Chicken Coop
The chicken coop -- it has a hutch in the back that we close the chickens into at night.
Checking out the new digs
First morning waking up outside, 10/15/2007.
With Faithful Guardian
So far it's gone ok with Laika and the chickens, but she'd go after them if she could.
Strange clouds
Taken on the way to Maker Faire along 101.
Maker Faire Austin
This is my boss, Dale, giving us a tour of the fairgrounds in Austin before Maker Faire.
Maker Faire Prep
This is the main barn of Maker Faire on the night before. It's all open -- that's sunset orange in the background.
Star Wheel
The star wheel was a big attraction at Maker Faire. It's a pedal-powered homemade carnival ride.
Indoor Arena, Maker Faire Austin
The indoor arena had all the electronics and robotics displays and exhibitors.
Outdoor tents
These outdoor tents held "Edible Austin" - food makers.
Maker Faire Bikes
Some of the wild maker bikes.
Transportation
Alternative fuel and energy efficient cars were a big hit at Maker Faire Austin.
Hasbro Tonka Area
Hasbro had a sandbox where the kids could play with Tonka trucks.
Hasbro Booth
I helped set up the Hasbro booth, where they did this giant tinker toy assemblage.
Sewing at Maker Faire
Crafts and sewing are also a big part of Maker Faire.
Cyclecide
Cyclecide does a big show with a band and their bike rodeo. They're a lot of fun.
Bike Jousting
Part of Cyclecide's show.
More bike jousting.
Cyclecide
Costumes are a big part of the fun with Cyclecide's show.
Bats
The famous Austin bat bridge was behind our hotel. Lots of people waited this night, but I finally gave up. I think they already migrated south.
Baby Banding
At the info booth we let people sign liability waivers so they could get wristbands to participate in things like the rides. This baby can't actually participate in anything like that, but her mom signed the form and we gave her a wristband...well, ankle band, anyhow.
Flying into Santa Ana
I think this is the Malibu fire. We could also see a fire to the south, on the other side of the plane.
Dust storms
If the fires weren't enough, there were also dust storms from the Santa Ana winds.
Fire and Dust Storms
Dust Storm
Heading for the runway
It looked pretty wild out there.
Santa Ana Airport
Looks like the airport of doom, doesn't it?
Heading back north
This is after taking off from Santa Ana and heading towards Oakland. Didn't see any flames, but flew right over the fire.
Laika with toy
She found this teddy bear on a walk with Steve and claimed it for her very own.
A stop after hawk watch
We stopped for scenery and a closer look at the bridge's Peregrine Falcon after hawk watch.
Free Range Chickens
Today (10/28) I'm letting the chickens explore the back yard for the first time.
Hens (we hope)
From left to right: Trouble, Bubble, and Hecate Hen.