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local picks Forecasting the old fashioned way. . . click for entire range

A daily Blog of pictures and news about family and friends -- so, please feel free to send along anything that you might have found interesting in your internet or lifetime travels. There are also the occasional links to absolutely fascinating information scattered throughout. These links are underlined in blue and usually accompanied by a picture that gives you an idea what to expect when you click on the link. However, accompanying picture or not, hyperlinks should be followed (clicked on) if for no other reason than I picked them. Further -- it would probably be a good idea for you to e-mail a link to this blog to everyone in your address book. Thanks for visiting -

Sept 30, 2007 Sun

Uh-Oh -- tomorrow starts another week and another month. The times they are a-changin'...

Reaching back to Oyster Run, 2004 - remembered this other 'reflections'  picture~

This picture is well described, we thought. . .

And this one, took a minute~~

Coming soon, to a pond, lake or stream near you. . .

The next time you're wading in your third world eco paradise stream or lake, just remember, your place in the food chain may get re-shuffled.. Thanks to Kurt

Sept 29, 2007 Sat

Thanks to this group we got out and about today - covered about 130 miles - all but the last 25 on a very pleasant fall day. The sky did fall in on Ann and I as we headed home. We didn't melt. . .

Dave and Dave!

We had been riding with Dave and his daughter last March, you may recall. . .  
Dave's very pretty HD, which he rode to Sturgis this year. . .

Melanie and Tom made up our final tally of five riders -

Melanie's 650 V-Star Twin - classy ride

Tom took us on a great route - all back roads

Thanks to Dave K, who rode this narrow gauge train in AK~~

Sept 28, 2007 Fri

Tizzy getting in the spirit of fall. . .

Ann has planted a second tree in the front yard, for the well balanced look - this one is called a Ginko, but its 'real' name is: Saratoga Maidenhair Tree. Yup.

Ann peek-a-boo. . .

Sophomore school picture. . .

Chillin'

Sept 27, 2007 Thu

Who are these guys? Could it be the Let it Be boys?

Sept 26, 2007 Wed

These pix are 'stitches', which can throw off the perspective a bit -
One end of the room - the bed end, as it were. . .

Ann's walk-in closet, seen as if one was emerging from the bath area - this poor closet is already full of stuff from the living room/dining room, as we prepare to move our work effort in that direction.

A long view from the bed end to the closet end - sure looks like I botched hanging the door. . .

Another in that series, Unusual Signs -- this one seems to proclaim: Privacy please, lady giving CPR~~

What?

This represents the small and final detail work that means the bedroom remodeling is finished.

Sept 24, 2007 Mon

There's an early 50s Buick that shows up at city events, and was at the Oyster Run. It is a remarkable vehicle in many ways -- not the least of which is the fact that a 50 caliber machine gun is mounted in the back seat... We sincerely hope this fellow has his road rage under control.

Out of all the thousands and thousands of motorcycles we looked at yesterday there really wasn't anything new and different -- unless it was something technical and not easily discerned by the naked eye. Some people find it too crowded and don't enjoy the whole aspect of 10 plus thousand motorcycles and riders all crammed into Anacortes. I love it and spent most of the afternoon just taking in the sights. Plenty of excellent 'fair food' -- I consumed a double cheeseburger for six dollars that would knock your socks off. We walked the length of Anacortes that is closed off for the motorcycles -- all of downtown and then some -- then we walked the side streets where all the booths and various tents and vendors are located. I had my eye peeled for a new leather -- but couldn't find anything I liked. Which would be something like my old Brooks that I gave my son and he can no longer locate. It was a very plain though well made leather -- no zip in lining and nothing fancy. I'm still in the market but it's not something I want to buy online. And just like magic by 6 p.m. at least 8000 have left, returning to their motels or homes. It's all very orderly and genteel -- surprisingly so when you think about it. The cops have different instructions for the day -- they overlook a lot of stuff that normally would get you a ticket. They're lax about helmets, noise, wheelies and burnouts. For their part, the riders -- even the hard-core guys and girls -- clean up their act for the Anacortes locals. Even the swearing is kept to a minimum as these folks frequent all the local sidewalks, eateries and taverns. Ann's son Cassady, who works at one of the more popular taverns, says that the weekend of the oyster run is their busiest time of the year. I believe it. Although all ages are represented, and all styles, types, races and gender of riders, the single thing that most stands out to me is the overall age -- a lot of older folks on two wheels -- especially women. I think I might have mentioned that Harley Davidson has discerned that the largest demographic of new purchasers is women over 50.

Of course, this year once again I saw a 750 K2 Honda exactly like the one I drove around the country, in 1972. Same orange color and pretty much stock. I would send you a link to that story except I haven't written it yet. In 1972, 500 CC was considered a good-sized motorcycle, and a 750 was considered large and pretty powerful. Today, there are motorcycles out there that displace nearly three times that size~~ stock from the factory.

Ann is digging the hole for planting a new tree -

Its the 26th annual oyster run. Ann is standing beside the motorcycle we would get next, if we won the lottery.

Sept 23, 2007 Sun

We take a break and walk downtown for the 26th annual Oyster Run. Thousands, as in over 10, of motorcycles congregate in our small city once each fall. On this one day the population of Anacortes roughly doubles and half are on motorcycles. Either last year or the year before I remember blogging: it's the Oyster Run -- see years past for pictures. My thinking at the time was along the lines of -- seen one motorcycle, seen them all.

I've been taken to task for that line of thinking. What kind of photographer wouldn't see the Oyster Run as a photo opportunity? So, I took my camera this year, and applied one of the Mayor's photo tips -- get in close.

The town is awash in motorcycles. . .

Barb and Paul saw Anna off to college in Seattle - they now have empty nest syndrome.

This will be Anna's home away from home for the next few years~

Who is this guy, and what is he doing?

Sept 21, 2007 Fri

Why, it's Richard - taking aerial photos of the downtown area during the Art Festival.

Working around the showers today, and occasionally during, we managed to get 90% of the trim down in the bedroom.

With a few moments left over to begin installing the bedroom door --

Which puts a smile on everyone's face...

It's falling people, again! Click - help her out with your mouse

Sept 20, 2007 Thu

Aptly named -- Whirlpool Galaxy~

Since Ann bought the chop saw a couple years ago, we've used it sitting on the floor or perhaps on the picnic table in the back yard -- the problem being that those methods are hard on one's back. This stand will make cutting the trim in the bedroom and the floor in the living/dining room -- so- much- easier. Ann surprised me with it yesterday.

Thanks to Holly - Ann and Evie by the tree at Sunset Beach - THE most photographed tree in WA.

see more - click here

Sept 19, 2007 Wed

A couple days ago I posted a link that purported to show how to get a bunch of AA batteries out of a six volt lantern type battery. Today, I tried dismantling a battery as suggested, and this is what I got:

Anna leaves for her first year at college tomorrow~

Sept 18, 2007 Tue

The flashing arrow on the Flickr link, recent pictures have been added. . .

From my grandson - Thank You, Malcom!

It just did. . .

Yes - save real money on your battery needs - click here

The idea here is: another easy job goes awry. This is the doorway that is set in the wall crooked. I learned that the hard way while doing the flooring -- and the problem reared its ugly head again while setting in the marble sill, that transitions between the two floors. In the picture, I'm showing Ann the plethora of small tools it took to tinker and scrape away with, before achieving a 'fit'.

Eruption~!

speaking of animal warnings...

Sept 17, 2007 Mon

The bedroom floor is done. It meant working under a tarp over the saw on the picnic table in the back yard most of yesterday -- it was an all-day sprinkle. Ann had reminded me -- This is Washington, it could rain for a month! Of course, today dawned bright and sunny, but no matter. The same flooring will go in the living room and dining room, but those rooms will be much easier -- more long runs and fewer obstacles to cut around. Whereas the bedroom took three days I'm guessing the living room/dining room will take two. First things first -- the floor trim still remains in the bedroom as well as the bedroom door to be installed. A bedroom door -- Yahoo!

Ann attended another native herbs and remedies class -

We've been trying to grow more of our own produce...

Another in that long list of interesting if pointless signs~~ well, maybe not all that interesting~

Now -- this looks like big fun -- the question is:
would you do it?

click anything below to visit the radiology site. . .
Radiology picture of the Day - aptly titled, we would think

Sept 16, 2007 Sun

The weather cooperated for a drive to Seattle and back. Especially, the and back part -- with the top down. The folks at Saab finally got 'er done, and our trusty '95 is good as new.

The only thing I miss about the 2007 9-3 loaner is the spiffy cupholder. I should have thought to take a picture of it. When I mentioned that to the dealer after he inquired how I liked the newer Saab, he replied, That's what everyone says! It is a very cool cupholder, springing out from its hiding place in the dashboard at the push of a button.

Thanks to Linda -- the first three (of many, we hope) pictures from their recent trip to Alaska~~

okay -- here is a picture that is too wide for your screen, no doubt. (Since reduced) It is three pictures stitched together, trying to show the effect that the flooring has, in terms of tying the room together. You might also note the old floor on the far right, lacking the final few boards. We are experiencing a rain delay. Oh dang.

Helpful Advice from Robert ~~

Sept 14, 2007 Fri

In the Amazing News Department: The Saab is ready, we'll go pick it up tomorrow.

One of the more tedious aspects of painting - the cleanup. We are so very lucky that Ann handles painting chores. She is putting the finishing touches on the bedroom, where two rooms became one large room with a walk-in closet. A process that should have taken a few weeks or months at the most, and dragged into a year. Fear not - the end is in sight. . .

The last step - new flooring. When this room is finished, we'll be able to address those bare walls in the living room/dining room. Look at that - I'm moving so fast the camera can't even capture it!

This site tells you your 'real' age compared to your actual age - this was how I did.
Thanks to Rick - MR NO 50~

Sept 13, 2007 Thu

Thanks to Jake - pictures out his front window. Yes, that's Florida wetlands - and one must watch where one steps. . . Jake did some cutting and trimming to get this view.

This fellow a regular visitor, and I forgot what Jacob told me it's name was. . .

Since the work progresses from ceiling to floor, the fact that we're on hands and knees is a good sign. Let the flooring commence~
dang - that guy sure has some thin hair. . .

Thanks to Bill - again!

Sept 12, 2007 Wed

A brief explanation - What's up with the Google ads on all the pages?

That would be an attempt to defray expenses. Every time someone clicks on one of the Google ads, a small percentage of a percentage of a penny is added to my Google Adsense account. It sounded good on paper.

The reality is that in the six months I've been doing it these ad clicks have generated less than $20.

If and when the amount hits $100 they'll mail me a check. I'll look for that in maybe two years.

Bandwidth. That's what you pay for to have a website. I was hoping the Google ads might help pay for some of my bandwidth, which now runs to hundreds of dollars a year. That's because I keep adding pages and never take any away.

Every year the various webpages on the two sites, davesmock.com and railroaddave.com , get more hits, or views, if you will. This is good, a step in the right direction. Nearly 18,000 times folks have viewed railroaddave.com over about 10 years. If the site generated that many hits in one year it would pay for itself. If it got that many hits in one month I'd be getting a regular check. Doesn't seem to be happening, just yet.

So -- I realize the ads are a nuisance, but every little bit helps. That's why I've duplicated here, the Amazon link that formerly lived on the RailroadDave website. I've had that link for seven or eight years and it's never generated a penny. They, too, pay when the amount owed hits $100 -- but it has to be within a single year. Right.

kc_oms services is also an attempt to defray expenses.

By and large, it would appear that blog readers have little or no desire to become bloggers, themselves. S'ok - if you were blogging you wouldn't have time to read this!

Bottom Line? Read and enjoy - the price is right. . .

As we continue to encroach on the habitats of the various critters, expect to see more signs like this one. . .

Thanks to Paul for this picture of the family on Clark Island, reached by traveling in Eric's boat for nearly an hour -- through occasionally choppy seas. Hey - You guys see any large cats?

A few updates: no word from the Saab dealership. I remain in possession of the 2007 Turbo 9-3 loaner. The nice weather continues to hold, although I don't believe it hit 70, today. The nice folks at Sears have returned our lawnmower, damaged in a collision with a rock. Earlier in the season it went in the shop for a tune up, having become difficult to start - after five years. After an infusion of money and parts it started on one pull, just the way it's supposed to. After hitting the rock it wouldn't start at all. Back in the shop. When the blade hits something (like a rock) a shear pin is supposed to give way before any damage is done to the crankshaft. The shear pin sheared, but the crankshaft bent, anyway.

Sears is very good about returning all the old parts, or anything they've replaced. When we got the tune up a few months ago, we asked for and received a new blade. They returned the old one which I kept as a spare. After the blade/rock collision, which totally mangled the new blade, I re installed the old one before attempting to start the mower -- and it was the old blade on there when it went back in the shop. Sears must not have liked the appearance of my old/spare blade, as they once again installed a new one. Also a new plug and air filter, although the old ones had only seen service for a few months. Used is used, I guess -- and their policy must be to replace these items whenever they get their hands on a mower. Various gaskets, bushings and bearings were also replaced. They even sent me back the sheared shear pin. Once again we are good to go.

Pretty amazing hole - there are more -- click to see

Sept 11, 2007 Tue

A good part of the clan gathers at the Greek restaurant -- John and Linda's last day in town~

and here's the reason we have Photoshop. . .

Another contribution from Bill L~ what an amazing rat's nest of wires - how could anyone troubleshoot a mess like that?

Thanks to Bill L~~

Sept 09, 2007 Sun

Counting the days - Jake heads home in two days. We hope he made some TFT puppies.

The Green Monster, as the hedge trimmer guys refer to it, is finally knocked back down to size - only about two months late. It had been hard to get in and out of vehicles in the drive way.

It is always a struggle getting this thing trimmed. Maybe I'll be able to go back to doing it myself. . .

We've been wondering about the gaping hole in the nose of this boat under construction at the end of the street.

Yesterday we spotted the missing section, upside down and backwards, but ready to be welded on~

We also finally observed this giant barge with attached tug casting off and leaving town. A short video is in the works. . .

Elementary double limit switch, (has two limits -- possibly, off and on) electrically operated. The switch described in the Grommet Story is also a double limit switch -- but operated manually, by the raising and lowering of the float.

Sept 08, 2007 Sat

There was an added incentive to get up and out early this morning and visit the Saturday Market, where we met Dick and Laura, and John and Linda -- The Old Timey Steam and Gas Engine Show was in full swing, as well.

John pointed out this springboard, used as a platform when cutting down tall trees. The lumberjack would cut a notch high on the tree trunk and insert this device, then stand on it while he hacked away with his axe.

Later in the day we met Richard for a ride to Samish Island, where we saw a friend's house under construction.


It's going to be a beautiful home, with a beautiful view of Fidalgo Bay.

Thanks to the Mayor -- another photo storage site possibility. . .

Thanks to Bill L. -

Sept 07, 2007 Fri

We do realize that the following story is a tad dry - the direct link from this blog will go away in a day or two~

New - The Grommet - A story of the benign and bizarre

Late breaking news in the ongoing sob/Saab story . . .

I had no sooner hung up the phone with you than it rang in my hand -- it was the Saab dealer. It was also good news -- they have established communication with the ECU! (Insert barely contained enthusiasm)

Electronic Control Unit -- the computer brain that runs the car. Previously, as in over the last few days and for reasons known only to the Saab technicians, this had not been possible. Or, they could query the ECU, but it in turn could not communicate with the fuel injection system -- essential in trying to deduce why the engine idle was fluctuating so wildly. This engine idle fluctuation problem was the last on a long list of things -- a wish list of sorts -- that the folks at the dealership were kind enough to address while the car has been in their possession.

My Saab initially came to be in the dealership's possession to remedy latching problems with the convertible top. The ordering and installation of the part needed had become a comedy of errors requiring repeated trips to Seattle, only to discover that the wrong parts had been delivered, or the right parts were delivered with the wrong numbers. The dealer, in embarrassment, gave me a new Saab to tool around in until they got their act together -- a process stretching into weeks, as it turns out.

This was the first trip to the Saab dealership for my '95 in the three plus years that I've owned it -- precisely because the closest dealership is in Seattle, an hour and a half away. I had been keeping a list of small but annoying things that I would like to have the dealer fix if ever the occasion should arise, which it finally did, due to the convertible latching problem.

So, each time I would make the jaunt to Seattle, they would say -- Well, we couldn't make any progress with the convertible top, but we did get to a few things on your wish list.

I gather that today, at last, the ECU finally gave up the news that the water temperature sensor had failed. This was causing the unit to think that the coolant was -18 degrees centigrade. Therefore, the ECU was calling for a richer mixture of gas and air and a higher idle, in a hopeless attempt to bring the operating temperature up to normal. Further, the part had been ordered yesterday but didn't show up today, and I would be driving the loaner 2007 9-3 for another weekend.

The only sad thing, is that the weekend temperatures are forecast to be in the 80's -- truly convertible weather.
your chum
das

P.S.
There may be those out there that recall the good old days when a car's idle was addressed by turning a screw on the side of the carburetor - in all of thirty seconds - and if the water temperature sensor failed, the heat gauge would read zero. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ann, in her role as Eucharistic minister -- robed and serving communion

Someone we know has had her wisdom teeth pulled, and will be involved in pain management for the next few days. Poor Anna. . .

One never knows when the photographic subject might become the photographer! Anna catches me adjusting my settings~

Since John and Linda are in town it seemed a good time to get a picture of the three sisters and their mates.

The sunsets are always beautiful at Dick and Laura's - photo by Ann

The big cursor in the sky. . .

Sept 06, 2007 Thu

The snail in its shell ~~ Ann grew this tomato, you see, with its odd appendage. . .

Speaking of buses -- this one pushes the limit of ostentatiousness

Cats sharing -

Under the heading of further oddities -- here are some unusual sculptures -- click for more

Anacortes Jazz Festival -

Sept 05, 2007 Wed

Ann and our new friend, Jake - visiting for a few days to 'do his duty'~ Tizzy has been more receptive, so - our hopes are up, too. . .

Could this be Evelyn and Thomas? Yes, it is - how the time does fly. . .

With the coming of another month, another first day of school -

Tomato Snail - very rare - Bamboo by Richard~

Sept 03, 2007 Mon

The doggie dance - a prelude to love?

The girls were up early, and headed to the local coffee shop~~ perhaps not quite out of their jammies~

Headed out later, dressed in a more traditional fashion -

Here is a picture that I've carried in my wallet for about twenty years - Ambie and Jacob

Also, this one, of Brett and I

Pancake artwork by Evelyn

Somebody had a lot of time on their hands, and came up with this incredible device. . .

Thanks to Tim
No train service this weekend due to a major track upgrading project...

Sept 01, 2007 Sat

Our temporary guest, Jake the Studly One, is looking and acting much better. Ann got rid of this poor guy's fleas and ticks, and has started to fatten him up a bit. As a result, Jake is becoming more assertive and 'normal'. We gather that in his regular environment, Jake spends a lot of time outdoors.

We spent a good part of this day at a family gathering in Arlington. These would be Ann's aunts and uncles and cousins from her Mom's side of the family. Ann, Deanna, Barbara

The newest family member - Benjamin, son of Ann's cousin Michelle and her husband, Tyler. Here being entertained by Anna.

Ann's uncle Lon has a new toy - a motor home/bus vehicle. Whereas it would look as though these folks are seated in the living room - well, they are - of the bus.

With the three slide out sections 'in', we went for a tour of the countryside.

Lon, Laura's youngest brother, at the controls. . . this would be at the other end of the scale from 'roughing it'.

Train delays expected due to minor points problem~~