Oregon Scientific Robot Vac

"Vroom" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.6, 1/30 sec, ISO6400
“Vroom” Cedar Park, 2018

こんばんは。How’s it going?

We recently bought an Oregon Scientific robotic vacuum and it’s been cleaning the first floor of our house for the past week (not continuously of course). So far, we love it! I’m pleasantly surprised that it can run so long on a charge. It can go at least two hours but probably lasts much longer. We haven’t seen how long it can go because either I turn it off or our cat Yuzu jumps on it to catch a free ride and it causes an error, so it never runs til the battery is fully drained. When the battery does get low it’s supposed to automatically return to its charging dock.

That docking procedure is actually a lot of fun to watch. When it gets close to the dock, it picks up some signal (infrared?) from it, then slows down, lines up with a few turns, approaches straight on, and gently docks. It’s like watching a spaceship dock with a space station.

Watching the vacuum actually go around the house cleaning is mesmerizing. The first few times we used it, I would just follow it around to see it do its thing. It’s fascinating! I keep thinking that this is an example where concept and execution have come together nicely.

The design is really nice because it has two rotating brushes that extend out from the front and whisk dirt toward the vacuum opening in the center of the device. Those whiskers also are able to get into the hard-to-reach cracks and crevices where table and chair legs contact the floor. It’s really efficient and thorough.

I’m also pleased that it can effectively clean our new carpet, which is relatively plush. It’s amazing to see how much dust, cat hair, and general yuckiness accumulates on the carpets (and floors). We don’t wear shoes inside the house so it stays pretty dirt-free, but wow, there’s still plenty of stuff to clean out of the vacuum’s dustbin.

Anyways, we’re really happy with the little Oregon Scientific robotic vacuum cleaner. It’s really convenient and effective! I just wish our cat Yuzu didn’t mess with it as much as she does. 😺 I’m looking forward to even smarter robot vacs. For instance, sensors that can detect power cords, and auto-emptying dustbins. Fun stuff, huh! 😄

"Robot" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/45 sec, ISO6400
“Robot” Cedar Park, 2018

またね~

–BEER–

"Watch and Beer" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.6, 1/90 sec, ISO6400
“Watch and Beer” Cedar Park, 2018

こんばんは。 How’s it going?

Tonight’s photo is of my Japanese watch (made in Malaysia) and Japanese beer (brewed in Canada). What I thought was funny was the tiny “–BEER–”text on the bottom of the can labeling. Why is it there? Is it a regulatory requirement? Who knows?

またね~

Gyoza Dinner

"Gyoza Plate" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/3.2, 1/125 sec, ISO2500
“Gyoza Plate” Cedar Park, 2018

Just some snapshots of last night’s dinner. Mariko had a little factory of homemade gyoza going! The last photo is of some special ラユ chili oil that she brought back from Okinawa. Tasty and not too spicy. 😄

Hope you had a great day!

"Gyoza Factory" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/125 sec, ISO640
“Gyoza Factory” Cedar Park, 2018
"ラユ" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/5, 1/110 sec, ISO6400
“ラユ” Cedar Park, 2018

Socks?

"Darn Tough" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/60 sec, ISO6400
“Darn Tough” Cedar Park, 2018

こんばんは。How’s it going?

So today I received something that I’ve been wanting for a long time now, but never pulled the trigger on: Darn Tough socks! I know, socks? 🧦 Well, yeah. A few years ago, a friend recommended these socks to me, raving about the quality and the lifetime guarantee. And I read about them and the reviews were almost all positive. But the only downside was the cost. However, I finally rationalized that these socks would last a lifetime, so I spent the $19 on a pair.

Honestly, the thing that pushed me over the edge with buying these is that I opened a new pack of regular socks, and the toe stitching was so uncomfortable and irritating that I couldn’t wear them. I was so disappointed, that I went to Amazon.com and ordered the Darn Tough socks. They arrived today and I’m so happy with them! The socks are super comfy and keep my feet warm. I mentioned in previous posts about how I am often really cold at work and have to bundle up. So, I’m hoping these socks will help maintain my body warmth. Plus, I have to say that the toe stitching is almost non-existent. They are probably the most comfortable socks I have ever worn. And if they ever develop a hole (through normal wear), I can just send them to the company for a replacement! How cool is that?

Anyways, I am stoked with this purchase. I highly recommended Darn Tough socks!

Have a nice evening! 😀

おやすみ

Chicken, Pens, and Studying

"Karaage" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec, ISO4000
“Karaage” Cedar Park, 2018

こんばんは。How’s it going?

As you can see, we feasted once again on karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken). It’s a family favorite, although we have our own preferences on how to eat. For instance, Mariko like hers with a little salt and lemon, Koa likes to squeeze lemon into a small dish and dip the karaage, while Bay and I like it with lemon and Kewpie mayo. But whichever extra seasoning we use, it’s a must that we enjoy it with a nice bowl of steamed rice. Karaage and rice is the best!

Later on I was in the office being productive by setting up my Japanese studying flashcards on the computer using the Anki system. It’s fun! And I am also continuing to practice writing using my fountain pens. Writing with those pens and with my favorite inks makes the practice a pleasure. Anything I can do to make studying easier is welcome. 😀

Speaking of the pens I bought this new pen case the other day. It’s basic, but good quality and the price was right! I used to just keep my pens on my desk, but now with the cat-proof case, I know there won’t be any inky surprises. 😾

"Pen Case" Cedar Park, 2018
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO6400
“Pen Case” Cedar Park, 2018

I hope you had a nice Sunday!

またね~