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I am amazed at how long it has been since I put pen to paper. My computer has developed some bad habits, like refusing to download photos from my camera and opening superfluous programs even when asked not to. The "Preferences" panel is now empty, and the "Time Machine" backup function has become inoperable. So, figuring it was about time, I purchased a "refurbished"computer. But, due to my inability to understand "computerese," I ended up with something I didn't really want. I thought I was purchasing a computer manufactured in 2017, but instead got an operating system written in 2017 and a computer built in 2011. Upon re-reading the specifications, I received exactly what I ordered so the only person I have to blame is myself. My old computer was built in 2007 so the new one is a bit of an upgrade, just not what I intended. The new computer seems to work well, with the exception that the Adobe suite of programs became non-functional upon being transferred. I have become somewhat enamored with "Photoshop," and even considered purchasing it, only to discover that the program is no longer for sale. Instead, it can be leased for a paltry $20 per month. I perused the internet and found several free image manipulating software packages that will do 90% of what Photoshop does. Since I probably use less than 10% of Photoshop's functions, one of these should serve my needs, and I plan to select one for download (after I get through pouting). Another option that would allow me to keep Photoshop is to replace the malfunctioning system on my old computer with one that works. Towards that end, I purchased a OS X 10.10 System Repair Install/Reinstall DVD. Contained in the instructions is the following: "DVD has been verified working. If it keeps ejecting, clean or replace DVD drive." Murphy's Law is still in force, and my DVD drive is convinced this repair DVD is not readable, even after repeated cleanings. I just keeps ejecting... Never mind the fact that I have other DVD discs that work as intended in the DVD drive. I strongly doubt that computers and I will ever be close friends. |
AJ and Britteny hosted aa a holiday dinner back in December. Here are some random images from that event.
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Entertainment included what some referred to as a "White Elephant Style" gift exchange.
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It wasn't at all like what I thought was meant by "White Elephant" but I am far from being an expert (or even conversant) in parties and gift giving.
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The gifts to be exchanged were all hand made.
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I was impressed by both the craftsmanship and the originality of the projects...
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...and it was obvious that signifiant effort was expended in their manufacture.
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| I suspect that some of the older members of the younger set were wishing they could have been included. |
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| On the trip home, the switch on the passenger side rear door (that indicates that the door is not secure) malfunctioned. After listening to the melodious (or perhaps better characterized as malodoius) alarm for a mile or so we decided that traveling to that refrain was not an option. Fortunately a small scrap of cardboard provided a temporary fix and rendered the trip home unremarkable. |
| Karren and I decided to brave the inclement weather (forecast and real) to attend the festivities appertaining to Zeke graduating (with a masters degree in Engineering and Technology Management) from Oklahoma State University. Impressive. |
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| All cross country trips are unique, with their memorable moments. One of the highlights of this one was watching Karren's reaction to unmanned toll booths that require exact change (no bills accepted). The first toll booth we traversed with few problems, but the second was cause for consternation and for the next half hour I got to listen to a treatise on how toll roads should be constructed and managed. This from a person with a single pay-to-drive experience. On the one hand, I would never said anything to animate that kind of a conversation, but on the other hand, I didn't need to. It was enlightening. It seems that every day Karren looks more like Mother and acts more like Daddy. |
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| The older grandkids of this household haven't changed much from the way I remember them-- just as full of mischief as ever. |
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I don't remember this scene, but any person who has raised children can easily fill in the blanks.
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Alex seemed to be doing quite well while we were there.
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In spite of the inclement weather, we did a little sight seeing...
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...and just a little teasing. In all, it was a good trip.
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Barbara has been unhappy with the cement steps leading from the hall down into the room where the TV has it's habitation. Even I have to admit they do look a bit worn.
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So, she talked AJ and Nathen into effecting a repair. Determining the "how to" was more difficult than it at first seemed. It isn't obvious if the step is part of the foundation, or part of the floor, or independent of both. Those facts influence how you might go about removing the step.
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In the end it was decided to use a super-strong cement based repair compound that AJ knew of.
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In the end, the repair looked really good but only time will tell how well it lasts.
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Karren's weather vain is a work of art. Unfortunately, the original supporting mechanics of the design were, to put it kindly, inadequate. It failed once (i.e. the vain ceased to move) and she had the shop that made it originally, redo it. When it failed a second time, I volunteered to "make it work." My mechanical designs are rarely pretty, but they are usually functional. This one might be an exceptions. My final design would have outlasted your grandchildren, but the combination of attempting to use salvaged bearings coupled with an artificially imposed completion deadline forced me to revert to something simpler but much less robust. Still, the rotating vane rests on a three-quarter steel shaft that runs the entire length down to the support on the house, instead of a half-inch brass shaft that was threaded into a hollow brass block. Although it is not what I wanted, that design should easily outlast Karren, and after her demise, who can tell what will become of it...
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