Piano/part 2

I think that Marlow is really enjoying working on this piano. I have never seen a piano so torn apart. It is really fun to see that you can take the keys off. Each key is numbered so you know where they go. I'll download some pictures later. Marlow has been using a finish restorer on the wood, and it is very pretty. After the restorer, he rubs tongue oil on the wood, and it really brings out the natural grain of the wood. There is a number on the harp part of the piano, and we did a little research on that number. The piano was made between 1900 and 1910. I was really surprised that it was that old. Because of it's height it is considered an upright. I thought it was rather short, and thought it was a spinet (sp).

Jennifer and Kyle came over last night. She is so excited. She was helping Marlow clean the keys. He wipes each one down individually with Murphy's oil soap. It is a rather tedious task. Did I tell you I'm going to be a tacky mother-in-law and give it to her for Christmas. I told her she can have it as soon as we get it restored/cleaned up. At the current rate, it shouldn't take too long.

Student Launch Initiative workshop

I was part of a workshop for new schools that want to compete in the Student Launch Initiative contest sponsored by NASA. The students have to build a rocket that will go one mile up and carry a payload that does something. The something is their choice. You can see some of our previous projects at http://www.sli.uah.edu/. The workshop help new teams see how it is done and the get their level one certification.

The group form Iowa state made a film of the launches. It is a little long (he was not big on editing out dead space or he liked everything)but shows about 15 launches (20mins. total time). The first rocket was a big one to show the student what their finished products might look like. It also showed what would happen if the main chute came out too soon. It came out at about 4000 ft. and the rocket drifted nearly a mile. They found it later that day. About 11 mins. in is a fast section to the hamster dance song. Kind of entertainment. At the end of this section at about 13 mins. is a drag race between two rockets.


USLI Rocket Workshop Rocket Launch 2008 from Rick Hanton on Vimeo.

Awesome Find

While out for my walk Saturday afternoon, I found a piano that someone had put out on the curb. I made Marlow go up and ask the people if we could take it, and they said "sure". We went straight home and got the truck, and Mark and headed back. There was a pick up by the piano, and I thought oh man, we lost out. I then noticed that the truck was full, and only one person!

It was no easy task getting it in the truck, but we did it. Kyle's wife Jennifer had mentioned recently that she wished she had a piano. She has a keyboard, but it just isn't the same as a piano. The piano looks to be in good shape for a freebie. All the keys have the ivorys, and there is only one string that is broken. Marlow found a great web site that he thinks will be helpful in fixing it up.

I told Jennifer at church what we had found, and I thought she was going to jump for joy. We bribed all the kids to lunch so we had a lot of people to help get it off the truck. Marlow tore it apart this morning, I have never seen a piano dismantled like this, it is really neat. He has started cleaning it up, and it already is coming back to life. Did I mention that it is a Baldwin?

My "Birth" day

I guess Jennie's post on Sunday is misleading. Yes, we celebrated my birthday, but I'm surprised Heather realized my actual birthday is today the 30th. Wow!!!! My kids are doing their best to help me realize how OLD I am. Marlow says I am beginning my "Jubilee" year. All this has led me to reflect upon my mortality. Growing old has never bothered me. I know some have a melt down when they hit 30, but it was just another birthday to me. I still don't feel old, in fact I'm feeling better now than I have for a long time.

I've decided to do a few things in the coming year. In anticipation of the BIG 50 next year, I'm going to write 50 letters to people who have influenced/affected my life. 50 letters of apology/regret to those who I have mistreated (I hope I can get my list down to 50) I also want to make sure I LIVE.

I recently read the book "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. It really got me thinking about my dreams, and goals. I've found that now all my kids are basically out of the nest, I need to identify new goals for my life. I realized that many of my goals up to this point have been children related and driven. I'm grateful for that, but now need to continue forward with worthy goals.
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happy birthday mamacita

this is jennie, invading mom's blog so as to wish her a happy birthday and to post pictures i took today... enjoy!

Quilt Project

This is my current quilt project. I bought this kit at my local quilt store. They designed the pieced border around the quilt. I am attempting to hand quilt this. I have gained new appreciation for the many quilts that have been hand quilted. My fingers hurt, and it takes a LONG time. I hope to have it done before Christmas.

Saturday Pickins

This is the produce we picked in our garden this morning. The beans are our second crop, the first crop was the middle of June. We get tired of gardening this time of year, but with the high price of food we are making a real effort to keep it going. Last week we planted cabbage, broccoli, and onions. They do good this time of year. I found a great way to use the jalepeno's. Not a recipe for those with sensitive pallets. Clean the jalepeno's, stuff with cream cheese and wrap in bacon.

I found the recipe on Pioneer Woman website. My family LOVES them. I tried them, as long as I get a mild pepper I like them, but no guarantee of that.