Traveling to exotic places — Williston, ND via Minneapolis

| September 23, 2013

Killing a few minutes at the Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP) airport checking email with a large cup of “bold” Caribou Coffee (free wifi). I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed the brew as it has been a while. The beautiful weather is perfect for flying, but the sardine cans my $1000 RT trip requires […]

A baby sleeping porch: What were they thinking?

| September 21, 2013

Sleeping Porch: May 1916: A baby porch suspended a hundred feet above ground? What could possibly go wrong? As city populations grew, people grew concerned about raising young children in tight spaces. Inventors suggested the miniature sleeping porch, which could be installed outside any window. The device seemed sturdy enough — an iron brace enabled […]

Walgreens shifting employees to Obamacare exchanges

| September 18, 2013

Walgreens WSJ article … but actually playing with the postie plug-in for WordPress early this morning. EDIT: Failed to get a video posted directly by email from my iPhone to the blog.

Enjoyed Monday Night Football on Slingplayer for iPad

| September 17, 2013

A little geeky for Monday Night Football, but I watched some of the Bengals vs Steelers game on my iPad2 while streaming from the Slingbox. Obviously a bigger high definition television, like the 51″ Plasma that Taylor and I looked at today, would be a better way to watch. (he is planning to buy a […]

In support of the American Heart Association

| September 14, 2013

Brenda and her mom are participating in a “sponsored walk” this Saturday morning to benefit the American Heart Association with a few of Brenda’s co-workers. It is a beautiful morning for it and from the temperatures the  first day of fall … brr! I’m still refusing the thought of cooler weather and challenging the temps […]

Facing challenges? Do you need encouragement?

| September 12, 2013

Abby and Brittany live a life that is worth admiring. Kudos to their parents, friends, etc!

TDIClub.com: What a great group of guys

| September 12, 2013

For my small part in handling the finances for the TDIClub.com, Fred sent me a carry-on bag in appreciating for a very successful TDIFest 2013 in Maine (photos & great TDI history breakfast presentation-PDF). Also below the break is a video uploaded by TooRoundTDI of a roof cam look at climbing Mt. Washington in VW […]

Remembering 9/11 from the Sandy Hook surf

| September 11, 2013

Besides flying our flag at half staff for Patriot Day, I’ve been looking for something besides posting a photo as way to remember the attack on our country 12 years ago. Here is a story written by Chris Moody about Ed Hewitt who was surfing in Sandy Hook, New Jersey. “He sat by himself, straddling […]

Chewing string cheese to reduce tooth decay

| September 10, 2013

Saw this in the Wall Street Journal personal section today and although I knew about the gum, I did not know about the string cheese (for the fun of it, I’m trying the iPhone’s Mobile OCR app to capture text). Studies show two things people can chew to help ward off tooth decay. One, Dr. […]

Do you know what is lurking in the Mississippi River?

| September 9, 2013

Think twice before dangling your feet in the “mighty Mississippi!” LINK

Video: Creating flying dead cats is wrong in so many ways

| September 7, 2013

I’m at a loss for words … and might even have a nightmare about this! (video below)

A brilliant way to use a rake! #genius

| September 6, 2013

Is it duct or duck and was it called duck tape first?

| September 4, 2013

Who likes to admit that they may have been wrong, or at least partially wrong? Not me that is for sure, but in the case of duct tape, I always thought “Duct Tape” the correct name and that it was around before Duck tape (branded). Unfortunately it looks like I might have to re-think this in […]

Diana Nyad completes her record swim

| September 2, 2013

It is not like my long distance swimming wife needs an additional incentive to keep swimming further and further, but hearing this is sure to keep Brenda’s motivation alive. Congratulations to long distance swimmer Diana Nyad in succeeding in her open water swim “without a shark cage” from Havana to Key West this Labor Day […]

A dozen pool crashers after the heavy rain

| September 2, 2013

Santa Barbara, California to Williston, North Dakota

| August 28, 2013

My recent college graduate came back from his test-taking City-County Planning interview trip to Santa Barbara today and has fallen head over heels in love with California, at least the part that he was seeing. Besides his taking the next step in the interview process, Taylor was able to explore the area a bit by […]

Messing with your eyes and mind

| August 25, 2013

Want your eyes to look like this? Then keep looking at this “still” image! (yes it is a “still” image) 🙂

Tesla Model S: Best safety rating of any car ever tested

| August 20, 2013

It doesn’t get much safer — well done Tesla. Palo Alto, CA — Independent testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Tesla Model S a 5-star safety rating, not just overall, but in every subcategory without exception. Approximately one percent of all cars tested by the federal government achieve 5 […]

Finally started fixing the Mercedes 300D rusty jack points

| August 17, 2013

With Brenda out of town and few distractions, I started working on the rusty jack points and rocker areas on the 1982 Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel. I cut out a bit more than expected and re-treated the area with Ospho. More later.

Learning a little about The Code of the West and planning

| August 16, 2013

While helping my son bone up for an interview for a planning job west of the Mississippi … and well north too, he began reading a bit of information on the county so he can at least talk intelligently with the interviewer. He researched the area, included cities and towns, geography, political make up, culture […]

When shark fishing, a picture is worth 1000 words

| August 15, 2013

A couple fishermen with a dogfish (shark family) on their line happened to lured something a little bigger as they reeled in their catch.

Boats that grow legs … or wheels as the case may be

| August 5, 2013

Sealegs has been developing a their boat without need for a trailer idea for a while now … still a great idea if you’ve got a spare $159,000 to $179,000 sitting around. (LINK)

The old MB 300D hit the 200K milestone today

| August 3, 2013

This odometer mileage isn’t that impressive for a Mercedes diesel, but anytime a 30-plus year old car is still cruising the highway at 200,000, it’s something to crow about.

Southwest Ohio farmers are growing monster corn stalks

| July 31, 2013

A friend of mine took a photo of his wife while on a bike ride in southwest Ohio. This is really impressive "stalk" growth for the end of July. I hope the ears are equally as impressive come harvest time.

Could your kids pass an eighth grade exam from 1912?

| July 31, 2013

My son Taylor shared a bunch of eighth grade exam questions and wondered if I thought today’s high school graduates could even pass this test. Not only were we shocked with what students from 1912 were expected to learn, we were doubly impressed that the test was from a county school in Kentucky (no offense […]

Thinking about sending The Rodent to Columbus

| July 19, 2013

Over the many years Katelyn has had her rabbit, we (well “I”) have been both the temporary and semi-permanent pet-sitter. The little fellow has spent time in our basement (fortunately not when it flooded) and more recently in the poolhouse. I refer Pumpy Umpy affectionately as “The Rodent” and have actually grown somewhat attached to […]

To Kill an American

| July 14, 2013

I didn’t bother to check on the authenticity of this forwarded email, but I don’t think it matters. You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American; any American. […]

Words to live by …

| July 12, 2013

“Don’t overlook doing something good just because you aspire to do something great.”

I’ll take European countries that end in “a” for $100

| July 9, 2013

EDIT: Once again a postie post that didn’t post when it was suppose to yesterday. Hmm??

Cleaned my gutters this morning

| July 6, 2013

Whoa! Lots of summer rain this morning and used the excuse to try a couple more panorama photos with the iPhone 5. I’m not sure how much came down or how fast, but from the water shedding off our back acreage (and neighbors) was significant, at least in Liberty Twp. Ohio. The morning was spend […]

Happy 4th of July 2013

| July 5, 2013

What a great time with my neighbors for the 4th of July. Thank you Rich and Dawn Newsted for the great celebration and terrific fireworks!

Lexington Lab Band playing the music of my generation

| June 18, 2013

Lexington Lab Band for more

1982 Mercedes 300D AC diagnosis

| June 14, 2013

Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated (video/audio below). I’ve installed a new AC system (compressor, r/d & expansion valve) in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel after a thorough cleaning and proper charge, but occasionally there is a clatter-rattle when at idle. The AC seems to be cooling just fine and I think the […]

New specialty wrenches came in today

| June 12, 2013

Oh new tools toys came in today. My lowball ebay bid on a set of Hazet wrenches paid off … and now I can set the valves on the old diesel.

Repost: The Passat TDI: all 48 states, but how many MPG?

| June 8, 2013

Some road trips are more epic than others, and I’m excited to announce that we have a pretty epic one planned. Today, two drivers, Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger, depart from Volkswagen of America’s Herndon, Virginia headquarters in a 2013 Passat TDI® Clean Diesel. They’ll drive it 8,000 miles and pass through all 48 contiguous […]

Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers post a new VanSession video

| May 31, 2013

Cats and toilet paper – rethinking over verses under

| May 30, 2013

Saw this animated GIF image and immediately thought of a couple of my friends who have cats … and the eternal debate as to which way to reload the toilet paper – over or under? (although doesn’t look like it matters!)

Great yawning pranks

| May 29, 2013

Cracked CCV hose: The MB smells like oil

| May 24, 2013

ISS Chris Hadfield’s photo “A New Dawn” last week

| May 17, 2013

A popular 1st music video from space – Col. Chris Hadfield

| May 15, 2013

The first Canadian to walk in space, who also was the first Canadian to command the International Space Station, is now the first human to shoot a music video in space on his last day on the job.

Panorama of Miami Graduation (iPhone 5 attempt)

| May 11, 2013

EDIT: Attempted an iPhone5 panorama photo on Saturday and assume the photo size was too larger for the limited Sprint 3G service?)

Archive: Great tips on getting the most meat out of a lobster

| April 30, 2013

I appreciated a video from America’s Test Kitchen on Lifehacker and thought it was worth archiving and sharing … not that I fix lobster everyday.    Twist off the tail, split the shell on the back, pull legs apart, push meat out with small tools, use a rolling pin to squeeze meat from legs.   […]

The I-71 Cleveland Ohio skyline

| April 25, 2013

The trip driving into Cleveland Ohio never really gets old, although after winter the roadways could use a little cleaning up.

Drones over your home. Is there no privacy?

| April 19, 2013

High-End Estates, Captured by Drone http://on.wsj.com/11mX3c0

Enjoying the day and nice evening

| April 7, 2013

A country founded by geniuses, but run by idiots

| March 28, 2013

A filler blog post … just heavily forwarded “Food For Thought” email. If you can get arrested for hunting or fishing without a license, but not for being in the country illegally …you might live in a country founded by geniuses but run by idiots. If you have to get your parents’ permission to go […]

SlingPlayer updates coming to iPhone and iPad

| March 27, 2013

Glad to see updates for SlingPlayer, but considering I have the “350” and my biggest complaint has yet to be addressed — no “audio-only” — I’m still disappointed. Not everyone lives in 4G or LTE land! Even the original Slingbox had support for audio on all devices including my Palm Treo!

Time to go back to Shcool? Here’s your sign.

| March 19, 2013

A little humor for the day, although I’ve just updated the Postie plug-in and wanted to test a new feature.

Rob Portman commentary: Columbus Dispatch

| March 15, 2013

Thoughts: Will the GOP take the position of Senator Rob Portman? Should they? I have come to believe that if two people are prepared to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for each other in good times and in bad, the government shouldn’t deny them the opportunity to get married. That isn’t how […]

Surprise! Medical residency programs need more money

| March 14, 2013

Shocking! [sarcasm] Hospitals need more taxpayer dollars to add residency spots in order to train the additional number of doctors the U.S. needs for Obamacare. So … more taxes or more borrowing? Socialized medicine *(lite -current plan – or full bore – where we are headed)* is not going to be cheap or offer a […]

It’s Time For A National Conversation – Forbes

| March 12, 2013

As a strong defense conservative, I do have a difficult time finding fault when our leaders when it comes to keeping our country safe, but does the Department of Homeland Security really need 1.6 Billion rounds of ammunition? As a taxpayer the overkill and waste is very frustrating. 1.6 Billion Rounds Of Ammo For Homeland […]

Repaired a long overdue dripping faucet this past weekend

| March 11, 2013

After 30 years of replacing seats, springs and stems in Delta style faucets, I had my first Moen cartridge repair this weekend. Ours has been dripping for about a year now (hot side only) and after the basement flooding I’ve decided it was time to finally fix this kitchen faucet too. The all in one […]

Made a few tweaks to Postie and the Twitter feed plug-in

| March 10, 2013

After noticing that Twitterfeed has been stalling regularly, I’ve added a new WordPress plug-in to avoid using a third party site in order to feed updates to MyDesultoryBlog to Twitter. I’m purposely adding a few links and a photo (Katelyn and Drew’s wedding invitation stamps) in an email in order to test a couple Postie […]

Forwarding email – as Bill Envall would say “Here’s your sign”

| March 10, 2013

When older friends start to included your name on forwarded emails, they might be thinking that you are “older than dirt” too! Hmm, maybe I need younger friends! (Tip: Edit your forwards or use something like Papercut Software’s “email stripper” if you enjoy forwarding emails.) OLDER THAN DIRT Q: A kid asked the other day, ‘What […]

Overnight snow is slowing down the morning

| March 6, 2013

We received a good 6 inches of wet snow last night proving it is still winter in March. I was able to beat the street snow plow and finish the driveway before the street was cleared making for a slow start to the day.

A weather mix is heading toward Ohio (Postie test)

| March 4, 2013

The Volkswagen TDIClub and the generosity of people

| March 3, 2013

It is during the challenging times when people know they are associated with the right groups and organizations. A couple groups I belong to demonstrated their true colors over the past few weeks. The TDIClub, a Volkswagen diesel car club of which our local CinciTDI is part, rallied around a long standing and giving member. […]

Word for today: chimera – a fanciful mental illusion

| March 2, 2013

Although one would think that after my years of reading, editing, writing, printing and publishing words on paper, I would know the appropriate usage of the word chimera. Embarrassingly I did not. I came across it today and questioned the author of an article while reading copy. A little digging had me realize that the […]

Where am I?… just for fun. [postie test]

| February 28, 2013

Although this image is not realtime ( see this one for current), I was clearing a few photos off my iPhone and curious if the city skyline is familiar? Besides I wanted to see if my WordPress plugin Postie was still working.

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog