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stevetuba.co.uk
Days in the life of a Curmudgeon...2010.
Velence...1st January 2010. 0033hrs...Happy New Year. No really...I’m not kidding! Woke up to the sound of intense pyrotechnics. Ike jumped off the bed...in a hurry. Don’t know where he is at the moment. Fed Dilly and Kwan...out on the balcony. It’s 6.6°C and 24.2°C...overcast...drizzling. Going back to bed...as in...now! 0432hrs...Mud...with none. Drizzling. 1036hrs...Have had a bite to eat. Yesterday a Blue Tit landed on my discone antenna. Cute I thought. It then flew smack into the window and disappeared. I wondered about it. Just now...out on the balcony were a few feathers. My writing is going very well. I seem to have some inspiration. This on what will be a "Stories" page 12...I think. 1229hrs...Phone...Cila...no...Istvan to wish me a happy New Year...then passed the phone to Cila. She’d mentioned that Anci was inviting me over for the gathering also. Cila and Istvan were going...I declined...saying...true...that I’d been up since 0230hrs. Well...they went...and get this...they were there until 0400hrs...THIS MORNING! She’s now paying the price. Says that she’s going back to bed! 1457hrs...Word count for the new web page is just about 8k. Velence...2nd January 2010. 0246hrs...It’s 4.8°C and 24.3°C...clear...stars...but some haze too. 0304hrs...Time to make a cup of Java. 0308hrs...Slurp...as I read through Stories 15...again. It will actually become Stories 12 on the web site. Fed Dilly on the kitchen window ledge. Ike is out. Yesterday when Istvan called...I felt that Cila had put him up to it. The day before when I was there for dinner...he made a real bloody pest of himself...by repeatedly interrupting my conversation with Cila...with superfluous drivel. Sad really... I didn’t shake hands with him...coming or going. 0558hrs...Had breakfast. Just offline. There was a page about the cast of "Are you being served"...I printed out the pages. Interesting stuff. 1039hrs...We have gusty winds! Fed all that came. Agnes’s little cat...that looks like Joey...has been showing up on the kitchen window ledge for some time...though it had been very skittish. Not today! It’s also a bit dimwitted. I will need to hit the far store some time today...most likely later this morning. Yesterday I copied Stories 15 into Word...and did a spell-check. Gads...lots of words. [Misspelled.] Making me wonder how many I still have on the other pages. The place is a disaster area! Just can’t seem to stay ahead of it. I keep telling myself that I will get to it...but so far nothing even close. Oh! Out of Light Cyan ink...no more printing! 1151hrs...I shall now(!)...get dressed! 1205hrs...Phone...Cila...pause...consternation! She’d misdialed...expecting to talk to someone at Anci’s...to pass the word to Lajos. 1211hrs...Just fed Joey. I should get going in light of the prevailing atmospheric condition...as in WINDY as hell...and not sure what else might be coming this way. SO...I’m out the door in 5 mins...or less. 1433hrs...I made it to the store without drama...but just as I went through the door...my cellular went off. By the time I got it out...it stopped ringing. Bela...asking me over for lunch...could I come? Ha! I told him that I was in fact across the street...now the "road". Very windy out there...and not too warm...at 3.6°C. Bought two more DVDs. 1515hrs...Betty Crocker Brownies are in the oven. 2039hrs...Gads...I’d crashed...don’t remember when exactly...but I then woke up first at 1800hrs...again at 1900hrs...and now at 2000hrs. It’s the weather! Sleepy! Velence...3rd January 2010. 0412hrs...Half the Mud with Kwan in the wind. Still blowing! It’s 0.1°C and 23.2°C...cloudy...though the now past full Moon is visible. The long range forecast calls for minus 12°C by the 12th . 0838hrs...Fed the crew here and there...Mom now on the window ledge...and I see Dilly too. I mentioned solving the puzzle. When I was going to go to the far store...and perhaps Bela’s...I thought about taking the puzzle with me...for a show and tell. It occurred to me...that simply bringing the "solved" puzzles proved nothing. It was in the same condition as when I was given it. Not exactly the same...on a per piece basis...but done nonetheless. So I didn’t take it apart...yet. I must admit that I am a bit apprehensive about undoing it. That is...doing it again. BUT...having thought about it...it needs to be done. So...here it goes...wish me luck...or should I say logic! 0845hrs...All stretched out! I see that Bela was right. The two ends are in fact different. 1230hrs...A second Cup! It’s sunny and bright...still some wind...2.1°C and 25.7°C. Ike followed me out earlier. Mom took a swipe at him...but is now sunning himself...as are the others. I have now started a number of DVDs but not finished watching them. Going online. 1508hrs...Phone...Cila...asking me to go over...to meet a man...about FamTree stuff...ok...15 mins. 1514hrs...Gone in five. 1845hrs...Well now...The man was someone that I’d met over two years ago. He knew the OM...though ten years younger. He identified a number of people in old photos for Cila. On one photograph he identified everyone...a school class of ‘38. We will be meeting with him later this coming week...to get some old photographs for me to scan. He says that there are some on which the OM appears...also. He’s 82 years old. Another Bandi [A nickname.]...and is also referred to as Uncle Bandi. This is not the fisherman...Uncle Bandi. All the "old" guys are referred to as "Uncle"...and are formally addressed as such...as a sign of respect and affection. Velence...4th January 2010. 0328hrs...Java with none. It’s -2.4°C and 22.7°C with some clouds...a waning Moon. 0616hrs...The writing is going very well. I think that I’m getting a sense of closure for the anger that I must be feeling...or at least felt. How much better it "could have been"! [Stories 12 page.] Yesterday when I went into the living room at Cila’s...I was surprised and pleased to see that Bela was there too. Later Lajos showed up. Istvan was at his insufferable best...as usual! Constantly interjecting. At one point even Lajos asked...facetiously...if there were in fact two people telling the story. I did my best to ignore him. 0737hrs...It’s mostly clear...and cold out there. The sun is just rising...red. I need to hit the DO this morning...as in absolutely! Going to hit the shower in few minutes...shave too I think. Ike has a spot of blood on he back. He’s been licking it as one would expect. Don’t know that it means. Not his licking of it...but what it was that caused it. The puzzle has not gone well at all! 0903hrs...About ready to leave for the DO...as in soon! 1231hrs...The mission went very well...and without drama. I got to the DO...went inside and a minute later I was being served. Another minute and I had papers in hand. Then at the chemist’s...same deal. Then it was to Bela’s where we chatted for a couple of hours...as it would turn out. Then the store. Here...fed a few. 1850hrs...Well now! More written...but the big news is that I found an entry in the LORE...dated June 28th 1969. "Shot The Stone Parade at S????D"! "S" what I thought? Then the "D" at the end. Gads! The word was Seward...as in Seward Park. These were the frames with Arlie Toulouse in them. And by that time I knew him. Looking back one day...HELL...I had had dinner with him and Ida and Steve Schwartz...the day before! Amazing! A mystery solved! I was pissed off at Perk...per the LORE...hence as I suspected...she was not along that day! Velence...5th January 2010. 0303hrs...Half a cup of Mud with none. Where are they you ask? Well it’s 3.3°C and 22.4°C...AND snowing...so I guess they’ve found warmer places. Yesterday I didn’t put away Electro-One since there was the possibility that I might use it again...given that it was clear and sunny. Much later when I took out the trash...I realized that it was still out front. Damn...I thought...not relishing the idea of having to take it around to the back...in the dark. So...I didn’t. I brought a tarp and covered it in place...where it was chained to the front porch hand rail. I’d been toying with the idea that I would do this permanently...so here was an opportunity to try it. I’m going to hear about this from Cila...as not a good idea...for lack of security...given her paranoia...about nonexistent roving bands of thieves. Anyway...it was there this morning. Stories 15 aka Stories 12 is now at 23 pages...word count at 10k. I have more to write. 0558hrs...Time for some shuteye! It’s still snowing lightly. This is not a good thing! 0737hrs...Stopped snowing. 0910hrs...Phone...Cila...it’s on for seeing Uncle Bandi after 1300hrs today...ok. Is now calling Bela to coordinate...since he wants to be there too. [Bandi is the nickname for Andrew.) 1237hrs...I shall now(!)...get dressed. 1250hrs...About ready to leave...signing off for now. 1745hrs...Back for 5 mins. Gads! That was exhausting! Nearly 5 hrs! I have in my possession...6 small un-mounted photographs...4 large framed. I have no ambition to play with then now...so it will have to be tomorrow. 2337hrs...I’m awake because I crashed around 1900hrs. I was tired. It’s snowing...-1.5°C and 21.7°C. At Uncle Bandi’s we were offered Palinka...I drank a shot. I remember thinking that I was glad for the fact it was not all that strong...as in lower proof than the last time I was offered a shot...which I think was at Bela’s or was it at Cila‘s? But it did not set well with me. I still feel strange. Velence...6th January 2010. 0109hrs...Time to crawl back to bed. 0414hrs...Coffee with none outside. Ike at my feet as I write. 0700hrs...It’s -0.7°C and 22.0°C. Stopped snowing. I will need to hit a store today! Damn! I had hoped to ask Bela after we were finished at Uncle Bandi’s...but it drug on to a point where Bela...did I mention that Sari came along also...left early...Bela having seen all that he wanted...to see. Uncle Bandi had a museum of sorts up in his attic. It was over two hours before we even got close to looking at the old photographs which were my primary interest. 0745hrs...Have just finished scanning the six small un-mounted photos. In one...dated 1935 there is in the photo a weight scale just like the ones we have. It’s loaded with bags of grain...in the process of being weighed. The OM would have been 17 years old at the time. There are 15 workmen in the image. It looks to be hard work...though partially mechanized. 0836hrs...Finished scanning the remaining four...framed...photographs. All that’s left is to put two of them back into said frames. The other two were easy to do...hence already done. It’s started to snow again. I should grab some breakfast...as in now! 1006hrs...I’d gone out to shovel the snow off the front porch...when Cila spotted me from within the compound...about to feed the chickens. I told her...yelled... that the photos had been scanned and that I’d be bringing them over. I didn’t say that I would then continue on to the close store. She indicated that she would be going out on business and that she’d call me upon her return...hence I now wait. I was putting the framed photos back in the bag that I’d brought them in...when I saw another bag. Gads...this was the largest of the framed photo. Damn...it meant that I had to scan it...AND that we had counted as one...two that had been stuck together. I remember thinking...at the time...that that was one hell of a thick frame! 1348hrs...Hell’s bells...Cila never called upon her return...because she’d never left...so as to return. I just called over...told her that I’m going there damn soon as in NOW! 1600hrs...Back for 10 mins. WE HAD DRAMA on this little trip! Just prior to the 12th of last month I asked Cila to pay a bill for me if you recall. Once back...she handed over an envelope containing the stub and change. The change consisted of one 500HUF note...and 400HUF in coin. I noted the coins but said nothing at the time. There shouldn’t have been any coins. Sometime later I mention the coin situation to Cila...and I planned to take it to her...whenever. I’d taken the single bill...and the coins and simply left them on the desk...to be soon covered with odd pieces of paper. But I knew that the money was there. So...today...since I was taking over the photos anyway...I decided to take the coins along...too. It occurred to me that I should also put the 500HUF bill in my wallet...because it might be needed...given that at the close store I have to pay in cash. I put said bill in wallet...put the wallet down to look for coins...move papers...to get at said coins...put coins in pocket...and headed for the door. Get to Cila’s...inside...hand over the photos...and coins...chat a bit...leave for said store. Procure the requisite basket...blue in color...and proceed to fill same. After the obligatory wait in line...the grand moment arrived. But nothing happened. As in NO bloody wallet from which to extract monies sufficient to pay for that which was now residing in the aforementioned blue basket. I did everything short of a full body strip search looking for my wallet. Nothing for it. On the way back I stopped at Cila’s and told my story...and then headed back here...to recover the bloody wallet. 1642hrs...I’m tired. And in pain. 2200hrs...Up. Five hours of sleep! Amazing! It’s a plus 1.9°C and 21.8°C...assume overcast. 2346hrs... Velence...7th January 2010. 0000hrs...Fed Kwan here at the window ledge. With Electro-One out front...most of the cats can’t get up onto the kitchen window ledge. Mom and Joey climb up via the Walnut tree...the others jump up from the bike. 0032hrs...I shall now try the sleep routine. It’s not going to work very well...methinks. See you all in a few hours...ha ha. 0510hrs...A cup of Java...here at the desk. It’s a plus 1.7°C and 21.9°C...overcast assumed...not snowing...calm. Ike in the kitchen. 0602hrs...Overcast confirmed. The Moon was just visible for a few seconds. Joey came up...but then went back down to play in the snow. One of the Blacks followed...and soon thereafter...Kwan. 1007hrs...Ten mins ago...phone...Cila...we are expected by Uncle Bandi‘s...I leave now! 1316hrs...I have returned... 1401hrs...Time for some shuteye...methinks. 1547hrs...Slurping a second cup of Joe. Velence...8th January 2010. 0345hrs...Java with Blackie and another Black. It’s a -1.9°C and 22.0°C...overcast...calm...not snowing. Writing continues with Stories 15/12. I am close to finishing it. 1509hrs...Just woke up after having slept for an unknown amount of time. It’s now raining. A plus 1.9° and 22.6°C. I was outside feeding Stranger, Kwan and Dilly....when I saw a figure approaching from the east on Kemping Road. It turned out to be Cila. 1716hrs...Have been reading into the LORE. 1996 stuff at the Maywood Apts. in Martinez, California. Interesting stuff. Fun to read...and all the drama with Janet. 1722hrs...Me and "broken women"! I just never learn(ed)! AND it never ended! 2006hrs...Still reading into the LORE. But am getting burned out a bit...hence time to stop. I took the towel that I had long ago placed in the desk drawer for Ike...and put it on top of the radiator...thinking that since Ike has been wanting to spend time in my lap...seeking warmth...the top of the radiator would make him happy. He’s there now! Tired and sleepy and in pain. NCIS NY on tonight but I may not be awake by then. It’s more that an hour out. Tomorrow I should create and upload Stories 12...and September to December of this blog...just to get them up there. Velence...9th January 2010. 0441hrs...Half the Java with Kwan. Ike just out. It’s a plus 4.3°C and 22.6°C...overcast...not raining at the moment...though it’s rained for the last 24hrs. This was a good thing given its effect on the 3 inches of snow. Kemping Road is now mostly clear. I plan to hit the far store later this morning. 0533hrs...Taking a break from reading the LORE. Amazed by all the things that were happening. The small details that I’ve forgotten. Had I not written it down...these details would have been totally lost...forever. It came to me...that I should do a new web page...with nothing but excerpts (highlights) from the LORE. Some of it just plain interesting. Strung together...it would make for a great read...plus of course I would be adding a running commentary to the excerpts. 0645hrs...Gads! Just had a FLASH while reading the LORE. All I have to do is delete all the lines I don’t want/need...saving me from having to copy and paste lines. 0711hrs...Going back to bed for a short dream state. 0844hrs...Up again. Will hit the shower soon. Then the store. 0918hrs...About to shower and shave...as in now! 0947hrs...Done deal...and doing a second cup of Mud. The sun’s out. It’s now a plus 4.9°C. This is a good thing. 1210hrs...Have just called Bela to see if he’d be there when I go to the store...but he’ll only be there for the next 10 mins...hence I won’t go over. I leave...Now! 1247hrs...Back. It started to rain just as I was unwrapping Electro-One...Damn! Then at the store...just as I was parking said Electro-One...I heard familiar voices behind me. Bela and crew. Gabor and Saci. I went over...but because Bela didn’t have his glasses...we had Gabor read the SMS on my cell phone. After the 16th a (+3630) has to be appended to most of my (cell) phone numbers. Ok fine. I bought one more DVD. 1337hrs...Well now! From the LORE. Beata had sent me a book...which I remember reading. I still have it somewhere. I couldn’t have told you the title nor author. Then...there it was..."The Early Hungarians"....By Tibor E. Barath. Well...this is the same author that I’ve had occasion to find on the internet...and had printed out a number of his postings. Interesting. 1529hrs...Gads...More from the LORE...I hadn’t remembered how hot things got with Beata! "(9/12/97...Friday...clear...... Talked to Beata...blah...blah...then "why don't you call sometime?" ...well...we agreed that I would...maybe today. When I told her about my stock sale...she teased me with..."should i pack my bags.."...later..."I LOVE U HONEY!!!!!!"..."DALING"......)" How it ever got to something like the above...I can’t now say. I mean there was not...up to that point any hot and heavy...anything...I kid you not. OK fine...the first line is a direct "come on"...though it was also an admonition...since we’d already done the "phone thing". She just want more...as an indication of my interest in her. While the second line could be just teasing as I said...but what to make of the last line...in context of the whole? 1617hrs...Stopping for now...with reading the LORE. 1800hrs...Tired...burned out...in pain. Ike has found another new place to hangout. On the cloths drying rack...on my bathrobe. How does he come up with these places? 2132hrs...Woke up to Blackie meowing out on the window ledge. Fed same...Ike too. 2338hrs...Watched a weird flick...not by design...it just came up. The guy with the commando knife...kills a girl...prison...etc. Time to pull the plug...methinks. Velence...10th January 2010. 0357hrs...Half the Mud with...Joey. Not sure if Kwan was in the East House...I didn’t look. It’s a plus 5.8°C and 22.5°C...raining. All of the snow...3 inches...is gone. If this keeps up...the lake ice will again melt. In the LORE...I’ve just gotten to the part where "A" first makes contact with me. She would make the 23rd female to do so...since I’d set up my computer at the Maywood Apts. in Martinez, California. I don’t want to make it seem as though I was/am counting "notches". It was just a simple fact. Look at my "buddy list"...and count! I must also state for the record that I never once contact any woman...first. Nor did I initiate an IM if they appeared online. And flash on this! The profiles that women put up were about a useless as ToaB. The only fact was...arguably...that she/they were "Female". The rest subject to...what(?)...interpretation...is that a good description? From an early age...women realize that they are in essence...sex commodities. Their sole purpose was to attract a male...to be attractive to males...to be...dare I say it...sexy. As such it was something of a problem when it came to writing their profiles. And...this was a real problem...which I don’t want to make light of...in that they could not state anything blatantly. Since even as it was they would get numerous unwelcome responses. On the other hand...I have read incredible profiles written by women that I knew. One lie after the other. The first one was naturally their age. These female contacts were in two...general...sub categories. One was predicated on the fact that I’d indicated that I was Hungarian...on my profile. The other was that I was living in Martinez....California. Hence I’d get "hits’ from local women. And from all over by Hungarians...some ’56ers living in Ohio and Pennsylvania...and others that "came out" later. Some were single...and "looking"...others were in some sort of relationship...but "looking" nonetheless! Most of these "contacts" became intermittent...that is after the initial "flurry" of activity...things settled down...to an occasional email/instant message. There were others that would best be described a predatory. These..."predatory" women were focused, persistent, demanding...and I was their next victim. Per...the LORE... "(10/25/97...Saturday...0605hrs...clear...pleasant..... Talked to Beata yesterday...an eight pager...oh...things are "warming" up...! Ha ha ha. Ready for this...? She asked about J's last call...this on the second page...and a little further down..."how come you never hit me with the Hawaii thing.."...this in reference to what I'd told her J had said... Oh...I then said...that hey..."I'd asked you back when"....etc. She says..."I know this thing with Stefan thing (sic) is not going to last". Adding..."but I'm not making any promises.." Later...she says that I should visit her...first...then it became...in Paris...then Budapest...gads! This is getting real complicated...no? So I pretty much left it there...but did tell her to come and take a vacation down here...etc......)" 0906hrs...Foggy...plus 4.6°C and 22.9°C. Fed a number...here and there. Agnes’ kitten is how a semi-regular. Looks like Joey. I mean how did we...Beata...get from one photo...from her...a great many pages of IM’s and emails and phone conversations...and her still in a "relationship"...to "doing Hawaii"...but without "promises"? Ok fine...there were a dozen roses also! Per the LORE... "(8/7/97...Thursday...0557hrs...clear. Did 12 laps plus a trip to the mail box...two cats...... Yesterday...talked for 1:45[hrs.]..to Beata...on the phone! AND!...I sent her, via the web, a dozen roses....that will be delivered today. She'd semi-jokingly said I should send her some...because of the good luck she was bringing me...re the stocks...and at the time...I was (up) over 20k....a new all time high.)" It made sense to me about the "Luck"...and I couldn’t very well claim to have made $20K...and be too cheap to send some...no? Followed by... "(8/8/97...Friday...0558hrs...clear. Did 12 laps...1 cat...... Beata called yesterday, to tell me she got the roses...and we talked a bit. Then via e-mail..."They are gorgeous..."..."I don't know what to say"...and..."you’re a thoughtful and generous person".)" Then...three months later... "(11/5/97...Wednesday...0559hrs...clear. Did 12 laps...no cats...... Saw Beata online...but no contact...oh...took A off my list...it's down to three...and two are Beata's. During our last "talk"..she made a comment...that...and this after she'd asked..."Any new women..?"...to which I said..."negatory"...that..."I know you're waiting for me.."...I don't mean E-mail romance. I mean the real thing". What does all this mean..?)" 1143hrs...Just back from reading the LORE. It was all very very INSANE. At one point in time I had four women (claiming to be) "in love" with me...if you can believe. How can that happen? It was a bloody good thing that two of them were far away...Pennsylvania and London UK. Had they been local girls...it would have be a nightmare! It was bad enough when I had to deal with them online...at the same time! Insane! I’ll find it in the LORE later...but I make the acute...read as brilliant... observation that I was actually being worn out by the whole process of dealing with them...and the stock market. Each one thought that they were the only ones. I know what you’re thinking. BUT...I was not pursuing them...they were making all the major "moves". They contacted me first. That may sound a bit lame...I know...but true...nonetheless. 1529hrs...Had another flash. This was exactly the same deal with the girls/women that came to me for...supposedly...photographs. Velence...11th January 2010. 0003hrs...It was the same "game"...was it not? It was just a different setting...and circumstance. It’s a plus 2.7°C and 23.1°C...overcast...not raining. I’d crashed...early...hence awake now. 0130hrs...Just offline. Time to crash...again. 0203hrs...Ok fine...I’ll go...NOW! 0524hrs...Half a Cup with Stranger and couple of others. Ike in the kitchen eating. With "Memories (of being) at the Hercules Bath" playing in the background... It’s a plus 1.8° and 23.3°C...clear...stars...and a crescent Moon. Oh...yesterday I got to the end of the LORE...12/25/97...(mmddyy)...12 years ago. Then...for 10 years I write nothing worth mentioning. A "Black Hole" as it were. Then I started what would become my "Blog Pages"...this document...on the 13th of July 2007 here in Velence HU Land. It now stands at 774 pages...244,620 words. Though I think that WORD counts my dots as something...not sure. [PD...just tested it...and it’s a bit strange. The word count was actually higher without my dots!] 0619hrs...I really should get this place straightened out...it’s a disaster area...but of course it’s a case of my not finding something that is the motivating force. 0633hrs...OK fine! I’ll start right...now! 0733hrs...Making progress...and found the manual for the MP3 player that I was looking for. At this point I would normally stop. But...we shall continue. It’s still clear...hence I wait for the Sun to rise. 0828hrs...Going well enough. Caught Cila heading for the administration building on business. Sun’s up nicely. Ice on the lake...but there may be breaks...not sure what I’m seeing. Fed more of the crew. Just don’t have enough room for all my papers...the printouts. 0933hrs...Phone...Bela...reiterating that he has mail for me. This mail was addressed to Jutka’s house...which is now delivered at Bela’s...since Jutka’s not there till May...ok...be there sometime before noon. 1019hrs...Time to hit the shower...just for the hell of it...as in...now! Wait...someone start a clock...NOW! 1055hrs...Just as I was about hit the shower...knock on door...Cila...with the one page that I’d put out for her...not knowing when she’d return. Now getting ready to hit the Bela’s...then the PO...then the store. 1117hrs...Out the door in 5 mins. 1345hrs...Back w/o drama. Stayed for lunch...soup...chatted. 1430hrs...Doing a second cup of Java. Bela/Sari are buying a car...used...white. I paid two bills...at the PO...out of only 20kHUF because of the lousy exchange rate...GPB/HUF. Have lost my ambition for...cleaning up...but will have to face it soon. FYI if I didn’t explain it earlier. I started a computer journal...on 01/28/89 that was more or less a chronology of events. It then became The LORE...actually STLORE in 1995. STLORE was then "madness" driven...as in a form of insanity that had come over me. I started with odds and ends of data that I used then to "back fill" the "old" journal. Given that I keep most every document...it was just a matter of taking the information and it typing in...with a date. I had calendars from which I extracted much data. At one point I went back in chronology time...as in earlier than the earliest entry at the time...to include my military records...date, places, names...etc. Then as I remembered and later found other documents...the contained data would be put in the proper time slots. It got bigger and bigger over time...many months! I also annotated many entries with pithy comments...some quite long. The question that I was trying to answer...at the time...was..."What had happened to me?" To answer that question...meant that I needed a complete "picture" of events up to that date...1995. That worked out to about 32 years...thought four of those were in the military. So in effect it was the events that took place once I was out. The start of the "Photography Years". At the same time...the LORE continued to be my journal. It became a place where I could write my thoughts and record new events. It now stands at 675 page and 141,682 words long...ending in December of 1997. I believe that there is somewhere another copy that went farther...but I don’t know where it is at this time. [The page and word count has changed over time...re the LORE. This is because I have changed the font and font size. I have...now and then edited my use of "dots" also. And in some places added a comment to further clarify a point.] [Also I must state that when I say that I "read into the LORE" it can mean that I was selectively reading bits and pieces...or that I was reading every line...as a continuum. Hence I just noticed...as I edit the pending blog page...Sept-Dec...that I was heavy into the LORE in November! Yes...but it was a different point of concentration.] I can’t count the number of times that I’ve been able to go to the LORE for some obscure piece of information...and perhaps not so amazingly...found it! I know as fact...that had I not started and to that extent finish it (at the time 1995) it would now be impossible to reconstruct the events that took place in my life...during that time span. Granted...some of the raw date taken from...particularly calendars...that which I found...is on the obscure side...given that I was not making entries with the thought that someday I’d be using it to construct a chronology of those events. It didn’t help that sometimes I used codes...shorthand...for certain events...and or abbreviations...which now are not always clear. In the immediate context of the time it was written...of course they did. These were in many cases just short term notes. Interestingly...if my journal/STLORE were not on a computer...it would be a major task locating a particular piece of information...now. I’m happy to report that the LORE served its original intended purpose well. It did answer my..."great" question and I acted on it. It has since...confirmed my "Insanity of lifeThesis"...in spades! 1658hrs...Have taken out the trash can. Yeah I know...the real highlight of my day! 1706hrs...Just finished re-reading/editing the last few days. Tired and in pain. Oh...ran into Anci on her way to work. She was running late so we didn’t talk for long. She said that she may be free later...but now it is later...and have not heard from her...about hitting the "paper place" for ink...and now a drum for the laser printer too...damn! Not yet critical. Velence...12th January 2010. 0245hrs...Half the Mud with Blackie. It’s a plus 1.4°C and 23.3°C...clear...calm...stars. 0652hrs...Doing breakfast...beacon...eggs... 1410hrs...Have uploaded the Stories 12 page. Now working on Sept-Dec...blog page...in WebExpress. It’s now just "pick and shovel" work...taking out extra lines between paragraphs. Oh! A Google search on images/steve tuba...brought up the 5 photos of myself on my Sepia page! This a first! The connection being that my name is in the same cell with the photo. SO...I put a copyright/Steve Tuba...in every cell...just to see what happens. The fact that those 5 images showed up at all...means that their web crawler did hit my web site. Interestingly it also means that having my name in the image file names brought no joy. 1755hrs...It’s a plus 1.2°C and 23.6°C...cloudy...calm. There had been an interesting sunset...though I caught it late. Not sure I would have gone out to the pier...had I know...but since I missed the early part of it...there was nothing pulling me to do so. I had planned to hit the far store...but just never got to it. Hence I’ll go tomorrow...so I say. 1822hrs...Thinking now I that I should consider hitting Spar...tomorrow. Velence...13th January 2010. 0346hrs...Java with Mom. Ok fine...just half the cup...since it’s a plus 1.3°C and 22.9°C...overcast...calm. 0833hrs...Fed the crew...plus others. 1005...Showered...not stirred...no...I mean not shaved. Sorry about that...it just slipped out. 1054hrs...About ready to hit the far store...though I was thinking that I’d go to Spar on the other side of the lake. Changed my mind. 1141hrs...Ran into Cila coming out of Bela’s compound...just as I arrived at the store. She was there on business...though Bela and Sari were not there...having gone...by train...to pick up the "new" car. We chatted a bit. 1641hrs...Just in from out...having covered Electro-One...Joey, Dilly and Kwan assisting. We then went across to the other side of Kemping Road...to play a bit. I’d not covered the bike earlier because there was a chance of an interesting sunset. Otherwise I’ve been working on the next to be published blog page. 1958hrs...Signing off for now! Velence...14th January 2010. 0506hrs...Half a cup of mud...with none. It’s a plus 2.4°C and 22.9°C...overcast...calm. Yesterday I thought I saw signs of melting ice on the lake. I need to find a better way to remove the extra lines between paragraphs. It’s much too time consuming to do it manually. 0928hrs...Have just finished scanning a few color slide...that had been littering my desk for some time. 0955hrs...DONE DEAL re the extra lines! I edited them out in Note Pad...and will in effect save me days of mind numbing work. 1058hrs... 1123hrs...I have one month to go. Thirty one days to underline and color red. I will then have to go back for one more re-read! Damn! 1424hrs...Fed all. 1901hrs...At 1435hrs...phone...Sari... 1935hrs...Sari...to say that they are about to go to Agard...the location of the scrap iron place...and Penny. Penny is right next to Spar...did I want to go along? Ok...says I. She says...ok fine...5 mins! Gads...5 mins are not enough time for me...since I was as yet not dressed! I counter with 10 mins. She with...take your time. With two mins to spare...I’m about to go out the door...with the intent of waiting at the side of the road...Kemping....for their pending arrival. But... Phone...Cila...with no apparent urgency...talks about something I don’t understand...until she gets to the heart of the matter. Bela is there...waiting! Damn! And to come over. Adding that they will be taking scrap iron! What? Upon hearing that they were going to the scrap iron place...I thought it was to check it out...as I had discussed earlier with Bela. I go over...through the compound gates...greeted by Jimmy the Puli. He was happy to see me...and graciously escorted me on. We chatted as we went. Him...mostly with unintelligible barking...though I did catch a few words. Sure as hell...the trailer was loaded. Since the car was facing the wrong way it needed to be turned around...meaning that Gate One will have to be opened. Jimmy is beside himself... Velence...15th January 2010. 0234hrs...Mud with Mom and a Black. Ok fine...just half the cup. The rest here with Ike. It’s a plus 2.2°C and 23.1°C...overcast...calm. Woke up with thoughts of Tony aka Toni aka Antonia. The theme was the "insanity" of it all as it "played out". But first...lets finish yesterday’s DRAMA! Jimmy had had an incident with a car...as in hit by one years ago. As the story goes...he...to some extent blamed/associated the accident with Pityu given that Pityu was only human around afterwards. However...Jimmy also associated cars with Pityu’s arrival home...followed by a period of play. He’d find his ball...and begged Pityu to try and take if from him. Eventually he’d give up said ball...which Pityu would then kick/throw some distance...followed by the whole sequence starting again. So it could be said that Jimmy associated the movement of the car with play. I opened Gate One...but with the car’s engine running he was concentrating on it...not the gate. This was a good thing. Car out...car back in. Bark bark bark. While the trailer was being hooked up...Jimmy went out the gate...but it was not his usual..."make a break for it". Which was also a good thing. Turned out that Istvan was not only at home...but was coming along too. So with four of us in the car...we took off for the other side of the lake. No we didn’t forget to close said gate...nor with Jimmy on the outside. We get about a forth of the way there...when Bela notices two lights on the dash...and asks what they mean...given that Bela is far sighted. I’m riding shotgun...but said lights are on the extreme left side of said dashboard. The lower one of the two is very hard to make out...so I concentrate on the upper light. Using my often mentioned massive cranium encased brain...I soon decoded the cryptic symbol to be related to something having to do with the cooling system...after rejecting it as being the cartouche of a third dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh...though the other indicator could have been just that. Located just to the right of said light is the engine coolant temperature meter. I looked to find the meter pointer. Gads...it’s pegged hard to the right...and hence solidly in the RED! I relate this information to the pilot...Bela...in a calm voice...not wanting the passenger to get too excited by the prospect of having to abandon the car...given the outside temperature. Though it had been noted earlier that the car’s heater was not doing it’s intend purpose...but we hadn’t gone that far...so the inside/outside temperature differential was not really that great...hovering near freezing. With panic setting in...with the two passengers...Bela pulls the car over to the side of the road. Given the apparent technical nature of the problem...Sari stayed in the car...leaving the option of chanting for later...if necessary. After figuring out how to in fact open the hood...this not without drama...we took a look under it...fully expecting to find most of what should be there...there. The engine coolant reservoir is soon located...and determined to be empty...as in bone dry! As soon as the reality of the situation became clear...while still driving...I remember thinking as to just where we were going to get water. The same thing must have been going through Bela’s mind also...I’m sure. At times like this an image ALWAYS comes to my mind. It was a scene in a flick I’d seen many years ago...where the vehicle needs water. And the solution was for the male members of the party to...well... Though there was a beautiful female in the scene...it would have been deemed sexist to suggest that she participate given the gender specific nature of the proposed solution. But I digress. Water! That was the problem...as in where to get some...given that we were not about to consider the above solution...as yet. Besides...there was a whole lake of water about a kilometer away. The three of us...Bela, Istvan and myself...fanned out to look for water. Now...we were not in the "middle of nowhere"! It was never suggested that we simply walk to the nearest house and ask for some water...preferably in a container of some kind...and larger than a cup. Bela made the first discover...in the form...wait for it...snow! This snow was in the form of a small bank created when the road had been cleared. Now only a remnant...and some distance from the car. He scooped some up and brought it back to the car...with the intent of putting it in the aforementioned coolant reservoir. Sari...now outside...admonishes Bela not to do that...reason not clear. Bela goes ahead anyway. My aforementioned massive...though cold...brain took on the task of calculating the amount of snow potentially require to fill said radiator. It soon came up was something on the order of a very large snowman! It became clear though that there was not sufficient snow in the immediate vicinity to build a very large snowman...melting that idea...then and there. Even if there had been enough snow...the prospect of not only having to build said snowman...but then to transport it...close to the car...or a snowball or two...at a time seemed daunting...though I suppose they could have been tossed the intervening distance. Having said that...I could imagine it soon turning into a snowball fight if one were to get hit by one. Istvan had crossed the road. The road ran parallel the railway line and there was a ditch between it and the road...AND it was full of water. Sari had a basket...and in that basket was in fact one empty wine bottle. A few liters of water were eventually extracted from said ditch...and poured into said reservoir. The engine was started...and while a close eye was kept on the temperature meter’s pointer...we drove off. The pointer did in fact drop to mid scale...normal...but it then began to climb again...the farther we drove. We stopped again to look under the hood. The plan then was to hit Penny...for bottled water. We did and Istvan came back with three liters. We eventually got to the scrap iron place...and did the deed. Then it was back to Penny/Spar to do some grocery shopping. I always bring along plastic bags of sufficient size and quantity to accommodate my anticipated purchase volume. Sari never does! Everything she buys goes directly from shopping cart to car trunk! So...while there is in fact an economy of labor...cart to trunk...one pays the price when it’s time for trunk into house. Hence it took four of us to accomplish the task in a reasonable time frame...given that it was by then not only cold...but dark as well. Bela/Sari’s new...used...car...white in color was parked in the drive. I passed it going in with my first load of Sari’s groceries. Bela had parked the car/trailer in the chemist’s parking lot...just next door...though still some distance. I headed back for an other load...passing Bela on the way. As I was approaching the car/trailer...it occurred to me that Bela my well have locked the trunk. He had. Damn I thought. So I waited. Soon I hear voices...that are not coming closer. Damn! Don’t tell me that they’ve stopped to talk about the new car? Sure as HELL! There was a "show and tell" going down...that I had ascertained by the expedience of peaking through the bushes separating Bela’s yard from the small parking lot. I thought that I had better attend the event...as it being important to the presenters...to have an audience...of in this case...two. 0557hrs...Time to get some shuteye. Fed most of the crew. 0930hrs...Fed the crew. 1619hrs...Just back. At 1315hrs...Phone...Cila to say that Bela was there. Ten mins later I’m there too. And it was then off to the scrap iron place again...I thought. The trailer was already loaded. But we went to Jutka’s first...to gather up her scrap metal also...leaving behind the non-ferrous. The trip went nominally. But...on the way there...Bela’s cellular goes off. Istvan’s brother with some problem regarding a prescription...needing to be filled. A minute later Istvan’s cellular goes of...same problem...different caller. We came back to drop off the trailer at Bela’s. The last call had been to inform us that said prescription was now at Bela’s in Sari’s hands. But just we arrived...Istvan’s brother is just coming out of Bela’s compound gate...having been there to drop off said prescription. We unhook the trailer while Istvan goes inside to retrieve the prescription and some money. It’s then off to the chemist’s on the other side of the lake...where we were about the time we got the original call. Once back...we went up to the Tuba/Fuller Wine Cellar. I was just along for the ride. Turns out Istvan wanted to do some work requiring a pick and shovel. I didn’t ask. In the end...Bela nixed it. Then we went to the gas station...to check/fill the tires...where the pump didn’t work. Someone had to come out to turn it on! Then back here...at last! 1942hrs...Have finished the final edit of the last blog page. I most likely will not publish it today. It will close out 2009. 2149hrs...Awake after a short...though sudden nap! Ike out...Ike back in. Stranger managed to grab at the food I was taking them...and naturally scratched me...thank you very much. 2356hrs...I should crash...since I’ll be up again in a few hours. Velence...16th January 2010. 0009hrs...Time to hit the sack...methinks. 0516hrs...Half the usual with Dilly, Stranger and a Black. Ike in the kitchen. It’s -1.6°C and 22.7°C...foggy with stars above...calm. 0922hrs...It’s -1.6 and 23.2...clear...sunny...with lots of interesting frost all over the place. Charming! Fed the entire neighborhood. I plan to hit the far store some time this morning...methinks. And a shower...with a shave optional at this time. 1028hrs...Done deal...re the shower...and shave. It was optional...but one look in the mirror took care of that! 1116hrs...Should now get dressed and hit the store. 1128hrs...Have just run the latest numbers...12 months! 1227hrs...Back for about 15 mins. I was just packing up at the store...phone...Bela’s phone...but it was Cila. Bela there...and they are collecting scrap iron...loading the trailer. Was I interested? Told her I’d think about it. First inclination...no bloody hell! I don’t have warm clothing. It’s near freezing! And while I feel a bit sorry for Bela...it’s about time Istvan did some work. And after having put in over 70 days of hard work...and had it gone according to plan...the job at hand would have been long done. NO! I did look around a bit yesterday and saw that the second trailer that I used at the time is now empty. 1414hrs...Have just finished editing and publishing the last blog page. Done deal. 1833hrs...Have had a bite to eat...and just fed three on the balcony. I’ve also gone back for a quick re-read of Stories 12...and found a couple of typos...and added a few lines of text. That’s now done too...I hope. Ok...what’s left to do? The blog page for this year...so far. More photos added to the Sepia page. Which still has the stupid problem...and now with the copyright lines...makes it look real stupid too. Velence...17th January 2010. 0331hrs...Half with two Blacks...one might have been Blackie. It’s plus 0.5°C and 22.1°C...overcast...wind out of the east. Chilly. >>>Deleted section>>>Hence a bit disjoint. So here we have an example of...on the one hand the images...the photos...while on the other...we have the story. There is no "great" story to be told. What story there is...is not all that interesting...even. There was nothing...really...between the model and photographer...except the photography. Circumstance brought them together...in time and space. The photographs were simply a record...of it taking place. Which then led us to the "Mona Lisa" mystery. Does it really matter...knowing who she was? PD: Well there is the story of the attempted seduction. A similar situation with Alexandra...and others. The point being that in these cases the mechanics of said attempt were out of character. Or if the "character" was an unknown...it was still a surprise to me. My first priority was always the images! It was said of Marylyn Monroe that she seduced the "camera". Meaning that she knew that eventually there would be a photograph that others...not just the photographer...would see. With someone like her...it would have been foolhardy for the photographer to think that he was the object of said seduction. I was always on the lookout for just such circumstances. It was always safe to assume one...and not the other. And I’m not talking about the "exhibitionists" either. For them...you were just a semi active...though necessary...audience of one. 0707hrs...Time to crash. 1004hrs...Fed a few. 1239hrs...Phone...Cila...to tell me that a meeting is set up with Uncle Bandi the Fisherman...for after 1400hrs. And that I was to come over at 1400hrs...and that we’d walk from there. Like bloody hell I will was my first thought. I know where Uncle Bandi lives...at the far end of Kemping Road...that’s where. Anyway after talking it through...I will in fact not be going at all...since the lure was that he would show us photographs. Nothing about the significance thereof as related by Cila. And there was even the question of whether he’d let us take them to be scanned. So...Cila and I guess Istvan will walk there...and take a look. And am not about to endure another 5 hours of just sitting there listening to the attempted identification of 50 nearly pre-school faces...on a small print with one magnifier between four people in the light of a single 40 watt bulb...across the room...at that. 1708hrs...Phone...Cila...to report that Bandi the Fisherman...had NO photos to show after all...given that his daughter had taken them ALL. 2022hrs...Time to crash. 2024hrs...BLOODY HELL...it’s snowing out there. Kemping is white! Velence...18th January 2010. 0349hrs...Mud with Kwan. Ike just out. It’s a plus 1.0°C and 21.9°C...overcast...and snowing lightly. 0524hrs...Feeding the crew. It’s still snowing...but just. Last night I found the pages that I was unable to find late last week. This is good. I read two of them. I see that I have lots of work to do...getting them in shape. I need to think about it. There are a number of possibilities as to which way to go. I want to be very clear about exactly what it is I want...the effect to be. 1100hrs...Ike has discoverrd the cloths closet. What next? Am policing the kitchen...preemptory to making some brownies! It’s still snowing...as in lightly. 1214hrs...Ike on the radiator next to me. Good kitty! Have been writing up page...but it’s now time to hit the kitchen again. 1248hrs...Brownies are in the oven...you know they are! The only drama was the fact that my kitchen scale wanted a fresh battery. And that I had just enough margarine. I‘ve come down with something. Not sure what it is. 1522hrs...Had brownies...but still feel lousy! Going back to bed...as in NOW! I feel chills coming on! 1834hrs...Tossed and turned...without any sleep. Velence...19th January 2010. 0645hrs...Well that was a rough night. I think I was in bed for 12 hours. Sleep never came. Feel lousy. 0703hrs...What I want most right now is sleep. 1447hrs... Velence...20th January 2010. 0330hrs...Coffee. Don’t think I had any yesterday. It’s 2.7°C and 22.3°C overcast assumed. Continue to feel very lousy. Have not eaten in two days except for two brownies. Not really hungry. Last night I took a pain killer thinking that it might help. It didn’t. 0450hrs...Going back to bed. I will need to hit a store later this morning. 0616hrs...Foggy. No sleep...but was able to think...at last. The first night...or the 12 hours I was in bed...trying to sleep...I was kept essentially awake as my mind tried to "work" the problem. The problem being my physical condition. My oft mentioned massive brain was convinced that it was simply a matter of sorting a number of pages into what would turn out to be four categories...and then into page order. The same page always appeared first at the start of each thought sequence. Somewhere along the line...I became convinced that I’d "worked" this "task" before...and succeeded. But...it was anticlimactic...as in a no big deal. So on the one hand I now "knew" that it was solvable but convinced that I should do it again. OVER and OVER and OVER again...endlessly. For...believe me...twelve bloody hours. The next night was a repeat! There was nothing I could do the stop it. I did try...but the "page" came right back...taunting me. I kept "telling" my brain that even if the "other" brain did the sort...there would not be an answer...hence why even try it. All to no avail...the "page" would just reappear....demanding that I do it! A form of insanity...say I. My diagnosis! Stomach Flu. [Later food poisoning.] 0741hrs...Just offline...had plugged it into Google. It looks about right. I had purchased a small container of sour cream. The "sell by date" was the 19th...and that was on the 16th. I opened it that day...only to see...MOLD! Said mold was along the edge...so I used some from the other side. Don’t know what else contaminated the contents. 0756hrs...Time to hit the shower! 0825hrs...Done deal. God I feel lousy. Weak...tired...ache all over. 1137hrs...Back from the far store. Don’t know when. It’s now that I see that I forgotten a couple of things. Have fed part of the crew. 1151hrs...I need more rest. 1357hrs...NOT! Again an endless document comes up...and I need to edit it. This goes on for many pages...and gets nowhere. Only to try again! I know what’s happening but not why nor how to stop it. 1541hrs...More of the bloody same! Can not get any sleep. Unless my mind is saying in effect that there is yet another problem. Drinking liquids. I shall now go online to take a look. 1604hrs...Think that I should eat something. Velence...21st January 2010. 0339hrs... 0342hrs...Thinking about how it went yesterday. Same old stuff. Not hungry. Not eating. Not getting much sleep...though I’m not always sure. It’s -0.2°C and 22.6°C...Snowing! Where Kemping was dry yesterday...it’s now white. This is not a good thing. I had wanted to hit the far store today. 0526hrs...Fed a few. Still snowing...small flakes but lots of them...steadily. 1143hrs...It’s now -0.5°C and 22.5°C...an occasional snow flake. 1217hrs...Feeling better. I figured out that if I turned on the TV...and then concentrated on it...that soon enough I’d fall asleep. It worked...though I had to reset the timer a number of times...until it was set for an hour. So...the point is...that I got some sleep last night. 2106hrs...Earlier this afternoon...I was just settling down for some more sleep...phone...Cila...heading for the PO and would drop by with some pastry. I volunteered my situation. In the end I declined the pastry...given that even my brownies where hard to swallow. 2235hrs...Time to try the sleep trick. TV on....and set to shut off in 15 minutes. Velence...22nd January 2010. 0416hrs...Half the Mud with Joey and Blackie. Ike inside...naturally...thought we’re both up. It’s -0.9°C and 22.1°C...snowing lightly. Woke up around 0130hrs...not really needing that much sleep...so I guess that two hour was enough! I never heard the TV go off...good I thought. However... I was not happy about it...two hours sleep...but what was I to do? So I thought about it for the next two hour...as I wrote up the story in my mind. I got to a point where I was unable to keep the story and that which I’d written...in my mind...coherent. The "page" was littered with started sentences...but never finished. AND it seems that I was not able to delete them. 1223hrs...Have just finished watching "The Talented Mr. Ripley". I thought I deserved watching a DVD and given that it might aid my recovery. I knew not what to expect. I liked the film...well done...I thought...but there are a few points that were weak for a modern (‘50s) story. It’s just like the modern versions of Agatha Christie’s Poirot. You have to suspend reality to the breaking point. One must then ask...WHY? If I were smart...I’d throw myself together...and hit the far store....risking life and limb...given the road conditions...as in ice. Phase one will be to take a shower...as in now. Yes...1229hrs. Done...1258hrs. 1315hrs...Phase two...get dressed. 1328hrs...I’m going for it. 1331hrs...Have called Bela’s...no answer. I’m out the door. I expect DRAMA. 1320hrs...Back...in one piece. What with feeding the cats in three places...the kitchen window ledge...the front porch and the baloney I quickly exhaust my supply of plastic dishes/bowls...given that two others are used inside for Ike. I’d taken to supplementing said deficiency with various kitchen plates. The universal problem is that the wind will carry them away. Or the cats will knock them off the ledge. So...after covering Electro-One...I set about finding all the now missing plates and dishes. What made it all the more fun was of course the fact that there is about four inches of snow on the ground with drifts twice that. Not really a lot of snow...BUT enough to hide said plates and dishes. Having already consulted local weather charts for the last ten days...mainly wind speed and direction...I soon located two of the plates...though it was a matter of digging in to a drift. Finding the remaining missing plates and dishes/bowls in the back of the house was compounded only by the need to traipse though virgin snow just to get there. Then came the DRAMA... Flush with success...I made my way back...the way I’d come...only to see a German Shepard...just a foot or so from Kwan...though it could have been Mom...continued... 1651hrs...Just here from the kitchen...having made tea. Just prior...on the phone with Cila...for what must have been an hour! JUST...prior to that...on the phone with Bela...having heard from Cila that I’d been/was ill. I explained the whole thing to Bela...and no sooner do I hang up...but the phone again. It all started with my cellular going off. By the time I dug it...had I hit the right button...it hung up. Bela’s number. One problem...I was not successful in programming it for the new sequences...so I call on the landline...Sari answered. I was in effect returning an unanswered call...from Bela. Hence after salutations...I cut to the chase...and asked for Bela...and will eventually be pass to Bela...but not before asking about my health...having recently heard from Cila. The last thing I want is to chit-chat about is my state of health...when there could be something interesting/important that Bela wants to talk to me about. Telling Sari the long version of events was not high on my list...priorities. Now...Sari knew why Bela was calling me...hence the subject. So...when once passed to Bela...it became clear that my health was in fact the subject. So what was Sari asking me...as in first. I get the sense some people wants to be the first to hear "the" story...so that they can then be to first to tell it. Oh...except that I was to make myself some tea...on Cila’s advice. I told her that I’d do it...there and then. Velence...23rd January 2010. 0435hrs...Java in the kitchen with Blackie on the open window ledge. His coat is winter thick. Right this microsecond...I’m not sure where Ike is. Not sure if he’s even inside...though he knows how to get my attention...if he’d been out...wanting in. 0441hrs...It’s -2.3°C and 23.7°C...overcast...not snowing...calm. 0631hrs...I was in the kitchen frying onion rings. I fed Blackie again...still meowing in the window. I was into the second batch when I heard a horrendous sound. The sound was coming from the foyer area. I went to investigate...while trying to analyze the sound...as in...what was I hearing. My first thought was of a trapped animal...unable to extricate itself...now asking for help...and quite desperate at that. As I approached the center of the area...the sound grew louder...because I was then closer...and the intensity of the thrashing. I soon localized the source of the now frantic sound. Damn...the space between the double doors. I knew this to be a relatively narrow space...but enough for a small animal...such as a cat/kitten. This space also served as a never utilized mail box by virtue of a largish rectangular cutout in the outer door. Just the other day I had to reinsert a Styrofoam plug that the wind had blown into said space. I did that became the inner door can not be closed properly...hence with said plug not in place...cold air pours in through said hole...and past said enclosable inner door...into said house interior. I flipped open the unclosed inner door...and unlocked the outer door. There hanging in the never utilized mailbox opening...was IKE! 0905hrs...Just finished reprogramming the cell phone numbers...done deal. 1224hrs...Earlier...I was frying yet another batch of onion rings...this the last of it. For some reason I seem to have a craving for them. Anyway...I had just started to put the last of said rings into the hot oil when I deftly managed to touch said hot oil. Damn...I thought...as I took said now burned finger over to the sink and hit it with cold water. THEN...the phone rang. Damn...thinking that I hadn’t finished cooling my finger and only half done loading the rest of the onion rings. Sari...inviting me for dinner...1800hrs. I hummed and hawed...but all she wanted was a simple yes or no. I told her the situation...though not about my burned finger...ending by saying that I’d call her back in ten mins. With the rest of the rings in and done...I though it best to eat some...and did. It was more than ten minutes later that I called over. Bela answered and I explained that thanks...but given that by 1800hrs it would dark hence not able to see the ice on the road....etc. If he had said that he’d have me picked up...I’d have said yes. He didn’t hence I will not be going. He added that Cila would bring me some of the dinner...and settled that it should be tomorrow...not tonight when they return. 1236hrs...It’s now hazy though bloody bright out there...at a plus 0.7°C and 24.5°C. Fed the crew and then some. 1508hrs...WELL NOW!!!! Google search..."steve tuba"/images...HITS AT LAST! Seven Sepia photos. Strange...Got seven of the girls...(out of 100) but lost the shots of me! Nothing on Bing...from the Sepia page. Oh...got an email from an ad placement outfit...asking if I was interested in have an ad placed on my web site? I’ve done a bit of research...and am of the opinion that it’s not worth my time. All I’ve had to eat all day has been onion rings and coffee! I may have over done it. 1920hrs...Time to pull the plug. Tired and sleepy. Ike is in fact out! Velence...24th January 2010. 0043hrs...Five hour sleep? Is that right? It was not continuous! Ike still out! 0116hrs...Well guess who? Ike now back and in! As I read the LORE. 0122hrs...Will now...with Ike in...try the sack again. 0430hrs...Mud inside...given it’s a -4.5°C and 21.5°C...overcast...calm. Fed Joey and a Black on the kitchen window ledge. Woke up in another virtual dream. I don’t remember most of it...just the last scenes. It’s late at night. I’m with two guys. Men in Black. Something official. I’m pulling chips out of sockets. I’m doing it slowly and carefully. The two men watch. There is some idle chit-chit. I then get to a large chip...with must have been the CPU. I extricate it carefully. As soon as it’s out...one of the men hands me...a chip to replace it with. Gads I think...they’ve modified the chip...so that it will do something differently than the original. I smile...they smile...as I start to install the chip. I look to see if the pins are straight. I notice that a couple of then are not. As I straighten them...one of the men asks how it is that I know "so much" about chips and such. This is a bit non-sequitur...given that they are there...as in why did they come to me in the first place. I mean...this was not rocket science! They notice how carefully I’m working as I reexamine the chip pins. I insert the pins with the chip slightly canted...and seeing that the first few pins are going into the socket...I press down with more force. With about a fourth of the pins in...one of the men makes a comment. My response is...that "Nine times out of ten...most people will screw it up!" They smile knowingly...as do I. It’s then that I notice that I’ve inserted the chip pins...off by one! 0740hrs...Just finished editing Stories I. I’ve added a link to Bill’s story of Gemini VIII. 0950hrs...At 0930hrs I was just out of the shower shaving. I’d taken in the cellular...so at least if Bela were to call it would be close at hand. Phone...not the cell...hence had to leave that warm bathroom...naked...to answer it. Bela(!)...inviting me for lunch after church. I will get a call to meet them at Cila’s after they return from church...which should be about 1210hrs...ok fine...etc...thanks. Earlier I’d sent Rick Chinn an email...and just NOW got a reply...Gads! 1141hrs...Ready to go...waiting for the call in 20-25mins. 1209hrs...Phone 5 mins ago...I’m gone. 1645hrs...Back for 15 mins. Fried up another batch of onion rings. Consuming same. Velence...25th January 2010. 0051hrs...It’s a -9.8°C and 23.1°C...overcast...calm. Crashed around 1800hrs...yesterday...hence up now. 0123hrs...Ike just in! 0158hrs...Back to bed. 0548hrs...It’s -8.0°C and 21.8°C...foggy. Space heater running. Fed Blackie on the ledge...Dilly, Stranger and Kwan on the balcony table. Ike just out. 0612hrs...Reading/Editing the LORE. Thinking that I should hit the DDSO later this morning...freezing temps be damned. What with snow in the forecast...and the street now clear! 1015hrs...Called Cila...and I will see her in a few mins...then the DDSO and store. 1226hrs...Back for 10 mins. Fed the crew. Bela was outside clearing snow off the white car. I went over. Marika...the old woman...showed up! 1955hrs...Just finished watching (DVD) "Colditz"...a two parter. I think it was made for TV movie. Not bad...thought typical. Ike is out...and I now know why. He’s got females in his sights...the rascal! I did in fact hit the DDSO. I get around the corner...and see two females...outside...smoking! I stop short...and ask if the place is open. They ask what it is I want. I tell them. I’m eventually led inside. Turns out that one was the Doctor...the other the receptionist/nurse. My doctor doesn’t show up until 1300hrs. The Doctor can and does write me a prescription. We then got to talking. I gave the Doctor my card. Velence...26th January 2010. 0244hrs...It’s a -6.0°C and 22.7°C...overcast assumed. Mud alone...Ike just out! 0620hrs...Fed four on the balcony. Thinking about my priorities. Ducks in a row and all that. Time will fly faster that I think. Twelve months is in fact not 12 months...but less. I should be thinking about setting a date. 1408hrs...A real do nothing kinda day! Thinking...I guess! I scanned a few negatives yesterday. I was actually looking for one set of frames of Debbie...which I’ve not found as yet. Did a bit of research also...for TSTMBT. [?] 1805hrs...Still no inspiration. There is a large high pressure cell over the entire Basin...maybe that’s the problem. 1818hrs...When in doubt...watch a DVD! 2018hrs...Done deal. NBD. Seemed historically inaccurate. [Druids.] Velence...27th January 2010. 0357hrs...Java with Blackie. Ike just out. It’s -7.1°C and 23.5°C...some low haze...stars above...calm. 0542hrs...Just had breakfast...fried onion rings! 0830hrs...WELL NOW! A plan came to me. The more I thought about it...the better it sounded. It meant having to do a bit of digging...but I found that which I was looking for...AND the heat shrink thingy for the work light! I can now finish it! Though there is the question of whether to use all the new batteries...or not. 0932hrs...It’s -8.2°C and 24.4°C...sunny and bright. Have finished scanning the cards! Have just now fried another batch of onion rings! 1339hrs...Planning on hitting the far store. Will now call Bela’s to see if someone’s there. I have more one liter bottles for Bela. 1348hrs...No answer. I’m out the door. 1438hrs...Back for twenty mins. Another batch! 1802hrs...Fed part of the crew. Velence...28th January 2010. 0441hrs...Mud with none since I’m in...and Ike’s out. It’s -8.2°C and 20.2°C...clear assumed. 0824hrs...The winds have picked up. Started snowing. Big drop in barometric pressure! Two inches in the forecast. It’s now -5.4°C and 21.8°C...space heater is on. 1252hrs...A -0.5°C and 21.2°C...a flake now and then. Phone earlier...Bela...acknowledging that I was there yesterday. Another do nothing day. Velence...29th January 2010. 0257hrs...Half the Java with Blackie and Stranger. It’s -1.5°C and 21.6°C...mostly clear...stars and a full Moon...some wind. 0432hrs...DUCKS in a ROW! FOCUS Tuba! 1233hrs...Just feeding the crew. It’s a plus 2.8°C and 24.0°C...The Sun trying to break through. Kemping is again clear of snow. Interesting pattern this year. I went back to bed at around 1000hrs. I woke up in one of my virtual dreams. I was apparently hungry. I was apparently in the military. I was in a building with unusually wide corridors. I’m walking quite fast...since getting in line at chow halls was always a battle of sorts. I find myself next to this guy...an older guy...pushing a cart. This cart is like the ones in stores...the relatively shallow ones. I’d seen where he would have gotten it...but I didn’t think I’d need one. Anyway...there we are in a race. I speed up...so does he. He is on the inside lane...though I don’t know how I know that. I’ve seen this guy in other dreams before...so I know how he "operates". I don’t like this guy. He keeps pushing me aside. Then at one point he makes a big deal out of "letting" me get ahead of him...and...disappears from my dream. I get to the door...which I presume will lead into the lunch room proper. It does. A large room. I take in the scene...needing to locate the trays first. I have to waste time since there are no others around...and as I said...the room was large. I manage to find the trays at last...leaning up against the wall...as if drying. I grab one...only to find out later that I have in fact two...though I only grabbed one. They are made of shiny metal...with compartments...that do not mate. I need to then find utensils. I go looking for them. I go to where I think they might be...only to discover that the cans did not contain utensils at all...and am instead looking at the desserts. I then notice that my seeing is somehow effected. I can’t see very well. I look down at various dishes...and pick one that looks to be peaches. I put it on my tray. I next cross the room to the main counter. I look down into a large bin. I make note of the fact that the bin is so large that it will be difficult to be served. But as I get there a guy with a ladle loaded with something is already reaching toward my tray...which I hold across the span. I’m not sure what it is I’m about to take...but it looks ok. I then look down to see what else there is. I spot what look to be small whole potatoes...baked. I ask if that’s what they are...but the guy’s not sure either. THEN the guy looks at me. He informs me...in a surprised voice...that "it’s black tie"...and I’m out of uniform! He goes on..."I’ll let you go down the hall to change". His meaning was that he would not serve me...since I was out of uniform. "Black tie" was not meant literally...just class "A’s". My first thought was..."you’ve got to be shitting me!" I was in fatigues and a field jacket. I put my tray down in the middle of the large bin...and left. The guy that I was racing with was not in Class "A’s"...and since I saw no others...I didn’t have a clue. I’ve never had a dream on this subject before. 1507hrs...Getting ready to hit the far store...as in a few mins. With snow in the forecast...it’s best that I go now! 1629hrs...Back for 20 mins. I saw Anci’s car...at her place of work...so I stopped in. Fried another batch! Consuming same. 1907hrs...Another bummer day...though I did do a few useful things. I do need to survey of my ink situation. Anci says that perhaps next week we can go to the paper place...so I should know as fact what other inks I’ll need to order. Velence...30th January 2010. 0255hrs...Half the Mud with four. It’s -0.4°C and 23.5°C...snowing. 0553hrs...Still snowing lightly. Now 0.0°C. Going online. 1015hrs...It’s plus 2.0°C...not snowing. Fed Dilly and Kwan...and Blackie on the ledge. 1237hrs...We’re talking SNOW! Eight inches predicted. The flakes are now large and falling steadily. 1508hrs...Stopped snowing sometime ago...and since it’s above freezing...it’s now melting. 1522hrs...Well now! A Google search on "tuba istvan"/images got all my Sepia images! On the other hand...Yahoo picks up all my stories pages images...steve tuba"/images. I’ll now see about "tuba istvan". Velence...31st January 2010. 0206hrs...Java with Ike. It’s plus 1.0°C and 22.0°C...overcast. 0734hrs...Just in from having shoveling snow...off the porch and out to Kemping Road. It’s now plus 0.2°C...and 21.6°C...overcast...snowing. Velence...1st February 2010. 0317hrs...Mud with Ike...in the kitchen. It’s a -3.1°C and 21.1°C...clear...Moon. 0537hrs...Have been going over images. I think that I have two of Morlene B. that are interesting. Perhaps as many as four. Two more of P/G in the velvet dress. These came out of the last scans. 0913hrs...Have showered and shaved. Thinking that I should try to hit the far store. There are strips of ice on Kemping Road. 1010hrs...About ready to leave...as in a few mins. 1156hrs...Back via Bela’s. I’d called over...but there was no answer...so it was a surprise to see Bela outside as came from the chemist’s. It’s sunny and bright at a plus 0.9°C and 26.0°C. 1631hrs...Sun’s going down. I was tempted to hit the pier. Fed Dilly and Kwan instead. Velence...2nd February 2010. 0442hrs...Java with Ike. It’s a -4.7°C and 21.2°C...clear...Moon. 0631hrs...Well NOW! Yesterday I took Yahoo for another spin. It seems to come up with good stuff as noted above...and since I’ve not used it in the past...hence interest in doing so. So...I typed in "tuba istvan"/web. Looking down a ways...I saw a line heading that read..."Great READ. Military/civilian experiences of a very interesting..." It was a link to my web site! This morning I thought about it. Where did the line come from? So...just now...I did a YS on it. GADS! The complete line reads: "Great READ. Military/civilian experiences of a very interesting person." This on a web page. The line is the title of the link to my web site...among many other links. I’ll get the URL later. Makes my month! At the least! 0954hrs...Just looked out onto the balcony...and there was this very large exotic looking cat. It ran off as I opened the door. There was also a Black Rigo...bird...eying the cat food. 1113hrs...I’ve had the window cracked...and I now see that Joey is inside...on the ledge...behind the drapes...just above the radiator. Normally she’s very vocal...but not now. Kwan is outside on the ledge looking in. Joey may not be well! Thinking that should be fixing myself some lunch. I should do a search on my URL...just to see what other links there may be. 1209hrs...Lunch was good. Shared some with Ike. Bacon and eggs. Have just fed Dilly, Kwan and Joey. And Mom on the kitchen window ledge. 1212hrs...It’s now a plus 3.0°C and 24.4°C...hazy...though bright. 1248hrs...I had borrowed Bela’s large soldering iron the other day. I have just completed replacing all the batteries in the LED work lamp...and is now on the charger. Done deal. Well there is the matter of finding a small screw. I know it’s here somewhere. 1308hrs...I have also split out Jan 2010 for my blog page...and edited it. It’s now a matter of transferring it onto the laptop. At 1310hrs...I turned on said LED lamp...to observe its discharge...given that the charge indicator LED showed green. I’d charged these cells before. 1410hrs...The light output is holding steady...after an hour. 1431hrs...Last week I constructed another box house...and put it on the porch. Today I moved it onto the balcony...where I just saw Joey settling in! Cute I thought. It’s also started to snow. Kemping Road was/is ice free at the moment. 1613hrs...At 1510hrs...the light output was still maximum. I’ve put it on the charger...since the output had dropped. So...it’s good for something over two hours. The charge light is showing green...so I’m not sure what to make of it. I’ll leave it on the charger to find out. Velence...3rd February 2010. 0132hrs...Have transferred the Jan 2010 blog page to the laptop. Java with Ike on the radiator...good kitty. 0143hrs...Editing the page...very intensive! It’s -4.0°C and 22.5°C...clear. 0222hrs...Making progress. 0306hrs...Publishing now! 0348hrs...Done deal. Back to bed. 0743hrs...Up since 0630hrs. It’s now a -6.4°C and 22.0°C...some clouds...sun coming up. Have re-sized the card images and transferred them onto the mem-stick. 0811hrs...Have just built breakfast...about to consume same. 0916hrs...Thinking that I should hit the far store...this morning...as in have to do so. The LED work lamp charge indicator LED is in fact dual color...but has only shown green so far. 1001hrs...Have showered. 1006hrs...Phone...Anci...30 mins...ok. 1046hrs...It’s about time... 1156hrs...Back...w/o drama. 1238hrs...It’s now snowing! [Not for long.] 1847hrs... 1925hrs...Anci took me to the paper place...and I got to talking with the proprietor. He ended up giving me a book to barrow. Old alphabets...and writing. It’s in Hungarian...so not much to be read...though there are many illustrations to look at. I ordered the ink I needed. On the way back I asked to stop at the store...and was also able to return Bela’s soldering iron...and drop off a couple of 1 liter bottles. Anci indicated that she planned on going to Fehervar on Saturday...1300hrs-ish. I plan to go along. Velence...4th February 2010. 0415hrs...Have just copied over the card images onto the laptop. Coffee...with Ike in the kitchen...at least the last time I saw him. 0641hrs...Have been reading two documents that I’d downloaded. Hungarian language...stuff. Interesting! 0838hrs...It’s plus 0.9°C and 24.0°C...cloudy. 0955hrs...Should hit the DO today. 1038hrs...Just called over to Bela’s...they will be there. I’m out the door. 1355hrs...I have returned in one piece. Had lunch with Sari and Bela. Never did hit the DO...since it didn’t open until 1330hrs...and by that time I had groceries. So...I’ll try again tomorrow. There was that matter of the missing car keys. Turns out that Agnes had them...hence we were not able to use the other car to transport the skies from A to B. 2250hrs...Around 1830hrs I was fast asleep...and dreaming nicely! Then as per normal...a phone rang in my dream...which of course was my real phone. By the time I realized what was happening...and got up...it stopped. I was angry. 2313hrs...Time to crash again... Velence...5th February 2010. 0332hrs...Java with Ike on the radiator. It’s a -0.4°C and 21.7°C...overcast. 0632hrs...Done breakfast. Now a -2.4°C and 23.4°C. While at Bela’s yesterday...I was shown two radios. One had no problems except that of inferior design. The other one was Blaupunkt car radio. The story was that the car’s battery was replaced...and thereafter it ceased to function. Bela had in fact powered it up...without success...as in nothing. I’ve done some online research...hence I now need the radio's serial number. I plan to call Bela to get it...before I head for the DO. 1128hrs...Back for about twenty mins. It took a bloody 45 minutes to get the prescriptions! Unbelievable! Then the Chemist’s...then Bela’s for the serial numbers etc. Then the store. Here...fed part of the crew...and fried some onion rings! About to consume same. 1348hrs...Finished going through the book I was given the other day. Interesting...but in some sense NBD. It’s essentially a collection of old alphabets. Very hard to comprehend in total. As in ok fine...but what does it mean? I take it to be more of a reference book. 1506hrs...Have policed the kitchen. 1949hrs...Have re-edited the Stories 12 page...and re-published it. 2014hrs...Tired...sleepy. Velence...6th February 2010. 0317hrs...Mud with Ike. 0817hrs...It’s a plus 0.1°C and 23.5°C...overcast...and snowing lightly. 1102hrs...Fed Mom on the kitchen window ledge. Joey here at the window. Ike has re-discovered the blanket box next to the other radiator. He had both his front paws between the sections...funny I thought...lacking kitten mittens. If things go according to plan...Anci will call (after 1300hrs) about going to Metro/Tesco. Cila may be going as well...not sure. It comes down to the weather...snowing or not. It looks ok right now. Time for me to hit the shower...and shave...just for the hell of it. 1235hrs...Phone...Anci. Be at Cila’s at 1300hrs...ok. 1245hrs...Phone...Anci...change of plan "I" going too...now set for 1345hrs...she will call. 1300hrs...Dressed...ready to go. 1346hrs...Saw "I" heading for the compound. It had all been about waiting for him. So now I wait for the call. [I don't like typing my own name, the word...hence the "I".] At this rate it will be close to 1800hrs before we get back. 1354hrs...The call...I’m gone. 1756hrs...Just packed it all in! 1844hrs...We got to Metro just fine. I got out the car and immediately headed for the door...at a slow pace. I looked back a few times to see if the rest of them were coming. At one point "I" comes to me to inform me that there is a slight problem. THE DRAMA begins. I head back to the afore exited car. Turns out that Anci was unable to extract the key from the door lock. Eventually I took my turn at trying to extract said key. To no avail. It’s stuck in the lock! Unable to lock the car...meant that someone would stay behind while the rest went shopping. Anci was convinced that the lock was frozen...given the prevailing conditions. While shopping I thought about the problem...and once outside...I searched a trash bin for a plastic cup. With it...I went to the car...to find Anci outside said car...still trying to break it lose. To no avail. I explain my plan to get some hot water. She’s skeptical...but I go for some hot water...cup in hand. Upon my return...I poured said hot water from said plastic cup onto the key/lock. The net effect was to get the side of the car wet. Bela had been called earlier...but was now called again. This time to bring us the spare key...I noted the time. I predicted 30 minutes. It had by this time started to snow...with some vigor. Anci went into shop while I stayed with the car. Cila eventually arrived. By that time I had bagged my groceries and put into the trunk from inside the car...since the key was still stuck in said door lock. Cila did the same...when...eventually... Bela arrived and I again noted the time. 30 mins as predicted. I took the spare key and opened the trunk...to rearrange things while Bela took his turn at the stuck key. To no avail. With the spare key...the opposite door lock was tried...but it did not work...locking the doors...and... We still had Tesco to hit...meaning that again someone would have to stay with the car. We tanked up and I paid. Then shopping. By the time we were through...the snow had increased in volume. We eventually made it back...at 1800hrs...as predicted! Though we lost more than an hour due to the stuck key! Such DRAMA...you know it was. Velence...7th February 2010. 0219hrs...It’s still snowing...at a plus 0.9°C and 21.6°C. Java with Ike in the kitchen and Mom on the ledge. I’d crashed early...hence up now. I woke in one of my virtual dreams...though I wasn’t able to replay it enough times to now remember it. 0222hrs...Ike just now...out...good kitty. 0226hrs...Now Joey on the window ledge! 0431hrs...Still snowing...lightly. 0835hrs...Well...the "big" snow has arrived. There is now about 5 inches...and no sign of stopping. I’ve taken photos. The ones out the kitchen window include some of Blackie. Ike has a problem with his "good" eye. Hope it's something temporary...and nothing serious. 0939hrs...Fed the crew and a few others. The Black Rigo is watching too. 1009hrs...The snow flakes are larger now. It’s a bloody good thing we managed to hit Metro/Tesco yesterday. I’m well set for survival rations should the blizzard cometh! 1149hrs...It’s a plus 1.6°C and 23.7°C. The snow has stopped for all practical purposes. I’ve fed Agnes’s Joey look-a-like kitten. I took out two portions...and he/she ate them both! I also moved the latest box-house back to the front porch...where the kitten hangs out while waiting for food. Kwan and Joey now share the East House. Ike now here on the toweled radiator next to me. 1341hrs...It’s now a plus 1.8°C and 24.2°C...the Sun breaking though thinning overcast. Earlier I shoveled the snow off the front porch where it was 9 inches and the balcony. Just had lunch. 1701hrs...Brownies are in the oven. These are the real ones! Betty Crocker. 1805hrs...Good thing I made the above entry! The damn timer failed to annunciate! Velence...8th February 2010. 0340hrs...Coffee with Ike. It’s -1.4° and 22.5°C...overcast...not snowing...calm. 0605hrs...Just in from out...feeding Dilly, Joey, Groucho and Kwan. I had looked at the satellite animation images and noted that it looked clear to me over the Carpathian Basin. Outside I have a crescent Moon and stars...hence now a -2.4°C! 0835hrs...Have put all the cards onto a web page. I need to write some text...thinking. 0849hrs...Have just fixed the inside front door...door. It now closes. Now a -2.7° with bright sunlight through some haze...as the sun rises higher in the sky. 0927hrs...The page is published! Now the real work begins. 1346hrs...The great "melt" has started again. It’s just above freezing at a plus 1.0°C...but along with the radiated heat of the Sun...the snow is melting nicely. 1545hrs...Watching (TV) an interestingly cute film. I’ll have to find it’s English title. I missed the first half hour. Off the screen...Brandon Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Sissy Spacek and Christopher Walken...1999. OH! It just popped about four hours ago...good as new! This is great news...believe me. Ear. 1616hrs...Ok...here we have it. "Blast From the Past." Nice film...I liked it. I particularly liked the dance sequence. 0852hrs...Tired...sleepy. Yawn! Velence...9th February 2010. 0309hrs...A hot Cup with Ike. It’s a -6.0°C and 22.4°C...assume clear...since I’m not going to go outside right...bloody...now. 0549hrs...Just in from...bloody cold...out. There was an ISS/STS-130 pass...but clouds obscured it. 0823hrs...Ginger Bread’s in the oven. I plan on taking it to Cila...later today. It’s now a -5.7°C and 24.5°C...overcast. I’m also thinking about hitting the far store. 1019hrs...Have called over...heading for Cila’s. 1211hrs..Back for 5 mins...and about ready leave for the far store. 1249hrs...Done deal. Feeding the crew and then some. The melting is going well. Now a plus 0.2°C...the Sun breaking through. 1636hrs...I’ve lost track of Ike! I don’t know where he is. Kemping Road is now clear of ice and snow. Though there is more snow in the forecast. 1827hrs...About 30 mins ago Ike showed up out of nowhere...in the house. Is now out. 1926hrs...Ike is back in...and was very thirsty...and hungry. Velence...10th February 2010. 0514hrs...Mud with none...since Ike is outside. It’s -3.5°C and 21.8°C...overcast. 0638hrs...Ike is in. His left eye is now in bad shape. This was his "good" eye. Don’t know what caused the damage. I’ve not yet taken a close look. 0647hrs...He’s again disappeared. I don’t see him in any of his usual places. I brought back the four small photos that Cila acquired. Not terribly interesting...but I’ll scan the...perhaps today. 0909hrs...Fried a batch. About to consume same. Found Ike...stairwell! 1013hrs...Ike just out. Feeding the Joey look-a-like. Speaking of...Joey. On the table on the balcony with Kwan. Writing not going well. Still thinking. 1119hrs...Just finished scanning the four photos...and a batch of others that I’d not gotten to doing. 1522hrs...I see Ike washing his left eye...I hope that it’s a good sign. The bizarre weather continues. It’s now a plus 2.5°C. There is more snow in the forecast...but this year it’s been followed by warn temperatures...hence some melting...though mostly the roads...which is a good thing. 1852hrs...WELL DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve had a chance to take a close look at Ike’s eye! I’m most saddened to report that it seems that the eye is damaged beyond hope! WHAT a SAD thing! My heart aches. To have saved him from the "brink"...and now this! Velence...11th February 2010. 0222hrs...Mud with Blackie. Ike is out. It’s snowing lightly...and a plus 1.2°C...22.4°C inside. 0304hrs...The snow plough just went by...heading west on Kemping Road. 0313hrs...Now heading east...having done the compound on the other side of Kemping Road. 0338hrs...Now that I know its schedule...I should think about going outside onto Kemping Road...to watch it go by. You know...as in the highlight of the day kinda thing. And gads...I could even do it on the way back...as in TWICE...even. AND...so that the driver doesn’t think I’m crazy...I should take a flash photo. Though...he still might think I’m crazy since I’m not about to get dressed. A bathrobe being sufficient. Hell...a couple of the cats may join me too. GADS...I would be the talk of the village for the rest of the day! Perhaps even longer. In retelling the story...the cat count could reach ten or more. Seriously...while waiting for my prescription the other day...a young mother with a child went into and back out of the doctor‘s office. She then re-dressed the boy in the waiting room. Done...he went running around...and looked at me a few times and said something I didn‘t catch. THEN...the young mother says...to the boy...translated..."Yes...Uncle Steve‘s...(the one with)...cats." Followed by saying "Hi" to me. I’d never met her before! 0402hrs...I will need to talk to Sari today about a letter I should be getting. In fact she should already have the damn thing. 0430hrs...Ike back in...wet with snow. 0833hrs...It’s plus 2.0°C and 22.6°C...not snowing...overcast. I woke up in a virtual dream. It was a rural setting...of sorts. I’m visiting an old childhood friend...Dan West. We went into the house...but ended up in his work space. It was a very large room. I mean...VERY large. It was under lit. I noticed all the work tables...and tools...as we made our way to the far end of what would be best described as a building...as I now see it. I tell him that this is the way things should be...as in lots of space. We sit down on chairs with wheels...like office chairs. He’s close to a roll down door...which is partly open. Then there is a sound. Dan exclaims..."Oh...you cry baby!" Turns out that it’s a squirrel...which goes to him. Then there are more squirrels...and a duck. One of the squirrels comes to me. I reach out and down...offering the back of my hand...a knuckle. It sniffs my hand...with its own hands palm to palm. It bows its head slightly. I put my hands palm to palm...and say "Sawadee"...(in Thai)...as in greetings. 0941hrs...It’s SNOWING for real! We’re talking BIG flakes! Yesterday I got to thinking again about what type of thermocouple is used in the gas range and oven. I’d researched it before without luck. I decided that I should measure the output voltage with the probe in the gas flame. According to the internet...the temperature should be 1500°C. So I grabbed a thermocouple probe, a Fluke digital voltmeter...and headed for the kitchen. I positioned the probe in the flame and measured the voltage...30MV. None of the "types" listed showed 30MV at 1500°C! 1016hrs...Stopped snowing! Now plus 2.7°C. I need to hit the far store. Should call Sari about my mail. 1104hrs...Did in fact make the call...no mail yet...but I’m out the door...as in very soon. 1324hrs...Back for about ten mins. 1637hrs...It’s a plus 3.5°C and 22.8°C...AND raining! Kemping Road is totally clear of ice and snow...while there was mostly slush when I was going to the store earlier. The mail had not arrived by the time gotten to Bela’s...so we chatted...thermocouples. I then went to the store. Once back at Bela’s the mail had in fact just arrived...BUT...nothing for me...SINCE it had been delivered at Jutka’s. I went there immediately. Prior...Sari inquired as to my not having gotten my voting notification paper. Well that was in the mailbox too. The other mail was a notice of there being a registered letter for me. This I knew would be the "letter" I was waiting for. I took them and headed for the PO...where I then also paid one of the bill contained in said "letter" envelope. Ike on the other hand is "toughing it out". His left paw is stained red with blood as a result of cleaning his eye. There a relatively large area above his left eye that is also raw...and bloody. His eyeball is in fact red. This may be a good sign. Yesterday I found (internet) a reference to my friend Greg Schilling...Everett WA...taking out a permit...for demolition. I presume it was for his burned down house...dated 01-07-2007. Sad sad sad! I also looked at listings for my other friend Steven D. Swift...PE...for whom Greg works. Damn! That was a long time ago AND far away that I first ran into them! It was outside of Western Nuts and Bolt. I was in the process of buying my first laser. WHICH as it would turn out...did not work...as in defective! I bought my Rubidium Frequency Standard from Steve/Steve‘s company...Novatech...while living in UK Land. Those truly were the "good old days"! What I’d give to be back there and then...scrounging electronic surplus gear. It was the best of times. Great bloody fun it was. Having a hard time with FC game number 9384! 1822hrs...Phone...Cila..."I" bringing some of her pastry...ok. I passed back the four scanned photo that will be given back to the owner on Sunday. 0634hrs...NAILED IT! 1907hrs...Well...now it’s snowing again...but at a plus 3.0°C...who knows what will happen. Ike is sleeping on the bed...resting. I’m glad that he’s not out in the cold...burning calories. He’s not eating either...though he does go out. At least four times now I’ve heard the sound of snow sliding off the roof. Oh...I’ve eaten all of Cila’s pastries...in one fell swoop. Today must be pastry day...given that Sari gave me some too! Bought a DVD today...actually two...one is the story of Harrison’s clock...and the story of "Longitude"...the quest thereof...which I’ve started to watch. Velence...12th February 2010. 0425hrs...Mud with Ike. It’s a plus 2.1°C and 22.7°C...snowing lightly! I obviously missed the snow plough. Drat! 0643hrs...It’s plus 2.3°C and 23.0°C...snowing lightly. Kemping Road is again white. Finished the DVD. Very inspirational! 1156hrs...WELL NOW! Just saw Ike’s left eye. Some of the red is now gone...and there is in fact an eyeball in there! He continues to wash himself...around the eye in question. Earlier this morning I tried to wash him...though I was not able to do much good. Having said that...he really got into washing himself...after I gave up. 1207hrs...Kemping Road is again starting to clear up. It’s plus 4.0°C...so it’s not a surprise. Another ten days or so and summer will arrive. Ok fine...it’s a bit of joke around here...since it goes from freezing to summer hot in a matter of a few days. I think that Ike is accident prone. The fact the there is a large bruised area above his eye makes it unlikely that it was a result of an attack by another cat...since it would have meant multiple swipes. Don’t know! He’s out on the balcony table...with Kwan...enjoying the warm temperature. 1543hrs...Just finished watching "The Dead Zone"...DVD. It was ok. Ike is resting on the bed. I actually saw his eye. It’s looking much better! 1634hrs...Just off the phone. Cila...to say that she is making palacsintas...said no thanks at this time since I just ate. And that I was invited to Csabi’s birthday party...tomorrow at 1600hrs. Oh...actually she first hit me with the fact that I’d said that I would be going over sometime today...and that I had not in fact done so...and hence the palacsinta’s. Velence...13th February 2010. 0456hrs...Half a Cup with Blackie and Kwan. Fed same. It’s plus 0.1°C and 22.3°C...overcast...and windy. 0944hrs...It’s now plus 0.2°C...the Sun breaking through...and very windy! 1217hrs...Just out of the shower...phone...Cila...to say that "I" was prepared to come and fix the inside front door. I told her that it will not be necessary given that I’d already done so. 1518hrs...Dressed ready to go. Taking the 200 with the Sigma 10-20 and SB-800 flash. 2149hrs...Gads! I made it back...at last. Just fed Kwan. Ike is out there somewhere. More later. 2251hrs...Still no Ike. Velence...14th February 2010. 0448hrs...Java with Dilly and Kwan...fed same...Ike in the kitchen. It’s plus 0.5°C and 21.8°C...I could see some stars. Yesterday I was waiting for the right time to go over to Cila’s. At one point I looked at my wrist watch. It read 1503hrs and 15 seconds. Ok fine...I had about 47 minuets...which would have brought it to 1550hrs. About right...I get there in two minuets...hang around for a few more...talk to Jimmy the Puli...and we go across the High Road (Street)...and there we have it...right on time. A bit later...for some reason I looked at my watch again...it read 1503hrs and 15 seconds. Now you have to take as fact that there are...in this room...eight clocks that I could use...not counting the two computers...though arguably the laptop was turned off...and that four of them are across the room...and one is within arms reach but turned away...and the cellular phone...which is hiding somewhere. Ok fine...there is yet one more with the aforementioned four...but that one is not running true...having been set it months ago. The aforementioned four...are radio clocks running "nuts on"...so it’s not for the lack of clocks. This computer’s clock runs slow...which I occasionally set. There is one radio clock right behind me above the laptop...running "nuts on". All this went through my massive brain in a fraction of a second...but I chose to look at my trusty Accurist wrist watch again. Subconsciously I was confirming that I did in fact have said wrist watch on said wrist...since during the last few days I left the house without it on the aforementioned wrist. Looking at it again... It read 1503hrs and 15 seconds...precisely! The date was even correct! Dumbfounded...I looked at this computer’s clock. It read 1545hrs! Knowing that it ran slow...my often mentioned massive brain calculated that I had about two minuets to leave the bloody house! My watch had stopped! I get to Cila’s...only to find that "I" was still in the shower...having "just" arrived home...hence (we’re) running late! At least Jimmy the Puli was glad to see me. It was 1610hrs before we eventually headed across the High Road for Csabi’s birthday party. It was a repeat of last years party...and the year before...and may well have been the year before that...ad infinitum. The same guest...Uncle Bandi...sitting exactly in the same chair he sat in last year...etc etc etc. I on the other hand sat one chair over from last year. At one point Csabi’s father announced that he was about to relate a story specifically for my benefit...and interest. I didn’t take long...but as soon as I heard the name Messerschmitt...I knew what was coming next. Same exact story...told exactly the same way and naturally the same...apprehension came over me. I did learn that the date...the year it (supposedly) took place was...1940...though I think it was at best perhaps only a good guess...that is it was not factually known to be the case. The story goes that the OM...flying as "navigator"(!) in the aforementioned Messerschmitt...flew over the area...circling it a few times. And that my future mother came out of the Post Office to witness the spectacle. I have many problems with this story. Any mention of the name Messerschmitt has to be a reference to the WWII German fighter plane...the famous ME 109 (Bf 109(x)) . This was a single seat airplane. There was a two seat version...manufactured in very limited quantities...which if memory serves me...was 100...making them very rare! That version was designed as a trainer. Though theoretically possible...there would not normally have been the case of "needing" a "navigator"! It would have been Pilot and student...or a "joy ride"...Pilot and "joy riding" passenger. In the normal single seat versions...the situation is rather obvious. This raises the question...of how did the name/plane/ME 109 and "navigator" ever come together? It’s incongruous! AND(!)...why has no one ever taken issue with it. AND had anyone actually known "their airplanes"...they would have made a big deal out it...the Bf 109G-12...being the two place variant of "G" series aircraft! So the story just gets told mindlessly. AND one more point. The G-12 variants were first built...actually modified G-2,3,4 and 6 variants...in...wait for it...early 1944! Hence it could not have been the case in 1940. There are other possibilities. The second point is that at low altitude and even reduced speed...the plane would have come and gone from view in a veritable blink of an eye. Flying straight and level...it would not be possible to see those in the cockpit...unless it was at some distance...and flying at right angles to the audience...and hence identifying someone in said cockpit is not an easy task...say I. As for being the "navigator"...well that is another big issue. I have photographic evidence that the OM served in the Meteorological branch of the Hungarian Air Force. Navigation would have required a level of mathematical skill that the OM never demonstrated...trig for one. SO...I submit that the story was not based on an eye witness account! You have to picture the situation. If no one on the ground knew that "the" plane was coming...then the first realization that anything unusual was taking place would have been the sound of an aircraft engine. Now...given that a nice little war was being held that year...the sound of an aircraft engine may or may not have been taken as a significant event. When the plane did come into potential view...it was only to those that just happened to be outside. So the first pass would have been a total surprise...and hence no possibility of identifying the "navigator". Then...on the next pass...some one would have to have made the connection...notified my future mother...etc...etc. And so fast that by the now third pass she’d have witnessed it. Or did it take longer...such that it was on the forth pass...or even a fifth? Who else actually knew what had taken place? AND...given the local topography and numerous obstructions...a plane flying at treetop level would be out of sight in a matter of seconds! If on the other hand it was known that the "OM"...flying as "navigator"... would be over flying the area...then everybody would already be waiting outside. But the story is never told that way. So...that leaves us with the most likely scenario. I (very) vaguely remember the OM tell the story of flying (being in a plane) over the area. He never said it was a bloody Messerschmitt or that he was even the "navigator". I don’t doubt the possibility that the OM flew over the area on a give day in a plane of unknown type...but not a ME 109! And that perhaps it was related by the OM...after the fact...that he was aboard the plane that flew over the area on that given day. The reason that I’m harping on about this that I just can’t stand improbable stories...much less by non critical...un-knowledgeable...non witnesses. It’s not of historical value. Funny...back in London...one day I was showing "A"...some aerial photos taken of/over Seattle. She asked in effect how they...the photos...had come into my possession? I told her simply...that "I’d taken them." She was beside herself...in disbelief. "How?"...she asked. "From a plane." I said. Well that did it! She then had a serious bout of harrumphing and frothing! It was fun to watch...believe you me! I never said...so as to even imply...that the plane was mine...nor that I was the pilot...nor even the "navigator"...but in her limited...non thinking...negatively biased...alcohol soaked brain...had convinced herself that I was implying it...hence lying. Which of course I wasn’t! It was just a straight answer to her question. Anyway...I guess I’m a bit angry at having to listen to non collaborated stories. I’ll have to ask someone exactly which "Messerschmitt" they thought they were talking about. I don’t put it past the OM to have made up the whole store...for "home" consumption. I’ve asked about some of these "stories"...and they are believed as FACT! 0807hrs...Dressed and getting ready to hit the far store. It’s now a -0.4°C and 22.3°C...clear and sunny. Some light wind from the west. Ike on the window ledge...sunning a bit. 0816hrs...I’m out the door...as in very soon. I’m taking a short list of watch batteries...on the chance that I find one at the store. 0900hrs...Back in one piece. Fed the Joey look-a-like on the way out. No batteries. 1251hrs...It’s now a plus 4.2°C and 25.8°C...sunny and bright. 1402hrs...I also found/bought three more DVDs. 1709hrs...Have just finished watching one the DVDs. Fed Mom on the kitchen window ledge. Dilly and Kwan on the balcony...and Ike in the kitchen. 2203hrs...Ike is out. A plus 2.1°C. Velence...15th February 2010. 0335hrs...Java with Dilly and another one...Ike in the kitchen...and just in for that matter. Fed all. It’s plus a 1.3°C and 22.5°C...overcast...calm. 0651hrs...Having breakfast. Oh! There is a piece of music that I have wanted to find...for a long time...and it just now came to me. All I know is that it’s a serenade. It may be a violin serenade for that matter...not sure. I had used it as the background music for my telephone answering machine message back in Seattle around 1986...or a bit later. I’ve never heard that piece of music since the day I recorded it off the radio. 0957hrs...Well it had to happen! I decided yesterday that I’d wash the blanket from the bed. Ike’s blood had stained it here and there. So this morning off it came...and into the washer. My main concern was how I’d dry it. As I stuffed the blanket in the small washer...I thought I felt something...but did nothing about it. The cycle completed...and I pulled out said blanket. As I was stretching it out onto the clothes drying rack...out popped the TV remote control! My oft mentioned massive brain had FAILED me! I now pay the price. I’ve taken it apart...and QVI’d it. I’ve dried and cleaned it. It...as of right now...does not work. I will wait. I need to call Sari to see if my internet bill is in her possession. Unless she calls first. 1022hrs..Ha! Phone...Sari to tell me that my internet bill is there...in fact. She/they will be there until 1300hrs...ok fine...thanks...etc. 1104hrs...Dressed..and about ready to leave. Just a few things to do...yet. 1110hrs...I’m out the door...in five. 1318hrs...Back...Feeding the multitude. Gads! It’s a plus 6.3°C and 23.4°C...with the Sun breaking through. 2003hrs...Just off the phone...Jutka calling from the states...chatted. Velence...16th February 2010. 0331hrs...Ike just out...so it’s Mud with none. According to my usual HU Land weather site...there were to be no more subfreezing temps. I related this to Jutka last night, So what is it right now(?)...a minus bloody 4.9°C! And foggy too. 0436hrs...I spoke too soon! Now a minus 6.1°C and 22.8°C. I was looking forward to the higher temps in anticipation of seeing the ice melt on the lake. No word on my printer ink! The whole "global warming" BS is falling apart nicely. For that matter so is the Obama(nation) presidency. There is now at least one call for impeachment. Watched the "DD" DVD yesterday. I skipped over the "dramatic" stuff...in favor of just the dance sequences. Hard to figure though. Jennifer Grey was 27(!!) and Patrick Swayze was 35. 0516hrs...Have just checked my facts. Grey’s character would have been 18 years old. And she’s only 5 foot 3! GADS! PS was 5 foot 10. 0855hrs...It’s now a minus 3.3°C and 22.2°C...overcast. Fed a few...Ike just out. 1041hrs...Policing the kitchen. It’s now a minus 0.6°C...and brighter out there. I’m hungry...should make something...but what? 1045hrs...Here comes the Sun! 1413hrs...Today has not gone well. I forgot that it was Tuesday...hence forgot to take out the trash bin. Brownies are in the oven...just...but not without drama. I forgot to pour in the...by then measured out...oil. I caught it only after I had the mass in the baking pan. You can imagine! Yesterday the TV remote! It’s now a plus 1.9°C. 1422hrs...I just saw Ike left eye...IT‘S BACK! Velence...17th February 2010. 0302hrs...Coffee alone...Ike just out. It’s a plus 0.9° and 22.2°C...overcast I assume. 0637hrs...Overcast confirmed. 0641hrs...Just in from out. Stranger and Kwan sharing the East House. Interesting! I should take a shower and then go to Anci’s and the garage. I need to find a yellow LED and a 510 Ohm resistor...for Bela. 0716hrs...Done deal...re the shower. Yesterday I found the box containing the watches and watch batteries that I had looked for the day before. It contained seven watches...and three different batteries. None matched the batteries that I wanted for two other watches. One digital watch was still running...which was a surprise. I then picked up my Omega "Constellation"...and the second hand was moving. Gads! But it then stopped! It took me a minute to realize that it was a "wind up"! It’s now on my wrist...so I’m at least not watchless. 0759hrs...Knowing all that we now know...what is the best achievable accuracy for a spring wound mechanical wrist watches? I know...there are many very expensive watches of that type...but...none match even the least expensive digital watches. That’s not what I’m interested in knowing. 0925hrs...Have called over to Anci’s...Lajos answered. I’m out the door...very soon. 1215hrs...Back...w/o drama. I managed to find two 1K Ohm resistors that when paralleled...will work just fine. I did not find a yellow LED though. It’s now a plus 5.5°C. 1736hrs...Chatted with Lajos about the up coming elections and Hungarian history. More on this later. Velence...18th February 2010. 0410hrs...Mud with none...Ike is out. It’s a plus 3.4°C and 22.8°C...assume overcast. 0417hrs...FreeCell game number 13205 is charmingly simple and hence I recommend it as a "first" game for anyone just starting to play. 13600 is a bit harder but starts well. These game numbers are under Windows XP. Not sure if it will be the same game under another OS. 0556hrs...It’s foggy out there. 0629hrs...Thinking that I should hit the far store later this morning...perhaps stop in at Bela’s too. 1022hrs...Out the door. Have called Anci, Bela’s and Cila’s. More later. 1144hrs...Back for ten mins. 1241hrs...I had called Anci’s first. She answered and I heard the voice of a small child in the background so I knew that she'd be at home for some time...given that she was babysitting. I then called Cila’s...no answer. I next called Bela’s...Sari answered...yes...she’d be a home...but Bela was with Cila at the wine cellar. That explained why there was no answer at Cila’s. She went on to say that Anci was with them too. I corrected her...given that I’d just talked to Anci at home...with child. I called Anci back to tell her that should have been at the wine cellar with Bela and Cila. "Oh yeah!" But no big deal. Ducks now in a row...I headed straight to Anci’s...bypassing Cila’s because she was not there...as per above. On the road...I ran into Lajos heading for Cila’s. He had overheard my conversation with Anci regarding the fact that Bela and Cila were up at the wine cellar. There were plans afoot to transport mash from said cellar to the distillers for the production of Palinka. Said transport was to be facilitated by the use of the trailer. Said trailer though was loaded with scrap metal...which now had to be unloaded...hence Lajos going to Cila’s...Jimmy the Puli in attendance. At Anci‘s...I gave back the gas lighter...now fueled... that she gave me yesterday to refill...which had been taken to a place for just that purpose...but was told that it could not be filled! I knew otherwise! Chatted. Then I headed for the far store/Bela’s where I now usually park Electro-One...prior to going to said store across the road. I went in...and as expected...Sari was there...along with Saci...down with something. She is "showing"! Sari called up Bela at the aforementioned wine cellar. They were there to take care of a legal matter regarding the cellar...and waiting for an official to arrive. Sari and I could not understand why they had to wait...out in the cold...for said official...when he could have called that he was in the area...or soon would be. I was passed the phone and I explained the deal with the resistors. I left the two resistors along with two small lamps for Bela...and soon left...heading for the store...where along with the usual stuff...bought another DVD. 1816hrs...It’s now a plus 5.1°C and 22.4°C. Ike’s been out all day. Female stuff I’m sure. I expect to have him return all beat-up again! I watched the latest DVD...mostly a waste of time. I F/F through much of it. OH! I fully expected to switch to English soon after it started to play. I find the menu...BUT it shows Hungarian listed twice...the top one checked! Damn I thought as I continued to watch it...in Hungarian. Later it occurred to me to take another look...with the intent of checking the second choice on the off chance that it’s actually English...regardless of what it showed...Hungarian. I "clicked" it...and damn if it wasn’t now in English! Great I thought. Then at almost the very end...it just switched back to Hungarian...on its own! Just another case of high drama in a small village by a small lake in HU Land. 1938hrs...About three hours ago...not sure exactly...the radiator began to make noises. The noise came from the air lock vent. I touched the radiator and I thought it was hotter that usual. The noise stopped and I thought nothing more about. Now as I sit here...online on the laptop...I felt that the room was on the cold side...but since I had the window cracked...again thought nothing further. Then I touched the radiator. Gads! It’s cold! 1955hrs...Just off the phone with Bela. Will call "I" and come. Turns out to be the main thermostat shutting off...at the higher temperature...hence complete shutdown. It needs to be reset. 2051hrs...We have heat again! Velence...19th February 2010. 0421hrs...Java with Mom on the ledge...Ike is out. It’s a plus 4.5°C and 23.3°C...foggy. 0523hrs...As I slurp the last of the Mud...it’s time to go online...pardon my back. 0613hrs...Last night after Bela finished fixing the boiler we chatted a bit. I on the balcony...they on the ground below. The question of Anci’s car key situation came up. They had heard nothing...but I had. When at Anci’s yesterday I noticed the key was not in the driver side door lock. I asked Anci about it. I related the story to Bela...that she had taken the car to a repair place(?) and they pulled the key out of the lock with a pair of pliers. Gads! Then it was related to me that Pityu’s car...the one that ran out of water the last time we’d used it to haul scrap iron if you remember...is now leaking all the water. They had to refill it completely the other day. I heard Jimmy the Puli barking at 0600hrs this morning. I suspected that Bela and ‘I" were getting ready to transport the mash...and to check the water situation. The loss of all the water means that there is a major leak. Duh! 1103hrs...It’s now a plus 4.4°C and 24.2°C...foggy. There is heavy rain in the forecast...which should have the effect of ridding the show left on the ground. The radiator seems hot to me...as in too hot...or at least much hotter than usual. This could have a negative consequences. 1401hrs...It’s now 5.1°C...and the snow is melting nicely. The snow that had covered the bottom of the boat is now all gone. Patches of green are showing here and there. 1509hrs...Ike just back in. No sign of rain as yet. No word on my ink either. It’s been what...two weeks? 1635hrs...At 1620hrs...it's started to rain...or at least that was when I heard the sound of water in the drain pipe. Following up...Lajos and I had started talking about the up coming elections in April...but soon it got into Hungarian history. And then into WWII...and America...which he confesses to hate...etc. It’s very difficult to talk to someone about any subject if not all the facts are known by both parties. Or as bad...seen through very different eyes. 1937hrs...Started watching a DVD I bought sometime back...DUNE. Velence...20th February 2010. 0154hrs...Yeah...I know...! It’s 5.5°C and 24.4°C...raining! 0324hrs...Just finished the back half of DUNE. Ike just in. 0401hrs...The rain has effectively stopped...or at least down to a very fine drizzle. Time to hit the sack. 0434hrs...Back up...working a problem. The Magyar/Finno-Ugric language problem that is. 0557hrs...Let’s try it again...back to bed. I got nowhere with my questions...online. 0759hrs...It’s now a plus 4.9°C and 22.5°C...and windy. I pulled the plug on the house heat two hours ago. The loss of the TV remote control has weighted upon me. After I’d taken it apart and dried it out...I did a QVI. It showed a few anomalous areas. I took measurements of the components. They seemed to be ok. There was on electrolytic capacitor that looked a bit strange but measurements showed it as ok. Having said that...while at Anci’s looking for parts for Bela...I came across a suitable replacement with the idea that...need be...I’d replace it. So it was that I awoke. The alternative would be to buy one of those "3 in 1" universal remote controls...the next time I’m at Tesco. I really miss not having a bloody remote...and it was by my own hand. I had put the remote back together...not wanting parts all over the place. So...just a few minutes ago I took it apart for another look. Had this been under "normal" conditions...I would be using my stereo microscope...to inspect the main/only board. Lacking it...I used the second of two Nikon 50mm f/1.4 lens. I inspected the area around the "main"/only...integrated circuit...aka...chip. Well...it sure looked as though there were traces that now were not connected to the rest of the board. These traces disappeared under a drop of some insulating material. I took an Exacto knife and chipped away at it so as to expose the trace. Sure as hell...the trace seems to be open...and I now have just enough of it exposed to repair it...methinks. This is where I am...as of 0818hrs. I will now fire off the small soldering iron and hopefully effect repairs. Wish me luck! 0828hrs...Two traces never make it to the chip. 0836hrs...I have cleaned the traces and tinned them. 0848hrs...I have repaired one trace...one more to go. 0859hrs...Done. Time to put it all back together. Fingers crossed! 0903hrs...No go! 0920hrs...Thinking! 1043hrs...Just out of the shower. It’s 5.8°C and 21.6°C...hence have plugged in the heat. Gusty! Thinking about hitting the far store. 1305hrs...Now plus 6.2°C and 23.1°C...gusty...delineated clouds. 01345hrs...WELLLLLL NOWWWWWW!!! The TV remote was on the desk behind me...where I’d left it...as I contemplated going to the store...asking myself if I really needed to go today or not. I was about to go to the kitchen...but decided to take another look as I turned around. I switched on the quartz lamp and grabbed the 50 1 4. The question was...were the two solder joints in fact good...knowing that I could just simply start all over. I examined the two joints. Hard to tell...really. I then looked at the trace to the right...and thought that the trace was not complete...just where I‘d earlier cut back the protective gob. DAMN...I looked again...and sure as hell...I‘d cut the trace! What to do? The iron was cold. Ok fine...I slapped on the rubber key pad...and with the Exacto knife bridged the open circuit...as I held it in front of the TV...and pushed a button! 1411hrs...More later...Will get dressed and hit the store. 1455hrs...Back in one piece. Ok...where were we? (As in it was so long ago.) Oh...yeah...I pushed the button! (As if just remembering instead of looking up a few line.) Anyway...The light on the TV acknowledged the signal! The remote worked! I now wait for the iron to heat up. 1531hrs...I’m so damn close...but as of now...the trace keeps breaking. I now have to dig deeper yet. I don’t like the idea! 1647hrs...I’ve stopped work. This is getting real serious now. I need more tools. The damn thing is that I’m trying to solder a very narrow trace with a soldering iron tip that’s ten times too large...and not hot enough. 1704hrs...It’s started to drizzle. Most of the snow has disappeared...except where it was piled up. The lake is next. Time to go online...pardon by back. 1746hrs...Alexander Haig...dead at 85. Velence...21st February 2010. 0400hrs...Mud with Joey, Mom, Dilly and an injured Blackie. It’s a plus 3.2°C and 23.7°C...clear...stars...some wind. 0416hrs...Fed the crew. 0954hrs...It’s a plus 4.8°C and 26.0°C...bright sunshine...hence I’ve pulled the plug on the heat. Kwan, Dilly, Mom and Joey sunning. 1223hrs...It’s a smashing...smashing I say...7.0°C...and sunny! 1414hrs...Now a scorching...7.4°C! Have washed a few windows...after all...spring is upon us. Policed the kitchen. 1536hrs...CC muffins are in the oven. Velence...22nd February 2010. 0250hrs...Java with none...Ike just out. It’s a plus 1.5°C and 23.6°C...clear...stars. Muffins turned out well. Yesterday we had colorful sunset. 0825hrs...It’s now a plus 2.8°C and 24..0°C...generally cloudy...with openings...as in just now...the Sun is shining into the room. 0851hrs...Cellphone...the paper place has my ink...minus the yellow...and no business card stock. 1112hrs...Looking through images. I’m in Estelle’s folder. I’m looking at a frame...when it dawns on me that it and hence others were taken at the Phinney Ridge Studio! I had thought that those particular ones were taken at the "Old" studio. I mean...I’d have sworn on the proverbial stack of Bibles. I have to rethink a few things. It means that the shoot went down after Jan 16, 1970...but when exactly? How did it come about? Time to hit the LORE. 1239hrs...NOTHING! 1256hrs...The shoot would have been after my show in 1971...ok fine...else I would have used a frame or two. It’s now a whopping 8.3°C! Thought about going to the paper place on Electro-One...having waited for it get warmer...as it is now. Thinking even as I write. I do need to hit the far store today for sure...methinks. 1312hrs...I had showered and shaved earlier this morning...and am now dressed even. Time to hit the store. 1632hrs...I left soon after the above. I got to the store and noted that Bela’s gate was open and that the white car was gone. When I came out of the store I looked across the road...white car still not there...ok fine. I went about the task of packing my bags onto E/1 and then...unlocked...switched on...looked across to find Bela hailing me! Gads! I went across and we checked out his car radio and then we had lunch...chatted...etc. 1747hrs...Just in...from having taken out the trash. Time to go online...pardon my back. We had a colorful sunset again...though I was not outside watching it. 1803hrs...GADS! I had been hearing strange noises. At first I thought it was "I"...since he was down in the garage earlier. The sound would start and stop. The last time I heard a meow...damn...now what...I thought? It had to be Ike...but what kind trouble has he gotten into now? Well...he was between the two doors of the front door! Don’t ask! 1947hrs..."Only a Rose"... Velence...23rd February 2010. 0309hrs...Coffee with none...Ike out. It’s a plus...3.9°C and 20.0°C...hence have plugged in the heat. 0827hrs...Now a plus 5.1°C and 23.3°C...sunny. Fed the crew. Ike out. 1005hrs...Have been outside(!) reading in the sunshine. It’s plus 7.9°C with a forecast of 13°C! 1017hrs...Now 8.3°C...going back out. 1045hrs...Have just called over to...Cila’s and Anci’s...both viable...hence gone in a few minutes. It’s now a plus 9.2°C! 1342hrs...I’m back in one piece...w/o drama. Now plus 11.7°C. 1603hrs...Now a plus 12.2°C...overcast. According to Lajos...they ended up with 170 liters of 103 proof Palinka. The Vodka that I buy is 75 proof. If it goes according to plan...we will be going to the paper place tomorrow. I brought back a few more tool...though I did not find the one that I really needed. Velence...24th February 2010. 0555hrs...A Cup with Ike...who came in just 30 minuets ago! As in out all night! It’s a plus 8.5°C and 25.3°C...raining...ok fine...drizzling! I was up at 0300hrs as usual...but went back to bed just for the hell of it. 0854hrs...Now a plus 8.9°C...stopped drizzling. Ike is out! 0950hrs...9.3°C. 1005hrs...9.5°C. 1112hrs...Have just talked to Anci...about our schedule for today. She will call after 1400hrs...I’m to go over to Cila’s...since she will be going with us. I’m about to get dressed and then it’s off to the far store...you know it is. 1211hrs...Back...w/o drama. 1608hrs...Anci had called around 1435hrs...got back at 1603hrs. Scored two watch batteries. And naturally the ink. 1652hrs...One (the Accurist) watch now has a new battery...and set. Have also copied three folder onto Niki’s pen drive...at her request. Joey inside on the toweled radiator...window cracked. She’s figured out that she can open a cracked window by standing on her hind legs and simply...pushing! 1850hrs...Phone...Niki to say that she has made some palacsinta’s...and that Lajos is bringing it over in 15 mins. 1921hrs...Done deal...consuming same. Velence...25th February 2010. 0430hrs...Up for 30 mins...watching DD...Coffee with Ike...until he went trucking west on Kemping! Now it’s Joey and a Black on the patio table. Fed same. Read Orbach’s bio yesterday...and Grey’s too...again. She’s quoted as referring to doing DD...as "when they were kids...". Yeah right! Not. And the way she dances...in some scenes...her "moves" are not those of an virginal 18 year old...the age of her character...at least not in 1963...give me a break! Tough casting problem. 0558hrs...7.2°C and 21.8°C...foggy...it had been 19°C...but I plugged in the heat. 0638hrs...I’ve moved a few more frames over to the MasterSepia folder which I plan to add to the Sepia web page. One frame is of me and Roundy...taken by Linda Frasier. All I can say at this time is that it was taken sometime after May 9 1971. I wish now that I had included everything into the LORE. I skipped many "rock group" references. "Tillmanshoffer, Hegseth and Roundy" for one. I think that they were a lounge act. One of the other two...males...is in the original frame...but I cropped him out. I loved that Army Field Jacket! The Air Force field jacket was a sexless piece of shit. As I think back...the whole AF uniform "thing" was stupid. When they did get it "right"...they undid it. There was this really "cool" looking shirt...blouse...but they took it away. AND then...starching fatigues! WHAT the HELL was that all about. And the same with the 505’s. It’s as though someone decided to make the uniforms...un-cool. 0710hrs...Have spent the last ten minutes trying to get online. Damn Windows Vista and AOL. I close my broadband connection. AOL can’t sign off...so it tries to reconnect via landline/modem...which will go nowhere because their isn’t one. All this because there is an update that wants to do it’s thing...but never tells me about it. All I heard is continuous drive access. Now at 16 minutes...of wasted time...bad enough the my "broadband" is narrower than a landline/modem connection! 0921hrs...Online...reading. Joey flaked out on the radiator next to me. She’s purring...happy kitty. 1403hrs...12.1°C...clear...and sunny. Cats out on the balcony...are fully stretched out...enjoying it. Ike was out there earlier...and did his back rolling trick on the warm concrete. The last of the piled up show has disappeared. The lake ice is still there though. 1431hrs...I thought I heard someone calling out...but saw no one when I looked. Then I heard what I took to be a knock at the front door. I went to investigate...one of Anci’s girls...(I still can’t make them out...as to which is which...on sight...Niki or Anita.)...with Anci’s charge...a little girl...out for a walk in the sunshine. We went out onto the balcony. It logically must have been Niki. Anita still being in school. 1506hrs...Cracked window...Joey in again...Kwan on the other side...in the sun. Thinking that I should take a shower. 1611hrs...Done deal. It’s 12.6°C. Just in from out...reading. I think I see signs of lake water...verses ice. 1703hrs...Just in from out...finished reading that which I took out...old printouts. Going online...now. 2017hrs...Joey in...as I spot images...Kwan looking in...cracked window. (Spotting is the process of removing unwanted image artifacts.) Velence...26th February 2010. 0423hrs...Half the Mud with Dilly, Kwan and Mom. It’s 6.3°C and 23.8°C...foggy...calm. 0541hrs...Joey on the radiator. Happy kitty. Ike just out. Online...lots to read. 0800hrs...7.1°C...fog...but thinner. Joey...in...sleeping. Magpies on the balcony...for a cat food breakfast. 1120hrs...Doing lunch...it’s raining...and 8.3°C. 1358hrs...Showered and dressed. Heading for the far store...though it’s drizzling. Best I do it now than later. 1441hrs...Back...But as I went over a bump...at high speed...an item fell out. Translates into...drama. 1757hrs...Online. Yesterday my web site hit counter read 3285. It turns out the it counts me too...so ok...I went there twice more...making it 3287. Just now it reads 3290...making it 3289...real...hence two hits since yesterday. About this time...or actually a bit earlier...a known AOL user gets online...almost every day...of late...read...months. The user stays online for a long time. I pondered this fact for some time...and conjectured that the user was most likely reading...and possibly reading my web pages...as in winter reading. I need to get online before said user...and simply wait to see if my hit counter goes up one soon thereafter. If as suspected...said user knows more about me now then the neighbor...the WWoTW. Titillating as it were...given its "explicitness"...as opposed to what..."vagueness ness"? This is of course just conjecture on my part...but we will see. Oh! And then we have Ms. Janet McG. The plot thickens more and more as history is re-written. Now...I was with Ms. McG. back in 1996...I’ll check the exact dates later...though it’s close enough. So there I was...ostensibly to get married to same...another story altogether...and not germane to this story. Keeping to the pertinent facts of the case... She knew absolutely nothing about computers...and was in fact afraid of them...as in phobic. Her business partner...Kim...was the "computer person"...much to her chagrin! They had a computer but Janet knew nothing about using it. I had of course brought mine (by then third generation...a DELL) down...to California...from Seattle...and soon had it set up. Much had changed since the last time I showed my computer/graphics programs to Janet while visiting me...back in Seattle a number of years (1987 and 1988) earlier. The difference was...well...night and day. I was heavy into computer graphics...and had gone through numerous programs. Each one was better than the previous one...most of the time...though there were cases where I took a program back as not up to expectations. By the time I hit CA...I had the program...and a much better computer. I’m not implying that it was the very best program available...but close to it...at least for me. So...I was soon showing it to Ms. McG. She enjoyed it very much...and was producing some very interesting works...though it was mostly just play. Fact: In the Oct 2006 issue of "Orinda News"...was an ad...where it stated the she and said partner...have had the business since 1985. At the time...1996-7...Janet was pissed off at said partner. There was talk of selling out. The business requires the both of them. So...it could be argued that there never would have been the case of Ms. McG. taking off for four years...much less to a cold and rainy climate. (Made clear later down the page.) Within five...I seem to think that it was three...days of my moving down there...the engagement was called off...ended. [It was in fact five days.] I asked back the 1kt diamond engagement ring. Not germane to the story...but just stating the facts. (Does that strike anyone as somehow odd?) I stayed in the area...and... She kept in touch with me...to the extent that she would visit me...to play on my computer...and soon expressed interest in getting her own. This we did. I taught her as much as was needed. I provided her with the program...free...so that she could continue to play...and learn. I taught her all that I knew...about the program. Time passes...and I provided her with other powerful graphics...and I must say much more expensive...programs...for free also! More time passes. She’d apparently been playing with collages of images taken mostly from magazines. She showed me a few. She wanted to know if it was possible to do the same things on a computer? In theory...of course it was. So there we are...1996-7. She had never attended a four year college...much less earned a degree...in anything...up to that date. Fact: Janet hated cold...rainy weather. She loved things hot...and vacationed to hot places. Ties in later. Fact: I periodically do Google, Bing and Yahoo searches on names from my past. There are numerous names that are too common for a realistic chance of it being the person I was looking for. Maiden names are most always useless. I have done searches on a few names repeatedly...over time. You just don’t know when they might pop up...or there is something new. 1916hrs...User still connected! 1731hers...Ditto. Ok...where were we? Backing up a bit. The reason that I’m writing this little piece is because of what I came across the other day...in one of my searches. Gads! It sure looks like history was being warped. Dates were stated that I knew to be wrong...essentially a lie...to deflect a dark truth. More on this later. 1946hrs...Ditto. Ok...let us try a again. So with that in the back of my mind...and the fact that I had...perhaps as long as a month ago...come across a hit re...Janet McG. in which was a statement that struck me as very incongruous. I found the web site again and printed the pertinent paragraph. One of many "artists" listed on www.expressionsgallery.org/artists-bios0608.php. From the very first...one claim after the next that seem to...at a minimum...overstate her artistic activities. A sculptor, painter, interior decorator...and freelance artist...with over 35 year’s of experience! And living in Moraga! Well...she never lived in Moraga...which just happens to be more "up scale" than Pleasant Hill where she was in fact living. While there...I saw no activity at all...nor any evidence thereof. She was not living an "artists" life. It was her business, dating, sunbathing and taking vacations. Her condo was a shrine to "white"...everything was white. There was not a room dedicated to "dirty" art. There was no "dust" to indicate recent work(s) in progress. The one line that really jumped out was the claim that she "...attended the University of Washington and earned a BA in fine arts."! Naturally it’s not stated as to when this phenomenal event took place. Then a few line further on..."She turned from the practice of painting with canvas (sic) and brush years ago to pursue digital imagery."! Gads! It makes it sounds as though she woke up one morning and thought..."Hey...I should look into this new and exciting digital imagery stuff"...ok fine..."and though I know absolutely nothing about them...I’ll buy a computer and all the other pieces that I don‘t know about eather...buy a load of (expensive) graphics programs...learn all there is to learn...and "pursue" it."! (Without ANY outside help...implied!) [I kept track of the monies I’d spent on the DELL...not counting all the graphics programs...(costing thousands) which came later. I stopped counting after $10,000!] Well..."years ago" would place it at precisely 1996-7! 2022hrs...That’s 1922hrs in UK Land...and the user is still at it! If it’s as I surmise...then the reading must be most fascinating...since they knew virtually nothing about me...based on the seven years that I lived there...as a neighbor. I talked very little...if anything about my past. Now for Janet to move and live in Seattle for four years...is not impossible...but highly improbable! So say I! Hence the obvious conclution. And...why the U of W? There must be at least half a dozen colleges right there in bloody sunny California...no? 2034hrs...More on this later. The user still at it. 2114hrs...Still online. Me...I’m closing it down...as in now! Velence...27th February 2010. 0411hrs...Mud with none...6.5°C and 19.1°C...hence have plugged in the heat. Woke up to high gusts. 0435hrs...Joey in...and when I brought food...one of the Blacks was there too...and then Ike came in. Back to the story. Now...logically...based on the way the bio is written...it’s construed that she got her "degree" and then later turned to "digital imagery". In effect...you’ve got the education...and then turn to "digital imagery". She didn’t turn to digital imagery until (1996-7) I introduced her to computers. And since we had had continuous yearly contact from 1975 to 1996...me in in Seattle...it’s inconceivable that Janet would have attended the U of W (Seattle) during that time. Read as...impossible! As in what...she’s living in Seattle and she never makes contact? Hell...more than likely...she’d have been staying with me. Further...Ok fine you say...she went to school after 1997. BUT...she never had the MONEY...nor the time. Remember...she has a business to run...and she makes just enough money to support her lifestyle...her words. Why would she seek a degree in fine art...after "mastering" digital art? So it’s just more "fluff"! Gads! The next thing she’ll say is that she is a part of infinity. Well...damn...that IS what she says...this from another bio page...same site... "She says "I view the world with my eyes wide open."." (As opposed to what...partly closed...with one eye...squinting...?) "And...Janet lives each day with the philosophy that we are all a minute part of the greatest picture of all - Infinity." Gads...I didn’t know that "Infinity" was an entity...a place...a thing. And as far as "minute"...give me a break. Given that there is no such thing as a "half" or a "quarter" of Infinity...the concept of "minute" is meaningless. Oh...if that was what she meant...that we are all "meaningless" in the great infinite scheme of things....as I state on the first page of my web site...then it’s an other matter. I guess it’s a girl thing...to allude to deep philosophical contemplations...and then to get it wrong. Sorry girls...but true. That is to say that it doesn’t have to be factually true or accurate...as long as it "feels" good. Sarcasm intended. Or...was it JUST an opinion? 0612hrs...5.7°C and 21.1°C...cloudy...rainy and windy/gusty. 1036hrs...Failed to mention in the previous entry! WE HAVE LAKE WATER! As in we have a lake again. 1221hrs...The winds...from the west...have blown away the clouds...hence bright sunshine. 1440hrs...9.9°C...Window open. Today will not be a good day to see about the user...given that it’s Saturday...and hence a weekend schedule. I’ve just fired off the laptop...anyway. 1637hrs...The user in online...and I looked at my hit counter just a few minutes ago...reading (3294) 3293...real. I now wait a bit. Joey on the radiator...sleeping nicely. I’ve also made one print...looking out the kitchen window...of all the snow. Nice shot...for what it is. 1642hrs...The hit counter reads (3295) 3294 real...me...hence as of now...it was just me. Ok...fine...we wait some more. 1932hrs...Time to look again. If this doesn’t indicate the expected result...it will mean that I’m wrong...and hence the end of the story. Here we go then. 1934hrs...The count reads (3296) 3295 real...Just me. Well...ok fine. So much for that little theory. End of story. Velence...28th February 2010. 0407hrs...Half the Mud with Kwan and Joey. Some dry food. Stars...a full Moon and some hazy clouds. It’s 3.6°C and 23.5°C. 0432hrs...Joey in...on the warm radiator next to me...purring. 0709hrs...Very gusty...and now overcast. Earlier there had been a streek of color to the east...as the sun came up. Fireing off the laptop...as in now. Magpies on the balcony...and in numbers...in the trees. I’ve taken out more dry cat food for them. Yesterday Chile experienced a magnitue 8.8 earthquake! Today...the story line described it as a "massive magnitude 8.8...." That’s like describing Mount Everest as..."a big big hill" or a 30 meter Tsumami as a "really large wave." "Massive" is not even close. 1154hrs...It’s very windy out there. 11.8°C...and sunny. 1352hrs...Reviewing Christine’s images. If she had been 4-5 years younger...and never married (I presumes that she had been married but not that young) which led to a child...she’d have been great fun to have had as a model. There was something very...natural...innocent...about her...though I don’t know if she was always like that. She had a instict about the way she looked in a pose. She could "vamp" with the best of them. There seemed to be a sparckle in her eyes...when in from to my camera. I felt as though we were a team...working to get great images. 1404...Showered and shaved...thinking about hitting the far store. Also need to get this months blog onto the laptop...and prep it for publication. It’s still windy out there...AND...12.7°C! 1415hrs...at 1410hrs...knock on door..."I" with some of Cil...phone...SBO...(Stand by One second, minute whatever.) Cila to thank me for the photos I’d sent back with "I". She realy liked the shot taken out the kitchen window...I’m glad. Anyway...with some of Cila’s baking. They’re going to Fehervar to see Avatar. Anita set it up. Back around 2100hrs. 1437hrs...Best I go now! 1504hrs...Back...w/o drama. 1813hrs...Have transfered Feb. onto the web page. Typing this on the laptop. Velence...1st March 2010. 0438hrs...Half the Java with Dilly, Joey and another one. Ike showed up and is now in the kitchen...NO he’s not. Just went out the window. It’s 8.5°C and 19.7°C...overcast. I’ve plugged in the heat. 0505hrs...The place is a disaster area. There is nothing scheduled for today that I know of...so I could dig into it. Last night I finished proofing February’s entries...all that’s left is to publish it. 0659hrs...0702hrs corrected. 0703hrs...It’s been drizzling lightly. Still 8.5°C. 1054hrs...12.9°C...Calm enough...partly sunny. I noticed that one of the windows of the Green House is blown open. I’ll have to tell Cila. [Nothing is ever done on this. "I" claims not to found the phone number.] 1109hrs..Just off the phone with the aforementioned Cila and reported. 1349hrs...Just published Feb. It’s 14.5°C! Partly sunny. 1421hrs...The last count was (3296) 3295 real. The count is now (3301) 3300 real and the "User" is online. That’s 5 hits. 1838hrs...Just in from taking out the trash bin. Prior to that, I was asleep! I must have slept for a few hours! It’s 11.6°C and 20.6°C...drizzling. The Green House window is still open. 2046hrs...I feel a bit strange...not sure, what it is. Head cold perhaps. Ike is in. Fed Joey and Kwan on the window ledge...earlier. Have difficulty with FC game 32123. I real bitch. 2119hrs...Time to pull the plug. Velence...2nd March 2010. 0437hrs...Half a Cup with Kwan. It’s 6.8°C and 24.3°...mostly cloudy with a few holes through which there is moonlight showing. 32123 defies me! 0703hrs...Thinking about hitting the lake for some wildlife photography. The lake is like a mirror. The only concern is the light...as in clouds. I need to hit the far store too...but that would be after any photography. Ike came in all dirty! I gave him a good tongue lashing while I brushed him with a wet brush! He’s just gone back out. Kids! I’ll throw myself together...and re-evaluate the situation. 0737hrs...Can’t find the light meter. I don’t really need it...to take a photo...but I’d like to get a quick idea...right now. 0744hrs...It’s a real tug-of-war. I can see bird activity...but the light will not improve...and it’s not all that great right now. So...I’ll head for the far store...via the lake...for a "look see". I’ve swapped out the battery pack on Electro-One. It had been a bit anemic...the last few times out. There we have it...a plan. Hence...I’m out the door. 1524hrs...Back! I’ll write about the drama later...just glad to be sitting down. 1857hrs...Soon after the above entry...I crashed. Just now woke up. Tired and sore! 2032hrs...I’m not fully awake. Yawn! Velence...3rd March 2010. 0247hrs...Slept well...I was tired I guess. Mom was on the window ledge when I arrived in the kitchen. Fed same while the water boiled...for my Mud. Gave her some milk too. Then...we did half the Mud on the balcony...she’d come around. There was a dark shape that left as soon as I cracked the door. Never got a good look at it. Must be a new cat. [Fluffy] It’s 7.2°C and 20.0°C...partly cloudy...some stars and a waning Moon. I’ve plugged in the heat. This is going to be a long story...of yesterday’s drama. So...as I indicated...I left the house...heading for the far store via the lakeshore. As I approached the Holland Houses shortcut...I took it. I had debated taking the other route...but thought that I’d see more taking the shortcut. The last time, there was a Crane fishing...which I photographed. This time there was nothing at all...as I continued on to the bridge that would cross a narrow channel of water that flows into the lake. From there it was just a matter of following the curvy paved path to the "ponds" from which I took most of my bird photos in the past. I noticed that the grounds in the area were flooded...creating many pools...in the otherwise sea of green grass. There was a guy on the path ahead of me with a load of fishing gear. I spent the next ten minutes taking in the scene. Nothing...except a few seagulls and some ducks flying in the distance. I should have taken the small binoculars. The light was not that good as I had predicted. The reeds were a washed out yellow. I turned around and headed for the store. The battery pack was run down to the extent that I had to assist...as we climbed up the moderate incline...leading back to Kemping Road. Gads. I get to the store parking lot having noted that Bela’s gate was closed and that the new used white car was in the drive behind it. As I was parking Electro-One (E/1)...I heard a sound coming from the chemist’s parking lot. I looked...but did not "see" the car...it was just a car...only the back end visible. I locked up...and looked again...just for the hell of. It was then that I recognized the car as one of Bela’s. They have three car’s. Two of which are red...though different shades thereof. One is a passenger car (Car One) ...while the other one is a small truck (Car Two). They refer to them by their brand names...and even though I’ve heard them used numerous times...I can never keep them straight. They are to me just the "red" cars. Then...as I continue to look... Bela’s appears from behind the row of tall bushes that separate his lot from that of the chemist's. The sound I’d heard was the sound of the (passenger) car’s hood closing...as in slam. With E/1 parked and locked...I crossed over the High Road. [Corrected later.] Had I not already parked and locked E/1...I’d have taken it across...then and there. [It’s NOT the High Road! All earlier reference to the "High Road" in regard to Bela are to be ignored...and replaced with "Fisherman Road". Just a short distance east it becomes the High Road...very confusing in that area.] We shook hands...and Bela begins to explain the situation. The night before, Agnes had been driving Car One...and parked it in the chemist‘s parking lot...ostensibly overnight. The next morning (yesterday) the car would not start...and hence she took the other red car...Car Two...the small red truck. The problem was not new...as in it had a history of not starting sometimes. We went back to said car and Bela unlocked it...and then raised the hood...for the "guy thing" of looking under it...to see if the Dilithium crystals were perhaps cracked. Mmmm! And more Mmmm! I volunteer to help effect repairs...but the first priority was to move the car since it was parked in the chemist’s lot...which opens in 45 minutes. He also mentions having to effect other repairs (emergency) at Jutka’s house...and asks if I’m free to help...yes. But the car is first on the list. The plan is to roll it into Bela’s compound. This will entail pushing it...backwards...out into Fisherman Road and then about 80 feet to the gate...and then into said compound. Easier said than done...but... Bela wanted to change clothes...so while he was thus engaged...I went to the store. Done...I took E/1 across the road...into the compound...and parked it. Soon Bela reappeared. One of us will be doing the pushing...while the other drives. It’s then reveled that he wants to try to start the car...popping the clutch...and indicates that he shall push...and I shall drive. I reverse the order. He knows the car better than I do...duh...though his reasoning was that he‘d do the work of pushing! There is the "small" problem of oncoming traffic which we can not see from where we’re parked. I stand ready to push and after Bela has had a look...indicates that after the second of two cars passes...we go for it. He runs back (figuratively speaking) and jumps in (figuratively speaking)...and I immediately (figuratively speaking) push. I thought about asking if the car was an "easy push" but thought better of it. It wasn’t! Or I'm not the man I used to be. Just as the front wheels were on the road...Bela popped the clutch...and amazingly...it started! BUT it then died. With me looking on...as in there was nothing for me to do...Bela turned the ignition...and after an interminable amount of time...wheezingly...started again. Bela had indicated that should it start...he’d take it straight to the repair place. Ok fine. So...while still blocking half the road...he revved it up...and then took off like the proverbial "bat out of hell". I stood there for a few minute...perhaps more. I walked over and into the compound...un-locked E/1 with the logical intent of going home. Just as I get to the open gate...Bela appears...on foot. I push E/1 back to where I’d originally parked it. Bela reveals the fact that while the plan to take said car to the repair place sounded good...in theory...there was a flaw. When this fact came to him is not known. I do remember thinking that the time it took him to reappear was a bit longer that it should have taken had he gone straight to park the car and walk into view. It occurred to him that while he could take the car to the repair place just fine...he had no means of transport back...hence he drove it into the general parking lot behind the Post Office...and parked it! This is a place he/they normally use...along with the chemist’s since there is only room for two cars in the compound. Ok fine. We stand around a bit while Bela explains the latest news about the car radio...we’d been working on. Turns out that after reassembling it...it miraculously came to life...but not for long. We chuckled. It was a good sign though! We then retired into the house...to re-group and to make plans. Sari is filled in as to the current state of affairs...and Bela makes the observation that it was a good thing that I showed up when I did. Bela recognizing the need for one of those hand crank drain pipe "snakes"...and remembers that he saw one at a price less than we’d found at the major hardware stores. But could not remember where he’d placed the catalog extolling said cheap snake. He asks Sari...who tells him that she’d tossed them out. Undaunted...Bela went looking through a pile of old catalogs. He eventually found one! The significance was the day of the week. If there were another sale...it would take place...that very day...if it was a weekly event. What was not known was whether it was only a monthly event or not. And naturally we needed it that day. Then...the phone rang. [I’ve skipped the story about the wireless router power cube problem.] Though I’m occupied reading a catalog...I can’t help but overhear one side of the conversation taking place. I soon realize that it’s Agnes. Then the fact that there is some problem with the car...the small red truck...Car Two...which she’d taken because the other red car...Car One...didn’t start that morning as per above. Then that the problem was with the steering...as in not working! Nothing for it...but to have the car towed from there to the same repair place mentioned. The car being in Fehervar or Budapest...I now don’t remember. [It was Fehervar.] So there is now the need to find someone to tow said car from point "A’" to point "B". To that effect it’s decided to go to said repair place using car three...the new...used "white" car...now known as Car Three. I’d never been to the aforementioned repair place so at least that was a plus. From the proprietor we get a phone number...and mention the problem with non-starting red Car One...and leave. Back at the house...a call is place and arrangements made for the towing of the other one...red Car Two. It’s then time to do the emergency work at Jutka’s house. Staying there is a fellow that has reported the lack of heat on the second story...and the ongoing problem with the clogged kitchen sink...drain. Ok fine...but we must go to the "Wood House" first to retrieve Bela’s tools...left there since the last time he was there to repair cracked water pipes...plural...due to freezing. The house is unoccupied...and unheated...since the boiler is inop also...and though final repairs to the boiler are to be done by others...we decide that we will return for a closer look after we’ve nailed Jutka’s house problems. This sounded good to me...though I had no idea what we were actually going to be doing at Jutka’s...or the magnitude thereof. It’s called the Wood House...because it’s made of wood...as opposed to the usual brick...though had it been brick...it would not have been called "The Brick" house. Bela showed me the repairs he’d made...though there was one that still leaked...hence his tools...in a large leather bag...and the small blowtorch...he’d used to sweat solder the burst copper water pipes. Taking the tool bag...we leave the torch...and head for Jutka’s house. Soon we are in the kitchen...looking at the boiler...more specifically the point at which we will refill the system with water. There...is the valve...and the male end of a garden hose connector. Damn...we didn’t bring a hose! Bela indicates that it only has to be long enough to reach the kitchen sink faucet...ten feet away. I tell Bela that I know of a section of hose...one that I’d fabricated months ago...out in the shed...though longer than need be. I retrieve said length of garden hose from the aforementioned shed. Gads...while one end mated just fine...the other end will not...though not a surprise as such. Nothing for it...we need to remove the "s" shaped spout and install an adaptor to were the spout had been...and to it said length of garden hose. Damn...the adaptor on hand is the wrong size! 0614hrs...Time for a short break. 0920hrs...So...where was I(?)...as opposed to looking up two lines. Oh yeah...having looked up at the aforementioned...now three lines. There was another option...that of connecting the hose to the outside faucet. This would mean having to turn on the below ground level valve. And naturally routing the long hose into the house. When we got to the house...and into the kitchen...we attempted to open the back door. Stopping us from doing that was large piece of cloth covering the door so as to cut down a perceived draft. There were more pieces of cloth on the floor pushed up against the door also. The large cloth was stapled to the frame...hence rendering the prospect of removing it without damage as nill. Ok fine...there was a window! Anyway...Bela didn’t like the idea...because of reintroducing water into an outside pipe...hence the danger of a burst pipe...due to potentially freezing temperatures. But this was after I’d already brought out the long hose which was coiled onto a portable wheeled spool. The other objection that Bela had was that the coiled hose was not kink free...and he was right. The way Jutka had it coiled was an abomination. We needed full water pressure. This could have been solved...but I relented. So...off he went back to his house to look for the requisite adaptor. He was back soon enough and hooked up. I was not there at that precise moment...but a bit later by which time there was a puddle of water on the floor...under the aforementioned valve. This was caused by the poor condition of the couplings. So...while Bela effected repairs...I mopped the floor. Done deal...we tried again. With no leaks...we set about filling the system...which then went without further drama. And while Bela reassembled the faucet and "s" shaped spout...I disconnect the hose...coiled it up...and tossed it out the window. Keeping in mind the essentially blocked door...preventing easy access to the back of the house. Next came the old problem of the clogged kitchen sink drain. Bela and I had fought this problem a number of months ago...without great success. Unbeknownst to me...Bela was planning a major demolition assault. This became manifest as I watched him move the fridge out from the wall...which afforded access to said wall. He then pointed at a spot on the wall that he claimed was the location of the drain pipe...just opposite the aforementioned kitchen sink on the other side. Lacking proper tools...he began to hammer the wall with the intent to gain access to said drain pipe imbedded therein. Pieces soon fell away...and a pile of ruble increased in volume. Later Bela asked if Jutka might have some useful tools in the garage...and I soon returned with some. With a hole now in the wall...the pipe was fully exposed. The idea was that once a few pieces of plumbing were removed we could attempt to clear the pipe...from that point out to the side of the house. This could not have been done from the sink since there were too many twists and turns in the intervening plumbing. The plan was to introduce into said pipe...a length stiff wire...lacking a "snake"...and to push it in as far as possible...hence clearing the clog. From the shed I brought a coil of heavy gauge...wire...which looked to be steel...but turned out to aluminum. This wire was pushed in...but Bela was not happy with it. Bela’s hands were getting mucky...so I decided to get a container of hot war so that he could at least rinse. I went to the kitchen sink and turned on the hot water faucet...and began to fill a container. I soon realized that it was not yet hot...so I poured it out and started again. This afforded me the greatly anticipated desire to use the mop again...given that there was by that time no drain to speak of...having been removed in step 22! I coiled up the aluminum wire and tossed it out the window! Ok fine...plan "B". Plan "B" called for pushing into the aforementioned pipe...a length of garden hose...with the water running full blast...of course! 1039hrs...Time for another...official break. 1124hrs...Where was I? Just kidding; So where was there a length of hose? Well...there was the one I’d just tossed out the bloody window...and lacking easy egress...it meant that I had to go all the way around the bloody house to retrieve same. And where were we going to get a supply of water? Well there was the kitchen sink faucet...the one that had just been re-assembled! Soon enough we were ready. Bela wrapped the hose in some cloth to prevent water from coming back...and while he held it tight...I opened the faucet on the other side of the wall. We started out slow and easy. It went well...and at one point Bela began pushing the hose down the pipe. Time passes...and he then exclaims that the length of hose is all down the pipe...having stopped but then of a sudden it went all the way. The assumption was that it had stopped at the obstruction...and cleared it. We let the water run for some time since there was not the need told the cloth wad any longer...and more water flowing the better. Done deal. Time to reassemble it all...happy in the knowledge that we had in fact succeeded...and there remaining only the relatively simple task of putting it all back together. Thus...I disconnected the hose for the second time...and coiled...tossed it out the window. Bela re-assembled the faucet. The remaining plumbing consisted of two major pieces. One of which was fabricated from three pieces. And one of those had been fabricated from three pieces glue together...forming a 90 degree bend. The last section being the one that eventually went down onto the main drain pipe...which we had just cleared. This was a tight fit. In the process of reinstalling it...it broke at one of the aforementioned glued joints! Looking at it closely...revealed that it could not be repaired! Damn! There was talk that we may need to hit the hardware store where Lajos works. But first we took the pieces back to Bela’s house...on the off chance that Bela may have the needed parts to effect repairs. He did! But...there was now the need for the blowtorch that we’d left at the Wood House. So off we went...for the second time. [The Wood House is about a mile away...or so.] Somewhere along the line we were called for some needed lunch. Afterwards...Bela took measurements...and was soon cutting PVC tubing. The rest went well enough...and we headed back to Jutka’s house...with the good-as-new part. The re-assembly went well...and without further drama. I went around to the back of the house and picked up all the various pieces that I’d tossed out the window. I brought in buckets for the rubble. I swept up and mopped up our muddy footsteps and remaining water. I’d pushed back the fridge...to facilitate the general cleanup. We locked up and left! Oh...The last thing I asked Bela...once back...was whether we wanted to hit the Wood House as previously planned? He answered...that he was "Not in the mood" to do so. I chuckled...and headed home. Seven hours on my feet! Thus ended an average day in a small village by a small lake in HU Land. PS. The fact that it’s taken me about as long to write it up...has not escaped me. 1310hrs...It’s 9.2°C...partly cloudy. There are freezing temperatures and snow in the forecast! Gads! Still no solution to FC 32123! 1542hrs...Just finished re-reading the story. I’ve also showered. I had some lunch earlier. 0501hrs...Well...the ""User"" plot is not over...yet. Two more hits today. And the "User" is online. I came up with an alternate theory a few days ago...as remotely plausible. Up loading of many large files...as in photos...to accounts for the length of time the "User" is online. I mean were talking about many hours. But then there is that fact that it seems to be a daily even...5 days out of seven...and even the weekends some times. Reading just makes much more sense. If it is my web site pages...then it would in fact take a great deal of time to read through it all. The word count...for just the blog pages....up to the last paragraph is 267,627 words...give or take more than a few of my dots. [Did a word count on a 484 page book...Bernard Cornwell’s "The Grail Quest"...which is 1.25 inches thick. It came to 152,460 words.] 1822hrs...Am just looking at a webpage listing difficult FC games...and not surprisingly 32123 is listed as such. 1850hrs...I cheated. Done deal. 1938hrs...Joey on the toweled radiator next to me...purring like a happy kitty. I’ve let her in since all the males are in hot pursuit of all the females. It’s that time of year. I’ve fed her and got her some warm milk which she lapped like crazy. This way she can rest a bit...on a full stomach. 1956hrs...I’m not sure that she could handle a pregnancy. She’s next to the smallest cat around...and still plays like a kitten. Agnes’ look-a-like is smaller...frail even. Velence...4th March 2010. 0355hrs...Half my Java with Dilly...fed same. It’s 3.6°C and 24.2°C...overcast. 0437hrs...I have my own problems also. The kitchen hot water heater is not shutting off once there is no demand. The burner keeps burning albeit at a reduced level. This will mean having to take it apart. I should think about another run over to Anci’s garage to look for my small grinding motor so that I can continue work on the TV remote control. I may hit the far store too. It was a year ago today that I finally got my monies transferred into my account. That entire incident brought me right to the very edge. There were no options left to me but one...which I was preparing to take. The final solution! "Kill me now or kill me later." I‘d said...to which she answered..."How dramatic!" Making lite of a most serious situation...all the while totally oblivious to its potential magnitude...with no clue as to what could happen. And sadistically "crazy" while at the same time orgasmic with the power wielded. She meant to "damage" me...and succeeded. More on this later! As I reflect on the last six years (2004 onwards) I must conclude that I have been the victim of four major incidents of being "ripped off’! One a relative and spawn...next an "ex"...a supposed friend...and the OM even after death. All with an apparent though not clear motive. Greed I suppose is right up there on the list. Guilt...rationalized. Narcissism...grandiosity, need for admiration...boastfulness and pretentiousness...never wrong...it’s always someone else. The list goes on. One of the worst thing in human experience is the loss of control over one's life. Someone doing something...particularly something misguided and irrational...over which you have no control. 0918hrs...3.7°C and 24.3°C...overcast. 1334hrs...Getting ready to hit the far store. Taking three years worth of empty Vodka bottles. Note...I didn’t actually drink said Vodka...true. Reminder...get another bottle when at the store. It’s 5.4°C...overcast. For whatever reason...we’ve not gone to the barber’s in some time...so with it now long again...I’ve changed my disguise...I mean hair style. Mustache too. While feeding Mon on the kitchen window ledge...I looked across into the compound. The chickens have not been let out! Something’s up! 1342hrs...Dressed...and about to leave. 1422hrs...Back for 10 mins...w/o drama. The bottle disposal went according to plan. On the way back I read the name off of the non starting red car ...Car One...as a Wartburg. Dropping the second "r" might have led to a catchier name...no? At least in English. Then you could have a model called "SabreTooth". 1436hrs...Just online...and the "User" is too. Will now check the hit count. A minute later. One hit! A match. If as suspected...I expect to receive an email...sooner or later from the "User". 1512hrs...What I would now like to see is the "User" log off...and the back on...say in a matter of 30 minutes...so that I could catch the hit in real time. 1914hrs...Have been culling images...by the hundreds. The "User" is offline...during the last 30 mins...I wasn’t watching. Velence...5th March 2010. 0429hrs...Half the Joe with one of the Blacks. Ike was waiting at the door and zipped right in...surprised that I went out...hence he waited just inside the door...to eventually show me the way to the kitchen...as in what...I don't know where it is? It’s 2.3°C and 24.3°C...overcast...but I can see the Moon through it. There is some wind too. 0508hrs...Ike out...Joey in...on the toweled radiator...fed. Happy kitty. I’ve finished the cull having gone through more than 4,000 images. Tossed about 300. There will be more. The images are not lost...just off this machine. I’m running low on disk space. Every image I Sepia...takes up an additional three times the original. 0630hrs...Now 1.9°C! Windy. 0852hrs...Phone...Cila to say that she will be accompanying Dori post haste...and hence not at home. 1013hrs...4.3°C...mostly clear and bright...windy. Should start picking up the place. A real you know what. It’s now too bright in here to do any further image work. I’ve also pulled the plug on the heat. Think I’ll get dressed now. 1020hrs...Ok...that went easy enough...now what? Where to begin? Ok...Make the bed so that I can use the surface for temporary storage. 1041hrs...Did that and the dishes. Broke a tumbler. 1108hrs...Now 5.0°C. Making progress...AND found the light meter! Cleared the Epson Flat Bed Scanner and did an OCR on a book page to get an average word count per page...315. 1145hrs...Back to work. 1158hrs...The main computer work station is now cleared and clean. Time to sit back and marvel at it. A news release in the local village paper might be appropriate. The desk behind me is next. 1206hrs...With Ike just out the window...time to fire off the lap top...methinks. 1219hrs...Fixing some lunch too. 1220hrs...The "User" is already online...I’ll give it five mins. 1229hrs...!!!One HIT!!! I rest my case! But I’ll continue to monitor...to refine the observed data...just because it’s bloody fun. 1311hrs...Have done lunch...with Ike helping to eat it. Does the "User" know that I’m online? He could if I’m on his "buddy list". Does he know that he’s on mine? 1349hrs...Pissed OFF! [As in American "pissed"...not British "pissed".] 1627hrs...Up with a Cup after a short little nap. The reason is because I heard a sound. 1700hrs...Backing up with the story. The last time I saw Joey...she was lapping warm milk inside on the window ledge. Ike was sleeping on the hall window ledge...his current favorite place to crash. I don’t allow Joey the run of the place. The radiator and the aforementioned window ledge...that’s it! And I was unanimous in that...as per Mrs. Slocomb. (AYBS) She had climbed down off the ledge in the past and jumped back up when she saw that I was not happy about it. So with cleaning up and making lunch...which I managed to burn...because I was also trying to keep an eye on the "User"...I lost track of Joey. So I had to fry more chicken...with Ike in attendance...and noted that he was acting strangely. I couldn’t put a finger on it...but I knew that something had changed/happened. When I brought my tray of fried chicken and potatoes back here I panicked not seeing Joey’s shadow on the window curtains. She was not on the ledge either where I’d not see her shadow easily. Ok fine I thought...convincing myself that...yes...I did remember letting her out...and not back in. Though I looked around nonetheless. Hell...if she was in...I’d not find her easily. So while monitoring the "User"...I had lunch...and even shared some with Ike. Afterwards...Ike didn’t go back to his favorite place...but laid down under the desk behind me. At one point he wanted personal contact and jumped up onto my lap. Strange I thought. I gave him some extended TLC. He would have been happy to stay there till hell froze over...but I eventually put him on the toweled radiator. He got up and left. This was serious! Later...I looked down on the bed...which was by then covered with odds and ends...and noticed one of my watches. I then remembered the happy thought that while cleaning this table...I’d came across...by total accident...the little clip that held the battery in place for the aforementioned watch. Originally when I had taken off the back...to get at the battery...I had a hell of a time since the little clip would not disengage...making reading the battery’s number difficult. Eventually it did...and I left it on the table near the watch. Later I put the cover back in place but not screwed down...the clip...errant by then...amongst all the rubble. So when I spotted it...I was most grateful and felt bloody lucky...and smilingly put it on top my WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY the NEW TWENTIETH CENTERY...UNABRIDGED...SECOND EDITION-DELUXECOLOR...out of harms way. Later...at one point it came to me in a blinding flash...that I had eventually gotten to the aforementioned WDtNTCUSED...with the intent of clearing the table completely...and took off all the other bits and pieces of bubble that I’d also put on it...(It’s a big book)..and even cleaned the cover...prior to removing it. YES...BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BLOODY CLIP? Hence PISSED OFF as per the line up column. I needed a nap! Clearing enough room on the bed...I did. It was a fitful nap. My mind trying to work the problem of the aforementioned errant battery clip. It was a nightmare. How could I be so bloody stupid? Easy I guess! I’ve often alluded to my massive brain...and though sometimes quite brilliant...it can also be brilliantly STUPID! So it was that I was not able to enjoy my little nap. I also kept hearing sounds. The last one got my attention...and as I thought...it was...presumably Ike...on this table wanting out. DAMN...it was JOEY! She’d been IN all this time. Poor Ike...knew this all along...and hence... All he’d wanted from me was reassurance that he was still number one. Interesting I thought! I’ll make it up to him...with extra TLC. 1817hrs...We had a colorful sunset. It’s 1.4°C. And it will fall more yet...as per the forecast. I’ve plugged in the heat again. 1942hrs...The "User" is still(?) on line. It’s 0.6°C. 2007hrs...0.4°C. 2104hrs...The "User" just logged off. A thought...logical. When the "User" has in fact finished reading...as in the last page....assuming that it is my pages...then there must be thereafter a drop in online time. Velence...6th March 2010. 0337hrs...It is in fact a bloody minus 2.2°C...clear! 23.1°C inside. 0613hrs...Just in from out. Fed Dilly and Kwan...and one Rigo. It’s a minus 2.8°C....clear. I should logically state that when I refer to the "User" being online...it’s the computer we are talking about. It can not be concluded that the "User" is in fact spending all online time reading. However if the correlation between the "User" going online...and my hit count going up is true...then it could be concluded that my pages are being read. 0736hrs...I should hit the shower and shave...just for the hell of it. I plan the take the contents of my waste basket and go through it with a fine toothed comb...looking for the clip. Two minutes later. Having said that...it occurred to me that the purpose of the clip was not to "make" electrical contact with the battery...but just hold it in place. To that end I’ve installed the new battery and it’s as I thought. I can make do without the bloody clip. Though under unusually high "G" forces...such as a "massive magnitude 8.8" earthquake...as we normally encounter here in the small village by a small lake...said battery could break free. Hence MARK(!) Citizen watch battery start date. 0857hrs...The shower and shave went according to plan...and w/o drama. It’s a -0.6°C. 1222hrs...Now plus 3.1°C...Bright sunshine. Doing a second cop of Java...as I’m about to go online. 1406hrs...Three hits since this morning! The "User" has not been online as yet. 1427hrs...Fixing some lunch. I think I’ll have some peas too...for a change. 1437hrs...Feeding some of the crew. 1517hrs...Ahhhh. Well...I’d rate the meal...if you want to call it that...as something between a two day old road kill...and one that had been broiling in the noonday sun...for three or more days. As for the peas...they were in fact a facsimile of green. 1932hrs...The "User" is online...but I missed exactly when. AND one hit! 1942hrs...The "User" is offline. Velence...7th March 2010. 0416hrs... 0513hrs...Java inside. Mom on the ledge outside. Ike inside. It’s plus 0.8°C and 22.6°C...not sure what’s going on outside weather wise. Online...tried to send Stiltner an email...both addresses bounced back. 0549hrs...Cloudy but brightening in the east. 0613hrs...Have sent an email to Childers...(Tex)...asking for information about Cut Bank AFS. This one went through. [No reply as of the 29th .] Two hits since last night! 0726hrs...0.7°C. 0902hrs...At 0850hrs...phone...a women wanting to ask me a few questions. A survey of some sort I presumed. I hung up. About three minutes later...phone again...but I didn’t pick it up...assuming it was her again...this from past experience. At 0900hrs...or more accurately...0858hrs...phone. I was in the bath...getting ready to wash up a bit...thinking that I will need to hit the far store later this morning. I thought...HELL...I’ll pick it up and give her a good working over. I picked it up..."Hello"...and waited for the preamble all over again. I almost hung up...BUT...it was Sari inviting me for lunch...1300hrs...ok...thanks! So...I will combine the far store with lunch. 0956hrs...1,211 FC games to reach 10,000 games played...on this machine! 1041hrs...Online. 1049hrs...The "User" is not online. I will now check the hit counter. If as I suspect...there will be at least one more hit. A minutes later...and YES...there is...one hit! I believe that we now have a second user in the loop. One that I can not "see". [This will turn out to be prophetic!"] 1158hrs...Time to hit the shower...you know it is. Have been doing searches...Kasey P. for one. [It confirmed her current address as being the same as it appeared on my Sound Elevator personnel printout. And hence phone number. I plan to call her...one of these days. She would be able to fill in some gaps in one of my stories...(12).] 1232hrs...Dressed and ready to go. 1236hrs...Out the door in 5 mins. 1457hrs...Back w/o drama...save the fact that it’s started to snow. Not seriously...but snow nonetheless. And oh...that Agnes called from Budapest to say that they were stranded because of a BOMB threat/alert. More on this as facts/news becomes available. [Nothing...though I forgot to ask.][False bomb threat.] 1518hrs...Two more hits! Not surprised. Have not seen the "User" online as yet. 1612hrs...Well now! More Cyber Sleuthing. According to a January 10, 2010 article in the Lamorinda Weekly...Kim is (now) the sole proprietor of Total Clean! Turns out that Kimberly started the company. How did Janet fit into the picture? Oh...and she...TC...have a web site too...since 2008! In 2008..Janet was still pictured in a ad. Velence...8th March 2010. 0235hrs...Coffee with none...Ike just out. It’s a minus 1.2°C and 22.9°C...clear...stars. 0340hrs...Reviewing my military images. Kadena Air Base. I’ve come across images that I’d forgotten about...and could actually use. The maddening thing is that I’d scanned them early on...before I changed the scanner set up parameters. They look ok...but to do it right...I should scan them again. This would mean having to find them again...which is not my idea of fun. There are enough images for another web page. An interesting aspect of my images is that most of the interior frames were taken with the Nikkor 21mm f/4 lens. This is a lens that your average photo enthusiast would not have bought. And perhaps not even the 28mm f/3.5...going with the more conventional 35mm focal length lens instead. The difference in coverage between the 21mm and the 35mm is night and day. I did use the 21mm for many exterior shot too...and in some case could have used a wee bit wider lens yet...but there was at the time...nothing wider...short of a fisheye. It may well have been that it was my 21mm frames that had impressed Tokyo to the extent that they asked for my negatives. [Covered in one of my "Stories" pages.] 0640hrs...A minus 2.3°C! 0727hrs...Have been researching USAF Generals...reading their bios. I encountered three generals during my time on Okinawa. I know the name of one. I have a scanned photo of two...one known...but the other’s name tag is not visible enough for me to decipher. I do have another photo where I seem think that his name tag is clear to read...but will need to find the negative. The third was at a Commanders Call for the Commanders. I don’t have a name for him...though I have data somewhere. The now known...Major General Klocko was the commander of the Air Force Security Service...which I didn’t know at the time...no one told me specifically. [It’s true to say that I was not keeping a log as to who I shot...it was not really important. My "job" was to get a shot...and it didn‘t matter to me who it was.] My Group’s (1962 Comm. Group) commander...a full Colonel never made it to General. Speaking of rank...how is it that Bayless was not a Staff Sergeant? I never questioned it while there on Okinawa. I now read on his web site that he was there (Okinawa) for 5 years. So he was into his third ...four year...reenlistment. What happened? There was one hit over night. Going online as write. 0904hrs...A few minutes ago Joey came in through the cracked window. I let her stay in. Then just now...Ike...who’d been out...appeared at the window and came in too. Gads! 0908hrs...I’ve put Joey out. 1125hrs...Well...the plot thickens. Turns out that the High Commissioner of the Ryukyu’s was US Army Lt. General Albert Watson II. For some reason I thought it was a USAF General...duh! The General retired in 1966...the last year he held the position of HC. Died in 1993. Then we have the fact that Bayless had been in the USAF since 1957! He should have reached E4 (A1/c) in about four years...(Hell...I managed it in less that four years.)...if his enlistment was contiguous. If so...then after 9 years (1957-1966)...why was he still an E4? 1315hrs...Have been online reading and doing research. The "User" has not been online as yet...but there are/were two hit since 0518hrs this morning. Someone else is reading my pages! [As in not a random hit.] 1334hrs...I’ve decided to look through my negatives to find a few military frames. I really want to know who that one General was. I shot him with General Klocko and at a cocktail party later that day. That shot made it into to ‘This Week on Okinawa’ magazine...which is not at hand. So...here we go...wish me luck...as in a short search. 1338hrs...Someone start a clock! NOW! 1348hrs...Stop the clock. 1354hrs...Now with my second cup of Java. I did find a few frames that I will re-do...so at least I found something in the first batch. It’s now time to hit the second batch. 1414hrs...This is not going well. Nothing in the second batch. Ok fine...the third batch! 1422hrs...I think I hit the jackpot. The box is full of negative holders marked "Historic". First one...shots of Nixon. Next one...shots of Seattle...1974ish. Next one...A "happening" at Volunteer Park. Next one...NBD. Next one...Downtown Seattle. Next one...Nikon and happening. Next one...Marked Astro. Close but not it. 1435hrs...I did pull a few frames...but still not the one’s I’m after! 1445hrs...Gads...I have no idea where the rest of the negs might be hiding. I won’t do any scanning today...I don’t think. 1456hrs...I also learned that the USAF changed the layout of the bloody stripes above Tech Sgt. There was a bunch of other stupid modification too. 1526hrs...While reading...the "User" has appeared! Will check for a hit in a few mins. 1544hrs...One HIT! 1605hrs...Have been reading Thomas C. Utts’ web pages. I’ve re-read his main story (My Glorious Military Career) for what must now be the third time...in perhaps as many years. A good read. [We were in some of the same places...though out of sync. He got to Kadena AB Okinawa toward the end of my tour. He went to Korat Thailand also.] 1608hrs...I HAVE EMAIL...so says the AOL gal. Actually she says..."you have email"...but you knew what I meant. Here it comes...perhaps. [NOT.] And soon thereafter another one...from Gabor...re Photo...about getting the photo I’d emailed this morning...though I can’t read it as yet...AOL problem. I had been asked by Saci if I could provide the photo at Bela’s ...which had been framed. There was only the one copy. Oh yeah...I’d taken it at Anci’s months ago...of the two of them...Gabor/Saci. She provided Gabor’s email address and the rest is history...except that the laptop is hung up...as I tried to read his email. Damn! 1622hrs...AOL...she said..."good-bye!"...knocked off. It will try to log me back online. 1630hrs...Back online...Gabor..."thanks from us"...translated. Velence...9th March 2010. 0154hrs...Yeah...I know! I’d crashed early! And Ike is in and out...in and out! Mud with the aforementioned Ike...and poor Joey on the other side of the slightly cracked window. It’s a minus 0.5°C and 22.8°C...not sure of conditions outside. 0352hrs...Minus 0.8°C...overcast. Time to go back to bed. 0558hrs...Got no sleep to speak of. Ike...in out in out in out! [I eventually went back to bed again.] 1134hrs...That’s more like it...and a virtual dream too! And woke up to "The Sultan of Swing" playing on the radio. Things don’t get any better...huh? It’s a plus 2.5°C...The Sun burning off the solid overcast. I need to hit the far store today...so that will set events into motion. I see the negatives I found yesterday...so there is that too...to do. There was one hit since yesterday. If as I suspect...as in another user...then there should be another hit right now...and not because of the "User". Waiting for the laptop to do it’s thing. 1150hrs...WELL that was par for the course! Just in from out. Ike followed me into to the kitchen...he’d been on the bed sleeping. Mom was on the kitchen window ledge. Dilly, Joey and Groucho on the balcony table. Gads...and me with the last of the cat food. Ok fine...prepare a large plate with all that’s left and the un-fried chicken pieces that Ike hadn’t eaten from yesterday. Mom will have to wait. I take said plate outside...put it down and watch them eat. I sit down to take in the view. A bit later I hear the sound of a truck...coming my way from the west on Kemping Road. I watch as the garbage truck sails right by...given that I again forgotten to take out the trash! Mom had shown up by that time. Groucho sampling the un-fried chicken. I come back in...Ike goes out...Mom meowing for more food since she’d got little. Here...I look at the laptop to see where it is in the sequence...and then something catches my eye. It’s a glint of light... 1212hrs...The "User" is online... ...A glint of light on the floor. I recognized it immediately as the errant battery clip! And bloody naturally picked it...but it slipped back onto the floor. It landed such that it no longer glinted in the sunlight that was entering the room...invisible as it were. It was a momentary setback... and I soon placed it here on this table...in front of the keyboard... 1212hrs...One hit. ...as a safe place! So...anxious to write up the good news and taking a hit count...(which means swinging around) I sat down and started to write the above...when it occurs to me to look at it again...AND then realized that my forearm was resting right were I put it! Naturally it’s now missing AGAIN! It’s a "spiky" piece of thin metal...so it could be hung up anywhere by now...DAMN. 1248hrs...Well...at least it’s still in the house. And I didn’t have to go though the waste paper basket...which is still here...as in not in the trash can. 1515hrs...Have been editing a blog page...since the last entry! It’s now done...and I need to hit the shower and then the far store! 1532hrs...Showered and dressed. The "User" is still online! Out the door in less than 10 mins. 1612hrs...Back w/o drama. I did take some more empty bottles too. Bela’s gate was open...the white car was there...but the trash bin was still out on the curb...so I didn’t go over. 1619hrs...GADS! Joey seems to have gotten in prior to my leaving for the store. I just found her on the blanket box! And oh...ran into Anita’s boyfriend at the store. 1712hrs...Just online...so is the "User"...as in still. 1813hrs...More editing. The "User" is still online. 1905hrs...The "User" is now offline...but I didn’t see it happen. I continue to edit/proofread the page. Ike is out. 1927hrs...It was about this time last night that I crashed. I’m now tired...having been up...without a break since 0200hrs! 2100hrs...Calling it a day. Pulling the plug. Shutting down. Signing off. One additional hit. The other user? Velence...10th March 2010. 0229hrs...INCREDIBLE! But first the usual stuff. Half my Coffee with Kwan who showed up at the end. It’s a minus 1.7°C and 23.0°C...clear, calm and stars. Ike asleep on the bed. When I cleaned up this work station table a few days ago...the last thing I did was to tear off a three sheet length of paper towel and placed it such the its upper edge was under the keyboard...while the lower edge just reached the edge of the table. Nice and neat. Over time I’d move the keyboard back and forth as needed...dragging the aforementioned paper towel with it. And because I rest my left forearm on said paper towel when I type...the left section has torn...creating an inverted "V"...this after the fact. WHAT do I find smack in the middle of said inverted "V" as I sat down a few minutes ago? There in plain view was the BLOODY BATTERY CLIP...that’s what! I wanted to leave it there so that I could look at it in it’s virgin state...as a true "wonder"...but finally logic prevailed and I moved the SOB to a safer place. The crazy thing is that it was right where I’d found it this morning...last night! I never saw it! I can not believe that I would not have seen it...had it been there. When I stop typing...I lean back in my chair...arms off the table. NOW...there is another possibility. I hesitate to relate it! In a word...IKE. Last night Ike jumped up on this table...wanting out...the window. It’s unusual for him to do that...favoring the desk behind me instead. The premise is that the clip got stuck to one of his paws from off the floor...and it dropped off on the table a few seconds later. The paper towel was not torn when I put the clip on the desk...hence it could not have been under said paper towel...to be now expose when torn. Anyway...if this was the case...GOOD KITTY! 0354hrs...I’m going back to bed. Now! 0543hrs...It’s a minus 2.2°C and 22.9°C. Time to do a bit of film scanning. Well now...The name on the tag seems to read "SHTOGREN". 0615hrs...WELL BLOW ME DOWN! SBO while I take another bloody look to make damn sure I know what I’m about to write! More on this later. 0958hrs...Another hit...not the "User"...and you know the question. Scanning is no fun at all...given that I’ve seen the images...though I have rescanned images that I’d then tossed as of no interest. I seem to be into name tags! I’ve found...forensically...additional data which then has led to someone with an internet presence. A better scan brought out Shtogren...as in...at the time Brigadier General Anthony T. Shtogren. Turns out that he was at the time of my photo of him and Gen. Klocko...the head of Air Force Communications Service AFCS...of which we were apart...the Comm. Group. Again...I didn’t remember that fact. Hell...he was directly in my "chain of command"...I should have! He was born in 1917...a year older than the OM. He made Major General...by 1969. So that loop is closed. That leaves one more. But don’t remember coming across a negative...though I took his photograph at the CC. The other surprise was an aerial photo of what I seem to think is Kadena Air Base. The frame was one of five that I took. The plane...based on the wing...was a prop-job. It’s not a great photo. The runway is on the extreme left of the frame. This raises the question of why was there not a closer view? From the look of it...I wasn’t even aware of the field at the time I took the frame. GADS! 1301hrs...Spoke too soon. There was a another view after all. On this frame the runway is along the top...far in the distance. Looking closely...I don’t find any good clues...though the runway does end close to the ocean shoreline...which was the case at Kadena. 1317hrs...Had a crummy lunch! 1325hrs...Just in from bloody windy out. It’s a plus 4.6°C and 23.6°C...with the Sun trying to break through. Actually the Sun is NOT trying anything...it’s just an expression...it’s the clouds that are trying to get out of the way. 1349hrs...Just online...and she says that I have email...ok fine...let’s take a look. Spam...and the "User" is online...so let’s look at the hit counter. One hit! 1524hrs...Damn...I see that many of my military images...some that I used at the time for stories pages were done with the CP-950. In effect a photo of a slide or negative...as in not scanned. The image quality is borderline. I remember being happy with the results...but looking at them now...well...? But there was nothing I could do at the time. 2046hrs...Have spent the intervening time proofreading blog pages. DAMN...I’m still finding typos! I’m tired and sleepy. I think I’ve come up with a new game plan. More on this later. 2058hrs...Time to close her down for the night. See you all in a few hours. Velence...11th March 2010. 0316hrs...A hot cup of Java with none...because it’s bloody snowing. It’s plus 1.1°C and 22.9°C. It doesn’t look like serious snowing...it is white out there...though not thick. 0440hrs...Still snowing! Reviewing images. At the time that I copied the slides I was happy to have the mechanism to do it. First it was simple little gadget. Then Nikon came out with a copy attachment so I bought that...more copies. But it’s nothing compared to scanning. I need to find my slides...and scan a few selected images. There is much that can be gleaned from a good clean image. 0609hrs...The "Lads" are lamenting the snow! Enough is enough they say. [On the radio.] 0625hrs...About an inch of snow...still coming down. 0656hrs...Have started the great clean up! I have a plan in effect...hence it’s just a matter of getting on with it. 0749hrs...At this time I don’t know which cats are in the house! I let Ike out the front door. Later he showed up in the kitchen wet with show. The kitchen window was open because I was feeding Blackie. I thought that Ike had jumped up from outside. Well...back here the window was open...Joey on the radiator...Groucho on the ledge. This was how Ike got back in! Mom is quite apt to come in...and effectively hide. Otherwise making progress. 0810hrs...Joey asleep. It’s a plus 2.0°C...snowing very lightly. Back to work. 1021hrs...Taking a break and going online. Joey snuck in as soon as my back was turned. She’s outside now...looking in! 1026hrs...She says that I have email. [AOL talks to me.] 1032hrs...Nothing...In fact I’d signaled them to take me off the email list...but it’s still coming! The "User" is NOT online. 1212hrs...Making progress. AND...I’d been missing the extension cord for my Nikon SB-800 flash...found IT! It’s a plus 4.7°C...but still snowing lightly. Kemping Road is clear. 1815hrs...Have read an 83 page document in which CMSgt. Silk appears. Velence...12th March 2010. 0304hrs...Given a choice I’d have much rather stayed in bed...sleeping. I was having dreams...virtuals...early on...but the TV was still on...and the sounds entered my dreams. Since I don’t have a functional remote...I can’t set it to turn off automatically...hence I had to get up to turn it off. This was around 2330hrs. Right now it was Ike. It’s a plus 3.4°C and 23.5°C...calm...overcast. 0440hrs...Time to go back to bed. 0653hrs...It’s a plus 2.8°C and 23.5°C...hazy...and a bit windy out there. Fed Joey and Kwan. I have been examining a number of negatives that as of right now remain a mystery as to what they show. The frames are B/W...oblique aerials. There are frames showing a shoreline. A small peninsula...a spit of land extending out into what I must believe is saltwater as in ocean. A river. In some I’ve identified a airstrip. As in it being an airstrip...BUT not which...where? I believe that these frames were taken some time during my TDY to or from Korat, Thailand. They are of poor quality...being low contrast...taken through the aircraft window and under hazy conditions. The airstrip is most always in the distance. In one frame...the best showing the strip...I was almost convinced that it was Kadena AB. There was a control tower that looked to be the same as the one at...and here was the spoiler...Kadena...BUT I don’t remember that said tower being that far along in construction...as in complete. I seem to think that I can even see the old tower right behind the new one...just as at Kadena. Even the runways seem to look right. I flew out of Kadena on a jet...while these frames were taken from the starboard side of a prop-job. On the way back we flew into Naha...not Kadena. Having said that it not inconceivable that we were close to Kadena on final into Naha. AND the photo seems to show the strip ending close to the shoreline. 0755hrs...Just back from more examinations. Damn...It looks like Kadena! I think I’ve even identified our barracks. 0800hrs...I need to hit the far store and PO to pay a bill. I will now take a shower...and shave too...just for the hell of it. 0931hrs...Have just called over...Sari...they will be there...hence I’m out the door. 1252hrs...Back. 1609hrs...Awake after a much needed nap. Still sleepy. Fed Ike. Kwan and Dilly out on the balcony. It’s a plus 6.7°C and 24.4°...hazy. 1857hrs...I went straight to Bela’s...phone...SBO... 1801hrs...Cila..."I" bringing over some of her pastry...ok. Done deal. Anyway...I go inside and Sari gives me my recent mail...one of which is my internet bill. I ask her to please fill in some text on one of my other bills. She tells me that Bela is out in his workshop...into which I’d not looked on my way in. He was planting seeds. I asked about the Wireless Router power cube problem and he tells me that it’s still at the repair place and needs to be picked up (un-repaired). So...to make a long story short...we all went and were able to hit Spar too at my request though Sari need to go there also. Later...once back...I walked to the PO and paid the two bills. Gabor and Saci showed up. Gabor brought another Router and began to hook it up. I told Bela about my aerial photo mystery...and a few other stories. I left...heading back here. I will need to hit the far store tomorrow because I forgot to get a few items at Spar. 2109hrs...Time to pull the plug. See you all in a few hour. Velence...13th March 2010. 0510hrs...Half the Java with six. Mom out back. It’s a plus 4.6°C and 24.0°C...overcast...calm. FC game 15285...charmingly simple. 8256...same. 11012...same. 0606hrs...Just cloudy...with some clearing to the west. FC stats...now at a 20 game win streak...up from a previous 17 with the next game in the breech! 0638hrs...Lost it at 24 wins...making the streak 23. Watched the third episode of NCIS Los Angeles. The program has nothing to do with NCIS. In this episode...they never so much as flashed a badge. The "office" setting is unbelievable. The characters are unreal. The "dress code" is known in the trade as "street". The casting is padded with ethnic quotas...overly so I might add. And there is even a gnome! In one scene a bad guy...while "covered" by the two lead characters ...threatens to triggers a bag bomb. The two "heroes" fire...killing the bad guy...BUT not before said bad guy hits the switch. The next thing you see is the two good guys running like hell...WHILE you hear the sound of a "clock" beeping out seconds. That scene...by all rights should have been the end for the two good guys...and mercifully the program as such. Technically and tactically there should not have been a delay clock...unless it was intended to be placed and left...but then you’d not want a beeping sound...now would you? In this case it should have gone off instantaneously. BUT...in the script...they had to make a delay though short so that there would be an explosion...but not so long as to then have it not go off...while the good guy ran just far enough to be out of harms way...for "dramatic" effect. It should have been...switch on...BOOOOOM! 0755hrs...Dressed...ready to hit the far store. I should have been better prepared while shopping at Spar yesterday...as in a longer list in my head. But as bloody always...I’m in a hurry to get through it...not wanting to hold up the others. I NEVER do...but I still go way too fast. So...I’m out the door in five mins or so. 0848hrs...Back for 5 mins...w/o drama. I took two bags of empties. Yesterday it was one. This makes the last of it. Damn...just remember that which I could not remember at the store. Another bottle of Vodka. I did buy another DVD though. As I was parking...Bela and Gabor heading to the car repair place. Saw Agnes getting into now repaired Car Two...steering fixed. Well there was a bit of drama as I hit Kemping Road. The wind...out of the west nearly brought Electro-One to a standstill...granted that the battery is down. I will now...go online. 1209hrs...The "Formula-1" season has begun in Bahrain ! Schumacher back after three years. It should be most interesting. 1216hrs...M.S. tenth place in first round of qualifying. Kubica eight! 1229hrs...Into the second round. S.M. may be in trouble. Placing very close to the line...of being knocked out. 1249hrs...The third and last round...started. S.M. 7th ...Kubica 9th . 1748hrs...I had been putting my winter parka onto the clothes drying rack when the mood strikes me...as it did today when I returned from the store. The rack is next to the hall window ledge where Ike likes to hang out. For awhile Ike would jump up onto the rack...ending up on my bathrobe. WELL...now he’s on my bloody parka...happier than a bug in a rug! I’ll let him stay there for now...but as soon as he’s off...off comes my parka. Funny really! We’re talking cat hairs...all over the place...as it were. Earlier he was here on the radiator...but soon climbed over onto me. Earlier yet he’d jumped up onto my lap. Gads I thought...what’s this all about. This time...he climbed higher and rubbed is head against my chin...and then climbing higher...snuggled against my cheek...as I held him. Anyway...cute I thought. I only mention this because it’s unusual for him...until now. I don’t know what it means. 2205hrs...It’s that time boys and girls. Velence...14th March 2010. 0343hrs...Half the Mud with none...Ike just in. It’s a plus 5.7°C and 23.3°C...overcast. All the snow has disappeared. The only thing on my otherwise massively busy schedule for today is the Formula-1 race...coverage starting at 1225hrs. 0522hrs...A Rigo outside singing his little heart out. They are very "creative" when it come to song. Each phrase different...with one little repeat...now and then. 0633hrs...I’m going back to bed. 0820hrs...Just in from bloody gusty out. Fed five...six if you count Blackie on the kitchen window ledge...seven counting Ike. It’s 6.9°C and 23.6°C...cloudy. 1504hrs...9.8°C and 25.8°C...gusty. There may be an interesting sunset. F-1 is over. It was not the most exciting race. I didn’t like the course. Too slow. Ferrari...one...two. 2030hrs...They changed the rules this season. They drive with a full load of gas for the entire race. This loads the tires. That slows them down. S.M. came in sixth...from a staring position of seven! He made no difference to the race...AT ALL! He didn’t count in the least. Just goes to show. I bet he’s got a few things on his mind tonight! I’ve noticed this before with F-1...that they almost always place in the order that they stared in. It’s as though no one can pass the guy ahead. Today was different in that pole position Vettel...had car problems and lost the lead towards the very end...coming in forth. 2036hrs...It’s that time. I started a DVD but stopped it. Velence...15th March 2010. 0329hrs...Half a Cup with none...but then one of the Blacks showed up. Ike just out. It’s 6.4°C and 24.6°C...cloudy. 0508hrs...Just finished the back half of yesterdays DVD..."Rounders". Not bad. Acting was good. Fed a few of the crew...while taking a break. 0606hrs...I went outside and around the back to retrieve 5 wayward plastic dishes that were blown off the ledge. I also brought in the large mat that I’d used to cover Electro-One while it was parked in back. It’s now in the washer. There is rain in the forecast. It’s windy out there. Having said that...I’m thinking about hitting the far store...not sure why though. I also MUST remember to take out the bloody trash...tonight! 0631hrs...Peter Graves...dead at 83. 0928hrs...Just in from out. Whitecaps on the lake...though not as much as I’ve seen. The Sun is shining...with large patches of clouds. Have showered...not shaved. I’ve pulled the plug on the house heat...too warm in here. 1215hrs...Dressed and about ready to hit the far store. It’s 7.8°C...windy...with the Sun breaking out most of the time. 1301hrs...Back for about ten minutes. I knew that something was not normal at 0600hrs this morning. The usual radio program I expected did not come on. Then as I was getting ready to go to the far store...as in swapping out the battery pack on Electro-One...I noticed "I" and I believe Lajos in compound 2. Gads...what are they doing at home...I asked myself? So...I called Bela’s...Agnes answered...and asked what it was today. A National Holiday...that’s what. I’ll have to ask...but if this is the one commemorating the 1848 Revolt...then l can add the fact that a one Tuba Janos (John Tuba) is noted in the history books. [It was.] Anyway...this meant that the far store would be closed for sure. I hit the close store...going the long way round...and even from a distance was able to ascertain that it was in fact open...given that there were cars parked in front thereof. And...to add a bit of drama to an otherwise extremely dull story...I took the ramp...yeah I know...on the way back. I was not as bad as I thought it could/would have been. I took it real slow. So...I’m now thinking that I should take it up the ramp too...the next time. 1355hrs...Getting ready to transfer more images onto the laptop...then the Sepia web page. 1902hrs...Done deal. It was not without DRAMA though. Five hits since the 13th . 1959hrs...Just about the time I was going to report that I’ve not seen Stranger in some time...(over two weeks)...who shows up...and hungry? I made a quick tent house out of the now dry mat and one of the patio chairs. I put both Joey and Kwan inside...one at a time. Later Kwan went in on his own. There were six cats out there...gads! 2039hrs...Time to do it. Velence...16th March 2010. 0408hrs...A quarter cup with none...blown in by a sustained wind from the west. It’s 8.2°C and 22.4°C...cloudy. 0555hrs...Have been looking for and finding yet more images for the Sepia page. I’m down to Mardra...going alphabetically...and I remember asking her if she "always" wore a bra...given that it showed through...spoiling the effect...of an otherwise "clean" look. I mean her breasts looked..."crumpled"! She said..."Oh no...I just didn’t know..." ...and took it off. None of the "hip" girls of the time wore a bra. Hence depending on the material and it’s thickness...and the "temperature"...certain anatomical features may show with varying degrees of definition. Where is he going with this...I hear you ask? Well...here and in UK Land...the girls/young women wore bras as a matter of fashion rigor...even if it looked "silly". I don’t have a problem with wearing said bra...but it should not spoil the allusion...with weird lines, bumps and other none anatomical distractions. The punchline(?)...The lead Lad on the radio...has now on more than one occasion made reference to his "appreciation" and "desirability"...of the "braless" look. It’s a no brainer...that the braless look will be "in" very soon. All guys have to do is say what they like...often enough...and soon the girls will simply do it. They’re programmed that way. Fads! And the NEED to appear SEXY. So...it’s been over 35 years that it was a common sight...on the streets of Seattle...and my studio. 1404hrs...Gads...just woke up from having gone back to bed. I need to hit a store...I’m thinking the close one as I did yesterday. I brought in the empty trash can...which earlier the wind had blown over...and I had to go and set it straight. Then it started to get dark with rain clouds...and it did...so I crashed...waiting for it to stop...hence the store in a few mins. 1424hrs...After feeding the bunch...I’m out the door. 1458hrs...Back...far store...w/o drama...except that I ran into Sari...in the store. 1835hrs...Have been fighting my web page problem of center alignment NOT. Getting nowhere fast. 1909hrs...Just in from out. It never fails. With thirty six minutes to go...I went outside to see about clouds that would prevent me from imaging ISS. It was to be a good pass...nearly overhead. There were in fact clouds...so I logged it as a no-go. With my satellite prediction program still running...I turned around to see that I had about 3 mins to overhead...hence visible now...given no clouds. I stepped out and looked up. Damn...stars! It took a bit of gymnastics...but I was able to see ISS just behind the peak of the roof...and then as it came into better view. It just goes to show..."You can’t win." 1929hrs...I’m tired for some reason...as in sleepy. Velence...17th March 2010. 0208hrs...Yeah I know...but I did in fact crash...or at least tried...early last night. Ike is out. Half the Mud with Stranger who’s taken up residence in the new Mat House...and a Black. It’s 3.3°C and 24.3°C...clear with all stars present and accounted for...calm. 28464 is turning into a bitch! 0227hrs...NOT any more! Nailed it. 0426hrs...Just fed Joey inside on the window ledge. If I were to put the plate out on the patio table...she'd get only a mouthful...given all the rest and of course Stranger...who eats everything...given a chance. 0646hrs...Fed three out on the balcony...Kwan among them. It’s now 3.2°C and 24.2°C...cloudy with gaps. About to go online. 0704hrs...WELL BLOW ME DOWN! EMAIL...I guess that it must be "official"! 1021hrs...Just out of the shower which went according to plan. Shaved too. It will be ten years to the day...on June 6, 2010...that I planted England’s First Geocache. The email is to inform me that a "Geocaching Event" is to take place on what is described as "Sacred Ground" thereof. It goes on to state that it would be an "Honor" if I could join them. The "I guess" part above has to do with the fact that there were others claiming to have been the "first". 1328hrs...I’ve sent a reply to Peter...aka "goldpot"...along with three photos. I’ve asked for photos and text of the event. [Given that I won’t be there.] 1653hrs...Just back from the far store via the construction site down the road...at Uncle Bandi’s. He happened to be outside...and came down to the road to chat. Now it’s 32464 that’s become a bitch. Velence...18th March 2010. 0510hrs...Not any longer...I gave it up. Half the Cup with none...it’s 6.2°C and 23.9°C...mostly cloudy though I did see a star. I ended the day...yesterday...editing my web pages...and corrected a number of outright errors. These were all on the "stories" pages...up to the photography years. Oh...I got a reply from goldpot/Peter. I have to think about his request. More on this later. 1024hrs...Have just managed to join Geochaching.com...so I can comply with Peters request that I post a message. It took a number of tries to get a user name. My first choices were ALL taken. Funny really...ended up with "R1a1a1". I’ll now workup some text. It’s bloody sunny and 11.2°C. Thinking about hitting Anci’s garage...for a bit of scrounging. 1109hrs..Have just called over...Anci there with child. Out the door in a few mins. It’s now 12.4°C! 1547hrs...Back w/o drama. Found a bunch of useful stuff. Gave Anci two more wall clocks. I’ve got a small radio to repair. Did not find the power cube I’d been looking for...forever. Nor more negatives...though I did find a box of slides. And interestingly...an 8X10 photos of Gen. Shtogren. And I think...in another photo...the Base Commander...hence I may get a name. Four glass mugs. A small vise. 1810hrs...Have been truly scanning slides...that previously were just copied with a camera. I’ve even zoomed into some for better resolution of the parts of interest. Agnes Tuba...the neighbor...is here...already working on her garden. I’m tired out. And will take a break. Velence...19th March 2010. 0519hrs...Mud in the kitchen while feeding Ike...Mom and later Joey on the ledge...both having jumped across from the Walnut tree. It’s 3.0°C and 23.2°C...and looks to be clear. My desk is littered with 35mm slides. 0633hrs...Scanned a few more. Thinking about hitting the lakeshore. It doesn’t help though that it’s now 2.8°C! The Sun is a bit too low...as yet. I’ll wait. Time for some breakfast...and online. 0651hrs...Fess Parker...dead at 85. "So long Davie..." 0739hrs...Now 4.1°C...f8 at 1/500...ISO 200...I’ll get dressed. 0747hrs...Gone in 5 mins. 0908hrs...Back...w/o drama...and nothing to write home about. I hit the ponds...then past the Holland Houses...then Uncle Bandi’s construction site...then the pier and open field. Nothing! And the winds picked up too. I am about to work on Anci’s radio...as in now! 1229hrs...I now wait for the soldering iron to heat up. Then I’ll put it back together. Then call over. Then to Anci’s where I’d left my LED work lamp...also. OH...the close store before that. It’s now 16.6°C! Windy! Clouding up...though there is sunlight filtering through. 1310hrs...Out the door in 5 mins. 1341hrs...Back...w/o hitting Anci’s. 1605hrs...Yesterday at Anci’s...the light and temperature was accommodating...so I spent more time than usual. I started at the very back of the garage looking into every box and bag. I in fact found "good" stuff. I also went through all the boxes right of the aisle...more good stuff found. It had pained me that if I ever had the need for my "white board" which was hard to hide...I had no idea where the markers, eraser and liquid cleaner were in fact hiding. I’ve had three hits from people wanting a few lessons in photography wherein I would have liked to have the use of the large "white board"...hence the markers...etc. So it was a pleasant surprise to find a bag containing same. As it turned out ...I’d handled said bag before...but never looked beyond the two wall clocks...which I eventually gave to Anci...having noticed that the last wall clock I gave her had disappeared from the kitchen wall. Turns out that Lajos managed to "break it" when the clocks needed to be set forward...as a result of...or at least underestimating the mounting hole/nail dilemma...known in the trade as the infamous "Nail-Hole Quandary" which has stymied man since the discovery of the "hole". You see the nail. You see the hole. You see neither when it’s time to mate the two. Pardon me while I take another slurp of cold Java. Anyway...in the end I came back with something of a full load. I found a small box marked "Kadena/Cut Bank scanned slides." Great I thought! Earlier I came across a larger box full of various photographs. I rifled through them and found some that were just a bit more than interesting. Many were Polaroids. I began to sort through them...but in the end there were just too many...so I decided to bring the box. There were a number of images of historical value...hence I plan to scan them. OH! I mentioned bringing two books. One is "The German Raider Atlantis" and am in fact now reading it for what must be the forth or fifth time. I need to escape a bit. Though...since it’s a true story...I could claim it as research...no? Velence...20th March 2010. 0331hrs...Coffee with Ike...until he went out...as in just. It’s 8.0°C and 24.2°C...stars visible. 0625hrs...Now 6.3° and 24.8°C...with the Sun just up. 0818hrs...Just out of the shower...shaved too. Now 11.0°C...sunny. Thinking about hitting Anci’s to continue the great search. If I don’t do it soon...summer will arrive virtually one day to the next...as in way too hot. Past halfway into the book. Going online...now. 0923hrs...14.2°C! 1402hrs...Reading. 17.3°C! 1523hrs...Finished it. Time to do a bit of research...on the subject of a name in the book and...a name from my past...a certain girl! 1734hrs...Have been scanning Polaroids...from the large box. Mostly historical electronics stuff. THEN! I went back to said box...looking for more stuff of potential interest....when... SETTING the RECORD STRAIGHT There...close to the bottom was a large manila envelope. At first it seemed that it was empty...but I naturally looked inside it. It was too dark to actually see anything so I just reached in. The first thing that came out was one of the very first sample photorealistic "photos" that Epson included...pasted...in magazines. Oh I thought..."Yes...that was an eye-opener alright!" Along with that "photo"...behind and slightly askew...was a thicker piece of paper...card stock...which I recognized in a instant. I smiled! GADS! It’s about 4.5 inches square overall though the point of interest is half of it. I see now that there is a pinhole at the top center...which means that at one time it had been posted on one of my cork boards....long ago. I was proud of it. It was a laser printed...CAD drawn plot of an instrument’s meter scale. A close inspection shows that it was just a trial...not meant to be a duplicate of the finished product. It was naturally black lines and text...but I had colored in...three places with a red felt tip pen. It was a bit sloppy...but no big deal. I’d just wanted to see what it would look like. Red was good. "Where is he going with this?"...I hear you ask. Hey(!)...I may well write a whole bloody web page on the greater subject...but for now here is the short version of just one sad story. [It will turn out to much more than one...and a bit longer!] The cast of characters: Me...the OM (my Old Man.)...and the "Spawn" aka "Starbuck" aka "(the) Weenie". (Grandson of the OM) The latter three being the three "ages’ of Man. [Though I will use them as the mood strikes me.] The OM was building a power supply for Starbuck...as in HAM Radio. I was at the OM’s one day...and there was the aforementioned power supply on the bench. I took note of the fact that there was a nice large panel meter in the middle of the 19 inch (wide) panel which was to ultimately indicate VOLTS but since it was the original milliamp scale...some mental gymnastics would be required if left as is. I gave it some thought and decided that I could CAD (Computer Aided Design) up a new scale for the meter...to then show Volts instead of Milliamps...and in the process making it "look" more professional too. I even toyed with the idea that I could put the Spawn’s amateur radio call sign on the new scale also. And so it came to pass. I took out the meter and took it home with me. I had dismantled meters many times before...so it was no big deal to get at the scale and to remove it. I took a number of linear and angular measurements...and thus ready...I proceeded to CAD a new one. In the end I did in fact add his call sign. Cool...I thought. I printed it out on card stock with my laser printer. If I remember correctly...I colored in the call sign...letters/numbers. Done deal...I put back the now new scale...and reassembled the meter. Sometime later...perhaps a week...I took it back to the OM’s and showed it to him. Perhaps another week later...the power supply was done and gone from the bench. I don’t recall hearing anything about the Spawn’s reaction to "my" scale...or if there was...and if I was not told...it only adds fuel to the fire...as you shall see. [Logically...the OM could have stated exactly what Starbuck had said about it...but ONLY up a point.] The DEED had BEEN DONE! Anyway...no big deal I thought...I had other things on my mind. AND I had NOT done it for "points". I thought that it was just an interesting (CAD) "problem" to solve. [Doing things like this was a good way to practice and learn ways to do things in CAD...solving problems.] Had I thought in terms of points...I could easily have added a line...in plain view...in large letters...reading..."THIS SCALE WAS CREATED BY STEVE TUBA"...blah blah blah. And could have even added yet another line...reading..."I have done this to preclude anyone else from taking credit for my work." Copyright...etc! Day, Month, Year...Time...and Location. Phase of the Moon. And for good measure...Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address! Hey...perhaps even a photo. Backing up a bit...you must picture the moment...when the OM saw the new..."sexy"...scale. What was going through his mind? He knew then and there that this was something very "cool". [There’s not much you can really do to make an average power supply..."Cool".] Time passes. Note: The two stories could have been reversed in time...but makes no difference. One day it’s discovered that our Jerrold® RF Field Strength Meter was inop...and it was soon determined that its panel meter was defective. Gads. This type of problem was serious in that since the FSM was old...it was most likely not possible to get a replacement. This turned out to be the case. What to do? The meter had three scales...two linear and one logarithmic. Plus a multi-section linear range scale...and a bunch of numbers and text. I again thought about the problem. Getting a meter movement about the right size and quality was not a problem. It was the scale which would be the headache. I took out the meter movement and again took it home. Because the instrument was for all practical purposes dead...there was no hurry. The Volt meter scale for the Spawn was child’s play by comparison. There it was just a matter of "drawing" an arc...dividing it up into small units...and labeling it in Volts. Adding his call sign was easy...just large text. However the FSM’s new scale had to be superimposed onto a totally different meter movement. It could not be copied. Anyway...I won’t bore the reader with a "blow by blow" account...suffice to say that this little problem took a bit longer to solve. Careful angular measurement had to be taken of the new meter...for which I had just the right tool...something that I’d bought months before on a whim. [It could be thought of as turntable with a digital readout of it's angular position...down to one tenth of a degree. Though its intended purpose was totally something else.][It would take another three pages to explain the problem in detail...and my solution.] Anyway...the result was a success and hence the aforementioned newly found plot...in the manila envelope...as evidence thereof. NOW the PUNCHLINE!...WAIT FOR IT! 2009hrs...Took a break for a bite to eat. Ok...so...10 years pass! TEN YEARS...I repeat! The OM dies! (2004) RIP. Actually a bit short of ten year but not in and of itself important. I fly back to Seattle from London UK Land in a matter of a just a few days after getting the news. I discover that the house has been virtually raided and robbed...the great rip-off had started without me. AND would continue while I’m there! Naturally the Weenie is participating whole heartedly in the insuring mass hysteria of blinding GREED. One day...Starbuck and I are in the basement where I’d spent many...happy enough...years of my youth. And on many weekends...thereafter. On this day I made a comment about the OM’s computer...which I had procured for him years before. [25 Dec 1990] [This would have been his second computer....having sold the first (I'd bought it for him) as per further down page.] The question was...what was to become of it? The Spawn indicated that he wanted it because... Because why...you ask? Well...let’s back up a bit. When the Weenie came to pick up the aforementioned power supply...ten years earlier...he saw the meter’s face...and naturally noted the fact that it was now not just showing volts...a good thing...but that his call sign was emblazoned upon it too...as in COOL! He was very much impressed...(I assume)...and so naturally asked...not only who...but how it had been done. Back to the state of the OM’s mind at seeing MY sexy new scale. Could he have come to the realization that when Starbuck came to pickup the power supply...and saw the new scale...which would have been totally unexpected...and really cool...that all his work would lose luster in comparison? Hence... NOW! As to the first question...the OM answered that it was HE(!) that had created it...BUT would not tell the Spawn HOW...HE’D "done it"!!!!!!!!!! Let this sink in! This story was told in the form of an overriding question...as in did I know anything about it? The reason that he...the Spawn wanted the computer was because he believed that the "drawing" was on the hard drive...in some form thereof. When he asked...I presume more than once...the OM refused to answer the question. Hence the Spawn’s curiosity...wishing to "find" said "drawings"...hence the answer(?) to the mystery. I could not believe my ears! INCREDIBAL! To be pronounced...as "IN (a slight delay) CREDIBALE!" Repeated again...a few times. A slight shake of the head is good too. Why was it SO important for the OM to take credit for something he‘d not done? A strange calculated risk. What were the odds...that the subject would EVER come up...as to who and how the meter scale was produced. As for not answering the second question as to how...there was a little problem. The Spawn would have wanted to actually see HOW it was done...no? But since there was no CAD program on his machine...much less that he’d...the OM...known how to in fact "do it"...it was best if he just kept his mouth shut tight...which he did! So...this was a massive CALCULATED deception! The whole thing played out in detail as to what he’d say...and not say. It’s only weakness was the fact that it would sound "fishy" nonetheless! But I guess that was better than giving me rightful credit...do I have it right? [More to the point...the OM WANTED the CREDIT!] In fact it would have been inconceivable for the OM not to have shown him...his "CAD" skills...had he in fact done it...no? I mean...if he did it as he claimed...what possible "secret" could there be? Compounding the little deception was the fact that he didn’t have a Laser Printer on which to print it out. I smiled with some relish at the obvious turmoil of thought! And greatly saddened by it too. Anyway I went on to inform Starbuck as to the true author of the scale...and hence the fact that he...nor anyone else would find said "drawing" on the OM’s computer hard drive...because it was not on the OM’s computer...but mine. NOW of COURSE there is a LITTLE Problem! The Weenie could be thinking that it was I who was taking credit for the OM’s handiwork. Logically true. [Nothing more was said about the computer...so I guess the Spawn believed my version of events.] So...anyway....here is the ultimate PUNCHLINE. As was my practice at the time...I would almost always "sign" and date my CAD work. I would also note the drawing’s file name. Generic CAD’s file extension for drawing was...cleverly...".GCD"...as in "Generic CAD Drawing. I named the one for the FSM "Jerrold2.GCD"...and signed it "Sierra 12/16/94". Sierra being the phonetic for "S" hence Steve. NOW...if the Weenie has not gotten rid of it...he could dig out the Jerrold® FSM...and by carefully looking down into the meter...he should just be able to see the file name on the right...and my signature and date on the left. Sadly I don’t have a printed copy of the power supply meter scale...but as with the other one it too was signed and dated...though not visible without taking the meter apart. Not all that difficult to do should one be so inclined...just a few screws. Go ahead...take a look...and make my day! If memory serves me...I spelled out my name in full..."Steve Tuba" as part of my "signature" on that meter scale. Which as I said was not visible when assembled. So...there was no "danger" of contradiction...discovery. In and amongst the Polaroids were a number of other "Proofs" Proof that I was in fact the owner of test equipment that was being questioned at the time after the OM’s death. Again...dated photos...taken ten years earlier! [OH! It was being claimed that the Spawn and the OM had gone around taking inventory of all that was of interest (to the Weenie) in the way of ...well...everything! It should be asked as to who came up with that little idea, when and more importantly WHY? This "inventory’s" purpose was to identify that which was assumed to be the OM’s...and that which was not...and hence assumed as "mine". Ok fine. Now...this was in fact a setup! The main "feature" being that ALL those items identified as being the OM’s...were to go to guess who...upon the OM‘s demise? Again it raises the question as to when this "inventory" was taken. I mean...was it a day, week, month, year before his ultimate death? The one thing that is painfully obvious is that a TOTAL claim had been perpetrated. It was never stated that the OM had "wished" me to have a particular item because it then would have to have appeared in his WILL! It was made sure that there were no such items. And in affect neatly "taken care of" by the "inventory". Hence...Wait for it! NOW for the punch line. This "inventory" was NOT done with paper and pencil! IT WAS ALL VERBAL! There were no lists of items. The "story" goes...that they just went around one day...taking mental notes only. If you can believe it? It must also be noted that to have done a thorough job of it...it would have taken...what(?)...a few days...at the very least. And that would have been for only the large pieces of equipment...not the minutia! All "committed" to memory? GIVE ME A BLOODY BREAK! I mean I knew all my gear on sight...but are you telling me that the Weenie could come back at some later date...and ID all the gear...on sight? There were hundreds of items!! [AND...how was it done? What was the dialog like? Did the Weenie point to each item and then wait for the OM to respond? Did the OM say..."Dat is mine." Or in the interest of speed...was it reduced to just "Mine." I say point...but that would in most cases not be sufficient. One would actually have to touch the item...or hold it up.] Compounding the issue was the OM’s faculty to remember the history of every item of equipment...that ended up there in the basement. How a piece of test equipment (history) came to be at the OM’s would not be known to the Weenie...as fact...NOT a CLUE! [One day I made the comment that the Weenie did not know the history of the equipment...this to the Father of Spawn. This was not meant to be derogatory...just a statement of fact. He came back with..."But...he...(the Spawn) watches the History Channel." (This is a reference to the fact that some of the gear was old military equipment.) I wasn’t talking about the THAT history...but how it came to be at the OM’s! Duh! [I too watched the History Channel and never saw one program dealing with any piece of military equipment we had. AND there were only three pieces/groups of military gear we had...not couning the small parts thereof. These out of hundreds of other pieces of equipment.] I shook my head and said nothing...as a lost cause. There were various pieces of equipment that I had designed...bought parts for...and built...that I’d left there in the basement. I didn’t really need them as such...but technically mine. But what if the OM claimed otherwise...either as a result of failed memory...or just plain deviousness...as just too cool not to claim?] As I acquired more and more equipment...some of it would end up at the OM’s...because I no longer need it...AND when I went down to the OM’s...I wanted as much of the same capability that I had at my house in place...so that I could perform the same tests...or functions there...as need be. I wasn’t in effect "giving" them to the OM. It was just that I was extending my capabilities to his house. A case in point were HP® RF (Radio Frequency) sweep generators. I had originally bought two for myself. When the OM bought one...I bought another one which ended up at his place...because it was much easier to have two in place...with two different frequency ranged plug-ins...hence negating the need swap them. Naturally...the second one...mine...had disappeared (stolen) by the time I got there! [On these sweep gens the plug-ins were inserted from the back...making it a real bitch to swap out.] [An interesting note. The aforementioned HP® sweep generators consisted of a mainframe into which one would install various plug-ins. These plug-ins covered various frequency ranges. When purchased new...a scale was included with said plug-in matching it’s frequency range. This scale was mounted to the mainframe as needed. The purchase of a mainframe...whether new or surplus...logically meant that NO scale was included...being determined solely by the plug-in. Hence the units I/we purchased. On the surplus market...the plug-ins came WITHOUT scales also...having been separated from each other at some point...or another. WITHOUT scales...the sweep generators were next to USLELESS. There were a number of options available...mostly Mickey Mouse...that could overcome the problem. These scales were made of relatively thick, clear Lucite on which were drawn lines and numbers denoting the cardinal points of a given frequency range...matching the plug-in. WHAT to DO? Well something had to be done. So I came up with a game plan. CADing the scales was not that great a problem. The main obstacle was not having a template as a guide. I needed dimensions. The dimensions of the physical plastic I could figure out from the space provided on the mainframe itself. I seem to think that I even made a prototype to check the fit. For the scale I was somewhat fortunate that in one of my Hewlett Packard (HP®) catalogs there was a rather large image of a mainframe...WITH a scale. From this I took measurement with a pair of digital calipers...which I compared to dimensions of my mainframe. My numbers "looked" right. I began the task of CADing a new scale. Fortunate also was the fact that the scales were linear. Once I established the end points...it was just a matter of evenly dividing it up...with finer and finer graduations. Adding the numbers was straight forward. At one point it came to me that since I now had full control over what would eventually appear on said scales...I could add a few helpful marks. There were called out in the calibration instructions certain frequencies that it was to be set to...which one had to figure out...as in not marked as such. Then there were those frequencies that were of particular interest to me. 1,691Mhz (1.691Ghz) being one. This was the GOES weather satellite’s transmitting frequency for which I’d be building antennas and antenna feeds...and tune receivers to. And the two HRPT 1.7xxGHz frequecies. It would be very handy to be able to "dial" right to it. So...I added these to the scale. On another scale I added points for 10.7Mhz and 445Khz...the common IFs (Intermediate Frequency). Ok fine...done deal with CAD work for now. I had to then think of a way to get my CAD drawn scale onto a piece of plastic mentioned above. At work we had a plotter that would eventually facilitate the plotting of a perfect 1 to 1 ratio and I could and did plot the scales as transparencies on clear stock....that is film. These could not be used as final because it was black lines and number...against the black background of the mainframe. And the space was not backlit. But I was at least able to start calibrations...though not without difficulty...while thinking about the problem. These transparencies also demonstrated the correctness of my dimensions. Also at work...(Sound Elevator) we had a vendor...represented by a gal that was frequently on site...taking care of business. One day it occurred to me to ask her what capabilities she had along the lines of silk-screening. And the fabrication of plastic...as in cutting and routing. She indicated that she had the capability...once I explained my problem in detail. I then CADed up a drawing for the plastic part...and gave it to her along with the aforementioned transparencies. But not before I added a few "touches" to the scales. HP®’s were done in white. Naturally I had two sets made...though one in white...the other in yellow. A week or two later I had the new scales in hand! I kept the yellow set and installed the white scales at the OM's. I plan now to pull at least one my scales off one of the mainframes so that I can photograph it...for the record. Happy in the knowledge that there are no such scales anywhere else on earth. [Done deal...both scales in hand!] Change of subject: I had scored a large screen Wavetek® 1901C X-Y monitor. It was in very good shape...and my intention was to somehow use it as a display for my satellite images. This did not work out...so I put it aside for what must have been a year or two. [There was also the fact that while checking it out...early on...I managed to burn the bloody phospher.] This monitor’s screen did not have a graticule. This was perfect for my intended purpose at the time. I hadn’t wanted a grid of lines to appear on my satellite images. I’d had enough of that with images taken off oscilloscopes to last me a life time. BUT then...a year or so later I wanted/needed a larger display for my sweep generator display. Then I remembered the Wavetek®. It was not only very sexy...but most functional too since it would mean that it could be viewed from a greater working distance. So out it came and I was soon set! I’m sure the OM was impressed...the first time he saw it. This also meant that while I had one...there was not the equivalent at his place...for when I was there. [We had to use his Tek® scope.] So...time passes...and one day what do find (surplus) but the same unit...but this one had a black lined graticule! The phosphor was different too...but no big deal. PERFECT for the now new application. I naturally bought it! Once at home it didn’t take long to swap them out. I was most pleased...partly because the original unit had developed a problem. So...I was happy to give it to the OM. I had fought the problem on and off for some time...so again...giving it to OM was a no brainer. He eventual managed to fix it...hence we were now both set. Mine with a graticule...his without. Remembering that "lines" were good...the OM proceeded to manufacture "lines" made of thick white thread...forming a grid....taped down all around the edges. Not very sexy...in fact a bit Mickey Mouse...but it served its function. NOW...the OM knew one from the other...on sight. There is no mistaking them...and he knew the HISTORY thereof. Which you would NOT ever find on the aforementioned HISTORY CHANNEL no matter how long you watched it! SO...how did it come to pass that mine disappeared? [I have photos showing both at my place.] Change of subject: When I moved to California (1996)...much of my gear ended up at the OM’s and I even set some of it up for him to use. Originally this particular "setup" was a somewhat naive attempt to "maintain" a Primary Voltage Standard Reference...consisting of 10 Saturated Standard Cells. (one of which was defective.) It was NOT a serious venture as such...given that the basement was NOT and could not be held at anything close to maintaining a standards lab environment. It was just fun to play at it. [A Volt nut]. ["Volt nut’s" are individuals interested in acquiring and maintaining Primary Voltage Standards...as a "serious" HOBBY! There are a number of echelons at which to enter the "game". After doing a great deal of reading...they will be on the lookout for not only the better and better Voltage Standards but other requisite pieces of equipment...with which to measure it’s voltage. Simply put...that’s it! Having said that...The only limiting factors effecting the quality and quantity of gear will be their increasing knowledge...and the size of their wallets...and some luck. The driving underlying reason for doing all of this is to gauge yourself against the ’BIG Boys" at the top. It is an intellectual/technical pursuit. Just what does it take to maintain a Primary Voltage Standard...just like the Big boys? Can I do it? How close can I get to their capabilities? How close can I get to the gods...to perfection? It must be said...that it’s also just plain great FUN!] The closest we ever came to something that was quite superb was my Fluke 732A...though the bank of ten Saturated Standard Cells had potential...pardon the pun. [Saturated Standard Cells are one of a type of very special battery. If constructed to the very highest of standards...they will maintain their (voltage) value for potentially many decades...varying only one millionth of one volt (per year) if properly cared for! However they can be easily damaged if not used correctly. The sole purpose of these cells is to be periodically measured (inter-compared) so as to establish there stability...leading to a proclamation of their voltage. This entails not only taking the requisite readings...but the keeping of records. Many sources of errors stand in the way of reaching ultimate perfection. These errors and other unknowns constituted the level of confidence with which the "true" (voltage) value can be stated. That is to say that there is ALWAYS an uncertainty about said value. It is the reduction of those uncertainties that "makes the game". In other words one can state with 100% certainty...assuming that said cell had not been abused...that the cell’s voltage is something on the order of 1.018 volts. And most likely even 1.0182 as an example. Things then get a little trickier as one tries to state the value with equal certainty as one approaches a millionth of a volt resolution...1.0182xx. The last "x". THIS is WERE we SEPARATE the MEN from the BOYS! It is...or at least had been for over 90 years that these very same types of batteries were used by all technologically advanced national standards laboratories throughout the world...to "define" the VOLT. (A Google search on "Weston Cell" (Edward Weston) will enlighten the reader further.) At those levels...the national standards labs...such as (at the time) the National Bureau of Standard(USA)...later NIST(National Institute of Standards and Technology)...these batteries were manufactured "in house". Commercially built cells were available to those lower echelon labs that needed them. Some of those banks eventually trickled down into the surplus market into the hand of those interested...the Volt nut’s!] To continue... Interestingly...I had "recalibrated" it! [My Fluke 732A] I based the need to do so on the fact that a newly acquired voltmeter convinced me that it...the 732A...was "off"...out of spec. THEN...while I was living in California/England...the OM had it recertified by Fluke. Gads! It came back...IN SPEC! I got a chuckle out of that! Ten years prior...I had the 732A...along with another voltage standard [HP® 735A]...set up in a closet...in my "computer room". The small room was out of the "draft" but I made no further (great) attempt to control the environment. I had two voltmeter that were suitable for what I wanted to do...one of which I was able to connect to my computer. Close enough. I wanted to automate repeated measurements of the Fluke 732A...and a number of other voltage standards including some "old" unsaturated standard cells. I was NOT interested in maintaining them as "standards" as such. I wanted to "play" with the numbers. The relationship of one "standard" to the others. It was all...in and about the numbers. So...I wrote many programs that took the readings. Later I added a few refinements like standard deviation calculations...and other statistical data. Once my basic program "worked" it was a simple matter to add "bell and whistles"...which I did. Then...as part of just plain record keeping...I began to generate a printout per measurement. Well...what should this printout look like...I asked myself? I didn’t actually ask myself...it just kinda popped into my mind. Ha ha. Well...I thought that I’d make it look as official as possible...so I used a real certificate as my example. It looked and read..."sexy"...when done. And thereafter I generated a great many such "certificates" of my measurements. One of my programs...this for the Fluke 732A DC Reference Standard...(at) 10V output: Those items in RED would ultimately appear on screen (PRINT) and the (LPRINT) printed "certificate". CLS 'FK10VL.BAS RE-WRITTEN 7/25/95 SCREEN 9: COLOR 14, 1 INPUT "TEMPERATURE AT TIME OF MEASUREMENT"; TEMP$ INPUT "HUMIDITY AT TIME OF MEASUREMENT"; HUM$ INPUT "NUMBER OF MEASUREMENT"; NO$ CLS V$ = "####.######" VV$ = "####." VVV$ = "####.###" VX$ = "####.#########" VY$ = "####.###" CV# = 10# RE# = .0000001# TEMF# = .000002# TE# = RE# + TEMF# LOCATE 1, 1 DIM resp$(1000) OPEN "com1:9600,e,7,2,rs,cd,lf,pe" FOR RANDOM AS #1 LEN = 1000 PRINT #1, ":SYST:REM" PRINT "FLUKE MODEL 732A 10V "; DATE$; " "; TIME$ PRINT : PRINT ' CONFIGURE THE MULTIMETER FOR DC VOLTAGE READING, ' 1OV RANGE, 0.00001V RESOLUTION. ,1 READING/TRIG PRINT #1, ":CONF:VOLT:DC 10,0.00001;:SAMP:COUN 1" PRINT #1, ":INP:IMP:AUTO ON" PRINT #1, ":VOLT:DC:NPLC 100" PRINT #1, ":CALC:FUNC AVER" PRINT #1, ":CALC:STAT ON" ' TRIGGER THE READINGS, AND FETCH THE RESULTS STIME$ = TIME$ 10 PRINT #1, ":READ?" LINE INPUT #1, resp$: VAL$ = resp$: R# = VAL(VAL$) PRINT #1, ":CALC:AVER:MIN?" LINE INPUT #1, resp$: MIN$ = resp$: MIN# = VAL(MIN$) PRINT #1, ":CALC:AVER:AVER?" LINE INPUT #1, resp$: AVER$ = resp$: AVER# = VAL(AVER$) PRINT #1, ":CALC:AVER:MAX?" LINE INPUT #1, resp$: MAX$ = resp$: MAX# = VAL(MAX$) PRINT #1, ":CALC:AVER:COUN?" LINE INPUT #1, resp$: CO$ = resp$: CO# = VAL(CO$): I = INT(VAL(CO$)) LOCATE 2, 13: PRINT "COUNT.............."; : PRINT USING VV$; CO# LOCATE 4, 13: PRINT "READING............"; : PRINT USING V$; R#: RR# = RR# + R# LOCATE 6, 13: PRINT "MAXIMUM............"; : PRINT USING V$; MAX# LOCATE 8, 13: PRINT "AVERAGE............"; : PRINT USING V$; AVER# LOCATE 10, 13: PRINT "MINIMUM............"; : PRINT USING V$; MIN# LOCATE 12, 13: PRINT "MAX-MIN............"; : PRINT USING V$; MAX# - MIN# IF R# = AVER# THEN H = H + 1 LOCATE 14, 13: PRINT "CALC AVERAGE......."; : PRINT USING VX$; RR# / CO# LOCATE 16, 13: PRINT "CORRECTED.........."; : PRINT USING VX$; (RR# / CO#) + TE# LOCATE 18, 13: PRINT "ERROR IN PPM......."; : PRINT USING VY$; ((RR# / CO# + TE#) - CV#) * 100000# LOCATE 20, 13: PRINT "% READING=AVG......"; : PRINT USING VVV$; (H / CO#) * 100; S2X# = S2X# + ((R# - AVER#) * (R# - AVER#)) IF I > 2 THEN S2# = S2X# / (I - 1) IF I > 2 THEN SD# = SQR(S2#) LOCATE 22, 13: PRINT "STD DEVIATION uV..."; : PRINT USING VY$; SD# * 100000# LOCATE 23, 13: PRINT " VARIANCE uV..."; : PRINT USING VY$; (SD# * 100000#) ^ 2 IF CO# <> VAL(NO$) THEN GOTO 10 ETIME$ = TIME$ INPUT ENDING TEMP"; ET PRINT #1, ":SYST:LOC" LPRINT PRIMARY STANDARD LABORATORY" LPRINT " REPORT OF CALIBRATION" LPRINT LPRINT " LPRINT LPRINT " FLUKE MODEL 732A DC REFERENCE STANDARD" LPRINT " AT 10.000000 VOLTS NOMINAL OUTPUT" LPRINT : LPRINT LPRINT " This DC Voltage standard was calibrated on "; DATE$; " when" LPRINT " during the period "; STIME$; " to "; ETIME$; ", "; NO$; " measurements" LPRINT " were taken. The ambient temperature was "; TEMP$; "C." LPRINT " The humidity was "; HUM$; "%." LPRINT LPRINT " PROGRAM:............... FK10VL.BAS" LPRINT " EQUIPMENT:............. HP 34401A DVM" LPRINT " RANGE:................. 1O VOLT" LPRINT " RESOLUTION:............ 0.000 010 VOLTS" LPRINT " INPUT Z:............... >10G OHMS" LPRINT " INPUT FILTERING:....... 100 CYCLES (NPLC 100)" LPRINT " LEADS AT METER:........ PAMONA 5295-36 (GOLD BANANA PLUG)" LPRINT " LEADS AT UUT:.......... PAMONA 5295-36 (GOLD SPADE)" LPRINT LPRINT " RANGE/READING ERROR: (-)"; : LPRINT RE# LPRINT " LEAD THERMAL EMF: (-)"; : LPRINT TEMF# LPRINT " TOTAL ERROR: (-)"; : LPRINT TE# LPRINT LPRINT " COUNT; "; : LPRINT USING VV$; CO# LPRINT " % READING=AVG "; : LPRINT USING VVV$; (H / CO#) * 100; : LPRINT "%" LPRINT LPRINT " LAST READING "; : LPRINT USING V$; R# LPRINT LPRINT " MAX "; : LPRINT USING V$; MAX# LPRINT " AVERAGE..............."; : LPRINT USING V$; AVER# LPRINT " "; : LPRINT USING V$; MIN# LPRINT LPRINT " (MAX)-(MIN) "; : LPRINT USING VX$; MAX# - MIN# LPRINT " CALC AVERAGE.........."; : LPRINT USING VX$; RR# / CO# LPRINT " CORRECTED............."; : LPRINT USING VX$; (RR# / CO#) + TE# LPRINT " ERROR IN PPM.........."; LPRINT USING VY$; ((RR# / CO# + TE#) - CV#) * 100000# LPRINT " STD DEVIATION uV..68%."; : LPRINT USING VY$; SD# * 100000# LPRINT " 2.0 SIGMA uV......95%."; : LPRINT USING VY$; (SD# * 100000#) * 2 LPRINT " 2.6 SIGMA uV......99%."; : LPRINT USING VY$; (SD# * 100000#) * 2.6 LPRINT " VARIANCE uV..........."; : LPRINT USING VY$; (SD# * 100000#) ^ 2 LPRINT LPRINT " ENDING TEMPERATURE:_______"; : LPRINT "C" LPRINT LPRINT " THERMISTOR RESISTANCE: 3.56_____"; : LPRINT "K" LPRINT LPRINT " NOTES:"; STRING$(58, CHR$(95)); "" LPRINT LPRINT " "; STRING$(64, CHR$(95)) LPRINT LPRINT " "; STRING$(64, CHR$(95)) LPRINT LPRINT " "; STRING$(64, CHR$(95)) LPRINT LPRINT CHR$(12) RUN These I three-hole punched and put into a logically requisite three ring binder. The measurements that I took...I believed to be "better" than anything the OM could achieve in his "lab"...aka basement. I gave him the three ring binder with the idea that if he were to make measurements (of the 732A)...he could compare his readings to mine. The binder was by that time about two inches thick. OK fine...it was an inch and a half! I didn’t have time to go into any great detail about my "numbers" and graphs. I was heading for California. As an interesting note; I’m looking at a Polaroid of the above mentioned setup in my closet. The date?...12-20-94. Four days after I signed and dated the FSM’s scale...drawing! Time passes...as in ten years. (Back to 2004) An argument/altercation ensued about components of the "OM’s" voltage standards measurement setup. I noted those items that were in fact mine.[These items had already disapeared...and I wanted them returned.] Ultimately removing them from the setup was in effect reducing it’s overall capabilities...as fact...but NOT really my problem! The setup was NOT a "true" and viable anything. It was just a collection of odds and ends. Yes...one could effect a measurement...but it meant nothing. It was all relative...and unstable. The OM took measurements alright...but he never analyzed his "data". As in "WHAT did it MEAN? The only certified piece of equipment was my Fluke 732A. Sometime later... So...there we were again on another day...the Weenie and I in the basement. The topic of the measurement setup...came up again. At one point I asked him why he thought I wanted to take...the (MY) gear...above and beyond the logical fact that it WAS MY GEAR? Are you sitting down for this? If not...then do so. The Weenie came back with... "Because you don’t want me to have it!" Most interesting I thought...the implication most illogical, impudent AND insulting! Definite grounds for getting onto my Shit List. There were two components to his response. One was..."What was ‘it‘?" and "What was ‘it’ that I didn’t want him to have?" WELL NOW! "IT" was the setup...the equipment as is. And the "What" was $100,000.00 a year! I could NOT...believe my ears! Delay between words for effect. The OM had convinced (lied to) Starbuck that he(?)...the OM...was making $100,000 a year in certifying voltage standards! As in a business. With said "setup"! Absolutely incredible! Remember the requisite delay. I could NOT believe my ears. On two counts. One...how could the OM ever perpetrate such a lie? And two...how could the Weenie be so STUPID as to believe it...(Witness the fact that he wanted said setup so that he too could make $100,000.00 a year. (The Weenie is 24 years old at the time!)? All he had to do was "look around"! Absolutely incredible...I must repeat! Is it ANY WONDER? It’s of course just plain old blind GREED! NOW...and this could be a bit of a stretch...but perhaps not. There is the matter of my three ring binder. Page after page of official looking documents...and sexy too I might add...for all the world "copies" of "real transactions". Hundreds of them. At $100(?) a pop...that’s well over $30K-$40K...is it not? A bit of upward extrapolation...or a higher price...and you get $100,000. [Perhaps I should add a word of caution here. I’m not sure if it was I that was supposedly making said $100K...based on my "certificates" and that with the assembled gear at the OM’s...(any)one could do the same.] It’s too complicated to sort this out...hence I’ll go with it as I think heard it. [In all fairness to young Starbuck...it must be stated that a number of historical parameters should be taken into account. According to the LORE...I acquired the Fluke 732A on 18 October 1994. At the same time I bought two new Digital Volt Meters...a Fluke® 8842A and an HP® 34401A. This led to the Polaroid(s) taken two months later on 20 December 1994 showing them along with an old HP® 735A DC Reference Standard...and my "bank" of five miscellaneous Unsaturated Standard Cells...sitting on top of the a black and white plastic stand. (I’d bought it new...just for the purpose.) [There was one other Unsaturated Standard Cell that I had built a container for. It was a "good cell" so I wanted to give it a good (home) housing. I took as my example the construction of an Eppley® 100. (The last Eppley® 100 was manufactured in 1993!) The cell was thermally isolated in a copper enclosure. I took a piece of copper tube...about 2 inched in diameter...which had been the center conductor of the 50 ohm coax that fed the antenna for the FRT-49 20KW transmitter at Cut Bank Air Force Station to serve as my thermal shield. With the cell wrapped up inside the shield...I wrapped the shield and placed it inside a suitable length of larger diameter phenolic tubing. This was then mounted to a suitable piece of thick aluminum. Finishing it off with four large...copper/brass(?) feet. The leads from the battery were brought out to two Pomona® banana jacks. It of course disappeared too...as in stolen.] [Another case of NOT knowing the true HISTORY thereof.] [Plus the fact that if it were claimed that an invertory had been done...but in fact NOT down to the minutia...then ANYTHING was simply "up for grabs".] I moved to California in July of 1996...hence the Fluke® 732A, the HP® 735A and a Julie Research Laboratories® (Kelvin-Varley) VDR 307CR were left at the OM’s.[The JRL® K-V was in fact defective.] This meant that NO serious measurements could have taken place before that date. Starbuck would have been an impressionable 16 and a half. The OM was 78. [With me not there...the door was wide open.] The OM liked working in his garden and fraternizing with his neighbors. I mean to say that he had time on his hands to "play". But these same activities nonetheless...took up time. In late 1998 I moved to London, England...but just prior to that date...I visited the OM. I would not be back in Seattle again until March of 2002...by which time the Fluke® 732A had been certified by Fluke® as being "In Spec."...and new seals applied. Starbuck would have been 22 and the OM 84! When I was 22 years old I was in the US Air Force. At that age I thought I knew more than I actually did...I‘m sure...BUT I wasn’t STUPID! In 2004...the OM dies at age 86...RIP. The Spawn would have been 24 years old! Gads...am I implying that the Weenie was STUPID? YES! Now if the OM showed the Weenie MY "certificates" passed off as HIS, then the question that should have been raised was..."How had he done it?"...(the certificates) given that my certificate(s) indicated the equipment used...which were not in evidence. Ignoring that little fact...then how could the OM effect 100 measurements in the timeframe indicated? (One of the variable inputs to my program was the number of measurements to be taken...I normally put in 100...and this was later printed on the certificate. These 100 measurements took 6 minutes to perform.) It’s one thing to send a command to a digital voltmeter "asking for" 100 measurements...and totally something else if one were to ask a human...using analog equipment to generate 100 meaningful readings...in 6 minutes! (That’s one reading every 3.6 seconds!) And to then manually reduce those 100 readings to generate statistical data is beyond credibility. I can not for the life of me...nail this down. If I had heard of this while the OM was alive...I’d have given him one HELL of a "going over". [One of the OM’s basic tenants of life was...wait for it... "CATCH me if YOU CAN!"] [And if caught...go into "DAMAGE CONTROL!"] Wonderful! Hence the OM had no moral issues about...how shall I put it..."making up stuff"...as it suited his somewhat grandiose self image. Basically he thought that if he could "get away" with it...he’d do it in a heart beat. If he knew or at least thought that the odds were nearly zero that I would be in contact with those to whom he had related a fabrication...he’d do it. To that end I thought many times that he was keeping me separated from these people. The Spawn was one...the neighbors the others. It wouldn’t do at all for "us" to be comparing notes...now would it? Part of the reality was that the OM was desperately trying to lure Starbuck back into the "fold" as it were. The bait was of course MONEY! BUT that fact should NOT have been a license to outright lie...much less the magnitude and the means. SO SAY I! 2345hrs...Gads! 2353hrs...Time to pull the plug. See you all in a few hours. Velence...21st March 2010. 0622hrs...Half my Mud...six in attendance.. Now 10.3°C and 24.1°C...Hazy...but will clear later. So back to the story. Let’s run some numbers. To make the mythical $100K/year...we’re talking about 1000 units/year at $100(?) a pop. That means say 84 a month...making 21 a week hence 4 a day (5 day week). Since Voltage Reference Standards are not measured as they arrive...being given time to stabilize...that is that those standards such as the Fluke 732A would have been plugged in...taking them off the internal batteries...there would be about 84 units littering the basement at any given time...hence taking up a lot of space...duh...and hence MOST obvious. The fact that for the last 8 years my test equipment took up all available space...begs the obvious question. This was something that could not be hidden. [Now if it was I that had been supposedly doing it...then why would I have just left such a lucrative enterprise behind...one day to the next? AND if I then wanted to resurrect it...why should I not do so to my benefit as opposed to the Weenies? Illogical!] Add to this another "little" fact...that anyone that had and was using something like the 732A would be looking for a "higher authority" meaning that they would have been sending their units to the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)...NOT your neighborhood basement "cal shop"! The certification of Unsaturated Standard Cells was a thing of the past. NIST was no longer "interested" in certifying them. Saturated Standard Cell were still much in use in 1994. Though... [Having said that...By 1994 the Fluke® 732A had already been superseded by the "B" version. AND for all practical purposes superseded by their 734A (a four "cell" bank) which were considered a viable solid state replacement for the long lived (wet) Saturated Standard Cells. At the same time...the aforementioned Saturated Standard Cells were totally eclipsed by the (1972) Josephson Junction Array (JJArray) . And so...though we had a bank of Saturated Standard Cells "in house"...they‘d never been certified.] [Having said that...the cost to do so would have been prohibitive...costing MANY times the value of the entire setup. And since this was "JUST" a hobby...that is no commercial venture in mind...it’s clear that it was NEVER even contemplated...HELL..I WAS THERE...so I should know! [And if it were contemplated...I would have been the one. I could at the time afford the costs.] Normally more than one official measurement is taken of every standard over as many as ten days...being reasonable...hence would constitute a daily work load of 40 standard measurements per work day...over a 5 day week. This works out to an "official" measurement every 12 minutes...14 of which result in a certificate per day...assuming an 8 hour day. Added to this workload would be paperwork...phone calls...lunch as in preparing and consuming same...shipping/receiving and handling etc. AND ALL of THIS by ONE MAN(?)! ONE OLD MAN? AND...hell...there would have been shipping boxes all over the place...ALL the time...no? There would NOT be time for anything else...such a building power supplies for the Spawn. While there was in effect a "house" DC Voltage Reference embodied in my Fluke® 732A...certified...the Kelvin-Varley Voltage Divider was not...being...for all practical purposes "home brew". It was the K-V’s dials that would represent the actual "reading" of the voltage standard being measured...the "certified" value. It’s accuracy was never established...much less certified. And there should have been at least three 732A’s (4 being better yet)...one not being sufficient to establish stability thereof. And an independent means of measuring them. So while the various "pieces" were there...there was not the requisite "traceability" to legally claim and hence issue certifiable certificates. It takes a very special type of person to do and make precision measurements. You can’t just throw together the bits and pieces...and realistically expect certifiable results. It was not a matter of just making a measurement...one had to ensure the stability of the equipment used to make said measurements. This was a time consuming task...records had to be made and the data analyzed. This was never done. AND this is really cool. I could...with just one piece of equipment...produce results that would exceed the OM’s basement lab results...hands down. Witness the fact that I had "recalibrated"...(that is I broke the seals and adjusted!! )...the Fluke® 732A which was then certified "In Spec" by Fluke®!! In effect...I calibrated...though could not certify...the 732A that the OM would then make supposedly certifiable measurements with. All Fluke® did was to certify it as "in spec"...the actual adjustment had been mine! Funny if you think about it! Starbuck knew none of this! Hell...for all I know...the OM could have passed off my 732A as his! Almost all of the supposed $100k would have been "profit. And after the first year...equipment could have been bought "off the shelf" that would have been more accurate then the entire setup as it was...many times over. This is not to say that a certification lab would have been the result thereof. It meant that the setup itself was in a sense defective...and inadequate to the task. There were procedural deficiencies also...that added to the total uncertainty of any measurement taken...rendering the measurements laughable. The bottom line was that it was NOT the equipment that constituted a truly viable business opportunity. All that the Weenie saw was the equipment. He had not the foggiest idea what it would actually take to effect a single certifiable measurement. And that is a sad FACT! This was not something that could be learned during an occasional and casual "Show & Tell". (Gee Mr. Wizard...whatcha doin'?) And we haven’t even talked about LAB certification...as opposed to the equipment to be used. But of course none of this was known as fact by the Weenie. It was much better and easier to blame me for HIS "loss" of a non existing $100k/yr. by virtue of my taking that which was mine in the first place. As the OM once said to me...describing the clan..."GRAB GRAB GRAB"! Meaning GREED GREED GREED! Looking at it another way. If it was in fact my Fluke® 732A that "made" the entire operation possible...would I not have been entitled to a great share of the supposed profit? Or it could then be asked "Why wasn’t I doing it myself...given that I didn‘t need any of the OM‘s equipment?" It was because...I KNEW BETTER! "Stupid is as stupid does." Having said that...the OM is very much to blame. Starbuck went on to ask me...or at least made mention of statements the OM made about me in passing. One such statement was that I was not a "builder"...implying that he...the OM was...and hence I was not to be sought out. The fact that I "built" more things than the OM...was of course lost in the "translation". Many of the "things" the OM" "played" with over time...were originally the result of my interests...and knowledge. Everything from maintaining voltage references to frequency standards...to satellite imagery originated with me. (Do a Google search on "Time nut" and "Volt nut", "NOAA APT" to see what I‘m talking about.) It was only after I’d shown interest in these things and that in some cases had been doing for years that the OM wanted to join in the "fun". Most of the test equipment we had...in a mutual sense...was mine. It was at my instigation that at least early on that which he bought was based on my knowledge of the desirably thereof. Sometime after he bought the first Tektronix® oscilloscope...he commented that had he known the quality difference between it and what he had...he’d have "hocked the wife and kids"...to have had one years earlier. I knew only because I had used them while in the military. [USAF] When I explained to the OM that there was a piece of equipment known as a "Frequency Counter"...as opposed to a Frequency Meter...he was incredulous. I told him that "Yes...it COUNTED every Cycle." I went on to explain how it worked. And yes...he did go on to build a counter based on schematics that later appeared in magazines. But...even though it did in fact work...it was not up to my standard of precision...given that its timebase was a rudimentary...room temperature...naked...crystal oscillator. Hence I did not build...I bought 15 year old counters that were better than his. Later I bought even better ones. And later still...a Rubidium Frequency Standard...(from my friend Steve Swift) which I used as an even better timebase. I bought the first truly precision Frequency Standard in the pool. It was the Hycon Eastern® 101C. There just happened to be two available...hence as soon as the OM realized what I had...in fact...he immediately bought the second one. Both lacked powers supplies which needed to be built. It just so happened that I had the various parts available...for mine...and soon constructed a power supply. I also realized that I had the need for a frequency divider chain...and various wave shaping circuits. These I added to the power supply chassis and hence the front panel was littered with BNC connectors and switches. This unit was also missing...as in stolen by the time I had arrived. So much for having "taken" inventory...huh? And again not knowing the HISTORY thereof! "Don’t know?...TAKE IT!" [I have photos as proof.] Ha...I remember buying oscilloscope trace recording cameras as they became available on the surplus market. Over time...I acquired quite a few. And hence there were times that I would photograph traces for the OM. One day...he was talking to a tech rep on the phone with one of my images in hand comparing it to that shown on a schematic...and admonished him...by asking..."Well...don’t YOU have trace recording camera(s)?"...as opposed to an idealized hand drawn trace. Yeah...Now that I had brought them into the instrumentation pool. The implication was of course that..."Gads...that...John Tuba is really well equipped if HE has such things as oscilloscope trace recording camera(s) and god knows what else. He is surly a smart man...blah blah blah. This was of course just a game of "one-upmanship"! It would never have occurred to the OM to buy such cameras. But had no problems taking personal "advantage" of the fact...in affect "writing" me out of the equation. For me of course it was just Optics and PHOTOGRAPHY! As was satellite imagery. Early on...that was how it was done. One had to photograph a flying trace...which I did on an oscilloscope screen...which took just over three minutes per frame. It was not until years later when it was possible to display the image on a computer screen in "real-time" that the OM showed interest... 1011hrs...Phone about ten mins ago. Bela asking where to find Jutka’s shed key. And that the sale that we were interested in on the day we were going to work at Jutka’s was on for this coming Tuesday. Ok...fine. ...by which time I had been heavily into computers for years. Once I got a computer for the OM...he paid...(The first computer I bought him...he’d SOLD to a neighbor...if you can believe...unbeknownst to me at the time! More on this later.)...I was able to hand down my older satellite imaging cards. Later I was able to provide him with other hardware...as in... Another example! INCREDIBALE! The OM very much wanted (liked) things to seem as though HE was the (sole) originator for anything that he thought (was cool) would/could gain him "points" for lack of a better term. It would NEVER do for him to say...that well..."Steve gave me this"...or "Steve taught me that"...or "THAT was Steve’s idea."...or "Steve’s been doing this for years.". Going a bit further...it could be argued that the OM was not inclined to even suggest that Starbuck visit me so as to broaden his knowledge. In fact just the opposite. [There were by that time too many "skeletons" in the closet!] So there we were again...the Weenie and I in the basement. How the question ever came up...I’m not sure now. Anyway...He asked about an antenna that had been used for the reception of GOES Geostationary Satellite imagery. It was set up in the south east second story bedroom...pointing up and out...through the large glass window. This was handy because it kept the antenna and other gear out of the elements. The question was...transverse...in that he stated that the OM stated when asked as to it’s origin...that HE had built it. The unasked question being..."was that true?" I could not believe my ears! Ha ha ha. I found myself in the same awkward position as mentioned above. How could I answer with the truth...without raising the logical question of me lying. It began to gall me...to find myself in this "ZERO SUM" position again. Now...this particular antenna design was almost simplicity itself. In it’s incarnation...there was nothing exceptional about it...as to the material used...workmanship...finish...etc. The antenna was known as a Loop Yagi. A boom...some loops attached to said boom...a funny little business at the back and an another larger loop. Almost anyone could pass it off as their own construction. In fact it arrived unassembled...and as it turned out...I did so at the OM’s. Was this an example of the OM "building" something? I buy it...I put it together...and he claims it as his "BUILD"?! Wonderful! I told young Starbuck that I had in fact bought the antenna...(Funny...I could have just as easily said that I’d made it.)...and later lent it to the OM...since I had moved up to parabolic dishes. There was not much more to say on the subject. Time passes...as in about 5 months...perhaps more. One day back in UK Land I happened across some papers...one of which happened to be...guess what...nothing other than the statement I received along with the aforementioned Loop Yagi. It had my name and address on it along with the price I paid. I scanned it along with an ad for the LY and in my next email...sent it attached...to the Weenie’s attention! Gotcha! I can only now imagine how many other falsehoods were perpetrated by the OM...to his misguided advantage...at my expense...ALL to impress others...read as the WHEENIE for one! I am beside myself with understandable anger at such brazen behavior...on the part of not just any relative. I feel that I must defend my honor so to speak...hence that which I’ve written so far. If all this sounds like I’m on a tirade...it’s because I am! Call it justifiable anger. It’s time to set the Record Straight. There will be many other stories coming soon! Count on it! You know who you are. I plan to devote an entire web page to photos of...how shall I put it...interest? As in evidence/proof! Oh!...Not long after I bought my first computer...a Radio Shack TRS-80...I bought one for the OM. I was having great fun programming. I wrote many programs. So the computer was set up at the OM’s in one of the bedrooms. Somewhere along the line I found out that one of the Pugel girls had been coming over to use it...regularly. What she was doing with it ...I never did hear. Needless to say...the OM could not have been of great help to her. There was no evidence that he was gaining proficiency. No programs written...no discussions. No real interest. He never understood the potential the computer had. Then...and I don’t know exactly when I was made aware of the fact...the computer was sold to the Pugel’s. Mysteriously...this took place without any consultation with me. I found out...after the fact! [In all fairness...considering the monies the OM spent on me over the years...I was not really "put out" over this issue...though somewhat odd nontheless.] The only "funny" part of it was...that he sold it without the requisite tape recorder! This meant that they...the Pugel’s had to go and buy one! As apposed to having been included in the sale...and then the OM buying one with the profit! It had cost me $500. The fact was that the OM had an ulterior motive in wanting the tape recorder. Devious at that! 1222hrs...I need to think about hitting the far store sometime today. OH...I went back into the large box. There was an envelope. I remembered it...but not the name. It was from Larry Parks. He was the regional FCC Inspector the we’d used for the ADA phone...covered in Stories 12...I now have a name. 1244hrs...About ready to head out. 1321hrs...Back for ten mins. Fed the Original Crew plus Joey. 1324hrs...DAMN! It’s 18.8°C and a bloody 26.4°C in here! 1612hrs...Well well well! A name in one of the books I’m just reading rung a bell. I wondered what the relationship might be between it and a certain girl I once knew. The name being unusual. The other day I had done some research on said name...and found what I had hoped to find. This about WWII. I had written up her/our story on another web page. I have just now removed it...the story. I had only used her initials...and hadn’t gone into any great detail...though I did state that a number of months after our "encounter" she got married. This I had discovered by accident having come across her wedding announcement in the local paper. There was nothing in that little piece about "WHO" she was. So here we are over 35 years later while doing research on her maiden name...when I came across a 199X obituary for her mother. Listed there under "survived by"...by her married name which I’d remembered. Her grandfather’s business was a "fixture" in Seattle since 1921. Her mother inherited the business "fortune" upon his death...with annual sales of $10,000,000. Had I only known...could I...would I...have done anything differently? I’d photographed "Money" before. I guess I would have asked..."Exactly how important are the photographs I’m about to take of you?" I had done some very special work for a lady with lots of money...and it DID make a difference knowing that. In that particular case it was she who told me WHO she was. I felt free to shoot as much as I deemed necessary. Knowing...allowed me greater freedom. Images of both appear in my collection of scanned negatives...and of one...images on my Sepia pages. I wonder if she remembers? Either way...it was very sweet of her! I still remember. The connection to the name in my book would have been through her mother’s husband...that is...not the source of said fortune. 1848hrs...Have just had an uninteresting dinner. Sigh! 1937hrs...It was past midnight...as in this morning that I finally crashed...so I’m now getting tired. I’ve started reading the second book. "The German Navy in WWII". Velence...22nd March 2010. 0413hrs...Fed Mom on the kitchen window ledge while the water boiled. Then half the Mud with none...until the very end when Ike came out. A Rigo singing. It’s 12.0°C and 20.5°C...I’d unplugged the heat yesterday...hence a bit on the cool side this morning. There are stars through thin clouds. Some wind out of the west. 0624hrs...Damn... 1207hrs...At the time I was trying to place a copy of a BASIC program onto this page...and was having a hell of a time doing it...but it’s now a done deal. And now...online...I was doing a bit of research...which led me to "AWASE Transmitters" on Okinawa. There in and amongst the photos was one of...Airman First Class Mew! Gads I thought. He was one of two that I ran into on Okinawa that I’d known from previous tours. I knew him from Keesler AFB. His artistic talents were known even then. I asked him |