Winter-like precipitation?

Uh-oh!  For all of you summer lovers...say your prayers.  There is no hope.  I was looking at the weeks forecast just as the weather came on TV.  I heard Greg say "wintry mix".  You have no idea how excited I am to hear that!  He also said that the 'shear winds' , from the North and West, could cause some funnel clouds.  Water spouts anyone?  It is October tomorrow...and we have yet to see a frost.  This fall is reminding me almost EXACTLY of falls that we had when I was little.  The typical cool/warm trends...the constant on/off rain...and running into October before we see the leaves fall down.

So I have been looking for some gear to do a bit of fall camping.  It is always wet up here this time of year...so the best idea in my opinion is a hammock type shelter.  This spawned from the idea of camping this weekend with a couple friends who use hammocks and tarps.  This got me thinking...maybe there is a market for such a shelter.  BUT, it turns out that it is an old idea.  I googled it and found Eagle's Nest Outfitters (http://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com).  They have a line of hammocks and hammock shelters.  I have been trying to order the 'OneLink ProNest' for the past few days now.  It is a hammock shelter with a bug net, rain fly, and 'slap straps' which makes your setup a breeze.  I contacted the company to see if they were expected in stock soon but I have not heard anything back.  I have also looked at all of their resellers that have web pages to see if they offer the OneLink ProNest...but nothing so far.  I would be very interested to make a deal with ENO to test and use their product and write a review on it since it seems like it is not an extremely well known piece of gear.  

Now to winter camping...I am still trying to finish up my shelter in the woods.  Having to cut wood has drastically dug into my time spent in the woods having fun.  Maybe tomorrow I will work on that since it might rain.  If I could get the plastic walls put up inside it would be dry to finish up! ;)  The only reason I am using plastic inside is so that it might last a bit longer.  I would like to get a few trips out of it instead of it filling with snow and getting shut in.  I do have some video of the process I have gone through to put it together...but I need to create a YouTube account first.

Anyway, time to get dinner.  

Goodnight from Northern Michigan!

-Derek

Time to cut wood...

The final days of September are finally starting to attack.  I have two rows of wood cut and two more to go.  Blah!  I should be able to knock one out today as long as the weather holds off.  Occasionally it looks like it may rain.  I hope not!  I have a Poulan Pro 42cc 18" chainsaw.  It was nothing great when I bought it... it was cheap but it cuts like a charm.  The only worry I have for the remainder of the year is the tractor.  It is from the late 60s I believe...only having been rebuilt once.  Yikes!  

I paid my snowmobile registration today!!!  We all know what that means.  We are getting closer to the first snow!  

On another note...I do put ads on my blog.  They are fairly out of the way and do not make the reading difficult.  However, I was in my adsense today and there was  big link telling me to add youtube content to my site.  Talk about invasive!  Those ads run whether you want them to or not...and often times you will be plagued with constant noise from them.  How do you like that?  I do not.  I will not be adding youtube content to my blog unless they are willing to pay me a significant amount just to have them here.

Time to cut wood! (as indicated in the title)

-Derek

A camping trip! Happy first day of fall!

I hate to even talk about...because I really do not want to jinx it.  However, there is a camping trip planned!  It will be a simple hobo trip from what I understand.  The lightest possible amount of gear...a hammock...and a sweet place to chill.  I think I am pretty much ready for it honestly.  I have a small pack, good fall day/night gear, and since there will not be tents, a tarp.  *laugh*  I am going to buy a camo tarp to help hide me though.  The event should take place in the next few weekends.  It is too bad it is not planned for next weekend...the weather looks to hold off perfect.  

This week looks to be fairly nice weather-wise.  Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.  Perfect fall weather!  Chance of rain on Wednesday, but other than that, we are looking good!  There should be plenty of time this week to go scouting for some excellent color scenes to shoot.  I really look forward to fall because it is when I can get the most creative without actually digging for scenery.  I am all for going and looking for it but I would much rather have it come to me now that gas is so expensive.  

Time to take the dog home. 

Goodnight from Northern Michigan!

-Derek

Wood cutting and more...

Today has consisted of simply cutting wood and eating Wendy's. :P  Nothing really great, but both important.  I bent two chains while cutting wood...that was extremely discouraging, but I fixed one, and life was good again.  

We are playing disc golf at 4:30 today at the soccer fields in Petoskey.  There is a decent course over there.  

Other than all of that...we have been watching the dog and enjoying the experience.  It REALLY reminds me of why we do not have a dog though.  The constant attention and needs of a dog are far more than what I feel like I could give on a full time basis.  The cat is enough for me.  The dog can last one day by itself.  The cat can last a week or so.  

I have some new pictures uploaded to my picasa.  They are just a few snap shots of the wood cutting process that we go through.  

http://picasaweb.google.com/dallerding

Time to clean up for golf!

-Derek

Happy Int'l Talk Like A Pirate Day

My pirate name is:

Mad Jack Kidd

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a
little bit. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering
gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate.
Arr!

Get your own pirate name from
piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Did I mention...

That I absolutely hate the government and their bailouts?  I believe I hinted to that earlier.  So what all did they accomplish...saving one company.  The again dropped the market significantly.  They caused more fear than has been seen since the great depression.  Oil is going up, the dollar is going down.  

Gas is heading back up toward it's all time highs.  Food prices continue to go up.  I complained earlier about CNN and their reporting about people who make 100k+.  I think that someone REALLY needs to put everything in perspective for those who rule our world.  It sucks.

-Derek

We have color too...

I did fail to mention that we are finally getting a bit of color on the trees.  This seems like a much more typical fall that the last few.  Leaves not changing until late September seems more realistic. :P

-Derek

A productive day...

The day was busy and full of things to do.  Besides work, I had to finish up some of the CPL stuff, mow the lawn, babysit a dog, and cut wood.  All of which kept me busy for the better part of the afternoon.  

Nothing much new since my last post.  It has been a fairly slow week up until today.  I do want to applaud the fed for keeping rates steady yesterday.  However, I do want to punch them in the face for bailing out AIG.  I am disappointed that they went back on their word that they would not bail anymore firms out.  Lehman Brothers anyone?  

The Chinese need to get a grip on their products.  A company making powdered baby formula had a toxic batch go out?  Good grief!  Granted, their population should shrink, but certainly not that way.  (Was that mean?) 

I am tired of the TV networks using unrealistic people for all of their examples.  I read on CNN today, about a guy that makes over 100k a year and has a girlfriend that, while they did not discuss her income, probably makes a mint too.  They were asking how "Paul" would retire and be able to afford health insurance and such.  They mentioned that he had over 900k in savings.  What I would like to see, is a story about someone like me, who cannot even pay off credit cards, trying to retire and pay for everything.  How am I supposed to retire and continue my lifestyle?  I guess I am not supposed to.  Not to mention, they did not mention whether they included IRAs, 401k, and other retirement funds in Paul's savings. 

Enough griping for now.  Has anyone created their 'Spore' yet?

-Dere

A big day...

It is not a very big day for anything eventful. However, it is a big day because we turned on the furnace! It kicked on and I saw $$$ being thrown through the air. Doh! I need to really hurry and get the wood cut...otherwise I may end up being too late and cutting in the snow. I am REALLY hoping that the temps hold off throughout the remainder of September so I can finish everything up.

There is still very little color in the area. Some places have more than others, but on the hill, most everything is still green. In fact, I am really hoping that I can get a few more green beans, cucumbers, and the little corn that my garden produced before having to call it quits. Most of the plants are still doing just fine outdoors. All the smaller plants growing on the edge of the woods actually seem to be thriving right now.

I twittered yesterday that I got my CPL training taken care of. The next step is to visit the county building and get my application filled out. From what I understand, the application will be taken to the county gun board and it will get reviewed. If all goes well I should have my permit within 45 days of application. I have absolutely no background, so it should be a fairly quick and easy process.

Anyway, time to chill for a bit before Monday comes. :(

Goodnight from Northern Michigan!

-Derek

My internet is back!

Finally!  The guy that came out to work on it was very quick.  He came to the door...asked if it was working...I looked at the DSL light...back on.  Yay!  The Internet light was not on though.  Doh!  We forgot to re-enter the username and password.  Luckily it was a quick fix!  I got online and he left.  A very quick exchange. :)

So, I got signed up for a CCW class today.  I have wanted to do that since they first came out with it.  My brother got signed up, partially by force, so I decided that I may as well attend the same class in an effort to hurry the process along.  This Saturday I will take the class.  The following Wednesday I go to the sheriff's department and start the CCW application process.  I look forward to the opportunity.  I am a bit nervous about the whole process because it, A. Is a big step, and B. Is not my specialty.  Hopefully the class will teach me everything I need to know and no one will make fun of me for not being an expert.

Anyway, I am liking the Apex Bionic jacket so far.  We had 39 degrees this morning...and I stayed nice and warm.  Still no cold, windy, rainy days.  

I really need to get some wood cut too.  This weekend, after the class, I will go crazy on it.  Once I get some motivation from my dad to get rolling, I think it will go much faster.

Time for dinner!

-Derek

Internet outage...

I apologize for no postings. Our internet stopped working Sunday night...so I am updating really quick from work. Our service should be returned today...if not I will make my way into McDonalds to write a post or two. ;)

-Derek

Added new gear today...

My extreme boredom and upcoming depression season started hitting me today. We went to town and walked around a bit. We visited Bearcub Outfitters in Petoskey. That is a nice store...with many quality products. However, I find that they are a bit more expensive than they should be. Most items can be purchased at other local stores for quite a bit less. I bought a Columbia shirt at Dunham's a month or so ago. It was a few bucks cheaper than the exact same shirt at Bearcub. Today I bought a North Face Apex Bionic jacket. It was a bunch cheaper than those offered at Bearcub.

So, back to the point. I bought the Apex Bionic jacket. It has a good fit and it forms to your every move. I have not tried out the wind resistance or the water resistance yet. Hopefully we will get a good cold windy day in the next couple weeks. Hopefully it works the way I am hoping it will!

Eventually I will post a list of my gear on here. I know there is a lot more than what I need...and it may not be as fancy as what some people have. BUT it does get the job done...even if it means carrying a few extra pounds on my back. ;)

Time to head out for a walk.

Goodnight from Northern Michigan!

-Derek

I had a post written and posted...

BUT it was way too mean to leave up here.  I guess it is just one of those mornings when it started off on the wrong foot.  When the first thing you hear is your wife arguing on the phone trying to provide driving directions...it just is not the greatest start to the day.  Especially when it is due to nothing but laziness and irresponsibility.

Derek

How much rain?

At the house we saw 2+ inches.  I forgot to record yesterdays total....but I am guessing that is probably fairly accurate.  Lots of rain!  We needed it.  Nothing was incredibly dry here (except the chicken grass I mentioned before) but the rain will help the green stay on everything for a bit longer.  I do look forward to the colors changing so I can get out and take some pictures again.  The way I see it, everywhere looks the same during the summer.  There is not any difference between here, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, or any other state in the area during the summer.  However, when it comes to quality tree color, Michigan has them beat.  Fall is the perfect time for photography, camping, sitting out by the camp fire at night, and so much more.  The best part is the heat and humidity cut back a bit! ;)

Well, time to start getting ready for work. 

Have a great morning!

-Derek

Rain...

It is about time!  We are finally get some much needed rain.  The other night I was over at my aunt and uncles.  We lit off a firework that went crazy...and the grass caught fire next to the chicken coop!  Yikes!  Obviously there were some jokes to be made about chicken+fire...but I stomped out the fire before they got crispy.  The remnants of Gustav are making their way through the region this afternoon and through the night.  This morning the forecast was one to three inches of rain.  Not bad for under 24 hours!  Looking at the radar it sure does not look like it is going to end any time soon.  The only downfall with this system...is it is COLD!  I came home at lunch and it was about 53 at the house.  On my way home it was 52 according to the truck.  Chilly!  (And just as a side note...only 20 more degrees until snow!)

Speaking of chilly...I am looking for the world's best chili recipe.  I want to make it in my crock pot.  I have tried a few different recipes and modified them to my liking...but there has GOT to be a recipe that will just blow my mind it tastes so good.  If you have what you consider the world's best chili recipe...send it to me in a comment and I will give it a try.  My rule is it cannot have many exotic items in it...as those end up costing a lot.  So lets get the chili cooking!  I will provide my chili making maneuvers soon.  (I have to find my maneuver list!)  I call them maneuver because it sounds more manly than recipe. ;)

I still have a TON of wood to cut.  I am not looking forward to it.  Hopefully this weekend will pan out for me to haul some out of the woods.  I do have a bunch cut down back there...I just need to bring it out.  My least favorite part! :P  Well, I think I am going to work on learning my PHP.  

Send me your chili maneuvers!  #1 chili may even get something out of it.  I could possibly even do categories.  Maybe based on region of the country?  Canada is included!  I do not know if Canadians each chili...but if so it is probably not too shabby. 

Goodnight from Northern Michigan!

Apache, MySQL, PHP

I am having a very tough time getting those three to play nicely together.  I am considering trying to find a tech platform (like Nusphere) to run it all.  All I am trying to do is learn PHP!!!  I have already learned that in order to get PHP 5 to install in Vista, you need to disable User Account Control in Vista.  I was running all installs as an administrator but it could not complete.  So I turned UAC off and it worked just fine.  Weird!  

I have been reading that PHP config does not default to use MySQL anymore.  What a bummer...that always made the installs really quick.  Now I actually have to learn how to make it all work together!  Dang it. :P

Wish me luck getting everything going...

-Derek

Chrome download...

At first I was not a big fan of Chrome.  I could not get it to run on my PCs...I kept getting an app error causing it to crash.  Suddenly it started working after a new install.  Weird!  BUT I am digging it.  The tabs are much more useful than the tabs in IE.  I have not used IE 8 but I did hear that it is one heck of a resource hog.  What is Microsoft thinking?!?!?!  Resources are not endless...atleast for the average user.  

I was joking with a friend today that Google will soon have their own OS.  It really would not suprise me.  When Windows cannot run what Google wants it to run...what are they going to do?  I guess Google is not one to simply move on.  They seem to create what is best for them...and often times what is best for the whole.  I like Google because they (seem) to be in the business to enhance the online experience of everyone who uses their products...and even those who do not.  We were going over multiple products that Google could market.  I am curious why they do not sell Google clothes?  It seems like that line, as long as it is quality made, would be fairly popular among the nerds of the world.  I know I would buy a Google shirt.  There were a few other ideas tossed around...but those are not appropriate for my blog. ;)  

Here is the link to download Chrome if you haven't already:

http://www.google.com/chrome

Check it out.  if you do not like it, you do not have to use it.  It uninstalls easily and, from the looks of it, completely.  I was very impressed that they did not install a bunch of other Google stuff.  I was excited about that...there were not a bunch of options to keep Google Desktop and all their other software from installing.  Perfect!

Anyhow...that is my take on Chrome so far.  Easy install, easy to use, excellent tabs, easy to get rid of if you do not like it.

That should be it for tonight!  

Goodnight from Northern Michigan!

Google Chrome Browser

I think I may check this out! Google Chrome is apparently going to be released for beta today. I personally have not been able to find anything on Google's site that would set that in stone...but a few other tech sites have said today is the day.

Keep your eyes peeled for Google Chrome!

-Derek