It was zero degrees here this morning. It is about 15 now. I just finished running some errands and was pulling into the garage.
I noticed 'smoke' around my roof and thought, ugh, the furnace is running. Closer look. It is steam coming off the roof from the melting snow. Steam! 15 degrees! I need to get solar heating on my roof so my furnace does NOT have to run!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Minnesota Gophers Mens Hockey
Julie Elias had tickets to a University of Minnesota mens hockey game at Mariucci Arena. They were box tickets for her husband's company.
Julie, Jenny Batten and I went. We had a blast. The game was exciting....it ended in a tie with University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.
We learned the Gopher fight song. The band and student section was right below us. The students never sit down during the game. They all looked like they were have a great time.
Jenny gave me my birthday present. Yes, my 50th birthday celebration keeps going on. Jenny made a book of the pictures from Cozumel trip. A book! She used Shutterfly which is an online photo tool. The book is so cool.
Julie, Jenny Batten and I went. We had a blast. The game was exciting....it ended in a tie with University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.
We learned the Gopher fight song. The band and student section was right below us. The students never sit down during the game. They all looked like they were have a great time.
Jenny gave me my birthday present. Yes, my 50th birthday celebration keeps going on. Jenny made a book of the pictures from Cozumel trip. A book! She used Shutterfly which is an online photo tool. The book is so cool.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Made it home
Really not any different time-wise from any other Thursday night flight home. Would have thought with the snow may be the flight would be cancelled.
So far American hasn't managed to leave Dallas any where near the scheduled time. Took off about 8:30pm (supposed to leave at 7:20pm). Landed about 10:45pm. Sat on the ground forever again.
Arrived home to about 12" - 16" snow drift in backyard. A LOT of snow to shovel.
So far American hasn't managed to leave Dallas any where near the scheduled time. Took off about 8:30pm (supposed to leave at 7:20pm). Landed about 10:45pm. Sat on the ground forever again.
Arrived home to about 12" - 16" snow drift in backyard. A LOT of snow to shovel.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Spring is springing
It was 77 degrees when we went out to lunch today. There are trees that are starting to bloom already!
It is supposed to be in the 80's tomorrow.
It is supposed to be in the 80's tomorrow.
Monday, February 23, 2009
No surprise - Dallas again
Another week in Dallas/Irving.
My India-based replacement is also in Dallas. I'm training him to take my place.
There are three India IBMers in town now. Last week I took them to the Texas Book Depository and grassy knoll so they could see some US history.
My India-based replacement is also in Dallas. I'm training him to take my place.
There are three India IBMers in town now. Last week I took them to the Texas Book Depository and grassy knoll so they could see some US history.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Nissan Altima
I picked out a black Nissan Altima this week. I can say "picked out" because I rented from National again.
I actually thought it was the same vehicle that a co-worked had rented a few weeks earlier. Turned out he had a black Nissan Maxima. They look exactly alike - inside and out.
This Altima had keyless entry and start just like the Maxima did. You get this enormous fob. Actually you get two. And the key chain has note attached that if you lose the fob, it is $250.00 fine.
To unlock the car you have to have the fob and you just touch a small rubber piece on the door handle. Touch it twice and all the doors unlock. To start the car put your foot on the brake and push the start button. Took me a couple of seconds to figure it out but there is an idiot light/indicator/icon that shows this.
The Altima is very fun to drive. It has great pickup from standing still and getting on the highway or passing.
The steering wheel telescopes in addition to adjusting up and down. The gauges are easy to read. The trunk release button is not well indicated. The gauges were too bright for me so I was looking for the adjuster. What I thought might be it turned out to be the trunk release. The little trunk picture isn't visible until you push the button down.
I opened the trunk while I was waiting for the National attendant to finish my checkout. I couldn't get out of the car as I was pulled right up to the side of the kiosk. I had to stop on the street, get out, and shut the trunk.
I eventually did find a knob/stem to adjust the gauge intensity.
I liked the Altima. It is quiet on the highway but when you step on the gas, it is tuned to sound kind of like a Mustang...big, powerful engine noise.
I actually thought it was the same vehicle that a co-worked had rented a few weeks earlier. Turned out he had a black Nissan Maxima. They look exactly alike - inside and out.
This Altima had keyless entry and start just like the Maxima did. You get this enormous fob. Actually you get two. And the key chain has note attached that if you lose the fob, it is $250.00 fine.
To unlock the car you have to have the fob and you just touch a small rubber piece on the door handle. Touch it twice and all the doors unlock. To start the car put your foot on the brake and push the start button. Took me a couple of seconds to figure it out but there is an idiot light/indicator/icon that shows this.
The Altima is very fun to drive. It has great pickup from standing still and getting on the highway or passing.
The steering wheel telescopes in addition to adjusting up and down. The gauges are easy to read. The trunk release button is not well indicated. The gauges were too bright for me so I was looking for the adjuster. What I thought might be it turned out to be the trunk release. The little trunk picture isn't visible until you push the button down.
I opened the trunk while I was waiting for the National attendant to finish my checkout. I couldn't get out of the car as I was pulled right up to the side of the kiosk. I had to stop on the street, get out, and shut the trunk.
I eventually did find a knob/stem to adjust the gauge intensity.
I liked the Altima. It is quiet on the highway but when you step on the gas, it is tuned to sound kind of like a Mustang...big, powerful engine noise.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Eyewitness News
So I'm just working at my desk in the sun room and...BAM....car accident right in front of my house.
This big SUV was going the wrong way on my one-way street. Driver has slammed into a parked car across the street.
I grab my cell phone and call 911. I also head out front to see if driver is okay. There are already two people helping and another on a cell to 911 also. The 911 operator finishes with me very quickly. I figure she's already figured out there is another call on same incident.
Driver is talking and looks fairly okay. The airbag did not deploy even though she ended up demolishing the Taurus she plowed into. The Taurus was pushed into the small SUV parked behind it.
Meanwhile there are two other vehicles that she has hit on the way. One lost its front fender and the other has its rear bumper ripped off. And from some vehicle is an entire wheel in the middle of the road.
There are plenty of people helping so I head back in the house. Paramedics arrive. Police arrive. I think the driver ends up going with the cops. Flat bed comes and takes away big SUV. I didn't see the Taurus get taken away but it was.
The other wrecked vehicles are still here on the street. Not a pretty site for the owners.
This big SUV was going the wrong way on my one-way street. Driver has slammed into a parked car across the street.
I grab my cell phone and call 911. I also head out front to see if driver is okay. There are already two people helping and another on a cell to 911 also. The 911 operator finishes with me very quickly. I figure she's already figured out there is another call on same incident.
Driver is talking and looks fairly okay. The airbag did not deploy even though she ended up demolishing the Taurus she plowed into. The Taurus was pushed into the small SUV parked behind it.
Meanwhile there are two other vehicles that she has hit on the way. One lost its front fender and the other has its rear bumper ripped off. And from some vehicle is an entire wheel in the middle of the road.
There are plenty of people helping so I head back in the house. Paramedics arrive. Police arrive. I think the driver ends up going with the cops. Flat bed comes and takes away big SUV. I didn't see the Taurus get taken away but it was.
The other wrecked vehicles are still here on the street. Not a pretty site for the owners.
Bad Deed - Good Deed
I let slip the F-bomb yesterday at work. I'd been doing so well not letting the client get me riled up but I fell off the wagon. I don't really regret it but it was unfortunate.
That was the bad deed.
The flight home was quite crowded and, of course, late. There was a single soldier on the flight and I was prepared to give up my first class seat for him. Turned out there was a single first class seat empty.
I thought the flight attendants would give it to him but they weren't. So I mentioned it to one of the attendants and she went back and got him. He got applause walking from back of plane to front and hopefully enjoyed first class and being the third person off the plane. I wished the mom and her son had let him off first.
That was the good deed.
:-)
That was the bad deed.
The flight home was quite crowded and, of course, late. There was a single soldier on the flight and I was prepared to give up my first class seat for him. Turned out there was a single first class seat empty.
I thought the flight attendants would give it to him but they weren't. So I mentioned it to one of the attendants and she went back and got him. He got applause walking from back of plane to front and hopefully enjoyed first class and being the third person off the plane. I wished the mom and her son had let him off first.
That was the good deed.
:-)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Mitsubishi Galant
Rented from National Car Rental which lets you pick your own car. Having never driven a Mitsubishi Galant, I thought it would be a good choice. I had kind of been hoping to get a Volvo but didn't see one....until I tossed my luggage in the trunk of the Gallant, a Volvo was dropped off right next to me.
I thought of switching but thought that would be too obvious. When I pulled up to the check out and happened to turn on the fan, there was a rather loud noise. I considered turning around and changing vehicles but I didn't.
I should have.
The fan noise was very irritating and probably adversely affected my opinion. I know it shouldn't because it most likely is not Mitsubishi's fault but you can't avoid the psychological impact.
On the good side the Galant is very fun to drive. It has lots of power. But best of all it feels like an all-wheel drive vehicle. It really "sticks" to the road with its wide tires and low profile. Whether starting from a stop or accelerating onto highway speed, there is no delay or hesitation and no abrupt down shifting.
The interior of the model I had was not very eye turning. Knobs and controls were easy to use and understand but boring. I thought Galant's were known for their bells and whistles. This one didn't have any.
The engine is tuned to be very muscular sounding. One of my co-workers even mad a comment when starting the Galant. I liked the sound, however, the radio did not have the auto-adjust feature that many vehicles have that raises the volumn as your speed increases. I had to constantly adjust the radio volumn to hear at highway speed then turn the volumn down on side streets.
The side mirrors are a good size and the fact that they are square really improves visibility. But they are not retractable. The stem attachments are rigid. I think all cars should have flappable side mirrors. You see way too many vehicles with their side mirrors dangling or snapped off because they don't collapse.
Overall I would recommend this vehicle with more optional equipment. FYI - good luck finding Mitisubishi's auto car website. Not at all intuitive and once I found it....BORING!
I thought of switching but thought that would be too obvious. When I pulled up to the check out and happened to turn on the fan, there was a rather loud noise. I considered turning around and changing vehicles but I didn't.
I should have.
The fan noise was very irritating and probably adversely affected my opinion. I know it shouldn't because it most likely is not Mitsubishi's fault but you can't avoid the psychological impact.
On the good side the Galant is very fun to drive. It has lots of power. But best of all it feels like an all-wheel drive vehicle. It really "sticks" to the road with its wide tires and low profile. Whether starting from a stop or accelerating onto highway speed, there is no delay or hesitation and no abrupt down shifting.
The interior of the model I had was not very eye turning. Knobs and controls were easy to use and understand but boring. I thought Galant's were known for their bells and whistles. This one didn't have any.
The engine is tuned to be very muscular sounding. One of my co-workers even mad a comment when starting the Galant. I liked the sound, however, the radio did not have the auto-adjust feature that many vehicles have that raises the volumn as your speed increases. I had to constantly adjust the radio volumn to hear at highway speed then turn the volumn down on side streets.
The side mirrors are a good size and the fact that they are square really improves visibility. But they are not retractable. The stem attachments are rigid. I think all cars should have flappable side mirrors. You see way too many vehicles with their side mirrors dangling or snapped off because they don't collapse.
Overall I would recommend this vehicle with more optional equipment. FYI - good luck finding Mitisubishi's auto car website. Not at all intuitive and once I found it....BORING!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
shower curtain option
The way I had my shower curtain hung was driving me crazy.
My curtain rod is high because of the window. I don't really want an extra long curtain. The curtain rod is so close to the ceiling and hanging the curtain right off the rod makes the shower/tub feel too closed in and dark even though there is a light.
I was using multiple curtain rings to lower the top of the curtain so that it was low enough to keep water in the tub and also let natural light in over the top. But the multiple rings were catching on each other and getting the whole thing tangled up.
Here is the current option. At first I thought to get another curtain rod to suspend below the tension rod.
I headed over to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Next door is a World Market which is going out of business. I stopped in to check out the deals. This curtain rod looked like it would be a "fancier" rod to suspend than a regular curtain rod.
I didn't think about the finials not letting the curtain go to the ends. Luckily the curve of the tub keeps the shower water in where it is supposed to be.
Natural light still gets in over the top now and the curtain slides easily along the metal curtain rod.
My curtain rod is high because of the window. I don't really want an extra long curtain. The curtain rod is so close to the ceiling and hanging the curtain right off the rod makes the shower/tub feel too closed in and dark even though there is a light.
I was using multiple curtain rings to lower the top of the curtain so that it was low enough to keep water in the tub and also let natural light in over the top. But the multiple rings were catching on each other and getting the whole thing tangled up.
Here is the current option. At first I thought to get another curtain rod to suspend below the tension rod.I headed over to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Next door is a World Market which is going out of business. I stopped in to check out the deals. This curtain rod looked like it would be a "fancier" rod to suspend than a regular curtain rod.
I didn't think about the finials not letting the curtain go to the ends. Luckily the curve of the tub keeps the shower water in where it is supposed to be.
Natural light still gets in over the top now and the curtain slides easily along the metal curtain rod.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Odds and Ends
The scaffolding is down from the south end of Calhoun Square parking ramp....and revealed....
a new brick facade. It looks nice but only goes up 3 of the 4 stories.
What's with the price of gas?! It is $1.99.9! I haven't heard that oil has gone up.
A lot of melting went on this week while I was in Texas. The sidewalks are almost completely clear. And there is bare ground in my backyard.
a new brick facade. It looks nice but only goes up 3 of the 4 stories.
What's with the price of gas?! It is $1.99.9! I haven't heard that oil has gone up.
A lot of melting went on this week while I was in Texas. The sidewalks are almost completely clear. And there is bare ground in my backyard.
Finally home
Two hours late!
American Airlines changed the flight to be 20 minutes earlier than it used to be. Last week we were delayed because the flight crew didn't make it in time.
This week there was no reason given. We were supposed to board at 6:50. I think we finally started getting on around 8:45pm. We didn't take off until 9:25pm because the crew found a broken first aid kit and it took the grounds crew at least 20 minutes to bring a new one.
We were stranded at the gate again this week because there wasn't anyone to drive the jet way to the plane. So we sat at the gate for another 15 or 20 minutes. I'm pretty unsatisfied and unhappy with AA right now.
American Airlines changed the flight to be 20 minutes earlier than it used to be. Last week we were delayed because the flight crew didn't make it in time.
This week there was no reason given. We were supposed to board at 6:50. I think we finally started getting on around 8:45pm. We didn't take off until 9:25pm because the crew found a broken first aid kit and it took the grounds crew at least 20 minutes to bring a new one.
We were stranded at the gate again this week because there wasn't anyone to drive the jet way to the plane. So we sat at the gate for another 15 or 20 minutes. I'm pretty unsatisfied and unhappy with AA right now.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Another craziness?
The headline on this morning's USA Today was on A-Rod's stupid steroid confession. The new President's first news conference covering perhaps the worst economic crisis in 30 years was above the fold but still only rated third lead!
I wasn't the only one who noticed. The Project Manager even mentioned it...in incredulity.
I just saw The Dallas Morning News at the gym and it also had the A-Rod story as the headline with President Obama's speech second.
Is some stupid...his words...baseball player taking performance enhancement drugs six years ago really that important? That's crazy!
I wasn't the only one who noticed. The Project Manager even mentioned it...in incredulity.
I just saw The Dallas Morning News at the gym and it also had the A-Rod story as the headline with President Obama's speech second.
Is some stupid...his words...baseball player taking performance enhancement drugs six years ago really that important? That's crazy!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Travel confusion??
I don't know if I'm getting confused or just tired of the routine.
I park in the same general area at the airport so I don't have to search for my truck when I get home late on Thursdays.
I see the same coffee barista at the airport Caribou Coffee every Monday. She recognizes me and we chat.
I did pick up a car from National Car Rental instead of Hertz this week but these rental cars are all starting to look and smell alike.
I stop at GNC on my way to office and get protein drinks. Same cashier guy every week. I then go over to Quiznos to grab a sandwich or salad to go. The three people behind the counter....same three every week...recognize me.
I'm at the Anatole this week which I haven't been for a few weeks but I've been staying here so many months that I easily forget what room I'm supposed to be in.
Another week....another week in Dallas/Irving.
I park in the same general area at the airport so I don't have to search for my truck when I get home late on Thursdays.
I see the same coffee barista at the airport Caribou Coffee every Monday. She recognizes me and we chat.
I did pick up a car from National Car Rental instead of Hertz this week but these rental cars are all starting to look and smell alike.
I stop at GNC on my way to office and get protein drinks. Same cashier guy every week. I then go over to Quiznos to grab a sandwich or salad to go. The three people behind the counter....same three every week...recognize me.
I'm at the Anatole this week which I haven't been for a few weeks but I've been staying here so many months that I easily forget what room I'm supposed to be in.
Another week....another week in Dallas/Irving.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
50th Birthday Cozumel online photo album
I've uploaded lots of pictures from the big event...Click Here
I hope this works.
I hope this works.
Two unrelated crazy things
The first crazy thing: a woman just finished swimming across the Atlantic ocean....ACROSS the Atlantic!! That's crazy! And she is 56 years old. That's crazy!
The second crazy thing: everyone knows I intentionally steer clear of controversy on this blog, however, I find comments I've heard and read regarding the stimulus package to be crazy.
Specifically I'm referring to remarks that spending on the arts is not stimulative. I wonder how I was able to buy my house. Hmmm. Working at the Guthrie Theater....an art institute. I wonder how I was able to buy two different cars over the years. Hmm. Working at various theaters around the country....art.
I can easily name dozen people who have bought homes and cars and thousands of dollars of other things by working in ... what? ... the arts.
The second crazy thing: everyone knows I intentionally steer clear of controversy on this blog, however, I find comments I've heard and read regarding the stimulus package to be crazy.
Specifically I'm referring to remarks that spending on the arts is not stimulative. I wonder how I was able to buy my house. Hmmm. Working at the Guthrie Theater....an art institute. I wonder how I was able to buy two different cars over the years. Hmm. Working at various theaters around the country....art.
I can easily name dozen people who have bought homes and cars and thousands of dollars of other things by working in ... what? ... the arts.
Chevy Aveo
My Hertz theory was tossed out this past week. My theory, perhaps paranoia is the better word, was that Hertz somehow knows when I've rented from National and, therefore, I get a crappy car.
Last week I rented from Hertz again. That makes two weeks in a row. And this week, I got another crappy car!
The Chevy Aveo. I don't really have much nice to say. I think I've reviewed this one before but couldn't find the entry. I was pretty sure that this vehicle isn't even built by GM. A google search finds that it is indeed designed and built by Daewoo in Korea.
This thing rattled just standing still and at highway speed felt kind of dangerous. The controls are not well situated. It took me two days to figure out the cruise control. And the windshield wipers and light controls are opposite from almost every other car in the world. And I didn't find the trunk release until the last day.
One compliment is that the gauges are easy to see and read.
Last week I rented from Hertz again. That makes two weeks in a row. And this week, I got another crappy car!
The Chevy Aveo. I don't really have much nice to say. I think I've reviewed this one before but couldn't find the entry. I was pretty sure that this vehicle isn't even built by GM. A google search finds that it is indeed designed and built by Daewoo in Korea.
This thing rattled just standing still and at highway speed felt kind of dangerous. The controls are not well situated. It took me two days to figure out the cruise control. And the windshield wipers and light controls are opposite from almost every other car in the world. And I didn't find the trunk release until the last day.
One compliment is that the gauges are easy to see and read.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Upside Down Christmas tree
I can't believe I forgot to post this photo. This is Martha's Christmas tree.
I hope you can see the beautiful ornaments.
And this is the musical house. The lights are synched with music you can hear over your radio. Very cool.
It looks like a beaver
Bunny, could this qualify for your sister? or is it sister-in-law?This guy was at the Minneapolis Loppet last weekend.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
4 weeks of Dallas
I was asked to book every week in February for Dallas. So I booked four weeks straight. Still only booking Monday through Thursday.
Taking the late flight on Thursday is a crap shoot. Last Thursday the flight was delayed a half hour. I think it ended up being longer. Then when we landed at MSP, the gate was occupied and we sat for over half hour waiting to get parked.
It was almost midnight by the time I got home.
Taking the late flight on Thursday is a crap shoot. Last Thursday the flight was delayed a half hour. I think it ended up being longer. Then when we landed at MSP, the gate was occupied and we sat for over half hour waiting to get parked.
It was almost midnight by the time I got home.
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