SchadenFriday
↧
↧
CATURDAY
BONUS Saturdogs
Many thanks to:
Animals Being Dicks
Señor Gif
k00l 4 k@+z
Almost Famous Cats
Cats, Beavers & Ducks
Derpy Cats
FAT CATS
FUCKYEAHFELINES!
CHEEZburger
Every Day is Caturday
Cats and Dogs
The Cat Reviewer
And everyone else who happened to put a cat or dog where I ended up seeing it this week!
↧
Schmupdate
I have excellent news to share! The local blog loved my submission and will run it in about ten days. They've also said they'd like to see more from me, up to two posts per month. They're even paying me a little bit, which is nice because I'll be writing about food a lot, and have to spend money to do that. Mostly I'm just excited to get a writing gig. I've been the king of unpopular blogs for a long time now.
Friday morning was a nice walk at the marina.
![20170407_053433]()
![20170407_062704]()
![Boxcar Park pano]()
And it was a busy day. I got a haircut, cranked out a new set of release notes at work, then had an early dinner at Riverview before my tattoo appointment. I wanted to go back so I could try her Vietnamese options.
![Riverview Cafe banh mi]()
![Riverview Cafe spring rolls]()
![Friday's awesome walk, 5.94 miles in 1:46, 12,225 steps]()
5.94 miles in 1:46, 12,225 steps
It was definitely an off day for me. I lost my debit card after I got the cash for the tattoo, probably left it at the ATM. Then I left my headlights on during the tattoo and had to get a jump from Jimmy, my artist. It's extremely unusual for me to allow such things to happen, so it makes sense that if it had to happen, it was all on the same day. I'll get some photos in a couple of weeks.
Saturday I made us a lovely frittata using leftover spaghetti and roasted asparagus that was in the freezer, plus jalapeño havarti , and served it with lefse and tomatoes.
![Breakfast]()
![Breakfast]()
This morning was another lovely walk at the normal spot. It'd be excessive to post all the photos, so click over to flickr if you'd like to see more. It was already somewhat light out when I got there, so I may have to start leaving earlier to ensure I don't miss the sunrises.
![20170409_061403]()
![20170409_061747]()
![20170409_062205]()
![20170409_063650]()
![20170409_072644_HDR]()
![20170409_074126]()
![20170409_074737]()
I love this van at the wastewater treatment plant, and have no idea what the paint job is about.
![20170409_083618]()
![Today's awesome walk, 8.63 miles in 2:53, 18,888 steps]()
8.63 miles in 2:53, 18,888 steps
Garrett's going to an air show next weekend so we had Easter with Bev and Dennis early today. Bella says hi.
![Hi Bella]()
Friday morning was a nice walk at the marina.
And it was a busy day. I got a haircut, cranked out a new set of release notes at work, then had an early dinner at Riverview before my tattoo appointment. I wanted to go back so I could try her Vietnamese options.
5.94 miles in 1:46, 12,225 steps
It was definitely an off day for me. I lost my debit card after I got the cash for the tattoo, probably left it at the ATM. Then I left my headlights on during the tattoo and had to get a jump from Jimmy, my artist. It's extremely unusual for me to allow such things to happen, so it makes sense that if it had to happen, it was all on the same day. I'll get some photos in a couple of weeks.
Saturday I made us a lovely frittata using leftover spaghetti and roasted asparagus that was in the freezer, plus jalapeño havarti , and served it with lefse and tomatoes.
This morning was another lovely walk at the normal spot. It'd be excessive to post all the photos, so click over to flickr if you'd like to see more. It was already somewhat light out when I got there, so I may have to start leaving earlier to ensure I don't miss the sunrises.
I love this van at the wastewater treatment plant, and have no idea what the paint job is about.
8.63 miles in 2:53, 18,888 steps
Garrett's going to an air show next weekend so we had Easter with Bev and Dennis early today. Bella says hi.
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Glad I second-guessed myself
Part of me considered staying in this morning because a lot's going on this week, but I realized that's just silly. I can keep going as far as I need to into the afternoon if there's a lot to do, so there's no reason to skip out on the best part of the day if there's nothing pressing. And of course I realized as I drove off that the deployment was this morning, so the system would be unavailable anyway. I was rewarded with one of the coolest things I've seen in a while.
It was a very cloudy morning, but a bright spot in the clouds indicated the moon was hiding, and I ended up getting a really good show.
![20170410_054805]()
![20170410_055249]()
![20170410_055521]()
As much as I bemoan the upcoming loss of this area, I'll admit that parts of it are definitely an eyesore. That's part of the appeal for me, but I realize I have strange taste.
![20170410_061710]()
![Today's awesome walk, 4.9 miles in 1:35, 10,561 steps]()
4.9 miles in 1:35, 10,561 steps
My annual exam was this morning. It should have been three months ago, but my doctor left the practice to work with the VA again and my new doctor wanted to take a little time to get to know me during our initial visit and do a more thorough exam today. Plus he wanted to get labs to be able to compare them. Not that he mentioned anything about labs today, and since I'd had breakfast, I couldn't do them. But the lab opens at 7am and you can go without an appointment, so that's easily taken care of as they're just around the corner from our nearest major intersection.
I originally planned to eat at home today, but we didn't come home with as many early Easter dinner leftovers as I thought. Not an issue, as I also wanted to have lunch for an upcoming blog post. Not that there's any hurry, as my first post is about nine days off and they only want two a month from me. But there's no reason not to get a few banged out while I can. I'm really lucky that one of my areas of expertise is Vietnamese food because they haven't really covered it much.
I'm so bummed about the LJ TOS kerfuffle. Years ago, I wished that Google would have bought LiveJournal and Flickr, because that would have brought most of the major services I use under the umbrella of a nice, stable company. But they got Blogger and Blogspot instead, and their Picasa eventually became Google Photos. Flickr and LJ have had so many setbacks over the years, and while I like to think they'd be well taken-care-of if Google had them, Google is also fond of shutting services down. I never got into Google Buzz or Wave, but Google Reader was one of my most-used programs. Thankfully several competitors stepped up and I'm having basically the same experience in InoReader.
It was a very cloudy morning, but a bright spot in the clouds indicated the moon was hiding, and I ended up getting a really good show.
As much as I bemoan the upcoming loss of this area, I'll admit that parts of it are definitely an eyesore. That's part of the appeal for me, but I realize I have strange taste.
4.9 miles in 1:35, 10,561 steps
My annual exam was this morning. It should have been three months ago, but my doctor left the practice to work with the VA again and my new doctor wanted to take a little time to get to know me during our initial visit and do a more thorough exam today. Plus he wanted to get labs to be able to compare them. Not that he mentioned anything about labs today, and since I'd had breakfast, I couldn't do them. But the lab opens at 7am and you can go without an appointment, so that's easily taken care of as they're just around the corner from our nearest major intersection.
I originally planned to eat at home today, but we didn't come home with as many early Easter dinner leftovers as I thought. Not an issue, as I also wanted to have lunch for an upcoming blog post. Not that there's any hurry, as my first post is about nine days off and they only want two a month from me. But there's no reason not to get a few banged out while I can. I'm really lucky that one of my areas of expertise is Vietnamese food because they haven't really covered it much.
I'm so bummed about the LJ TOS kerfuffle. Years ago, I wished that Google would have bought LiveJournal and Flickr, because that would have brought most of the major services I use under the umbrella of a nice, stable company. But they got Blogger and Blogspot instead, and their Picasa eventually became Google Photos. Flickr and LJ have had so many setbacks over the years, and while I like to think they'd be well taken-care-of if Google had them, Google is also fond of shutting services down. I never got into Google Buzz or Wave, but Google Reader was one of my most-used programs. Thankfully several competitors stepped up and I'm having basically the same experience in InoReader.
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Fast and Fasting
I've been eating a granola bar as I head out for a walk or swim for a while now. Seems like half the people say you should work out on an empty stomach and the other half say you should eat something. I can't say I've noticed a difference or anything, but I worried I'd be hungry while fasting this morning before my lab work. And I wanted to get that done quickly because I also had plans to take my car in as close to 9am as possible. Ever since I left my headlights on during Friday's tattoo appointment, it struggles to turn over a bit when I start it. That's normally the kind of thing I might take care of at lunchtime and eat nearby, but I had calls scheduled for 1:00 and 1:30.
The marina's a good place to walk when you're in a hurry because you can take any number of different turns to go any distance you like, plus it feels very safe no matter how early you arrive. The moon is still really bright, so it was neat out even though there weren't any clouds like yesterday.
![IMG_20170411_052227_790]()
Today just seemed like a perfect day for photos. Everything looked cool.
![IMG_20170411_052426_298]()
![20170411_052742]()
![20170411_053931]()
![IMG_20170411_054518_144]()
![IMG_20170411_055056_596]()
![20170411_061309_HDR]()
![20170411_063746]()
Pizza is always on the menu here, guess they didn't have time for a special. That said, I really want to try their pizza.
![20170411_062217]()
![Today's awesome walk, 4.28 miles in 1:24, 9,280 steps]()
4.28 miles in 1:24, 9,280 steps
After getting my labs done, I really wanted a lox and bagels, and one that wasn't made by me. I thought Sisters served one, but when I got there, discovered they don't. The guy at the counter made a very unnecessary remark about Everett being probably as far away from a Jewish deli as possible. Whatever. I ordered the veggie one, brought it home, and was transported back to the amazing salad bars of the '80s.
![20170411_080240]()
The car needed a new battery, and that was taken care of quickly. I passed the time by walking over to Target. It's across town so I'm rarely there. My shopping haul was two interesting frozen burritos, plus very large bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Exciting day.
The marina's a good place to walk when you're in a hurry because you can take any number of different turns to go any distance you like, plus it feels very safe no matter how early you arrive. The moon is still really bright, so it was neat out even though there weren't any clouds like yesterday.
Today just seemed like a perfect day for photos. Everything looked cool.
Pizza is always on the menu here, guess they didn't have time for a special. That said, I really want to try their pizza.
4.28 miles in 1:24, 9,280 steps
After getting my labs done, I really wanted a lox and bagels, and one that wasn't made by me. I thought Sisters served one, but when I got there, discovered they don't. The guy at the counter made a very unnecessary remark about Everett being probably as far away from a Jewish deli as possible. Whatever. I ordered the veggie one, brought it home, and was transported back to the amazing salad bars of the '80s.
The car needed a new battery, and that was taken care of quickly. I passed the time by walking over to Target. It's across town so I'm rarely there. My shopping haul was two interesting frozen burritos, plus very large bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Exciting day.
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↧
Photo-free
One thing that's weird about this house is that it's possible for it to be raining very heavily out but I'll have no idea whatsoever. There are skylights in the dining room that'll clue me in, but I don't necessarily go in there in the morning. Today when I backed out of the garage is when I found out it was pouring, and I drove over to Langus because it's the best spot when it's raining due to the gravel roads.
It was a really nice walk, but I got completely soaked. Not a dealbreaker for me. I noticed the dude with the dogs was driving back and forth on the road while his dogs chased him, so I guess getting wet's a dealbreaker for him.
![Today's awesome walk, 6.25 miles in 1:54, 12,989 steps]()
6.25 miles in 1:54, 12,989 steps
Although I used Snapchat a bit, I didn't really see any photo opportunities. It happens sometimes.
They published my blog post a week sooner than they said they would! I got so excited that I went out for lunch for material for another post, then wrote it and sent it in. I should have done some dishes, stopped by the store, and got the garbage and recycling ready this afternoon, but between the blog and some work stuff that came up, those chores didn't happen. I'll get them done tonight and tomorrow.
It was a really nice walk, but I got completely soaked. Not a dealbreaker for me. I noticed the dude with the dogs was driving back and forth on the road while his dogs chased him, so I guess getting wet's a dealbreaker for him.
6.25 miles in 1:54, 12,989 steps
Although I used Snapchat a bit, I didn't really see any photo opportunities. It happens sometimes.
They published my blog post a week sooner than they said they would! I got so excited that I went out for lunch for material for another post, then wrote it and sent it in. I should have done some dishes, stopped by the store, and got the garbage and recycling ready this afternoon, but between the blog and some work stuff that came up, those chores didn't happen. I'll get them done tonight and tomorrow.
↧
Blur
I've gotten so much stuff done today, it feels like I just woke up. I finally successfully programmed the coffee machine, so the coffee was ready when I came downstairs. It was a little disorienting because the smell was so strong.
I'm happy to have finally figured it out, because I want to get out of the house as early as possible most days now. Dawn comes pretty early and it's only going to get earlier, and I like starting out in darkness and seeing the whole sunrise.
![20170413_062453]()
I've mentioned my disdain for the commuters who walk from the ferry to the train. They don't yield to people walking the other direction, and are fond of using giant umbrellas while not watching where they're going. Today I saw something that really took the cake. Half of them boarded the train from the wheelchair ramp, requiring a guy on the train to pick up a metal bridge and lay it across the gap for them. He wouldn't have to do that if they used the other doors, and then maybe the guy would have to set up the little bridge every few hundred trips or so. So dumb. Of course it's bad station/train design to start, but they should see that what they're doing is unnecessary.
I was stuck on the wrong side of the ferry traffic for a while toward the end of the walk, but the scenery after that was nice.
![20170413_063032_HDR]()
![20170413_063204_HDR]()
Old sign on the Diamond Knot brewery. Not sure why I waited so long to get a photo.
![20170413_064214_HDR]()
![Today's awesome walk, 5.83 miles in 1:48, 12,248 steps]()
5.83 miles in 1:48, 12,248 steps
Once I got back I showered, went to the grocery store, made breakfast, created a presentation and other training materials to use on Tuesday, made lunch, helped another team get some data entered into the system, found a bug and had it fixed, washed the dishes, cleaned my CPAP, watered the vertical garden, cleaned my CPAP, and bathed my air plants. And had a few interactions online about my local blog post. People like it! I'm very happy about all that.
Steve and Sam being very dramatic.
![The grudge.]()
Now I need to get SchadenFriday and Caturday scheduled because I have overnight plans tomorrow and don't want anything to get lost in the shuffle.
I'm happy to have finally figured it out, because I want to get out of the house as early as possible most days now. Dawn comes pretty early and it's only going to get earlier, and I like starting out in darkness and seeing the whole sunrise.
I've mentioned my disdain for the commuters who walk from the ferry to the train. They don't yield to people walking the other direction, and are fond of using giant umbrellas while not watching where they're going. Today I saw something that really took the cake. Half of them boarded the train from the wheelchair ramp, requiring a guy on the train to pick up a metal bridge and lay it across the gap for them. He wouldn't have to do that if they used the other doors, and then maybe the guy would have to set up the little bridge every few hundred trips or so. So dumb. Of course it's bad station/train design to start, but they should see that what they're doing is unnecessary.
I was stuck on the wrong side of the ferry traffic for a while toward the end of the walk, but the scenery after that was nice.
Old sign on the Diamond Knot brewery. Not sure why I waited so long to get a photo.
5.83 miles in 1:48, 12,248 steps
Once I got back I showered, went to the grocery store, made breakfast, created a presentation and other training materials to use on Tuesday, made lunch, helped another team get some data entered into the system, found a bug and had it fixed, washed the dishes, cleaned my CPAP, watered the vertical garden, cleaned my CPAP, and bathed my air plants. And had a few interactions online about my local blog post. People like it! I'm very happy about all that.
Steve and Sam being very dramatic.
Now I need to get SchadenFriday and Caturday scheduled because I have overnight plans tomorrow and don't want anything to get lost in the shuffle.
↧
SchadenFriday
↧
CATURDAY
BONUS Saturdogs
Many thanks to:
Animals Being Dicks
Señor Gif
k00l 4 k@+z
Almost Famous Cats
Cats, Beavers & Ducks
Derpy Cats
FAT CATS
FUCKYEAHFELINES!
CHEEZburger
Every Day is Caturday
Cats and Dogs
The Cat Reviewer
And everyone else who happened to put a cat or dog where I ended up seeing it this week!
↧
↧
Excellent weekend so far
I decided to write this before the Sunday walk just in case it ends up being a busy enough day that I don't feel like it later. I've got lunch plans, then Garrett will get home, and it might be nice to just catch up on the DVR and hang out.
I couldn't see anything until I got to the top of Japanese Gulch on Friday other than the moon through the trees. I heard owls and coyotes, though, so that was fun. Here's the access road I go back and forth on before heading back down until the trails are dryer.
![20170414_060351]()
I took the center trail down for the first time in a while. That fallen tree I spotted a while back is still there, but there was plenty of room to go under it.
![20170414_062823]()
The color's coming back.
![20170414_064734]()
Turns out there's been another landslide. It's funny how they talk about it as though there's no other way to get up to the top.
![20170414_064928]()
![Friday's awesome walk, 5.28 miles in 1:49, 11,779 steps, 414ft gain]()
5.28 miles in 1:49, 11,779 steps, 414ft gain
I was in a hurry, and managed to get out, do that walk, and be home by 7am! Second day in a row. Wanting to leave as close to noon as possible was a good motivator. If I'd remembered to pack up the CPAP, I probably could have been on the road by 12:05. I had lunch at Round Table Pizza in Mt. Vernon, then accidentally went all the way up to Alger before realizing I'd missed the exit for Anacortes. If there are signs for it, I didn't see them.
My first stop in Anacortes was the bowling alley for a bathroom break. A sign saying restrooms are for customers only indicated they were tired of people like me. I bought a can of Nitro coffee and a bottle of water to become a customer. Then I parked the car near a restaurant called Adrift so I could order a dinner to go so I wouldn't have to leave again once I got to the cabin. The original plan was to also get a fried egg sandwich, but the personal pizza at Round Table is big enough that I still had half. So I just got a fried oyster sandwich with fries for dinner, and am really glad there was a good toaster oven at the cabin to heat that up later. Just the oysters and the fries, the rest of the sandwich would have gotten mushy if I heated it up.
Met this handsome dude while I walked around waiting for the food to be ready.
![My man for the night.]()
The view from the cabin. So lovely.
![20170414_154009_HDR]()
![20170414_193657]()
Sunrise was gorgeous, but I still say sunrises are better. Lots more on flickr, of course.
![20170414_194021]()
![20170414_194550_HDR]()
I took my time this morning since the park at Deception Pass opens at 6:30am and I didn't know if there would be locked gates or something. When I got there at 6:20, I saw there booths weren't manned and today was a free day. I wouldn't have needed to pay because I have a Discovery Pass. Nobody was parked where I left the car, but it wasn't long before I saw a couple of people pass. And I saw that there was a trail running event, so I hopped to it, not wanting to share the trail with them.
![20170415_063135]()
The trail goes under the bridge, and that was one of the coolest views.
![20170415_063452]()
Not a bad pad, eh?
![20170415_065115_HDR]()
The top of the hill is really neat. When the glacier receded, nothing but rock was left on top, and the trail is just rock, but there are mossy meadows all around now.
![20170415_072747_HDR]()
It didn't occur to me until I was almost back to the car that I could also walk across the bridges! That was fun but I was way too nervous to stop in the middle for photos. Not afraid to fall, just worried my phone would slip out of my hands and be gone forever.
![20170415_074516_HDR]()
![20170415_075719_HDR]()
![Today's awesome walk, 3.81 miles in 1:40, 9,893 steps, 653ft gain]()
3.81 miles in 1:40, 9,893 steps, 653ft gain
On the way back to the ferry, I stopped by the cemetery in Coupeville. Last time we were there, Barbara messaged me and told us to go find her grave. Turns out, she's had her plot for years, and was able to guide us to it. Her ashes will be buried there at some point, and when that happens, Garrett and I will take Bev and Dennis over to pay our respects. I wanted to make sure I can easily find it on that day, so I found it again today and made a better note of how to get to it.
Funny story, she and a friend had lost touch for years and he saw that plot marker, and found her on Facebook to see if she was still alive. I thought about trying to see him for coffee or something this morning, but I decided to pack as little as possible, and that didn't include a toothbrush since I normally don't brush my teeth until after the walk anyway.
I must say, I'm impressed with how little I brought. My backpack had my kindle, a stick of Body Glide, tights, a jock, and shorts. Today I used the shirt I wore Friday and the hoodie I keep in my car for the walk. And I only had to carry home yesterday's shorts and underwear, since I wore my walking shoes and socks throughout the whole trip.
I was the second-to-last person they let pull onto the ferry. Score! Here's a shot of the cargo crane at the beach I'm always taking photos of.
![20170415_094235]()
Starting this video in the ferry turned out cool.
After I showered, I went out for lunch and brought something back for dinner, but that was for another blog submission so I talk about that later.
I couldn't see anything until I got to the top of Japanese Gulch on Friday other than the moon through the trees. I heard owls and coyotes, though, so that was fun. Here's the access road I go back and forth on before heading back down until the trails are dryer.
I took the center trail down for the first time in a while. That fallen tree I spotted a while back is still there, but there was plenty of room to go under it.
The color's coming back.
Turns out there's been another landslide. It's funny how they talk about it as though there's no other way to get up to the top.
5.28 miles in 1:49, 11,779 steps, 414ft gain
I was in a hurry, and managed to get out, do that walk, and be home by 7am! Second day in a row. Wanting to leave as close to noon as possible was a good motivator. If I'd remembered to pack up the CPAP, I probably could have been on the road by 12:05. I had lunch at Round Table Pizza in Mt. Vernon, then accidentally went all the way up to Alger before realizing I'd missed the exit for Anacortes. If there are signs for it, I didn't see them.
My first stop in Anacortes was the bowling alley for a bathroom break. A sign saying restrooms are for customers only indicated they were tired of people like me. I bought a can of Nitro coffee and a bottle of water to become a customer. Then I parked the car near a restaurant called Adrift so I could order a dinner to go so I wouldn't have to leave again once I got to the cabin. The original plan was to also get a fried egg sandwich, but the personal pizza at Round Table is big enough that I still had half. So I just got a fried oyster sandwich with fries for dinner, and am really glad there was a good toaster oven at the cabin to heat that up later. Just the oysters and the fries, the rest of the sandwich would have gotten mushy if I heated it up.
Met this handsome dude while I walked around waiting for the food to be ready.
The view from the cabin. So lovely.
Sunrise was gorgeous, but I still say sunrises are better. Lots more on flickr, of course.
I took my time this morning since the park at Deception Pass opens at 6:30am and I didn't know if there would be locked gates or something. When I got there at 6:20, I saw there booths weren't manned and today was a free day. I wouldn't have needed to pay because I have a Discovery Pass. Nobody was parked where I left the car, but it wasn't long before I saw a couple of people pass. And I saw that there was a trail running event, so I hopped to it, not wanting to share the trail with them.
The trail goes under the bridge, and that was one of the coolest views.
Not a bad pad, eh?
The top of the hill is really neat. When the glacier receded, nothing but rock was left on top, and the trail is just rock, but there are mossy meadows all around now.
It didn't occur to me until I was almost back to the car that I could also walk across the bridges! That was fun but I was way too nervous to stop in the middle for photos. Not afraid to fall, just worried my phone would slip out of my hands and be gone forever.
3.81 miles in 1:40, 9,893 steps, 653ft gain
On the way back to the ferry, I stopped by the cemetery in Coupeville. Last time we were there, Barbara messaged me and told us to go find her grave. Turns out, she's had her plot for years, and was able to guide us to it. Her ashes will be buried there at some point, and when that happens, Garrett and I will take Bev and Dennis over to pay our respects. I wanted to make sure I can easily find it on that day, so I found it again today and made a better note of how to get to it.
Funny story, she and a friend had lost touch for years and he saw that plot marker, and found her on Facebook to see if she was still alive. I thought about trying to see him for coffee or something this morning, but I decided to pack as little as possible, and that didn't include a toothbrush since I normally don't brush my teeth until after the walk anyway.
I must say, I'm impressed with how little I brought. My backpack had my kindle, a stick of Body Glide, tights, a jock, and shorts. Today I used the shirt I wore Friday and the hoodie I keep in my car for the walk. And I only had to carry home yesterday's shorts and underwear, since I wore my walking shoes and socks throughout the whole trip.
I was the second-to-last person they let pull onto the ferry. Score! Here's a shot of the cargo crane at the beach I'm always taking photos of.
Starting this video in the ferry turned out cool.
After I showered, I went out for lunch and brought something back for dinner, but that was for another blog submission so I talk about that later.
↧
The thirst is real
Another reason I decided to wait until today to write about yesterday's walk is that I'm unable to eat or drink anything today until after a doctor appointment later this morning. It required nothing to eat or drink for ten hours out, so I couldn't have water all night. I swished some around in my mouth a couple of times, which helped, but right now, I'm parched. A brisk walk this morning would be out of the question. Not sure if I'll opt for a rare afternoon walk or maybe some yoga. A day off isn't completely out of the question, either, since I hiked on Saturday. We'll see.
Yesterday was really nice. I got there just in time for a really nice sunrise.
![20170416_055625]()
Yesterday may have been a record for number of photos taken. Here's a selection from what's on flickr.
![20170416_055828]()
![20170416_060347]()
![20170416_060545_Pano]()
![20170416_061033]()
![20170416_061854_HDR]()
![20170416_062308]()
As if the contrails weren't interesting enough, I walked into fog, and then sundogs appeared!
![20170416_063753_HDR]()
![20170416_071233]()
![20170416_071314]()
![20170416_071755]()
The dude with the dogs was driving back and forth while the dogs ran, even though the weather was perfect, so I guess the other day had nothing to do with the rain. And I saw a surprising amount of people after I saw him; a family of three heading South on the paved trail, someone heading West with walking sticks, a guy coming off the island smoking a pipe as I headed onto it. I'll probably always still be the first one there.
![Today's awesome walk, 6.91 miles in 2:28, 15,754 steps]()
6.91 miles in 2:28, 15,754 steps
I saw a really nice piece of graffiti on the way home and had to park the car and walk back to get a photo.
![20170416_081539]()
The Podo camera I backed on Kickstarter and have been waiting months to receive finally arrived in Saturday's mail, which I got out of the box on the way out to the walk. It's really too bad it didn't arrive a few days ago, because yesterday's sunrise would have been perfect for a time lapse. Though those won't be as easy to make as I hoped. It doesn't create a ready-made video in time lapse mode, but rather a bunch of still photos instead. It gives you a lot of control, though. You can choose how long it takes the photos and how often, and it calculates the amount that'll be taken so you have an idea what you're dealing with. After the fact, you can transfer to your PC and use MovieMaker to create the time lapse. It'll be a little work, but hopefully it'll be worth it.
One thing I don't like is that the camera lights up whenever it takes a photo. My plan is to leave it behind somewhere, and I don't want people finding it because it flashes. I think some stickers to cover the lights are in order.
The camera has a sticky pad for mounting it on smooth surfaces, and that pad is surprisingly strong. When I tested it on a metal utility box on the back of the house, I had to go inside for a butter knife to pry it off. The waterproof plastic case I got for it may be a better choice.
Tomorrow's also not a good day for a morning walk because I have an important presentation at 8am, so I'll have a time lapse to show off Wednesday at the earliest.
Yesterday was really nice. I got there just in time for a really nice sunrise.
Yesterday may have been a record for number of photos taken. Here's a selection from what's on flickr.
As if the contrails weren't interesting enough, I walked into fog, and then sundogs appeared!
The dude with the dogs was driving back and forth while the dogs ran, even though the weather was perfect, so I guess the other day had nothing to do with the rain. And I saw a surprising amount of people after I saw him; a family of three heading South on the paved trail, someone heading West with walking sticks, a guy coming off the island smoking a pipe as I headed onto it. I'll probably always still be the first one there.
6.91 miles in 2:28, 15,754 steps
I saw a really nice piece of graffiti on the way home and had to park the car and walk back to get a photo.
The Podo camera I backed on Kickstarter and have been waiting months to receive finally arrived in Saturday's mail, which I got out of the box on the way out to the walk. It's really too bad it didn't arrive a few days ago, because yesterday's sunrise would have been perfect for a time lapse. Though those won't be as easy to make as I hoped. It doesn't create a ready-made video in time lapse mode, but rather a bunch of still photos instead. It gives you a lot of control, though. You can choose how long it takes the photos and how often, and it calculates the amount that'll be taken so you have an idea what you're dealing with. After the fact, you can transfer to your PC and use MovieMaker to create the time lapse. It'll be a little work, but hopefully it'll be worth it.
One thing I don't like is that the camera lights up whenever it takes a photo. My plan is to leave it behind somewhere, and I don't want people finding it because it flashes. I think some stickers to cover the lights are in order.
The camera has a sticky pad for mounting it on smooth surfaces, and that pad is surprisingly strong. When I tested it on a metal utility box on the back of the house, I had to go inside for a butter knife to pry it off. The waterproof plastic case I got for it may be a better choice.
Tomorrow's also not a good day for a morning walk because I have an important presentation at 8am, so I'll have a time lapse to show off Wednesday at the earliest.
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My new, annoying hobby is here!
I backed the Podo sticky camera on Kickstarter ages ago because I wanted a camera I could use specifically for time lapses. It arrived Saturday and today was my first walk bringing it along. I originally wasn't even sure if I'd walk today since I had an important call at 8am, but now that the coffee's ready when I wake up, it's so easy to drink a cup and head out rather quickly. I was at the parking spot I always use near the tank farm at 4:35!
It was an overcast day, but that can still look cool in a time lapse, so while I don't have any photos, I have this!
Thankfully I have a waterproof case for it, as it was raining a little bit before I could get to it. While I didn't take any pictures myself, the camera got one of me as I approached.
![]()
Those light parts on the outer edge are adhesive residue on the waterproof case. The camera lights up whenever it takes a photo and I didn't want anyone finding it because of that, so I cut apart the non-stamp part of a book of stamps and used it as stickers to cover them up. It didn't work that well, so I also colored over it with a Sharpie. I was still unsatisfied, so later on I peeled all that off and used some Finding Dory stickers that were in gummy treats in my Easter basket.
![Today's awesome walk, 5.03 miles in 1:36, 10,747 steps]()
5.03 miles in 1:36, 10,747 steps
For another test this afternoon, I condensed an hour of clouds from the front steps into 20 seconds. I really like how it slows down and then clears toward the end.
Hopefully I can find some good ways to disguise it. For now I'll just have to hope that nobody else ever spots it, and I'll appeal to their good side. :)
![20170418_145933]()
It shouldn't be much of an issue, especially on Sundays. The spot where I go is huge and I see so few people. Fingers crossed.
My presentation this morning went very well! I have to do it again at 5pm but I'll be much less nervous this time.
It was an overcast day, but that can still look cool in a time lapse, so while I don't have any photos, I have this!
Thankfully I have a waterproof case for it, as it was raining a little bit before I could get to it. While I didn't take any pictures myself, the camera got one of me as I approached.
Those light parts on the outer edge are adhesive residue on the waterproof case. The camera lights up whenever it takes a photo and I didn't want anyone finding it because of that, so I cut apart the non-stamp part of a book of stamps and used it as stickers to cover them up. It didn't work that well, so I also colored over it with a Sharpie. I was still unsatisfied, so later on I peeled all that off and used some Finding Dory stickers that were in gummy treats in my Easter basket.
5.03 miles in 1:36, 10,747 steps
For another test this afternoon, I condensed an hour of clouds from the front steps into 20 seconds. I really like how it slows down and then clears toward the end.
Hopefully I can find some good ways to disguise it. For now I'll just have to hope that nobody else ever spots it, and I'll appeal to their good side. :)
It shouldn't be much of an issue, especially on Sundays. The spot where I go is huge and I see so few people. Fingers crossed.
My presentation this morning went very well! I have to do it again at 5pm but I'll be much less nervous this time.
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Up in the air
I couldn't wait until Sunday to try the Podo out at Spencer Island, so I went over this morning, heading straight to the hunting trail because I know a good spot just off it to leave it. There's a new sign with the exact dates of hunting season.
![20170419_070721]()
Pretty sure nobody cares about the leash rule. And I saw a bunch of shotgun shells and the box they came in just laying around. I really don't understand people who can carry something in, but then feel the need to litter. It's way lighter than before if you pack it out. Dicks.
Of course, there were plenty of gorgeous views. Nice cloud day even though they were displayed against another solid layer of clouds for the most part.
![IMG_20170419_055400_414]()
![20170419_060644]()
This is the highest I've ever seen a heron perched.
![20170419_055920]()
![Today's awesome walk, 6.17 miles in 2:06, 13,646 steps]()
6.17 miles in 2:06, 13,646 steps
I had the hardest time processing today's time lapse. The frames would load in Movie Maker, but as soon as I tried to reduce how long each one was displayed from 7 seconds to .03, it would crash. One time it even made my entire laptop go all glitchy and I had to force it to restart. I finally gave up trying to do it that way and made a full-length video, saved a slowed-down version, and then repeated the process one more time to make it short enough. Hopefully the next one won't be as difficult.
Turns out I'd see a lot more herons today. My friend Lisa message me this link about herons currently nesting at the Everett marina and told me to come down and have a look once she was set up there. She had her telescope and had binoculars, and counted 18 nests and 30 herons! I didn't realize at the time, but one of my Snapchat videos was two herons having sex. Ha. The zoom for photos wasn't quite good enough, here's the best of the photos I got.
![20170419_150919]()
It was fun to watch, because with so many of them there, one or two were coming and going at any given time. We saw them bringing sticks to build the nests with, too. Plus there were two seagulls eating a seal carcass out in the water. Lots to see. I spotted an open gate at a boat storage facility just to the right of where the herons were, and Lisa sneaked in for a better look as I headed home.
Pretty sure nobody cares about the leash rule. And I saw a bunch of shotgun shells and the box they came in just laying around. I really don't understand people who can carry something in, but then feel the need to litter. It's way lighter than before if you pack it out. Dicks.
Of course, there were plenty of gorgeous views. Nice cloud day even though they were displayed against another solid layer of clouds for the most part.
This is the highest I've ever seen a heron perched.
6.17 miles in 2:06, 13,646 steps
I had the hardest time processing today's time lapse. The frames would load in Movie Maker, but as soon as I tried to reduce how long each one was displayed from 7 seconds to .03, it would crash. One time it even made my entire laptop go all glitchy and I had to force it to restart. I finally gave up trying to do it that way and made a full-length video, saved a slowed-down version, and then repeated the process one more time to make it short enough. Hopefully the next one won't be as difficult.
Turns out I'd see a lot more herons today. My friend Lisa message me this link about herons currently nesting at the Everett marina and told me to come down and have a look once she was set up there. She had her telescope and had binoculars, and counted 18 nests and 30 herons! I didn't realize at the time, but one of my Snapchat videos was two herons having sex. Ha. The zoom for photos wasn't quite good enough, here's the best of the photos I got.
It was fun to watch, because with so many of them there, one or two were coming and going at any given time. We saw them bringing sticks to build the nests with, too. Plus there were two seagulls eating a seal carcass out in the water. Lots to see. I spotted an open gate at a boat storage facility just to the right of where the herons were, and Lisa sneaked in for a better look as I headed home.
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↧
Hiding in plain sight
As much as I worry about someone finding my Podo while I leave it unattended, I realized this morning that if it's just a bit off the beaten path, the danger of it happening goes way, way down. This morning, I put it on the fence halfway between between the two sides of the tank farm walking loop, and the only reason I noticed it as I walked by each time was that I knew exactly where to look, so that was nice. Today specifically, there was also less danger of anyone else coming along. A train blocked the car entrance to the beach for about an hour! Long enough that the employee on duty at the big crane drove in via the walking path. That was truly strange to see and I'm glad I was on the beach instead of the path at the time.
Two geese were in the same spot all four times I passed by the parking lot, and I saw this pair hanging around here at least twice.
![20170420_060351]()
Photo challenge: show this graffiti close up.
![20170420_063151]()
Challenge accepted! Thanks, Instagram. Nice to finally see some decent stuff around here.
![upload]()
From now on, I'll end each time lapse by getting a shot of myself if possible. It's a good way to switch modes in the software and get the camera to stop taking photos, and it'll be a fun series of pictures.
![The camera view during this morning's time lapse.]()
I wish the puddle was bigger, I like the reflections of the clouds in it.
![Today's awesome walk, 5.63 miles in 1:53, 12,355 steps]()
5.63 miles in 1:53, 12,355 steps
I got a lot done today, including my normal weekly chores, plus sweeping the entire upstairs so it looks nice for a meeting Garrett's holding here tomorrow. I also went out to lunch, partially because I was craving something specific, and partly as research for a possible blog submission. That particular one will require three more restaurant visits, so it'll be a while before I submit that one. Or I suppose I could go to all three of the others in one day and have some leftovers for the freezer. Huh, that's actually a really good idea. And I just thought of it!
One thing I did before leaving for lunch was capture a typical morning for Sam and Steve. This is 2.5 hours worth of their enjoyment of the heated dining room floor.
Later on, with the entire house to enjoy, they have to squeeze onto the same chair.
![upload]()
And Sam is always so helpful when I clean.
Two geese were in the same spot all four times I passed by the parking lot, and I saw this pair hanging around here at least twice.
Photo challenge: show this graffiti close up.
Challenge accepted! Thanks, Instagram. Nice to finally see some decent stuff around here.
From now on, I'll end each time lapse by getting a shot of myself if possible. It's a good way to switch modes in the software and get the camera to stop taking photos, and it'll be a fun series of pictures.
I wish the puddle was bigger, I like the reflections of the clouds in it.
5.63 miles in 1:53, 12,355 steps
I got a lot done today, including my normal weekly chores, plus sweeping the entire upstairs so it looks nice for a meeting Garrett's holding here tomorrow. I also went out to lunch, partially because I was craving something specific, and partly as research for a possible blog submission. That particular one will require three more restaurant visits, so it'll be a while before I submit that one. Or I suppose I could go to all three of the others in one day and have some leftovers for the freezer. Huh, that's actually a really good idea. And I just thought of it!
One thing I did before leaving for lunch was capture a typical morning for Sam and Steve. This is 2.5 hours worth of their enjoyment of the heated dining room floor.
Later on, with the entire house to enjoy, they have to squeeze onto the same chair.
And Sam is always so helpful when I clean.
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SchadenFriday
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CATURDAY
BONUS Saturdogs
Many thanks to:
Animals Being Dicks
Señor Gif
k00l 4 k@+z
Almost Famous Cats
Cats, Beavers & Ducks
Derpy Cats
FAT CATS
FUCKYEAHFELINES!
CHEEZburger
Every Day is Caturday
Cats and Dogs
The Cat Reviewer
And everyone else who happened to put a cat or dog where I ended up seeing it this week!
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Right on time
I was about a mile from home this morning when my fuel light went on, because I totally forgot to get gas during my Friday errands. There's always $10 in the glove compartment, but the pumps only take cards, and it was too early for any of the kiosks to be open. So, I ran back home for a credit card, gassed up, then hurried to the spot where I wanted to set the time lapse up.
![20170423_054455]()
There were lots of ducks hanging out today, but even more slugs.
![20170423_054747]()
Fun with reflections.
![IMG_20170423_055339_650]()
I really liked the subtle color in this.
![20170423_071840]()
Here's the view as I approached the camera to pick it up. Really neat sky this morning.
![20170423_072344]()
The new routine end-of-lapse selfie. A cousin saw this on Facebook and said I look so much like my mom, which is true, but I don't see how she got it from this.
![IMG_20170423_073344_742]()
And here's the time lapse. Once again, not much sunrise to see, but it's still cool.
![Today's awesome walk, 7.53 miles in 2:26, 16,193 steps]()
7.53 miles in 2:26, 16,193 steps
We went to brunch at Harvey's after I got back, which was lovely, as usual. Though I also figured out where not to sit because two different pairs of people sat right next to us in a row, because they had a good view of the TVs there. There's nothing quite as good as diner-style toast.
There were lots of ducks hanging out today, but even more slugs.
Fun with reflections.
I really liked the subtle color in this.
Here's the view as I approached the camera to pick it up. Really neat sky this morning.
The new routine end-of-lapse selfie. A cousin saw this on Facebook and said I look so much like my mom, which is true, but I don't see how she got it from this.
And here's the time lapse. Once again, not much sunrise to see, but it's still cool.
7.53 miles in 2:26, 16,193 steps
We went to brunch at Harvey's after I got back, which was lovely, as usual. Though I also figured out where not to sit because two different pairs of people sat right next to us in a row, because they had a good view of the TVs there. There's nothing quite as good as diner-style toast.
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Water, water everywhere
My latest tattoo session is now fully healed, so I went to the pool Friday and this morning. It's nice to be back in the water, though now that I have the Podo, it's tempting to walk instead. Especially when I drive home from the swim center and can see fog layering into the hills off in the distance. But at least at the swim center, I got to see Zoey. And got some info from a longtime resident about a place I'll be writing about soon.
![upload]()
There are lots of trees where I normally park, so I went a bit further out for a better view for the time lapse. This time, I used my flexible tripod to clamp it onto my steering wheel.
![upload]()
Inspiration struck for my fourth submission to the blog I've been writing for, so I headed out for lunch and a trip to Edgewater Beach, the one next to the tank farm. The camera started rolling just in time to catch one ferry leave, so I let it go until another arrived, not realizing I was in frame so much toward the end.
![upload]()
There are lots of trees where I normally park, so I went a bit further out for a better view for the time lapse. This time, I used my flexible tripod to clamp it onto my steering wheel.
Inspiration struck for my fourth submission to the blog I've been writing for, so I headed out for lunch and a trip to Edgewater Beach, the one next to the tank farm. The camera started rolling just in time to catch one ferry leave, so I let it go until another arrived, not realizing I was in frame so much toward the end.
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Successes
I usually go to the marina on Tuesdays but I was really in the mood for the island again, and there was really no reason not to go, so I did. For the first time ever, I saw lots of workers and heavy equipment loading up and transporting biosolids. I changed my route a bit because of them, but ended up at a really good spot for the time lapse.
The water was just high enough that the walkway to this viewing pen was under water, but the rails on either side weren't. Hadn't seen that before.
![20170425_060327]()
Interesting clouds opposite the sunrise.
![20170425_061324]()
![20170425_061917_HDR]()
At first there wasn't much to see, but the sky got pretty dramatic eventually.
![20170425_062633]()
![IMG_20170425_063405_247]()
A rare view of well-lit Olympic mountains through a perfectly-timed hole in the clouds. I mean, they're well-lit quite often, but not when the rest of the sky is dark.
![20170425_065256]()
![IMG_20170425_072402_400]()
This came out pretty nice. I figured out that the light in the corners isn't from adhesive residue, it's a reflection of the Podo's lights off the inside of the case. If I pull off all the stickers, it may lay flush enough to stop doing this, so the new plan is to peel everything off and paint over the lights with some dark nail polish, which I'll pick up tomorrow.
![Today's awesome walk, 6.79 miles in 2:28, 15,643 steps]()
6.79 miles in 2:28, 15,643 steps
Once I got the first time lapse set up and the Podo fully charged, I went ahead and made another in the back yard. Really digging how both came out today.
The water was just high enough that the walkway to this viewing pen was under water, but the rails on either side weren't. Hadn't seen that before.
Interesting clouds opposite the sunrise.
At first there wasn't much to see, but the sky got pretty dramatic eventually.
A rare view of well-lit Olympic mountains through a perfectly-timed hole in the clouds. I mean, they're well-lit quite often, but not when the rest of the sky is dark.
This came out pretty nice. I figured out that the light in the corners isn't from adhesive residue, it's a reflection of the Podo's lights off the inside of the case. If I pull off all the stickers, it may lay flush enough to stop doing this, so the new plan is to peel everything off and paint over the lights with some dark nail polish, which I'll pick up tomorrow.
6.79 miles in 2:28, 15,643 steps
Once I got the first time lapse set up and the Podo fully charged, I went ahead and made another in the back yard. Really digging how both came out today.
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99 cents well spent
My second blog post for Live in Everett went live today! I was about to say it's my first writing gig, but I was a copywriter at an ad agency for a while. It's the first time getting paid for writing something enjoyable. It's not a huge amount or anything, but it'll be nice to get back the money I spend doing the research.
This morning at the pool was nice, and I got a good time lapse from the leg of one of the picnic tables nearby.
I originally thought about putting it on the playground equipment and am glad I didn't. It was really surprising so early on a weekday to come out and find kids playing there. It was around 7:30. After that, I stopped by QFC for some items I needed, and hoped to find nail polish there, but they don't seem to carry any. Drug stores seem to be the way to go, so I went across the street to Rite-Aid, only to discover I was ten minutes too early. To kill time, I went to Safeway for some items I was going to pick up in a couple of days. They had four colors of nail polish, but I wanted black, and thankfully once Rite-Aid was open I found a bottle for 99 cents. It did a great job covering the lights, and now there's the just a faint glow in the sides of the blue case when they light up.
![Podo camera and cheap fix for lights you can't turn off.]()
Based on people's fingers, I figure this might eventually chip, so I'm prepared to repaint once in a while.
This morning at the pool was nice, and I got a good time lapse from the leg of one of the picnic tables nearby.
I originally thought about putting it on the playground equipment and am glad I didn't. It was really surprising so early on a weekday to come out and find kids playing there. It was around 7:30. After that, I stopped by QFC for some items I needed, and hoped to find nail polish there, but they don't seem to carry any. Drug stores seem to be the way to go, so I went across the street to Rite-Aid, only to discover I was ten minutes too early. To kill time, I went to Safeway for some items I was going to pick up in a couple of days. They had four colors of nail polish, but I wanted black, and thankfully once Rite-Aid was open I found a bottle for 99 cents. It did a great job covering the lights, and now there's the just a faint glow in the sides of the blue case when they light up.
Based on people's fingers, I figure this might eventually chip, so I'm prepared to repaint once in a while.
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