Mechanical Devices
New fun: Secret Plan 263 is complete! All four prototypes are in position for today’s eclipse, on the other side of the planet. Fun info and pictures posted at http://www.machinelevel.com. Continue reading Mechanical Devices
\o/ on fuego
Your tongue can be on fire for longer than you’d think before you’re required to do anything about it. It’s day two, and Patricia’s really a fantastic instructor. She had warned us against wearing polyester (for fashion reasons, but also the fire just makes a sticky mess out of it) and we had a quick review of which fire extinguisher is okay to use on people (that’s the CO2, with the cone-shaped nozzle.) Then she looked at us and one of the students grinned and said “Let’s get lit!” A really fun weekend class for sure, highly recommended. Why is … Continue reading \o/ on fuego
\o/
(tap tap, ffffffff) Hey, is this thing on? So today my muse and I started taking lessons in fire eating. It’s at The Crucible of course, and we made our own torches to bring home. Those will be useful for sure. Oh, and then there’s this thing: It’s Secret Plan 161, all up and running and patent pending. More on that later for sure. …and hi. I know, it’s been a while. Continue reading \o/
(almost) Annual Blog Post
There’s been a lot going on, and my muse and I will hopefully be publishing some of it this year. For now, here’s our holiday card. Enjoy! Happy New Year! Continue reading (almost) Annual Blog Post
S’Mores and Ambush
Now I don’t recommend taking apart your barbecue; it’s hot and dangerous, and there are almost no user-serviceable parts inside. Still, if you can get it apart just enough to get access to some open flame with a skewer and a marshmallow, then you can treat some cute brunette to s’mores in the city. She’ll like that. After a night of chocolate and ghost stories, we’re more than ready to spend a day in the park with some urchins. We’ve seen the de Young Museum’s Chihuly exhibit already, but sharing it with kids is like seeing it through different eyes. … Continue reading S’Mores and Ambush
Day 110: Reflections
Author’s note: You may have noticed that it took me a while to get this post out. The real, actual from-the-heart reason for the delay is that I don’t want it to be over. By posting this, I’m breaking the news to myself. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this one. Second note: All of these thumbnails link to the post they come from. Just for fun. Although Secret Plan 158 is complete today, I’ve decided to keep writing this blog. For the past 3.5 months, I’ve been sharing a wacky and unstructured set of events with you, I’ve enjoyed it … Continue reading Day 110: Reflections
Day 108 and 109: Three Signs
Fun note: At my German Wheel instructor‘s request, I’ve posted my All-Time Favorite Science Fiction book list. You’ll love at least a few of these, I promise. So the last few soft-landing days of SP158 happened to match the long weekend. Time to disappear for a while. We’re not that far from civilization; this place actually has a small train running through it. We push aside the kids and get some good seats. There’s a lake with a big sign reading “NO BOATING ALLOWED” with a lot of boats on it. Clearly the people who made the sign are on … Continue reading Day 108 and 109: Three Signs
Day 106 and 107: Cake, Crucible and Crash-Nap
Tomorrow starts a long weekend. That means if I’m going to get birthday shopping done for my muse, I need to do it today. It’s much easier to keep secrets from her when she’s at work. First it’s another battle of wills at Delessio. This woman is making four incredible cakes at once. She’s a bakery ninja. I’ve never seen this sign before, but it’s not new. I’ll have to stop in and see what sort of flying thing they make. Some of today is spent retracing steps to places I’ve enjoyed during my time of. See the top window? … Continue reading Day 106 and 107: Cake, Crucible and Crash-Nap
Day 104 and 105: Bringing Home Sand
This morning the camp next to us is having a bloody mary party. You’re supposed to bring a cup, but one guy forgot his. In exchange for a cup, he’s providing an eloquently-sung limerick of questionable taste for the entire camp. Today I head back to the city. I’m having a fantastic time, but there are things I still want to do at home before my coach turns into a pumpkin. I’m proud to be an original member of Open Kitchen Camp. Side Note: These two have posted some more fun pictures from the trip here. I spend the morning … Continue reading Day 104 and 105: Bringing Home Sand
Day 103: Food, Love and Robots
I’m on breakfast duty this morning, so it’s cinnamon french toast. Christine’s got some strawberries, which don’t hurt the situation at all. The name of our home on the Playa is Open Kitchen Camp. The plan is to make a lot of very excellent food, and share it with anyone who wants to stop by. This is a lot like what these two do at home, so they’re natural at it. No one ever turns down Christine’s cooking. We’ve got extra french toast, so we bring it around to our neighbors. It’s so easy to make friends here. Shannon’s actually … Continue reading Day 103: Food, Love and Robots
Secret Plan 158 