Day trip to Kings Beach and BBQ at the Grand Parents

After Henry, Chris and Frank returned from their mammoth 50km bike ride, we (Frank, Megan, Marcus, Chris, Jemma and Henry) piled into the Vito and drove North to Kings beach at Caloudra.

We met up with Dave & Dianne and their two children Damica & Xavier.
 Had a swim.
Henry went and bought hot chips.
Dave went and bought a 2l tub of blue ribbon ice cream and a packet of plastic spoons.
After we were finshed at the beach we drove to Ian and Fays for a BBQ dinner.

Bike Ride

Henry, Chris and Frank did another bike ride.  Henry took his GPS doodad.  After every ride he uploads the data to a web site called Strava.

More to come

River Loop Bike Ride

Henry brought his bike with him from Canberra.
Sean kindly lent chris a bike.  Henry brought peddles and shoes.
This morning Henry, Chris and Frank set out on a river loop ride.  We picked up Bob Manthey down at Corinda. 

Chris is supposed to engage in some holiday exercise so a ride to the Grammar boat shed seemed like a good idea.  Evidence is handy to have too.  That guy on the right has a bit of a gut.

While we were in the rowing vicinity, we figured we should tutor Henry on the finer points of rowing.  We dropped in on Rowing Queensland where I row from and put them on an Ergo (Rowing machine).  Legs-Body-Arms-Arms-Body-Legs.  Here you see that technique nearing perfection with only a few minor points to be addressed.

This is why the guy has a big gut.

Christmas day

We were awoken to the melodious tones of the bin truck making it's collection and then in case we were not fully awake to view the baby Jesus, it returned a few minutes later to do the other side of the road.

A present was demanded and supplied and then it was off to church.

Megan has been organising kids to play musical instruments and they gathered on the dais.

And here is Megan

After church we went home and had morning tea.


After morning tea, Dan and Jemma insisted that we receive a present and what do you know - "Monopoly Empire" and as any good family person would know this is the seed of arguments.  True to form the arguing has begun even before the first roll of the dice.  There are arguments over how the games works, the rules, the placement of bits, who starts first.

A quick reference to the rules and we find the YOUNGEST STARTS FIRST!!!!  get that OK!

Then those not playing arrive and get grumpy because they are not playing.  Those who are playingh and by definition already grumpy get grumpy because the others are interfering or not willing to participate by reading the rules and providing adjudication.  Others suddenly loose the ability to read if they are asked to refer to the rules.

Ideas for the Family Christmas Gathering

You know you have the 20-25 family adults and their random kids together in a park for an afternoon.  The stealing santa is so last year.  What do you do.  Needs to be fun and memorable would be good.

Here are some brain storm idea

MASTER CHEF
Leveraged off the idea that Daryn & Clare had for the Physio active Christmas Party.
We hire a guro chef and ovens / kitchen stoves.
The 20-25 family types are randomly arranged into groups of 3 and each group of 3 are given written instructions and raw materials and cooking equipment to make one part of the christmas meal.  Then they cook like mad for 30 minutes or whatever.  Then all the bits are brought together for the meal. 

MAKE A VIDEO
Get a creative team - Facilitator + camera operator to come and help / organise the koning family to make a humorous christmas message video.  In one hr, the facilitator works with the family to script & rehearse and film the video.  They then go and edit it and upload to youtube.  The family continue with their party.

ART
Get an artist to come and facilitate the family to make a mural.  Maybe a christmas mural painted on white Vinyl. Then go hang it on the bridge across the western freeway or at Taringa.  The artist bring s the material and paint and ideas and helps, coaches, facilitates.  Cajoles the non participats and so on.

CRAFT
Same as art but some object(s) is / are built.  Maybe one big object maybe one little object per person.  Maybe super well done thingos that are then donated to a shop to be sold for the poor.

Dan and Lucy

Lucy has been itstised.  This photo was actually taken on 13-DEC-2013 but I only just saw it.  The blue thing is to stop Lucy from gnawing at her stitches.

Piano lifting

Megan brought home a Yamaha mini grand electric piano.

Kerbside cleanup.  You know it goes.  Those people who cruise the streets looking for old washing machines or parts of rusty BBQs.....

So Mitch (14yo neighbour) and Chris were press ganged into lifting it out of the Vito and setting it up in Sarah's room (she is long gone).  Luckily or unluckily as the case would be, many many years ago, the UC ran a monthly youth rally and we had one of these pianos.  In my younger days they appeared somewhat lighter but still too heavy to have any other memories other than their weight.  So I had the necessary knowledge to assemble it.  It comes in two main parts.  The keyboard and base is one part and the string section is the other.  The Legs are put on the keyboard and base and that part set on the floor.  the string section is then hung off the keyboard and swung through 90 degrees and locked in place.

This thing is just like a real piano.  Strings and things but also it has built in microphone pickups.  This one even came with a amplifier / speaker.  It also came with impressive heritage.  It was used in times past at the Darwin entertainment centre of all places.

All connected up and of course it did not work.  All manner of leads and combination of plugs and sockets were tried.  All to no avail.  That was weeks ago.

With a Christmas visit from Henry imminent, the need was on to get rid of it.  My suggestions of taking it to the tip or even just giving it away to someone who would in turn ask me to take it to the tip were summarily rejected. 

Dan tried a couple of things and it worked.  Don't ask questions.  Just be thankful its working.

Last night (Sunday night) we were sitting at the Oxley carols enjoying a good sing a long when Megan suggested we go and get it and put it in the school hall.  Chris was keen and a second set by a kids entertainer called JAM convinced me that now was the time.  We walked home.

At home we dismantled it and loaded it onto the ute.  Vertebrae compressed!.
We drove back to the school.  Careful not to run over any wayward kids we drove through the conveniently unlocked gate and up to the school hall.  it was also conveniently not locked.

Noticed a friend "Som" and co-opted him to help lift.  Megan directed and Chris, Som and myself reassembled it.  It was connected to the PA system in the hall and a few notes played to reasure ourselves that Oxley school can now enjoy the melodious tones of a baby grand and a $50 reconditioned by Chris Casio harmonsing and leading the kids through the National Anthem.  What are the words again you ask.

Oxley Carols

Oxley UC hosted Carold by Candlelight on the Oxley State School Oval.

Around mid day, Dan and I put up the video screen.  It is Cameron Todd's surface, some old YAF poles plus my poles proping it up from the back.  You can see it to the right of the stage.  It was not being used at the moment the photo was taken.

Around 6pm, our family walked over.  We met Cameron Braid and family and we placed our traveling rugs on the ground near them.

Chris Fixes Oxley SS Keyboard

The Oxley State School Keyboard had been lying around home for a while waiting to be fixed.  Turned out it had two problems.  A dead power pack.  Confirmed dead with multimeter followed by visual inspection showing a wire broken off right where it came out of the transformer.  A replacement (12V 1A) plug pack was located in the junk box.  The keyboard connector is wired -ve tip which is unusual except for keyboards.  (The Roland at church is also negative tip).  The replacement plug pack had just bare wires so we cut the wires and connector off the old pluch pack and joined them onto the new one.  This worked a treat until we bumped the keyboard and it shut down.  This sensitivity was traced to the DC input plug where the smallest touch would cause the keyboard to loose power.

Chris took the bottom off the keyboard and visual inspection showed that the solder had cracked where the connector contacts were soldered to the printed circuit board.  He re-soldered it and it came back to life.  - Job done

In this picture, the keyboard is upside down.  I am holding the bottom of the keyboard.  the keys are facing down under where Chris is soldering.

MAC Firmware Upgrade

Finally got the mac to do a firmware upgrade.

I think in the end, the key thing was to
a)  Set the launchpad>System Preferences>Startup Disk to MAC
b) Use the App Store search for updates and install
c) Do it all about 3 times.

Now we have

Hardware Overview:

  Model Name: MacBook Air

  Model Identifier: MacBookAir5,2

  Processor Name: Intel Core i5

  Processor Speed: 1.8 GHz

  Number of Processors: 1

  Total Number of Cores: 2

  L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB

  L3 Cache: 3 MB

  Memory: 8 GB

  Boot ROM Version: MBA51.00EF.B02

  SMC Version (system): 2.5f9

  Serial Number (system): xxxxxxxxx

  Hardware UUID: 5xxxxxxxx

Lets see what happens wrt video drivers on the windows side.
We have
Driver Version:   9.17.10.2932   working across extended desktop.
(2932 used to not work - So this is an improvement)

Mac Windows 8.1 and a waste of time

Current MAC System Information
Model Name : MacBook Air
Model Identifier:     MaBookAir5,2
Processor:                Intel core i5
Processor speed:      1.8GHz
Number of processors:  1

Boot Rom Version:   MBA51.00EF.B00
SMC Version(system) 2.5f7

OS= OS X 10.8 (12A269)
Graphics = Intel HD Graphics 4000 512MB
Memory = 8GB 1600 DDR3


This page tells me the firmware that relates to my mac.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237

MacBook Air (13-inch, Mid 2012)

MacBookAir5,2

MBA51.00EF.B02 (EFI 2.6)

2.5f9 (SMC 1.9)

This is interesting as it applies to Mid 2012 mac books
http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1690

So it seems I need to upgrade both.

MacBook Air SMC Update v1.9

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1627

MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.6

 http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1623
This update is recommended for MacBook Air (mid 2012) models.
This update fixes a color issue with HDMI displays connected to MacBook Air, resolves an issue with Windows which can prevent MacBook Air from booting properly, and also resolves an issue where unplugging a Thunderbolt device may cause the system to freeze when waking from standby.
The MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update will update the EFI firmware on your computer.
Your computer's power cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source. When your MacBook Air restarts, a gray screen will appear with a status bar to indicate the progress of the update. It will take several minutes for the update to complete. Do not disturb or shut off the power on your MacBook Air during this update.
After update EFI ROM will be: MBA51.00EF.B02

Booted to the MAC side.  I tried this and I get an error message "This software is not supported on your system"

===============================================
booted to safe mode with networking
then back to the mac side
then back to windows and the dam thing has booted.
and again.
oh but not again.  I got too happy too quick
but now it does....

Startup Repair
Startup Repair couldn't repair your PC
Press "Advanced options" to try other options to repair your pc or "shut down" to turn off your PC.
Log File: C:\WINDOWS\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt

------------------------
this could be useful
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/209-69-windows-bootcamp-black-screen-blinking-cursor-ages-boot

8:00am
GAVE UP!
Decided to re install win 8.0

1. Inserted Win8 bootable USB
2. Held option key, pressed power on, selected USB.
3. Chose Install new..  Enetered product key.
4. Chose upgrade.
Received message "The computer started using the windows installation media.  Remove the installation megia and restart your computer so Windows starts normally [oh if only].  Then insert the installation media and restart the upgrade.  (Do not select ICustom (advanced)|to perform an upgrade. {Custom(advanced) installs a new copy of wondows and deletes your programs and settings).

 Have another go
Installing Windows 8
1. Inserted Win8 bootable USB.  Created using the Win7 bootable USB tool.
2. Held option key, pressed power on, selected USB.
3. Chose Install now..
4.  Enetered product key.
5.  Choose Custom
6.  Drive 0 Partition 4:BOOTCAMP  70.8GB  (I wish I had gone for a 256GB SSD)
7.  Format   (accept / ignore the warning yes I will loose my files)
8.  Next.    Installing windows... (Your computer may restart a few times) get coffee.
Start thinking about where and how to install MS office.
9. selected wireless lan and entered key
10 entered my microsoft account name and password
11 it has finished installing.  greeted with the now familia metro? screen
12 remove usb stick.
13 restart --> worked !!! woohoo
14 ah not so quick.  Need drivers.  (Thats expected)
15 Checked http://support.apple.com/downloads/#macoscomponents and it appears that 5.0.5033 is the latest and I have that already downloaded.
16 Double clicked the setup.exe file.  Accepted all defaults and OKs
17 Restart - yes of yes
its now 9:30am
18 Second display now clones but P does not work.
re read notes on my blog here
I check Device Manager>Display adapters>.....

Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
Driver Provider: Intel Corporation
Driver Date: 12/12/2012
Driver Version: 9.17.10.2932
Digital Signer: Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher

From my previous notes - This one is BAD news.
I need this one Driver Version: 9.17.10.2768
But where to get it???.
On a whim I choose "Roll Back Driver" from with the device manager screen.
Blow me over if I don't get the driver I want.  Bizarre.
Have to work out how to stop windows from automatically "updating" this driver.

19 Stop Windows Auto Update The Video Driver
So I already tried to tell windows to not install new drivers.
BTW, to do this, at the Run prompt, type "Change device installation settings"

The good details
c:\Windowsystem32\DRIVERS\igdkmd64.sys and a number of other files



20 Reinstall software
21 Goto ninite.com that gets most of the useful free stuff.
22 Map Z drive.

In win8, windows explorer there does not seem to be a tools>map network drive
In windows explorer address bar, type in the ip address \\192.168.20.12\
Then right click on the Left hand side and select "Map Network Drive" & Choose the drive letter.

23 Microsoft Office
The iso is on the work Z drive.  In Win8, right click and open with windows explorer.
Choose install now.  Wait. 
Activation - Choose the link "Enter a Product Key instead"

24 Thunderbird Mail Client

In the initial setup, put in my gmail address as the account.
Thunderbird then sets up imap.
Now we need to tell thunderbird to not download all the folders.  Just inbox and a couple of others.
right click on the email account XYZ@gmail.com in the left hand pane of the screen
Choose Synchronisation and storage,
Choose advanced
Clear the ticks from the folders that you dont want to down load.
Click OK

Its now 12:30

25 WAMP Server

Downloaded  Wampserver2.4-x64.exe  (Not available on Ninite.com)
http://sourceforge.net/projects/wampserver/postdownload?source=dlp
Double clicked to install.
On the web browser, typed localhost -> The default wampserver page is displayed.
Clicked on the phpinfo hyperlink.  -> Ran phpinfo()
This confirmed that everything was basically working.
Observed that 
Loaded Configuration File C:\wamp\bin\apache\apache2.4.4\bin\php.ini 
In the system tray?, left click on the wamp icon,
Choose PHP>php.ini
post_max_size = 8M   Unchanged
upload_max_filesize = 2M   -> Changed to 8M

26 WORK VPN
done

27 Screen Hunter - done

Roof Insulation on the slope

I want to insulate my roof.  I would like to insulate the sloapy part of the roof because we use the roof space to store .... junk... and I would like to keep the junk cool.

Factors to consider

1. Dirt and crap seems to get into the roof space so insulation that relies on reflective properties will not work.
2. Cost
3. Ease of Installation 
4. I don't like fibreglass type insulation.
5. Needs to be installed on the sloapy part of the roof.
6. Insulation properties - These seem to be quantified by an R value.

Insulation Options

Fibreglass Batts
Personally dont like these as I am concerned about breathing in fibers.
They sit down on the ceiling and so of no use for keeping the ceiling space cool.

Polystyrene Foam
Bought 10 sheets 2400x1200x50.  $29+GST each so around $300.  I reckin I would need about 4x this to do the entire roof.
I have cut these up and I am shoving them between the roof trusses.
It is a lot of work.  I can see why this is not a commercial option.

Concertina Foil Batts
http://www.concertinafoilbatts.com/

KingSpan Air Cell
http://kingspaninsulation.com.au
? "must be supported on mesh"


Tropical Roof
Install a second layer of corrugated iron on top of the first with an air gap between  Or a whole stack of solar cells.

Paint the roof with something???

Foil Bubble Insulation
http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/7020464/roof_insulation_material.html
and all over ebay

Community Carol Singing

We joined some others from our church to sing Christmas carols at Chapel Gardens.

Paul had made "Dutch Doughnuts"

Dan Grade 7 Graduation

Dan Grade 7 students had a "graduation".  Dan was sports house captain for Coolabah (Green).  At the graduation each student who had had any kind of duty got a certificate and hand shakes from various dignities. 
To the right od Dan sitting at the Back is Milton Dick.  Local Councillor.  Later I discover leader of the labour opposition in the BCC. 
Standing is Principal Errol.

HOTY 2013 2 - Race Day

BREAKFAST
Race day began with breakfast.  The most important meal of the day and it was another laneway.  This time of Flinders lane.  Eggs Benedict and Coffee.

10:30ish we met in the foyer and walked a route that took us through Flinders st Station and then across a pedestrian bridge to South Bank?.  Then upstream to where the boats had spent the night.

We had missed the start (11:00am)  but walked to the start anyway.  In this race, entrants are grouped in "Divisions" based on average crew age & gender.  Well the gender isn't averaged.   There are men, women & mixed.  All the boats of a particular division are grouped together.  We line up four abreast in a pre determined arrangement.  The boats start in approximately 10 second increments.  Once all the boats of a particular division have started there is a break of 5 to 10 minutes before the next divisions start.
THE START
 The finer practicalities of lining up four abreast became clear as a crew who were running late and having difficulty deciding how to get to the start chose a tight course past us.  The wide angle lens of the camera does not really show how close they were.  In the picture below, you can see to the left of the cox, my (7) oar handle as I have pulled my oar inboard to stop the boat beside me hitting it.

 Another close call.  May have been the same boat.  Here you can also see that every boat has a bow number and also the cox (back of the boat and the man you can see in the camera shot) and the bow person, each have the boat number pinned to them.

 The white pillar-box on the right is the start line.  There were two guys in there and the window facing the river had a rope pulled tight vertically down the middle of the window.  On the left hand bank opposite them was a marker.  As each boat crossed the start line, they recorded the start time.

 The first part of our row was a slog fest.  We seemed to be rowing hard but the boat was not "running".  It would be nice to think we were neck and neck with the other boats but I have to confess that they came from behind.

On the right of this picture you can see spectators sitting on the launching area of "Scotch Colledge".  Somewhere around here a blue boat which turned out contain Nudgee rowers began to gain on us.  Fear is a wonderful motivator and as a crew we got our act together.  The rhythm impoved.  The whole thing felt better.  We were putting in more effort and able to build the pressure in the water.  Kept those dastardly foe at bey and crossed the finish line in front of them.

THE FINISH
On the right is the  Hawthorne Rowing Club.  Up ahead in the distance is the bridge that is the finish line.

Here we are just about to cross the finish line.  The killer was that when we cross we are not allowed to stop rowing.  I was stuffed.  My legs like jelly and my lungs in need of O2.  But we had to row, lightly, but still row to clear the finish line.

PUT AWAY

After we lifted the boat from the water, we carried it up stream to a park where there were lots of racks to store the boats.  In the picture below you can see Richard our stroke on the left.

BEERS AND PRESENTATION

Pictures to come


PACK & WRAP
 After the formalities wound down, we pulled the boat apart.


The disappointingly memorable thing about the pack up was waiting an eternity for the boat trailer to arrive.  In hindsight, in my view, we would have been better off rowing back downstream and dismantling and reloading the boats.  The original plan had been a return journey via tram with stops at a number of pubs.  We ended up with just the tram journey.


AFTER PARTY