morning. It was only a Porsche Boxster. A nice red one, and of course they are all convertibles. His top was up, mine was down. He was probably thinking, cool, this neighborhood has a Viper, a NSX, a Ferrari 308, a couple of Corvettes, and a shiny red Miata. I was thinking "Nice weather dude, put the top down."
Monday, February 27, 2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
42
What is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything?
Back in junior high school, I read the book "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy". I read the remaining books in the series as time progressed and they were released. I even read Douglas Adams' Dirk Gently books. I would say I enjoyed all the books.
One might say I am pre-disposed to enjoying the work of Douglas Adams.
Now is a good time to insert a babel fish and put on your peril sensitive glasses. Vogon poetry follows:
Last night we watched "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy." The movie was horrible!
I suppose it is an SEP.
So long and thanks for all the fish.
What is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything?
Back in junior high school, I read the book "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy". I read the remaining books in the series as time progressed and they were released. I even read Douglas Adams' Dirk Gently books. I would say I enjoyed all the books.
One might say I am pre-disposed to enjoying the work of Douglas Adams.
Now is a good time to insert a babel fish and put on your peril sensitive glasses. Vogon poetry follows:
Last night we watched "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy." The movie was horrible!
I suppose it is an SEP.
So long and thanks for all the fish.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
We are back home again. It was nice to get away for the weekend.
Cloudmont
We stopped at Cloudmont on the way back home to do a little snow skiing. Yes, that is right, snow skiing in Alabama.
Brianna did very well for her first try. She had no fear at all and seemed to be truely enjoying it the few times she got a little slope action.
Jordan did very well also. He thinks he is no longer a beginner. I told him he should probably take at least one more lesson. He needs to learn how to turn.
Props to the ski instructors. They were very good with the kids. And the adults.
Ginger and I had a very limited amount of ski time due to helping the kids. We probably should have stayed longer, but Jordan and I were hungry (and I was tired).
Only one of the two slopes were open but it was more than sufficient for the number of people there.
The only real drawback to the place was the lift. The lift is simply a tow rope. Not too bad for the first 30 yards but as the slope gets steeper, the tow rope begins to lose its novelty.
The top of the slope is a little bit steeper than most beginners want to see, but then you don't have to go all the way to the top. While we were their today, most of the skiers were novices. Many of them were coming down the hill as fast as possible and then wiping out to stop. Crazy and dangerous.
Would I go back? Yes. If you go, get there early if you don't have your own equipement. They have a limited number of skis.
Cloudmont
We stopped at Cloudmont on the way back home to do a little snow skiing. Yes, that is right, snow skiing in Alabama.
Brianna did very well for her first try. She had no fear at all and seemed to be truely enjoying it the few times she got a little slope action.
Jordan did very well also. He thinks he is no longer a beginner. I told him he should probably take at least one more lesson. He needs to learn how to turn.
Props to the ski instructors. They were very good with the kids. And the adults.
Ginger and I had a very limited amount of ski time due to helping the kids. We probably should have stayed longer, but Jordan and I were hungry (and I was tired).
Only one of the two slopes were open but it was more than sufficient for the number of people there.
The only real drawback to the place was the lift. The lift is simply a tow rope. Not too bad for the first 30 yards but as the slope gets steeper, the tow rope begins to lose its novelty.
The top of the slope is a little bit steeper than most beginners want to see, but then you don't have to go all the way to the top. While we were their today, most of the skiers were novices. Many of them were coming down the hill as fast as possible and then wiping out to stop. Crazy and dangerous.
Would I go back? Yes. If you go, get there early if you don't have your own equipement. They have a limited number of skis.
Thirty Seven
Yesterday was my birthday.
We did everything we planned and then sum. The additional adventure was a trip to the Chattanooga Model Rail Road museum. (Jordan is now correcting my spelling mistakes.) I would love to build another model railroad layout right now but I don't think I could handle another obsession at this point. Model railroading is a winter sport though.
Last night as we were walking back from dinner, Brianna said "Jordan, I have a question for you. What is a nooga?" That one just never gets old. We have been chatting about it all weekend.
Yesterday was my birthday.
We did everything we planned and then sum. The additional adventure was a trip to the Chattanooga Model Rail Road museum. (Jordan is now correcting my spelling mistakes.) I would love to build another model railroad layout right now but I don't think I could handle another obsession at this point. Model railroading is a winter sport though.
Last night as we were walking back from dinner, Brianna said "Jordan, I have a question for you. What is a nooga?" That one just never gets old. We have been chatting about it all weekend.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Talking about Noogas
Today we spent quite a bit of time talking about Noogas. What exactly is a Nooga? We still don't know.
We got the heck out of Dodge for a long weekend. We are currently in Chatanooga, TN.
We have a lot planned for tomorrow. The Tennessee Aquarium, the IMAX, and something else that I have forgotten. Check back in twenty minutes, maybe I will have remembed by then.
Tonight we had dinner at a BBQ rib placed called Sticky Fingers. It was pretty good for a chain. The restaurant was just a couple of blocks from our hotel so we walked.
Twenty Minutes Is Up
And the answer is The Childrens Musuem.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
1 = 2
1 = 2
Assuming:
a = b
Then:
a * a = a * b
a^2 = ab
a^2 + a^2 = ab + a^2
2a^2 = ab + a^2
2a^2 - 2ab = ab + a^2 - 2ab
2a^2 - 2ab = a^2 - ab
2(a^2 - ab) = 1(a^2 - ab)
2 = 1
Assuming:
a = b
Then:
a * a = a * b
a^2 = ab
a^2 + a^2 = ab + a^2
2a^2 = ab + a^2
2a^2 - 2ab = ab + a^2 - 2ab
2a^2 - 2ab = a^2 - ab
2(a^2 - ab) = 1(a^2 - ab)
2 = 1
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Fast and Furious
Tonight we watched the fast and the furious. I now understand now why there are so many hopped up rice burners driving around. I guess I need to get the Miata a turbo or a bottle of NOS, a big spoiler, and some thumpin' bass.
Or maybe I should just look into the local autocross scene.
This afternoon during the snow flurries I went for a little ride in the Miata. The snow was lite enough I didn't bother to put the top down. Maybe next time.
And tomorrow the brain synapses start firing again.
Tonight we watched the fast and the furious. I now understand now why there are so many hopped up rice burners driving around. I guess I need to get the Miata a turbo or a bottle of NOS, a big spoiler, and some thumpin' bass.
Or maybe I should just look into the local autocross scene.
This afternoon during the snow flurries I went for a little ride in the Miata. The snow was lite enough I didn't bother to put the top down. Maybe next time.
And tomorrow the brain synapses start firing again.
Friday, February 10, 2006
No work today
Nice! I managed to get absolutely nothing done. Nothing. Nada, Zip. Zero.
We have the Formula 1 slot cars out again. Zoooooom. The kids are even letting me play.
This week I Googled a friend from high school. I managed to find an email address for him (Tim H.). It is amazing what information is available via Google.
No Truck Progress Still
It has probably been about 5 weeks since I made any progress on the truck. The forecast for tomorrow is mid 30's, flurries in the afternoon. That does not sound condusive to sanding the frame in the driveway does it?
37
My birthday is next week. Last year was the big THREE-SIX. I realize that doesn't sound bad but you must realize two things: 1) 36 is within 10% of 40, and 2) as much life as transpired since graduating high school as before. The idea of 37 doesn't seem to be bringing any pain with it. We will see.
Nice! I managed to get absolutely nothing done. Nothing. Nada, Zip. Zero.
We have the Formula 1 slot cars out again. Zoooooom. The kids are even letting me play.
This week I Googled a friend from high school. I managed to find an email address for him (Tim H.). It is amazing what information is available via Google.
No Truck Progress Still
It has probably been about 5 weeks since I made any progress on the truck. The forecast for tomorrow is mid 30's, flurries in the afternoon. That does not sound condusive to sanding the frame in the driveway does it?
37
My birthday is next week. Last year was the big THREE-SIX. I realize that doesn't sound bad but you must realize two things: 1) 36 is within 10% of 40, and 2) as much life as transpired since graduating high school as before. The idea of 37 doesn't seem to be bringing any pain with it. We will see.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
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