Hi! Wow, yesterday was a bitch. Absolutely fatigued all day. Hit the sheets about 8:30p and slept until 4am, the back to bed at 7a and slept until 8:30 when Russell decided to wake me up. After 9 hours sleep I feel a bit better. Tried out the antenna tuner this morning and listened to the Voice of Nigeria for 45 minutes in English. Sent them a reception report by email. I used to actually type these reports on areogrammes and wait for the QSL cards. I think I still have the old cards but I have not been able to find them yet. While looking for them I tossed out three large boxes of old papers, time sheets, notes from past jobs, lots of ip addresses, admin passwords, instruction on loading software when I was at Corporate Information Technologies. Guess I won't be needing any of that.
The tuner does appear to help pull weak signals out of the static. My last one seemed to make more of a difference, but I think I have a better antenna design and perhaps a better radio. I was using a Sony ICF-2010 and using two long wire antenna. My long term plan is to erect a second antenna and to get another radio. With the tuner I should be able to switch radios and antennas easily.
One thing I didn't have before was the wealth of information available on the Internet. I was able to pull up the Voice of Nigeria's website while listening to it. Another really cool thing is the information on solar conditions, propogation reports and other listener reports. The new World Radio and TV Handbook (2011) should be ut soon and I've already ordered it.
As the shortbands are pretty shutdown right now, I'm watching 10th episode of Season 8 of 24. No plans for NYE. If recent experience is a guide. I'll be asleep before midnight tomorrow.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
fatigue spell today
10:30am. Wow am I fatigued. Hit, hit suddenly, and hit hard. Added headache for good measure. Felt so good last night that I walked to the meeting and chatted with a new guy and a visitor. Great walk with music and fuzzy hat. Tuned up the radio and spent a lot of time on the 31m band listing to Radio Tunisa, Radio Romania, probably Iran, and the Voice of Turkey. I was also surprised to find the lower bands were active in the daytime. The new inverted-L antenna really shines. The MFJ-595C antenna tuner is on it's way, out for delivery. Excited to try out it out. The Grundig 750 appears to be a competant radio, but I can see that I'll be upgrading to an Icom R-75 or Yaesu VR-5000.
New strings on the Matin D-15. The last set lasted well, which means I wasn't playing it enough, lol. Yairi Dy-40 next. Think I'll sell one of the DY-67's but looks like I've missed Christmas so no rush. No one single person interested in the Piano. Have to post the 1 BR apartment on Craigslist soon, Joel will be out by tomorrow. Hate to see him go, great guy, great tenent.
Dogs in Snow:
New strings on the Matin D-15. The last set lasted well, which means I wasn't playing it enough, lol. Yairi Dy-40 next. Think I'll sell one of the DY-67's but looks like I've missed Christmas so no rush. No one single person interested in the Piano. Have to post the 1 BR apartment on Craigslist soon, Joel will be out by tomorrow. Hate to see him go, great guy, great tenent.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
5:30am
Good morning friends and readers.
I finished reading a novel last night, John Folwes', "The Magus". The first time I'd read it was in the fall of 1983, at the age of 26. At the time I found much, in the main character, Nicholas Urfe, I had common, with the way we dealt with the world. He was a completely self-centered individual who justified every action in his own mind, living solely for himself. A tragically depressed character in late adolescence moving for one relationship to another, running as soon as the emotions became too intense and required him to accommodate the emotional needs of the other. I didn't see a thing wrong with him or his view of life at that time. I pretty much continued living this way until I was over 40 years old, moving and checking like a hockey player, fending off any real emotional commitment with those close to me, especially the women in my life. The urge to mate, then the intense urge to escape would follow all too quickly. I acted and reacted to each feeling I had without remorse. I ran through women's lives like a tornado, causing destruction everywhere I went. I lived for the hunt and seduction. Then flee like a scalded dog when the feelings and situation became too real. It took a series of events that bought me to my knees to help me change. A few months later I met a young woman with whom I fell in love and when it got intense, I stayed and worked through the anxiety I felt. The was the first romantic relationship during which I remained faithful, lasting about 7 years. Then the tables were turned, and I had the chance to suffer what I'd be dealing to others. My next relationship ended with me being abandoned again. That was a year ago. Since then I have been licking my wounds and inventorying my romantic history.
As I re-read the novel, I could plainly see the problems of Nicolas, his denial of his own selfish and self centered behavior and was unnerved and yet could find compassion for his character, an understanding of how he became this way and for his unhappy future. The novel ends with Nicholas learning nothing and remaining unchanged through the whole ordeal. I find myself saddened for him and for myself. I have worked through my part in the these and made amends where I can. But, victimizer or victim, I care for neither role. Guess I might be single for a while.
7:00am. The sky is finally begin to brighten. Even the dogs are asleep. Let's have coffee, they'll get up when they feel like it. Not that I am hopping to take them out in 18 degree weather.
I finished reading a novel last night, John Folwes', "The Magus". The first time I'd read it was in the fall of 1983, at the age of 26. At the time I found much, in the main character, Nicholas Urfe, I had common, with the way we dealt with the world. He was a completely self-centered individual who justified every action in his own mind, living solely for himself. A tragically depressed character in late adolescence moving for one relationship to another, running as soon as the emotions became too intense and required him to accommodate the emotional needs of the other. I didn't see a thing wrong with him or his view of life at that time. I pretty much continued living this way until I was over 40 years old, moving and checking like a hockey player, fending off any real emotional commitment with those close to me, especially the women in my life. The urge to mate, then the intense urge to escape would follow all too quickly. I acted and reacted to each feeling I had without remorse. I ran through women's lives like a tornado, causing destruction everywhere I went. I lived for the hunt and seduction. Then flee like a scalded dog when the feelings and situation became too real. It took a series of events that bought me to my knees to help me change. A few months later I met a young woman with whom I fell in love and when it got intense, I stayed and worked through the anxiety I felt. The was the first romantic relationship during which I remained faithful, lasting about 7 years. Then the tables were turned, and I had the chance to suffer what I'd be dealing to others. My next relationship ended with me being abandoned again. That was a year ago. Since then I have been licking my wounds and inventorying my romantic history.
As I re-read the novel, I could plainly see the problems of Nicolas, his denial of his own selfish and self centered behavior and was unnerved and yet could find compassion for his character, an understanding of how he became this way and for his unhappy future. The novel ends with Nicholas learning nothing and remaining unchanged through the whole ordeal. I find myself saddened for him and for myself. I have worked through my part in the these and made amends where I can. But, victimizer or victim, I care for neither role. Guess I might be single for a while.
7:00am. The sky is finally begin to brighten. Even the dogs are asleep. Let's have coffee, they'll get up when they feel like it. Not that I am hopping to take them out in 18 degree weather.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
bread making problem
OK, closer but no loaf. Rose about 1/2 way. I think my yeast got wet too soon. Trying again soon.
Had a real nice Christmas. Got sweaters. Oh and it is snowing!!! Technically a white Christmas. Can't wait to watch the dogs play in the snow tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow, recording guitars with Zoom H2. Part of the string test, are Newtones worth the extra $$$?
Had a real nice Christmas. Got sweaters. Oh and it is snowing!!! Technically a white Christmas. Can't wait to watch the dogs play in the snow tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow, recording guitars with Zoom H2. Part of the string test, are Newtones worth the extra $$$?
Christmas morning musing
Up at 6:30a, the curse of going to bed early. Turn on the Weather Channel, as always, to start the day, and low and behold, a completely different forecast in the making. Snow this afternoon,snow tonight, snow tomorrow! Food in the fridge, heat in the house, new Christmas present Roku all hooked up and configured. Puppies out in a balmy 35 degrees, I, as usual, overdressed. Not a sound was heard, no car seen. The quietest morning I can remember. Listened to the BBC for a few minutes. Buffy marathon on the TV (season 3). Eric to come over at 2p and I guess we'll watch another episode of Dexter, and call our mother. The plan is to head to Joyce's for presents and dinner around 4pm. Maybe we'll make over in the snow. If it does snow it'll be the 4th white Christmas in 136 years. Yea, yea, Life in the South.
Next, into the kitchen to make muffins and another attempt at the bread machine. I'm on some weird bread baking trip. I think it is time to revive my cooking skills, which have atrophied over the past couple of years.
My new life plan of acceptance of my current life seems to be working . If it is an energy day or even moment, I get busy on my projects, and if not I don't torture myself thinking I should be doing something. Acceptance. Another part of the "new life" is working on Compassion. So far a dual action of being nice to everyone all the time, avoiding conflict and when I can helping others avoid conflict. Secondly, when feeling judgemental, to remember to imagine myself in their place, to remember that I could be in the others dilemma. You know, a put for the Grace of God thing.
I used to believe that telling people what they needed to hear was a good thing. Maybe it was but at such a cost to myself. I am detaching from that notion and trying just to be inviting. If someone wants my opinion, they can ask. No more inviting myself.
Back to meditating more and looking to a greater conscious contact. Through bread making, lol. Time to mix ingredients and preheat the oven.
Next, into the kitchen to make muffins and another attempt at the bread machine. I'm on some weird bread baking trip. I think it is time to revive my cooking skills, which have atrophied over the past couple of years.
My new life plan of acceptance of my current life seems to be working . If it is an energy day or even moment, I get busy on my projects, and if not I don't torture myself thinking I should be doing something. Acceptance. Another part of the "new life" is working on Compassion. So far a dual action of being nice to everyone all the time, avoiding conflict and when I can helping others avoid conflict. Secondly, when feeling judgemental, to remember to imagine myself in their place, to remember that I could be in the others dilemma. You know, a put for the Grace of God thing.
I used to believe that telling people what they needed to hear was a good thing. Maybe it was but at such a cost to myself. I am detaching from that notion and trying just to be inviting. If someone wants my opinion, they can ask. No more inviting myself.
Back to meditating more and looking to a greater conscious contact. Through bread making, lol. Time to mix ingredients and preheat the oven.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve Day
Listened to the shortwave last night for a few minutes. 49m through 19m bands open. The new inverted L antenna preformed well. I got an email saying the antenna tuner was on it's way and should be here next Tuesday. I hope they have it fixed. As the solar activity remains low and so only the stronger stations are being heard. The conditions should be improving over the next three years or so and better overall for the next 5 years. So, while it is low now, I look forward to an increase in conditions and reception of distant station.
Yesterday was a productive day. Breakfast with Eric, then we both got haircuts, grocery shopping, finished up the antenna installation, moved furniture to set up the radio "shack" and the wiring.
Waiting to see if we get any snow tomorrow. No plans for tomorrow (Christmas Day) until 4pm when we all meet at my step-mother and her sister's apartment for presents and dinner.
Merry Christmas!
Yesterday was a productive day. Breakfast with Eric, then we both got haircuts, grocery shopping, finished up the antenna installation, moved furniture to set up the radio "shack" and the wiring.
Waiting to see if we get any snow tomorrow. No plans for tomorrow (Christmas Day) until 4pm when we all meet at my step-mother and her sister's apartment for presents and dinner.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Christmas week
Had breakfast at Toast (of course) with my friend and sponsee, Mitchell. He has been busy with health issues in his family and has been out of state for several weeks. This was the first time I've seen him in a long while. After an hour and a half, we weren't finished talking and plan to have breakfast again tomorrow. Thursday morning brother Eric and I are headed to Asheville to see our mother for the day to celebrate our Christmas with her. We shall celebrate with our other family on Christmas evening.
Tried a new guitar string, Newtones, from England, on the J-200 and the Yairi WK-1 12 string. Wow, what an improvement. I can't wait to try them on the Yamaha, the Martin D-15 and the Yairi Dy-40. Unfortunately they are about twice the price of the D'Addarios (and I have about 12 packs of those). On the Gibson they are slightly higher tone but more even. On the 12 string they toned down the jangling of the higher strings. On both they give a sweeter, richer sound.
Two days ago, one of my neighbors brought 4 8 year old girls to my door bearing a small bag of Christmas cookies. I haven't had a chance to talk to her (I don't even know her name) to tell her what a sweet thing she had done. Seems she invited the girls over to her house to do the baking. I believe they were stopping at all the houses nearby. I was touched by the gesture.
A bit fatigued today, some muscle pain. Hoping for a burst of energy to go play with the puppies and the guitars.
Tried a new guitar string, Newtones, from England, on the J-200 and the Yairi WK-1 12 string. Wow, what an improvement. I can't wait to try them on the Yamaha, the Martin D-15 and the Yairi Dy-40. Unfortunately they are about twice the price of the D'Addarios (and I have about 12 packs of those). On the Gibson they are slightly higher tone but more even. On the 12 string they toned down the jangling of the higher strings. On both they give a sweeter, richer sound.
Two days ago, one of my neighbors brought 4 8 year old girls to my door bearing a small bag of Christmas cookies. I haven't had a chance to talk to her (I don't even know her name) to tell her what a sweet thing she had done. Seems she invited the girls over to her house to do the baking. I believe they were stopping at all the houses nearby. I was touched by the gesture.
A bit fatigued today, some muscle pain. Hoping for a burst of energy to go play with the puppies and the guitars.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Shortwave antenna installed
After living through the fatigue of a single 15mg dose of Rermeron. I had an amazingly productive day yesterday. I was up early and off to breakfast at Toast. Then to the Post Office to pick up my new shortwave antenna which was in. Then to Radio Shack to get the connectors (didn't have them) and then Lowe's Didn't have then either) to Barnes and Nobles to get a gift certificate and to buy a book, which I couldn't find having forgotten the name. The Master Switch by Tim Wu. Then to the Gap for another present, then off to Mooresville and a better stocked Radio Shack. The salesman wasn't able to help, but I found what I needed, a SO-236 to BNC connector. OK, well maybe not a popular item but one I needed. Then back to Lowe's to find a few more items, then home. I borrowed a ladder and a big drill and went to work. Harder than I anticipated and I worked until the sun went down and got the Inverted - L design installed in two large trees near the back of the house. About 60' on the horizontal and 15' on the vertical axis at about 15 feet in the air. Feed the coax to the house and plugged into the radio. It works! Activity from the 90 meter band to the 40 Meter band. Sadly the antenna tuner appears to be DOA. Returning it tomorrow for a repair or replacement.
The antenna was hung by tying a rope to a half brick and heaving it over a limb of a very large tree. The I stretched the wire, coax and and attached another rope to the other end and heaved that end in another large tree closer to the house. The final decision of where to bring the coax (used to shield the signal from local interference) was based on the ease of getting hte connection into the house. That and the guitar room had the best power and ground. Although the choice of an inverted - L was it omni-directional nature, the second will use a different orientation and possible different design. No rush at this point. Of course I say that now, but you know me, I always strive for the best I can do.
Next part of the project is to rearrange the furniture in the guitar room for the shortwave radio "shack". Once they get the tuner back, I'll have completed the final stages of the preparation. Then, onto listening to the world! My long term plans are to add another antenna and if I stick with the hobby, add a better radio in a year or two. The one I bought is a mid-level but I can already see things that I'll need for serious dxing, like single hz tuning and notch filters. Fortunately there are two options in the $500-600 price range.
One really cool aspect of this hobby is the access to data that was very nearly unattainable in the early 1990's via the internet. Massive amounts of data on the Sun, solar activity and the Earth's magnet field, as well as QSL reports from SWL's around the world. The Internet offers so much that was either unavailable or only available but newsletters delivered by post. This should be fun!
Today my brother got the day off due to weather and we had an early breakfast and hung out all day. It was a nice with a walk with the dogs. Sore as hell from the physicality of yesterday's activities.
Breakfast tomorrow with Marsha, back to the Post Office to drop of package, mail the new contract for the hospital bills and pay P.O. box rent. Dinner with Eric and Dawn ( his new girlfriend). She'll get here early enough to make dinner for us. No other plans for the weekend.
The antenna was hung by tying a rope to a half brick and heaving it over a limb of a very large tree. The I stretched the wire, coax and and attached another rope to the other end and heaved that end in another large tree closer to the house. The final decision of where to bring the coax (used to shield the signal from local interference) was based on the ease of getting hte connection into the house. That and the guitar room had the best power and ground. Although the choice of an inverted - L was it omni-directional nature, the second will use a different orientation and possible different design. No rush at this point. Of course I say that now, but you know me, I always strive for the best I can do.
Next part of the project is to rearrange the furniture in the guitar room for the shortwave radio "shack". Once they get the tuner back, I'll have completed the final stages of the preparation. Then, onto listening to the world! My long term plans are to add another antenna and if I stick with the hobby, add a better radio in a year or two. The one I bought is a mid-level but I can already see things that I'll need for serious dxing, like single hz tuning and notch filters. Fortunately there are two options in the $500-600 price range.
One really cool aspect of this hobby is the access to data that was very nearly unattainable in the early 1990's via the internet. Massive amounts of data on the Sun, solar activity and the Earth's magnet field, as well as QSL reports from SWL's around the world. The Internet offers so much that was either unavailable or only available but newsletters delivered by post. This should be fun!
Today my brother got the day off due to weather and we had an early breakfast and hung out all day. It was a nice with a walk with the dogs. Sore as hell from the physicality of yesterday's activities.
Breakfast tomorrow with Marsha, back to the Post Office to drop of package, mail the new contract for the hospital bills and pay P.O. box rent. Dinner with Eric and Dawn ( his new girlfriend). She'll get here early enough to make dinner for us. No other plans for the weekend.
Monday, December 13, 2010
mighty damn cold
At 11am is it 29 degrees and the wind is blowing around 18mph. Going to sleep at 10:15p means 8 hours later is it 6:15a and I am wake awake. Walk puppies in 18 degrees and windy. Bundled up to my eyes. Puppies don't even notice the cold. A hardy breed. I tease them all the time that dogs are far more adapted to the elements while I don sweaters, coat, hat, scarf and gloves. Yes, I don't like to be cold. Out the door by 9a to drop off a prescription, bank machine, the bank for my brother, grocery store, and post office. Bread maker started (3 hours until lunch. Chili to be started around 1:15p. Hope the bread works out, I have not used the bread maker in a while. This all part of my acceptance of my new life. I believe in action as part of changing thoughts and emotions. I'm going to start the antidepressant tonight. The Prozac only lasted a week due to loss of erections. Not that I have any real need, I like being able to have them anyway, you know, just in case. I'll start the new one slowly as I have been highly troubled by side-effects from nearly every drug I have had to take for the past two years. So, the dosage will be low to start. I don't feel depressed and I don't really act depressed and for the most part my thoughts are good, but I'll try it and see. If this one doesn't work, I'll let this idea go. Oddly the St.John's Wort didn't seem to have any effect and it has worked for me in the past. I am keeping an open mind.
I am happy and contented with my life. Not that my life is all that great and wonderful, but I am working on contentment. I have shelter. I have food. I have interests to occupy my mind. I am not in pain (most of the time). I have friends. I have music. I have the companionship of my dogs. I am poor but not broke. I have the gratitude of being alive. That is enough.
I am happy and contented with my life. Not that my life is all that great and wonderful, but I am working on contentment. I have shelter. I have food. I have interests to occupy my mind. I am not in pain (most of the time). I have friends. I have music. I have the companionship of my dogs. I am poor but not broke. I have the gratitude of being alive. That is enough.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Rainy and cold Sunday morning
Warm inside wearing my favorite sweater, made in Nepal from wool, green with a big Om stitched into the wool. I once made it through a multi-day visit to Amsterdam in March with only this sweater and a Goretex shell coat. What was I thinking?
Puppies sleeping and I'm heading to the guitar room for a little strumming and picking and singing. I think I'll make a crab soup for lunch and biscuits. Tomorrow I'll make chili and crank up the bread maker.
Continuing to work towards accepting my reality. I would say new reality but after 2 1/2 years, it ain't all that new. My acceptance is new. I have fought and fought and searched and searched for an answer, a solution, and now have decided to stop fighting. Doesn't mean I shall give up but only to accept this fate and stop trying to live my old life.
New shortwave antenna should get here soon. Once it does I'll check all the connections, and off to the store to find rope, insulators, and grounding items. The last part will be finding a way to get the coax into the house. I've decided on a inverted L design for its non-directionality and that I can use the balun closer to the ground, both figuratively and literally. Hoping to get about 63 feet horizontally and then 17 feet vertically. I'll remember to place tape every five feet on the rope to estimate the height and length of the the antenna.
Off to the guitar room.
Puppies sleeping and I'm heading to the guitar room for a little strumming and picking and singing. I think I'll make a crab soup for lunch and biscuits. Tomorrow I'll make chili and crank up the bread maker.
Continuing to work towards accepting my reality. I would say new reality but after 2 1/2 years, it ain't all that new. My acceptance is new. I have fought and fought and searched and searched for an answer, a solution, and now have decided to stop fighting. Doesn't mean I shall give up but only to accept this fate and stop trying to live my old life.
New shortwave antenna should get here soon. Once it does I'll check all the connections, and off to the store to find rope, insulators, and grounding items. The last part will be finding a way to get the coax into the house. I've decided on a inverted L design for its non-directionality and that I can use the balun closer to the ground, both figuratively and literally. Hoping to get about 63 feet horizontally and then 17 feet vertically. I'll remember to place tape every five feet on the rope to estimate the height and length of the the antenna.
Off to the guitar room.
Friday, December 10, 2010
My house
Before I start calling my insurance company and the hospital of my bills, I thought I tell you about my house. In 2007 my step-mother, Joyce, went into the retirement community and gave my brother and I the two houses they owned in Davidson. My brother got the house my father built and I got the house that had been split into three apartments and had been rental property for about 30 years. Due to tax laws we could not accept the gifts but just moved in and let Joyce keep the titles.
I moved in after much painting and cleaning in the winter of 2007. The house is 76 years old and in the old part of Davidson about 3 blocks from were I attended the 1st grade and two blocks from where we lived when I was 5 until I was 7 years of age. Many of my neighbors I have know for decades. The lot on which the house reside is huge and runs from the street in front to the street behind. There are several large trees, oaks and cedars, which are probably older than the house itself. It is a very large two story structure on a hill maybe 20 feet higher than the main road in front. It reminds me of the grand old houses in the Forest Hill neighborhood in Danville, Va where I lived between the 2nd and 7th grades. We lived in a cinder block apartment building but I tended to cross the road and hang out in that neighborhood. I even raked leaves in that neighborhood and loved the stately brick houses there.
This house is so old that it seems to have a wind chill factor. It is very hard to keep warn, even with the natural gas heater. Get close to a window and you can feel the chill. So the neat comes on and gets too hot, then to cool. other than that, I've made a cozy little place for myself. I'm happy here.
It took me a while to get used to the noise from the two upstairs apartments, then I began to like it. Joel is moving out at the end of the month, the second person who has trouble with the other apartment renters cigarette smoke. Seems the HVAC systems are connected and there is no way to uncouple them. Having the two apartments rented covers the utilities, taxes, and insurance so the house is self-supporting.
I've been pacing out the options of using trees to support the new shortwave antenna(s) and grounding. My new problem will be how to get the coax into the house and into the right room, without having to crawl around under the house.
I moved in after much painting and cleaning in the winter of 2007. The house is 76 years old and in the old part of Davidson about 3 blocks from were I attended the 1st grade and two blocks from where we lived when I was 5 until I was 7 years of age. Many of my neighbors I have know for decades. The lot on which the house reside is huge and runs from the street in front to the street behind. There are several large trees, oaks and cedars, which are probably older than the house itself. It is a very large two story structure on a hill maybe 20 feet higher than the main road in front. It reminds me of the grand old houses in the Forest Hill neighborhood in Danville, Va where I lived between the 2nd and 7th grades. We lived in a cinder block apartment building but I tended to cross the road and hang out in that neighborhood. I even raked leaves in that neighborhood and loved the stately brick houses there.
This house is so old that it seems to have a wind chill factor. It is very hard to keep warn, even with the natural gas heater. Get close to a window and you can feel the chill. So the neat comes on and gets too hot, then to cool. other than that, I've made a cozy little place for myself. I'm happy here.
It took me a while to get used to the noise from the two upstairs apartments, then I began to like it. Joel is moving out at the end of the month, the second person who has trouble with the other apartment renters cigarette smoke. Seems the HVAC systems are connected and there is no way to uncouple them. Having the two apartments rented covers the utilities, taxes, and insurance so the house is self-supporting.
I've been pacing out the options of using trees to support the new shortwave antenna(s) and grounding. My new problem will be how to get the coax into the house and into the right room, without having to crawl around under the house.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
home from the doctor's office
The results of my most recent blood test were in. Seems I'm the picture of health. I mean I'm glad I'm healthy and all but no closer to an answer or a treatment for what ails me. Dr. Thomas thinks now the damage was caused by the surgery and the second radiation oncologist thinks it is from the Whole Brain Radiation. I believe, unless new evidence is produced, that I'm done searching and shall accept my condition.
Puppies went for a long walk today. Up to the college, past Chambers, crossed Main St., visited Toast and Summit Coffee (to see Laura), down South St. where the kids were exiting the school, then turned onto Spring St.and home. Estimated 1.4 miles. A very long walk on three inch long legs. Both puppies down for the count.
Puppies went for a long walk today. Up to the college, past Chambers, crossed Main St., visited Toast and Summit Coffee (to see Laura), down South St. where the kids were exiting the school, then turned onto Spring St.and home. Estimated 1.4 miles. A very long walk on three inch long legs. Both puppies down for the count.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
December 8
Not much new. Russell got a new toy for no reason except I am a compulsive dog toy shopper. He loves it and won't even let me touch it. He ground scored a bagel from the neighbor's yard and carried it around until he could tear off a piece. It is cold and windy but we'll try to walk downtown to visit Laura at her new job at Summit coffee. Skye is getting to her perfect weight and can be a real trooper on these long walks. She likes to walk on her leash, Russell prefers to run. He is very good at staying with us or returning when called.
My new shortwave radio arrived. The higher frequency bands are active and over the next three or four years the lower one's should start propagating too. The antenna tuner should arrive today, so I'm trapped until UPS arrives. I missed them yesterday. Two transformers have been ordered. I have begun testing the level of electrical interference, most for the AC connections in each room. Then I'll know where to arrange the antennas. Next problem, how to get the coax into the house.
I have an appointment to get the results of the blood work tomorrow morning. Maybe, hopefully, I'll get an answer.
UNC and UGA won in basketball. Woohoo. Xmas jam on Saturday.
My new shortwave radio arrived. The higher frequency bands are active and over the next three or four years the lower one's should start propagating too. The antenna tuner should arrive today, so I'm trapped until UPS arrives. I missed them yesterday. Two transformers have been ordered. I have begun testing the level of electrical interference, most for the AC connections in each room. Then I'll know where to arrange the antennas. Next problem, how to get the coax into the house.
I have an appointment to get the results of the blood work tomorrow morning. Maybe, hopefully, I'll get an answer.
UNC and UGA won in basketball. Woohoo. Xmas jam on Saturday.
December 8
Not much new. Russell got a new toy for no reason except I am a compulsive dog toy shopper. He loves it and won't even let me touch it. He ground scored a bagel from the neighbor's yard and carried it around until he could tear off a piece. It is cold and windy but we'll try to walk downtown to visit Laura at her new job at Summit coffee. Skye is getting to her perfect weight and can be a real trooper on these long walks. She likes to walk on her leash, Russell prefers to run. He is very good at stayed with us or returning when called.
My new shortwave radio arrived. The higher frequency bands are active and over the next three or four years the lower one's should start propagating too. The antenna tuner should arrive today, so I'm trapped until UPS arrives. Two transformers have been ordered. I have begun testing the level of electrical interference, most for the AC connections in each room. Then I'll know where to arrange the antennas. Next problem, how to get the coax into the house.
I have an appointment to get the results of the blood work tomorrow morning. Maybe, hopefully, I'll get an answer.
UNC and UGA won in basketball. Woohoo. Xmas jam on Saturday.
My new shortwave radio arrived. The higher frequency bands are active and over the next three or four years the lower one's should start propagating too. The antenna tuner should arrive today, so I'm trapped until UPS arrives. Two transformers have been ordered. I have begun testing the level of electrical interference, most for the AC connections in each room. Then I'll know where to arrange the antennas. Next problem, how to get the coax into the house.
I have an appointment to get the results of the blood work tomorrow morning. Maybe, hopefully, I'll get an answer.
UNC and UGA won in basketball. Woohoo. Xmas jam on Saturday.
Friday, December 3, 2010
more bloodwork
At Lakeside Family Physicians to get yet another round of blood tests to see if they can find what the hell is wrong with me. Except for another kidney stone I had a good couple of days, but crash around 6pm each night.
There are a few things in this Universe that I do not understand. The Meaning of Life, Antenna Theory, greed and why I'be been so sick for 2 1/2 years. This round of blood tests is a grasping at straws to find an answer. After this I am just tapped out if ideas. Results should be in within the week.
So my new radio will be here on Monday and the new antenna tuner on Tuesday. The there will be some basic testing for in house interference and then deciding where to install the antenna wires outside. I'm thinking two to start. Long wire antennas work better at picking up signals from the sides and worse at the ends. The longer line will be about 84 feet oriented northeast and southwest Europe and Africa). The length is a factor of the 1/4 wavelength for multiple frequency bands (120, 09, 06, 45, 30) but also that avoid the 1/2 wavelength and harmonics associated. Happily my internet research has found someone who has worked out the calculations already. A second independent line will run 41 feet and be oriented northwest and southeast for the South Pacific and South America. This second antenna would also catch the signals coming across the north polar region. The goal will be to get the antennas as high as possible and away from the house, but also a good distance from the power lines that run both in along the roads in front and behind the house.
I bet you are wondering how radio signals can travel 1/2 way around the globe as radio waves cannot bend. They bounce into the ionosphere (F1 and F2 layers). The these waves return to Earth and bounce again into the ionosphere and back to earth again. These are called hops. A signal can hop many times but as the do they lost power and pick up interference. So Radio New Zealand broadcasting at only 7.5megawatts will be very hard to receive. The ionosphere is charged by particles from the sun caught in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Not enough charged particles and the F2 layer will not bounce the signal and it will drift off into space. Too many charged particles create too much interference. There is an 11 year cycle of sunspot activity will causes the conditions that make radio wave propagation possible. We appear to be on the beginning of the upswing of solar activity. We should see improving conditions for the next 4-5 yeas. At the low point the cycle the bands will be fairly quiet and near the high point, a beehive of activity.
Who uses short wave? In many parts of the world short wave is the medium for radio, as AM (medium wave) and FM are used. Also, marine, utilities, and ham radio use these frequencies. Aircraft use ultrahigh frequencies for their communication. DXers, people to scan the short wave bands for interesting programming from around the world, music and news. Also the challenge of digging out a regional station from the interference and noise of the radio bands makes for an interesting hobby.
I'll be deciding where to hang the antennas and figure out how to run the leads into the house and ground the antennas. I have several trees that will work. The hard part will be getting high enough to attach the wires. So off to find the necessary hardware, 150' of coated single solid core wire, connections to attach the signal wire to coax, coaxial to get the signal to the tuner. Sr-236 connectors, ground wire and clamp.
There are a few things in this Universe that I do not understand. The Meaning of Life, Antenna Theory, greed and why I'be been so sick for 2 1/2 years. This round of blood tests is a grasping at straws to find an answer. After this I am just tapped out if ideas. Results should be in within the week.
So my new radio will be here on Monday and the new antenna tuner on Tuesday. The there will be some basic testing for in house interference and then deciding where to install the antenna wires outside. I'm thinking two to start. Long wire antennas work better at picking up signals from the sides and worse at the ends. The longer line will be about 84 feet oriented northeast and southwest Europe and Africa). The length is a factor of the 1/4 wavelength for multiple frequency bands (120, 09, 06, 45, 30) but also that avoid the 1/2 wavelength and harmonics associated. Happily my internet research has found someone who has worked out the calculations already. A second independent line will run 41 feet and be oriented northwest and southeast for the South Pacific and South America. This second antenna would also catch the signals coming across the north polar region. The goal will be to get the antennas as high as possible and away from the house, but also a good distance from the power lines that run both in along the roads in front and behind the house.
I bet you are wondering how radio signals can travel 1/2 way around the globe as radio waves cannot bend. They bounce into the ionosphere (F1 and F2 layers). The these waves return to Earth and bounce again into the ionosphere and back to earth again. These are called hops. A signal can hop many times but as the do they lost power and pick up interference. So Radio New Zealand broadcasting at only 7.5megawatts will be very hard to receive. The ionosphere is charged by particles from the sun caught in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Not enough charged particles and the F2 layer will not bounce the signal and it will drift off into space. Too many charged particles create too much interference. There is an 11 year cycle of sunspot activity will causes the conditions that make radio wave propagation possible. We appear to be on the beginning of the upswing of solar activity. We should see improving conditions for the next 4-5 yeas. At the low point the cycle the bands will be fairly quiet and near the high point, a beehive of activity.
Who uses short wave? In many parts of the world short wave is the medium for radio, as AM (medium wave) and FM are used. Also, marine, utilities, and ham radio use these frequencies. Aircraft use ultrahigh frequencies for their communication. DXers, people to scan the short wave bands for interesting programming from around the world, music and news. Also the challenge of digging out a regional station from the interference and noise of the radio bands makes for an interesting hobby.
I'll be deciding where to hang the antennas and figure out how to run the leads into the house and ground the antennas. I have several trees that will work. The hard part will be getting high enough to attach the wires. So off to find the necessary hardware, 150' of coated single solid core wire, connections to attach the signal wire to coax, coaxial to get the signal to the tuner. Sr-236 connectors, ground wire and clamp.
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