Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
When I was in Junior High School, I took “Electric Shop,” where we learned Ohm’s law, how to use meters, and the proper way to run power plugs. For the last project, we built an Intercom from a five-vacuum-tube radio.
First, we had to bring in a “working radio” to class, and I found a Zenith radio in the garage. When I plugged it in, it actually worked. Then I needed to go to Radio Shack and buy an aluminum box, a speaker, and a toggle switch.
The instructor gave us step-by-step instructions for the general modifications. Every kid had a different radio, so it got complicated.
I worked on that project for almost a month, but finally I got it to work.
I took it some and wrapped it up as a Christmas present for Mom and Dad. If it worked, it would allow Mom to call Dad, who was in the back yard, from the kitchen instead of having to walk through the house to get his attention. Well, IT WORKED, and Mom and Dad knew I was headed to be an electronics engineer!
Today was relatively slow. We jumped into the hot tub for the first time in three months. Finally, all my scars from the operations were sealed up tight by Father Time. The water felt amazing, exactly 94 degrees. We got out and headed to the showers to get ready for a long day of visiting people.
While sitting in the hot water, I thought a lot about how I could better automate my newfound “Mobile Humanoid Drink Analyzer”. The old one works just fine, but it is a little slow, taking about 4 minutes from the initial sip to the final facial expression.
Perhaps I could augment the process with a mid-taste and final taste “PA TOOEY” sound effect? BTW, click for a full-sized image!!
The biggest event today is to visit Vicky’s Open House. Miss Vicky is very proud of the work she has done to rework the home since her daughter left a year ago, leaving it chopped up into small rooms. The place now looks like a dollhouse!
Yolie at the helm!!
Authentic enchiladas made the day! I asked Yolie how she washes her hands after cooking. She said without hesitation, “With Santatizer.
¡Reales, auténticas enchiladas de Yolie!
What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinsillitis!
We love the Christmas tree. No needle problems and it can stay up all year long, if need be! The dining room has returned to its former glory (without red walls, an inside joke). All the popcorn ceilings are gone, and indirect lighting sets the stage!
I did not see an Advent calendar, so I asked what happened to the man who stole it. Vicky responded, “He got 25 days.”
Vicky’s unique Christmas Tree
The old trophy case is a memory, and in its place are new memories. The kitchen table is ready for meals, and the master bedroom is fantastic with the latest windows and window treatments.
We stayed for almost three hours visiting with Vicky’s family and friends and eating our way through all the delightful foods and dips! Burp!
The new room and memory wall!
After seeing all the movie stars on the memory wall, I had to ask, “Which famous playwright was terrified of Christmas?” Yolie, of course, responded, ” Noël Coward.”
I read about Sleepy Joe’s problem getting money for his library, so we donated!
I donated a roll of toilet paper, mostly new.
Arriving home via the gas station (the Silver Fox was running on fumes), Mary wrapped little presents for our friends, and I did the hard work: I checked for light leaks!
We “watched” some goofy movies, but between wrapping and checking for light leaks, we didn’t miss much!
We needed rest, so by 10:00 pm, we were sound asleep, awaiting tomorrow, another big day!
