Bogieblog

Range Report 1/23/09

Friday I met WS at the range in the afternoon for a little practice:

This was at 10 yards - I seem to be getting more consistant anyway.

Keepin Warm

I forgot to insert this picture, in last week's post of bringing in Fuzzy for the cold days/nights.  

 

Missy was Fuzzy's constant companion during that time. This scene is likely to be repeated in the next day or two as the night time temps are supposed to get well below zero; the high today was about 32 - at 6AM and the temps have done nothing but drop since then

Passing Things On

Years ago, Cop Car gave me an old Toshiba Satellite 335 laptop. I used it very little and when WS said that his company needed an old computer to use in the shop office, I figured the Toshiba would be perfect. WS's company used it for years to track steel inventory (using Excel) and make welding certs. About 8 months ago, the company bought a new computer to place out in the shop, so the Toshiba came back to the Bogie homestead.

It has sat neglected in the back room - not even having the comfort of being with the rest of its kin in the den. Nor was it ever brought out from its carrying case. Indeed, it was never even plugged in.

Tuesday, my ears perked up as I overheard a telephone conversation (or at least one side of it), where my company's Facility Manager (FM) asked someone if they had an old, cheap laptop for his aunt to play solitaire on. The person that FM was talking to evidently couldn't help him and he hung up the phone.

I asked FM what he needed and after a bit of discussion found that the aunt's only need for a laptop was to literally, play the game on. I told FM that I had the perfect machine at no cost since he would be doing me a favor by taking it off my hands.

Wednesday morning, I took the computer and all its belongings (installation disks, mouse, modem etc.) to work, plugged it in and commenced to cleaning off the grime from the steel shop - that in itself took about an hour.

After assuring that the computer would boot up properly (I had to reload the bios since the battery had died long ago), I removed all files that were used for inventory and such, made sure that the usual games were available, ensuring that the battery charged up - I handed the whole package over to FM.

Thursday morning, the first words out fo FM's mouth were, "she loves it and was having a great time playing solitaire when I left her house last night.

I'm glad that the laptop found a home that appreciates it and I'm sure that Cop Car does too.

Deep Freeze

Fuzzy has been ensconced in the front room for the last couple of days. Although he would probably be fine, -20, as it was yesterday morning, is not a very nice temperature to deal with even if you have a fur coat. Only -5 right now, but a couple of hours of cooling are still left. Fuzzy will probably go back outside sometime Sunday (probably after the snow clean-up has been completed).

A record low of -24 was recorded in Concord yesterday morning; the previous record low for that date was -19. The lowest temp in the state was -39. Mount Washington was only in the mid -20's, but had 100 mph winds (since then, the winds have died down to the 50's).

During this cold snap (good thing for global warming!), everyone stay warm and keep your critters warm too!

Countdown

54 days until that Last Great Race on Earth.

Of Dogs and Storm Doors

Prince and Missy would have figured this out (although, I'm sure Missy would take longer). However, Sampson, our former Lab/Samoyed, would have been exactly like this dog!

Thanks to AMCGLTD for the link.

Continuous Learning

Monday I signed up for a Quality Control class at a local Tech College. That evening, after work, I scooted on down there to get my book. Every Tuesday night, for the next 16 weeks I will be sitting in a class from 6 until 10:10 PM. Should put me home about 10:45 (assuming good road conditions).

Me thinks I will be going in to work later than normal of Wednesdays.

Strung Up

PSNH (NH's largest electric supplier) has put together an article on the ice storm and power outage of 2008. Some of the relevations of this article are how this storm compared to previous events (basically that there is no caomparison because this was a singular event).

I have read comments from out-of-staters about how as a Northern state we should be ready for such events. After looking at the info presented (remember, this is only from one of our electric suppliers), I am unsure how anyone could think that they could be ready to the extent that would be needed.

I have had nothing but good things to say about PSNH. I called yesterday afternoon to let them know that we needed oil and that it couldn't be delivered until the line was picked up. The Rep that I talked to couldn't give me a date/time, but promised to update our original help ticket and someone would get back with me. I got home at 5 and the line was up and a message was on the answering machine letting us know that it should be up that afternoon. Everyone we have dealt with has been polite, professional and helpful. Other businesses could really take a lesson from them!

I sat down last night and sent an email to PSNH telling them how I have been impressed with all their people and service - something I'm sure they don't get too often (most people only let them know when they have a complaint).

I have written bad reviews of companies, it is a pleasure to write good reviews for one!

NH State Dog?

Seventh graders from Bedford are trying to make the Chinook the state dog.

"All dog lovers love their dogs, no matter what their breed," she [Leslie Donais of Granite Hill Chinooks - bogie] wrote by e-mail. "But the Chinook is the only dog which truly deserves distinction as the state dog for New Hampshire because of its true beginnings in New Hampshire and its deep roots in New Hampshire history."

I am of two minds on this: this is a great vehicle for learning the legislative process - something that will keep the interest of the students; or, it's a waste of money as each bill costs a bit to even vote on. however, since I have seen much bigger wastes of money in our legislature, I think the learning experience wins out.

Stupid Game Time

For those of you who like to hunt, and are going into DT's because the season is over, here is a game for you. Make sure to read the directions on reloading; since I don't hunt, I kinda kept thinking I got 8 shots (like my SIG) before having to reload - really messed me up.