Several posts and many weeks ago I wrote about building an outdoor antenna for a couple of reasons: to see just what I could receive in this area and to enjoy multiplexed digital TV signals.
The result: I got the thing agglomerated to my liking, connected all the cables, powered up the booster, and turned on the TV with the digital tuner.
But no signal. Not for digital, anyway. Switching over to old-fashioned analog I could pick up several channels, but faint, ghosty. Well no wonder I couldn't pluck the DTV signals out of the air. For those of you who are slightly familiar with the concept, DTV is an all-or-nothing venture. The only signal drop-off you will notice is some pixallation, but if the signal is too weak your set will just give the message I saw: "No channels detected."
(Maybe not a verbatim quote, but you get the idea.)
Since I am not an engineer and don't have access to high tech equipment to judge signal strength from any given location I have to operate on guesswork and the data provided by TV Fool. Taking a closer look at my situation, it seems I am a victim of topography and distance. The nearest towers are KSNK and KLNE and I thought those two would at least give me a viewable DTV picture. Yet considering my house is in a creek valley (but not a floodplain) seems to affect the line-of-sight from these transmitters.
Now I am left to wonder how the signals can be picked up in other areas near here. Such as the neighborhoods that are on the open prairie rather then the creek cracks.
But at least I no longer have to wonder what I can pick up from my house. A few weekends ago (before the cold and snow REALLY hit) I took down everything and packed them in their assigned boxes. I'm keeping everything as you never know where you might end up.
So I find it ironic that this big transition, just about a month away now, will occur with me on the sidelines. Watching my DirecTV (and local channels via the cable company.) Truth be told, the transition is already happening around here. KSNK and KSNC (both on the cable system) have already shut off their analog signals. Given the high cable penetration of this area, it's not surprising I've noticed no complaints in local media.
Here's an amusing side story: A couple of Sundays ago we played hookey from church and headed to Grand Island to do some serious (i.e. Sam's Club) shopping. I brought along my handheld LCD TV (it's a few years old, and totally analog) because I am the type of nerd that just always wants to see what I can receive. (I even did this on the island of Maui some years ago.) The results were what I expected: Channels 11 and 13 come in fine. But why can't I get KHAS, channel 5? I'm only 20 or so friggin' miles from the transmitter?
Once home I go on to RabbitEars. That answers the question! KHAS already completed their transition. According to the Wikipedia entry management decided to take care of things early before weather became a factor.
So the transition out here in the sticks seems to be going just fine!
More to come...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
It can't be....
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Insert generic New Years greeting here
It's amazing how one's creativity comes and goes. Like any person who writes strictly for the fun of it, I get tired, lethargic, and sometimes venture into self-pity because I cannot generate an uproariously humorous blog entry whenever I think I ought.
Last night I kept thinking: Last day of 2008, you really should write something. But the demands of a workday, followed by dealing with little Geoana and her overnight guest, plus grilling some burgers outside, left me drained. Tired. So I chose to sit on the sofa and read.
I think it did me good.
Yes, I fired up the propane beauty and cooked outdoors. At the end of December. In Kansas. Yes, it was dark and cold, but the result was worth it. When I resided in Arizona I grilled year-round and never gave it a thought. Some habits die hard, especially when they're food-related.
Moving on to other stuff: I drove home from working out Tuesday evening, clicked my radio over to KOA in Denver just for the heck of it (its 50,000 watt signal comes in quite well in these parts, particularly in the wintertime where the sun doesn't cause much interference). It was the top of the hour, time for news. I was as surprised as anyone else when I heard of Mike Shanahan's firing.
Just goes to show there is no "head coach for life," unless you own the team. (See: Connie Mack)
And I couldn't agree more with Pat Forde's conclusions.
________________________
I can't help but chuckle when I see all these news stories about 2008 being a terrible year. Hmmmm, I guess that depends on one's perspective. For the Geoclan this was an eventful year but the end result was very positive. Is the quality of our life better now than it was January 1, 2008?
A very emphatic "Yes."
And that response has nothing to do with politics, $$$$$, or anything the media deems important. Just take care of yourself and your own household, be sensitive to the needs of others (but don't neglect your own needs in the process), pay attention to what's going on, and don't worry about what other people "may think."
That's my pearl of wisdom for the new year.
Last night I kept thinking: Last day of 2008, you really should write something. But the demands of a workday, followed by dealing with little Geoana and her overnight guest, plus grilling some burgers outside, left me drained. Tired. So I chose to sit on the sofa and read.
I think it did me good.
Yes, I fired up the propane beauty and cooked outdoors. At the end of December. In Kansas. Yes, it was dark and cold, but the result was worth it. When I resided in Arizona I grilled year-round and never gave it a thought. Some habits die hard, especially when they're food-related.
Moving on to other stuff: I drove home from working out Tuesday evening, clicked my radio over to KOA in Denver just for the heck of it (its 50,000 watt signal comes in quite well in these parts, particularly in the wintertime where the sun doesn't cause much interference). It was the top of the hour, time for news. I was as surprised as anyone else when I heard of Mike Shanahan's firing.
Just goes to show there is no "head coach for life," unless you own the team. (See: Connie Mack)
And I couldn't agree more with Pat Forde's conclusions.
________________________
I can't help but chuckle when I see all these news stories about 2008 being a terrible year. Hmmmm, I guess that depends on one's perspective. For the Geoclan this was an eventful year but the end result was very positive. Is the quality of our life better now than it was January 1, 2008?
A very emphatic "Yes."
And that response has nothing to do with politics, $$$$$, or anything the media deems important. Just take care of yourself and your own household, be sensitive to the needs of others (but don't neglect your own needs in the process), pay attention to what's going on, and don't worry about what other people "may think."
That's my pearl of wisdom for the new year.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas (natch!)
'Twas a good Christmas at the Geohouse. Plenty of electronic stuff.
I'm nervous today. I'm cooking a rib roast for the first time. Found a good deal on rib eye roast at the local grocer, so the last few days I spent scouring the 'Net for recipes. I liked the way one site described this type of meat: tender, flavorful, and expensive.
So there's no margin of error for today's big meal. My only saving grace is that this will be cooked only for myself, Geogal, and little Geoana. They tend to be forgiving especially when I'm trying something new. Who knows, this might become a holiday meal tradition. Better than bone-dry turkey.
To all of my readers, have a happy (remainder of the) holidays!
(Funny anecdote regarding today's picture. I put on the jacket and told Geogal: "I'm going outside to write something in the snow." Thought for a split-second, then added: "With a stick, not the other way.")
Sunday, December 21, 2008
It's 5:05 on this Sunday afternoon and the sun is just about to set.
Must be late December, right near the winter solstice. Yep.
That's OK, the days will start getting longer now. I've got to keep telling myself that. Yet I cannot forget a news item from our local paper which stated: "In Kansas, the coldest winter weather usually occurs in late January and early February."
Oh, great. Like what we're having now isn't the worst of it. I drove to Kearney, Nebraska yesterday to wrap up the last of my Christmas shopping (the stuff I couldn't do online) and was amazed by how quickly skin can go numb in low temps combined hard wind. It was single-digit temperatures all day (and no, I'm not talking about Celsius, either). While the roads were fine (well plowed), parking lots were hit and miss.
Perhaps that's not the best term to use for yesterday. Just kidding, although I did slide just a little around a couple of the parking areas. No contact with other vehicles.
Shout out to little Geosister--Remember that scarf you gave me for Christmas eons ago? It's being used now. And Geodad, some years back you gave me a pair of Thisulate gloves. They do come in handy whenever I venture outside now.
And we will have a white Christmas, as this stuff on the ground definitely won't melt before then.
Must be late December, right near the winter solstice. Yep.
That's OK, the days will start getting longer now. I've got to keep telling myself that. Yet I cannot forget a news item from our local paper which stated: "In Kansas, the coldest winter weather usually occurs in late January and early February."
Oh, great. Like what we're having now isn't the worst of it. I drove to Kearney, Nebraska yesterday to wrap up the last of my Christmas shopping (the stuff I couldn't do online) and was amazed by how quickly skin can go numb in low temps combined hard wind. It was single-digit temperatures all day (and no, I'm not talking about Celsius, either). While the roads were fine (well plowed), parking lots were hit and miss.
Perhaps that's not the best term to use for yesterday. Just kidding, although I did slide just a little around a couple of the parking areas. No contact with other vehicles.
Shout out to little Geosister--Remember that scarf you gave me for Christmas eons ago? It's being used now. And Geodad, some years back you gave me a pair of Thisulate gloves. They do come in handy whenever I venture outside now.
And we will have a white Christmas, as this stuff on the ground definitely won't melt before then.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thunderice?
That's the term I would use to describe last night's meteorological event. There's something unsettling and a bit surreal when ice fog becomes sleet. Punctuated by thunder and lightening.
But as I mused yesterday, bad weather sometimes creates good photo ops just a few hours later.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Arctic, it just continues
Several times this week some friends and acquaintances ask me how I like the cold.
My response: "A 25 below zero wind chill is a bit much."
Pause for laughter. That's also what I hear after saying my piece .
I'm still trying to get my feeble brain around the fact that I was outdoors as recently as last Saturday-- in shirtsleeves, no less.
Sunday that all changed. Very cold. Blowing snow. Frigid.
Here we are, Thursday evening and the stuff is still out there. I think we might have gotten above freezing for a few minutes yesterday. I swear, I have two deep freeze units (one in the garage, one in the basement) and I don't think the interior of either is as cold as it is outside.
But in the midst of all things frosty this splashing of white does make for some appealing-to-the-eye vistas of things I see and take for granted every day. Such as the bare trees, lonely ballfields, and wheat fields waiting to spring their crop when the balmy temps make their comeback.
I'll try to get some photos of the stuff on here in the days to come. Meanwhile, I'm learning how to drive in snow.
My response: "A 25 below zero wind chill is a bit much."
Pause for laughter. That's also what I hear after saying my piece .
I'm still trying to get my feeble brain around the fact that I was outdoors as recently as last Saturday-- in shirtsleeves, no less.
Sunday that all changed. Very cold. Blowing snow. Frigid.
Here we are, Thursday evening and the stuff is still out there. I think we might have gotten above freezing for a few minutes yesterday. I swear, I have two deep freeze units (one in the garage, one in the basement) and I don't think the interior of either is as cold as it is outside.
But in the midst of all things frosty this splashing of white does make for some appealing-to-the-eye vistas of things I see and take for granted every day. Such as the bare trees, lonely ballfields, and wheat fields waiting to spring their crop when the balmy temps make their comeback.
I'll try to get some photos of the stuff on here in the days to come. Meanwhile, I'm learning how to drive in snow.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Arctic, Part II
Got some pride goin' on, here.
Reason: Yesterday morning I drove little Geoana to school then continued on to work. On streets of ice. Ice with a thin layer of snow on top.
It rained Monday afternoon and continued into the evening. Just before going to bed I noticed light snowflakes falling. No surprise, the Weather Channel web site predicted exactly that. And a person I was talking to earlier in the evening warned me of possible frozen over thoroughfares.
I won't lie--I was nervous heading out. I've never truly driven on ice before and I didn't think this was the best time to learn how. But seeing a few vehicles head down my street with no problem eased my angst.
Plus, I silently reminded myself I have a four-wheel-drive truck, not the rear wheel sedan or pickup truck of the past.
Engaged all fours and off we went. Drove slow, drove carefully. No problems.
And now, I have more character. At least until the next bout of inclement weather.
__________________________
Actually, I meant to blog the past couple of nights, but the MacBook was commandeered by Geogal (uploading a friend's pictures to the Wal Mart web site on Monday, uploading her own pics to Kodak Photo Gallery on Tuesday). No matter, I just parked myself on a chair yesterday evening and watched the latest Netflix offering: Trainspotting.
Yeeesh. Talk about graphic. I wouldn't recommend it for everybody. Good James Bond references, though.
Reason: Yesterday morning I drove little Geoana to school then continued on to work. On streets of ice. Ice with a thin layer of snow on top.
It rained Monday afternoon and continued into the evening. Just before going to bed I noticed light snowflakes falling. No surprise, the Weather Channel web site predicted exactly that. And a person I was talking to earlier in the evening warned me of possible frozen over thoroughfares.
I won't lie--I was nervous heading out. I've never truly driven on ice before and I didn't think this was the best time to learn how. But seeing a few vehicles head down my street with no problem eased my angst.
Plus, I silently reminded myself I have a four-wheel-drive truck, not the rear wheel sedan or pickup truck of the past.
Engaged all fours and off we went. Drove slow, drove carefully. No problems.
And now, I have more character. At least until the next bout of inclement weather.
__________________________
Actually, I meant to blog the past couple of nights, but the MacBook was commandeered by Geogal (uploading a friend's pictures to the Wal Mart web site on Monday, uploading her own pics to Kodak Photo Gallery on Tuesday). No matter, I just parked myself on a chair yesterday evening and watched the latest Netflix offering: Trainspotting.
Yeeesh. Talk about graphic. I wouldn't recommend it for everybody. Good James Bond references, though.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Arctic
Just go ahead and gloat, everyone.
It's real cold here right now. Waaay cold. Freakin' cold. Frigid.
How cold? This morning it was warmer in Anchorage, Alaska.
I bundled up, went outside to start the truck (these days I have to let it warm up--the little girl and I need some heat while we ride). Upon going out the door to start 'er up, I thought to myself, "It's chilly, but not too bad." Then I walked beyond the shelter of my spruce tree.
Wind. Blowing. Real cold.
I remembered to wear gloves in order to scrape the frost, but forgot about a wool cap. A few minutes later I complain to Geogal that I can't feel my ears.
Specifics? With the wind chill, this morning it was 2 degrees above zero.
But hey, at least these temps keep the killer bees away, right?
And my cold-weather diet seems to have hit the skids. I consume more than my share of strong black coffee throughout the morning and then munch on "made-it-myself" chili for lunch.
I wonder if that's the reason my stomach hasn't felt right the last few days?
Starting tomorrow I'm going easier on the hot bean juice and will make the food intake a little more bland. I'll just think warm thoughts.
It's real cold here right now. Waaay cold. Freakin' cold. Frigid.
How cold? This morning it was warmer in Anchorage, Alaska.
I bundled up, went outside to start the truck (these days I have to let it warm up--the little girl and I need some heat while we ride). Upon going out the door to start 'er up, I thought to myself, "It's chilly, but not too bad." Then I walked beyond the shelter of my spruce tree.
Wind. Blowing. Real cold.
I remembered to wear gloves in order to scrape the frost, but forgot about a wool cap. A few minutes later I complain to Geogal that I can't feel my ears.
Specifics? With the wind chill, this morning it was 2 degrees above zero.
But hey, at least these temps keep the killer bees away, right?
And my cold-weather diet seems to have hit the skids. I consume more than my share of strong black coffee throughout the morning and then munch on "made-it-myself" chili for lunch.
I wonder if that's the reason my stomach hasn't felt right the last few days?
Starting tomorrow I'm going easier on the hot bean juice and will make the food intake a little more bland. I'll just think warm thoughts.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Holiday (i)Tunes
Time to blow the (digital) dust off of my Christmas music collection and load it onto the Nano.
It's one of the things I enjoy about the holiday season, these old carols and standards, many of them being sung by the original artist.
Since I can only enjoy these from December 1 through midday December 25th, it makes this compendium even more special. The rest of the year? Not even.
There's just nothing like sitting in front of the MacBook on a summer day listening to one's iTunes library with the shuffle setting turned on, casually reading who-knows-what on the Internet. First I hear Steely Dan's "Blues Beach," followed by Terri Clark's "I Just Wanna Be Mad," Henry Mancini's "Theme from 'Mr. Lucky,'" topped off with Gene Autry crooning: "You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen..."
Aaaahh, where's the arrow to hit the next song?
For a few days, I can now shuffle away the hours.
It's one of the things I enjoy about the holiday season, these old carols and standards, many of them being sung by the original artist.
Since I can only enjoy these from December 1 through midday December 25th, it makes this compendium even more special. The rest of the year? Not even.
There's just nothing like sitting in front of the MacBook on a summer day listening to one's iTunes library with the shuffle setting turned on, casually reading who-knows-what on the Internet. First I hear Steely Dan's "Blues Beach," followed by Terri Clark's "I Just Wanna Be Mad," Henry Mancini's "Theme from 'Mr. Lucky,'" topped off with Gene Autry crooning: "You know Dasher and Dancer, Prancer and Vixen..."
Aaaahh, where's the arrow to hit the next song?
For a few days, I can now shuffle away the hours.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Weekend wrap-up
Four cold days. Four days where I could swear I was coming down with a case of cabin fever.
At least tomorrow means a return to the old grind.
Save for Friday, the days were dry which was nice. (No sliding on the streets.) Today, however, the wind has been howling and even Geogal said: "That wind just sounds cold." You have to be here to understand.
Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, I have the task of composing a Christmas gift list to aid Geogal in her shopping. Since I can't seem to come up with too many different ideas, is this a sign I'm getting older? Too old?
Nah, I'm just not hankering for any significant gadgets at present. A little time going through my Mac-related magazines and some surfing of the Net will do the trick.
For now, it's time to enjoy this season. While the Phoenix area has many benefits, one has to admit it's the most un-Christmasy city in North America. But here in rural Kansas, folks now how to do the holidays right. And the Geofamily will get to enjoy every minute of the festivities.
At least tomorrow means a return to the old grind.
Save for Friday, the days were dry which was nice. (No sliding on the streets.) Today, however, the wind has been howling and even Geogal said: "That wind just sounds cold." You have to be here to understand.
Now that Thanksgiving is officially over, I have the task of composing a Christmas gift list to aid Geogal in her shopping. Since I can't seem to come up with too many different ideas, is this a sign I'm getting older? Too old?
Nah, I'm just not hankering for any significant gadgets at present. A little time going through my Mac-related magazines and some surfing of the Net will do the trick.
For now, it's time to enjoy this season. While the Phoenix area has many benefits, one has to admit it's the most un-Christmasy city in North America. But here in rural Kansas, folks now how to do the holidays right. And the Geofamily will get to enjoy every minute of the festivities.
Friday, November 28, 2008
White Friday!
This was quite a surprise! Geogal gets up, gets dressed, gets ready to leave for work, and what news does she have for me upon opening the garage door?
White stuff.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A holiday with food and football--Yes!!!
While stating the obvious in today's title, I also have time to put some unrelated thoughts down for the world to see.
Where to start? Yes, I've been busy. Not only does my "real job" demand much of my time and energies, but the dearth of daylight seems to sap my creative abilities as well. You know how so many musicians, writers, and artists are night people, thinking they will suffer the fate of the vampire if they see the sun rise? Not me. Always have been a morning person, always will be. It's disenheartening when I come home from work around 5 p.m. and the sun vanishes over the western horizon just a few minutes later.
What was that? Sorry. I spotted some activity in the creek bed. It was two fawns running back and forth. Speaking of wildlife, I haven't seen the wild turkeys for a few weeks now. Too cold, or do they know something's up?
For many days now I've been telling my friends and other acquaintances that I am taking Friday off, saying I need to watch Texas pummel Texas A&M. But a few days ago I found out they are actually playing this evening. Did I miss something? Whatever happened to tradition? This game should always be the day after Thanksgiving, right?
Geosister and Geobro-in-law are free to weigh in on this one.
No matter, I'm still staying home that day. There are plenty of other gridiron contests to enjoy.
Don't you like the Big 12 South's version of rock-scissors-paper? Texas beats Oklahoma, Texas Tech beats Texas, Oklahoma beats Texas Tech...
Let's hope the issue is settled on the football field rather then relying on the BCS computer nerds.
Little Geoana just got up, we had a pretty good conversation about Thanksgiving and traditions. In our house having a steak on turkey day is fast becoming a new religion. For the past couple of Thanksgivings, we went to Monti's La Casa Vieja in Tempe (despite its name it is a steakhouse, not a Mexican restaurant) where we were free to order off the menu even though they also served a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. No such luck this year since we no longer live in the Valley of the Sun. For today? I'm defrosting a couple of ribeyes we bought at one of the area lockers (that's the term for meat processing facility). High-quality Kansas beef.
Incidentally, we do most of the other "trimmings" with the red meat: mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie.
Wait, scratch that. Geogal went to the freezer and asked about my choice of pie: pumpkin, blueberry, or cherry? I went with cherry.
Other Thanksgiving traditions? Watch the videocassette of "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving." Yes, VHS cassette. We've had it for a while. Watch the "King Of The Hill" episode where they try to fly to Montana for Turkey Day. It's one of those that I've seen dozens of times and I still laugh out loud. Never mind that it has a few plot holes, I can ignore those for 23 minutes. Watch the Cowboys play. I don't care that it's the Seattle Seahawks, the 'Pokes haven't had good luck over the last several Thanksgivings.
Gotta admit, it would be something if the lowly Arizona Cardinals defeat the Eagles. Not likely to happen but the Phoenix-based media are starting to use terms such as "resurgent" in describing the Birds.
That's all for now. More blabbering later.
Where to start? Yes, I've been busy. Not only does my "real job" demand much of my time and energies, but the dearth of daylight seems to sap my creative abilities as well. You know how so many musicians, writers, and artists are night people, thinking they will suffer the fate of the vampire if they see the sun rise? Not me. Always have been a morning person, always will be. It's disenheartening when I come home from work around 5 p.m. and the sun vanishes over the western horizon just a few minutes later.
What was that? Sorry. I spotted some activity in the creek bed. It was two fawns running back and forth. Speaking of wildlife, I haven't seen the wild turkeys for a few weeks now. Too cold, or do they know something's up?
For many days now I've been telling my friends and other acquaintances that I am taking Friday off, saying I need to watch Texas pummel Texas A&M. But a few days ago I found out they are actually playing this evening. Did I miss something? Whatever happened to tradition? This game should always be the day after Thanksgiving, right?
Geosister and Geobro-in-law are free to weigh in on this one.
No matter, I'm still staying home that day. There are plenty of other gridiron contests to enjoy.
Don't you like the Big 12 South's version of rock-scissors-paper? Texas beats Oklahoma, Texas Tech beats Texas, Oklahoma beats Texas Tech...
Let's hope the issue is settled on the football field rather then relying on the BCS computer nerds.
Little Geoana just got up, we had a pretty good conversation about Thanksgiving and traditions. In our house having a steak on turkey day is fast becoming a new religion. For the past couple of Thanksgivings, we went to Monti's La Casa Vieja in Tempe (despite its name it is a steakhouse, not a Mexican restaurant) where we were free to order off the menu even though they also served a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. No such luck this year since we no longer live in the Valley of the Sun. For today? I'm defrosting a couple of ribeyes we bought at one of the area lockers (that's the term for meat processing facility). High-quality Kansas beef.
Incidentally, we do most of the other "trimmings" with the red meat: mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie.
Wait, scratch that. Geogal went to the freezer and asked about my choice of pie: pumpkin, blueberry, or cherry? I went with cherry.
Other Thanksgiving traditions? Watch the videocassette of "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving." Yes, VHS cassette. We've had it for a while. Watch the "King Of The Hill" episode where they try to fly to Montana for Turkey Day. It's one of those that I've seen dozens of times and I still laugh out loud. Never mind that it has a few plot holes, I can ignore those for 23 minutes. Watch the Cowboys play. I don't care that it's the Seattle Seahawks, the 'Pokes haven't had good luck over the last several Thanksgivings.
Gotta admit, it would be something if the lowly Arizona Cardinals defeat the Eagles. Not likely to happen but the Phoenix-based media are starting to use terms such as "resurgent" in describing the Birds.
That's all for now. More blabbering later.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Alone at last
I'm not referring to being away from my family for a couple of days. That's not good.
Rather, I'm alluding to being able to take a work-related road trip by myself. Why is that a good thing?
Faster travel (fewer stops), freedom to listen to whatever keeps me alert at the moment, I don't have to talk, and I'm not bound to bow to the wishes of others.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy my out-of-state travel last month. The traveling collegue/companion made a long drive tolerable. However since I am an introvert (those who know me are well aware of this) I derive strength and energy from the times I spend alone. Renewal!
And the freedom of making one's own decisions from speed to noshing just adds to the enjoyment.
Not only that, but I got to adjust to the Sirius satellite radio new channel lineup. Gotta switch some presets and make room for new ones!
Plus I clicked the radio over to the AM dial for some interesting listening (and distant catches). The day was clear, the time of the year features little solar interference, and good ground conductivity in Kansas adds up to one busy radio dial! Needless to say I was happier than a pig in slop. (Yes, I am a nerd who has tendencies toward catching electrical signals out of the air. More on a home-related project that stems from this interest will be the subject of a blog entry to come later this week.)
Before I go, I better put this sentence in here--I think it's against the blogger code to end a posting with a closed parenthesis.
Rather, I'm alluding to being able to take a work-related road trip by myself. Why is that a good thing?
Faster travel (fewer stops), freedom to listen to whatever keeps me alert at the moment, I don't have to talk, and I'm not bound to bow to the wishes of others.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy my out-of-state travel last month. The traveling collegue/companion made a long drive tolerable. However since I am an introvert (those who know me are well aware of this) I derive strength and energy from the times I spend alone. Renewal!
And the freedom of making one's own decisions from speed to noshing just adds to the enjoyment.
Not only that, but I got to adjust to the Sirius satellite radio new channel lineup. Gotta switch some presets and make room for new ones!
Plus I clicked the radio over to the AM dial for some interesting listening (and distant catches). The day was clear, the time of the year features little solar interference, and good ground conductivity in Kansas adds up to one busy radio dial! Needless to say I was happier than a pig in slop. (Yes, I am a nerd who has tendencies toward catching electrical signals out of the air. More on a home-related project that stems from this interest will be the subject of a blog entry to come later this week.)
Before I go, I better put this sentence in here--I think it's against the blogger code to end a posting with a closed parenthesis.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
lazy Sunday morning
I get up as normal, but at the computer I realize that Daylight Savings Time has ended. I have an extra hour to goof around.
Pretty good way to begin a day. I think those of us in the Geohouse can be forgiven, as we are well out of the habit of changing the clocks twice yearly. Arizona just doesn't do such things.
_________________________
Congratulations to Texas Tech. It was an outstanding game, everything a football fan could want. It came down to the last second, literally. The NFL can't compete with that type of drama.
It's also gratifying to see the focus shift to West Texas. Since before fire the consensus is that the true power in the Lone Star State exists solely in the triangle anchored by Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Antonio (Austin is part the structure, it's just not one of the corner points). It's understandable that other areas of the state don't receive their due share of attention or respect. Part of it is geography (El Paso is on the other side of the world, the Permian Basin is too desolate, the South Plains are too flat, and you can only see so many pine trees in East Texas before going insane) and part of it is culture (Austin has Sixth Street, Dallas Deep Ellum, and San Antonio is rich in Texas history).
That won't change. Not in my lifetime, anyway. But for now Lubbock and Texas Tech can bask in the glory. They earned it.
Pretty good way to begin a day. I think those of us in the Geohouse can be forgiven, as we are well out of the habit of changing the clocks twice yearly. Arizona just doesn't do such things.
_________________________
Congratulations to Texas Tech. It was an outstanding game, everything a football fan could want. It came down to the last second, literally. The NFL can't compete with that type of drama.
It's also gratifying to see the focus shift to West Texas. Since before fire the consensus is that the true power in the Lone Star State exists solely in the triangle anchored by Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Antonio (Austin is part the structure, it's just not one of the corner points). It's understandable that other areas of the state don't receive their due share of attention or respect. Part of it is geography (El Paso is on the other side of the world, the Permian Basin is too desolate, the South Plains are too flat, and you can only see so many pine trees in East Texas before going insane) and part of it is culture (Austin has Sixth Street, Dallas Deep Ellum, and San Antonio is rich in Texas history).
That won't change. Not in my lifetime, anyway. But for now Lubbock and Texas Tech can bask in the glory. They earned it.
Friday, October 31, 2008
It's Halloween, and what do I say?
Gaaagh! Not "TorT." I've had enough of that this evening anyway. I'm holding down the fort while Geogal takes little Geoana out for the neighborhood candy run.
Been away for a while, and no, I'm not dead. Not even ailing.
Just real busy. Between Geogal starting her new job and the bustle of everyday life, combined with busy evenings due to external commitments, time becomes a valuable commodity.
What do I write about?
Roasting green chile in one's own oven? Because it's raining outside? Fun, that's how we spent the better part of one recent Saturday.
The University of Texas Longhorns beating Oklahoma (the same day we roasted green chile) and becoming Number One in the nation?
Or me making a business trip to North Texas, driving through Sooner Country? (When the sign said "Norman city limits," I turned to my traveling companion and confessed: "I feel dirty.")
Lute Olson suddenly retiring from the Ewe Ofay? And watching the basketball team implode? (Lute was great in his time, but his time has long passed. The Wildcats continue to get invited to the Big Dance not because they earned it over the course of a season, but because of who they once were. That's just not right. Maybe this season they will finally come crashing back to earth--translation: NIT.)
The preparations for a Barack Obama presidency? The less I say about that, the better.
The fact that it snowed here last week? (It was a wonderful feeling to go to bed and not know what awaited us when we awoke. The forecasters had everything from 1-2 inches to a blizzard warning for our area. Final result: we got about three-fourths of an inch. But hey, gotta start somewhere. I bought a snow shovel.)
Incidentally, the family members got e-mailed a picture of the Geohouse in the midst of a winter wonderland.
My ongoing TV antenna project? Still ongoing. I'm going to Nebraska tomorrow to find some stakes. I need something to anchor the tower I picked up for nothing.
How I was in the Dallas-Fort Worth area during the four worst days-in-a-row the Cowboys have ever had? (Lose to the Cardinals, Romo out, Pacman suspended, all-around cruddy crap.) But at least I got to spend some time with people who actually talk normal. (No one there makes fun of my occasional Texas accent.)
Two nights of hard freeze and my front lawn keeps growing? Go dormant, grass!
So what do I have to say? A little of everything.
But something inside me, deep down in me, needs a recharge. I don't know what, I don't know how. But if I keep at it, maybe my bone-deep weariness will subside.
Perhaps returning to regular blogging will help.
Been away for a while, and no, I'm not dead. Not even ailing.
Just real busy. Between Geogal starting her new job and the bustle of everyday life, combined with busy evenings due to external commitments, time becomes a valuable commodity.
What do I write about?
Roasting green chile in one's own oven? Because it's raining outside? Fun, that's how we spent the better part of one recent Saturday.
The University of Texas Longhorns beating Oklahoma (the same day we roasted green chile) and becoming Number One in the nation?
Or me making a business trip to North Texas, driving through Sooner Country? (When the sign said "Norman city limits," I turned to my traveling companion and confessed: "I feel dirty.")
Lute Olson suddenly retiring from the Ewe Ofay? And watching the basketball team implode? (Lute was great in his time, but his time has long passed. The Wildcats continue to get invited to the Big Dance not because they earned it over the course of a season, but because of who they once were. That's just not right. Maybe this season they will finally come crashing back to earth--translation: NIT.)
The preparations for a Barack Obama presidency? The less I say about that, the better.
The fact that it snowed here last week? (It was a wonderful feeling to go to bed and not know what awaited us when we awoke. The forecasters had everything from 1-2 inches to a blizzard warning for our area. Final result: we got about three-fourths of an inch. But hey, gotta start somewhere. I bought a snow shovel.)
Incidentally, the family members got e-mailed a picture of the Geohouse in the midst of a winter wonderland.
My ongoing TV antenna project? Still ongoing. I'm going to Nebraska tomorrow to find some stakes. I need something to anchor the tower I picked up for nothing.
How I was in the Dallas-Fort Worth area during the four worst days-in-a-row the Cowboys have ever had? (Lose to the Cardinals, Romo out, Pacman suspended, all-around cruddy crap.) But at least I got to spend some time with people who actually talk normal. (No one there makes fun of my occasional Texas accent.)
Two nights of hard freeze and my front lawn keeps growing? Go dormant, grass!
So what do I have to say? A little of everything.
But something inside me, deep down in me, needs a recharge. I don't know what, I don't know how. But if I keep at it, maybe my bone-deep weariness will subside.
Perhaps returning to regular blogging will help.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Houston's loss
I'm not referring to the Astros or Texans.
I'm talking about Ray Miller, from "The Eyes of Texas." I can still remember the staccato drumming and the letters T-E-X-A-S going individually on the screen so fast you couldn't help but pay attention.
He died a couple of weekends ago. Here is the obligatory newspaper story, but a better set of tributes can be read here.
First Ron Stone, now Ray Miller. Local TV icons of my past are departing the scene.
_________________________________
Yes, I know full well the blogging is scarce these days. Blame several days of numerous visitors to Geohouse Kansas. When one is a talented cook sometimes these things happen.
I'm talking about Ray Miller, from "The Eyes of Texas." I can still remember the staccato drumming and the letters T-E-X-A-S going individually on the screen so fast you couldn't help but pay attention.
He died a couple of weekends ago. Here is the obligatory newspaper story, but a better set of tributes can be read here.
First Ron Stone, now Ray Miller. Local TV icons of my past are departing the scene.
_________________________________
Yes, I know full well the blogging is scarce these days. Blame several days of numerous visitors to Geohouse Kansas. When one is a talented cook sometimes these things happen.
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