June Updates

So its been a busy few weeks.

First the Ice Luge was constructed and turns out the documentation from last year may have been a little unclear.  It turns out we went with 21" not 29" rear leg length.  Thus the angle was too aggressive at 36 degrees (versus 28 degrees).  The other issue was I added lights (bass Christmas lights).  I tested them, but once the ice was in place the lights didn't work. Someone improvised with a black light set on the table under the luge.  So the next plan is to reuse the luge but add black lights and shorten the legs to 21".

On the 17th Father's Day we took the family on the boat to see the Blue Angels.  We anchored up between the Key bridge and Fort McHenry, had a picnic and watched the show.  I was impressed and can't believe I hadn't gone to see them before.  When ever they are in the area I am going to try and see them.           

I am close to finishing the coaming pads.  I have constructed one 100% and the other I just have end caps to sew on. I am a little dissapointed with the finishing,but it seems like they will do the job.  I will have to check the fit and adjust the postion of the snaps that keep it from sliding around too much.

On a new note I gave someone my resume for a PM job where they do IA. More specifically data security by protecting communications, sensitive and classified data, intellectual property and digital identities. I am not too sure about that considering it isn't in my area of technical expertise; however, I think the field is very hot right now and in some ways is the future of defense.  Last week I was also contacted by a former customer that asked me about my willingness to come and work for them.  this is the second time I was contacted by them, but this wasn't a causal what-do-you-think-of-working here kind of deal. Either way I think I need a new suit.

Week 6/3

No too much going on this week.  Going back to work after a week off was painful.  I took a half day Friday and went fishing.  I found my self a bit low on gas so I went to the closest spot which was Tolchester.

http://www.tolchestermarina.com/

I approached the gas dock and there was no one there.  I then stepped foot on the eastern shore like Columbus.  It was the first time I had. I have cruised into a few rivers and creeks on the eastern shore, but never got off the boat.  Anyway I called the number on the shack and I inquired what there hours were.  The lady told me they closed on a minute (it was 4:59).  We'll i said I was there.  I could tell in no uncertain terms this lady wanted to go home it was Friday,  but I sort of needed the gas.  I guess a couple hundred dollar sale didn't hurt in convincing her to help me out.

I caught some fish that Friday the below picture isn't one of them, but from last weeks fishing.  It is a yellow perch first one of those I caught in a few years.  Usually I caught them using minnows or other live bait.




Last week I finished the coaming pad prototype.  Here is a picture of the reverse. I had some trouble with the end caps so this week I practiced  and finally got a pretty good result.


This is the zipper and awning rope. The awning rope is used to mount the pad to the boat and has to be sewn into the pad (seen at the top of the pad on the above picture).




Update: Just found out my ice luge engineering skills are being called on once more.  The ice luge mount was destroyed in an act of unbelievable disrespect for the engineering feat that it was.  Actually I am glad because that means I can do it again!  Thanks to my accurate blog account of last year's efforts I can take the basic design and improve on it for the betterment of mankind....

Week 5/28

I was on vacation this week.  Went to the beach for Memorial day which was great.

There I tried a new drink:

Whiskey sour
1 1/2 ounces whiskey (rye or bourbon)
1 ounce freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (orange and lemon)
1/4 to 1/2 ounce simple syrup*, according to taste
Maraschino cherry for optional garnish

Over the week I also:

Got a book and did some reading
Worked on the sewing project
Worked on the boat interior (rod holder)
Refurbished the grill burners
Went fishing (caught a yellow perch)
Went for a motorcycle ride
Watched lots of playoff basketball
Went to the gym a few times

At the gym I saw the most interesting thing.  In the parking lot I noticed a couple smoking in their car.  They soon left and walked in the gym to presumably workout.  Is this common because it seems a bit backwards to me. I mean you work out to get fit if you smoke you are undoing your work, right?