generating again...

Finally got my generator brushes.  Had a bit of a delivery snafu.  The set was supposed to be delivered Tuesday but got mis-delivered (first time this has happened out here in 9 years - and of course it happened to be something I really needed).  I was hoping they would show up the next day but no dice so I ordered another set while I tried to figure out how to get the first set.  Called UPS and they told me they were delivered to Lobo Villiage at Sul Ross University.  I called SRU and asked if they had my package - yes they did.  Did they consider calling me or notifying UPS - no they didn't.  So I got both orders finally delivered to me today and filed a claim with Amazon for the delivery charge on the first set.  Good news is I have 3 backups now...as long as I don't lose them.  Note to my future self:  I am putting the extras in the 3rd drawer of my tool cabinet.  I have enough key words in this blog post so the next time I need to replace one, a search of my blog should lead me here.  Late night update:  Just got an email from Amazon - they refunded my shipping charge for the late delivery.  44,50,32,0,C

a little bit of winter...

This is how I like my winters...a little bit at a time.  34,39,34,0,W

nine years...

Hard to believe today marks nine years at The Field Lab.  I have now officially lived here longer than any of my other homes.  I'm good for at least one more year.

Did some CG (center of gravity) hang tests with the flying machine today.  It was a bit tricky to do solo.  I was unable to ratchet myself off the ground so I had to rig the harness into position - jack it up - and climb in.  First hang was a little too tilted back and "nose high" because I am a little heavy on the back side, but I was able to make the adjustment to get the thrust line just right.

Finished off the day checking my road to the mailbox.  As I suspected, it held up pretty well after the long soaker we got.  Plenty of ruts to follow out since 5 truckloads of idiot hunters already made the trek yesterday.  Got a nice surprise in the mail from a new Facebook friend, Jude Verret.  A load of honey.  64,70,37,0,B

two years...

Two years ago on this day I took a little vacation to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa.  Decided this day would not be a good one for ground testing the trike so I set about getting rigged for a CG (center of gravity) hang check.  I needed two good ratchet straps for the task and I knew they were in my truck...somewhere.  Decided today would be a good day to clean out my back seat area that has been packed with stuff for years.  Among many other things, I discovered half my wardrobe was stashed away back there...and yes, the ratchet straps.  Got them hooked up but have yet to ratchet myself off the ground.  Not so sure the separate harness set-up I have is going to work with a trike configuration.  60,71,38,0,C  

long soaker...

Just when I thought I was going to get by easy with the rain this weekend, it started drizzling around 3PM yesterday and didn't stop til about 9 this morning.  Discovered the brushes on the generator were worn out when I was trying to bump up the battery charge yesterday.  Thought for sure I had a spare somewhere.  Quickly ended my torment of thinking it was lost by searching the blog and figuring out it was the spare that just died on me.  I have two spares on the way.  Ended up using my Toyota Generator for a couple of hours to get me through the night.  Plenty of sun for the next week to keep me charged up and dry out my road.  54,65,43, 1.24",C

When in Rome...

Romans 14:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

housebound...

Hunkered down in the hut most of the day waiting on the rain.  Finally started drizzling late this afternoon and so far less than a quarter inch - which is better than the more than 1/2" that was forecast.  Spent some quality time watching paramotor videos on YouTube with popcorn.  My bedtime entertainment center consists of a hinged 1x3 that holds my tablet computer (on two drywall screws) right in front of my face.  Also have some stereo headphones for that surround sound feel.  When not in use, it swings out of the way back against the wall.  Came up with that quality of life enhancement when I was still wheelchair bound.  Who needs a 40" plasma TV...?  51,57,53, .22",B