Full frame [s]

I rented a d2x this weekend. It handles quite well, all the extra frills don't diminish usability. A d3 is probably out of the question for the next camera purchase, but I'll be interested to see how the d700 compares. The most noticeable differences are the focus speed and frame rate, also the color management blows the d70 away.



This afternoon I had a jonesing for ditch digging, so I bought some materials for a drip system. I have a half inch line running along the fence on the upper terrace and several quarter inch drip lines branching off. The big [known] unknown is how close the drip lines have to be to irrigate a continuous area. I have a patch of Korean grass with a drip underneath serving as the guinea pig. Either way, the papyrus and birds will be better off.

Said:

• Took a long walk, no pee. Back in the house one minute, pee on the bed. ... A sleepy puppy is a good puppy. - Another new puppy owner.
  
• Hey you over there with the big white butt! ... You got a puppy? What a little flirt! I thought you've already got a girlfriend. ... I may be willful but I'm still innocent! ... Ew ew ew. I have to scrub my eyes out! - Lover of exclamation marks.
  
• I'm not one of your kind [not a cannibal] so I wouldn't call it that [cannibalism]. - Indulger of jokes.
  
• It's a good thing I don't believe in karma or I wouldn't have a chance in hell at happiness. - Introspecticus.
  
• I'll just piss in the car on the way home. - Locked out of a bathroom.
  
• Went to work instead [of surfing]. Bad life choice, I know. - Hobbyless.
  

Kafka at three months [s]

Today I actually put in some effort into dog photos, not that I need any more up here but Connie made me do it. So I switched up lenses, flashes, filters, and backdrops. The yellow filter seemed to work the best for black and whites. I tried a wide range of poses...

Formal.


Close.


Goofy.


Panning.


Looking up.

Toasted [s]

The weekend featured a distinct increase in temperature.

Some of Saturday and Sunday entailed moving Jes out of her LA place and into her SD place. It was fairly painless as far as moves go. I'd even assert that if she left all the unnecessary stuff (plants) in a dumpster we probably could have fit everything in three rolling suitcases.



Of course this meant Kafka got to meet Kim, they have an icy relationship, but perhaps she'll warm up to the pup as time goes by. Little Kaffey had a stimulating weekend, he got to hang out with Jessica's childhood dog, most of his kin, and the many attendees of Brian's excellent seven eleven party. Then today he got his first swim lesson. It may be awhile before he paddles out with me, but he's doing okay with water.

I have a superb addition to the CR Yellow Pages. I snagged some camembert and a specialty NorCal cheese from Venissimo. It didn't last long as Sophie, Nicole, Scott, and I ate ourselves silly.

We will fight them in the living rooms... [p]

The crown jewel of my fledgling game collection is on its way, the 50th anniversary Axis and Allies set. Changes include re-revised rules, a very large board, cruisers, and Italy. There are optional research objectives, victory conditions, and start dates. I am preparing my fragile psyche for the brutal, taxing engagements that are to come. Each clash will demand cunning, flexibility, cohesion, and no small amount of luck. And they will be glorious.

War room accoutrements will no doubt include comfortable seating, caffeine/spirits, and time lapse image capture. A level of tension and investment can be achieved by anything ranging from antes to a half assed period-specific dress code (thankfully nobody wore pointy helmets in that war). If there are any closet Pattons (or outed Pattons, or 'just experimenting' Pattons) in the readership let me know and I'll put you on the contact list, everyone else shall have their fate determined by powers they cannot fathom.

Connie reclaimed her compendium of Settlers editions for a game night that included Ryan, Debbie, and Curt. Despite two newbies diving head first into Cities and Knights, after four and a half hours we were all tied at a mere eight points. After the dice circled once more we called it with three co-victors. Axis doesn't look so arduous now.

In other news I'm considering taking the sawz all to the master bathroom. It's a project that needn't be hurried, and I'm toying with the prospect of just tiling in the shower first, and adding vanities and a tub later.

More 'omg puppies'...

Pupdate [s]

It was a rough weekend so I don't have a gaggle of cute puppy photos. Since last week he's learned to actually pick up the stick (below) and has made it onto the couch more than once.



Shots are due Wednesday, but Friday night is a bit more realistic. After that I can take him out to interact with other dogs. He did well at Burger Lounge on Friday night, getting no shortage of attention.

He definitely has a Jekyll/Hyde thing going on, cycling between wanting to chomp everything to the most docile (and slightly oversized) lap dog.

The saga of the dog, episode one [s]

So the still-unnamed canine is resting peacefully. All it took was a mile run this morning, a visit from some Del Martians and Canadians (all photos by Connie), a mile+ walk this afternoon, and lots of trips up and down the stairs. Needless to say, it may be awhile before I find myself at the bottom of a bag of pork rinds watching Home Shopping Network as the sun comes up. Those were good Tuesday/Thursdays.

Of course, it's great to have a bright-eyed, clumsy rodent stumbling around the house all day. It'll be a relief when he requires a little less maintenance and he'll probably the the ideal running buddy.

Day 1: There were some whimpers as we drove away from his mom, but the pup just cuddled up to Jessica and was content. We kept him entertained all day in an effort to reduce the transition anxiety. He adapted well to the new home, though he would cry when left alone.

We coaxed him to sleep, and it wasn't until 02:30 that we heard anything. Neighborliness compelled me to bring him inside, but still crated. There were a couple more howling sessions, but such things are unavoidable.

Day 2: I had a go at leash training, he had to be dragged/scruffed from the door to the sidewalk and then realized it was much easier to walk. He was a big fan of his first walk, and liked running with Connie and Ryan even more. I didn't hear a peep until sunrise.

New resident [s]