Today's Reflection ★ January 31, 2014

Walgreens - 50% off on select toys in isle 7

With the high cost of being a grandparent, (haha, like it's a bank breaker), when you find toys on sale, ya buy them. Am I right? Come on grandparents, let me hear ya, you know I'm right. In many cases, children have toys flowing out of the toy box and into the hallway. Enough some times that all a parent wants to do is cry. Then begins the giving toys away drive. So, what's a grandparent to do? Buy them for when the kiddos come over. hehe

Of course, as an amateur photographer, (major big on the amateur), I guess I could use them as props.  lol

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 30, 2014

That wasn't too bad ... as long as we stayed under the covers. Yes, like the Star Spangled Banner, (with the utmost respect to Mr. Key and the banner he held so dear) we made it through to "the dawns early light". Getting out of the covers was the problem, burr!!!!

We went to work as usual, with the exception of no heat keeping the walls warm. I took out at lunch to see if I could figure out the problem. No such luck this time, so before I headed back into town, I called Montgomery Heat and Air. The lady told me they'd call back, so I figured I'd wait. I waited a while and after finally just getting far too cold, I headed into town and back to work. With such a short notice, I figured it would be tomorrow before I could get someone out to see what was wrong. I was already planning a trip to Walmart after work, so we could purchase a better room heater then we have.

I'm back to work no more then 45 minutes, when my cell begans to shake and make all kinds of racket. It was the HVAC guy, whom just happen to be within 15 minutes of the house.

To keep this reflection short, my wiring skills are still good, as I got the new stat in correctly. He topped off the freon, and put the caps that have been missing all this time, on.  Warm air just screaming to get into the house. He then checked out the auxiliary heating coilsand found we have been on only 2 out of the coils and apparently they were not the hottest two. He gets the other repaired and then if the original working two didn't stop working ... same problem.

He got us heat enough to keep the house all nice and warm and then some. The heat also doesn't run near as long either. The house is by far, the most comfortable it's been since moving into the place. Yeah.

So, today's reflection ... that is the temp of the air leaving the new flexi duct I installed earlier. 100° He is supposed to get back with me so he can get the other part in. With 3 coils operating, it should be a warm rest of the winter.

The hammer? ... It's just to hold the thermometer down, while the air zips up out of the vent. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 29, 2014

This morning around 4, Alicia was awakened to cold on her face. She can't sleep whenever her face is cold. The hvac unit was on, but it was blowing cold air. On a cold night in mid winter, that is not a good thing. She turned it off and went back to bed to try and finish out her night of sleep.

I woke up at 6 and felt cold on my feet, I am most uncomfortable when my feet are cold. Not knowing about the heat, I went out to check it and thus saw it was off. Alicia was just heading back that direction from letting the dog in, saw me at the thermostat and relayed her previous findings. I turned it back on and it began warming up the house.

Come time to head off to work, I didn't want to take a chance that cold air would blow all day, so I turned the unit off.

Nine hours later ...

We arrived home from work, to a very big chill in the house. One of those kind of chills food gets when you put it in the refrigerator. 53° is what the thermostat was showing. I turned the system up to 74° and  warmish air began to flow rapidly throughout the house.

Two hours later ...

I wanted to check on the progress of the house heating, I touched the light button on the bottom of the ritetemp thermostat, (the unit at bottom left) and received the shock of my life, (play on words for certain). I have received small static shocks on numerous occasions from that unit, but this would be my last. The back light did not turn on, the digital display now flashed between 12:00 and 69°. The adjustment setting was only on 69°. Poor delicate digital thermostat has received its limit of shocking touches and now no longer worked.

"Off to Lowes.", I tell my dear wife.
"Why?", she asked.
"I've got a charge in my system I must have extracted.", was my feeble reply. 
What I really said was, "To buy a new thermostat."

Condensing for you, the reader's sake ...


I installed a new Honeywell wi-fi thermostat, (middle right, with quick guide as background) and we both slept soundly all night long.



NOT!!!!!!


After only 20 minutes, the heat went out again. It's going to be a very cold night. I'm simply too tired and cold to try and figure this out further

Today's Reflection ★ January 28, 2014

At least twice a day I visit this spot, so why not take a distorted reflection of it. <---(Sounds/looks like a question,  but I'm not asking, I'm self pondering.)

Yeah, it was a last minute ditch effort to get a picture in before dozing up the forests, but then this is my photo blog. Hopefully you're along for the ride and are enjoying it thus far. If not, hopefully there will be something to appeal to your senses at some point.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 - Cameringo app

Today's Reflection ★ January 27, 2014

Feeling really tired and run down today, so there won't be an actual picture. Even so, I didn't dare miss a day, as it is far too easy to get out of the habit,

(as I found out last year).

So I bid you all a fabulously wonderful night.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 26, 2014

Five years ago on this very day, we experienced an Arkansas ice storm to be remembered. It was the first time we had problems with the well, (pressure switch froze). The beginning of a very long 12 days, (for us, some experienced a week longer), without power and ultimately with now water other then what we could bring home in containers, ... once we were able to make it into town.

So with the Polar Vortex, (sounds so much more dramatic and terrible when called something other then a cold spell or cold snap or any other such name ... the Media, such dramatists) and having already had problems with the last two Polar Vortexex, I decided I needed to give that switch and its surrounding pumping, a much bigger blanket. Hopefully this will keep things flowing well (pun intended).

Also on this very date, our little miss random, Poppy's little Ice Princess was born and what a random, blessed experience that has been. The ice melted, most of the damaged vegetation (trees, shrubs, etc.), have been made into firewood and life would be back to normal.  Except ... we have our sweet Renee and as random as she can be we love her very much.

Motorola Atrix 2, the crap that is Motorola.

Today's Reflection ★ January 25, 2014

Reflecting backward for a moment; I think I began working on the ducting last winter, October or November of 2012. I had purchased all the supplies, but just could not find it within (clinically and situationally) to take on the task. One of many I have left undone due to whatever excuse I seemed to be able to make up in my head, that keeps me from these kind of tasks. Further details on that, will only be discussed with the person (or persons) involved in some kind of mental therapy. If they figure it out, I might share it some other time.

Fast forward, today I somehow managed to get past whichever one of the above (or both) that has kept me waylaid and seemingly unable to accomplish much of anything. This ducting wasn't there this morning and as of right now it is fully functional at 99% complete, I still need to insulate the end closest to the camera.

I chose this particular shot because of the goldish lighting. I have more where the lighting is "normal", but I prefer the overall warmth of the shot, especially since it had warm air rushing swiftly through it at the time of the shot.

Oh, yes I am feeling somewhat good ... very good about myself at the moment.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Today's Reflection ★ January 24, 2014

Though my desk, monitor and computer have changed over the last 6+ years,  I still sit in the same place, (when I get to sit), Monday - Friday, from 8:00 - 5:00. While all things change, some things remain the same.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 23, 2014

I feel as though I'm acquiring to many devices sometimes and like the problem with January 22's post, I hate when anyone of those devices fail me.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 22, 2014

It didn't publish. I began the publishing process at 11:50 last night. The original is still listed as publishing in the blogger app. When I remember what I said, I'll edit this post. This is the picture for 1/22/2014. 

Today's Reflection ★ January 21, 2014

Lunch time, a simple meal, but one which helps to get through the day. I've heard it said that the mid day meal should be our largest and the evening meal or smallest. That sounds very logical to me, yet almost an impossibility. The noon meal is one which, usually only allowed about an hour. A meal we rush through so we can get back into the grind of things. The evening meal in many cases, is given more time. More time to prepare, more time to eat, more time to chat around the table (or perhaps watch TV), more time to clean up, then the body slows down and all those carbs, sugars and other bad things begin to do their damage. If I could eat my big meal at mid day, perhaps, just perhaps, I might not be over weight. Just a thought that came to mind while eating this meager noon day meal (at 2:45). •••••••》

What do you think?

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 20, 2014

Choo-Choo!! The little train that ... tried to escape after being framed for something it didn't do. Just playing with settings and frames. I might get a niche for this photo taking stuff someday.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 19, 2014

It's time to get back to B.A.S.I.C. Anyone still use that old language? I did a little with it, mostly entering programs someone else had written, so I could use whatever program it happened to be. That was before software and WAY before APPS. Come to think of it, I was only using about 24k of RAM, no drives or mice, but a huge keyboard and a black & White TV. Those were the days .... wouldn't go back to that old 8088 processor for nothing. If it was even possible, it would take weeks to run  "simple" app on one of those old things.  Forget about downloading anything, 300 baud??? LOL

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 18, 2014

These things are bad, but good, terrible, but amazing, more then likely unhealthy, but definitely extremely yummy. M&M, melts in your mouth, not in your hands.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Melts in your mouth, not in your hand.

Today's Reflection ★ January 17, 2014

My brain is to wobbly to even take a proper picture, much less come up with a good caption for it.

Taken with a Motorola Atrix 2  --  a real piece of crap

Today's Reflection ★ January 16, 2014

Abstract click work or just abstract photography or the big contrast or "NINE O'CLOCK AND ALLS WELL!!"

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 using a Ricoh 651 transfer belt.

Today's Reflection ★ January 15, 2014

Tonight, just sit back, relax and listen to the cool sound of Mr. Blue on the saxophone. Take it away Mr. Blue.

I think we'll be on this stage again.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Eat your heart out Kenny. 

Today's Reflection ★ January 14, 2014

I've been hearing a lot of strange things lately, so keep it to yourself. I don't want to hear anymore, of what ever it is.  lol

A selfie ... kinda, sorta, I reckon.  I just wanted to see how close the front facing camera could get. Now I know and so do you.

Keep your ears open, ya never know what you might hear. If it's about you, beat the Pooh out of them. NOT!!! If it's about you, blow it off and keep on about your business. If it's about someone else, don't listen and if you can't help but hear, don't repeat it.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

I heard that. 

Today's Reflection ★ January 13, 2014

Back many moons ago, when I was but a small fellow, I recall my uncle being the first in our family to have a telly with one of these. His however, was not near as fancy as any of those pictured. It had two buttons, one to change channels up and down,  (all 11 VHF + those fabulous UHF channels - when they were available), the other to increase and decrease the volume. Believe it or not, it was called a clicker (or "that clicky thingy"). We found out later that you could do the same thing by clapping your hands ... but that is another storyand another annoying set of commercials. .

These days, the amount of junk on the telly keeps so many, far too busy doing mindless things. I used to hear things like,  "You watch enough of that and your eyes will turn square." Haha, the things we get told to try and make us stop something. For most of us, it just makes us want to do it more, just to see if it will happen.

Today's remote controls do so much more. I hear they are working on one to tell you what to watch, when to watch it and then proceeds to force you to get health insurance, whether you can afford it or not. Such digression. At least 3 of these things just about have total control over my evening outcome. 

Remember,  "Do not adjust your set ...)? I see a day when the telly is on 24 hoursa days, feeding more mindless crap into our already overly polluted minds, controlling everything we think, do and say.  Don't take my word for it, just ask those who have already begun to do or look in the old history books to see what has happened before........

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 12, 2014

Another shot I'll have to try with my digital camera, as I have no idea what caused the lines. Even when set to fluorescent lighting, it still produced the same effect. Not what I had in mind and certainly not all that appealing.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 11, 2014

No, I'm not a fan of Pooh, but he was there in that spot, sitting like all other days, at that time, like what other time would that be, in my view. So I shot him.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 10, 2014

It just didn't add up ... the macro on my tablet, it just didn't add up. Another of my favorite forms of photography is macro photography. I'm not sure what the exact range on the tablet camera is, but I had to be too far away to get the best close up. Perhaps I'll try this again at some point with my phone and/or my Canon PowerShot.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 09, 2014

I admit it, I love special effects, filters, amazing lenses ... you name it, when it comes to pictures, cameras and trying it different, I'm in. This year's 365 will reflect that. Using the tablet or my phone, I will play with various settings. In 2011, it was playing with light, shutter speed and what I could make a camera do. Now I'm going to see what I can do with a very wide range of apps.

Books are amazing, regardless of the age, there is something which has been printed, that will interest all who are well to read and all who desire to be read to. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 CameraZOOMFX

Today's Reflection ★ January 08, 2014

This 8th day of 2014, saw me up a bit earlier or at least in the right spot to be able to catch this beautiful sunrise. As with most sunrise/sunset photos, this Reflection is at least a step or two shy of being able to see it in real life. The fact that I got the slight glimmer of the lake in the shot, was a plus I hadn't counted on.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

Today's Reflection ★ January 07, 2014

"January 13, 13:01. Well, well, what do we have here? Inside of the pump house. I went home at lunch to see if I could get the water back on. Flipped switches, checked breakers, moved things around, went back in the house and the water was back on. :-) I do truly believe in miracles & that was one."

That from 2011 in 365 pt 1 on Facebook. Today's Reflection is a reminder not to put things off. After the above 2011 entry, I never got back to the well to check its status, (perhaps if it had its own Facebook page ...) At any rate, I am once again having well problems. No, not problems with staying well, but with keeping water flowing into the pipes. Now I get to replace this switch.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0.

Today's Reflection ★ January 06, 2014

I prefer the cooler temperatures of the year over the humid ones.  One big plus, no ticks and chiggers, especially when it gets this cold. Another, the fact that it isn't humid. I'm not sure if there is an order to those pluses. HOWEVER, on those rare occasions when it gets this cold, (our high never made it to the teens and with wind chill, stayed in the negative numbers), I'm ready for the cold to keep on movin'. Tomorrow is going to be a heat wave, as it climbs into the low to mid 30s.

The pump switch has stopped working, the wind won't stick with the chill and stay outside and the heat has run non stop for the last two days. Except for a few times I have shut it down for a bit to give it a break. Be thankful Michael, that you have a house that keeps you warmer then you would be outside.

Today's Reflection, shows a glimpse of living the country life. The photo shows only one, but there were four of these beauties grazing on grass and snow. Makes my nose cold just thinking about it, talk about your ice cream headache ....

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS set on auto.

Today's Reflection ★ January 05, 2014

For this 5th day of 2014, we begin by stepping into the the blue box with the raggedy man and going back to January 10, 2013. There,  in the unfinished album 365 in 2013 (found on Tumblr), I marked the day I would begin the long process of cleaning my clothes out from the closet. As you might see in that 2013 photo, I turned all the hangers the opposite way. If I wore something, when it went back to the closet, the hanger was turned around normally, as seen in this prize winning photo below. In order to see the difference, you'll need to go back to the 2013 picture, found here.

I actually managed to remove almost half of the clothing in my closet. I didn't exactly get rid of all that, I simply moved some of it to another closet. Some of my collard work shirts will be going back to work. It is rare for me to wear anything with collars these days.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 04, 2014

Occasionally,  (I can only hope), there will be days I just take a photo, just to fill a quota. Something of little or no interest to anyone. A blank slate.  Something to help keep me in a routine or habit. Today's Reflection, happens to be one of those photos.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Today's Reflection ★ January 03, 2014

For this 3rd day of 2014, I'm back at the park where no sane person should be. I do still have a little sanity, as I was sitting in the car eating my banana, wondering what would make for a nice Reflection.

Eventually, I decided to brave the cool 34° temperature, (comparatively speaking, this is not cold, especially when evaluating the temps around the globe). I went over to the apocalyptic, (no zombies, just apocalypse looking) playground for a few shots.

Today's Reflection, shows what a playground could look like, in case of some previously mentioned cataclysmic event, (near freezing cold can also be considered cataclysmic ... in some people's mind), or when school is in full swing, (no play on words intended ... okay there really was), or when children everywhere rebel and choose to stay in the house, playing video games or watching the tele all day. I suppose any number of things could empty a park,  but that's for others to ponder.

Sun shining, hardly a cloud in the sky, yet even with the sun beating down upon it, the tube slide is still 34°, give our take, just in case you need more to read. 

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS, anything else you might wish to know is in the exif.

Today's Reflection ★ January 02, 2014

Playground and Pavilion at Old Hickey Park on an icy cold day, the temps never got above the mid 20s. No one playing, nor eating at the park today. Burrrr.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, with effects from BeFunky Photo Editing app.

Today's Reflection ★ January 01, 2014

On January 1, 2011, I set out to accomplish a long term goal, a task that seemed foregin to me then. The goal appeared to be pretty simple when I began it, but began to overwhelm me by midyear. Though I did accomplish that goal,  (the results can be seen in two photo albums on Facebook), it took a lot out of me mentally and I chose not to try it in 2012.

January 1, 2013 came very soon and I felt I was ready to try again. 365 the 2013 Edition, began great, but fell way short of its intended goal. Once failure struck, I pretty much lost all passion for the craft.

Along comes January 1, 2014 and ready or not, I'm going to try again. One photograph a day for every day of this 2014 year. 2011 was all done straight from the camera. 2013 added a cell phone camera. 2014, it's still straight out of the camera, but I've added a tablet and have numerous camera apps and photo editor apps. Who knows what might appear. I hope we'll find out over a full 365 days.

Come tag along for the journey and watch me make another long term goal.

☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

January 1, 2014 - Ice Sickles and it was up around the mid 50s today. My 1st photo of the new year.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS.