Pilot's Log

Yes, I turned 45 a couple days ago, and couldn't talk about it much here because of the fact that it was also the end of the fiscal month and I was out of bandwidth till the next day.

The cake was not a lie. Thanks Jessica!

My other main gift is a black hoodie. I tried to take a picture of myself in it, but was frustrated by the digital camera's failure to focus properly. It makes no difference as I plan to get some iron-on transfers and alter its aesthetics, and due photography will happen thence.

Bought myself some older model kits, which had been part of a stash that belonged to a modeler who is no longer with us. He bequeathed his holdings to our Knoxville IPMS chapter, and buddy Paul is selling them off with the proceeds split between the club and the man's heirs.

Today is the real Thanksgiving...at least at Rather Manor. Yes, we may have a feast on Thursday too, but the Church to which Mum and Dad belong does a neighborhood-wide superfeast, both on-site and delivered. So I'll have my quota of turkey, gravy, and mashed potatoes--and perhaps a slice of cake (I'll let everybody else have the pumpkin pie)--tonight for my dinner whether I go with the folks or stay here. And I'll likely stay here.

Earlier today I went to Harbour Freight in Knoxville and picked up the highest-priority tools for my purposes: a measuring set of calipers, dividers and scales; a combination square with multiple heads; a screwdriver set; a steel ruler; a mini flashlight. I'd toyed with the idea of buying more tools then and there, but decided against that because I'll be doing more shopping at the local Lowe's tomorrow and will try to complete my list that way. Besides, there's only so much me and Moonshine can carry at once. (I'll have to borrow Dad's Dodgepodge to transport the tool cabinet piece d'resistance.)

Sagittarius Horoscope for week of January 14, 2010

"You can have it all," says fashion designer Luella Bartley. "It's just really hard work." That's my oracle for you, Sagittarius -- not just for this week, but for the next three months as well. According to my reading of the astrological omens, the cosmos will indeed permit you to have your cake and eat it, too, as long as you're willing to manage your life with more discipline, master the crucial little details everyone else neglects, and always give back at least as much as you're given.

I think I have plenty of self-discipline. Again the war with the donuts...I love them and haven't had them in many months and drove right past two donut shops on my way back from my meeting in Knoxville and didn't even feel like stopping. It's not like I'm on a diet. I'm the token skinny guy in the room. Why can't I indulge on squishy, sweet, junky donuts?

If I can't have the donuts why should I believe I can have the cake and eat it too? Riddle me that.

FP

I promise a taste test in the coming season. For Science--AND Justice!

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Cake. Chocolate Macaroon Bundt with confectioner's powdered sugar on top rather than frosting. Nicely cool. A steamy mug of cafe au creme (or that new Vanilla drink that General Foods makes) to go with it.