7 March, 2009 -- Protection

Pruned my blackberry bushes this afternoon. The plastic snake
is supposed to keep birds out of the bushes. Doesn't work.


Friend came by and showed this window decal.
I figured I could make us one, or two, or some.

I've been watching this barn for several years, and decided it's about time to get it before it goes away.

5 March, 2009 -- Spring!

Crocus blossoms... and the grass is starting to green up.
Also, daylight savings time starts this weekend.

Tom motored by the airport on his Harley. We solved the
world's problems!

4 March, 2009 -- Late comer

He couldn't really decide which runway to use,
went around three times, finally landed for fuel just at sunset.
Good wind tonight, on the ground and up there.

3 March, 2009 -- Reunion

No, we're not being hauled in by the patrol!
ReNee is the Highway Patrol Driver Tester.
ReNee, Sandy and I worked together YEARS ago at the News-Journal.
Sandy still does. Flying isn't really work, so I guess I don't work at all.
It was great to get together for lunch!


Lance headed back to Michigan... after vacation in Mexico.
Such a shock to return to the cold and snow, and back to work.

2 Mar., 2009 -- There might be a test later...

Battery will not hold a charge any more. Can we salvage the flashlight?
Remove 4 screws & cover.
See that yellow battery? Pry off the hot melt glue and gently pry
the soldered contacts on top and bottom of battery, with mighty Swiss Army knife.
The metal contact stays attached
to the circuit board, and gets bent somewhat. That's desirable.
CR 2032 battery, for you nerds,
is the same as the cmos battery in computers. Available anywhere for a few bucks.
Substituted CR 2016, just
3 volts instead of 3.6 volts. (Remember, this is an experiment! I didn't open my computer
case to salvage a 2032)
This is foam rubber padding
to put pressure on the battery and the flashlight cover. In the final iteration,
I will use hot melt glue to secure it all together and remove the padding.
Eureka! it works on 3 volts,
not full power, because it's a used battery to begin with.

So, crank the handle, and it gets very bright. Doesn't stay bright
unless I crank it. But at least it ain't in the trash bin!


Yesterday's snowman...

Today....
Sorry, Snoopy, ya didn't peddle fast enough.

Now for the test... did the sun shine today?

1 March, 2009 -- Snoopy flies today

Well, Snoopy tries to fly today!
Off we gooooooo!
I think I can...
I.. think.. I.. can ...
I.... think.... I.... can .......
Well, I thought I can....
Now, that's better!

Built another snowman! Fancy, eh? Green jelly bean eyes, licorice buttons,
fresh green holly fingers..... (a little hippy, though. The snow was still dry)
And dig that hat! Heavy, dude!


Oooooh, hhhellllllp meeee! I'm mmmellllllllttttting!

Peddle, Snoopy, PEDDLE!!!

Curves




Look closely, there's a BEAR out there!


And the car was frozen to the ground.