Yesterday we went to the annual LSU Tarrant Tigers fish fry event at Lake Granbury. The crowd was not as large but it was friendly as usual.
After signing in and getting name tags we walked in to meet the folks. There is always somebody new to see and greet. And there is the usual crowd that always shows up.
The first couple we ran into, new to us, was Joe and Julie Lancaster. Thought not much about the names, certainly was not of my generation but he said you are my cousin. Humm, could be, I said I was from New Roads and he said he was too. Then bells went off, could this be a child of Bradford and Wille Mae's - it was. And yes we are cousins and swapped stories for a while.
Turns out his daughter, Courtney, had been selected for the Tarrant Tigers scholarship to LSU. They were there to accept the scholarship and meet the members of the Alumni Group. Little did they know that they would run into a cousin.
As we traded storeis we learned that they knew Herrise - though Willie Mae, I sure. I said that Herrise is my sister. Then lights really began to light up.
Joe and Julie are accountants - CPAs - that live and practice in Grapevine. That really makes it a small world, right up next to Flower Mound and we really did not know it.
It was great swapping stories. There parents were a bit older than us, but well known to us. And we learned that there is a sister, Eliska, that lives in Colleyville.
We have got to meet all these people.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Screwed by Dell - again!
Yes, screwed by Dell Computing again. I am beginning to really regret dealing with Dell, I wish someone had warned me about them.
First I got cross wise with them on their forum regarding NetWare interface card. I purchased the computer with 4 gigs of memory and found typical Microsoft error in that only 2 gigs of memory would work with the NetWare card. Dell's answer it was NetWare's problem not theirs or Microsofts (though it is Microsofts problem dealing with assigned memory locations - had this before with Windows 98). So I backed out of Dell's forum and wrote them a letter.
Second, the Dell came with Roxio software for DVD burning, no CD capability. I found a simple program on Microsoft and loaded it up. Now I have CD buring capability. No mention of his from Dell. Wonder why?
Third, I found Dell offering the same computer I bought with a big LCD monitor for the same price. That was only a month after I ordered and received mine. That kind of thing really pisses you off.
Fourth, Dell announces that they will replace Vista Premium with Windows 7 when it comes out. Oh, they did not mention the computer had to be purchased in June or later, no they did not in their press release. Guess what mine was purchased in May so no replacement for me from Dell. Pisses me off again.
Tell you what folks do not buy from Dell! Do they have good computers? Well, yes. Do they have good customer relationships? Well, no? Will I ever get another Dell, probably not. Dell is set up to sell things, once sold, screw you.
First I got cross wise with them on their forum regarding NetWare interface card. I purchased the computer with 4 gigs of memory and found typical Microsoft error in that only 2 gigs of memory would work with the NetWare card. Dell's answer it was NetWare's problem not theirs or Microsofts (though it is Microsofts problem dealing with assigned memory locations - had this before with Windows 98). So I backed out of Dell's forum and wrote them a letter.
Second, the Dell came with Roxio software for DVD burning, no CD capability. I found a simple program on Microsoft and loaded it up. Now I have CD buring capability. No mention of his from Dell. Wonder why?
Third, I found Dell offering the same computer I bought with a big LCD monitor for the same price. That was only a month after I ordered and received mine. That kind of thing really pisses you off.
Fourth, Dell announces that they will replace Vista Premium with Windows 7 when it comes out. Oh, they did not mention the computer had to be purchased in June or later, no they did not in their press release. Guess what mine was purchased in May so no replacement for me from Dell. Pisses me off again.
Tell you what folks do not buy from Dell! Do they have good computers? Well, yes. Do they have good customer relationships? Well, no? Will I ever get another Dell, probably not. Dell is set up to sell things, once sold, screw you.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Friends . . .
Do you ever think about your friends. I do. There are several sets or kinds of friends, those you grew up with, those you went to school with, those you served in the military with and those currently next door. That's how I segregate them.
Recently we attended my 50th high school graduation reunion. It was fun and great to see all those people again. To be reminded of things I had forgotten and those that I had not forgotten. We had such a small class we aggregated those before us and after us into the mix. We were the predominant bunch, Class of 1958, but the others were there too.
The next bunch of friends were college friends. In my case mostly fraternity brothers of Sigma Pi Fraternity. It is now extinct at LSU, recharter a couple of times but just never stuck. Not enough support from the alumni I guess. I still have the year books, "The Gumbo. I do not go back and look but I am tempted to do so. We have spread all over the world though most of us remained in Louisiana - I did not.
And lastly, military friends. There were those I went through Officer Training School (OTS) with and one sticks out the most, Bob Cooke. We continue to correspond. He retired as a Major - had a serious run in with a Major General who was later cashier. But other than sweet revenge, it did Bob little good. I finished OTS along with Bob as an "OT 2nd Lt" scheduled to serve and be set aside. Little did I know that I would thrive on the military and my career field, Aircraft Maintenance. I think out of all of us in that squad only I made it to full Colonel, and then with a lot of help from a Lt Gen who sponsored me along in the latter stages of my career. I like to say I went into the USAF for four years and came out 26 years later.
And even in the military there are friends met and greeted here and there. There is the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center group of friends. I served there twice, as a Major and later as a Full Colonel. There is still a select group of former AFISC military folks residing in and around Redlands, CA.
Another bunch of them from the Spangdahlem era where I was the Deputy Commander for Maintenance - I had reached to the pinnacle of my career field, a full bull in charge of 76 F-4 aircraft and the 1,800 some odd troops necessary to take care of them. I lasted a couple of years and got cross wise with my Wing Commander. It was good while it lasted. But even today there are Lts and enlisted men and women who approach me in the Base Exchange to banter a bit about serving together. Makes me proud.
And there are those friends from post military times while working in the Aerospace Industry. Worked for Rockwell, Lockheed, Texas Instruments, Raytheon and Lockheed-Martin. They all helped me aggregate a nice retirement pot for our retirement days. And in spite of Mr. Obama, I still have most of it in tact though he works mightily to destroy our economy.
Anyway, our friends are always welcome to drop in at 1106 Willow Wood Drive, Weatherford, Texas. Come by, spend the night and enjoy a meal out somewhere.
Recently we attended my 50th high school graduation reunion. It was fun and great to see all those people again. To be reminded of things I had forgotten and those that I had not forgotten. We had such a small class we aggregated those before us and after us into the mix. We were the predominant bunch, Class of 1958, but the others were there too.
The next bunch of friends were college friends. In my case mostly fraternity brothers of Sigma Pi Fraternity. It is now extinct at LSU, recharter a couple of times but just never stuck. Not enough support from the alumni I guess. I still have the year books, "The Gumbo. I do not go back and look but I am tempted to do so. We have spread all over the world though most of us remained in Louisiana - I did not.
And lastly, military friends. There were those I went through Officer Training School (OTS) with and one sticks out the most, Bob Cooke. We continue to correspond. He retired as a Major - had a serious run in with a Major General who was later cashier. But other than sweet revenge, it did Bob little good. I finished OTS along with Bob as an "OT 2nd Lt" scheduled to serve and be set aside. Little did I know that I would thrive on the military and my career field, Aircraft Maintenance. I think out of all of us in that squad only I made it to full Colonel, and then with a lot of help from a Lt Gen who sponsored me along in the latter stages of my career. I like to say I went into the USAF for four years and came out 26 years later.
And even in the military there are friends met and greeted here and there. There is the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center group of friends. I served there twice, as a Major and later as a Full Colonel. There is still a select group of former AFISC military folks residing in and around Redlands, CA.
Another bunch of them from the Spangdahlem era where I was the Deputy Commander for Maintenance - I had reached to the pinnacle of my career field, a full bull in charge of 76 F-4 aircraft and the 1,800 some odd troops necessary to take care of them. I lasted a couple of years and got cross wise with my Wing Commander. It was good while it lasted. But even today there are Lts and enlisted men and women who approach me in the Base Exchange to banter a bit about serving together. Makes me proud.
And there are those friends from post military times while working in the Aerospace Industry. Worked for Rockwell, Lockheed, Texas Instruments, Raytheon and Lockheed-Martin. They all helped me aggregate a nice retirement pot for our retirement days. And in spite of Mr. Obama, I still have most of it in tact though he works mightily to destroy our economy.
Anyway, our friends are always welcome to drop in at 1106 Willow Wood Drive, Weatherford, Texas. Come by, spend the night and enjoy a meal out somewhere.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sceloporus Undulatus Hyacinthinus
Sceloporus Undulatus Hyacinthinus is our lizard who lives in the wood pile next to gutter on our patio. He/she, I am inept in telling the sex as we can not get very close to him, darts off and hides. He is a little shy.
But we see him at night, sometimes on the rug under the table or scooting along on the patio on occasion. Of late he likes to lie flat on one of the arms of the end table. There are four arms that arc out and support a 10 inch by 10 inch side table. He likes prone on one of those supporting arms waiting for dark. It is pretty close to his wood pile where he can fall back and hide, if necessary.
His breed are known for climbing along fences and wood piles (eh, that what ours does). He hibernates for this is year two of seeing him. He apparently is a slow grower and since we no longer have any Road Runners, he is somewhat protected. At least we are not going to harm him. He eats mosquito's so that is a good thing.
Do a search on Texas lizards and you will see him. We are in the extreme western edge of his range but he is known in the Carolinas up to Maine. He is a fat little fellow, feeding well I am sure on the ample mosquito population.
But we see him at night, sometimes on the rug under the table or scooting along on the patio on occasion. Of late he likes to lie flat on one of the arms of the end table. There are four arms that arc out and support a 10 inch by 10 inch side table. He likes prone on one of those supporting arms waiting for dark. It is pretty close to his wood pile where he can fall back and hide, if necessary.
His breed are known for climbing along fences and wood piles (eh, that what ours does). He hibernates for this is year two of seeing him. He apparently is a slow grower and since we no longer have any Road Runners, he is somewhat protected. At least we are not going to harm him. He eats mosquito's so that is a good thing.
Do a search on Texas lizards and you will see him. We are in the extreme western edge of his range but he is known in the Carolinas up to Maine. He is a fat little fellow, feeding well I am sure on the ample mosquito population.
Tigers 1 Texas 0
Texas tried to play long ball like LSU does and did not make it because LSU played short ball like Texas. A reverse in roles but LSU comes out one up.
One to go. Tonight maybe the last night for Texas. They went in seeded #1 and LSU went in seeded #3. Now Texas is on the spot, win or else.
Geaux Tigers!!!
One to go. Tonight maybe the last night for Texas. They went in seeded #1 and LSU went in seeded #3. Now Texas is on the spot, win or else.
Geaux Tigers!!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Geaux Tigers
LSU faces off with Texas in Omaha, NB for the National Championship in baseball. Tigers have been awesome, averaging 10.5 runs per game. They demolished Arkansas 14 to 5 to get into the championship round.
Texas has done well too, with the small ball approach. LSU has faced the Texas coach before when he was coach out at California.
Gonna be a good game today, the best of the best are gonna go after it.
Geaux Tigers!
Texas has done well too, with the small ball approach. LSU has faced the Texas coach before when he was coach out at California.
Gonna be a good game today, the best of the best are gonna go after it.
Geaux Tigers!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
False River . . .
False River is a lake along the mighty Mississippi River. The lake was once the main channel of the river and looped around and eventually cut itself off from the main course.
The lake's name is unique in that it contains elements of its origin, a false river, no longer a river at all but was once part of it. In becoming isolated it has become a false river.
It is about a mile wide and roughly 10 miles long and is in horseshoe shape - the remnants of a real river. There are a number of such lakes along the Mississippi like Ole River, Lake Providence and Lake St Joseph line the west side of the Mississippi River from Arkansas down to New Roads. Two of the lakes exist in Pointe Coupee Parish, False River and Ole River. Ole River located in the upper part of the parish is still connected to the river and thus rises and falls as does the Mississippi River.
Lake Providence like False River abuts the town of Lake Providence. It is similar to False River but not near as populated by camps as is False River. Today False River is literally lined with camps and folks from all over south Louisian have a camp on the lake. It is a good fishing hole and a terrific water sports place, many many boats and ski-dos running around.
I grew up on the banks of False River in the little town of New Roads. Great place to grow up.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Wind, The Wind.
What is that famous line about "inheriting the wind." Well we have inherited the wind here in Weatherford. It continues to blow and blow. Seems to be no stopping.
And that is not good for Radio Control flying, we are sort of grounded. Yes we can fly in the brisk wind, flying is never a problem. Landing is - the wind gets rough close to the ground and that makes it difficult to land. Makes it a risky business, so we don't fly. Not good watching, more fun flying, but aint gonna happen.
Oh well tomorrow is another day. Right?
And that is not good for Radio Control flying, we are sort of grounded. Yes we can fly in the brisk wind, flying is never a problem. Landing is - the wind gets rough close to the ground and that makes it difficult to land. Makes it a risky business, so we don't fly. Not good watching, more fun flying, but aint gonna happen.
Oh well tomorrow is another day. Right?
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Springtown....
Springtown RC club had a "fun fly" event. Also a cook out and raffle off of prizes. The goal was to have fun - and make the club a few dollars.
When I drove across the cattle guard and looked up, I thought it was a renaissance fair, all the portable shades had been deployed and they were of many colors. They had a small crowd of enthusiasts there, and flying was underway.
I stayed a couple of hours, no flying for me, I do not like the crowds and do not wish to take the risk. But there were some very nice airplanes and helicopters out there. And the smell of Castor oil was in the air along with the smell of hamburgers cooking. The food was really good.
But it got hot, the heat index was on its way to 100 degrees plus, so I departed about one PM. I went to the model shop in Weatherford, chatted and bought a couple of things. Then on to home and the air conditioning.
No storms last night, so it will be dryer today. But still hot!!!!
When I drove across the cattle guard and looked up, I thought it was a renaissance fair, all the portable shades had been deployed and they were of many colors. They had a small crowd of enthusiasts there, and flying was underway.
I stayed a couple of hours, no flying for me, I do not like the crowds and do not wish to take the risk. But there were some very nice airplanes and helicopters out there. And the smell of Castor oil was in the air along with the smell of hamburgers cooking. The food was really good.
But it got hot, the heat index was on its way to 100 degrees plus, so I departed about one PM. I went to the model shop in Weatherford, chatted and bought a couple of things. Then on to home and the air conditioning.
No storms last night, so it will be dryer today. But still hot!!!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Stormy Night . . .
It all started late yesterday afternoon, big line of thunderstorms formed out west and moved in on the metroplex. We were right in the middle of it. Lots of violent winds and horizontal winds.
We are signed up for call warning from the City of Weatherford. And yes, we got the call it was coming (as it was raining violently, of course). They do not have sirens here, just the call warning system.
Well, we had about four lines of those stroms come through last night -- you could hear the wind and rain pounding down on us. And of course, the City executed its call warning system. That meant we were sure to be waken through the night.
This AM we had yet another storm and yes, we got the call as it was raining down on us. We had a lightnening strike in the neighborhood, strong enough to cause flash shadows in the house. Glad that it was not us but my neighbors have our sympathies.
Late storms this year. But we always need the water around here. The resevoirs are getting charged up for the long hot summer a head.
Dead calm outside right now - got to be a good sign, right?
We are signed up for call warning from the City of Weatherford. And yes, we got the call it was coming (as it was raining violently, of course). They do not have sirens here, just the call warning system.
Well, we had about four lines of those stroms come through last night -- you could hear the wind and rain pounding down on us. And of course, the City executed its call warning system. That meant we were sure to be waken through the night.
This AM we had yet another storm and yes, we got the call as it was raining down on us. We had a lightnening strike in the neighborhood, strong enough to cause flash shadows in the house. Glad that it was not us but my neighbors have our sympathies.
Late storms this year. But we always need the water around here. The resevoirs are getting charged up for the long hot summer a head.
Dead calm outside right now - got to be a good sign, right?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Georgie's Day
Georgie graduates today from Markus High School. I know she feels like she is free at last.
The next stage of life begins, the real education, the how to do it kind of thing. The, "I did it era." The time to look behind doors, peek at the future, try something new - the glee of it all.
God speed and good luck.
Grandpa Chip
The next stage of life begins, the real education, the how to do it kind of thing. The, "I did it era." The time to look behind doors, peek at the future, try something new - the glee of it all.
God speed and good luck.
Grandpa Chip
Friday, June 5, 2009
A Little Lawn Mower Work
Every once in a while, the lawn mower proves it is a machine after all. A couple of weeks ago, it was bearings, I had to replace two deck drive bearings. Not hard, in fact, quite easy. Good that I could find and identify the bearings and they were easily acquired at a bearing house in Kennedale. It was about a 20 mile drive but that was no big deal.
Today, a belt decided to jump off the pulleys. It did that once before about two years ago. I think it is sort of a kick back of some sort, pedal bounce maybe. The belt is in the rear under the battery. There is a drive pulley - about 4 inches in diameter, a tension pulley about the same size (spring loaded to keep a constant preload on the belt) and one large pulley, perhaps 10 inches in diameter. The big pulley feeds power into the transmission ergo large to provide the power needed for the back wheels. Damn hard to get the belt back on the loop, not much space so I end up removing the drive pulley bolt. It works for me.
Not hard to fix, I've done it before, but it is hot and I got sweaty. Dirty hands and we lost a nut (but I found one in my junk box - always keep old nuts and bolts - never know when you need them). My assistant kept wandering off but she was close by, always responded when called. So we got it all back together and she's cutting grass again as I write.
What a team!
Today, a belt decided to jump off the pulleys. It did that once before about two years ago. I think it is sort of a kick back of some sort, pedal bounce maybe. The belt is in the rear under the battery. There is a drive pulley - about 4 inches in diameter, a tension pulley about the same size (spring loaded to keep a constant preload on the belt) and one large pulley, perhaps 10 inches in diameter. The big pulley feeds power into the transmission ergo large to provide the power needed for the back wheels. Damn hard to get the belt back on the loop, not much space so I end up removing the drive pulley bolt. It works for me.
Not hard to fix, I've done it before, but it is hot and I got sweaty. Dirty hands and we lost a nut (but I found one in my junk box - always keep old nuts and bolts - never know when you need them). My assistant kept wandering off but she was close by, always responded when called. So we got it all back together and she's cutting grass again as I write.
What a team!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Broke the Code . . .
Well, I finally broke the code on two things for the Dell computer - Inspiron 530. First, I purchased an Iomega USB connected floppy drive. No software from Microsoft or Dell, none to be had and no help from either company (go figure). Well, i found on the Internet a young man studying for his Master degree at Delft University - yes that is in the Netherlands. But his English is impeccable, well understood and he used lots of pictures.
It amounted to using another device's software. In this case it was a NEC USB floppy. Used that Microsoft software and bingo, the Iomega floppy worked and has continued to work.
The second issue I broke the code on was my Dell Roxio DVD R/W and CD read disk recorded to a DVD (using Roxio software as usual) and downloaded software using Microsoft's software drivers to make CD-ROMs. Guess what, works like a charm. I mused that if it could write DVDs there was technology - e.g. laser to burn the DVD could be used to burn CD-ROMs. I was right and there was indeed software that did that. Now I can write CD-ROMs (I have a stack of maybe 50 blank discs to use up).
Computers, gotta love them. Amazing devices.
And yes, screw Dell!
It amounted to using another device's software. In this case it was a NEC USB floppy. Used that Microsoft software and bingo, the Iomega floppy worked and has continued to work.
The second issue I broke the code on was my Dell Roxio DVD R/W and CD read disk recorded to a DVD (using Roxio software as usual) and downloaded software using Microsoft's software drivers to make CD-ROMs. Guess what, works like a charm. I mused that if it could write DVDs there was technology - e.g. laser to burn the DVD could be used to burn CD-ROMs. I was right and there was indeed software that did that. Now I can write CD-ROMs (I have a stack of maybe 50 blank discs to use up).
Computers, gotta love them. Amazing devices.
And yes, screw Dell!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Wiped . . .
I ended up wiping the hard disk and getting a restart. Set up the DSL quite fast this go round, I now know the trick, use only two Gigabytes of RAM (SRAM 6400 one Gigabyte sticks), use more RAM and Vista goes dumb (typical Microsoft dumb trick). Got all the stuff collectively going again. Blogs were last to be recaptured. Quicken working just fine.
Now to figure out Vista, it is a pain in the you know what. Have to go find things, try to understand the new way of doing stuff. I do not understand why Microsoft has to change how we do things. And it is a radical change at that. For instance, how do you copy from a floppy to the desk top, desk top to DVD, etc. It is used to be simple now it is a trial to figure how to do it. Makes you want to dump Microsoft but to what? Other OS' do not seem to cut the mustard at all.
Any way it is cranking along now. After reinstalling Vista had to download Service Pack 1 and then Service Pack 2 both of which are around 330 megabytes. Geez, my first IBM style computer had a hard disk of 20 mega bytes capacity. Now we think nothing of a 500 Gigabyte hard disk. Got to be some big time inefficienies floating around in Vista.
Just saw Judie drive up, time to close.
Now to figure out Vista, it is a pain in the you know what. Have to go find things, try to understand the new way of doing stuff. I do not understand why Microsoft has to change how we do things. And it is a radical change at that. For instance, how do you copy from a floppy to the desk top, desk top to DVD, etc. It is used to be simple now it is a trial to figure how to do it. Makes you want to dump Microsoft but to what? Other OS' do not seem to cut the mustard at all.
Any way it is cranking along now. After reinstalling Vista had to download Service Pack 1 and then Service Pack 2 both of which are around 330 megabytes. Geez, my first IBM style computer had a hard disk of 20 mega bytes capacity. Now we think nothing of a 500 Gigabyte hard disk. Got to be some big time inefficienies floating around in Vista.
Just saw Judie drive up, time to close.
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