TubaOrNotTuba

Yes, I was bored. Sometime around mid-afternoon, I decided that there was no imminent departure for the RV tourists, so I decided not to keep the fresh water tank filled. First, I hooked up the curly blue hose that we never use, but I realized that I didn’t have the required patience to water the lawn through such a tiny nozzle. Next plan: uncrew the big white plug from the bottom of the water reservoir, and let the driveway absorb whatever. It came out, by hand, which was surprising. The next fill will be when a) I need water or b) the next imminent departure might happen. Before that, we have some new rubber to install.

Based on my limited study of history, I assume that technology has always had a Came/Saw/Conquered/Left Town arc. I mean, I know about blacksmiths and feed mills, even though I have never got close to a horse. Well, except that one that like to hug me, but that’s a tale for another day. Moving along.

How to tell if a story is based on spin or fact? Well, if it doesn’t describe “tires in the mud”, you have to find something to reinforce the tale, I guess. Right now, the news is discussing whether I (meaning you, too) should be adamant about receiving a particular brand of vaccine, or can a mixture actually serve you better. When the health officials postulate that a mix could give you increased immunity (with no other evidence to back this up), could it be that they are simply smoothing the way for a perceived shortage. I don’t know. This is all too new. When I received my last important immunization (probably against polio as I am old), you weren’t given options.

My camera is electric. Let me rephrase that. My camera runs on a battery. Rechargeable. And after an incident, close to a decade ago, when I went on a road trip with a dead battery (lasted for about five pictures), I decided to get better equipped. I now have two batteries (at least). Both fit in the camera body, via a bolt on attachment, and if I EVER get in a situation where both are dead, simultaneously, the fault will be entirely mine.

Years of experience; that’s what I have to offer the community.

Yesterday, I went to a community meeting. A new sensation, after many months away from public gatherings. And, distracted, I left half of my coat (the outer shell) hanging on my chair… along with all of my identification and financial plastic. In a larger place, that might provoke panic. Here, not so much.

Grey skies. No odour, though. The weather channel confirmed that the pall of smoke from the California wildfires has crossed the continent, and we should accept that as superior to burning woodland. I guess.

That seemed odd; who would have put an egg out on the back lawn? My bad. After closer inspection (me with a monocular and she with an eyeball up close), we now realize that big, white mushrooms can seem rather uvular. No, I won’t be collecting and tasting any fungal manifestations. Been reading about that. It requires training, good colour vision, second opinions and a willingness to die for something with little nutritional value. I’m good with the product offered in my local supermarket, thank you.

I have a dream. It involves thousands of photographs taken years ago. Now that the world has turned digital, I would like to convert my beloved images into a format that doesn’t require a darkroom and litres of toxic chemicals. And, after receiving a hint from someone else, I turned to YouTube. Based on what I saw, I’ve ordered a small piece of hardware, produced using a 3D printer. If the postal people do their part, I should receive the unit before school reopens.

Today, we’re dealing with a change-up in routine. Part of it has been triggered by broken stuff. Like the front UV filter on a preferred camera lens. I had to take the filter apart, in order to remove the pieces of glass, and then subvert the bent filter frame. The threading is fine, and precise. When you knock the filter, bending the frame, things no longer disassemble in the right way. Had to get the vise grips out and force my game. The filter is now gone to landfill, and Amazon should deliver a replacement within the week. I shorted out the wait game by swapping a filter from another preferred lens (mine) and we’re good to go for the next few days.