Final gate installed

This is the fourth and final gate to my garden -- a project that has taken me about 3 years to complete finally done. Thanks to my mom for the help.

Tree Generator

Dan and I have been working on a new Shadow Garden piece called "tree" that generates random trees as you hold up your hands. Here's a recent screen shot.

Staircase lighting

I had grand plans for staircase lighting that illuminated whenever you stepped on the first steps. I carefully engineered a board and had it all working on the bench using IR reflecting detectors to sense the footsteps. But upon installation I discovered that the sensors sucked -- their practical range was only a few inches and they generated a lot of false positives. So, until I can find a new sensor system the lights are just boringly connected to an old-fashioned light switch. But, at least I can tread safely on the stairs at night now!

Side gate complete

Finished up the side gate. Thanks to Angel for the help!

Pics from Hawaii

Right after Spain, I flew across 12 time zones to Hawaii. Here's a few random pics.


Looking towards the caldera at Kilauea.


A lovely little fiddle head in Volcanoes National Park.


We rented a plane and flew out to see where the lava reaches the ocean.


Yes, I still remember how to fly!

Pics from Spain

A few pics from Spain...


Inside of Casa Batllo. The inside had been closed off when I lived there so that was a pleasant surprise. Bruce, just look at that staircase!


This is a scale model of the attic of La Pedrera. Each of the slats is in reality a ~14ft brick catenary arch. It's stunning inside.


Roman aqueduct still standing in Segovia.


This is a model of the roof of the school house built next to Segrada Familia. It was from this roof line that I was inspired to make my porch roof.


Oh my god, the face on mars has moved into the light fixtures at the Reina Sophia! :-)

Gate

Today I built another gate for the backyard. I don't think I could have designed a much more labor-intensive gate design; it took me about 5 hours to mill all the 2x2s. Next, trim the edges and hang it.