Author Archives: ren

Wall Background

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Wall background for your computer

I’m often finding things to photograph to use as a desktop background. This wall is in a cemetery in New Castle, Delaware. It leaves space for folders and toolbars and as all the photos I choose turns my computer into an interesting scene to work against different from the usual panoramic landscapes that usually distract more than inspire. To save the full image to your computer click on the image to open the full file in your browser and then right click to copy it to your computer. Click on the BACKGROUNDS tag at the right to see all that I post. I’ll add more.

Ukulele No.9, No.9, No.9 …

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No, it isn’t a beatles uke, although George Harrison was known for playing one and promoting them as an instrument everyone should have and play as he explains in a letter on this page which also includes some video.

My ninth is one of my favorites, a Martin OXK. It sits in my library on a little shelf I made out of scrap wood that slides under some books and keeps it near at hand when I’m sitting at my desk. (Everything in my tiny library is near at hand from everywhere else in the library.) The review here pretty much sums up why I like it.

Kelsey 3 x 5

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When I began printing in the early 1970’s I bought a 5×8 Excelsior, new from the Kelsey Company in Meriden, Connecticut. After a decade or more of no use I sold the press and most of the supplies. Now as my collection has been rebooted it was only natural to add one though the price has climbed significantly since I sold my larger one and I settled for an older, smaller, repaired one. I bought it from a sale at the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The idea was to use it to demonstrate on the road at events for Conestoga Press.

Bongo Cajon

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I completed this at the end of last month, but haven’t had an opportunity to post it. It was an easy kit from Meinl who offers many ready-made versions for not a whole lot more money… and it probably wouldn’t take a lot to make one from scratch, but the kit was easy and fun. I added the wren and drumsticks using some “borrowed” art as a pattern and burned it with the woodburning tools I bought Jolene a few years ago.

NAGT 2019

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The crew getting ready for the Geo-Auction in Martinsburg at the National Association of Geoscience Teachers Eastern Section Meeting. Auctioneer (Steve), runner (me), and clerk (Renee) and the giant stuffed eurypterid (Uri).

Ukulele Number 8

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This uke, the Kala Ka-Cem concert mahogany spends it’s time at the training center with uke number 3 with this one reserved for some more serious play. I remember getting it at Funky Frets. I had stopped in there just to look (not the first time THAT didn’t work) and to pick up another electronic tuner. Actually I think my reasoning was that since this one has a built in tuner and equalizer.
The Kala with amp.

Magical Mystery Tour Frederick

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Craig, Gath, and Duncan discuss Gath’s lack of color in his writings.

The playlist for our April 2019 Magical Mystery Tour to Frederick MD.

  1. Dublin Roasters’ Coffee – Great coffee, best according to Craig.
  2. One Million Liter Test Sphere – Weren’t there, just near and forgot to mention it at coffee because the great conversation distracted me.
  3. Spook Hill – The soldiers DID push our car… forward AND backward.
  4. National War Correspondents Memorial Arch – And Gapland or Gathland, or both as the sign above states.
  5. Washington Monument State Park
  6. Exotic Lumber – No one had to have a board on their head for the rest of the trip. I bought only short pieces.
  7. Record Exchange – What??? No Uriah Heep? But loved the new vinyl.
  8. Earthly Elements – Great rock shop with commemorative dino coins.
  9. White Rabbit Gastropub – Great secret spot hidden in an alley.