Entry Jan 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- Woke up with a headache this morning. There was a paper in the driveway which I fetched and read. Wore the brand new flannel shirt that came from LL Beans yesterday. Watched the Rose parade and recorded it on TIVO. Afterwards we had the 15 bean soup for lunch with homemade corn bread. After talking to Sue & Bruce about Yahoo groups we took a walk around the Apex lake. Dinner was bean soup and cornbread. Afterwards I hooked up the TIVO to the sound system and we watched both the New Years from Vienna with Walter Cronkite and Seiji followed by the Richard Tucker gala. Entry Jan 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- Built a relay box for the Bluebird controller then debugged why the tones sounded so bad - found a missing .1 uf cap in the dtmf out line. Fixed this and then went over to the greenhouse to hook this up. They're predicting anywhere from 4 to 8 inches of snow tonight. I don't believe any of it. The controller answers on 1 ring - this is bad. Dinner was crabcakes on buns with lettuce and tomato. Went back to the greenhouse in the evening to verify that the heat was coming on when dialed in remotely. Everything seems to be working. It was starting to snow on my way back from the greenhouse about 6:30 PM. Entry Jan 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Woke up this morning to 7 inches on the ground. Supposed to get 3 to 5 more this afternoon. Turned house 3&4 heat on remotely at 11:30 to melt snow. Lib stayed home today but wants to go out in the snow to the greenhouse. During the second blast of snow we went out to the greenhouse around 6 PM because the greenhouse wasn't responding. Don't know what the problem was - disconnected all phones except for FRED. The trip over there was treacherous - a few cars were stuck perpendicular to the road around Route 1 on 1010. We waited for this mess to clear before heading on to the greenhouse. Parked at the top of the driveway in the snow and walked in. Couldn't find anything wrong. Entry Jan 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to the greenhouse at noon and shoveled out the driveway and worked on the controller and phone lines. Went to Krogers at noon after some melting. Lib made a nice pot of chili with the Kroger fixings. During our chili the greenhouse called that the temp was 47. We drove over to see what was wrong. Moved the temp probe but decided to shut it down over night. Entry Jan 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Around 11 this morning we went out to the greenhouse and replaced the heat tube. Also tried a new version of the control program to fix the ring count but no luck. Listened to Ariadne on the Met while sitting on the backporch reading. Full sun and 50 degree melting is going on today. Had chili for dinner and found the greenhouse line is busy. Went out and couldn't find anything wrong - this is puzzling. The roads had not frozen yet - the air temp was 33 and it was 7 PM. Returned home at 8 and watched "Americas Sweethearts" with Julia Roberts and Billy Crystal. Libs mother called in the middle of it so we used the TIVO pause function. Entry Jan 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Got up late this morning - around 7 AM. Had pancakes and while cleaning up discovered water drippping ----------------------- Page 2----------------------- in the back foyer ceiling. The water heater supply line is leaking at the flexible joint. Picked up a new tubing at Home Depot and replaced it. Worked a little on the second greenhouse controller then we went to Sams. The rain is coming down pretty hard washing away the snow. Finished wiring the second processor card. Programmed it but the LED doesn't blink. Need to trace wiring. Dinner was traditional pizza with the cheese we bought at Sams today. Entry Jan 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- Started wiring the DAA for the second controller. Really need the second unit to test code. Had leftover chili today which we had for dinner. During dinner the greenhouse called - the pilot in house 2 blew out. The temp tonight is only in the high twenties. We had a little wind today which may have blown out the pilot. Entry Jan 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- The garbage finally got picked up today. Finished up the DAA for the second monitor. Went to the greenhouse at 11 to cover while Lib went to violet club. Got a call tonight during dinner - the greenhouse is cold. Went over and everything looked normal. At 9:30 PM received another call - turned it off then called it later and found the temp was rising. Went over there and turned the tempp up a little. Entry Jan 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Installed all the chips in the second controller in prep for debugging. The first controller will not recognize a touch tone all the time today. Took it home and traced some wiring. Found why the probe at the thermostat won't work - wiring error on probe 1. Probe 2 is wired correctly. Found that the second controller is wired incorrectly. Took the original back and re-installed. Dinner was lasagna caserole from Sams. Rewired the controller 25 pin conenctor after dinner. Finished it up around 9 PM. Will test it tomorrow. Entry Jan 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- Had some success today debugging the new controller. Fixed some wiring errors then worked on some software improvements. Dinner was leftover lasagna and leftover chili. We went out to the greenhouse after dinner to put a new AVR chip with new microcode in. It didn't work - still can't control the device remotely. Entry Jan 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did a lot of reading about studio lighting in the morning then we went to Breckinridge in Greensboro. Had lunch at Wendy's which was filled with high school kids having lunch. It was a nice day around 60. In the evening found the emulator is freezing. Called Mom for her birthday then had chicken and boiled red potatoes for dinner. Watched Wall St Week then did more photo reading about studio lights. Like the Alien Bee lights. For $300 they have a beginner lighting package. ----------------------- Page 3----------------------- Entry Jan 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Put the new patch in for the emulator - it seems to be working. Spent the afternoon listening to Don Carlo on the opera. Tried a microcode change in the controller but no luck - it still misses DTMF ocasionally. Did a lot of reading about photography and studio lighting. Dinner was a Red Hot and Blue ribs which we had with Ravenwood Zinfindel. Entry Jan 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- Got the paper early this morning then worked on the controller - found the problem with the dtmf. The watchdog was timing out. Fixed it then went to the bridal fair at the McKimon center. Not sure if it was worth the $10 but I needed an idea of photographers presentations and an overall sense of the place. Dinner was traditional pizza - fell asleep afterwards but then awoke and finished my Karen Robards book, Almost an Angel. Entry Jan 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did some reading on the Internet in the morning then went to Krogers for basics. In the afternoon started putting together a web page for Monet Studio. Dinner was pork chops with creamed corn and red potatoes. It's a cloudy day today, around 50 degrees. Bought some more Ferrel Gas at 18 this morning. Entry Jan 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the Monet Studio web site today. In the evening went out to buy a background canvas from a guy off of 1010 that I found on triangle.forsale. The canvas was homemade and he asked $25 for it. I paid him full amount. Dinner was a Vidalia spinache quiche which was pretty good. Now I need lights to complete my studio setup. Entry Jan 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Didn't work on the controller today - instead studied photography and some investing info. At 10 I went onto the roof and blew the pine needles off then added a second line and a switch for the dual tuners of Tivo. In the PM we went to first Hendrick and met a dipshit saleswoman - Stephanie. She knew nothing and provided no info. Couldn't find car keys or prices. Went to Leith and bought a Minivan for 18400 bottom line. Our salesman Phil was pretty good. Was at the dealer until 7 PM then drove the new car over to Krogers and ordered chinese takeout. I had Gen Tso chicken, Lib had chow mein. Entry Jan 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Transferred the funds from home equity to checking for the car. Also contacted Amica about the new car. We went ot Sams this afternmoon and got Salmon for tonight which we had with Chardonnay. After dinner DTV attacked our emulator. It was down until 1 PM the next day. Entry Jan 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- ----------------------- Page 4----------------------- Did studio lighting worlksheet this morning then after a lunch of chinese takeout leftovers I downloaded the new emulator and got the TV working again. In the PM listened to Tosca from the Met with Catharine Malfitano and Richard Morris. Entry Jan 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Got up early and read the paper this morning then worked a little on taxes - need to find out how much I will owe. After talking to Mom we walked around Apex lake. I wore my new London Fog jacket for the first time. Picked up a new water sediment filter for the greenhouse at home depot this afternoon and installed it. The old filter was disintegrated. Came home and read my novel on the back porch with the heater going. Had chicken pasta soup for lunch on the back porch. Watched the Golden Globes red carpet show with Joan Rivers then the Globes themselves while we had traditional pizza topped with fresh mushrooms. Entry Jan 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent almost the whole day learning about CEF's. Joined the Yahoo group about CEF's for retirees. Dinner was frozen lasagna from Sams. It rained all day so we didn't walk. Entry Jan 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read about CEF's all morning then went for a walk about 1 PM. Lib had a dentist appointment at 2:40 - I went to Krogers. Transferred the rest of the car moeny from savings to checking this morning. Entry Jan 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent a little time researching some candidate CEF's then read a not too flattering report in Forbes about this stuff. Dinner was Krogers chicken with potato salad. Entry Jan 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- This afternoon we went to Sams and had lunch at NY Pizza. Got some salmon for tonight which we had with chardonnay and sweet potato. In the evening watched Wall Street week and then a documentary about middle school kids. Entry Jan 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- In the afternoon stayed on the back porch listening to Idomeneo and reading my short story book. Finished one story. Dinner was scallops with rice and brocoli. Entry Jan 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the MAAVS vendor list in the morning. When Lib came at noon we had donuts then walked around the lake - temp was almost 70. After hotdogs for lunch we swept and vacuumed the back porch. ----------------------- Page 5----------------------- Pizza for dinner then worked on the articles from Maavs Memo for the MAAVS web site. Entry Jan 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- It was in the low seventies today - went to the library and got Balsamic Dreams I saw on breakfast with the arts yesterday. Washed the glass doors on the porch. Worked outside cutting wood and cleaning up brush then bought some CEF's on the market - RVT and SGL. Sold intel at a profit - 33.5 after buying it this spring at 30. Got the one wire bus working on the controller. The reset was not reading the pin but insteads the port. Still haven't read the temperature but I feel it will. Dinner was spaghetti and some yogurt later. Lib talked to Sue this afternoon and she thought George and Mary were coming today but later found they come tomorrow. Entry Jan 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to the dentist at 9 then did a Krogers, mailbox and Wal Mart run. Picked up two shades in Walmart but they were too small so exchanged them for larger ones. Lib went with me the second time and we stopped by Symphony lake for our walk. Got home and George and Mary were already there. Fixed the thermometer probe for the controller - shorted where the rj11 cable was spliced to the probe cable. Dinner was Salmon with rice and green beans. In the evening we watched the state of the union address. Entry Jan 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent the day mostly hanging around - Lib went out with her parents to get quilting materials. I installed the new controller with temp 2 capability and also got copies of the pattern at Ace for Lib. Dinner was pork chops with sweet potato. Entry Jan 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib and George and Mary got going this morning at 7:30 am. Talked to Lib at 2:30 PM - they were 20 miles north of Brunswick. They arrived in Gainesville at 6:30 PM. For dinner I had banquet chicken wings. Very spicy and nice. Entry Feb 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- Emulator is hashed again today - replaced the controller again. Volt regulator burned out second time in a row. Got it running but the dtmf is unreliable. I thought this was fixed last month with the watchdog fix but maybe not. Am adding more watchdog fixes but I need to get out to the greenhouse to change chips. Tonight dinner was Stouffers French bread pizza. Worked in the backyard a little cutting up logs - the big dead pine in the front yard fell by itself - I carried it to the pile by the creek. Entry Feb 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper this morning - the eighties of the past two days is gone - only high of 50 today. It's a ----------------------- Page 6----------------------- little chillier this morning. Read the paper on the back porch then downloaded a temp fix for the emulator which bypasses the hash by handling it with a patch in the core file . Listened to Barber of Seville this afternoon while keeping the TV on looking for freezing. Seems to be stable so far. Entry Feb 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Woke early, read the paper while having coffee then left for Washington at 8:11. Stopped at Fredicksburg for gas and McDonalds hamburgrs and fries. Arrived a little before 1. We went ttook the Metro to Gallery Place and walked to the Natonal Gallery. Did the European paintings then walked to the restaurand whrre I had shark and endive with goat cheese. Went next door to the Duchess of Malfi nad watched an enjoyable performance with Kelly McGillis. Entry Feb 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Had a nice bagel with creme cheese this morning then helped Sue with her camera. She still had her xmas pictures in it. Left at 10:30 in very heavy beltway construction traffic and furious snow flurries. The flurries were sticking to grass and shrubs but the road was wet. Did not do any stops, not even for gas. Got home at 3:15 and had lunch and an ibuprofin for my splitting headache which I had all day while driving. Dinner waqs Swansons Turkey dinner. Entry Feb 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Visited the greenhoyuse at noon then did a Krogers stop and got a turkey breast. Left for the airport at 4:30 to get Lib - her plane was on time at 5 from Tampa. Stopped by the house for a minute then went out downtown to the mexicanrestaurant for dinner and a Margarita. Entry Feb 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on reading about wireless today. Went to Walmart to straighten out my Visa card - they didn't refund my lamp shade purchase last month but instead charged me again. Stopped by H-T for Apple Sauce, etc then home for grilled pork chops. Entry Feb 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on reading about what it would take to hook up the web server. Dinner was creamed tuna on toast with peas. In the afternoon Lib and I went to Sams for lunch at NY pizza then picked up some necessities - needed dishwasher soap, coffee, etc Entry Feb 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- The web server is now displaying my page - the next step is to display some parameters from Fred. Lib came home in the afternoon and made the turkey breast I purchased on Tuesday. We had turkey with white wine. ----------------------- Page 7----------------------- Entry Feb 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- Got the web server displaying the output of Fred 5. Had to re-wire the cable becasue Tx and Rx were in conflict on each end. This makes me happy - first time ever displaying user data. Now I need to figure out how to put this on the internet. Dinner was traditional pizza with mushrooms. In the late evening we watched the tour of the playboy mansion on A&E - pretty interesting. Entry Feb 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- In the morning I worked on getting the wireless stuff hooked up. Still need to make a serial cable to go from Fred 5 to the Maxstream. When Lib came home at noon we went to the IRS in Raleigh then to Wendys for lunch. Got home and worked on the W-2's and W-3's. Got them finished and mailed them on the way to the Orchid meeting. At the Orchid meeting the guest was Gold Country Orchids of Scaramento - very interesting meeting. Got home at 10:00 then went out again to Krogers for bread and milk. Entry Feb 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent the morning reading about stocks and investing then built a cable for hooking Fred 5 to the MaxStream. Successfully transmitted temperature and status info over the air and displayed it on a web page!!!! Next step is to try setting some parameters remotely - after the code gets written. Then will hook up he antenna and try a remote link! Dinner was turkey sandwiches then I fell asleep while watching the Westminster dog show. Entry Feb 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went shopping at Harris Teeter because I had a $10 off $25 purchase coupon. For exercise this afternoon I cut up dead logs and cleared brush in the back yard - physically demanding work carrying heavy logs onto the log pile but it made me feel good. Entry Feb 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went into the backyard at noon and started removing vines in the backyard. Worked until Lib came home around 1:45. At 3 went to Win Dixie for a valentines card and Debbie Fields candy in a heart shaped box. Came home and worked a little more on the vines and smaller trees, this time with a chain saw. Dinner was Lib's chili with corn bread. Entry Feb 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the vines some more - tried using the mower but the blade adapter is broken. Picked up a new one but it broke right away - need a new mower. The laptop hardrive came today. Need to start moving files and rebuilding them on the new drive. Directv is playing their games again - we're getting freezes. Built a Pitiou disk and sucessfully emulated with that but not ----------------------- Page 8----------------------- till after Wall Street Week was done. Set up TIVO to record the 2 am showing. Entry Feb 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on formatting the new drive - it only shows up as an 8 gig drive which was what I replaced it with. Continued adding applications to the new 8 gig drive. In the afternoon listened to La Boheme from the Met - very nice. Had lunch on the backporch then went to Ace Hardware fro the lawnmower part. Dinner was a Bryans Ribs from Sams with Ravenswood Zinfindel and salad. Entry Feb 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper and spent the morning watching A&E while I loaded programs onto the laptop. Lib came home with donuts at noon. Worked a little on vines in the yard - dinner was traditional mushroom pizza. Entry Feb 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Took a look at house 2 heater - it has a cracked heat exchanger. Ordered a new one from Gorrel - happily they were open on the Presidents day holiday. Lib took down the plastic between house 2 and 3 expecting the heater from house 3 to cover house 2. .I doubt it. Tilled the front yard and started planting mondo grass. Brought some peat from the greenhouse to till into the soil Entry Feb 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- Got called several times last night by the greenhouse. The overnight low was only 30 but we couldn't keep up. Lib cranked up the 4th greenhouse to 70 and that seemed to help. We went over there at 1 am and again at 4 am - saw a jogger at 4 on Old Raleigh Rd!!!! Planted a few more plugs in the front yard and also took pictures of a racoon on the birdfeeder in the backyard. At 1 we went ot Costin Distibuting to get some 18 inch ductwork. They won't be there in a few more months - no help and only one very old guy to fetch materials from the back. Reworked the ducts so that house 3 furnace blows into house 2 fanjet to warm house 2. Closed off between house 2 and 3 so we're only heating the front 2 houses. Dinner was Krogers chicken and potato salad. Entry Feb 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked some more on the web server code in Fred 5. Added the ability to command operations over the serial port. This is in anticipation of the wireless link. Finished putting in the plugs in the front yard. Exchanged an 18 inch elbow at Costin then met a delivery truck at the greenhouse and helped unload the new Modine heater. Need to take down the old and put up the new one - easier said than done. The new one weighs 230 pounds. Dinner was leftover Kroger chicken and potato salad. Entry Feb 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to the grenehouse at 10 and starte dhooking up chains to lower the heater in house 2. Got it down around 12:30 then went to Logans for lunch - I had a mushroom burger with provolone. Came back and moved the old heater out to the garage and moved the new heater under to where it will hang. We used 2x4's on the bench top as rails to slide the heater on along the length of the benches. It worked OK. Dinner was frozen salmon and rice. Entry Feb 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Struggled today to put up the heater in house 2. The hangars were smaller size than the old heater so had to take the covers apart and put the old hangar holders inside to re-use the old hangers. Had trouble hooking the second hangar - it got tangled ----------------------- Page 9----------------------- with the u-bolt and come along cable. Went home to get some tire irons to help free things. After getting everything hanging OK we went to Sams. Dinner was chicken casserole with Chardonnay. Entry Feb 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Hooked up the fuel, exhaust and power lines to the heater. Did the propane conversion then hooked up the manometer and fired up the heater. We had 10 inches of H20 as we're supposed to. Came home for lunch and the opera then went back out to hook up the thermostats. Running house 1 on stage 1, house 2 on stage 2, house 3 on stage 1. Unplugged house 3 for now. Dinner was Bryans ribs from sam with baked beans, potato salad and Fetzer Cabernet Sauvignon. Entry Feb 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib complained about water pressure. The bladder tank had no air pressure - filled it up to 20. The model is an Amtrol WX202. Also replaced the plastic on the fan side of houses 3 & 4. The water filter was plugged so replaced that also. Came home for lunch of leftover chili.Dinner was traditional pizza plain. Entry Feb 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to the greenhouse and put house 3 heater back together then wired house 3 and 4 to the snow heat thermostat. Dinner was spaghetti. Entry Feb 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on a orice list today. Tried to start the string trimmer - I think it has reached the end of life. Will start looking for a replacement. Picked up groceries in Krogers including some sausage stuffed Tortelinni which we had for dinner. Entry Feb 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- Made the price sheet corrections today and brought them to the greenhouse - met Jennifer for the first time. It's suddenly colder and windy today - went to Home Depot to price pond liners and string trimmers. The Echo SMR2100 is $199. which is a fair price. Will revisit when we return from Florida. Had to go to the greenhouse at 4:40 because 12 feet of the NorthWest corner ripped out in the wind. Put in new screws - the other baseboards are just as bad. Dinner was Chinese takeout (wonderful Chicken). For lunch today we went to Logans - I had chicken dill salad in a pita with vidalia macaroni salad. Entry Feb 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- We got up and had coffee then went over to the greenhouse to check on things. It's 22 outside and we got called at 5:20 am because the temp hit 49 but then it recovered inside by itself - we didn't go over. Left the greenhouse at 7:20 am and had our first stop in Florence at 9:30 for breakfast. Stopped at Millies in Savannah around 12:30 for gas and barbecue then drove along with the motorcycles going to bike week - we arrived in Vero at 5:15 PM. Walked the outlet mall and bought reeboks for Lib and Lenox mugs. Dinner at the Cracker Barrel - I had spicy catfish which wasn't very spicy. Entry Mar 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- Breakfast at the Hampton - plastic wrapped bagels and coffee. Picked up a Miami Herald for the coupon but there wasn't any. Traffic was mild - took 95 all the way into Miami - Coconut Grove. Arrived at the convenion center around 12. Had to make a parking spot at the end of a row. Did some vendors and the show then went down the street for pizza. There was no program this year and no seminars upstairs - a little disappointing. Left the show around 4 and headed for Miami Beach. Found our hotel at 6 - cruised Collins Ave a little then checked in. Gave up our car to valet parking. Walked the boardwalk North for 15 blocks then came back and went to Outback for prime rib dinner - $67 with tip and drinks. Walked the art deco district at night - went ----------------------- Page 10----------------------- over a few blocks and found a closed off street with restaurants and stuff but we had already eaten. Bought postcards and went back to the hotel. A noisy night - paper thin hotel walls and busy street outside. Thank goodness we were on the 6th floor and our room faced the park. Entry Mar 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- Walked the neighborhood and the art museum across the street. Had a bagel and coffee breakfast across the street at Wolfies 21 for $16.06 plus $2.50 tip. Ouch! Left at 9:30 for Fairchild but I couldn;t find my camera - the maid found it in our room but we lost a half hour. Finally got underway at 10. Arrived at Fairchild for the 11:00 tram which gave us a nice overview of the palm glade and botanticals. Went to the conservatory and admired the botantical displays. After this had lunch at the garden cafe- I had a veggie sandwich on rosemary bread. Did the rainforest walk and peeked at the Palm Glade then around 2 got in the car and drove across the Everglades - saw a lot of gators laying in the grass or partially submerged in the drainage canals along the road. I think our alligator total was probably around 100. Made it all the way to Sarasota before we needed gas - this was from Vero!! Got a car wash and fillup at the Rally at Palmer Ranch on Honore and Clark. Gas was $1.09 but wash was $5. Arrived at Island Reef at 5:15. Had a takeout pizza from Demetros which wasn't very good. Soggy crust that looked like the conveyor belt cooking. Walked to the dock after dinner then went to bed while the awful basketball noise was going on in the living room. Entry Mar 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Had toast for breakfast then downloaded the camera - the date wasn't correct so had to manually change the file names. HAd a sandwich for lunch then left for the opera at 12:30 for 1:30 matinee of Il Trovore. Very nice performance but the tenor was a little weak. Afterwards had dinner at the Olive Garden - I had Seafood Portofino which had noodles with shrimp, scallops, mussels over noodles. In the evening an awful and loud basketshit game was going on the TV. This crap was awful - pure noise and rubbish. Entry Mar 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Slept in today - didn't get up until 7:45 am. Very unusual for us. Puddled through breakfast then went to Selby at 10. It's very cold for Sarasota - the wind is blowing 30 mph gusts and the temp is only 54. Saw lots of interesting stuff at Selby. Left there at noon and came back for sandwiches for lunch. Left Sarasota at 2:30 with a stop in albrittons for oranges, ice cream and grapefruit. Arrived in Brunswick at 7:30. Checked in then went to the Cracker Barrel. It was cold out - they had a nice big wood fire in the fireplace at Cracker Barrel. Supposed to be in the 20's here tonight. Entry Mar 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Had the Hampton breakfast, got gas to warm up the car then loaded up the orchids from our room. Gas across the street was .97. Left at 8 AM and arrived in Raleigh at 1:30. Lib talked to Jennifer on the Cell from around Savannah. I did a Krogers run in the afternoon to get milk and bread. Dinner was pork chops and sweet potato. Our totals: Entry Mar 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Bought a string trimmer in Cary home Depot today. Also picked up Bluebirds business cards. When I got home i cut down the vines in the woods using the brush cutter attachment. Dinner was barbecue chicken. Entry Mar 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- Moved logs then went to the greenhouse and hacked the Pampas Grass using the old chian saw blade. Dinner was an assortment of leftovers - chicken, etc. ----------------------- Page 11----------------------- Entry Mar 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the programmming for Ferd. In the yard moved the last of the logs and tried shaving some of the dirt from the stump. Put on a new chain saw blade and took down some poplars and cut up the big hurricane Fran pine on the ground. Dinner was salmon with rice and Chardonnay. Entry Mar 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib made pancakes this morning. Read the paper then worked on Ferd 2 mechanical configuration. In the afternoon we listened to Rigoletto on the back porch and talked about the Dandy Pot business. Went to the greenhouse looked at the back house then did a Krogers run for veggies. Dinner was Salmon, rice, potato with cheese and brcooli. Entry Mar 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on Ferd some more then went over to the greenhouse to help clean up house 4. Put some spools and an old heater in Jennifers truck then took it to the dump. Came home and worked on more back yard cleanup - cut some brush and moved some logs to near the power transformer. Heard from Brian - they have a customer that may need a consultant to finish a project.. Dinner was spaghetti and water. Entry Mar 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers and also dropped off two orders to the greenhouse for Lib. Finished the Ferd main board wiring. Now need to build some cables, program it and test it. Jennifer had her truck at the grrenhouse so we loaded it up with an old heater and the big spools in the 4th greenhouse for the dump. Dinner was spaghetti. Entry Mar 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers and picked up groceries. Turkey burgers and beans tonight. Entry Mar 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- A glum, cool rainy day. Worked on finishing and debugging Ferd. Missing some pullups and Vcc wiring. Fixed, now the isp programming works. Next need to test this with the answer machine. Went with Lib to the greenhouse to check on the Orchids that arrived today then dropped the Picasso book off at the library. Renewed the Karen Robards book, SeaTime, online. Dinner was Spinach/Vidalia Quiche. Watched Roy Orbison on PBS fundraiser. Recorded Elvis which followed. Entry Mar 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Dug the pond today - about 30 wheelbarrows worth all day. Dinner was turkey burgers and peas and carrots. Entry Mar 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- Tore the deck down today then went to Home Depot with Lib at 2:30 and bought new wood and a pond liner for the deck project. Dinner was grilled salmon and cajun rice with Chardonnay - very nice. Moved the move to the back of the house because we're going away tomorrow and i didn't want the wood laying next to the house. Did a little debug on Ferd today - it seems to recognize the phone getting answered but possibly the dtmf tone is too low - may have to use an op amp. ----------------------- Page 12----------------------- Entry Mar 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning we drove to Seagrove next to Asheboro to look at pottery places. Amazing that there are so many potters in this little town. Visited Jennifers sister, Bobbi's shop. Went up to Holly Hill pottery to order 25 violet pots for the web site. If successful, will try more. Stayed till after noon then went back. Bought gas in Asheboro at $1.21 and stopped at a Lowes Food for deli sandwiches, grapes and water in Ramseur. I had ham and cheese, Lib had Turkey. When we got home I covered the pond hole with the blue tarp and went over to the grenehouse to rewire the heating thermostat. Next went to Fresh Market and the Garden Supply Co. Didn't find a spitter at Garden Supply. Bought stuffed Flounder, Asparagus and baked potato at Fresh Market which we had with Chardonnay. Entry Mar 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Rainy this morning. Lib left the greenhouse in the rain bought donuts as our comfort food. Had clam chowder and leftover sandwich from yesterday for lunch. Dinner was mushroom pizza - Nancy called in the evening - she got engaged today. Wedding unknown but probably next year. Entry Mar 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Not much deck activity today. Worked on the computer in the morning and studied financial stuff. Dinner was creamed tuna with peas. Entry Mar 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- Cold and rainy today - built the first level of the new deck then covered up for more rain. Went to Ace and picked up sand to level the deck, also did a Krogers trip becuase today is 5% discount for old geezers. Dinner was turkey burgers with beets. Entry Mar 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Rainy day - didn't go outside. Worked on getting Ferd to recognoze a DTMF 'o'. Dinner was tortellini stuffed with mushrooms. Not much flavor. Also had salad with it. Bought some Blu today at 6.51 Entry Mar 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- Another cold rainy day. Didn't go out except to put out the garbage. Dinner was turkey burgers - was supposed to watch Porgy tonight but DSS hit us with a hash. Sound still worked so listened only and went online to find fix. Fixed emu after the performance around 11. Aunt Helen had her heart surgery today, we called on the cell phone. Tried to hook up Ferd but had some problems so brought the boards back home in the evening - need an amp on the dtmf receiver. Sold PSD today because they cut the dividend and replaced it with NLY. Entry Mar 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Sunny but cold day. Spent the day working on Ferd and doing investment research (as always). In the PM we went to Logans, had a crab cake sandwich and then went to Sams. Dinner was tuna steak, asparagus, salad, baked potato and chardonnay. Watched Wall St Week afterwards - Lou Ruykeyser is being forced out. He had an open mike tonight about this. Lib an dI watched an Oprah show on Tivo about marriage renewals people had been doing. ----------------------- Page 13----------------------- Entry Mar 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Started adding an amp to the dtmf receive of Fred. Lib came home and we had cheese sandwiches and clam chowder for lunch. Dinner was baby back ribs, asparagus, salad, potato and ravenwood zinfindel. Got the DTMF receive working before dinner with an amplifier. Entry Mar 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- In the morning we drove to Benson to meet a lady (Joanne )returning from the DAVS convention in Myrtle Beach and gave her 4 trays of violets for her club and herself. Returned home and worked on intalling Ferd. Dinner was traditional pizza but with olive oil crust - pretty good. Watched the Joan Rivers red carpet show and then the oscars but fell asleep. Recorded it for later. Entry Mar 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Tried calling Monte Zuga in Sarasota but his answer machine says to try again on Wednesday. Looked at cameras on the web - the Canon seems to be the one. Starting framing the decking. Dr Keuper died today in Melbourne. A sad day but I didn't find out about this until June. Entry Mar 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers this morning and got easter stuff. Returned with Lib in the PM after a Home Depot trip with her and her car. Picked up a spiral ham for easter this Sunday and also a barbecue chicken for dinner tonight. Lib stayed in the greenhouse until 3:30 sorting violets. Started the main deck today. This is the top section. Entry Mar 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- Monte called this morning - I registered for the photography course then booked a plane ticket to Tampa. Still need a rental car. The class starts May 4. Finished the main decking today then took a trip to Home Depot to get a 2x10 and more 2x6's. Started building the benches. Dinner was ravioli - 4 cheese - with salad. Entry Mar 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- Continued on the benches today. Beautiful day but a cool start. Went to Home Depot for more 2x6's to finish the deck. Entry Mar 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- I visited the stone place in the morning then when Lib was done with the greenhouse she went with me and we picked up $105 worth of stone and aggregate for the pond. Dinner was ham and Chardonnay. Entry Mar 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked this morning pulling weeds, putting down the ground clth and pouring gravel over the cloth in anticipation of rain today. Dinner was ham, corn, sweet potato and Chardonnay. Entry Mar 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- Easter Sunday. It was supposed to rain today but didn't really start till around 4 PM with thunderstorms. The pond filled but I'm ----------------------- Page 14----------------------- not happy with the amount of plastic showing. Worked on the Greatviolets program - it's putting a lot of garbage in the database. Lib is updating her violet list. I spent the day reading about the Canon D60 and accessories. We had ham sandwiches for lunch and traditional pizza for dinner. Surprisingly the credit union statements came via eMail today so I balanced the checkbook for Carolina Rhode and Household checking. Entry Apr 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- The Monte materials came in the mail. I filled out the goals questionairre and then started reading his suggested materials. Found out both printers are out of ink. Can't print Monte's materials. Entry Apr 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent the day reading about portrait photography. Went to Sam Bass Camera and bought a reflector. In the afternoon took some portraits of Lib using the reflector on the back porch. Lighting is much better this way. Thinking now I need some studio lights. Also went to Best Buy and Target and picked up ink cartridges. At Target I used my $5 gift certificate. Dinner was ham sandwiches. Entry Apr 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Researching studio lights again on the web. I think I need an Alien Bee light and Softbox. Entry Apr 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Libs parents arrived in the PM. We had tuna steak and sweet potato with them. No photography today. Entry Apr 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- George and Mary left this morning. Did some more portraits on the back porch. Dinner was ham sandwiches. Entry Apr 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent some time reading about photography then in the PM did some portraits on the back porch and sent one to Monte for review. Went to Fresh Market and picked up stuffed salmoin, asparagus and baked potato for dinner which we had with Chardonnay. Entry Apr 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on taxes in the morning, heard from Monte about Libs portrait. He said to angle her body to the camera. I angled the chair but apparently Lib twisted at the waist and squared her shoulders to the camera. We left at 1 for the 2 PM Traviata by NC Opera. Quite good but I didn't like the fact they used some miking on stage. Got home at 5:30 - later in the evening picked up a pizza from Petronis on 55 next to Foodlion. Watched the impressionists again, this time on the biography channel. Entry Apr 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- Finished up the taxes this morning. We owe the feds $1419 and the state $1 in addition to giving the feds $200 for the quarterly. Went to Sams then Home Depot and Lowes looking for a lawnmower. Bought a yardmachines self propelled at Lowes for $279 (297 with tax). Dinner was salmon, rice and asparagus. Mowed the front by the road with the new mower. We mailed ----------------------- Page 15----------------------- the taxes today on the corner of Maynard and High House on the way back from Sams. Entry Apr 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Mowed a little in the backyard then jacked up the mini van looking for the noise it's making. Dinner was a pork chop with alfredo veggies and asparagus. Entry Apr 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- Mowed the lawn at noon after it dried a little. Did a lot of reading on Zuga today. Also researched camera and flash. Dinner was fresh sausage ravioli from Krogers with spinach salad. Entry Apr 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did some financial reading this morning then went outside and took some spring pictures. When Lib came home I set up the screen on the back porch and tried a few more portrait pictures. Sent one off to Monte for review. Dinner was Salmon, rice and corn. Entry Apr 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Walked with Lib to the front entrance before 7 am! Spent the day organizing files on the computer and reading about financial stuff. Dinner was a pork chop with spinach and hot vinegar and crushed tomato. Have been watching the Health cops on Discovery Health Channel. Entry Apr 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- More time reading files from zip disks onto CD's. In the PM we took a walk around Apex reservoir then watched Health cops from last night via TIVO. Dinner was salmon, broccoli, salad and Chardonnay. Entry Apr 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on transferring more zip disks to CD in the morning. When Lib came home we walked around Buckingham after lunch then took pictures of Orchids on the back porch for the web page. Dinner was traditional pizza. Joe called around 8:30 PM. He was in Denver and lost his drivers license and had no photo id to get on the plane. We tried faxing an old drivers license twice but it came out unreadable. Next tried scanning it and then sending it via eMail. This worked. They printed it out for him in Denver to use as ID. Entry Apr 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- A very busy day. Picked up a 67 inch shutter at Lowes and tried it - perfect. Went back and got 2 more sets and installed them on two of the downstairs windows. Will do the others on the porch tomorrow. Next I spread bark on the newly planted Mondo grass where it washed out. Mowed the front grass by the road then used the blower to clean the sidewalk and driveway. The litedisk holder came from BH camera today - it was on the front porch when I returned from Lowes. Dinner tonight was a pork chop, sweet potato and spinach salad with all the fixins. The quilting group is coming over tonight so we cleaned and picked up around here. After quilting we had some of the leftover cookies and watched Ally McBeal. Bill called in the middle of it - he replaced the dishwasher and doesn't like the proposed new paint. ----------------------- Page 16----------------------- Entry Apr 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did the Krogers old geezers day this morning. Afterwards I put the remaining shutters up downstairs. Left the house at 3:20 PM to meet Lib on Lake Pine. Made it to Lake Pine by the dam at 4:03 - I was exhausted because I power walked and it was 90 degrees today. For dinner we had suddenly salad with a cucumber. Very good. Entry Apr 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the bluebird web site a little today. In the evening Lib and I walked around Buckingham before dinner. Dinner was informal on the back porch - barbecue chicken and salad. Entry Apr 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Put the shutters out in the trash this morning then went in to work on the computer. Have been reading about MP3 players - both standalone PC's and dedicated hardware. After the garbage man came I rolled the can back and Lib came home at 1. We went to Krogers looking for salad but they didn't have any so we got bread, celery and brocolli. Entry Apr 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the bluebird web page in the AM. Finally got the frames thing straightened out. Researched MP3 players. Want to build a jukebox for my home audio system. Entry Apr 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked most of the day on putting together the Bluebird updates for the web site. Dinner was turkey breast with all the trimmings and Chardonnay. Did not walk today because I was so busy. It's supposed to get cooler, at least a little cooler from the high nineties of the past 3 days. Entry Apr 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning after the newspaper and my bagel i worked on the MAAVS 2002 convention. Entry Apr 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Deleted the contents of the current Bluebird web site and started uploading the new content. Supposed to go to the greenhouse at 10 this morning to take pictures for a new tour. Entry Apr 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Updated the web site with some corrections then went to the library and Krogers. Picked up an Ansel Adams book and a wedding photography how to book. Watched the recorded version of PBS American Experience which featured Ansel Adams so I got inspired. Walked to Rex Healthcare. Started down the hill to th eplace when Lib picked me up at 4:06. This is as far as I've ever gotten!!! Someday will make it all the way. Left home at 3:21 to get this far. Dinner was turkey sandwiches. Don't like this turkey very much - it tastes old and stringy. We have had much better. Entry Apr 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- ----------------------- Page 17----------------------- Worked on the great violets program this morning. Added all the updates I was expecting to from the web update project. Walked around Buckingham this afternoon with Lib Dinner was sausage tortelloni I picked up in Krogers this past Tuesday. Entry Apr 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- A little rainy this morning. Read some stuff that we not be in economic recovery after all - just a snap back from Sept 11. The market is drifting sideways - USA is down some more, am getting ready to buy some, maybe tomorrow. Communicated with Joe about his wireless link on the robot. He can't get it to work. We're going to Exploris tonight so dinner was just a frozen terayaki vegetable. Entry Apr 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- Heard from Joe today that he got his wireless link working. I didn't think it would work directly with a Uart. Bought some USA today for 10.10 a share. Market looks terrible, especially NASDAQ which fell almost 3%. I'm worried about my QQQ and GE - thinking about bailing on those two. Dinner was Alfred veggie and porkchops. Went to Krogers this morning to return a bad container of OJ and also get some bread and bagels. Entry Apr 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did some investment reading in the AM then walked to the Library and back with Lib but didn't go in. Beautiful day!!!!! We enjoyed the flowering yards of Shepards Vineyard. Started listening to "Hostage" on audiobooks downloaded from Usenet. Very exciting stuff. Dinner was BBQ chicken with rice and veggies - no wine, hurrah!!!! After dinner I layed on the floor with my laptop and headphones with the audiobook MP3 coming from the server upstairs. Lib gave me a haircut on the backporch in the afternoon today for my upcoming trip next week. Entry Apr 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper and downloaded the rest of the audio book. Listened to a few nore tracks of "hostage" - good stuff. Went out in the back after calling Mom and weeded the min Iris bed of the Chinese crab grass. The bed needs lots of weeding. Have to redo the W2's this afternoon because I made a mistake. Walked from home to the reservoir with Lib - took my bottle of water. It was overcast and around 75. Came home and listened to the rest of the hostage - very suspensful. Dinner was our normal pizza. Entry Apr 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- Another bad market day. Sold the 50 shares of QQQ I had in the individual account and bought 72 shares of aes-c which is a preferred yielding 16%. Did not go walking today - went to the greenhouse with some capillary matting for an order and took some pictures of violets being started. Had hurting sinuses today - not exactly a headache, just achey nostrils. I think it's from the pollen and dry weather. Dinner was just clam chowder, then Lib went to quilting. I listened to an audiobook - Generating Multiple Income streams then fell asleep on the floor. Entry Apr 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers, Best Buy and REI. Picked up a pedometer at REI, a birthday CD for Arlene at Best Buy and also a watch battery for Libs PC. Walked form home to Lake Pine where Lib picked me up. Dinner was turkey burgers and beans. Entry May 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- ----------------------- Page 18----------------------- It was supposed to rain today but it didn't. Sold some XLK today and bought OTCM and USA. This is the last week of the rights offering for USA. Lib and I walked to the lake and then walked around it. Our mileage total was 4 miles. Dinner was turkey burgers, salad and beans. Had an orange yogurt later for desert. Entry May 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Bought more USA today, then printed more labels for Libs Triangle African Violet Society and printed the bluebird info on the Dandy brochures. Starting gathering everything for my trip tomorrow. Lib and I walked to the lake then around it and home - 3.94 miles. Dinner was barbecue chicken and cajun rice. Yogurt for desert. Alltel screwed up the phone bill again - I got nowhere with 800 number customer support so I tried eMail. They fixed everything. Entry May 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- After a bage and coffee we left home at 7:15 for my 9:30 flight. There was a light rain and it was cool. The line at check-in was long, met a Western Carolina classmate of Joes who upgraded me to First Class. Arrived on-time a little after 11 then waited in line at hertz for my free rental car - a Mitsubishi Galant. Drove over to Selby - arrived there at noon and toured the Bonsai clubs display and sale. Afterwards toured the mansion looking at the juried photo competition - the theme was Florida Nature. Did a quick run through Publix for coffee, OJ and bagels and picked up some Uncle Ben rice bowls for dinners. Walked 3 miles down Midnight Pass (1.5 each way) and came home and fixed a rice bowl with Vendage Chardonnay. Entry May 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Drove down to 7-11 today for Sundays paper because I didn't have change for the machine downstairs. Read the paper on the lanai with coffee and a bagel - a beautiful day!!! Entry May 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Day 1 of Monte's class. Left the condo at 7:30 and arrived at the church at 8:30. Heard from Lib at 7 am- she was in Fredricksburg on her way home. Did lunch across the street at a Mexican place then dinner afterwards at a chinese buffet. Too much food and didn't do my walk today. The class was outstanding - I learned a lot. Entry May 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- We shot in the church this morning then went out to lunch at the tired lobster - I had a crab sandwich. Afterwards we headed out to the beach at Anna Marie Island where we learned shooting in strong sun light and the setting sun before packing it up late at night. I didn't go out for dinner - headed straight back and got home at 10:30. Entry May 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- Left a little later today - after my bagel. Picked up another coffee at Mcdonald's before class. Practiced some group posing and arranging today then had lunch at Applebees - I had blackened chicken salad. Entry May 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Started a little after nine today - monte talked about the business and marketing aspects of wedding sales. Went to lunch at McDonalds and got two single hamburgers and water. Afterwards played with portrait lighting with Peter and Fred before monte had us go outside for another family shoot then into the church to practice window light posing. I bought Monte's ----------------------- Page 19----------------------- lunchtime special deal today which consisted of the Day with Monte video tapes, two posing books, a CD "how'd he do that" and the book "Making a Monte portrait" for $250 (ouch). I'm not sure I should have gone this much overboard with all the other material I have. Next stop was some senior pictures at the tennis court club house then to a clients house for a backyard family shoot. Very nice house and backyard with waterfall and pool. Dinner was at the Oaks country club. I had the grouper almondine and a glass of white wine. Got back at 9. Entry May 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- A short day. Arrived at the church at 9:00 - Monte was already there. Spent the morning reviewing yesterday’s pix, then he handed out posters and the tapes we purchased yesterday. Dinner last night ended up being $18 each. Finished about 2 PM. Stopped by Publix and picked up an Uncle Bens dinner and a bagel for tomorrow. Then walked Midnight Pass for 4 miles round trip. Watched the sun set and saw a guy setting up a telescope on the beach. Had dinner and fell asleep watching Wall Street Week. It has been a long but rewarding week. Entry May 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- Got up promptly at 6 and started washing the sheets and packing my suitcase. After my bagel and coffee, loaded the dishwasher and started washing the tile floors. Unloaded the dishwasher, vacuumed everything and left Island Reef at 9:06. Had to get gas at the Siesta Key bridge ($1.47 per gallon) then drove to the Tampa airport. Got there around 10:15 - checked the Hertz car in - the weeks total was $56 for the tax and the rest free on my Score Card Reward coupons. Good deal!!!! Had a very smooth flight - I was in First Class again. Met Lib at the pickup area but she had to circle again since I didn't have my luggage yet. Afterwards we dove home and had chicken salad sandwiches for lunch. Dinner was ribs with zinfindel and baked Beans I picked up in Winn Dixie. While there I also got a Mothers Day card and bagels for tomorrow. Watched tape 1 of the "Day with Monte" series. Lib seemed to enjoy it. Entry May 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper on the back porch then Lib went to the greenhouse while I researched lighting online. After a lunch of donuts and coffee (not good, but a Sunday tradition) we did the 4 mile around the Apex lake. Called my Mom this morning for Mothers Day - everything sounds the same - complaints, etc. Did a 4 mile walk this afternoon then did some online research of studio lighting prices, putting together a hypothetical order. Entry May 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- Placed several orders for lights, a camera and photo equipment today. About $2300 from Ritz, $900 from Adorama and $340 from Alien Bees. The Credit Union called to verify the purchases on my charge card. Went to IBM at 3:00 and found they don't have ADF tickets. Entry May 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent some time on the newsgroups this morning then made postcards for Bluebird. Mowed the front lawn, blew off the driveway and was watching the Monte tapes when Lib and Joanne arrived. Took a walk to the reservoir and back - 4 miles. Dinner was turkey burgers and baked beans. Entry May 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- In the morning I researched photo equipment some more, including looking at medical exam stools as posing stools. For lunch I had the watermelon wedge I picked up yesterday. Went to the greenhouse and replaced a faucet and trimmed the hollys in front, then returned home and worked the W2 corrected version but discovered an error at the last minute. Now I need to get ----------------------- Page 20----------------------- a new form. Lib and I walked the 4 mile route around the lake then had pork chops and corn with salad for dinner. Lib was not happy with the cut of the pork chops. Had a raspberry swirl yogurt for desert. Entry May 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- Drove to IRS in /Raleigh and picked up new W2C forms. Struggled with filling them out and later in the day filled out a new 943 and 941C. Lib and I drove them to the mailbox after dinner then went to WalMart where I got 5 quarts of oil and a AA battery for my new light meter. The photo equipment came today - Alien Bee light, stands, meter, and Canon lens. Now I need the camera. Also ordered a massage table stool from eBay for use as a posing stool. If OK, will get a second stool and a posing table. Dinner was crab and dill ravioli with salad. Entry May 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Dinner was pork chops and teryaki rice. Changed the oil on the minivan in the afternoon after Lib and I walked around the lake. It's gettinga little cool out. Entry May 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- A rainy morning. Helped Lib load the car up with her convention goody bags. She left when the rain eased about 2 PM. I took the 4 mile loop around the reservoir alone. Came back and had popcorn, watermelon and Marie Calendar pot pie. Entry May 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- A very cold morning - long pants today. Got an EMail that Bill and Barb are moving to a condo in Portsmouth. Took the pond apart this afternoon and started leveling the sides out so it's even across. Lib called that she has a flat tire outside of Kings Dominion - I called AAA because her cell phone battery is weak and they want to put her on hold. Got a AAA dispatched tow truck heading her way shortly. Well, it's a few hours later now. Lib called from the Richmond Walmart. Her spare is a toy and won't make it to Raleigh. She's in line to get a new tire. while waiting for Lib I learned a little about Macromedia Director and created a violet slide show. Lib arrived around 10 PM. Entry May 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on leveling out the pond today so I can replace the liner. The earthlite chair came - it looks pretty good, however the BH catalog which I also received today shows a special - a free posing stool with a photogenic posing table purchase. Drove to Krogers and walked around the lake from there with Lib. Did a mini Krogers grocery trip. Dinner was very burnt pork chops with cajun rice. Entry May 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- Tried but failed at a Selby article this morning. Worked on the pond today - put back the liner, filled it with water and surrounded the edge with rocks. When Lib came home we went to the CU, to Alltel to purchase a cell phone car charger then to Walmart for grass seed. Reseeded the grass around the pond. Dinner was barbecue chicken, broccoli and salad. Entry May 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the pond in the morning. Lib came home after lunch so we packed the car and left at 3:15 PM. Arrived at the Hyatt in Arlington at 8:30 after a Cracker Barrel dinner of pork chops, baked potato and salad. Set the booth up - the hotel concierge ----------------------- Page 21----------------------- were a pain in the ass but we unloaded and I took the van via the GW and i-495 to Silver Spring. Got stuck in construction 4 miles before Colesville - 2 lanes were closed, traffuc was stop and go. Entry May 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning we drank coffee and watched the morning news. I followed Sue down 16th street where we dropped her Audi off in Arlington and then arrived at the convention at 11 AM to relieve Lib. For lunch Lib and I went actross the street to McDonalds. We left the convention at 6:30 PM. In the eveing we all went for a ride in Bruces new car and out to dinnr at Copelands. I liked their spicy cajun food. I had the Blackened Bayou cicken over mushroom and creole sauce. Entry May 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- Arrived at the convention earlier today - about 10 AM. For lunch Sue and I went across the street to the Capitol Diner at the Holiday Inn and had green salad. Photographed violets all afternoon and left the show at 7:15 PM. For dinner Bruce cooked Boca pizza with wine and ice cream. Entry May 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning we got to the show early. Lib and I had lunch at McDonalds - Fajitas. Sue, Lib and I packed the car with the unsold plants and went back to Silver Spring. For dinner Bruce cooked Soy chicken on the grill with potatoes and salad. Entry May 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- We had bagels and coffee at the Guenthers then left for NJ around 8 AM. Arrived in NJ at 11:15 - Arlene and family were still there from breakfast. Went over to the graduation party at 4 - lots of people, stayed until 8 because Mom was leaving. Aunt Helen wasn't feeling well so Vicki took her home earlier. Entry May 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- Walked to the bagel shop this morning but it was closed - doesn't open til 7 on memorial day. Went back at 7 and got bagels then walked down to the parade on Washington Avenue. It was over at noon so went to Vicki's for a barbecue of London Broil, potato salad and lettuce salad. Saw Barbara and Nancy who stopped by. Left at 4:30and paceked to leave at Moms. Left there at 6 - hit rain between Baltimore and Washington. Had a Fajita dinner in Aberdeen. Traffic was surprisingly light. Arrived at the Guenthers at 9:50 PM. Entry May 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- We left Washington this morning at 6. We had no trouble on the Beltway - Northbound into DC was stopped for many miles at 6:30 in the morning!! Stopped in Fredicksburg for breakfast at McD - I had coffee and a cream cheese bagel. Topped off the gas tank and continued. Arrived home at 11:15 - exactly 500 miles from Piscataway according to the trip odometer. Entry May 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent the morning reading about flash photography, tried some bids on eBay for Vivitar flashes. Late at night I won a Vivitar 283 for $36. We walked at 3 PM for 4 miles. Dinner was Krogers barbecue chicken and potato salad. Entry May 30, 2002 ----------------------- Page 22----------------------- -------------------------------------- Did a trip to bank, post office, library, barnes & noble. Looking for a Macromedia Director book - found one in BN but Amazon has one used for half the price ($40 vs $21.). Took a walk around the lake and met Lib on Lake Pine after her Rex class. Dinner was sausage tortellini with salad. Worked on the slide show late into the evening - stopped around 11:30 PM. The Post Office trip this morning was for a money order for the vivitar flash on ebay. We heard that Margies house burned down recently. Joe called this monring for a weather report on some places in Oregon - he has an RV and is up there camping. Entry May 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the slide show then we went to Sams for lunch and groceries then home for a walk. It started raining as soon as we got back. Dinner was salmon and rice with Chardonnay. Entry Jun 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked most of the day on the slide show. When Lib came home we went for our walk. It was hot, Lib doesn't want to do this anymore. It started raining pretty hard with some impressive lightening. Dinner was Salmon and rice. Entry Jun 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- I worked on the slide presentation in hte morning. We had donuts at noon and while I walked 4 miles Lib updated the winning entries for easier slide show entry. Had watermelon for lunch then did some slides before going to the greenhouse to repair the cool cells. Fixed the broken bolts, patched a hole in the gutter and went home. Lib made pizza and I worked on slides some more and also de-fragged my laptop. Dinner was pizza then watched Max Bickford afterwards - it was about taking time to have fun. Entry Jun 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on finishing up the AVSA slide show then took a 4 mile walk.Met up with Al Evans - he was layed off from IBM in Dec. Dinner was corn and chicken. Entry Jun 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Copied the final verion of the slide show to Libs PC for her violet show then did some research on FIT leaders who passed away, specifically Jerry Keuper. A sad day. Went to the Credit Union, WalMart and Krogers around noon. Supposed to be watching my intake but ate some Klondike ice cream bars. Dinner was corn and tuna. Did some research on a pause button for macromedia. Entry Jun 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did the 4 mile walk at noon - it was 99 today. Very warm but I love the walk. Dinner was tuna sandwiches and salad. Entry Jun 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Filled the garbage can with all the photogrpahy boxes then went to the greenhouse to get the old battery and to Walmart for a new one. Deposited a $700 refund check from the IRS then went for my 4 mile walk. The Director 8.5 book came in the mail so spent some time this afternoon reading it. Also started working on a bracket extension for my Alien Bee. Dinner was chicken salad sandwiches and salad. ----------------------- Page 23----------------------- Entry Jun 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- Looked up the obituarues in Melbourne and found Ann Tsark had died on Jan 21, 2001. Went over to the greenhouse and shot some violets until noon then returned home to play with mounting the Bee lights. Janet wants to have her daughter-in-law get some bridal formals which I'll do on July 15. Dinner was Tuna steak with rice and salad. Desert was watermelon. Entry Jun 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- Started working on the AVSA design section of the library CD and also processed a few pictures from yesterday's Bluebird photo session. Got the Alien Bee hooked up OK with the extension arm on the bracket - it seems OK. Waiting now for some right angle cords from Hosfelt. This stuff should be here Tuesday. Entry Jun 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Had pancakes for breakfast - the coffee I tried to make overflowed the coffee maker. This morning I tweaked the AVSA Cd director movie then Lib came home with donuts after which we walked our 4 miles around the lake. For lunch I had watermelon. After lunch I started on the MAAVS web pages. Entry Jun 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib mailed the 3 eBay violets. Still didn't receive payment for the fourth. Did my 4 mile walk at noon. Dinner was sausage stuffed torteloni. Entry Jun 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- The 4th eBay payment came through - Lib mailed it this morning. Went to the grocery store today and also Walmart for a high efficiency light bulb for the bathroom and R134 and an R134 filler hose for the Taurus. Looked for a CD wallet for my computer - ended up buying a 228 CD wallet in Office Depot for 29.95. Entry Jun 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read about Berkley TOS in the AM then went for my 4 mile walk. Watermelon for lunch and turkey burgers for dinner. After dinner walked the lake again - 6 miles total today!!!! Entry Jun 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning worked on wireless then over to the grenehouse to fiddle with the air tank. No pressure - bladder may be leaking. Took my 4 mile walk at noon then went to Sams and had pizza for lunch. After a tuna fish sandwich dinner, we walked th elake (2 mile) then bought some Athletes foot stuff for my left foot. It's scaley and sore. Entry Jun 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went out in search of a pond pump. Northern didn't have any so stopped at Home Depot and Lowes. Ended up buying a Lowes 170 gph pump and fountain. Now I need to do some wiring and a remote. Will probably order a ming transmitter/receiver kit. Walked at 12:30 after hooking up the pump - the sky was dark but it didn't rain. Lib picked me up on Buckingham Way on the way back. Dinner was pork chops, salad and corn. ----------------------- Page 24----------------------- Entry Jun 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked outside and installed drip waterers on the azaleas in the front then repaired a puncture wound in the pipe. Temporarily wired a 28v transformer to the solenoid on the back porch and watered the azaleas for 45 minutes using the drippers. It hasn't rained in several weeks. Lib joined me on a 4 mile walk around the lake. Dinner was ribs with rice and beans, salad and Zinfindel. Entry Jun 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the computer in the monring then Lib came home at 11 with donuts. We went for a walk at noon then I had watermelon for lunch. Called my Mom before the walk - she is pretty spacey and doesn't hear much or seem to comprehend. It's hard having a conversation with her. Dinner was pizza. Entry Jun 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Heard from a potential consulting job this morning. I sent a quote out in the eveining. Looked at their schematic and code. Studied cameras a lot on eBay. Ritz has delayed my camera until July 14. Dinner was chicken salad sandwiches. Lib went quilting this evening. Entry Jun 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went out this morning to Home Depot for conduit and electrical box and then to Krogers for old geezers day. Came back and looked at D30's on eBay then mowed the lawn. Took my 4 mile walk at noon then punched a hole in the wall and mounted the box. Got my hard drive from Newegg - 120 gigs, wow!! Started transferring my mp3 files to the new drive. Dinner was chicken with salad and rice. Handled a bunch of eBay purchases this evening then relisted some of our violets. Entry Jun 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- In the morning I moved Mp3 files from Hoffman to the new hard drive, then photographed some violets for eBay. Walked my 4 miles then worked with Lib listing violets on eBay. Found a D30 in Wisconsin that I contacted the seller about. She is asking $1450, will probably offer $1400. Dinner was turkey burgers with beans. After dinner we walked around the lake after driving there. Entry Jun 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- A very busy day. The Alabama company called and wanted a consulting agreement in place so they can send schematics. I worked on this stuff. Tried calling about the D30 in Wisconsin then called Alien Bees and placed an order for lights and light stands. Answered some eMails about eBay purchases. Did my 4 mile walk at noon then Lib and I walked together after dinner. Dinner was tortelini stuffed with sausage and salad. Ordered ADF tickets for 4 performances this afternoon - Pilobolus, the Reinhart girl, Mark Morris and the International Choreographers. Entry Jun 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- The Reynolds RF modules came today. Hooked them up and took scope tracings. Tried calling about the D30 but got nowhere - just a phone message machine. Ordered the posing table today. In the evening we went to Pilobolus after a light dinner of Tuna fish sandwiches. It was great to get to ADF again. Pilobolus did Untitled which was the two tall ladies with nude men under their long skirts. Second piece was "Four Humors" which was a slapstick piece of four dancers in white with bandages and blood on at least one, the third piece was "Symbiosis" which featured a male and female in white thongs melding and ----------------------- Page 25----------------------- tumbling together. The final piece "Brass Ring" featured Copelands Olympic fanfare and the dancers in colorful leotards. Afterwards we stopped at Goodberries for ice cream (Carolina Concrete - chocolate and raspberry). Entry Jun 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning worked on web stuff for my personal ADF page, did more RF work, then walked at noon. Watered the azaleas in back and the dogwood. Had a baby deer in the yard. Lib and I walked the flea market this afternoon andbought corn, tomatoes and watermelon. Dinner was this stuff with pork chops and salad. Entry Jun 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Watched a little Breakfast with the Arts then went upstairs to make the schematic for the pond controller. Lib brought some donuts which we ate on the back porch then went for our 4 mile walk. Just as we came home it started pouring - we got 1/10 inch rain. This is the first rain in 3 weeks. Everything is very dry. Lunch was BLT's then traditional pizza for dinner. Worked on software for the pond controller in the evening. Entry Jun 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the pond controller software, then did some eBay stuff. Took my walk at noon then had watermelon when I returned. Watched the black snake cross the yard from upstairs. Dinner tonight was blt sandwiches on the back porch informally. Entry Jun 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did the Krogers trip early then went for my walk. Bought the D30 camera this afternoon via PayPal to Lynda Boetz in Wisconsin. Spoke with her a long time on the phone. The Alien Bees arrived - I set everything in the Living Room pending getting some of the other projects completed. Dinner was chicken breast sandwiches. Entry Jun 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- Started my walk at noon but turned around at the pool at the aparments. Ran the last several thousand feet home in the rain while thunder and lightening struck all around. It ended by the time I got home. Lib and I went to Sams and a pizza lunch. Dinner in the evening was crab cakes. We got an inch and a half of rain which was great news since it hasn't rained in several weeks - everything is brown and crunchy. Worked a bit on the wireless pond controller, converting an x10 appliance module for use as a power relay. Entry Jun 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- The posing table and stool arrived this morning. Unpacked them but didn't do anything with them. Walked at noon - it started sprinkling in Shepards Vineyard but completed the walk OK. The FedEx guy brought the camera today - very nice like new condition. I'm pleased. Dinner tonight was torteloni - cheese and spinach with salad. Lots of eBay activity. I started using an auction manager program to keep track of everything. Lib and I power walked the lake at 7 while the sky threatened and rumbled. It rained after we got home - around 10 PM. We got one more inch bringin the weekly total to 2.5 inches. Entry Jun 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- Walked at noon but didn't drive anywhere today. Dinner tonight was chicken breasts on buns with lettuce and tomato. ----------------------- Page 26----------------------- Entry Jun 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning I did eBay stuff, read the D30 manual some more and completed building the Alien Bee bracket extension. Took my walk at noon then took a series of violet pix with the D30. Was not happy with the results. Need to read the manual some more. Pix were generally blurry and overexposed. Worked on some Html for eBay that calculates the postage since the Post Office now charges by distance on priority mail. Dinner was ribs with rice and beans and Ravenwood Zinfindel. Entry Jun 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on taking violet pictures with the D30. Pix are blurry, colors shifted, and exposure is overexposed, Closed the exposure a lot to get better depth of field, intentionally underexposed, took a picture of a white sheet and white balanced and hooked up the tripod. Now getting good pictures. Lib and I went to the Flea Market where we met Bill Zevin and Wendy. Bill says Robin Wells, Mike Deceseris and Brian Bass were all layed off at work. He's in the chip group and still working there. We bought a watermelon then stopped in Krogers for bananas on the way home. After my 4 mile walk I did violet photography and listed "the b's" on eBay. I have the shipping calculator up and running there. Dinner was the traditional pizza. Entry Jul 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- eBay sales have slowed considerably. Roadrunner is also running pretty slowly. Did the normal walk at noon - 4 miles. Did some fixup of the violet pages on bluebird to include the new postage. Entry Jul 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers in the morning thne took my 4 mile walk at noon. It was beautiful woman day today starting with our neighbor watering her flowers in her bikini. At the lake saw several walkers and joggers in short shorts and body hugging tops. At the apartments I admired a girl in red shorts and blond pony tail pedaling her bike up from the path across the grass to the Aparments. In the PM I went to Walmart and got a plant stand and rose bush. Came back and did some more mechanical work on the pond controller. Dinner was chicken breast tender sandwiches, baked beans and salad. Afterwards we walked around the lake again. 6 miles today!!! Entry Jul 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning went over to the Greenhouse to get potting soil for my rose bush. Put the thermomemter up when I was there. Came home and planted the bush in a soil and potting material mix I stirred up with the tiller. Took out the string trimmer and got the creeping weeds around the azalea beds and irises. Took my 4 mile walk at noon - the lake was pretty deserted today. Probably saw a total of 4 walkers-joggers. Temp was around 90 on my walk. 144 lbs today. Dinner was shrimp in the shell with cajun rice and Chardonnay. Afterwards we did another walk around the lake. Six miles for me today!! Entry Jul 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Corrected the rebels picture on eBay then did a Paypal invoice for a Bluebird order. Put a few more wires on the pond controller then went for my 4 mile walk. Over 90 today but not unusual for July. Afterwards we went to Krogers for a watermelon, cocktail sauce and whole tomatoes in a can for the creole rice. Dinner was shrimp peelers with cajun rice and chardonnay. Afterwrds we watched the Boston Pops July 4th concert and fireworks. Entry Jul 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Walked today at noon - it was pretty hot. We had a fierce storm this afternoon with lightening, ail and winds. It took out our ----------------------- Page 27----------------------- Roadrunner modem. Dinner was shrimp in the shell with the rest of the Chardonnay and Blueberry pie. Entry Jul 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- We left this morning to go to the new mall in Durham to exchange our lightning damaged cable modem. Met Felicia at Williams Sonoma then walked outside on the "Main Street" they built outside. Also went to Barnes and Noble and got an Atlantic Monthly. When we got home I got Roadrunner up and runiing after a call to tech support reporting the modem mac address. My laptop doesn't work but Lib's does. Dinner tonight was chicken Creole with French Red wine. Very tasty!!! Entry Jul 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- Continued to try getting the network working again. Ended up ordering a new card for my laptop as well as some inkjet cartridges. Entry Jul 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- Today I need to start setting up the camera and flashes. Got the flashes hooked up and the remote wired. Everything seems to work OK. Ordered two more light stands for the backdrop after testing it on the backdrop I have. Dinner tonight was turkey burgers. Had to make a quick trip to Krogers for buns and bagels for tomorrow morning. After dinner Lib and I walked the lake. This is 10 miles for me this week!! Entry Jul 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the AVSA CD with the new pictures from Marhorie then went to Krogers. Bought gas fro tonight at 1.29 per gallon. Walked 4 miles at noon - it was more humid today but a nice breeze was at the lake. Hooked the D30 up to the strobes and tried a few test shots. Dinner was chicken breast tenders on buns with tomato. Eating light because we have ADF tonight. The performance of Adrian Reinhart was great. She did 4 very different pieces: a painting by Shen Wei titled body study, the Room in which she had conflict projected on the walls of a room, 2 AM in which she wore a black dress and sighed against the wall and finally a dance and operatic number called "drawing lesson" with two violins, cello and harpsichord in whcih she sang and danced. We stayed for the talk afterwards. It was pretty good - she's very talented. We noticed Mrs Reinhart has a baseball cap - she doesn't look too good. Entry Jul 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- It is supposed to rain this afternoon so I walked at 11:30. Tried to go around a second time but the sky looked threatening. Lib and I went to Sams and picked up a new 5200 BTU A/C for my shop. The old one seems not to be cold and is also inefficient. Dinner was chicken breast sandwiches. Entry Jul 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- In the morning it drizzled then got significantly colder. Walked at noon and came home and had hot potato soup for lunch. Did some more portraits of Lib - the lighting is getting better! Dinner was crab cakes and salad. Entry Jul 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning I watched the Monte tape #2 about posing the bride and played with a D30 remote program. In late mmorning I bought a sprayer at Ace and tried to kill Japanese beatles on the Myrtle and Hollyhock but don't think the Isotox had any potency because it was old. Took my 4 mile walk at noon then tied some 3/4 length pics of Lib. Still need to work out bugs. ----------------------- Page 28----------------------- Posing position is wrong. Dinner was chicken breast and salad. Afterwards we walked the lake again (6 miles for me today) and then went home for blueberry pie. Entry Jul 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on cleaning up the AVSA CD then walked at noon. Tried to get a working pause control but the sound doesn't stop, only the movie. Dinner was Creole Rice and salad with white wine. Blueberry Pie for desert. Entry Jul 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Finished up the AVSA CD this morning and also updated the MAAVS site with more convention info. Lib came home with donuts which we had on the porch while i rained. We got another .3 inches. Took a walk at noon with an umbrella then came home for a chicken salad sandwich lunch. Practiced more studio photography doing the 3/4 seated in both full face and 2/3 facial views. Started burning the AVSA Cd's today then had pizza for dinner. the crusts came out soggy because the stone wasn't heated because of the photo session. Entry Jul 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- Tonight we had a very light chicken sandwich and then went to the Internatrional Choreographers at Reynolds. The first number was dancers suspended from the ceiling by an Argentine choreographer, next was John Jaspers "Dry" about bodies adapting to flat surfaces then the highlight of the evening was "Fog" by Sash a Russian. It was entertaining and had a little nudity as a girl changed her dress on stage. We stayed for the lecture which was very informative. Entry Jul 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Dinner tonight was pasta from Krogers yesterday. Entry Jul 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Walked around the lake and didn't see anyone else - almost 100 today with heat advisory, I love it. Dinner tonight was chicken sandwiches before going to a Mark Morris ADF performance. Very good dancing. I loved the large company. The did Resurrection, Duo and number in which MArk danced with 3 other guys and then the finale was . Afterwards we stopped at Goodberrys for ice cream in the rain. Sheets of rain were going sideways while we sat in the car eating. Entry Jul 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- Tried hooking up the pond controller today but the relay seems to be stuck. Need to do some work. Walked the lake at noon and then again after a dinner of salmon of chardonnay with cajun rice. I went to the credit union and Sams while Lib stood in line to get her license renewed at the DMV in the Cary train station. Entry Jul 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning I read about Windows XP, downloaded the 8 in1 and read about how to burn it. Walked around the lake at noon then Lib and I made up a plan to do movie and dinner this evneing. We saw the Imax Calif adventure and then went to Mo's diner across the street afterwards, A very elegant meal in a very unlikely locale. Entry Jul 21, 2002 ----------------------- Page 29----------------------- -------------------------------------- Played with the 8 in 1 Win XP CD and didn't have much luck installing the thing. Wired up a relay in an electrical box and hooked it to a plug I bought in Home Depot. We went to Office Depot and then Home Depot to get a disk drive on sale for my new server. The store opened at 11, we were there at 11:30 and got one of the last 40 gig drives for $59 (after rebates). Entry Jul 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Installed the pond controller and got everything working - I can now turn on the fountain with the keychain remote!!!! Entry Jul 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers this morning as usual on Tuesdays. My watermelon was not ripe - a disappointment since the price was $5 and last week I got such a good one. Entry Jul 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Re-installed Win Xp on Rigoletto and tried a few image gallery programs. Didn't like any of them. I may have to go with one of my own based on the Slooze scripts. Dinner was on my own today since Lib went out with Nancy. I had rice and beans and clam chowder. Walked at noon with my umbrella just in case. It started thundering so I ran part of the way but the rain held off. Entry Jul 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked all day on the Rigoletto server and finally got the PHP program running. The problem was translating from a Unix based program to Windows. Also downloaded the "Devils Own" version of Windows Xp. This one doesn;t have the activation nag. Dinner was turkey burgers, after which we went to Belks for a wedding gift for tomorrow. Met Robin Wells in Belk - he was laid off in Feb. Walked at noon today - took my cell phone but no umbrella. It drizzled on and off in the morning. Entry Jul 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on reading more about PHP databases in the morning and playing with the XP server. Walked early, at 11:30 then got cleaned up for the wedding at 2. The wedding was lovely at Kirk of Kildaire. We had some finger food, met Dave Houck there and chatted with the photographer briefly then went home. At home I worked more on the server software until dinner time - we had turkey burgers with rice and beans. After dinner we watched Kate and Leopold on Pay Per View starring Meg Ryan. It was enjoyable. Entry Jul 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper on the back porch then went upstairs and worked on my computer learning about PHP. Did my 4 mile walk at noon. Dinner was traditional pizza. Entry Jul 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on PHP and the database with some success. Late morning I tied up the Myrtle which was falling down by hooking a bungy cord from the plant to an eye hook screwed into the house. Mowed the back yard until the mower ran out of gas then took my 4 mile walk. There are heat advisories because the temp is in the high nineties with high humidity. Did not see a single person on my walk. Lib went to a Quilt house warming at Eleanors so I had a rice bowl and fruit for dinner. The remote control ----------------------- Page 30----------------------- on the pond has stopped working. Need to debug a little. Entry Jul 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers this morning for old geezers discount day. At noon walked the lake - there is a heat advisory so Lib went out searching for me and picked me up at the Buckingham entrance. The town of Apex marked off the utilities on the street so they can dig tomorrow to repair a water leak. I went to Home Depot to look at tile and sheetrock. Picked up a Hibiscus and then got gas for the mower. Entry Jul 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- I'm pretty happy with how the database is working. Spent some time adding more data - a directory of Michelangelo images. Heard from Bob Eagan today - he's living in Summit NJ as an IT consultant and professor at Stevens. Answered two prospective brides today with price lists - both are for next summer. Dinner was crab cakes. Lib and I went to the library tonight and then walked around the lake. My total today is 6 miles. I now weigh 235!!!! Got out the roto tiller and mixed potting soil with the yard soil using the tiller and planted the Hibiscus. May have damaged the rose while doing this since the rake fell on a rose vine. We seem to be in another extended dry period. Had to water the rose and the hibiscus. Entry Aug 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on my PHP database then did some cleanup work in the yard before taking my walk. There is a heat advisory today so to celebrate I walked the lake twice for a 6 mile total. In the afternoon I worked on photography, I'm really disappointed in Katy's formals. Camera height was wrong, camera cropping was bad and I'm not totally happy with the posing. Oh well, that's what practice is all about. Dinner was pork chops with brocolli cheese rice and salad. Entry Aug 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Home Depot and Radio Shack looking at fans and for an scr for the Metz flash I bought on eBay. Bought a Hibiscus at Radio Shack. In the PM we went to Sears and bought a refrigerator. NC is having sales tax free days on school supplies - the mall looked like a Christmas holiday weekend. Dinner was chicken sandwiches.Went to Logans for lunch - crabcakes and shrimp salad. Bought a huge flowering basket for the back deck. On the way home from Logans we stopped at the Haywood house to scope it out. Entry Aug 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib cut my hair on the back porch. I vacuumed the porch afterwrds. Lib mopped it while I walked. Dinner was Bryans Ribs from Sams and French Red Wine. Entry Aug 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper, had donuts around noon then walked the lake. Left at 2:45 for Vals 50th birthday party. Nice afternoon and party - hamburgers and party food. Afterwards we scoped out the Haywood House. Dinner was a Patroni's pizza we had on the back porch. Entry Aug 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on my computer a little this morning then went to Home Depot and got a bathroom fan and water tank for the grenehouse. After my walk went to the greenhouse and hooked up the tank. It took 2 hours including a trip to Ace Hardwrae ----------------------- Page 31----------------------- for pvc pipe fittings. Dinner was tuna fish sandwiches. Entry Aug 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did not go to Krogers today because we're keeping the refrigerator empty for the new one tomorrow. Went to Radio Shack Crabtree and bought battery holders for the Metz. Will order NiMh 'C' cells. Figured out what my PHP problem was - the directory arguments needed quotes around it. Walked at noon around the lake for 4 miles then we drove over there after dinner and walked around again - 6 miles total. Moved the refrigerator into the back foyer so we could clean the old spot. Also vacuumed and washed the back porch. Dinner was leftover turkey burgers and chicken strips. Entry Aug 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- We waited for the refrigerator to be delivered from Sears. They were supposed to come between 10 and 12 but showed up at 12:30. Lib stayed home today. We picked up branches and pinecones for a few hours to clean the front yard. The refrigerator seems to be quiet but we need 24 hours for the temp to stabilize. Took my walk - it's quite cool today. When I returned Lib went with me to Krogers for groceries. Dinner was chicken pot pie and salad. Entry Aug 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- The refrigerator stabilized - we were monitoring it with the hot tub temp probe. Called John Bond today about stpping over to chat with him about photography. We had chicken Pot Pies again for dinner. Entry Aug 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on adding American Impressionists to the Rigoletto Server. Pretty dry but coll outside. Took my walk at noon then came back and kept adding American Impressionists. The database seems to be working OK. Dinner was rice and Salmon. Very good, the Salmon was grilled with Thomas's. Entry Aug 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- WE awoke early and had blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Entry Aug 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- Blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Had our donuts at noon then walked the Lake. Built the flash adapter this afternooon to hook the Metz up to my Canon D30 without blowing things up. Took a ride this evening to the Haywood house and tried some photography with the Metz. Results were not bad - need some practice with composing and exposure. On the way back called from the cell for pizza at Patroni's. Entry Aug 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Reviewed last nights pictures using the Flash at the Haywood. Because the pictures were done using raw mode I had a chance to experiment with the Breeze Browser software. Walked twice around the lake today to get extra calories off. Dinner this evening was spinach and cheese tortelini. Entry Aug 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- ----------------------- Page 32----------------------- Busy day. Dentist appointment at 7:40 then picked up Lib and went to John Bond photography at 10. Chatted with John about photography and ended up ordering a Flash bracket which puts the flash directly over the lens. Did Krogers between the dentist and John Bond. Walked around the lake at noon two times again. After John Bond this morning I went to the greenhouse and changed the water filter because she wasn't getting any flow. Lib had a pesticide class tonight - we had chicken tenders before she left for class. I watched Beautiful Mind on Pay per View this evening while Lib was in class. ----------------------- Page 33----------------------- Entry Aug 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Hooked up power to the new bathroom fan location today. Walked around the lake and came home to our first rain in 2 weeks - we had 1/4 inch on our rain gauge. This evening we had tuna sandwiches then left at 6:45 for the 7 PM transportation plan meeting. The meeting went until 9 - I had a lot of comments about the sidewalk plan. Entry Aug 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- The Metz book came today - I did some reading about fill flash. In the morning I ran out to the Post Office and mailed the AVSA CD again and a birthday card to Aunt Helen. Also tried applying Service Pack 1 to XP and also hooked up the fan in the bathroom ceiling and tried taking out part of the bathtub. Waited a few minutes before my walk because Doppler was showing a rain cell moving across the lake. Left a little after 12 and could see that it did rain around the lake - everything was wet. In the PM I backed off the service pack. Dinner was chicken strips on buns which we had on the back porch while watching the rain. A strong lightning hit nearby took out our Cable modem again. This is getting to be not fun. Entry Aug 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib called this morning that everything is out at the greenhouse. Went over and found no power to the low voltage transformer. Traced the wires to a bad relay in the transfer switch. Rebuilt the relay but no dice. Traced the line on the load side of the relay to the shutter wall - there was a short in the conduit at one of the outlets. It was the inflation outlet. Went to Best Buy and got a new Linksys router to replace the broken one then went to Home Depot for new outlets and Radio Shack for parts to build another Metz adapter. The stroboframe bracket came today. It seems formidable. Went back to the greenhouse and replaced three outlets and got everything working again. Dinner was chicken strips on buns with tomato.We had another thunderstorm tonight with one inch of rain. Entry Aug 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on removing the green bathtub today while waiting for Time Warner to replace the cable modem. Lib came out to continue waiting while I did my daily walk. Put the remnants of the bathtub into Libs van then when she returned at 4:30 the Time Warner guy was here and replaced the modem. Entry Aug 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Getting caught up on the Internet now that we have connectivity. Lib brought home donuts after which we walked the lake. She parked at Krogers and met me while I did the whole 4 miles. Time Warner came around to install a ground rod for the cable. They didn't finish. Dinner was Lib's pizza. It threatened to rain in the evening but we didn't get anything. Entry Aug 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- Had racoons at the pond today - chased them up the tree with a pellet gun. Dinner was chicken tender sandwiches. Entry Aug 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did Krogers at 11 then walked at noon. Put the first sheet of sheetrock up with Libs help and a little struggling. Walked at noon then came back to practice photography and study Montes posing. Sent some of Montes pix to Walmart as posing samples. We had two racoons at the pond today - chased them up a tree with the pellet gun. Dinner was pasta. Entry Aug 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib did aquacise at 8:15 AM but forgot her suit. I drove it over to Rex. This morning Lib and I went to "Home Depot and got another sheet of sheetrock and some plaster. I cut the new sheet out and patched up the old fan hole in the ceiling and put the extra wires in a junction box. Did my walk at noon - it was hot and I was dripping wet. The new ethernet switch came today - hooked it up and put Rigoletto back online. The NIC card wasn't damaged. We're losing our TV - pay per view went yesterday because the P2 card is being phased out. Supposedly it will all be gone by Aug 23. The Racoons were back - after dinner I pursued them with the pellet gun. Got in a few hits but no major damage. Dinner was tuna sandwiches. ----------------------- Page 34----------------------- Entry Aug 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did a thorough job mowing the back yard this morning. Got cleaned up and went downtown and took the Haywood house tour. Two little old ladies gave us the house history and walked us through. We spent over an hour there - even got to see an album they had of previous weddings held there. Came home and had lunch. I worked on the server and also read about wedding lighting and DTV emulation. The old P2 card is scheduled to be shut down totally tomorrow. Dinner was chicken jumbalaya using the zatarain rice jumbalaya mix and Lib's chicken. Entry Aug 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Walked twice around the lake twice today - it was 102 today!!!!! Did some reading about emulation and decided to subscribe instead. Dinner was hamburgers and pork and beans. Directv had a long wait for subscriptions. Entry Aug 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- Studied some more photos for the Sept 7 wedding then walked twice around the lake - over 100 degrees today again. At 4 PM we had a brief thunderstorm. Dinner was chicken tenders with rice and beans and chardonnay. Programmed my Hu card today to activate channels. DTV says it can't be activated, they're sending me a new card. Lib and I put a sheet of sheetrock up on the bathroom ceiling. Now I have to fasten it down and cut out the A/C, fan and light cutouts. Entry Aug 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did some computer stuff this morning then put the rest of the nails into the bathroom sheetrock. Walked only once around today - it was slightly cooler. Much to do at home. Went to Sams and got supplies - mary and John are coming tomorrow. Dinner was traditional pizza and chocolate pudding. Entry Aug 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on scanning pix a little then took my lake walk. Lib called while I was walking to tell me Mar and John were stuck in Fredicksburg in traffic. Mar and John arrived at 4:30. We walked the lake then went out to dinner at the Mexican place in downtown Apex. Entry Aug 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- Raining this morning!!! After some Brueggers bagels went to the Duke Art Museum. Viewed some of the colelction then drove to AJ and Sons in Chapel Hill for barbecue sandwiches. Arrived home where John and I walked the lake while mary and Lib went to Rex for aquacise. After some photography in the living room we had salmon with rice, squash and Chardonnay. Entry Aug 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- Mary and John left this morning at 9. It's still raining - our total so far is 2 inches of rain. Received my Walmart pics and I was disappointed with the poor cropping cutting people off. Drove them to the Cary store to return them and receive a refund. After Walmart we went to Michaels at Crossroads to get some silk flowers for tomorrows photo shoot. Dinner tonight was chicken salad sandwiches and rice and beans. No walk today - it rained all day. Entry Aug 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- Studied some lighting this morning then went to Krogers for groceries. Left for my walk at noon - it started raining halfway but I had an umbrella. Came home and packed up the lights then left at 3:15 for pictures of Amy. Set the lights up at Archstone at Cornerstone apartments in the leasing office and had a very nice photo session except for the last couple of pictures. A standing bride is hard. Dinner was spinach and cheese Pasta then orange swirl yogurt for desert. Entry Aug 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Rainy day. Left for my walk at noon but turned around in Shepards Vineyard because it started raining hard. Rainfall total so far this week is 4 inches. Dinner was chicken tenders on buns with mushroom rice. ----------------------- Page 35----------------------- Entry Aug 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- Incredibly rainy. We emptied the rain guage after it recorded 6.5 inches for the week. After emptying it we got another inch and a quarter for almost 8 inches this week. Went to the Cary Mall and walked there and also stopped in Radio Shack to get some parts for a duplicate strobe trigger and power for my Digital Wallet. Dinner was Sams ribs with Zatarains rice and beans and Ravenwood Zinfindel. This evening the rain guage is showing almost 2 inches of rain today!!!! Entry Sep 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- It's raining a little this morning. Lib brought home doughnuts then I took my walk early. Half way around Lib called me on my cell that Vick and Bob had arrived. Came home, shwoered and changed clothes to join them on the back porch. We went downtown to the Haywood house after lunch then had pizza on the back porch. Entry Sep 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning after breakfast we went to the NC State Arboretum which is still under construction. Came home and had lunch then took the lake walk - I did the whole thing, Lib drove over and parked by Krogers and joined me. It was very cool. Later in the day we went to the grocery store to get chicken for dinner. Dinner was barbecue chicken, rice, corn and salad. We had lemon meringue on the porch with coffee while the little racoon kept coming back to the pond. Entry Sep 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Vicki and Bob left around 8 this morning. Went out to the airport around 10:30 to pick up Joe. His plane arrived around 11:15. Entry Sep 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers for produce, bagels and a few misc items. Dinner tonight was turkey burgers. Joe joined us for dinner. Desert was a homemade Lemon meringue pie. Entry Sep 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on printing Amy's proofs today. Walked the lake at noon - it's a beautiful day . Joe was going to Winston Salem to visit with Mark today. Built the second voltage reducer for the Metz. Had to run over to Radio Shack for an 1/8 inch jack. Charged all the batteries for the camera, flash and digital wallet. Dinner was leftover chicken with beans and rice. Entry Sep 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went over to the greenhouse in the morning and took pictures of Marsha, nancy and Molly making orchid baskets for the rehearsal dinner. Took some very nice portraits using the Canon flash in eTTL mode which did very well as a fill flash. Walked at noon - Joe headed for Wilmington for the weekend to Trevors. In the afternoon Travis and wife Darlene stopped by the greenhouse - we went out to dinner with them to the Mexican place in downtown Apex. Walked downtown and visited the fire station and an antique shop. We had a very nice time. At home I read "Celebration" a little bit then finished Lesson 3 of the Photoshop book. Entry Sep 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- We left for the wedding at 2:30 this afternoon. Nothing much was happening until around 4. The groomsmen were a disaster - not all there and din't have their flowers on. I took some good pictures but the flash quit during the reception. Dinner that night was takeout from the Chinese place. Entry Sep 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Joe came home from Wilmington today - he's looking at rental properties. Dinner was Salmon and rice with beans. Entry Sep 10, 2002 ----------------------- Page 36----------------------- -------------------------------------- Studied Photoshop then went to krogers and walked the lake. Dinner was chicken tenders on buns. Entry Sep 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning I did some more photoshop lessons then walked to the library to drop off the "Celebration" book I finished this monring. Am up to lesson 6 in the book. Powerful stuff!!!! Walked the lake at noon then studied flash lighting and equipment as well as proof albums. Dinner was turkey burgers and baked beans. Entry Sep 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Took Joes picture in the morning then drove him to the airport for his 1:00 flight back. We left the greenhouse at 11:08 and arrived at 11:28 PM at the Continental Terminal. He wants to see about getting on a Minneapolis flight to get back to Orange County earlier instead of through Newark. Dinner was Joe's leftover steak, fries and blooming onion from his outback dinner with Terri from last night. Entry Sep 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- Talked to a girl named Wendy about wedding photography. She was looking for a web portfolio. I worked all day getting some collages built for the web. Went to Logans for lunch at 1 and had crab cake sandwiches and talked to Val about photography. Afterwards we went to AgriSupply to get plastic. Dinner was a salad. Entry Sep 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- It started raining during my noon walk - tropical storm Hanna is at Tallahassee and coming North. Watched Amelia on PPV in the afternoon then went to Krogers for Yogurt for deseert tonight. Lib is cooking some rinbs with onion and baked potatoes. Entry Sep 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- Rainy morning - Lib retruned with donuts while I touched up collages. Afterwards we went to Sams for Wine, ribs, coffee, cereal and misc. In the afternoon I read some more of "A year in Provence". I finished April. Dinner was Libs pizza. Entry Sep 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the Vivitar flash this morning - the parts left West Va this morning, should be here tomorrow. My replacement Bee flash tube arrived as well as another light stand case. Walked the lake at noon but because it rained all morning I drove over there and walked around but only once. Entry Sep 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- The Hosfelt package came - started building the voltage reducers and multiple synch adapter for my Flashes. Walked at noon around the lake then was tired so I napped and read a few more chapters of the Provence book. Dinner was pasta then I left at 6:45 for the 7:00 lecture by Jane Payne at the library - typing by candlelight, turning a journal into a novel. I enjoyed the author and learned a few things such as including sensory info in journals for recall later. Entry Sep 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked a little on building a multiple flash controller then switched over to photoshop before packing up everything for Sara's pictures. We got to the church a little late for Sara - we were still setting up when she came out all dressed and ready. The session went well. started at 1:30 and finished at 3:30. When we came back home the Art leather Album was here waiting. It started raining after we got the car unloaded - good timing!!! Entry Sep 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on getting the proofs ready all day - finally uploaded the first set to ezPrints. ----------------------- Page 37----------------------- Entry Sep 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- Dinner was barbecue from Alan and Son with potato salad and beer. Enjoyed chatting with Jecssica and David. Entry Sep 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Jessica and David left this morning around 8:30 - I read the paper and drank coffee then walked the lake. Dinner was traditional pizza. Entry Sep 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Capital of Cary Lincoln dealer and got a new cam position sensor for the Taurus. Walked the lake then looked at some of my proof photos. Dinner was barbecue which we have a lot of. Entry Sep 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning I did some photo stuff, balanced the checkbook and fixed the cam position sensor on the Taurus. Walked the lake and when i returned the album from Albums Inc was waiting. Entry Sep 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on prints today and photoshop retouching. Proofs aren't here yet. Dinner was a roasted chicken from Krogers. Entry Sep 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- Took Lib to the airport at 5:30 for her 7 AM flight to Providence. Came back and studied Photoshop techniques some more. Would like to order a book about restoration techniques - found a good one on Amazon then went to Barnes and Nobles to look at it. It rained lightly pretty much all day today. Did not walk. Dinner was chicken and potato salad. Entry Sep 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- The proofs arrived today. Started putting an album together - it's looking pretty good! Printed out some of Sara's pix to put in a proof album. Walked twice around the lake today - the HS track team was also running. Weather was warm in low eighties. Dinner was Rice Bowl Thai chicken - very spicy. Desert was yogurt. My P4 card wasn't getting locals we're paying for. Tuned it to channel 5, WRAL, and left it there for a few hours. Now it gets locals!!!! It originally did but I put the Hu card in for some PPV's but when I swapped back the locals were back. Entry Sep 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper and watched breakfast with the arts then surfed the web. Don't feel like doing anything today. Went to Winn Dixie for a Digiorno pizza and desert. Didn't walk the lake today. Entry Sep 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Surfed the web for packet modems - think I found one from Far Circuits for $15 as a minikit. Walked the lake then did the Carolina Rhode bills (mortgage, homeowners) and deposited Bills check into the CU. While over that way I renewed the registration at South Hills. Came back and found Libs plane is delayed in Baltimore. So far it looks like it will be an hour late. After picking up Lib at the airport we stopped at Jaspers for dinner - very nice and good food but prices were a little high. Entry Oct 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- Noticed all the cars at Al Evans house. Lib did too so we both checked the onliune obits and discovered he died Sunday. Funeral is today at 2. Did the grocery run today and got chicken teneders and pasta for entrees. Dinner tonight was chicken tender sandwiches. ----------------------- Page 38----------------------- Entry Oct 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Dinner tonight was chicken tender sandwiches. Amy came over at 7 and liked the albums we think. Whe's going to borrow them for the weekend and come back Monday with an order for prints which will be at cost. Entry Oct 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on the multi flash this morning - finally got a design working. The key was the triac wiring. Printed out the proofs for Sara then did my walk. Lib met me in Sheperds Vineyard and said we're going to Logans. Didn't finish the last mile but instead she took me home where i cleaned up and we went to Logans for crabcakes and discussed pictures with Sara. At home worked on reading about MP3 players then we had dinner which was a Turkey breast with all the trimmings. Started with the Cape May wine which was awful - ended up dumping it down the drain and opening a Lindemans. Desert was Orange yogurt. Entry Oct 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Downloaded eStatements this morning for my CU accounts. We seem to have lost the car tax bill. Walked around the lake then came home to study MP3 jikeboxes, download and install Redhat 8 on a PC for the sourceforge globecom jukebox. Dinner was turkey, wine and all the trimmings. Entry Oct 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- Finished up the multi flash box this morning then tried to get Samba to work on the new Linux install. So far it announces itself to the browser but no connection is possible yet. Went to Sams, had our picture taken at the Apex rescue squad, then went to Sears for a belt and wedding clothes. We had a $5 off coupon at Sears from the refrigerator purchase. When we came home had turkey sandwiches then drove over to the Dam at the Apex lake and walked through the macGregor West subdivision for 1.5 miles round trip. Entry Oct 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- Built the flash cables then walked down Raleigh Rd past the car dealers, turned on mcKenan and walked through MacGregor West to the lake - 4 miles total. Lib and I worked on Katies pix in Photoshop - they're not good but we found two that were OK. Dinner was turkey sandwiches. Amy returned the albums this evening. She hasn't made up her mind on reprints. Entry Oct 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- Wasn't going to do Krogers but went later in the day for a small amount of stuff including bagels, bread for dinner. Walked past Leith and through MacGregor West again today. It's a little cooler today - about 70. Lunch was Campbells Chunky Potato Soup on the back porch with Libbie. In the afternoon gathered together the photo stuff for tomorrows trip. Dinner was chicken tenders on buns with tomato and pepper rings. Entry Oct 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- Left at 8 this morning after loading the car up. Had a gas and food stop at Taco Bell in Aberdeen then went to Arlenes. Got there about 4:30. We had dinner at 7:30 at Arlenes - Ellie cooked Taco casserole. Came home to Mom's about 9:30 after dropping the lights off at Barbaras house. Entry Oct 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- After a walk for bagels this morning to the corner we set up the lights and got ready for Steffie. She showed up at 11:00 with Arlene - we spent about an hour taking pictures then left everything set up for portraits of Barb and Rob tonight. Stopped by Beach camera on 22 to price wide angle lenses then home for pizza lunch from Dominics. Entry Oct 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- Slept in until 8:00 this morning then after bagels from the corner we went to Arlenes to help with flowers and take pictures of the activities. We had Steff, Lib, Jessica, Marijah, Helena and their friend Heather who flew in from California. Lib and I then ----------------------- Page 39----------------------- went home to rest up - I read my Provence book and napped a little. At 5:00 we went over to the church for a 5:30 rehearsal. I played with the flashes from the balcony of the church during rehearsal. At 6:15 we went to the Luau party at Arlene's house. Took a few pictured then home at 8:30. It rained all day - took some neat night time pictures of three boys moving an arch in the rain. Entry Oct 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- This is D Day. After bagels at 7 we went over to Steffies at 8. The hairdresser was working on Heather on the floor in the living room. Stef was still in a bath robe. Some of the girls such as Ashley arrived dressed. Took lots of pictures around the house then waited for the limo which was late because he was lost. Libbie jumped into the limo at the church and went with the driver to get him to Arlene's house without getting lost. The wedding itself went OK but the altar returns were cut short because of a concern of overtime for the limo. The recepton was fast moving and a lot of fun. We got lots of pictures including the closing outdoor pix in the rain. We had a problem with the smartmedia cards - two of them are corrupted reading them into the digital wallet which is disconcerting. We got home at 6 exhausted then changed clothes and went to Arlenes for opening of presents. Entry Oct 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- Picked up two bagels on the corner then had bagels and coffee in the living room. Left by 8:30 in a light rain. Traffic was light - we got off the Tpk at exit 7B and took 195 to 130 where we stopped at a McDonalds for bathroom, coffee and rich cinnamon buns. Got going again in misty rain and continued on 95 and the Washington Beltway but it was stop and go with Redskin game traffic so we abandoned the beltway and got on the BWI to New York Ave which was not bad as New York Ave goes. I had to have a dump badly so we stopped at the maryland Welcome center just north of DC then continued to Richmond. Because of a sniper killing people at random along I-95 we didn't stop for gas. At the Shell station between Richmond and Petersburg we got gas at 1.47 then ate lunch at Aunt Sarahs Pancake house. I had apple pancakes and Lib had Blueberry. Very different for us - service was slow and the waitress eventually disappeared. Got home in on/off rain at 5:30. Ordered a pizza from Patronis and got milk, yogurt and OJ at FoodLiion next door. Entry Oct 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Elizabeth Vargas of Good Morning America is due Jan 23 this is an April conception date. Started sorting through the digital wallet pictures - good news, the smartmedia pictures were not corrupt after all!!!! Some very nice pictures. I burned 3 CD's with the raw unprocessed images. Dinner was Steffies gift basket of pasta. Entry Oct 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- Raining today so no walk. Went to Krogers for the normal Tuesday groceries. At home I started processing some of the wedding pictures. Built a collage of the going away pictures - very nice. Processed Steffies golf picture by removing parking lot extraneous matter. Dinner was chicken tenders with cajun rice. Watched some of the VH1 fashion awards then went upstairs for more computer stuff. Entry Oct 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lost a directory of my Agentdl stuff including all the favs I downloaded. This was disappointing - Windows ME needs to be replaced!! Dinner tonight was pasta and white wine. Entry Oct 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- Decided to replace Windows ME with XP. Spent the day formatting the C Drive, loading XP and then the XP service pack 1. Lots of work to do - got Photoshop loaded on as well as the new version of ACDC. Entry Oct 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Watched a little of A&E before getting back to restoring my PC. Went to Krogers for Yogurt and a pepper. Dinner was pizza with pepper and onions. Entry Oct 21, 2002 ----------------------- Page 40----------------------- -------------------------------------- It;s a rainy day, also very cold. Did not walk but instead worked on restoring the PC to operational mode. Picked up an MP3 player at Circuit City. It's a 15 gig unit but will return it next week after getting one on order from Buy.com. Spent the day loading music onto the player. The headphones don't seem to work. Dinner was wheat spaghetti with vodka tomato sauce, part of Stephies gift basket to us. Entry Oct 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent the day putting the wedding pix on a preview CD. Had to load drivers and software for my CD burner on the new operating system. Did not walk today because I wanted to get everything ready before leaving. Dinner tonight was tuna salad sandwiches and some leftover Zatarains. Entry Oct 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Got up at 5:45 this morning and had a quick bagel and coffee then out the door at 6:40. Took Evans Rd over to 540 to Rt 1. Stopped in henderson for bathroom and coffee, also topped off the gas tank because we didn't want to stop in the DC area to a sniper shooting travelers at random. Turned at Fredicksburg onto 15 to go to I-66 to 81. Stopped at the West Va welcome center for bathroom break then at a Wendies North of Harrisburg for gas and lunch. 66 was very peaceful and idyllic, 81 was not bad but had more trucks on it. Either road was better than taking I-95 to Baltimore. Went straight to Owego and turned off at Treadway exit but went behind Lockheed and up to Beecher Hill. They had a tornado May 30 which made the place look ugly. The owners of our old house put an addition on - an extra bedroom off the living room. Stopped and talked with Fred and Marion Rouche then checked into the Treadway. Walked three doors down to Tony's for dinner. Downstairs was closed because of a private party - we ate up in the family dining room. We had a very nice window seat overlooking the Susquehanna. I ordered Chicken Parmesian with pasta. Lib had lasagna. Meal came with salad and bread - we ordered a carafe of Merlot. Walked back and watched some of the sniper investigation activity on TV before bed. Entry Oct 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- Slept in then walked over to McDonalds for breakfast. It's 26 degrees this morning - lots of frost on the grass and windshield. After breakfast we drove down 17c to Campville and then toured Main St in Apalachin. The ride purpose was to warm up the car. Back at the Treadway we loaded up and headed North through Watkins Glen and then along Seneca Lake. The autumn colors were spectacular - we enjoyed the farm scenery and lake views before hitting the thruway and going over to Rochester. Arrived at the Holiday inn at 12:30. Unloaded, checked in and drove over to Montana Mill Bread Company for lunch. After lunch had a nap in our room. In the evening we went out to a Family restaurant on Chili Rd about 1/2 mile from the hotel. Entry Oct 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Slept in late this morning - we left at 8:20 for the McDonalds down the street for breakfast. Dropped Lib at the front door while I went back to the room. Lunch time I went out to McDonalds and also got gas then brought a quarter pounder back for Lib. In mid afternoon I decided to go to the banquet with Lib and paid Irwin $22 for an additional dinner. The dinner was nice - we had Chardonnay beforehand then Flounder Florentine with carrot cake desert. Afterwards the awards were passed out - I took some award pics of MAAVS members then we went to the showroom. Entry Oct 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning Lib went to the commercial breakfast while I went down the street to McDonalds for breakfast. Entry Oct 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- We got up at 6:15 standard time and left the hotel at 6:40 - met Gary Gordon outside walking his poodle. It was still dark out. Went down 390 where it started getting lighter. Arrived in Mansfield around 8 and walked around, took pictures of Fall leaves, old buildings and then bought some donuts at Dukin Donuts on Main St for later on our trip. We also had breakfast at the McDonalds at the foot of the campus. After about an hour we got going again. 15 was pretty good - nice highway, beautiful scenery and the sun coming and going. Around Williamsport we had our donuts with cider. Stopped for gas in Hagerstown around noon then found a Taco Bell on 17 in Fredricksburg for lunch around 2 PM. We got home at 6 PM and stopped at Krogers on the way in for milk, juice, bagels and frozen pizza for dinner. There is a bad smell in the family room that we can't trace. Worked onthe computer and then to bed. Heard that Rich's mother passed away a few days ago. ----------------------- Page 41----------------------- Entry Oct 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- A very rainy day - spent the day on the computer on the Internet. My MP3 player came this afternoon from Buy.COM. I returned the other unit to Circuit City in the rain this morning. We took the Family Room apart cleaning everything looking for the smell. Found a dead squirrel in the damper. Cleaned the fireplace and started a pine fire to clean the chimmney. Dinner was spaghetti. Entry Oct 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers in the morning - it's still raining. Dinner was pork chops I picked up this morning. Entry Oct 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on converting a PDF to HTML in the morning for the MAAVS scores. Got an emergency dentist appointment at 9:40 - I had an infection in tooth 7. Got an antibiotic - Dr Paul says I may loose the tooth. Went to Sams in the afternoon with Lib and also picked up my antibiotic prescription at Winn Dixie. Dinner was Chicken Pot Pies. Entry Oct 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- The rain cleared up today. Worked on MAAVS web site then went outside to pick up sticks into the wheelbarrow. Next went onto the roof and measured the flue and tried to get a cap at Home Depot. They were out of that size. Came home and finished up the web site. Dinner was Salmon and rice. Entry Nov 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- Helped Lib this afternoon deliver the ferns to the civic center for a Dole-Bush dinner this evening. We did this at 11 AM. In the evening we went to Marsha and Taylors for a dinner of short ribs, potatoes and asparagus with pumpkin cheesecake for desert. It was a thank you for the wedding workers. Entry Nov 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- Busy day - went to the civic center and picked up the 120 ferns from the Dole-Bush dinner last night. At the greenhouse we took the shade cloths off the 4 houses. Went home and installed Foxserv and debugged the MySQL component. Dinner was salmon with butternut squash and Chardonnay. This impacts my anti-biotic. Don't want to mix with alcohol. Entry Nov 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went outside and mowed the lawn then had donuts with Lib. Worked on the power supply for the greenhoiuse - need to lower the voltage to 5 volts. Got Netjuke working on Manon after debugging MySQL. Dinner was traditional pizza. Entry Nov 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did not walk today - worked on Manon getting it in order.Was going to go the greenhouse to hook up the DC power. Had to go to the Credit Union to deposit Bill's check then mailed the mortgage check. Dinner was pasta. Entry Nov 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- Had a dental visit this morning at 7:40 - it's been a week of antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Afterwards, voted then went to Krogers. Walked 4 miles and it started raining during the last mile. Dinner was chicken jambalaya. Watching the election on CNN. Entry Nov 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- My Birthday - a cold rainy morning. Mom called about 9 - she mostly complained about not being able to move, etc. The rain stopped around noon - walked the 4 mile loop. When Lib came home we went to Krogers for meat for ribs and also some wetting solution. Dinner was ribs and apple pie - delicious. Vicki called around 10 PM. ----------------------- Page 42----------------------- Entry Nov 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- Dinner was leftover ribs from my birthday. Entry Nov 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to the greenhouse in the morning and worked on the power supply - put in a new battery and power supply. The generator battery is dead. Walked my 4 miles at noon. The yellow pages guy called in the morning and was supposed to fax over an agreement but it never came. Dinner was left over chicken creole. Entry Nov 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- In the morning went over to the greenhouse and worked on the power supply and the heater. The heater in house 2 seems to be OK - redid the connections in the junction box and all seems well. The generator battery had no water. Fille dit and will recharge to see if it's OK. Walked with Lib in the PM after we watched Sues Chorus on a webcast from the competition from Nashville. Took lots of fall leaf pictures at the lake on our walk. Beautiful!! Dinner was chicken dsandwiches and zatarins rice with beans. Entry Nov 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper in the morning then surfed the web a little. Entry Nov 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- A rainy day but I managed to get a 4 mile walk in - it started raining as I was returning on Buckingham Way. The leaves were still spectacular despite the fact it was a cloudy dreary day. Dinner was parmesan stuffed tortellini. Entry Nov 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Another rainy dreary day. Helen showed up at 9 - I took some portraits and put them on a CD. She was on her way to Duke and picked up the Cd on her return trip. Afterwards I got a few items in Krogers but didn't stock up because we're going to Sarasota tomorrow. Didn't walk today - tried to install the PDF Writer on Win XP but I wasn't too sucessful. Dinner was pork chops and cajun rice with the last of the apple pie for desert. We packed this evening for the Sarasota trip tomorrow. Entry Nov 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- Did some last minute packing then picked up some donuts and made more coffee for a little break before our trip this afternoon. Nancy picked us up at 11 and we arrived at 11:25 am. The airport was empty - we expected long lines, there were none anywhere. The flight was very smooth - the sun broke as we were leaving. Southwest is very efficient - we got the rental car from hertz and Lib got our bags at the same time and by 3:17 we were on the road. Not bad considerin we landed at 3. Stopped in Publix on the way in to pick up dinner and supplies. We had salmon on the grilll and wine and cheese beforehand becaus eSouthwest only served peanuts and tomato juice. Walked the dock later in the evening then watched 60 minutes II featuring Dean Kamin and his new water purifying invention. Entry Nov 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Left this morning at 9 for Ft Meyers and the Edison-Ford estate. Took the 10:50 tour o fthe house, gardens and lab. Very impressive - Tom Edison did everything!!!! VBatteries, motors, light bulbs, phonos, montion pictures and toys. His only fault was oicking the music or subject matter for is movies. We had lunch at the estate - cheese dog for Lib, slaw dog for me with pepsi. Affived back in Sarasot around 3:30. Watched the sunset over wine and cheese then had a nice grilled chicken dinner withmore wine and slaad and rice with brocoli and cheese. Very good!!!!! Very intoxicating!!!!!!! Entry Nov 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- Walked 4 miles this morning after breakfast After our lunch we went over to Selby - it was a cloudy but warm day. Toured the ----------------------- Page 43----------------------- orchid house then walked around the outside loop. On the way back we stopped at Books a Million - I found a PHP book which I'll order on the web. Did some grocery shopping at Publix and bought bagels for breakfast and water, also some lobster dip they were sampling. erfore theopera we had the lopbster dip with wine then single slice of cheese and tomato on bread for a light dinner. Our opera was at 8 - we arrived around 7. Lib was a little faint with her raincoat on but that passed. The opera was wonderful - we sat next to an Australian gentleman who was fascinated by the Weather Channel while here. The opera was a Verdi concert and was great. Some marvelous singing by the two sopranos. The tenor was a little weak. Arrived home around 11 and had yogurt for after concert desert. Entry Nov 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- A pretty rainy day - they're calling for sever weather later today. I ordered some Carmen ballet tickets after our lunch. We used up the last of the oatmeal bread and turkey for lunch. Stayed inside all day and read "the Girl with the Pearl Earring". Because we didn't want to go out we went to Publix during a clearing and got some Barilla pasta and sauce and had pasta with wine. Entry Nov 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- An ectremeley windy day. We went out in the high winds to Carmen at Van Weezel. It was incredible - one of the finest ballets. Very sensual, amazing for a 20 year old ballerina. For dinner we had a City Pizza Mushroom pizza with wine. Entry Nov 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- A pretty nice day - walked to the 7-11. Lib met me on the return and did the final mile. In the PM we went to Palmer Ranch Divosta Village Walk and toured a model then walked the lake through a neighborhood. For dinner we went to Turtles - I had baked stuffed shrimp. Pretty good but not remarkable. Service was slow but we were not in a hurry. Before hand we had a bottle of wine and crab dip with crackers. Saw the sunset at 5:40 Entry Nov 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- We cleaned the place up this morning then took a break and walked to the end of the island - it was a beautiful day - 70 degrees and blue skies. Left the condo at 12:15 and stopped at Lakewood Ranch on the way to the airport. Visited the info center and picked up materials. Got gas in St Pete and arrived at the airport at 1:30. We had turkey sandwiches in the car on the way for lunch. Plane arrived on time in RDU at 5 PM. Very smooth flight - Nancy picked us up then we hit Krogers for supplies and also a turkey for next week. Dinnr was a Krogers baked chicken with potato salad. Entry Nov 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Our first day back - lots of catch up - I blew the leaves off the driveway. One of the spotlights fell down while we were gone - need some repairs. Lib brought the mail in in the PM - went through the huge pile of it. Dinner was chicken, corn and sweet potato. Entry Nov 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- Stopped by Home Depot and got a new spotlight. Really like it because it's metal instead of the plastic one which fell down. Have to decide if I want to put more in like this. Dinner was chicken strips on buns with tomato and baked beans. Entry Nov 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on PHP during the day then went to Sams in the afternoon. Dinner was salmon and rice and squash with water. Entry Nov 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- Pretty cold today. Lib and I went to Krogers for fruit cake ingredients then I blew the leaves off the driveway. In the PM I got the MOF shopping cart running on Bluebird. Had the first egg nog of the season this afternoon - eggnog and a but too much rum. Entry Nov 24, 2002 ----------------------- Page 44----------------------- -------------------------------------- Read the paper in the morning then Lib brought donuts at noon. Afterwards we walked the lake. Entry Nov 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked on a shopping cart for Bluebird as well as the great violets program. It seems to work OK now. In the PM Lib and I went to Home Depot - she needed water filters. I got some caulk and another driveway light. Caulked the porch then installed the new light above the turnaround. Really like the spread we get from this light. Also bought some D Cell batteries but found that my flashlight was worthless - need a new one. Entry Nov 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- Dental appointment this morning. It's supposed to be painful but wasn't that bad. I spent a half hour in the chair as the hygienist scraped and planed my tooth below the gum. Dr Paul novocained the tooth and then they scraped it - very bloody. Hope it saves the tooth. Afterwards I did the Kroger run - triple coupons meant I spent a lot of time in the grocery store. When Lib came home I had soup then layed down for a nap. Woke up at 4:05 - we had an investment dinner at 4:30 at McGregor. It was K - good speaker, good visuals, the food was pasta in Alfredo Sauce. There wasn't much content however. Entry Nov 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib and I walked the lake in the PM then we had chicken pot pie for dinner Entry Nov 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- Thanksgiving today. Watched the Thanksgiving parade while working on the violet database. Would like to finish this up this weekend. Lib and I drove over to the Lake and walked around it then we called Mom at Vicki's to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving. Dinner was a butterball turkey with stuffing, potatoes, cranberry and gravy. We had Chandon Blanc du Neuf sparkling wine with dinner. Afterwards it was homemade pumpkin pie with cool whip topping. Entry Nov 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- It's a pretty cold day today. Answered Cynthia about Happy Thanksgiving, went outside and cleaned the driveway off with the leaf blower. Finished processing all the violet images to date and entering them in the database. Also added an Esc button to the database edit. For lunch we had turkey sandwiches then leftover turkey and stuffing for dinner. Entry Nov 30, 2002 -------------------------------------- Dinner was turkey with the last of the stuffing and potatoes. We had a single glass of Chardonnay then capped the bottle. Desert was yogurt. Late at night I picked up the Doggets from their Florida vacation at RDU. Met them at AirTran baggage at 11:50 PM, home at 12:30 Entry Dec 01, 2002 -------------------------------------- Slept in a little because of the late airport trip last night. It was a little windy last night - so much for blowing the leaves off the driveway! Read the paper as usual this morning and Lib brought donuts home around noon. We walked to the library because she finished her book and needed more reading material. We went to Krogers for salad fixings for her xmas party and a pepper for tonight’s pizza. Dinner was the usual pizza with yogurt for dessert. Entry Dec 02, 2002 -------------------------------------- Bought a battery this morning at Sams then went over to the greenhouse and installed it but didn't start the generator because the gas was old and I didn't want a hot generator while I messed with gasoline. . Emptied the generator gas into my car because it was old. Also emptied the gas can into my car. To empty the generator I syphoned the gas into a gas can then dumped the gas can into my gas tank - a long process. In the afternoon Lib and I went back to the greenhouse and picked up some gas at the BP on 1010 on the way in. Filled the generator gas tank and did a test run - it's running pretty nice. Dinner was turkey pieces on open face bread. ----------------------- Page 45----------------------- Entry Dec 03, 2002 -------------------------------------- Not a good morning - I had a splitting headache and ended up vomitting around 9 AM. Went to sleep on the couch downstairs and slept until 1 PM. Walked around a little bit then went to Krogers for the weeks groceries. Lib had a violet club xmas party and brought a seven layer salad. When she returned we had the leftover salad for dinner. They're predicting an ice storm for tomorrow - good thing the generator is ready. Entry Dec 04, 2002 -------------------------------------- We're expecting an ice storm to begin at noon today. Walked to Krogers at 10 AM for OJ and soup noodles. The sun was breaking through as I walked but it was a cold 31 degrees. In the afternoon the snow began - lots of flurries but little accumulation. The temp is 28 degrees. Lib put 5 more gallons into the generator in case we need it and also filled up her car tank. Dinner tonight was turkey tacos - no tomato ro sour crean but good none the less. It's a cold rain falling outside - temp is 32.5 degrees. Went to bed hoping for the best. Woke up a 2:30 - no power and it was cold. Temp outside was 32 - trees are snapping. One hit the roof at about 4 AM - I went into the attic and found water dripping where it went through. Lib helped and we put pans under 4 leaks. Entry Dec 05, 2002 -------------------------------------- No power this morning. We had cold cereal and boiled some water for tea on the gas grill. Around 10 AM I dragged the generator out and hooked it to the house and fired it up - this gave us heat, lights and TV. Went to the greenhouse at 11:30 AM - the generator was running and all was well but the gas was down to 1/8 tank. Filled the 5 gallon can at Shell on Walnut Street, Crossroads. Put this in and went home for lunch. Had peanut butter on rye then went to Crossroads Shell again and got 10more gallons - put 5 in and kept some there in the can - on the way back drove to Apex and found the power on. Went back out at 9:30 PM and topped off the generator - then got 5 more gallons at NAD on Hwy 55. On our way home discovered that Old Raleigh Road had power! We went home, turned the generator off and switched back to public power!! Entry Dec 06, 2002 -------------------------------------- This morning went to the greenhouse at 9 and discovered the power was still off. Dumped the rest of the can into the generator then got 5 more gals from the BP and put it in. Went home at 10 and power is off again. Jennifer called at 11 saying it was warm, genny still running. Lib is sick this morning. Went back out to diagnose but everything is OK - fans just need adjusting - they're running slow. Set things up so Fan 1 comes on at 80 if needed, disconnected Fan 3 totally while on Genny power. On the way home stopped at BP but no gas because they had no power. This is a step backwards. Power is on at home again, however. Started cleaning up the front yard of debris. The stuff is really coming off the trees. Came in soaking wet and had lunch. Lib still under the weather. Went out at 4 PM - stopped at Ace for a new flapper valve then got 5 more gallons at the Shell across the street on Hwy 55. Went to the greenhouse - the power is still off beginning at the Texaco and golf course on 1010. Filled generator to 3/4 - have to return at 10. Ordered a packet modem pcb from Far Circuits. Entry Dec 07, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib wet to the greenhouse and reported the power came back around 8:30 AM. I went out later in the morning and bought 5 more gals of gas for the generator, topped off the oil and put some kitty litter down on the oil leaks. Went to the dump in the afternoon and got rid of trash and the old heat tube over the aisle. Dinner was turkey burgers and rice and beans. Entry Dec 08, 2002 -------------------------------------- After the paper we started yard cleanup. Cleaned up branches in the front woods byu the creek. Got the tree off the house with the come along. Dinner was traditional pizza. Entry Dec 09, 2002 -------------------------------------- A physically exhausting day. Made a path to the tree I brought down yesterday then hauled the logs down to the creek. After that I blew the driveway off and also blew the roof off. Lib and I went to Sams then Ace for a rope and caulking. Climbed onto the roof and replaced three shingles where the tree punched through. Dinner was chicken pot pie and 7 layer salad. ----------------------- Page 46----------------------- Entry Dec 10, 2002 -------------------------------------- A rainy dreary day. This is good - I'm tired of working. Spent the day studying code and hardware for a TNC. Went out at 11 for Krogers stuff. In the evening I finished the Nicholas Sparks Nights in Rodanthe book. Very nice. Dinner was chicken tenders on buns with 7 layer salad. Entry Dec 11, 2002 -------------------------------------- Researched 2 meter antennas some more today. At Noon I had an eye doctor appointment. Dinner was whole wheat spaghetti. Entry Dec 12, 2002 -------------------------------------- Finished up picking up logs in the front yard today. Started working on a packet TNC monitor for the greenhouse. Dinner was tuna on the grill with squash. Entry Dec 13, 2002 -------------------------------------- Pretty nice day. Worked on the tx software for the packet radio monitor. The Mx614 modem chips came today. Lib and I went to Greek Wedding in Cary today for a 3:05 perofrmance. Admission was 5.75 each, their was only one other couple in the theatre. It was raining hard. Enjoyed the movie, stopped in Krogers on the way back fro a ham for tomorrow then ordered Chines next door - cashew chicken and egg rolls which we had with Chardonnay. Afterwards I read more of "Rescue" by nicholas Sparks. Entry Dec 14, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went outside and dragged some more oak limbs to the pile. It's nice and sunny out with a little wind. Worked on the 2 meter receive routines. The radios came in todays mail - I was a little disappointed. Only one antenna and no charger but they seem to work OK. Can't beat the price even if they were not as pictured. Melted chocolate today for gift candies. Lib came home and helped put the peanuts into them. Lib cooked a spiral ham and sweet potato with beets for dinner with Chardonnay. Afterwards I fell asleep reading the Rescue. I came within 10 pages of the end. Entry Dec 15, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper then worked on the downed trees in the backyard. When done with this I started writing the packet receive routine a little. Lunch was sandiches with our ham from last night. Walked to the library to return the Nicholas Sparks book and took out a new Danielle Stelle book. This is a new author for me. Dinner was traditional pizza - Lib also made some date nut bread foro give aways. Entry Dec 16, 2002 -------------------------------------- Tried printing some pictures of Joe for presents but needed black ink. Lib and I went to Office Depot for Epson ink. Also did an online order for the ink. Ordered Lib a vest from LL Bean for xmas. Dinner was ham and creamed corn. Entry Dec 17, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers in the morning then worked in the backyard cutting trees up from the ice storm. Dinner tonight was ham and bakd potato. We boxed the christmas gifts for mailing. After dinner Lib and I went out looking at xmas lights on Hunter St and behind the Post Office then bought stamps from the vedning machine in the Post Office. Entry Dec 18, 2002 -------------------------------------- Stood on line at the post office with all the packages. The line went the length of the Apex lobby - about a 45 minute wait. Afterwards I took the coffee maker apart - it wasn't working this morning. Bought a new one at Ace hardware. Uploaded Saras pictures to EZPrints then had a ham sandwich of lunch with Lib. Spent the afternoon in the fornt yard cutting trees - worked around the telephone/cable box area. ----------------------- Page 47----------------------- Entry Dec 19, 2002 -------------------------------------- A Rainy but warm day - went to the library and got a Linda Howard book. Returned Lib's books. Dinner was ham with 7 layer salad. Entry Dec 20, 2002 -------------------------------------- Worked outside in the backyard cleaning up today. Lib and I cleaned the back porch then put lights on the ficus tree. Dinner was scrambled eggs with ham. Entry Dec 21, 2002 -------------------------------------- Lib met a customer at the greenhouse who spent the night here in a hotel last night (Red Roof at Crossroads). I wired up one of the wireless controllers. Will do cables next. Dinner was salmon with squash and Chardonnay. Entry Dec 22, 2002 -------------------------------------- Spent the morning reading paper, watching AE, etc. Lib came at 11 with donuts. We were surprised when the USPS delivered a package today at 1PM (Sunday!). Spent the afternoon wiring the LCD and MX modem for one wireless controller. Will probably do the antennas next. Dinner was traditional pizza. In the afternoon we went to the library - Lib got the "bones" bookclub book. I'll read it when she's done. I finished the Linda Hoffman book. Entry Dec 23, 2002 -------------------------------------- In the morning worked on copper pipes and torch soldering of a 2 meter J pole antenna. Did a Krogers run for some essentials. Blew the driveway off for the holidays. Dinner was wheat spaghetti. Entry Dec 24, 2002 -------------------------------------- Another rainy day. Went to Krogers early, then found that the pictures and other packages arrived last night at 4 PM on our front doorstep. Went to Logans and dropped them off for Sarah then drove home in a foggy rain. Spent the afternoon programming the wireless controller. Found an Italian deli in downtown Raleigh - Conti Deli. Saw ti on a TV commercial so we cheked it out.and bought Canoli's. Dinner this evening was shrimp in the shell with 7 layer salad. Spent the evening listening to MP3 xmas carols. Entry Dec 25, 2002 -------------------------------------- Merry Christmas. The greenhouse called at 2 AM reporting that it was cold. We drove over and found the plastic down between house 3 and 4 over the aisle and also house 1 heater was having dificulty starting. I took the burner down and cleaned the pilot as a temporary fix. Will replace the pilot in the near future. We got home at 3. Woke at 7:30 and found that the bread I started the night before didn't go - I set everything but did not push the start button. Oh well. Lib and I had a very nice but quiet xmas operning presents. Around noon we drove over to the greenhouse to check on things - it's partly sunny but windy with temp in the 40's. Everything looks OK except for the winds which should end tomorrow. Entry Dec 26, 2002 -------------------------------------- The day after xmas - beautiful sunny warm day. i went over to the greenhouse and took pictures of the stools with Nancy and Lib sitting on them. Will send them to Joe. Replaced the heat tube over the aisle in house 3 which had a tear in it. Returned hjome and struggled getting the LCD software written. Success!! Dinner was turkey leftovers. Watched Fidelio from the Met at 9 then stayed up till 1 AM and finished "The Loverly Bones" - this is one of my top ten reads. Very good story about a 14 year old in heaven who was murdered. Entry Dec 27, 2002 -------------------------------------- When I went outside to bring the garbage can in I ended up messing around with the low voltage spot over the garbage can and made preparations to mount the thing. Walked with Lib around the lake then while she fixed dinner I went to the librabry and got a book recommended by Amazon - Promises by Paul . Returning, I checked the aiming of the spotlight in the dark. ----------------------- Page 48----------------------- Dinner was turkey with potatoes and gravy and cranberries. Entry Dec 28, 2002 -------------------------------------- Paid the Visa bill this morning online. Went outside and permanently mounted the side spotlight and ran the 14/2 wire from the knee wall to the crawl space across the garage ceiling. Wired up a junction box in the knee wall. Listened to View from a Bridge from the met in the PM then Lib and I walked the lake. Dinner was turkey on bread with gravy. I added Cranberries to my plate and we finished the rest of the Christmas Domaine Chandon. After dinner settled in to reading "Last Promise" I like this book a lot. Entry Dec 29, 2002 -------------------------------------- Read the paper and watched A&E then tried making an rs232 cable for hte wireless monitor. The crimping tool jammed - I think it's dead. Went under the house and wired the rest fo the low voltage circuit for the outside spot. We did a Sams trip at noon and dropped Lovely Bones into the library book return. It's a nice sunny day outside - I worked on birthday thank you letters. Dinner was traditional pizza by Lib. Entry Dec 31, 2002 -------------------------------------- Went to Krogers in the morning then spent some time debugging the serial interface on Sam. Found tx and rx were reversed. Dinner was ribs and zinfindel with rice and beans. Watched Gershwin on Great Performances by the NY Philharmonic. Stayed up for Dick Clark and the Times Square ball drop then worked until 1 on getting Sam communicating with Fred and displaying on the LCD. I went to bed in 2003 a happy person.