Sunday, January 24, 2010

It's never easy. . .

So all we had to do to install the new AIS unit was to run an antenna cable, attach the fittings, splice in a GPS feed, run a power cable and mount the display.

We were nervous about all the electronic bits, but what turns out to be the biggest hassle? Cutting a rectangular hole for the display, of course. Because with all wiring in place, using the power jig saw was out of the question. Which left us with a tiny keyhole-type hand saw (it might have even been a toy out of a child's set) to cut through half-inch plywood. Which meant drilling tiny, 1/16 inch holes along the outline of the display to allow us to saw the hole in less than 65 or 70 years. About 250 holes, in fact.

Two days later, here we are. . .
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Winters

This winter is very different from last year's. Last year, we were still
in florida, fixing stuff on the boat. Here, winter is much colder (like,
New York cold!). I wish it would snow. were right next to snow-capped
mountains, so I don't know what the problem is. At least we went to
stresa, and that had snow! Next trip, we're going to see snow again.

--by Rigel

Saturday, January 16, 2010

The Best Part of the Trip

This is a very hard decision to make. The entire trip was so
much fun. I think that my favorite part was when we were in the
mountains. This is because that is where I first saw snow up close. I
had always wanted to see snow, and there I was satisfied. The mountains
were a lot of fun, except when I banged my tail bone while sledding. I
must admit that Venice was really fun too. So many books I have read
mention Venice, and now I have finally seen it. I must admit, I really
think that I have two favorites, Stresa and Venice.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Winter Sports

From my experiences with winter sports such as ice skating and
sledding, I can only conclude that they hurt. I have tried ice skating
in Rome, and injured my ankle so badly that for several days I could
barely walk, and for a week after that I had to limp everywhere. Then,
just as I could start walking normally, I tried sledding in a small
alpine town called Stresa, and promptly went over a bump in the snow too
fast in a small bobsled and hurt my tailbone on landing. I am now
extremely nervous about trying to ski. One thing is for certain: I am
not going to be doing any activities that involve ice, snow, or skis
anytime in the near future. Bicycling is plenty enjoyable for me.

-- Orion

Monday, January 4, 2010

On our way back to Juno

Screen time versus Da Vinvi Code? Da Vinci Code wins, with bonus "Last Supper" postcard for a bookmark.
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Sunday, January 3, 2010

Last night of the whirlwind, see all of Italia

Before Mommy has to leave tour.

San Pietro by night.
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Saturday, January 2, 2010

On the Metro back toward the hotel

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A smaller version from the gift shop

PS -- It really IS a mystery hand with the knife!

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Harder to get than Springsteen tix

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In the Cenacolo Vinciano waiting room

Reading about the painting. Awaiting our reserved 15 minute slot (we already passed a couple of hours in the Leonardo national museum of science and technology).
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Where the Last Supper is

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Wow. It's cold up here.

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MORE steps? What kind of continent IS this?

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Cinderella' Castle!

Oh wait ... We're in Milano, not Central Florida.
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From the mountains to Milano

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Friday, January 1, 2010

And to cap it off...

A chairlift ride to the very top.
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Alpine photo op

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FINALLY!

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Mommy wants a turn

Orion says forget it.
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Snow!

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Walking to the bus stop

Cable car is broken. Sorry.
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