Microscopic Monday - Confusing but colorful

When Jeff is working from home, I am always amazed at how colorful his computer screens are.  It's not really the desktop or wallpaper, it is the current printed circuit board he is working on.  It starts with just a plain board.  Then he reads some sort of schematics and he starts placing different types of components.  I believe he starts with one layer and it ends up with a whole lot more layers by the time it's ready for release.  Let me see if I can remember the terminology of the board just from hearing him talk to some engineers or when he comes home and has to vent, here are some of them.

• Annular ring
• DRC
• Drill hit
• Mouse bite
• Finger
• Panel
• Paste stencil
• Pad
• Plane
• Pick and place
• Slot
• Solder
• Thermal
• Trace
• Via 

Not really sure what each one does but some of these I kinda get it.  So I took a photo of one of the board that he was working on.  In case you are wondering what Jeff does, here's an example.  It takes a lot of patience and a very detail oriented person to do this type of job.

 

Sailing Saturday - Viking Cruise

There is something very interesting and exciting about this Viking Cruise.  The first time I saw a brochure in our mail was about five years ago when I first moved here.  We are not experienced cruise traveler but we have been on three and it has been fun.  Although I have to really express my disappointment with NCL - Norweigian Cruise Line.  The destination was different because it was an Alaskan Cruise.  I know I have posted my issues with them.

It's in the past and I am over it but I know that the next we go on another cruise it won't be with them.  Now each time I see the commercial on TV about the Viking Cruises, I start imagining us being on one of their ship.  In case you have not heard about them, here's some amazing points that I found on their site.

• Their destinations and itineraries are so unique.
• The tours at destinations are included.
• The 24 hour room service is also included.
• There's less stateroom in the ship which means the service is more personal.
• Their chef shares his experience and even recipe for passengers to try at home.
• The activities on board are educational and historical.

When would be a good time to do one of these expensive cruise?  I think maybe for our 10th wedding anniversary.  This is a great way to see some of the European countries and their culture, art and cuisine.  It would also be fitting if we go in the month of May so it will be a double celebration as I would turn 65 that same year.  Which means I only have three years to convince Jeff and plan this big adventure.  For now I am just dreaming but hopefully we can actually do it.

 

 

Toronto Thursday - It's about time

Congratulations to the Toronto Blue Jays!  What an exciting game.  I have to admit that I did not watch their games during the regular season but when I found out they are in the playoffs, I started watching their games if they were covering it in one of our sports channel.

I remember watching them several years ago when I use to live in the outskirts of Toronto.  My BFF Sue from Texas would come for a visit and she would have the greatest seat, I say greatest as it was behind the Jays dugout.  We would meet for an early dinner and then watch the game and maybe check out some of the pubs after.  It was great to see it live even though they were not doing very well.  But since this season is very historical as they have not been in the playoffs since 1993, I thought it was definitely worth watching all their games.  I wish them all the luck in the world and I know my friends in Canada are all cheering for them.  It definitely brought back a lot of memories even going back in the late 90's when I took my son and his buddy Andrew to watch the game.  There was a time when my son was playing tee ball and I remember his favorite, the Oakland A's.  When the A's played the Jays, I was able to get some tickets and he was happy to see them play.  If only he was here to see the Jays win again. 

 

 

Team Thursday - The Presidents Cup is on

For those of you who are avid golfers or an avid fan of golf, I don't have to remind you of this great golf event.  The USA versus the INTERNATIONAL.  Of course it's a bit difficult to cheer for one and not the other because some of my favorite players are on each side of the team.  I have recorded each day of the competition because of the time zone it will be difficult to watch live.  This year's cup is being held in Incheon City, S. Korea and I know that's at least 12 hours ahead of PST.  Each of the team is represented by the best in each of their country.  It will be an awesome four days of just exciting golf and team spirit.  I can't wait for it to start.  In case you are not aware of the players representing each team, here they are.

May the best team wins.  Good luck to Jordan and Jason.  Both my favorite who are representing USA and International.  This will be fun but difficult to cheer for.

 

 

Trailer Tuesday - Are we ready for an RV?

Please don't get alarmed when you read this.  We are not selling the house so we can buy a trailer.  But this weekend we stop by an RV lot and started checking out some of the smaller type of RV for travelling.  You might ask, really you are going to living in it?  Answer is NO, but there's no harm in checking it out and actually see what's available out there.  The first one we checked is a Jamboree, at least that's the name I saw out side.  I was very surprised at the space inside.  The second one was called a Minnie Winnie which was my favorite because of the layout.  The last one was called Thor Axis which is 25 ft long but the windshield was a wrap around type that you can see so clearly everything in front and sides.

On most of these there was so much storage and every space is used for something.  The bathroom is not too shabby as the shower is wide enough for two.  The sink is smaller but counter space is plenty.  As for the kitchen, the only thing that it's going to be hard to get use to is the gas stove.  They have a very nice fridge as well as a microwave.  Anyway, the salesperson told us that we should rent one for a weekend to see how it feels and if it's actually what we would like the way to travel.  A very good suggestion because you don't want to spend that money for a toy that after one time use, you realize that it's not your style. Of course this is not something we need to decide, this is just an idea/concept. 

Thor Axis- Vegas model

                                              

Inside the Minnie Winnie

Manly Monday - Classic Cars

We all know that some men loves their toys more than their wife.  Ok maybe not but some actually do and maybe that is why they are not married.  This past weekend as we were checking some craft sale, we stumble upon some classic cars on display parked towards the back of the lot where the sale was happening.  We had to take photos of these amazing mint condition cars that were on display.  They ranges from 1932 to 1954 to maybe the 60s.  I really cannot tell you what type they are or what model, etc. which is why I took a lot of photos so I can share.  You have to be impressed how shiny and immaculately clean these cars were.  I am it takes a lot of maintenance and cleaning but for the owners who take pride when they drive their cars, it's all worth it.  We like seeing them on the road or on display during some of the festivals in the bay area.

 

Flowery Friday - What a nice surprise!

Even with the drought, I was surprised by some of the flowers that Jeff has planted in our front yard.  Most of the plants are watered in the morning before 800 am or after 800 pm.  But even with that control, some plants need a bit more and some did not survive.  The front yard is getting browner.  What I don't understand is that annoying ivy does not die.  Majority of the leaves are brown but as soon as it gets a bit of water from the short period of rain, new leaves come up.  I truly hate these ivy but it is such a chore to take them out because the roots are so deep and they are very strong.  I remember when Jeff took half of them, it took him over the whole weekend to hack, pull, and dig.  Anyway, here's some of the flowers that are not looking too bad even with the drought.

Our vegetable garden is done for the season, although we might have one more yellow squash to harvest, two green peppers, a few more cherry tomatoes and a couple of jalapeno peppers.  After it's clean up, Jeff will plant all his winter selection of crop which I'm not sure what.  I will just have to wait until they are all grown and ready for harvest.  The weather is starting to cool off at night and early morning.  We all know what that means.  Fall and then Winter.  Everyone is hoping that we will get a lot of rain this winter.  We look forward to seeing the hills turning green.  Unfortunately we don't have the amazing turning of the leaves like what Ontario, Canada has.   Here's what I use to enjoy when I was residing there.