My mother in law died of Alzheimer's this year. Before all that started I think it would have been fair to say she was a difficult giftee. I can't think of a single gift I got her, not that I've been the best gift giver either. I'm sure I got her something vague, like chocolate … Continue reading Simple gifts
The Tower: Fear (part 1)
This is the first entry in this series, the prologue explaining this project can be found here. Sitting in a cafe, paying attention to your own world, it’s hard to see all the things that make people different. As Suzanne looked around at other people she wondered who else was on a date, who was … Continue reading The Tower: Fear (part 1)
The Tower: Secrets (Prologue)
When I was a little kid I saw someone who could bend their thumb all the way backward, “double jointed” and it seemed like an amazing trick. I realized I could slowly stretch the tendon in my thumb by repeatedly working on it, and it wasn’t very long before I could do this parlor trick … Continue reading The Tower: Secrets (Prologue)
Covid Runnings
I never see people speak practically about the things we can do to increase our odds with this virus on the loose. Masks are cool, but we can do more! We know more things about this virus, and luckily all these things will have generally good improvements on health, regardless of what happens. So even … Continue reading Covid Runnings
Pruno
I visited this startup cidery recently, and seeing how they were making their stuff made me realize how little I know about winemaking. Grapes and yeast, somehow, right? Someone gave us the equipment from a home kit, and I dug it out of the basement to see if I could have any part in this … Continue reading Pruno
30 inch iron pipe -3/4 inch diameter (threaded)
Greatest versatility of uses per dollar of any item you can buy is a length of threaded pipe from the plumbing section. Get 'em while they last! The advent of pex has presaged the downfall of this staple in our midst. For now, it is cheap. When I am old and grey I would expect … Continue reading 30 inch iron pipe -3/4 inch diameter (threaded)
We Three Kings
Apparently "we three kings" is by Anne Murray (wikipedia says she's alive). Pretty modern jam. I've had some holiday beers so I'm trying to come up with some "bad" lyrics while listening to the wife practice this one. I got in trouble in my old church choir because I accidentally sang "serpent king" instead of … Continue reading We Three Kings
Advice and Ice
Here's a pic of the wedding present I made for my eldest niece. This is a shaker-style coffee table made from reclaimed cherry and oak, finished with linseed oil and clear shellac. I used a 75/25 for the final shellac/mineral oil application and it worked great. My jig-making failed along the way and I was … Continue reading Advice and Ice
PSA: Is it Appendicitis?
Probably. But we'll get to that. There's a lot of context to this story first. About a year ago I put writing on the back burner. People still ask me about certain projects, and there's one in particular that I keep as a "weekend" diversion. This project has a lot of associated research, and that's … Continue reading PSA: Is it Appendicitis?
The Best Keyboard
The best keyboard is a generic slim "Business" keyboard made by HP. Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BQ8S45M Selling for less than 20$ Wait, what? My choice in keyboard up until now has been less than scientific. Working in far flung customer sites and on my own code and various stories and novels, I've poured more hours into more types … Continue reading The Best Keyboard