The ever changing sky

Yesterday the sky put on quite a show!  Many different cloud formations passed through, along with a little unstable weather as well.  I was able to capture a couple shots with my phone's camera.

This monster of a cloud was very interesting looking!

I've always enjoyed the contrast between lush green foliage and the rich hue of a dark, stormy sky.... shortly after this shot it poured, and also hailed!

stormy skies

Captured a shot of the incoming storm that passed through earlier today.  Turned out to look meaner than it actually was; we only had heavy rains and a bit of lightning.

Updates, additions, and messes!

In addition to tearing up the kitchen, we've added a cat "mansion" to our place for the cats!  We found that by making our own we saved a ton of money compared to buying one.  Matt putting together the finishing touches.

Ha ha ha don't stick your tongue out at me!

Finished!

The kitchen, now without a floor and trim (and a stove, table, heat, access to anything, etc etc).  What a mess!

Extensive repair needed to be done to the corner of the kitchen floor where the foundation had sunk a few years back.

Corner patched.  Jackie had to check it out...

Ceramic tile laid and set!

The worst is almost over! 

Caught at the perfect Moment...

I don't have very many photos of my pudgy Hershey... he just doesn't sit still long enough!  Yesterday afternoon I thought I'd try to capture a few shots of the little buggar while my beasts were outside; by luck I caught a shot that's absolutely priceless!  Caught in his brat like state; this shot shows how he normally acts; like a brat!

Take my photo will you....

Hersh on the prowl!

Finally, a chance to snap a shot of him!

Big T; such a good kitty!

Let's talk Science!

This year my nephew Sebastian joined the robotics team at his high school.  Their team, Robo Huskies, competed back in March in Duluth to compete for the Nationals.  This year's assignment was to build a robot that could shoot basketballs and balance on a ramp.  We had an opportunity to see the competition, and it proved quite interesting!  The creativity these kids can come up with and the robots they created was impressive to say the least!

Sebastian, a member of Robo Huskies, and also the safety coordinator of the team.

#2574, Robo Huskies robot; Sebastian in the background.

The Robo Huskie "bot"

The mechanics of the robot... so much wiring!

The fancy wheels (right) made their robot able to turn quick and sharp.

Video of the Robo Huskie "bot" testing the basket shooter.  In the background, a robot practicing its balance on a ramp.  (Sorry if the video quality isn't that great!)

Next week the team is headed to St. Louis for the Nationals competition!  Go Robo Huskies!

Kitchen update

The painting has started! 

 Taping the windows. Nothing left of the yellow except the trim.

The built in bookshelf; after installition of glass mosiac tile and painting of the trim and inner wall.

No more yellow!  Even the windows were painted yellow before. 

Happy Easter 2012

Easter Sunday at my sister's... from left to right:  Lance, Laura, Sebastian (and Shelby), me, Matt, and cousin Bob.  Good times!