'This is England', motorcycle rain covers, 'House- Season One', soundbar, 'Geologic Journey'
(posted from home)
(This post covers 24 – 31 May, 2010)
-------------------------------
Monday, 31 May-
Today we visited the graves of my parents and my maternal grandparents. We then spent the afternoon in Chambersburg, visiting our new grand-nephew. He was born just under a week ago and he's quite a treasure.
That evening we watched the 'Canadian Shield' episode of the 'Geologic Journey' DVD.
-------------------------------
Sunday, 30 May -
Today's weather forecast looked good for Labashi to finally start spreading the 30-some bags of mulch we bought earlier this week. I rode the GS down to the Tollgate Starbucks and read the Sunday Times and then walked my five-mile loop at Rocky Ridge County Park.
That evening we mowed the lawn. I usually mow the lower section with my 80's-era Briggs and Stratton (I love that mower!) and then use Labashi's fancier Honda/Husqvarna self-propelled mower for the upper section. The plan had originally been to junk the old mower when we bought the new one but I like the old one better and I don't have to worry about using it in our rocky (and 'rooty') woods. After a season of very little use, the new one became difficult to start but since I've started using it more, it now starts much more reliably.
-------------------------------
Saturday, 29 May-
This morning I caught up on notes for the blog and then took Labashi into town. We stopped at the new hhgregg store near the junction of US30 and I-83. This visit was a flashback in time. A phalanx of salesmen stood ready to give us a personal experience. The only problem was the guy didn't know what a sound bar is. He didn't have a clue. He was eager to please and friendly as could be but absolutely helpless. He asked me what kind of TV we have and then ten minutes later again asked me what kind of TV we have as if he hadn't asked just a few minutes ago. He finally asked one of the lead sales guys for help and we found we finally got a look at the one sound bar they had.
We then went over to Best Buy and I had Labashi listen to the alternatives--- two Sony models, a Boston Acoustics one and a Samsung. The Boston Acoustics sounded best and though I'd have preferred to have a a fiber-optic connection rather than RCA-style audio cord, it sounded really good to us.
Late in the day I installed the soundbar in about ten minutes, including the time to 'train' my other remotes (TV, DVD, and cable box remotes) to operate the unit. It has a wireless subwoofer which it connected to without problems. And the unit sounds GREAT!
That evening we watched 'Geologic Journey', a Canadian (CBC) series. This episode was 'The Rocky Mountains'.
-------------------------------
Friday, 28 May-
This afternoon I ran some errands and picked up a bottle of Gumout from the hardware store on the way home. I treated the Concours and the KLR, tested the gas-reserve function (to be sure I've not accumulated any water in the tank) and rode the bikes for awhile.
I also did another set of adjustments and road tests on the GS windshield. I think I've finally got it. I have just a hint of buffeting in some conditions and can get rid of it by simply leaning my helmet out into the wind stream for a bit.
I've not had much luck in trying to clean the lining of my helmet using the spray-on solutions but today found I can remove it and wash it separately by hand. I also found an online source for replacement factory helmet liners. I'll try the wash and if that doesn't do it, I'll order one.
Labashi wanted to go out this evening so we had dinner at the Backwoods Sports Bar. Fortunately she liked her meal but I was less-than-impressed with mine.
-------------------------------
Thursday, 27 May-
This morning I rode the GS to Chambersburg to take care of some wrap-up details with Mother's estate. I had a perfect day for the ride.
On the way home I had a late lunch at Restaurant Sidney in East Berlin-- one of my favorites. That evening we watched more 'House'. At this point we're beginning to wonder why it's supposed to be popular. We seem to have the same formula each time. House diagnoses, the treatment gives the patient a seizure he/she barely survives, House tries and fails again, then finally gets it right, saving the patient's life. Surely the writing gets better....
--------------------------------
Wednesday, 26 May -
Today was dry but very hot. After a morning on the web I rode the GS over to Trans-Am Cycles in Lititz to exercise the bike and look for a few 'necessities'. I bought a power converter to convert the BMW-style socket to a cigarette socket so I can power a GPS on trips. I still have to find a mount for it.
On the way home I stopped at the Best Buy and spent a good hour comparing soundbars for the TV. This Best Buy has six soundbars set up for comparisons. Last Fall I had settled on one, a Samsug, only to learn that that model had just been discontinued. I've been waiting for the replacement model. The replacement came out while we were travelling but now I don't like the look of the new one. But that's okay. I think I have a new favorite. I'll need to look for reviews on the 'net.
That evening we watched three more eps of 'House'- 1/1.
-------------------------------
Tuesday, 25 May-
Today was another rainy one and I spent most of it on the Web. My motorcycle covers came in today so I checked them out very thoroughly. After the rain stopped late in the day I tried them out on the Concours and the GS. VERY nice! They fit very well and confirm my thoughts on important details of the design. The key elements are : (1) A design that keeps the cover off the ground. I paid a good bit for a heavy Dowco WeatherGuard cover years ago and liked it overall but it died prematurely because of rot where it lay against the ground. My new covers are smaller but also have a heavy-duty elastic sewn in the hem, lifting it up off the ground. (2) A belly strap. I've been using Wal-mart covers for the last several years but find them frustrating. They don't have a belly strap, just two light cords which I'd tie to the footpegs. I've never had to chase my Dowco cover after a windstorm but the Walmart covers routinely flew off. I finally solved that problem by putting canoeing tie-down straps on them, not exactly a classy solution. (3) Ripstop material. My older Dowco cover and my three Wal-mart covers all ripped badly (after they had been sun-damaged) shortly after developing a small hole which would have otherwise been insignificant. They would have lasted longer if they had been made of ripstop. The news ones are. (4) A lighter color. For some reason motorcycle cover makers like to make covers in black and dark blue. Though the first Dowco was vented the heat under it in summer was incredible. The new Dowcos are grey so that should be better. I would have preferred white or highly-reflective silver, though.
That evening we watched the first three episodes of 'House'- Season One.
-------------------------------
Monday, 24 May-
I had scheduled a meeting in Chambersburg today and had planned to put some miles on the new bike so I can get its break-in miles done. But it was raining (again!) this morning so I re-scheduled for later this week. After taking our trip out West this Spring all this rain seems remarkable. We were gone a month and a half and had one 10-minute rain shower the whole time we were in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. We had a rainy trip back East but I didn't expect so much rain once home.
I suppose this isn't really all that odd. I remember a year in the early Seventies where it rained and was cold something like 12 of 14 weekends that Spring and early Summer, then suddenly turned extremely hot for the rest of the summer. It seemed like we didn't have a Spring that year.
I'm still slowly working toward selling Dad's car and today ordered a set of lower weatherstrip moldings for three of the doors. The price at the local dealer would have been about $260 and my mail order saved me $100. But then again I don't have them in hand yet. If I get the parts (and they're the right ones!) by next week, I'll be happy.
The 'lower weatherstrip' is actually a complex construction of a heavy rubber molding with an internal metal channel to allow it to be screwed securely to the bottom of the door. It's complex but not a good idea given that it allowed road salt to get into the metal channel and corrode it very badly. And when that happened, the corrosion bent the outside of the rubber molding away from the door, revealing white plastic mounting blocks and calling attention to the whole mess. The good news is most of the damage is to the weatherstrip itself and the external portion of the new one will cover up my repair of the light damage (bubbles under the paint) to the door.
That evening we watched 'This Is England', a film about a young kid who gets caught up with skinheads and of course it doesn't turn out well. This one's done well in that we can understand why the kid is interested in joining the gang-- it's his family. The plotline also resonates with our current times. The gang hates all immigrants because they're supposedly taking English jobs and, after all, England once ruled the world. Anyway, it's more thoughtful than many.
************* END OF POST ************
(posted from home)
(This post covers 24 – 31 May, 2010)
-------------------------------
Monday, 31 May-
Today we visited the graves of my parents and my maternal grandparents. We then spent the afternoon in Chambersburg, visiting our new grand-nephew. He was born just under a week ago and he's quite a treasure.
That evening we watched the 'Canadian Shield' episode of the 'Geologic Journey' DVD.
-------------------------------
Sunday, 30 May -
Today's weather forecast looked good for Labashi to finally start spreading the 30-some bags of mulch we bought earlier this week. I rode the GS down to the Tollgate Starbucks and read the Sunday Times and then walked my five-mile loop at Rocky Ridge County Park.
That evening we mowed the lawn. I usually mow the lower section with my 80's-era Briggs and Stratton (I love that mower!) and then use Labashi's fancier Honda/Husqvarna self-propelled mower for the upper section. The plan had originally been to junk the old mower when we bought the new one but I like the old one better and I don't have to worry about using it in our rocky (and 'rooty') woods. After a season of very little use, the new one became difficult to start but since I've started using it more, it now starts much more reliably.
-------------------------------
Saturday, 29 May-
This morning I caught up on notes for the blog and then took Labashi into town. We stopped at the new hhgregg store near the junction of US30 and I-83. This visit was a flashback in time. A phalanx of salesmen stood ready to give us a personal experience. The only problem was the guy didn't know what a sound bar is. He didn't have a clue. He was eager to please and friendly as could be but absolutely helpless. He asked me what kind of TV we have and then ten minutes later again asked me what kind of TV we have as if he hadn't asked just a few minutes ago. He finally asked one of the lead sales guys for help and we found we finally got a look at the one sound bar they had.
We then went over to Best Buy and I had Labashi listen to the alternatives--- two Sony models, a Boston Acoustics one and a Samsung. The Boston Acoustics sounded best and though I'd have preferred to have a a fiber-optic connection rather than RCA-style audio cord, it sounded really good to us.
Late in the day I installed the soundbar in about ten minutes, including the time to 'train' my other remotes (TV, DVD, and cable box remotes) to operate the unit. It has a wireless subwoofer which it connected to without problems. And the unit sounds GREAT!
That evening we watched 'Geologic Journey', a Canadian (CBC) series. This episode was 'The Rocky Mountains'.
-------------------------------
Friday, 28 May-
This afternoon I ran some errands and picked up a bottle of Gumout from the hardware store on the way home. I treated the Concours and the KLR, tested the gas-reserve function (to be sure I've not accumulated any water in the tank) and rode the bikes for awhile.
I also did another set of adjustments and road tests on the GS windshield. I think I've finally got it. I have just a hint of buffeting in some conditions and can get rid of it by simply leaning my helmet out into the wind stream for a bit.
I've not had much luck in trying to clean the lining of my helmet using the spray-on solutions but today found I can remove it and wash it separately by hand. I also found an online source for replacement factory helmet liners. I'll try the wash and if that doesn't do it, I'll order one.
Labashi wanted to go out this evening so we had dinner at the Backwoods Sports Bar. Fortunately she liked her meal but I was less-than-impressed with mine.
-------------------------------
Thursday, 27 May-
This morning I rode the GS to Chambersburg to take care of some wrap-up details with Mother's estate. I had a perfect day for the ride.
On the way home I had a late lunch at Restaurant Sidney in East Berlin-- one of my favorites. That evening we watched more 'House'. At this point we're beginning to wonder why it's supposed to be popular. We seem to have the same formula each time. House diagnoses, the treatment gives the patient a seizure he/she barely survives, House tries and fails again, then finally gets it right, saving the patient's life. Surely the writing gets better....
--------------------------------
Wednesday, 26 May -
Today was dry but very hot. After a morning on the web I rode the GS over to Trans-Am Cycles in Lititz to exercise the bike and look for a few 'necessities'. I bought a power converter to convert the BMW-style socket to a cigarette socket so I can power a GPS on trips. I still have to find a mount for it.
On the way home I stopped at the Best Buy and spent a good hour comparing soundbars for the TV. This Best Buy has six soundbars set up for comparisons. Last Fall I had settled on one, a Samsug, only to learn that that model had just been discontinued. I've been waiting for the replacement model. The replacement came out while we were travelling but now I don't like the look of the new one. But that's okay. I think I have a new favorite. I'll need to look for reviews on the 'net.
That evening we watched three more eps of 'House'- 1/1.
-------------------------------
Tuesday, 25 May-
Today was another rainy one and I spent most of it on the Web. My motorcycle covers came in today so I checked them out very thoroughly. After the rain stopped late in the day I tried them out on the Concours and the GS. VERY nice! They fit very well and confirm my thoughts on important details of the design. The key elements are : (1) A design that keeps the cover off the ground. I paid a good bit for a heavy Dowco WeatherGuard cover years ago and liked it overall but it died prematurely because of rot where it lay against the ground. My new covers are smaller but also have a heavy-duty elastic sewn in the hem, lifting it up off the ground. (2) A belly strap. I've been using Wal-mart covers for the last several years but find them frustrating. They don't have a belly strap, just two light cords which I'd tie to the footpegs. I've never had to chase my Dowco cover after a windstorm but the Walmart covers routinely flew off. I finally solved that problem by putting canoeing tie-down straps on them, not exactly a classy solution. (3) Ripstop material. My older Dowco cover and my three Wal-mart covers all ripped badly (after they had been sun-damaged) shortly after developing a small hole which would have otherwise been insignificant. They would have lasted longer if they had been made of ripstop. The news ones are. (4) A lighter color. For some reason motorcycle cover makers like to make covers in black and dark blue. Though the first Dowco was vented the heat under it in summer was incredible. The new Dowcos are grey so that should be better. I would have preferred white or highly-reflective silver, though.
That evening we watched the first three episodes of 'House'- Season One.
-------------------------------
Monday, 24 May-
I had scheduled a meeting in Chambersburg today and had planned to put some miles on the new bike so I can get its break-in miles done. But it was raining (again!) this morning so I re-scheduled for later this week. After taking our trip out West this Spring all this rain seems remarkable. We were gone a month and a half and had one 10-minute rain shower the whole time we were in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. We had a rainy trip back East but I didn't expect so much rain once home.
I suppose this isn't really all that odd. I remember a year in the early Seventies where it rained and was cold something like 12 of 14 weekends that Spring and early Summer, then suddenly turned extremely hot for the rest of the summer. It seemed like we didn't have a Spring that year.
I'm still slowly working toward selling Dad's car and today ordered a set of lower weatherstrip moldings for three of the doors. The price at the local dealer would have been about $260 and my mail order saved me $100. But then again I don't have them in hand yet. If I get the parts (and they're the right ones!) by next week, I'll be happy.
The 'lower weatherstrip' is actually a complex construction of a heavy rubber molding with an internal metal channel to allow it to be screwed securely to the bottom of the door. It's complex but not a good idea given that it allowed road salt to get into the metal channel and corrode it very badly. And when that happened, the corrosion bent the outside of the rubber molding away from the door, revealing white plastic mounting blocks and calling attention to the whole mess. The good news is most of the damage is to the weatherstrip itself and the external portion of the new one will cover up my repair of the light damage (bubbles under the paint) to the door.
That evening we watched 'This Is England', a film about a young kid who gets caught up with skinheads and of course it doesn't turn out well. This one's done well in that we can understand why the kid is interested in joining the gang-- it's his family. The plotline also resonates with our current times. The gang hates all immigrants because they're supposedly taking English jobs and, after all, England once ruled the world. Anyway, it's more thoughtful than many.
************* END OF POST ************
posted by Bezabor&Labashi | 23:59
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