Now you see it...

Super absorbent long chain polymers.  Same stuff they put in diapers. Look at the change in size once put into water and how transparent they become (mostly water so it must have the same index of refraction as water!).

Spring Break Project

For quite some time now I've been wanting to do relatively major (for me) home project:  install a solar powered roof fan to keep the upstairs cool(er) in the summer.  This past spring break, I did it.  And today it's raining... and no leaks!!

New fan on the North side of the roof

Solar panel on the South side of the roof

View from inside the attic - the tube is the venting for the bathroom fans.

Axis and Allies

Finally, the kids are old enough!  As you can see, my Axis powers are overwhelming the Allies (being controlled by my 8 and 11 year old!).  Haven't dusted off this game in many years.

When we were putting away the pieces, Isabelle discovered a hand written message in the box "Reciprocal Gift 1995 Ken <--> Phil"!  Hey Phil, looks like I stole our communal game!  Maybe next time you visit we can play against the kids together!