You'd think with being stuck at home, I'd have hit more metal than a rolling stone reviewer, but Friday was the first I'd done all year.  Terribly shameful, I know.

Re-riveted a pair of tongs, made a pair of "Flesh forks" - gotta make 2 or 3 more before they look good, but then again the muscles are out of practice.

Looks like I'm going to be at east ( Read more... )

After a long and grumpy day of wondering, "Why the !@$%^@ won't this sucker start up????" following a few days of the same about Oracle, I finally got MySQL running on my PC, logged in a few tools to it, and feel a good deal more accomplished.

Now to put down the system design for my test system and see if I can write up a decent little web-app!

I finally made it; I'm officially a Six Sigma Green Belt!!!  I got the confirmation letter last night, and should get my certificate ("Ready for Framing") in 10 business days ( Read more... )

Six Sigma test #4 down!

Gonna be tight getting to #5 this weekend, though.

Also cleared out my in-law's bathroom yesterday; removed the vanity and the toilet in prep for a new tile floor. The last owners put the vinyl sheet right on the sub-floor. We're dropping in WonderBoard and tiling on top.

Such excitement!

3 Six Sigma tests down! Only 5 more for green belt, 13 for black belt ( Read more... )

I have to write this down or I'll forget it ( Read more... )

I saw this on AnvilFire and had to spread it about. They were smelting iron with a Viking era furnace. How wild! I wish I knew someone to teach me this stuff; it may not be easy or the best way for modern construction (or the health of those making the iron), but what a great thing to be able to do!

http://anvilfire.com/news/index.php?bodyName=/ ( Read more... )

Had a good time with the open forge.

( Here's what happened! )

I'm not sure if I'm sane.  I'm also not sure if the chill will endanger the steel, but I have the bug and just have to get back to my forge one more time this year.  The weather channel forecasts a 47 degree, clear day.

So at 12:30 on the 16th of November, I'll drag out the forge and anvil, dress in a sweater and my leathers, and stand around a VERY ( Read more... )

And am I glad of my initials.

You see, our local elections officials are sticklers for the rules. Two lines; one A-L, one M-Z. Pick one person from each line to balance it out and make for an even wait.

I got there at 8:00 AM. There were about 30 people in line for A-L. I was it for M-Z. In and out in 5 minutes.

< Sigh >

I love a town filled with ( Read more... )