Ok, I don't have a lot of regular readers. Well, that's fine. I do have a problem with the name of my blog - we no longer have anything to do with Tampa Bay. I mean I may visit there but it certainly won't be the centerpiece. SO, what do I do?
DI'm thinking something like Pahrumpstuff.blogspot.com might be right; or maybe Desertrat.blogspot.com or ????. I really haven't looked to see what names are available. What do you think? Certainly Tampabaydtuff is gone after a few more posts. Your input will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Don
Saturday, June 08, 2013
Nuttin' much
Life just keeps heating up around here; the WeatherChannel has us at 111F (43.8C) this evening (20:00). No matter, we baked French Fries (chips to you Brits) and boiled breaded catfish in oil for dinner. Can't imagine life without a/c around here. It is quite dry though so people do use swamp-coolers which are much less expensive to buy or to run. When it is humid they don't work for f*(k but around here that is a week a year. It is certainly a tradeoff I would make if I needed to save the money. When I lived in Army housing in El Paso in the early 1970's, we had a swamp-cooler. It worked just fine. Went out for our walk yesterday a.m. at 05:30 - mostly because we were both awake but I 'm just saying! It's nicer when it is cool.
Number One Daughter came over to participate in the fish fry; we haven't done that in 25 years or so. Wife and daughter did all the fish frying but there was plenty for me to do getting all the odd stuff done. Funny how fast the time flies. We probably haven't a fish fry since we lived in Orlando back in the mid 1980's. Earlier this week I found some photos I haven't copied to the computer; they are pretty new, only 20 years old! Did I mention I had to rip them out of the photo album. What crap, these albums won't even make it 20 years without tearing apart. Hmmmm, maybe I'm being a bit tough on them. What do you think?
Number One Daughter works for a company who makes little steel parts that are used in concrete manufacture. For example, when a concrete wall is pre-molded that is 40' long by 15' high (12.3m x 4.5m and probably 25 cm deep) they mold into the concrete a couple pieces of steel used to lift the wall onto a truck and then into place. Some of her customers get all out of shape because these little pieces aren't made in the USA. I find this rather odd since they are complaining about little $5 pieces that are used twice; once to move the piece off the mold and once to put it into place. I understand that I'd like more manufacturing in the U.S. but I'd rather the bits being made here being the more important ones. For example, having the truck made here is nice. I like to think that our standards (maybe not the worlds best but our own, BTW) are being observed. I'm not saying the Chinese made pieces aren't up to our standards but at least some local folks are being employed making them. It's a tough question not made any easier by my belief in international trade being a keystone to success in this world.
Just to end on a humorous note: our local county council recently debated a rule that if the federal governemt ever enacted a law making ownership of firearms by civilians unlawful then the sheriff of the county was to stop them at the county line and tell them to go away on the basis that it was unconstitutional! Jeez, are you kidding me??? Let's not even discuss firepower! It's up to the courts to decide constutionality! But apparently none of our elected representitives know that. Happily the city District Attorney was around to point out their rule was beyond stupid. Thank goodness for small favors!
Hava a gooe one. Thanks for stopping buy!
Number One Daughter came over to participate in the fish fry; we haven't done that in 25 years or so. Wife and daughter did all the fish frying but there was plenty for me to do getting all the odd stuff done. Funny how fast the time flies. We probably haven't a fish fry since we lived in Orlando back in the mid 1980's. Earlier this week I found some photos I haven't copied to the computer; they are pretty new, only 20 years old! Did I mention I had to rip them out of the photo album. What crap, these albums won't even make it 20 years without tearing apart. Hmmmm, maybe I'm being a bit tough on them. What do you think?
Number One Daughter works for a company who makes little steel parts that are used in concrete manufacture. For example, when a concrete wall is pre-molded that is 40' long by 15' high (12.3m x 4.5m and probably 25 cm deep) they mold into the concrete a couple pieces of steel used to lift the wall onto a truck and then into place. Some of her customers get all out of shape because these little pieces aren't made in the USA. I find this rather odd since they are complaining about little $5 pieces that are used twice; once to move the piece off the mold and once to put it into place. I understand that I'd like more manufacturing in the U.S. but I'd rather the bits being made here being the more important ones. For example, having the truck made here is nice. I like to think that our standards (maybe not the worlds best but our own, BTW) are being observed. I'm not saying the Chinese made pieces aren't up to our standards but at least some local folks are being employed making them. It's a tough question not made any easier by my belief in international trade being a keystone to success in this world.
Just to end on a humorous note: our local county council recently debated a rule that if the federal governemt ever enacted a law making ownership of firearms by civilians unlawful then the sheriff of the county was to stop them at the county line and tell them to go away on the basis that it was unconstitutional! Jeez, are you kidding me??? Let's not even discuss firepower! It's up to the courts to decide constutionality! But apparently none of our elected representitives know that. Happily the city District Attorney was around to point out their rule was beyond stupid. Thank goodness for small favors!
Hava a gooe one. Thanks for stopping buy!
Saturday, June 01, 2013
Update, nah! Why bother....
My life has been really dull lately so updating the blog is an exercise in 'what did I do'? We did go into Las Vegas last week but it was just an errand run. Didn't do anything exciting at all.
My wife did cook a lovely chicken with garlic recipe. It was one where you saute the chicken then add whole, unpeeled garlic cloves then put the whole thing into the oven for 15 or 20 minutes. When it comes out you add a little flour and make a sort of gravy. It turned out really well and I'm sure we'll be making it again; served it with whole wheat noodles. It was the first time we'd tried whole wheat noodles and they were just fine; another thing we will use in the future. I went into the kitchen just before the pan was to come out of the oven and saw that metal handle in the oven so grabbed a mitt and put it on the door of the oven to remind my wife that it would be hot. She just laughed at my over-cautious nature. She got it out ok and started in on the gravy. Sure as the devil, she forgot about the handle and burned herself. Grrr! Idiot! Happily soaking her hand in lots of ice water for the rest of the evening took care of her burn.
We are getting into triple digits these days (38C) so we walk early; we were out by 06:30 this a.m. After our walk we get to spend some quality time pulling weeds in the yard. We each do a trash bag full then declare the work day over; at least the yard work portion! Retiring to the porch to drink coffee and watch the birds fight at the feeder is lots more fun when you are feeling virtuous from the work and the exercise.
For some excitement, we stopped by the local office for Humana Health Care. Our health insurance has always been part of my wife's retirement benefit. We pay for the insurance but supposedly it is at a cheaper group rate. Anyway, I'm turning 65 later this year and will be Medicare eligible. That should be interesting. The Medicare will be handled by the government but then you have to figure out what additional coverage you want. That is where the fun part begins. There is an Advantage program that you can buy that has increased benefits and a drug plan; there are suppliments that offer different options; and there is a stand-alone drug plan. Oh boy, it makes your head hurt just reading all this BS. These plans are all just a bit different and, of course, Humana is only one of the companies you can do business with so each company will have it's own little twists. What the hell, it's only money. Once you sign up, you are stuck for a year. You can change things around only in the fall of the year. Who knows how they come up with these things. I was afraid to ask if Obamacare was going to impact any of this; I kind of doubt it but I know nothing!
Anyway, there you go, life in the fast lane. Thanks for visiting. Have a good one.
My wife did cook a lovely chicken with garlic recipe. It was one where you saute the chicken then add whole, unpeeled garlic cloves then put the whole thing into the oven for 15 or 20 minutes. When it comes out you add a little flour and make a sort of gravy. It turned out really well and I'm sure we'll be making it again; served it with whole wheat noodles. It was the first time we'd tried whole wheat noodles and they were just fine; another thing we will use in the future. I went into the kitchen just before the pan was to come out of the oven and saw that metal handle in the oven so grabbed a mitt and put it on the door of the oven to remind my wife that it would be hot. She just laughed at my over-cautious nature. She got it out ok and started in on the gravy. Sure as the devil, she forgot about the handle and burned herself. Grrr! Idiot! Happily soaking her hand in lots of ice water for the rest of the evening took care of her burn.
We are getting into triple digits these days (38C) so we walk early; we were out by 06:30 this a.m. After our walk we get to spend some quality time pulling weeds in the yard. We each do a trash bag full then declare the work day over; at least the yard work portion! Retiring to the porch to drink coffee and watch the birds fight at the feeder is lots more fun when you are feeling virtuous from the work and the exercise.
For some excitement, we stopped by the local office for Humana Health Care. Our health insurance has always been part of my wife's retirement benefit. We pay for the insurance but supposedly it is at a cheaper group rate. Anyway, I'm turning 65 later this year and will be Medicare eligible. That should be interesting. The Medicare will be handled by the government but then you have to figure out what additional coverage you want. That is where the fun part begins. There is an Advantage program that you can buy that has increased benefits and a drug plan; there are suppliments that offer different options; and there is a stand-alone drug plan. Oh boy, it makes your head hurt just reading all this BS. These plans are all just a bit different and, of course, Humana is only one of the companies you can do business with so each company will have it's own little twists. What the hell, it's only money. Once you sign up, you are stuck for a year. You can change things around only in the fall of the year. Who knows how they come up with these things. I was afraid to ask if Obamacare was going to impact any of this; I kind of doubt it but I know nothing!
Anyway, there you go, life in the fast lane. Thanks for visiting. Have a good one.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Happy Memorial Day
Remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom.
And not just at home; Luxembourg for example.
Have a good one.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Another Vegas trip
Wandered into Vegas yesterday to help Number One Daughter buy a new tablet computer. We don't know anything about them but we do know enough to ask a few questions: like, will this run X software. Actually I skipped out on the computer shopping to do other stuff. I just had to make a run over to Harbor Freight for a couple things. I know most of their stuff is crap but some things work out ok even if they are somewhat shoddy. In this case I was looking for 24" wood clamps; they are $5 each at Harbor, $35 each at Home Depot. If I were an actual woodworker I'd need the good ones. In this case I'm going to use these things once and maybe again if 5 or 10 years if I'm lucky. I just can't afford having an extra $60 sitting in the garage until I die! We have a table with a minor crack that I need to glue and clamp. I can't imagine the next time I'll need a clamp this big but at least we'll get the table back to where it doesn't snag the table cloth!
High point of the day for me was getting to see one of the cars Google uses for all those photos they have in Google Earth and Vpike.com. It was a little Ford, I think, with this 3 foot (1m) pole coming out of the top of the roof with a ball of cameras on top that looked like a demented soccer ball. Honestly, it had about that many lenses! How do I know it was Google's car; well, it had a big sign on the side. You can't fool me with tricks like that. I was way too slow to get a photo though.
I had lunch at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The cheeseburger was pretty good; a bit greasy and the fries were quite good, better than most for sure. My big problem isn't the $6 for the burger but thought the fries and coke were somewhat overpriced. Also between the hard surfaces, the loud music and the customers talking, you couldn't hear yourself think. Much less hear when the guy behind the counter called your number to hand over your order. Will I return? Meh, don't know but I kind of doubt it.
Got back to rejoin the ladies for a beer while they ate their late lunch. Daughter bought the MS Surface. In her business she uses a lot of MS products and this thing will run them. Kind of expensive at $1100 not including the keyboard that they have backordered but if it does the job she will be all set up. At least until the 'next thing' comes along.
Gotta go. It's feeding time at the zoo and I'm getting in line. Have a good one.
High point of the day for me was getting to see one of the cars Google uses for all those photos they have in Google Earth and Vpike.com. It was a little Ford, I think, with this 3 foot (1m) pole coming out of the top of the roof with a ball of cameras on top that looked like a demented soccer ball. Honestly, it had about that many lenses! How do I know it was Google's car; well, it had a big sign on the side. You can't fool me with tricks like that. I was way too slow to get a photo though.
I had lunch at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. The cheeseburger was pretty good; a bit greasy and the fries were quite good, better than most for sure. My big problem isn't the $6 for the burger but thought the fries and coke were somewhat overpriced. Also between the hard surfaces, the loud music and the customers talking, you couldn't hear yourself think. Much less hear when the guy behind the counter called your number to hand over your order. Will I return? Meh, don't know but I kind of doubt it.
Got back to rejoin the ladies for a beer while they ate their late lunch. Daughter bought the MS Surface. In her business she uses a lot of MS products and this thing will run them. Kind of expensive at $1100 not including the keyboard that they have backordered but if it does the job she will be all set up. At least until the 'next thing' comes along.
Gotta go. It's feeding time at the zoo and I'm getting in line. Have a good one.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Wow!
The news this morning is filled with images of the terrible destruction from the tornado in Moore, OK. What can one say? Just in case anyone thought people were in control in this world; think again! Our thoughts go out to all those effected.
I thought you deserved a photo of the terribly insulted cat after mentioning his lion cut. Here we go!
Let's be clear; he is almost 18 years old and has trouble cleaning himself. His fur is really long and gets tangles. This cut really helps him out; without it he gets hairballs and throws up even with hairball medication. He is really much more comfortable with his haircut.
We sat outside last night. It was quite cool; say the low 70's (22C), which was a nice change from the day! We enjoyed watching planes criss-cross the sky. Gee, I'm going to be getting on a plane next month for the first time in a decade. Cool.
Now if the damned thing just works the way it is supposed to! Have a good one.
I thought you deserved a photo of the terribly insulted cat after mentioning his lion cut. Here we go!
We sat outside last night. It was quite cool; say the low 70's (22C), which was a nice change from the day! We enjoyed watching planes criss-cross the sky. Gee, I'm going to be getting on a plane next month for the first time in a decade. Cool.
Now if the damned thing just works the way it is supposed to! Have a good one.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Sharing videos....
No, I'm not going to inflict any of my own videos on you. That would be rude. However I have come across a couple of YouTube vids that I thought were pretty cool. For example here are some kids making beautiful music with instruments you can hardly believe. It's entitled "Landfillharmonic".
This shows people doing fantastic things all over the world. Makes my life look pretty dull I must admit.
We have officially switched over to the early summer walking schedule - getting out by 07:00 is working for now but later in the year we'll be moving it back a bit more. Walking when it's 90F (32C) or greater isn't all that much fun! Otherwise there isn't a lot happening chez us.
Gotta go. We are getting the cat his 'lion cut' today and have to go pick him up. He should be pretty insulted for a day or two. Have a good one.
This shows people doing fantastic things all over the world. Makes my life look pretty dull I must admit.
We have officially switched over to the early summer walking schedule - getting out by 07:00 is working for now but later in the year we'll be moving it back a bit more. Walking when it's 90F (32C) or greater isn't all that much fun! Otherwise there isn't a lot happening chez us.
Gotta go. We are getting the cat his 'lion cut' today and have to go pick him up. He should be pretty insulted for a day or two. Have a good one.
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Death Valley
We live about 60 miles (100km) from Death Valley but don’t really go
there very often. It is too hot in the
summer and too cold in the winter; some people are never happy. Still, it is a fascinating place and we
decided to take a spur-of-the-moment trip over there last Sunday. It was overcast and windy but it was only
about 85F (29C) so we figured we could manage it.
It wasn’t a good day or time for photos but I have a couple to share.
It is kind of an interesting trip. Pahrump is at 2,600 feet (790m), going west we crest the hills at about
2,800 feet (850m) then drop down to about 1,400 feet (425m) then back up to about 3,000 feet (900m)
before starting the descent into Death Valley.
It isn’t a steep descent but it does go down quite a ways!
We checked in at the Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center. It was renovated recently and we hadn’t
been. They did a nice job mostly making
the building much more energy efficient that it had been. Then we went on a couple little trails; to see
a couple of the attractions. We've been to some of the better know spots like Zabriskie Point, Badwater and Artist's Palette before so we went to lesser known ones this time. The first
was the old Borax Works. The mine isn’t
shown but they have part of the machinery for melting down the ore and a few
wagons that were used to transport the borax.
It must have been quite a deal.
They had Chinese workers who were paid something like $1.50 a day – this
was in the 1880’s so it wouldn’t be TOO much like slave labor but then they had
to buy food from ‘the company store’.
I’m sure that wasn’t much of a bargain.
Happily for the workers, borax couldn’t be processed when it was over
120F so they got the hottest part of the summer off.
After that we went on a little walk along Salt Creek. Yes, we have creeks in the desert. This one is pretty fragile so the park
service built a boardwalk along the creek.
You can see pupfish swimming in the creek. These are cousins to the ones at Ash Meadows. The ones at Ash Meadows are considered
endangered and nearing extinction.
These guys have managed to adapt to the salty water of the creek and are
actually doing just fine. Trying to get
a photo of them didn’t work; the wind was rippling the water. Besides, they are tiny, only an inch or so long (2.5cm).
This is the view north from the Borax processing area. Not too scenic, huh?
Just to show you what our GPS thought of Death Valley: we were in the parking lot at Salt Creek and elevation is -227 ft (-69m). You will also note the absence of roads however when we got back on the road the GPS was back to knowing where we were.
We ended our stay by driving through Twenty Mule Team Canyon; a narrow and twisty one-way road through huge mounds. It was really interesting but totally un-photographable.
So that was our Sunday drive; we left about 10:00 and got home about 16:00. It was really a great day. Hope you have a good one.
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