Countdown to the big day!

Things are really gearing up here on the home front. My wife, Beth is due Sept 23rd, so we are in full swing of trying to get the last things done.

Tonight we met with our doula, Laurie Flower, for the second and final prenatal visit. I'm very excited!! Beth and I are sooo happy that we decided to go with a doula. I don't know if it is a first-time parent thing, but she brings us so much comfort. (and we haven't even got to the labor and delivery yet!)

Even though we went through child birth classes, our doula has helped guide us through our expectations, and the reality of childbirth. She is such an encourager!

So as the excitement builds, I hope to get the time to post things to the site!

I'm starting to wonder how these spoiled guys will take the arrival!

Here come the kittehs . . .

Meet Nemo and Sheldon:


Nemo
Platinum Mink Tonkinese

Named for Marlin's son in the movie Finding Nemo. Nemo is curious, affectionate, and wants to be center of attention at all times.

Sheldon
Champagne Mink Tonkinese

Another character from the movie Finding Nemo. Also, named for a character from The Big Bang Theory. Sheldon is the prettier, smarter, cooler of the two. However, he isn't as affectionate, and likes to spend time by himself. (Ironically just like the Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory.)

fun with cars @ night

My first attempt at long exposure photography. I am really liking the Canon XSi!

Lookin' for a camera

With the little one on the way, I have declared the need for a new digital camera.

For the past 5 years, I have had my mind made up that my next camera would be a Digital SLR.

In the process of researching camera bodies and lenses, I discovered a few good articles:

Why a SLR? Why not a point and shoot? Answer: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

Also, here is an article that spells it out even more: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2dig.htm

Seedling Self Watering Rig

I just got back home from a weekend trip to Washington, DC. Before I left, I had been pondering how I would keep the tomato, pepper, and herb seedlings alive while I was gone.

Enter: Marlin's SSWR

One Aluminum Roasting pan

Put a piece of Styrofoam approx 1 inch thick in the bottom.



Drape a layer of paper towels (I used 2 layers of blue paper shop towels) over the Syrofoam block. Pour water in pan.




Styrofoam will float, and paper towel will wick water to plants.



Next year I will use this method from the get-go!

Here is a comparison of two pepper plants. One wasn't in the SSWR, another that was:

Cool book scanner . . .

DIY High-Speed Book Scanner from Trash and Cheap Cameras - More DIY How To Projects

My Most Private Personal Post:

Here it is. This was a long time coming,

I installed a new toilet at home.

We have been having issues with our toilet plugging. Ok, I will confess, I was the one that was causing this problem.

I did some looking on the internet several months ago, and decided that I wanted to get the Toto Aquia II. Review / Manufacturer's Product Page

I wanted a VERY powerful flush. I also was intrigued by the water saving abilities of the powerful 0.9 Gallon flush (for urine and easy flushing solids) and then the super-powerful 1.6 Gallon flush.

I am very pleased with the flush, and feel that I can throw the plunger away!

Here are a few pics of the toilet installed:



Here is the button actuated flush:



And here it is with the lid open, so you can see the waterspot, which is pretty small.



Clean is happy! I bought the soft close seat, so that there won't be any seat slamming. I got a giggle when I noticed the ad that was on the bottom of the lid. If I had a large supply of money, I would definitely have one of these.

Seed Starting Heater

I recently received some tomato seeds and wanted to get them started ASAP!

The ambient temperature was a little low, and I really didn't want to spend the $30 for a heat mat for seed starting.

So I look around on the 'net, and find a few posts mentioning that Christmas lights can be used.

Enter: Marlin's attempt to start seeds and burn the house down.

Round One, The container sitting on the lights constantly on: The seeds/container was maintaining 100 Degrees F! WAAAAY too hot!

Round Two:

Being the HVAC helper that I am, I cobbled together a quick controls project:

Items Needed:

1 - 3D Christmas star
1 - Penn Johnson Controls A419 (which I already had on hand, These things run $60 - $100)
1 - 6 foot Extension cord
Piece of aluminum foil


I cut the extension cord, and hooked it up to the temperature control.
Next, I took the star and wrapped it in aluminum foil. Mainly that was to keep the light contained, so it wouldn't drive me crazy.

Then all I had to do was plug it in and set the temps!





Here it is working maintaining a comfy 77 degrees:

Herb Planter: Mint

Quickly put together a 4 foot by 1 foot planter for mint to take over. From what I understand, mint won't grow true from seed. Instead of forking over $3.50 from Lowes or Home depot, I wasin search of some growing that I could get a start.



And, One of the plants that I got from my Grandma and Grandpa Glick:

First Potato Bin Planted

Took a few minutes and popped a few potatoes in the ground. The variety: All Blue