Caleb and Owen seemed to thoroughly enjoy watching Elf with us last evening. I think the adults were enjoying it as well … at least this one was. I think it might get added to our Christmas classics short list.
After many (too many) attempts, I finally managed to get SketchUp working under openSuse linux — using the linux wine app (Windows program loader / translation layer). Now I can make my woodworking plans without booting Windows. I think I last had it running when I was using Ubuntu — and, perhaps, on a previous computer. It’s been a while.
PS — Almost as soon as I posted this, SketchUp stopped working. Argh! An update to wine appeared to defeat my fix. After some head scratching (and much cursing) I was again able to celebrate — quietly — at 2 AM.
I just finished putting down a new laminate floor in the patio room. The results are amazing, if I do say so myself. The project started yesterday AM finished this afternoon. Thanks to Bob Saraceno for spending yesterday afternoon guiding me through (make that doing) a repair on a water damaged portion of the original floor — an unexpected side project. The repair is now the strongest area of the floor. Also thanks to the manufacturer of the flooring (Uniboard Lock-’n-Seal sold at Sams Club). The materials were flawless, and the design took all the precision work out of the installation. Anyway, we’re very happy. Quarter rounds will be added to finish the edges — after my legs and knees recover.
We bought a natural-gas heater for the patio room but Larry was reluctant to run the gas line himself, so he called a plumber. A very wise move, but at $98 to walk in the door, and $50 each half-hour, Larry wanted to do everything in his power to make sure everything went smoothly: he cleared out the garage (where the new pipe would be run to the patio) and cleared the way in the basement. He was determined to keep the cost around $200; he just didn’t count on the custom-made structure of the house. The plumber had to drill, fiddle, check and drill for AN HOUR to get thru to the garage. One. Hour. One. Hundred. Dollars. One inch hole. Will keep you posted on the progress; Larry and his new best friend are still working. $300 and counting. I’m sure a picture will follow~~and we can look forward to a warm and snuggly Thanksgiving dinner this year.
UPDATE:
Well, it’s installed, it looks good, and we look forward to using the patio when the weather turns really chilly. And how much did it cost? You CANNOT put a price on comfort, people. Our family and friends mean everything to us and their comfort is of paramount importance. Plus, we believe in keeping the economy booming and we have done our part to help turn this recession on its head. You can expect to see A LOT more of the patio this winter. I’m just sayin’. C’mon over and experience the warmth!
OK. In a grand gesture, in honor of Earth Day, we have turned off unnecessary all lights. Larry even unplugged the tiny light in the bathroom. I’d feel Amish if I didn’t have my laptop — and the t.v. tuned to “Nova”. (T.V. doesn’t count if it’s educational). So, we’ve shown our solidarity with the Sierra Club and all the tree-hugging liberals who believe in global warming. My question is, did anyone else?
I’m going to light a candle. Wish I still smoked–it was easier to score matches.
Here are a lot of pics from our weekend in PA.
Here we are in Pittsburgh. Went to Lidia’s for dinner last evening. Off to Falling Water today. Having much fun.
This is NOT a church.
It’s a BAR!
Today we visited the Getty Center and the Lake Shrine. Both are beautiful places. The Getty is an amazing group of Art and Museum galleries plus gardens. The architecture and the views all around are really awe inspiring. The Lake Shrine is a retreat for meditation. It has many tranquil areas surrounding the small lake. Being so close to the frenzy of L.A. makes it even more remarkable. Here are a few snapshots
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and a brief video.
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