The journey continues...

Brian Bilbrey May 26, 2015

A Belated Memorial Day

Our belated thanks to those who defend our country. * * * It's a busy time of year, and the best intentions meant that I never spent more than a couple of minutes near the computer. When I did remember (twice!), I was a-bed, and though it better to post the following morning. #FAIL. More details sooner or later, I have work to to do. * * * Our condolences to the families and friends of these fallen warriors: Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan D. Burris, 24, of Lisle, Illinois, died May 21, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, of a non-combat…

Brian Bilbrey May 19, 2015

Whoa...

Sorry for the lag. I've been really busy. We got in some time with family from afar this weekend, and I wasn't even able to get all of the small new weeds out of the garden: * * * I will point out that if you're a supporting member of WorldCon this year: Sasquan, the Hugo voting packet is now out. I've got a fair bit of reading to do, since I'd only read a couple of the contenders. My recommendation? Ignore the controversy, read the works, vote for what's good and well-written. ALSO, You can now pay your voting…

Brian Bilbrey May 10, 2015

More gardening

One solution to the weeds that come up between the garden raised beds - turn the weeds green side down: Yup, it was more gardening this weekend. It's the important time of year for the yard - taking care that the plants get a good start does more for the garden than any work I do a month or two from now. I also mowed the lawns, and weeded out the garden beds themselves. That plus a number of hours working remotely ate the whole weekend. Oh, and we're solidly into the 80's with much higher humidity. Just lovely. *…

Brian Bilbrey May 3, 2015

Mostly yard

Yup. This weekend, it was mostly yard work. Yesterday, while Marcia and LindaRose did a yard sale (which doesn't involve selling yards at all, oddly), I took the small gas tiller up the street, and tilled garden beds for a neighbor who just had back surgery and wasn't up to the task, yet. Then I hauled it back down here, and tilled some leaf compost into the one bed that needed more attention than just a shovel could provide. Thereafter, I headed over to Collins Nursery over at Woodcliff Road and Old Annapolis Road. It's a small, family-owned and operated…

Brian Bilbrey April 29, 2015

Knife work

New walnut knife handle Another kitchen knife with a broken plastic handle retrieved from the edge of disaster and made real purty with some walnut, and brass screw rivets. Turns out the hardest part of this project was finding where I'd hidden put in a safe place the brass rivets. Once all of the assembly and sanding was done, I soaked the handle in butcher block oil for 15 minutes or so, then wiped off the excess and let it rest for a couple of days. I'm pleased with the outcome. This fillet knife is one of my favorite kitchen…