Life Under a Tin Roof Sky

Hurricane Ida - Updated Regularly

2009-11-08T11:49:00.008-06:00

Going, Going, Gone

2009-10-22T17:54:00.005-05:00

I caught this on the fly with my normal lens so it's not tack sharp, but you get the idea.
I guess I should dig out my books to identify it. Stay tuned.

Continuing With My Danger Theme: This Is How You Fix Your Maytag Atlantis Washer - Or End Your Life...Depending

2009-09-24T19:32:00.049-05:00

I say that because this post describes acts of electrical manipulation - which I don't advise. So don't do what I'm about to tell you even though it might fix your problem, save you a load of dough, and no one else on the web has given this solution to this particular problem. Just keep it in mind that all instructions for working with electrical appliances advise you to unplug the machine before, during, or after you inspect any part of it. Later on you'll feel compelled to plug your washer in to check something specific but you didn't hear me say you should do that. Ever.

Anyway, when your Maytag Atlantis washer, specifically an MAV6457AWW (and preferably gifted to you like ours was to us), stops spinning on any setting you're going to think, after interrogating all the usual suspects like a sock in the pump, the tub binding, a kink in the drainage, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah, that it could be:
a)the lid switch
b)the motor/half the motor - I say half the motor because only half the motor is used to go forward and the other half is used to go in reverse in some instances and sometimes just half of it dies (seriously, I am not making this up)
c)the brake
d)the tranny
There are ways to check all those things but no one will tell you how to check for the control timer prolly because it involves live electricity. Which is dangerous.

Still, if you read the message boards or go to appliancejunk.com or repairclinic.com and get the chat line you're going to try all those scenarios also utilizing the wiring diagram inside the machine and the information in either of these two SERVICE manuals, #16026502 and #16010358 (I emphasize the word service in lieu of repair because even though you can google repair manual I've discovered that things will move faster is you use service manual.), found here and here. They sell them on eBay but these copies are free. I'm telling you this because I'm just that nice. And that cheap.

We familiarized ourselves with many, many diagrams and, luckily, *learned that the switches depicted in the diagrams are mechanical. Like this page in Maytag Washer Service and Repair Manual #16010358. This is important because you might think they're just diagrams for electrical currents and the like but if you understand that they're mechanical illustrations then you might come to the realization that you can use jumpers to see if it's the control timer. But only if you've unplugged the machine before you ever open the casing or the control panel. This is the fourth time I've mentioned unplugging the machine and being safe. Count that off on four of your fingers. Or don't. You're not foolish enough to manipulate electricity anyway.

This is the stage where DH, Mr Safety, used jumpers. First he made one for the agitator switch so the machine would be fooled into thinking it was full of water and could agitate when appropriate (which it did, after the washer was plugged back in).

Then he made a jumper for the control timer plug in module (which I didn't photograph before it was fixed but you get the idea) and set the machine to a spin cycle. THEN he plugged in the machine and didn't touch anything at which point in time the machine began to spin which meant that by bypassing the control timer that it was defective. We then called the repair guy who had previously come out only to tell us he didn't know how to fix this particular brand of washer. Still, he did bring in a motor to make sure that wasn't the problem and *told DH about the depicted switches being mechanical. VERY IMPORTANT!!! Even better, he's selling us a new control timer at his cost and not charging us for the service call. It's been a pain not having a working machine for three weeks but we'll only spend about $65.00 for the repair. Not too shabby...all things considered.

PS We just finished installing new lighting and a mini-overhead fan in the kitchen. And, as always kids, don't try this at home.

PPS We're not electrical wizards per se, right after the washer died lightning hit one of our pecan trees and took out a surge protector, a printer, a computer, and my van. We let the professionals take care of those.

The World's Most Dangerous Cake

2009-09-11T11:37:00.006-05:00

From my pal Tash in Palos Verdes (I know, it's microwaved, but its chocolate!!!!):

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE!!

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract and your favourite tipple
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to your largest mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using), vanilla extract and a drop or two of your favourite tipple, then mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high).
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now you are only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night! You are going to forward this straight away, aren't you ... :-).

Parkour Pt Deux

2009-08-26T20:20:00.003-05:00

The Art of Parkour/Tracesse/Traceuse

2009-08-26T09:57:00.013-05:00

This is completely insane. You can see more here and here. Several years ago I saw a French martial arts movie, I think it was called "District B13", and I couldn't figure out what they were doing but I think it must have been parkour. It was just amazing.

American Parkour

Girls Do Parkour

Furrybutt Azalea Fursday

2009-07-30T14:14:00.008-05:00

In honor of our beloved Furrybutts...
and in particular, the passing of one of their own, Hans, the Bunnular Bloggers are posting everybun's Furrybutts.This is my friend Azalea, sending buntockular best wishes in memory of Hansy, a brave and beloved bun. We know you're up there on The Bridge, binkying with all your friends who were waiting for your arrival.
xoxoxoxoxo
Sweet William Grey
Miss Digit
Ranger Dog

You Are Worth the Time

2009-07-21T18:51:00.004-05:00

I use this blog for a home page and lately I've been posting things that I like and want to return to. This is something a friend sent me in an email. I hope you enjoy it.

Rock the Vote For The Bunny:Pass It On

2009-07-08T18:25:00.003-05:00

Craig Ferguson's Late Late Show wants to know who your favorite puppet is. As of last night the shark was in the lead with 150 and the bunny only had 4. So sad.
Here are two videos that show the bunster:

The world's going to hell, vote here for da bun.

Have You Been Good Today? Yes? Well, Here's Your Treat

2009-07-06T11:59:00.026-05:00

Be sure and watch it in HQ. There are lots of Late Late Show in-jokes here but in this clip, it doesn't matter. On a scale of 1-10 bluebirds I'm giving Craig & Co 9 bluebirds. Yes, there's one that's better...

The original, Michael Franti and Spearhead: Say Hey Music Video.

Just try and tell me you don't want to dance to this.

Seed Swap #2: Virginia Creeper

2009-06-14T19:43:00.008-05:00

What? No takers on the dill seed? Maybe I can entice someone with Virginia Creeper seed. I found piles of it on my back deck and swept it up with a paint brush. You can see what the full grown plant looks like on a rainy day here.

I certainly didn't expect to be including the Creeper seeds so maybe there will be some other surprises along the way.

Seed Swap #1: Dill Seed

2009-06-11T12:25:00.013-05:00

Right now I'm sitting on a gold mine in dill seed with more to come. I sprinkle them on salads, sandwiches, everything. It occurred to me that maybe someone else might like some to plant for next year???? I'm going to make an effort to start saving seeds from all of my veggies and flowers and at the end of this growing season I'll be prepared to swap seeds with anyone who's interested. Email me at pensacoladailyphoto(at)gmail(dot)com and we'll start negotiations.

Kitties Passing In The Light

2009-05-31T19:56:00.011-05:00

They have more than 35 years between the two of them and a multitude of health problems, some of them serious but they've finally adapted to the borders of our property and we let them roam free now. We've spoiled them rotten and wouldn't have it any other way.

Here they are passing by each other near the sailboat DH is refurbishing. Sometimes Digit (the tabby) likes to climb the ladder and inspect any new work. She's pretty severe with her criticisms. I provide the tissues.

Willem likes to eat grass, I just wish he would work on the verge growing around the base of the boat.

Lettuces

2009-05-24T20:06:00.013-05:00

I love to pick a pile of lettuces from the garden and put them on everything. They're so tasty, I feel like I'm mining minerals. I've also discovered that I like to pick half ripe tomatoes and cut them up in my salads. Now where did I put those pics....burp.

The Big Haul

2009-05-16T21:25:00.009-05:00

Today was a day filled with rare occurrences: I watched a filly, Rachel Alexandra, run the Preakness and spank all the boys from the 13th post position, I scored something on Freecycle (this never happens), I took a ride in Old Paint, my husband's contender for the world's ugliest truck, and then I scored beautiful flowers for free. It happened like this:

After seeing Rachel Alexandra (a big girl physically to be sure) secure her place in history we loaded up in Old Paint - something I thought I would only ever do again at gunpoint - and then we headed out to our first stop, picking up a batch of leonotis leonurus - Lion's Head - seedlings, my score from Freecycle. Lastly, and this is the sweetest part, we traveled over to N Old Corry Field Rd just above Srant Dr and dug up some of the hundreds of wild growing Alstroemeria - Peruvian lilies - that are there, just free for the taking. I'm telling you this, if you're local, with a caveat: take someone with you just to be safe. Having said that, this is what you'll find if you feel so inclined.

Thank my lucky stars for Old Paint. If you click on my Abstractions blog you can see the view from the ditch.

Our First Green Beans From The Garden

2009-05-07T19:36:00.006-05:00

Not a great photo but they were very tasty. After I steamed them I let them cool and then ate them in a salad with balsamic vinegar. Home grown is best.

Hi There!

2009-05-05T22:26:00.006-05:00

This is a hand held macro so it isn't very focused but worth sharing. I've never seen a napping bee before but this one was just lollygagging about in the ligustrum. It was moving but seemed content to just bee.

Kinda Corny

2009-05-04T19:46:00.013-05:00

I took these pictures late this afternoon and while I think my photography skills are improved by the exercise it doesn't alter the fact that these corn plants are too small to be producing ears, or so DH says. We used seeds left over from last year because we thought our previous problems were related to poor nutrition. We corrected that after having the soil tested but still, the results aren't too impressive. We didn't do any research on what grows well in our area, just grabbed something off the rack so I think that's definitely the next step. Yup, we're gonna have to get scholarly and the like. When it's all over I'll know way more than I ever wanted to.

Sensible Swine Flu Information

2009-04-28T21:55:00.007-05:00

I don't watch the news anymore, I keep expecting the news readers to break into song and dance to get their point across and I just don't think I could ever recover from that. So when people began talking about a swine flu outbreak I went to the CDC for info. As luck would have it you can sign up for email updates on prevention (not much to be done except hand washing/wringing and staying home/hyperventilating), confirmed cases, etc., all to calm your inner hypochondriac. Unless, of course, you're deep into conspiracy theories and then you'll need to reference something a little more, shall we say, esoteric, which leaves me wondering what you're doing hangin' out on this blog anyway...Hmmmmm?????

Everything is better with dewberries

2009-04-28T10:48:00.010-05:00

Dewberries picked fresh.

These later found a home on vanilla ice cream.
Later, they'll move in with muffins, or better, in my pancakes.
It just so happens I have my own oat roller and there's nothing better for breakfast than uncooked rolled oats. So, I'll add that to the list, especially since the season is just getting started.

Pollen and Bumble Bee Pt 2

2009-04-27T20:05:00.004-05:00

One dab of falling pollen, one fuzzy bear.

Well looky here...

2009-04-27T13:28:00.005-05:00

Talk about your chaos theory...I still don't know what I'm doing when it comes to this new camera but I thought, how often do you get to see pollen flying through the air????

It's a first for me.

Can you see it? Just to the right of its wee little bumble bum?

I posted about bumble bees earlier here. Now, seeing all this pollen I have to assume bumble bees make honey but I don't know what kind of hive they have. Must. Google.

I can't see! I can't see!

I don't feel so good...

2009-04-20T19:05:00.005-05:00

Having health insurance used to mean a round of regular check-ups followed by a round of attemps to decipher my insurance company's billing methods before a final round of paying my share. And pay I did. Now we don't have that kind of insurance and because of that something unthinkable has happened. I'm not speaking metaphorically here, I'm talking about a shift, a sea change, a transformation. I'm talking about a door closing, the curtains being drawn, the passing of an age.
Before my existance without health insurance I could contemplate the possibility of an outcome, could cope with a surgery, make decisions, work with my physician. But now, I've simply stopped thinking about health care altogether, not because I can't pay for an exam but, because I might not be able to pay for the outcome of the exam, really, why bother? Who wants to be the person who bankrupted the family, who wants to put everyone out, literally, which could happen if a serious illness occurs?
So when I got sick last week I simply saw it as a headache, something for which I could take two aspirin, get a lot of sleep, drink a lot of liquids, and then just see what happens. But it was much worse than that and it wasn't until I finally went to the doctor today, six days after it started and over an interminably long weekend avoiding the emergency room or the walk-in clinic which simply leads to the emergency room, that I realized just how bad things could have been. Instead of being diagnosed with a particularly pesky intestinal virus I realized it could have been E. coli or salmonella and I would have been in much worse condition than I ever realized. Like my friend who called me one day and told me her daughter was in the hospital with dehydration although her father IS a doctor, but kids, being so small are easily dehydrated so it takes a dedicated parent to spot it and then quickly get them the care they need. But big people are supposed to have a kind of self-awareness that lets them seek help before they're in trouble, they don't need spotters. Unless they lose their health insurance and then, they get used to thinking that, really, they're okay and the doctor will just have to wait.

I have to add that my doctor is a dream and willing to work with me, even on the day she's due to deliver her first child. She's a gem, a real gem. And maybe the most radiant pregnant woman I've ever seen.

The Big Yellow Composter

2009-03-21T21:44:00.031-05:00

I've tried several times to create compost but never could get a pile to actually decompose. That's right, if I try to make things decompose they refuse. Instead they just shrivel up and blow away. To tell the truth, my very best composting experience was growing and harvesting Roma tomatoes from a compost pile that I quit adding to because I didn't want to lose the plants that had sprouted up. Those were GOOD tomatoes. Now we live with live oaks and pecans so we have leaf litter to add to our kitchen waste and miscellaneous clippings. We thought we would give it another go.

We started with two barrel composters, which are pretty icky - no one tells you about the flying critters that like to congregate in them and putting soil in them to cover up the kitchen scraps makes them really heavy and hard to turn. If you can't turn them what's the point of having barrel composters? None, that I can see. Unless I read something new I've decided that they're definitely a warm weather, quick decay method of composting so I'm going to spare myself the misery next winter.

After that we started a worm bin composter which is not icky but full of worms, which are very icky. Well, not in person but on vermicomposter.com they are. For some reason people looooove showing off their gobs of worms. Handfuls of them. Ewww.

Now we've designed a set of mobile composters. When the first one to finish is done we'll lift it up, move it down the line to an empty space, the finished compost gets worked into the garden, and then a new round begins. Think of it as a kind of shell game. We made them from some failed demolition chutes - the kind you see jutting out of the sides or windows of buildings when someone wants to eject debris from upper floors during a renovation. Only these weren't heavy duty enough for the things that were being thrown out and after they were replaced hubby brought the damaged pieces home and turned them into composters. And that's right, they feature a stainless steel cable handle and fasteners. It took less than 30minutes to make both of them.

Still, they're a little too colorful for my taste and I suspect, and this might be my main objection, if you didn't know what they were for you might think that we had an industrial waste project going on in the backyard. I don't know, maybe I really do care what the neighbors are thinking. I suspect there's a fencing project looming on the horizon.

Gardening Questions: Bluebirds and Washing Machines

2009-03-16T21:11:00.003-05:00

First question(s):
It's almost completely dark outside and I just checked the bluebird box. It's very sweet, the sides of the nest have been made but not the bottom so I can still see the wood. When the bluebirds are courting I see them all the time but when they start nesting they become invisible so I wasn't sure if they had started construction...but they have! I try not to pester them but tonight I learned something about their nest construction and how else would I know that unless I peeked? Would you take peeks every now and then?
Last year there were two, maybe three sets of chicks. I'll be interested to see what happens this year, the year before last some of the eggs appeared damaged - although it could have been from rot as I hardly looked at them at all that season - and there weren't any chicks. This is our fourth year and I hope it's at least a two brood year. Our neighborhood is a haven for bluebirds and I love seeing them. Has anyone else fostered bluebirds?

My next burning question:
We recently replaced our washing machine and I saved the plastic liner and the basket from the old one and I'm wondering what I can do with them. I know I can use the plastic liner for a container for vegetable gardening but is there an attractive way to use the basket? I was thinking of putting it on some sort of pedestal, filling it with garden mix and growing herbs in it. Or maybe strawberries? I don't want it to look cheesy and my yard/garden doesn't have layers yet so wherever I put it it will stand out. Do I just wait until the herbs/strawberries grow out the top and sides to hide what it is or is it a nice idea but I should go ahead and recycle it?