Posts

LavaCon 2026 and the future.

Image
LavaCon is a conference now going on 25 years. Its always fun at conferences where folks collaborate on what the future holds. This year I drove to Charlotte NC from Duluth GA to attend. I used the Tesla in Full Self Drive. I went park-to-park without touching the wheel for over 200 miles. It's crazy. I don't think most people understand how well it works. Lots of nay-sayers still, but it really does work. Be on guard, but enjoy. I spent some of my time "driving" while conversing with Grok as part of my daydreaming. I was discussing with Grok an idea I have of building a West system (cold molded) old style barrel-back runabout maybe 20 feet long- all varnished Mahogony. Of course this boat would have an exotic 12-cylinder engine under a transparent engine hatch between the twin cockpits. We discussed the designs, available actual study plans and pre-lofted design documents for the hull. We also discussed the best engine (perhaps a BMW N73) coupled with a Velvet Dri...
Image
I decided not to buy the plane. Maybe next time. It was a good exercise visualizing myself as a aircraft owner. I have decided not to buy anything else that uses gas for a while. I have a lesson Thursday night. Instead, I am getting the solar hot water system built and installed. The electric car is still in process. I will be mowing my main hay field this week (17 acres) for the first time this year. So far this year I have mowed about 7 acres with the big mower. I have a lot more to do. I sold my truck camper and I am trying to sell a bunch of other stuff too. The chicks are growing. They are fun.
Image
I am thinking about buying this plane. They hold their value well and it would really help me get my license faster. The things holding me back are I had a boat before and know how these things can own you back when you think you own them. Also, there is some expense. Is it something I need? It is a great deal.
Image
This time of year is always overwhelming. There is so much to do. I hope to get back in the air soon. It has been a while. I got a line on a nice C-150 airplane. I am tempted to buy it. I am getting in the groove with new routines and making sure I don't slip into depression. I haven't been depressed and I don't have a history of it, but I want to make sure. Life changes can be pretty big. I still can't get DSL at the house. I contacted the phone company engineering manager for the area and bitched at him for a while.
Image
I have been neglecting my blog. I apoligize. Spring is always a busy time of year and I have not been writing "blog" on my 3x5 index card to-do-lists. The chicks are bigger. I am going to put a few in the freezer as soon as I find out which ones are roosters. The llamas are well. I went to an auction this past weekend. It was a bit of extravaganze to spend the time but it was worth it. It was one of those poorer-than-dirt farmer folks who croaked and they were liquidating. There was quite a collection of stuff. The deceased was characterized as "independent". Interesting enough, the farm was about 1/4 mile away from the birthplace of John D. Rockefeller. Quite a contrast. I bought a few odds and ends and a running rear for a hay wagon. I have been looking for years. I will be picking it up tonight.
Here is a great link sent to me. RoboDog A little oil and gas and you are good to GO! Fetch!
Image
I had the opportunity to go to a workshop by Lance Miller the 2005 World Champion of Public Speaking. I made a point to attend. I saw his winning performance in 2005 and have the DVD of the speech as well. It was truly a masterpiece. It was a great privilege to meet with him.
Image
I am in NJ staying the night. I am picking up my new equipment trailer I bought from some guy on ebay. The trailer is out on long island. I got some new chicks. They will be fun. I built a couple of nice picnic benches from hemlock. They weight about 300 pounds each.