Same Update, Different Day (or month, maybe)
2007-10-19 11:19:38

So, the house...

The exterior is complete, more or less -- in so much as I'm not worried about the weather anymore. New insulation, windows, siding, trim, gutters and paint are all done. The new porch, et. al., looks fab.

On to some interior projects.

I gutted the kitchen last week -- down to the studs. I've got permits, the new plumbing is in and the electrical is nearly complete. Still a long way to go, but it looks like I've been doing something.

Some pictures here.

Pretty much all other projects are on hold until the remodeling is done. I may take the time to clear out the garbage dump I call my office, however. Since it's in the basement, right below the kitchen, all that stuff is constantly in the way, and the construction dust wafting down from above is only adding to the mess.

A Quick Update
2007-09-17 11:32:18

A quick update.

The house remodel is consuming every waking moment. Not a complaint, actually. It's nice to seen various phases complete.

Been working on the house, and not training for a marathon, so the marathon is off -- for now. I'll pick another, perhaps one for the spring.

I've been building a 3-axis CNC Router on-and-off for a while. I mean -- in little ten minute intervals over about six months. I've got it running programs now. Making virtual things into real things is super cool.

Looks like I'll be going to Oracle OpenWorld in November. I have to admit, I've been letting my pro-tech get a little stale. I'd better get around to installing 11g.

Just finished up a long slog of fixing broken stuff at work. Now onto making new things; I definitely prefer making new things over fixing broken stuff.

I'll dole out details later... maybe.

Corkscrews & Barrel Rolls
2007-05-04 11:31:46

We enjoyed wine, cheese and chocolates Saturday evening at The Museum of Flight. Held in the Red Barn and Personal Courage Wing, quite a number of vintners offered tastes.

Honestly, I recognized not a single label. I'm not so astute with wines, and while a few were quite good, many I did not care for at all.

Not to diminish my experience, I do always enjoy a visit to the museum -- these special events offer a sort of semi-exclusive access. Entrusted with a beverage and tasty snack, one can choose their own pace with the exhibits, minus having to endure the noise and crush of an inconsiderate public. A treat, indeed!

The Water Main Saga
2007-04-09 11:31:06

On Thursday afternoon I found a notice from the local water company on my door suggesting I look for a leak. They’d taken a reading from my meter and found it was unusually high, and despite no one being home, the little dials continued to spin.

I went into the basement, turned the main water valve to the house off and went out to the meter to have a look -- it was still turning. This meant a leak in the line between the meter and the house, somewhere under the lawn. I turned the water off at the meter.

Friday morning, I call the water company and they had a bit of a laugh at my expense. That’s a pun, by the way -- my water bill for the previous month was twice that of the month before and I hadn’t notice, obliviously paying the bill.

I left the office early on Friday and started to dig -- it did not take long to find the leak.

Long story short, from this point -- I spent the rest of the day and most of Saturday installing a new 3 / 4 inch copper main to replace the rusted galvanized steel line.

Some things you take for granted. It’s nice to be able to flush!

Sting and The Police
2007-03-16 15:52:43

I scored tickets to see The Police in concert.

After the first Seattle show sold out in some 10 seconds (literally, 10 seconds), I managed to get tickets to see them at their second show in Vancouver, BC. But when a second show was added in Seattle, I made another play for tickets closer to home – and did very well for myself.

Row 22, not-to-shabby.

I can’t say I’m a huge fan of any musical group, but going out of my way to buy tickets at two different venues has got to say something. Hopefully I’ll be able to unload the Canadian tickets on eBay or something.

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