Calmer Half and I have a housemate who is a good friend and confirmed bachelor. Like many bachelors, he's perfectly happy to go reload .44 special and 20 gauge and many other different things, and leave the cooking to us. I really like cooking - I like the challenge, the blend of art and science, history, economics, and tasty delicious reward when it goes on the table. Unfortunately, that means if I cook every day, the leftovers in the fridge and freezer threaten to take over the available space and possibly go bad.
Fortunately, I have another bachelor friend, only a few miles away, who's often focused more on his projects and work than on food. Cooking at his house is often akin to a game - given these random ingredients, these random cooking utensils and pans, and a very interested black cat that will try to steal whatever he thinks is most delicious, what dish can I create? It's a game that requires skill, dexterity, creativity, internet access to search for recipes and substitutions, and situational awareness. (Did I just shut Gremlin in a cupboard?)
Of course, I cheat - I sometimes go grocery shopping with him, or for him, so staples are usually present, and the spices are fairly diverse. Still, there's no telling what I might get up to, from cinnamon-raisin bread from scratch to poached orange roughy with tomatoes and onions in a garlic-mustard sauce on lemon-flavored rice. I like feeding healthy food to him. The best outcome is to come up with a meal that is healthy, tasty, and with at least three extra portions that freeze well.
Today I poked my head in the fridge, saw a half-pack of sad-looking mushrooms, and in the freezer saw a half-bag of shrimp. I should be thinking Scampi, or similar - but for no good reason, the brain is stuck on one of those lots-of-work-for-little-reward dishes... shrimp-stuffed mushrooms!
When asked, yes, I'm up to chaos and mayhem in the kitchen - but it's not murder and mayhem, as the shrimp are already dead. And I'm not quite annoyed enough at furball to cook him into a sauce. Yet. Mayb... Get Out Of That!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
There's newer, and then there's better.
Via Adaptive Curmudgeon, I've just found 365 Days of A - a gentleman who is driving a 1930 Model A Ford as his daily commuter for a year. Quite fun!
Adaptive Curmudgeon has a series himself on working with older technology - specifically, heating his house with wood for a year between the old furnace's death and getting it replaced. Parts: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven.
I have a little knowledge in the same vein, having restored my pre-WWII airplane and having my heart set on 1930's-1950's rag and tube aircraft.
The older machines and ways we keep running are not terrible things that should be abandoned at the first sign of progress - and they can be downright fun! For the negatives, they involve more work, from stacking firewood to soldering a gas tank leak to cutting open every filter at an oil change to inspect the engine health. They involve more care, from making sure the fire is banked each night to inspecting the machine before and after every use. They take more time, and greater knowledge of the thing that you are using.
On the other hand, they teach you a lot more, and by slowing you down, and let you appreciate what you have as you think about what you get for how you work. They also can handle things surprisingly well compared to modern machines, with greater redundancy. When something goes wrong on a system I know well, I can diagnose the problem, take corrective action, or fix it - if my modern computer-controlled econo-car decided to have things go wrong, there are very few fixes I can diagnose, much less do. And then there's the unquantifiable, but very real grin that comes of flying something with the windows open, or doors off, low enough to hear the sound of the creek burbling over the rocks and the laughter of children, smelling the camp smoke and the freshly grilled fish, and waving the wings back at the children as they squeal with glee and wave with both arms as they see you overhead. You can't get that at 35,000 feet and 240 knots. The feeling of work well done, of sitting in a warm house that you split the wood to heat, of flying a plane you restored, of driving a car you just changed the oil and fixed the bumper on, or eating a dish with vegetables you grew, or chowder made with milk you got out of the goat that morning... This is something a credit card cannot buy.
I would rather fly in my plane 1500 miles than drive - I know how to care for my plane, but if my car doesn't turn over, I'm stuck. Which is better?
Adaptive Curmudgeon has a series himself on working with older technology - specifically, heating his house with wood for a year between the old furnace's death and getting it replaced. Parts: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven.
I have a little knowledge in the same vein, having restored my pre-WWII airplane and having my heart set on 1930's-1950's rag and tube aircraft.
The older machines and ways we keep running are not terrible things that should be abandoned at the first sign of progress - and they can be downright fun! For the negatives, they involve more work, from stacking firewood to soldering a gas tank leak to cutting open every filter at an oil change to inspect the engine health. They involve more care, from making sure the fire is banked each night to inspecting the machine before and after every use. They take more time, and greater knowledge of the thing that you are using.
On the other hand, they teach you a lot more, and by slowing you down, and let you appreciate what you have as you think about what you get for how you work. They also can handle things surprisingly well compared to modern machines, with greater redundancy. When something goes wrong on a system I know well, I can diagnose the problem, take corrective action, or fix it - if my modern computer-controlled econo-car decided to have things go wrong, there are very few fixes I can diagnose, much less do. And then there's the unquantifiable, but very real grin that comes of flying something with the windows open, or doors off, low enough to hear the sound of the creek burbling over the rocks and the laughter of children, smelling the camp smoke and the freshly grilled fish, and waving the wings back at the children as they squeal with glee and wave with both arms as they see you overhead. You can't get that at 35,000 feet and 240 knots. The feeling of work well done, of sitting in a warm house that you split the wood to heat, of flying a plane you restored, of driving a car you just changed the oil and fixed the bumper on, or eating a dish with vegetables you grew, or chowder made with milk you got out of the goat that morning... This is something a credit card cannot buy.
I would rather fly in my plane 1500 miles than drive - I know how to care for my plane, but if my car doesn't turn over, I'm stuck. Which is better?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Relevant Zoological Information
One of the keys to exercise is to make it fun and interesting. So after days of walking around our block together, Calmer Half and I have started walking at the zoo. This is far more fun than a treadmill or elliptical, and the uphills and downhills are far more rewarding. The sights are far more interesting, too - we get to count how many of the dads herding their kids around are packing heat, and try to figure which kids in the swarm belong to which mothers lagging behind with their strollers.
You'd think taking a real live African man to the zoo might result in more information on the African animals exhibited there. You'd be right - but it's a rather, ah, different viewpoint than the signboards. He notes, in this order:
1. How tasty the animal is.
2. How dangerous the animal is.
3. How fat these examples are.
4. How relaxed these examples are.
So while the mom next to us is pointing to the Red River Hogs and going "Look! Piggies!", Calmer Half's stomach is growling as he says, "Oooh, look how fat those are - they haven't had to run from any predators in years! Mmmm, mmmm, those would be some damn fine eating!"
Related note: he can eyeball the giraffe baby and estimate its age correctly to within two weeks. He also points out, to the dismay of some mothers and amusement of some fathers, the, ah, current air of randiness of the giraffe male, and the cold shoulder he's getting from the childless female. It certainly is more educational!
You'd think taking a real live African man to the zoo might result in more information on the African animals exhibited there. You'd be right - but it's a rather, ah, different viewpoint than the signboards. He notes, in this order:
1. How tasty the animal is.
2. How dangerous the animal is.
3. How fat these examples are.
4. How relaxed these examples are.
So while the mom next to us is pointing to the Red River Hogs and going "Look! Piggies!", Calmer Half's stomach is growling as he says, "Oooh, look how fat those are - they haven't had to run from any predators in years! Mmmm, mmmm, those would be some damn fine eating!"
Related note: he can eyeball the giraffe baby and estimate its age correctly to within two weeks. He also points out, to the dismay of some mothers and amusement of some fathers, the, ah, current air of randiness of the giraffe male, and the cold shoulder he's getting from the childless female. It certainly is more educational!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Life is Good.
The snow has melted even from the shadows as the temperature climbs toward the sixties this week, and I woke from a doze beneath warm blankets by the sound of the garbage truck. I dashed outside just to check, and dragged the garbage can to the curb as the truck advanced down the street with two houses to spare before my driveway. The concrete and tar was cool under my bare feet, sun shining, birds singing, and the garbage truck driver honked back to my cheery wave.
It didn't hurt. My knees cooperated, my twisted ankle has healed so sudden use only produces the most minor of ignorable twinges. It didn't hurt from ice underfoot. It didn't hurt to gasp for breath or the slap of ice fog-laden air against my skin sucking moisture away. The old shoulder injuries are so well healed they didn't even think of protesting at jerking the can from its position at rest and hauling it up the driveway.
I've eleven interviews down, and if I am nervously watching the bank account and the phone, hoping for callbacks, if my plane is still stranded far from me - it matters not. I can run when I need to, I can still afford to feed my household, and spring is coming.
I came back inside, and started the tea kettle, called a cheery good morning to my love, and pulled the tea pot that was a lovely present from friends from under the flowers on the kitchen table, and set about spooning in tea leaves. Calmer Half appeared up the stairs to give me a hug, take the teasing about forgetting the garbage in stride, and wish a happy valentines day to me.
My husband loves me. I can run when I want to, and lift and move the things I want. I have tea, a roof over my head, and good friends. It's a wonderful day, and I hope every one of you find joy in it.
It didn't hurt. My knees cooperated, my twisted ankle has healed so sudden use only produces the most minor of ignorable twinges. It didn't hurt from ice underfoot. It didn't hurt to gasp for breath or the slap of ice fog-laden air against my skin sucking moisture away. The old shoulder injuries are so well healed they didn't even think of protesting at jerking the can from its position at rest and hauling it up the driveway.
I've eleven interviews down, and if I am nervously watching the bank account and the phone, hoping for callbacks, if my plane is still stranded far from me - it matters not. I can run when I need to, I can still afford to feed my household, and spring is coming.
I came back inside, and started the tea kettle, called a cheery good morning to my love, and pulled the tea pot that was a lovely present from friends from under the flowers on the kitchen table, and set about spooning in tea leaves. Calmer Half appeared up the stairs to give me a hug, take the teasing about forgetting the garbage in stride, and wish a happy valentines day to me.
My husband loves me. I can run when I want to, and lift and move the things I want. I have tea, a roof over my head, and good friends. It's a wonderful day, and I hope every one of you find joy in it.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Where to Learn More
By the search paths that lead many of you here, you want to know more about how to repair your airplane, or for information on the plumbing, sheetmetal work, woodworking, or fabric work of building your own plane.
First, go to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). If you don't already know who EAA is, I cannot recommend them highly enough - this is the repository of over 50 years of homebuilding experience, tens of thousands of aircraft and their designers, builder groups, mechanic and owners who fix 'em, and the pilots who fly them. They're not just experimental aircraft people, either - they help support the classic and antique aircraft, not only coming up with better repairs and help with restoration, but also modern technological modifications and improvements.
Whether you are a member or not, you can watch their Hints For Homebuilders videos on sheetmetal, tube/fabric, and composite planes (including electrical!) Warning: their links do auto-play the first video on the channel. I wish they were on youtube or vimeo, but the proprietary player is worth the hassle: good production values, knowledgeable people, and reliable, handy information. http://eaavideo.org/channel.aspx?ch=ch_hints
Next off, for more in depth instruction still accessible at your home, check out SmartFlix. They're like NetFlix, but for DIY and instructional videos. Check the ratings before renting, as instructional videos in general range from lively and informative to highly informative but insomnia curing (I'm looking at you, Poly-Fiber covering!), to two guys who are banging out a product on a home video camera with little to no explanation and terrible video work. You'll have to check around the site more, as almost nothing's under "aircraft" - but the sheetmetal videos for making a motorcycle fairing work just the same on an aircraft fairing, and fiberglass layups for a boat will teach you how to lay up a Rutan-designed VariEze fuselage and wings. http://smartflix.com/
(Side note - there are people out there currently calling for a boycott of this company because the owner blogs at TJIC, and had the stones to make a "First, kill all the lawyers"-style comment after the latest leftist nutbag went after a nearby congresscritter. These are the same people who are preening about how wonderful it is that the government decided to deny his second amendment rights and seize personal property with no charges and no arrest, because he exercised his first amendment right to offensive speech. I may or may not agree with what he has to say on any given post, but I'll damn well defend his right to say it! He's a good man, and runs a good company.)
Now for the away-from-computer solutions. First, EAA holds workshops around the country, so you can move from theoretical to practical knowledge, hands-on, with tools and guidance. If none of those are taking place near you, or soon enough, check out your local EAA chapter. There's almost always someone who's building something going on, and usually you can learn more, see more, and try more by talking to these folks. If you have your eye on a specific plane, it probably has an owner's group, and that owner's group probably has an email list, a forum, a newsletter, fly-ins, and nearby members who can show you a thing or five.
Most importantly, don't discount your local airport. Years ago, I screwed up my courage and talked to an A&P IA who owns his own shop on the field - and he has become a good friend, and a mentor beyond compare. That man is not just worth his weight in gold, but in gem-grade diamond! He has helped me not only with purchasing a project and restoring it, but with life, with maturing into a better person, with shooting, with coping with my fiance having a heart attack while I was thousands of miles away... Words fail in expressing how much he means to me. Videos and internet opinions can only take you so far - if you find a mentor to work beside, you will be worlds ahead and on your way.
First, go to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). If you don't already know who EAA is, I cannot recommend them highly enough - this is the repository of over 50 years of homebuilding experience, tens of thousands of aircraft and their designers, builder groups, mechanic and owners who fix 'em, and the pilots who fly them. They're not just experimental aircraft people, either - they help support the classic and antique aircraft, not only coming up with better repairs and help with restoration, but also modern technological modifications and improvements.
Whether you are a member or not, you can watch their Hints For Homebuilders videos on sheetmetal, tube/fabric, and composite planes (including electrical!) Warning: their links do auto-play the first video on the channel. I wish they were on youtube or vimeo, but the proprietary player is worth the hassle: good production values, knowledgeable people, and reliable, handy information. http://eaavideo.org/channel.aspx?ch=ch_hints
Next off, for more in depth instruction still accessible at your home, check out SmartFlix. They're like NetFlix, but for DIY and instructional videos. Check the ratings before renting, as instructional videos in general range from lively and informative to highly informative but insomnia curing (I'm looking at you, Poly-Fiber covering!), to two guys who are banging out a product on a home video camera with little to no explanation and terrible video work. You'll have to check around the site more, as almost nothing's under "aircraft" - but the sheetmetal videos for making a motorcycle fairing work just the same on an aircraft fairing, and fiberglass layups for a boat will teach you how to lay up a Rutan-designed VariEze fuselage and wings. http://smartflix.com/
(Side note - there are people out there currently calling for a boycott of this company because the owner blogs at TJIC, and had the stones to make a "First, kill all the lawyers"-style comment after the latest leftist nutbag went after a nearby congresscritter. These are the same people who are preening about how wonderful it is that the government decided to deny his second amendment rights and seize personal property with no charges and no arrest, because he exercised his first amendment right to offensive speech. I may or may not agree with what he has to say on any given post, but I'll damn well defend his right to say it! He's a good man, and runs a good company.)
Now for the away-from-computer solutions. First, EAA holds workshops around the country, so you can move from theoretical to practical knowledge, hands-on, with tools and guidance. If none of those are taking place near you, or soon enough, check out your local EAA chapter. There's almost always someone who's building something going on, and usually you can learn more, see more, and try more by talking to these folks. If you have your eye on a specific plane, it probably has an owner's group, and that owner's group probably has an email list, a forum, a newsletter, fly-ins, and nearby members who can show you a thing or five.
Most importantly, don't discount your local airport. Years ago, I screwed up my courage and talked to an A&P IA who owns his own shop on the field - and he has become a good friend, and a mentor beyond compare. That man is not just worth his weight in gold, but in gem-grade diamond! He has helped me not only with purchasing a project and restoring it, but with life, with maturing into a better person, with shooting, with coping with my fiance having a heart attack while I was thousands of miles away... Words fail in expressing how much he means to me. Videos and internet opinions can only take you so far - if you find a mentor to work beside, you will be worlds ahead and on your way.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wings On!
Ahem.
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
...and a certain party is right - it may indeed be less than three years before I feel I have to bring her fuselage and tail feathers up to the standard now set by her wings.
but never mind that; they're on! SQUEE!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Electrolite:de vermis
The worm drives helically through the wood
And does not know the dust left in the bore
Once made the table integral and good;
And suddenly the crystal hits the floor.
Electrons find their paths in subtle ways,
A massless eddy in a trail of smoke;
The names of lovers, light of other days --
Perhaps you will not miss them. That's the joke.
The universe winds down. That's how it's made.
But memory is everything to lose;
Although some of the colors have to fade,
Do not believe you'll get the chance to choose.
Regret, by definition, comes too late;
Say what you mean. Bear witness. Iterate.
John M. Ford
2003
And does not know the dust left in the bore
Once made the table integral and good;
And suddenly the crystal hits the floor.
Electrons find their paths in subtle ways,
A massless eddy in a trail of smoke;
The names of lovers, light of other days --
Perhaps you will not miss them. That's the joke.
The universe winds down. That's how it's made.
But memory is everything to lose;
Although some of the colors have to fade,
Do not believe you'll get the chance to choose.
Regret, by definition, comes too late;
Say what you mean. Bear witness. Iterate.
John M. Ford
2003
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