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These include some of my hobbies,
projects and interests.
- Dogs - Ah, man's best friend. Despite what
the skeptics might say, I fully believe they have emotions.
May I someday be the kind of person my dog things I am!
- Abby
- Voted Worlds Best Dog year after year!
(however, some think I'm a little biased:)
- Sadly, Abby had to be put to sleep in March 2006, due
to an inoperable, heart-based tumor. she is greatly
missed. I must say that, after spending $500 at each of
two local vets, I'll be forever grateful to Cornell
University's Vet dept for having finally determining her
issue. Yes, it was at least a three hr drive to
get her there, but they arrived at the diagnosis
right-away, so at least let me know what direction Abby
was taking. I highly recommend Cornell for
anyone who has a pet that needs the utmost, best
possible healthcare.
- I kept a lock of her fur (taken from her last day),
which will forever hang from my workstation's overhead
lamp..., always within reach.
- I created a video in memory of Abby, about half of
which shows her youthful, fun days, and the second half
being all about her last day (took many pics that last,
heart-crushing day). But I should present a
word-of-caution: for the dog lovers out there, I know
it's brought tears to many eyes.
Click here for the
video.
- Nikki - A
Border Collie rescue pup, Nikki was acquired in April
2006. After loosing Abby, I could barely wait a
month before needing/wanting another pup in my life.
I discovered Nikki via
www.petfinder.com,
a wonderful service! In this case,
sight-unseen, but sensing she was the one, drove
a non-stop, ten hr drive each way round trip from
Western NY to Lexington KY to pick her up. Quite the
character, just wants to play-play-play, but she's
always eager to please, and is (for the most part), very
well behaved. I believe installing the doggie door
to the fenced-in backyard helped greatly towards keeping
her happy while I'm away at work.
- This page shows
the step-by-step installation of Nikki's doggie door.
- House Projects - Before getting into computers, I
was a Cabinet-Maker for about 12 years (back in the
eighties). With a fully-equipped workshop in the
basement, I still like getting my hands dirty once in
awhile. Just like a kitchen, a clean shop is always
inviting to be worked in!
- Boating - The lower Niagara River makes for a
scenic cruise, and with the 90' banks, you can usually find
a calm cove in the wind-shadow for skiing.
- Massage - How many things are
legal, non-fattening, and free (with a partner) that feels
soooo good? My dream is to someday have too-long a
massage. (un-imaginable:)
- Hang-Gliding/Sky-Diving/Powered Paragliding -
While I haven't flown since the eighties, I've found
hang-gliding to be the best way to actualize my favorite
recurring dream..., that of flying. The scenery is
always beautiful, and simply shifting your weight steers you
to where you want to go. While flying 1500' above the
valley floor in Hammondsport, NY, I once found myself
soaring along with a hawk. I was about 50' higher, so
was watching it from above, though I'm sure it didn't even realize I was there.
In 2009, I joined the US Powered Paragliding Assoc., and
may invest into the sport in 2010. I embrace the idea of
being able to foot-launch, and then fly to wherever
you want to go. However, the risk-factor in flying
paragliders increases greatly in wind speeds over 12 mph.
I'm hoping to first meet with other local flyers, and get
their input.
- Capturing video of Google Earth tours . One
would normally need to pay a $900./yr subscription fee to
have this ability, but with the right tools you can do it
for free (hint: download MS Media Encoder). Here's a sample video capture touring the
Tampa area golf courses:
Tampa Area golf course tour (4.33 MB video download).
Here's a sample fly-in from space to my house:
Space to house fly-in.
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