NotFortyTwotag:,2008:/22008-06-20T04:07:54ZNot the answer to life, the universe, and everything... But it's our personal BLOG.Movable Type 3.34Out-Loudtag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1182008-06-20T03:58:30Z2008-06-20T04:07:54ZThe boat now has a name: Out-Loud. This is most probably due to the new sound system we had installed by Scream Marine. The installers were amazed at the results - they don't normally have someone like Kim saying "Yes,...RobertThe boat now has a name: Out-Loud. This is most probably due to the new sound system we had installed by Scream Marine. The installers were amazed at the results - they don't normally have someone like Kim saying "Yes, put in that second subwoofer!" From their perspective it's one of the best sounding boats they've done thus far. I'm not sure if that's really the case, but we are very pleased. Something about 980 watts just sounds like it has to be good.
If you click on the image it will take you to the Wet Sounds web site installations gallery. Our boat is featured out there as the only jet boat with their system installed. You don't have to have a big boat to have big sound.
You might also notice that the speakers seem to emit a red glow. That's another Kim special - once she saw it could be done, it had to be done. Allan says it makes him feel safer at night. It certainly lights up the inside of the boat, and the surrounding water. Hopefully no one shoots at us thinking we're in some sort of alien spacecraft.
The other cool additions were the iPod integration (a must) and remote controls on the transom (for swimming) and next to driver.
You just haven't lived until you've shared High School Musical and Hannah Montana with half the lake.]]>
Piano Updatetag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1172008-06-20T03:34:00Z2008-06-20T03:43:47ZThe piano is getting closer to completion. The sound board has been shimmed and the body has been stained. We were very surprised at the deep red color, as we had seen several other rosewood pianos that were much lighter....Robert
The piano is getting closer to completion. The sound board has been shimmed and the body has been stained. We were very surprised at the deep red color, as we had seen several other rosewood pianos that were much lighter. It turns out that in 1871 they were using old growth Brazilian Rosewood, some of which had that rich color with the black heavy grain pattern. The next step will be the clear finish coats (lots of them) which will smooth the grain and bring in the gloss.
You can see the "new" legs, which actually look like they belong. Now we just need the cheek molding carved and the woodwork will be close to finished. That process has started and we could have the piano by mid July.
They also have all the new strings, keytops, and have almost completed the rework of the action.
Click on the images for larger versions.]]>
Sea-Doo Speedstertag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1162008-05-21T14:09:34Z2008-05-21T14:16:19Z We've been looking for a practical way to get back onto the water since we sold our sail boat seven years ago. The Speedster solved the problems we had quite nicely. No slip (fits in the garage), easy to...Robert
We've been looking for a practical way to get back onto the water since we sold our sail boat seven years ago. The Speedster solved the problems we had quite nicely. No slip (fits in the garage), easy to trailer, and fun for the kids. We can zip around the lake, tow tubes, ski, or wakeboard easily.
Allan and Annika are both anxious to try wakeboarding, but we're starting with some tubing action first to get them used to being pulled behind the boat.
Amazingly we were able to launch and recover the boat with the trailer without any drama.
Now if they would just let me drive the boat at full throttle...]]>
Lake Murray State Parktag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1152008-05-18T23:13:11Z2008-05-18T23:19:53Z We took a quick trip up to Lake Murray State Park in Oklahoma this weekend. We rented an 18' hard camper to try it out and compare with our mediocre pop-up camper experience. It was better, but we're thinking...Robert
We took a quick trip up to Lake Murray State Park in Oklahoma this weekend. We rented an 18' hard camper to try it out and compare with our mediocre pop-up camper experience. It was better, but we're thinking we just may not be camping people. The kids enjoyed the s'mores and the camp fire, and Annika made a few new friends.
The park was great. The kids got to swim, play on watercraft, hike, and ride horses. I got to drive a jet boat, something that I've now realized my life has been missing all these years.
I hope you enjoy the pictures and the video. Click on the images to see them.]]>
A few May picturestag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1142008-05-11T17:41:12Z2008-05-11T18:26:05ZI've posted a few pictures from this month. Kim made bread this week. Hot dog buns, hamburger buns, loafs, and cinnamon rolls. We also have a couple of baby doves that just hatched in our hanging basket. I couldn't help...RobertI've posted a few pictures from this month. Kim made bread this week. Hot dog buns, hamburger buns, loafs, and cinnamon rolls. We also have a couple of baby doves that just hatched in our hanging basket.
I couldn't help but post a couple more off road images...
Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy the pictures.]]>
Land Rover Wheels Eventtag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1132008-05-05T05:14:10Z2008-05-05T07:05:04Z It's been a busy couple of months with no end in sight. This weekend was our first off road experience courtesy of our Land Rover dealership. I can't say that there wasn't some initial hesitation to take our shiny,...Robert
It's been a busy couple of months with no end in sight. This weekend was our first off road experience courtesy of our Land Rover dealership. I can't say that there wasn't some initial hesitation to take our shiny, still very new, LR3 on the course. But, how else would we know all the cool buttons actually work?
On Saturday we got a private run through of the course. It was great to have our instructor Shawn in the seat next to me to tell me what to, and not to, do. His favorite words are "Trust the Truck!" With him guiding us through, we completed the 3.1 mile course with no problems.
After the course we explored a bit, giving the kids a chance to visit a petting zoo and even do a little fishing. Within the first 10 minutes Allan caught a rather large fish. Fortunately there was an actual outdoorsman on hand to get the fish off the hook and back into the water. Allan was ecstatic. So was I when the guy offered to get the fish off the hook.
That night we had dinner at the Lodge (the event was held at the Rough Creek Lodge). It was very expensive and good, but not something we would do again. The kids spent the evening in the kids' club playing games and eating.
Sunday morning was the main event with around 70 Land Rovers. It was something to see them crawling up the trail in all shapes and sizes. We went through the main course and had timed trials through a precision course. My favorite part was splashing through the mud, even if it did make a huge thud. Fortunately, all the parts remained intact. In fact, not a single rattle or squeak was introduced.
Allan thought it was the best vacation ever. That's not too shabby for a quick two day trip. I certainly can't complain. How often do you get to romp around in the dirt with a 6000lb machine?
The advertisement says the LR3 is built for the '1', meaning the 1 in x chance something will happen. I have a whole new appreciation for what that means and can't wait to explore it further.
Click the images for pictures and a video.]]>
Piano Updatetag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1122008-05-03T03:40:36Z2008-05-03T03:52:33ZWell, it's been a few weeks since we started the piano project. There are a lot of unresolved issues, but progress has been made. As you can see by the photos (click on the image) the piano is being taken...RobertWell, it's been a few weeks since we started the piano project. There are a lot of unresolved issues, but progress has been made. As you can see by the photos (click on the image) the piano is being taken apart and real progress has begun. The strings have been sent off to be matched, the plate has been removed, the action is being reworked, and the stripping has started. The proper legs have even been located.
On the to do list is we still have to find the proper bench (I know, this seems simple) and figure out how the cheek trim will be restored. The best option so far is the duplication of a cast of the trim from another Steinway using a laser cut machine. We're really hoping this will work out, as the alternative is an off shore manual duplication.
Over all we're very excited as the piano has entered the shop and there is finally progress! As more photos and information is available we'll post updates.
And yes, we have considered that this could possibly be overkill for the kid's practice piano. It's been our goal to have a piano for the front room since we purchased our house, so it serves multiple purposes.
Thanks to our wonderful piano teacher both Allan and Annika are making great progress through their lessons and really enjoy playing.
Enjoy the pictures and feel free to share in our anticipation of further progress. ]]>
Fair in the Squaretag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1112008-04-28T04:19:56Z2008-04-28T04:38:13ZAs if the weekend weren't already busy enough, we noticed there was a fair nearby and decided to stop by. The kids had a great time riding the rides. It's the second event we've attended at the Frisco Square this...RobertAs if the weekend weren't already busy enough, we noticed there was a fair nearby and decided to stop by. The kids had a great time riding the rides. It's the second event we've attended at the Frisco Square this year (the first was the circus).
So, a busy weekend ends as we start to gear up for another busy work week. Click the image to see the photos.]]>
Scarborough Renaissance Festivaltag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1102008-04-27T23:49:59Z2008-04-28T04:33:11ZWe took a trip down to Waxahachie to visit the renaissance festival. It was a lot of fun, but we spent too much time wandering around. Next time we'll have a better plan. It's hard to see from the pictures,...RobertWe took a trip down to Waxahachie to visit the renaissance festival. It was a lot of fun, but we spent too much time wandering around. Next time we'll have a better plan. It's hard to see from the pictures, but there were a lot of people in period dress, parades, and crafts. Click the image to see the photos.
]]>
Fairfield Lake State Parktag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1092008-04-19T20:59:56Z2008-04-19T21:01:27ZWe had a quick camping trip to Fairfield Lake State Park. It was our first time to pull a camper, which turned out to be much easier than expected. Click the image to see the photos....RobertWe had a quick camping trip to Fairfield Lake State Park. It was our first time to pull a camper, which turned out to be much easier than expected. Click the image to see the photos.]]>
2008 Cheer Photostag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1082008-04-19T20:42:59Z2008-04-19T20:46:06ZThese are the professional shots taken at the gym this spring. As you can see, Allan is getting tall! Fortunately he'll have a new uniform next year. Click the image to see the photos....RobertThese are the professional shots taken at the gym this spring. As you can see, Allan is getting tall! Fortunately he'll have a new uniform next year. Click the image to see the photos.]]>
LeAnn & Isaac's Birthday Partytag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1072008-04-09T14:56:18Z2008-04-09T15:00:17ZWe had a great time on Sunday celebrating LeAnn & Isaac's birthdays at the park near LeAnn's house. There were games, food, kites and kids everywhere. Click on the picture to see the photos....RobertWe had a great time on Sunday celebrating LeAnn & Isaac's birthdays at the park near LeAnn's house. There were games, food, kites and kids everywhere.
Click on the picture to see the photos.]]>
The Kelly Miller Circustag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1062008-03-23T14:28:06Z2008-03-23T14:34:24ZWe grabbed the kids and headed down to see the Kelly Miller Circus last night. It was a small one ring circus with everything from cotton candy (critical in Allan's opinion) to tigers. They had elephant, pony, and camel rides...RobertWe grabbed the kids and headed down to see the Kelly Miller Circus last night. It was a small one ring circus with everything from cotton candy (critical in Allan's opinion) to tigers. They had elephant, pony, and camel rides along with giant snakes and horses.
The show lasted for two hours and included some rather dangerous stunts, all performed over a concrete parking lot. The kids were mesmerized the entire time.]]>
The Chandeliertag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1052008-03-22T02:52:26Z2008-03-22T02:56:11ZWe noticed a little problem tonight. The chandelier in the foyer was hanging by the wires - the chain had broken free. We called around looking for a tall ladder, but no one rents a 20ft a-frame. Fortunately, the fire...RobertWe noticed a little problem tonight. The chandelier in the foyer was hanging by the wires - the chain had broken free.
We called around looking for a tall ladder, but no one rents a 20ft a-frame. Fortunately, the fire department was there to help. They came out, cut the wire, and eased it down.
Allan and Annika thought it was great getting to look over the fire truck. It was the most exciting thing on our street in a while.]]>
The New Old Steinwaytag:www.notfortytwo.com,2008://2.1042008-03-02T00:26:32Z2008-03-02T01:01:29ZThe kids are ready for a real piano after 3 years of lessons. We started looking at what was available via CraigsList, piano stores, etc, and there are a lot of choices. We quickly narrowed it down to grand pianos...RobertThe kids are ready for a real piano after 3 years of lessons. We started looking at what was available via CraigsList, piano stores, etc, and there are a lot of choices. We quickly narrowed it down to grand pianos - large ones. The strange thing about this is that those tend to carry high price tags. The stores were very helpful, but also very anxious to help us buy a new piano.
So, Kimberly took to the internet again to find a better way. Since we never do anything the easy way, it should be no surprise that rebuilding an old piano quickly became the route of choice. Especially since we really want a Steinway.
We located an 1871 Steinway, which after some research by Kimberly turned out to be a Style 1 Grand. It is 7'2" according to the Steinway records, but 7'4" according to a tape measure. It was originally shipped to Cincinnati on June 6th, 1871 finished in rosewood.
About 50 or 60 years ago, a rebuild changed the legs to the art deco straight spade design and covered it with a black finish. Our refit will restore the original style legs, although they are difficult to find, the fretwork music desk, and the rosewood finish. The pictures of the shiny piano in the gallery are of an 1873 slightly smaller piano that is representative of what ours should look like. The only major difference will be the color, which will be a bit more red for ours.
The blocky picture titled "Fallboard" is the logo we plan to put on the fallboard, which is the underside of the keyboard cover.
Click the image for the gallery. It's exciting to think we can breath new life into a 137 year old artwork.
By the way, we intend to have a party when it turns 150 in 13 years.]]>
The boat now has a name: Out-Loud. This is most probably due to the new sound system we had installed by Scream Marine. The installers were amazed at the results - they don't normally have someone like Kim saying "Yes, put in that second subwoofer!" From their perspective it's one of the best sounding boats they've done thus far. I'm not sure if that's really the case, but we are very pleased. Something about 980 watts just sounds like it has to be good.
If you click on the image it will take you to the Wet Sounds web site installations gallery. Our boat is featured out there as the only jet boat with their system installed. You don't have to have a big boat to have big sound.
You might also notice that the speakers seem to emit a red glow. That's another Kim special - once she saw it could be done, it had to be done. Allan says it makes him feel safer at night. It certainly lights up the inside of the boat, and the surrounding water. Hopefully no one shoots at us thinking we're in some sort of alien spacecraft.
The other cool additions were the iPod integration (a must) and remote controls on the transom (for swimming) and next to driver.
You just haven't lived until you've shared High School Musical and Hannah Montana with half the lake.]]>
