I wheeled my CabKing out onto the driveway, cleaned it and its heavy duty plastic cart, and filled the water source bucket with a mix of vinegar and tap water. The vinegar is necessary to keep the water valves from clogging up; I was really surprised to see that they weren't clogged when I first ran everything up. Now it's just a matter of organizing all the related equipment in closed plastic bins to keep the dust and pests out. At this point, it's good to go.👍🏻 #lapidary

Doctor admits that it might not be trigger finger after all. She's sending me for an MRI and has given me a referral to the infectious disease department. I'm still thinking it has to do with barnacle splinters that I got in that finger in the beginning of July. They were from live barnacles, not dead ones. That means barnacle guts could have gotten under my skin, too.

This isn't the only upgrade I'm doing this autumn. I'm having the boat detailed and ceramic coated, which will protect the paint and finish and prevent fading. It'll also increase the marketability of the boat when it's time to sell. The ceramic coating should last at least five years, especially if I continue to stow the boat in my garage every winter.

The cost of this entire upgrade should be covered by charter revenues for the end of September and October. (3/3)

I just ordered most of the parts necessary to upgrade the #solar on my #boat from 160 W to 400 W. I'll be pulling off the old panel and replacing it with two marine grade 200 W panels. I'll save the old panel for installation on a future RV or maybe my utility trailer, which has batteries and an inverter. The solar upgrade is going to be done by Martin, a fellow Ranger Tug owner who runs the Channel Surfing channel on YouTube. #boating (1/3)

The crazy thing is that the marine grade stainless steel brackets I need to hold the panels in place cost more than the panels. Costs so far:
Renogy Solar Panels 400 Watt N-Type $352.99
Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controller 150V, 35A $152.90
8 Hinged split side rail mount w/hex head bolt, 1" $418.03😳

Martin will build out my existing panel rack with more materials and bill me for that and his labor. With 400 W of solar on the roof, I should never need shore power again. (2/3)

A Week of Lapidary Learning

I attend a week-long lapidary class at the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts in Young Harris, GA.

https://aneclecticmind.com/2026/10/11/a-week-of-lapidary-learning/

Microwave popcorn has come a long way since the last time I made it -- maybe 10 years ago? I just made a bag and managed to get every kernel popped without burning any of it. It's not too salty or greasy either.

Now if only my dogs would eat what I drop on the floor.

Just made a surprise sale on my jewelry shop. For a moment, I was terrified that I might not have the piece that was purchased; I have not updated that site in months and have made sales at art shows since then. But I lucked out and I still had the piece, a turquoise and Chinese labradorite with silver necklace. I made it to go with a turquoise pendant and now I'll have to make another one. No complaints, though! I'm just glad I had it in inventory to ship promptly.

#SilentSunday #FirstLightIsBestLight

The blue hour light is stunning this morning. This photo does not do it justice. (What else is new, right?) #photography #BlueHour #Wenatchee #PNW

Up at 2:45 AM with a hell of a headache. Making coffee now. I'm thinking that I can take it easy this morning and just unpack, do laundry, and put away my luggage. Then take a nap. Then a trip down to my studio and garage to evaluate my lapidary equipment and see what I need to do to get it all up and running well again. I'm thinking that cleaning and lubrication might be the only thing required.🤞🏻

Going to bed super early tonight because I'm exhausted. Hoping to sleep until at least 4 AM to fight jet lag. Wish me luck!

Well, I managed to get a few hours of rest with less than an hour of actual sleep time this afternoon. I have to admit that the drive home from SeaTac was rough; I had to pull over less than 15 miles from home for a break because I was literally falling asleep at the wheel.

I just fed my pups and have two empanadas that I bought in Atlanta this morning in the oven heating up. I'm hoping to get enough rest today that I don't lose tomorrow recovering from this nearly 2 full days of #travel.

Look who's coming back in over Seattle! Me!

The good news is that the 17G42 wind seems to be howling right down the runway. I just watched a plane land. We're second for takeoff.

On the move again. Clearly no one is going to tell us what just happened.

I fucking hate tube flying. 🤬

We just started taxiing out to the runway when we hit something. So now we're stopped on the apron, waiting for someone to take a look and report back. 🙄

In the airport shuttle with other optimist. One couple is wearing shorts.

Woke up at 3:49 AM , certain that I had set my alarm for 3:45 AM. When I checked, I discovered it had been set to 3:45 PM. Oops. Close call when I plan to catch the hotel shuttle to the airport at 4:30 AM.

Meanwhile, outside my hotel window, it looks like a hurricane. High winds, rain, and there might be occasional hail beating against my window. Alaska Air says an on-time departure at 7:03 AM. We'll see. Weather forecast does not look good.

Back in Atlanta. Dropped off my luggage at my hotel BEFORE returning the rental car so I'm not dealing with luggage on the way to the hotel. Now I'm waiting for the hotel shuttle bus. I'm really looking forward to being home. #travel