Gadget Gypsy

Hmmm...If I could go anywhere, you ask?

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:35:40 -0700

I will stay forever right here in Hawai`i, thank you

Spica (A Shining Star)
1994-2012

Spica (A Shining Star) - 1994-2012

Gone from our lives; but NOT from our Memory! AND NEVER EVER FROM OUR HEARTS!!!

With LOVE in our hearts, we bid you safe journey; and HAPPY HUNTING our dear fur factory SPICA!

The Machine Embroidered and The Fur Endowed!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:45:00 -0700

They are sew helpful! "Only 2 for 20?"

All items come "As Is. No Grrrr-antees"

Weeeeell, assurances that I have done my best work for the Embroidered and Stitched items!

As for the furry ones, I can only promise that they provide me with endless entertainment and LOVE!

Sometimes it gets altered to be more "flexible"...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! GOOD HEALTH AND PROSPERITY!

MELE KALIKIMAKA! (MERRY CHRISTMAS!) !!!!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0700

And some pictures are just FUN! Sometimes when it is a blurrr, I make Wall Paper

A pair of Banded Coral Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) at 40' depth, O'oma shore dive site, Kona Coast, Hawai'i.

Health and Happiness to you for the year ahead AND beyond!!!!

My Newest Hobby & Two Purrfect Sewing Companions!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:58:00 -0700

No, no telescopes or new phones this time ... ...

"Yes, it is Purrfect color combination"

It's an Embroidery/Sewing Machine and the company of one or both of my Sew Helpfur Clever Kitties:

"Now it is Purrfect! Somebody once told me that 'No outfit is complete without the Cat Hair'!"

In reference to reviving a favorite set of Sun Shades for my Car:

"Yes, the placement looks good, but..."

The spring had sprung
because the sun had won
and the fabric lost its grip
on its surroundings!

-- by Deb C. {Gadget Gypsy - 2/19/2011}

MY SOUL, you ask?

A Stitch in Paradise Saves Mine!!!!!

Like a Bobbin and spool of thread:
at Day's End, it's the Purrfect way to Unwind

-- by Deb C. {Gadget Gypsy - 12/29/2010}

Continue reading "My Newest Hobby & Two Purrfect Sewing Companions!"

Oooooh Nooooo! It has been happening all too frequently...

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 20:05:00 -0700

The increasing time between dives when I find myself approaching the dangers of "Bottom Time" withdrawal!!!!

"Bottom Time" - It is how we calculate each dive to determine how long we need to remain surfaced to allow the nitrogen to sufficiently escape from our bodies before we submerge for more Bottom Time (BT). Cumulative BT is also used to determine dive experience.

Snorkeling helps to prevent withdrawal; however, after a long enough period of only getting to snorkeling depths, let alone out of the water all together, MY 'gills' get VERY dry! I 'NEED' the pressure of 40 to 80 foot depths with a diving tank to infuse the water deep into the 'gill' tissues to fully saturate so that I can survive the 'landlocked' periods no matter how long they may be. Similar to a bear getting ready for hibernation. A dive was attempted before our summer get-away to Alaska where the bear are just coming out of their winter sleep; but the weather did not cooperate.

July 31, 2011: At LOOOOONG LAST!!! I got BT again just before the withdrawal began to get serious and the breathing gasps for tank air started!!!

Today, with strong determination, we looked at several shore sites to go diving from before we found one that was sheltered enough from the surge and wave action where we would not have more of a challenge than fun in the water. The site we found was Pine Trees Beach. Tucked in from the outer edges of the Kona Coast just enough to have the waves role by and flatten a bit before it reached the small beach where it is fairly easy to enter and exit the water. But, be ready to either descend right away and swim along the bottom; or tuck yourself up close to the waters edge and snorkel as you make your way out to the reef because this IS a high boat traffic area. It is especially popular with the dive boat operations!

Continue reading "Oooooh Nooooo! It has been happening all too frequently..."

A Renewed Shady Existence...

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:50:00 -0700

They began to succumb to the pressures of the vehicular 'Greenhouse' effect that had been initiated long ago in Arizona. As the material deteriorated deeper and deeper into a fragile state that would not support the spring tension any longer, and the Duct Tape was starting to cover more of the shades than the material;

A Reconstruction project to make useful again and not give up a good 'friend'.

I stepped up efforts in looking for an answer as to what I could do to fix it. The spring-wire frames are still in great condition; and I am somewhat attached to the flames that were so fitting in Arizona's 'Dry Heat'!

I eventually discovered the Discount Fabric Warehouse (DFW) in Kailua-Kona. This discovery got me interested in sewing again and began my obsession with Machine Embroidery. During one of my visits to DFW for supplies to embroider, I found the perfect material to revamp my Flaming Sun Shades from the plain back side and leaving the flames visible. Now I need to figure out how to sew it on the frames and it will still fold up into a nice neat package that fits under my passenger seat.

A bit of binding, a pretty print cotton cloth and stitching all around - these shades have a new lease on life

Another few visits to DFW and I spotted the extra-wide double-fold bias tape. Three packages in black were chosen to be certain that I would have enough to bind both shades all the way around, and just in case I made a measurement error. I only needed two of them so one went in the materials on-hand drawer. I had recently started using spray adhesives of varying permanency and used one that was removable as well as re-positionable if I didn't like its angle or an annoying bubble formed. I now had all the parts and tools that I needed to revive my favorite sun shades!

After deliberating the process and procrastinating to delay the cutting of the fabric, I worked up my nerve to dive in with rotary cutter in one hand and ruler in the other After washing the piece of fabric to remove the chemical sizing, and preshrink it, I looked it over to decide where I wanted the pattern to be cut. Then considered what impression that positioning would give. Then the measure, measure, cut process. It all went quite smoothly and quickly after I finally started on it. I am very happy with the end result and I can put the flames in and the ocean scene out or vice verse!

Continue reading "A Renewed Shady Existence..."

There is a New LOVE in HIS Life ...

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 22:31:41 -0700

Taxes are filed and birthdays are over. ... I knew it was coming. ... I suppose it would have been too much to hope for it to wait until after our Anniversary? ...

V
V

He went out with her on Saturday night for a stroll along the beach and a nice, colorful sunset! He has put me on notice that he will be spending most of Sunday night with her as well.

V
V

She is a 60D! (only a part of the reason he hooked up with HER)...

V
V

His other interest was only a 7D. But I haven't LOST to the 'competition', yet!!!!...

V
V

Continue reading "There is a New LOVE in HIS Life ..."

Another Year Older and Deeper In Depth!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:20:10 -0700

The Dive was GREAT! The Marine Life was B-E-A-UTIFUL!!! An Underwater Birthday Card! EXCELLENT Birthday!!!!

The call came on a Tuesday from Mauna Kea Summit, "Are we doing anything on Saturday?" I reminded him that I was going to arrange our haircuts then mentioned that I hadn't sent the message yet. His next comment, "Good, some of the usual group want to go diving, can you make it for next weekend?" My reply was, "I can hold off until next weekend if it is for diving! "

Thus, for my Birthday this year, we went diving off of the North Kohala Shores of the Big Island! Two very enjoyable dives. Caves, and Marine Life abounding as we kicked our way along the coral walls; and checked out a few caves along the way. The Long Nosed Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) near black coral at Black Point, about 85' depth, was very different and not easily seen.

One cave was dubbed "The Kitchen Sink" It was an almost straight down entrance then it felt like a drain might feel as it leveled out and got a bit narrow. The Slipper Lobster appeared to really like this cave, and so did the shrimp. There were, of course, many of the "What-was-its" as the animal darted too quickly into a hole or crevice for even a cryptic ID.

A short time into our second dive, Andy slowed down a bit; and came along side of me. He signaled a question if I was having fun, to which I signaled that I was having FUN (or as best as I could get across). Then he pulled the Birthday Card (pictured above - does the Eel look familiar?) out of a BC pocket and handed it to me. I had to clear the water from my mask since the gesture made me smile too big; and it was half flooded in no time Struck with such overwhelming surprise and I had to wait to kiss him because it would be too difficult right now with regulators in our mouths

Only a few of my many photos turned out from this dive since we were in and about the caves a lot; but Andy's photos, as usual, are a pretty nice perspective of both dives!

Tank two air nearly exhausted, I head for my three-minute, 15-foot rest time; then surface. Nice dives and very nice dive sites! I doff my BC and tank to the dive master so that I can hang out in the water while everyone else finish each of their dives. The water was getting a little choppy and I wanted to limit my time on the boat while it wasn't moving in hopes of avoiding motion upset so as not to put a damper on the enjoyment.

Everyone back on board, and the gear is stowed. Andy breaks out the cupcakes that he had sneaked on-board; and cleverly hid them out of sight The chorus of Happy Birthday (who me red? I must have gotten too much sun!?); it has been a GREAT Birthday and it isn't over yet!...

Thank You Andy!

This is a cool idea. I hope it does work to help preserve the natural coral reefs!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:48:30 -0700

National Geographic Video of a unique artificial reef...

Continue reading "This is a cool idea. I hope it does work to help preserve the natural coral reefs!"

LOLCATS is soooo GOOD for my Health!!!!!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:05:50 -0700

Since I received this one through more than one channel, I took a Que and have posted it for more to surely see

ENJOY!!!!!

Continue reading "LOLCATS is soooo GOOD for my Health!!!!!"

Wishing everyone MELE KALIKIMAKA (Merry Christmas)!!!; and SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:17:57 -0700

BIG Thanks from the Big Island to my Facebook friends for pointing me to these links!

Continue reading "Wishing everyone MELE KALIKIMAKA (Merry Christmas)!!!; and SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!"

WOW!!!!!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:36:36 -0700

Michelle, my friend, Thank You for sharing this video!

You Tube Link to "Magnificent"

This Rubbish did not Soil my Dive!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:24:00 -0700

Early in the week, I get a call from Dave at Blue Wilderness Dive Adventures

One Small Group of Dive Buddies: Dave, Lori, Joy, and Deb. A few of the many that turned out to support the efforts.

with an invitation to join them again this year for a trashy dive...hmmhmmm...I mean another Puako Beach Clean-up Dive on Saturday morning, September 18th

Both Andy and I joined in on last year's effort on September 12; but, 'sadly', Andy had to work on the Mountain this year on the scheduled date. This year while he was on Mauna Kea Summit, I went shore diving bringing in rubbish of all types and taking pictures as best as I could in the murky water so near the Puako Bay shoreline.

When it is now so much a Part of the Reef that it would destroy more of the coral than would be benefited, we leave it embedded.

We didn't have to dive very deep to bring up a lot of rubbish such as car tires, a vehicle break cylinder, numerous drink cans (what a waste of HI-5's!), yards of abandoned fishing line with a couple of large hooks attached,

Off to the Waste Disposal site so near the Bay. Why this gets dumped in the Bay instead... ??? ...

some golf balls, a few "what's its", and a boat anchor (Lori got her workout on that one) -- and that was just what was pulled out of the water.

The onshore team gathered up way too many cigarette butts, a rusty section of barbed wire fence with rusty posts, a dirty diaper or two, more golf balls, and a few more "what's its"! The "what's its" lead to some interesting speculation of what the former function was prior to becoming rusty litter Much laughter ensued from the comments put forth!

Catch of the Day: A nice sized anchor!

All was not depressing since we saw a lot of ocean life in the shallow water dive while searching for rubbish as well. There were numerous juveniles of several fish species, one or two turtles, a beautiful patch of purple coral, some fancy algae; and some of us (I missed it) saw the Hawaiian Green Lionfish that was 'camped out' under the pier next to the boat ramp!

Camouflaged Oyster - A feeling of belonging.

A GREAT way to get bottom time, and help the environment in the process! I had SO much fun that when I got home, I put the gear away; and promptly collapsed from a 'good', well earned exhaustion FANTASTIC DAY!

How Juvenile! ... These and others were plentiful in the cove.

When a Car wants more attention...

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 20:23:21 -0700

Thursday, August 12, 2010: Work today from 7:35am to 2:05pm.

By 2:45pm: driving to Kona on a partially routine shopping trip and to pick up an item that had been back-ordered.

By 6:45pm: All items checked off the to-do list in quick order and I begin the drive back home...

Approaching the airport intersection, my car displays a well overheated status...I was glad airport was the next turn, and I dive into the first location that seemed to make sense - the Rental Return lots on approach to the airport.

I owe a great big Mahalo to the Alamo rental return employees! Theirs was the first lot that looked inviting to an ailing vehicle not of their own fleet.

They let me allow my car to cool down sufficiently and then loaned me a water jug so that I could fill the radiator. It took a bit of time for it to cool sufficiently so that I could safely add the water.

Well, that would have been great if my radiator cap hadn't have suffered a huge going-to-pieces When I took off the cap, part of it remained in the radiator fill spout and part of it bounced off in the dark not to be seen again. I managed to remove the piece that was blocking the spout and filled the radiator when it had cooled; but the cap would no longer make a seal.

Oh boy. Andy was doing an all-niter on Mauna Kea. Now what to do?

I called the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station and asked for him. He was in the middle of a "Star Tour" and would call back. Several minutes later when he did call back, I explained the situation. After I called the insurance, I determined that the best thing to do was to call a tow truck. Thankfully, there had been a tow company dropping off a vehicle earlier; and one of the Alamo guys suggested writing down the phone number.

I called T&T Towing 24 Hour Service, and they dispatched a truck right away. Alamo was forced by liability issues to request that I move my car off their lot and they were VERY polite about it as well as helpful. I limped my car off the lot (and watched as the temperature gauge quickly began to rise), and found an area by the curb that was not painted red to wait.

In about 15-25 minutes, the truck appeared down the street and I waived him down to show him that I had moved the car. He quickly, but carefully put my car on the wheel lift; and we were off. I was finally home by 10:00pm! Thank you T&T for being there and not breaking my pocketbook!!!!

Thus I walked to work and back home again on Friday; while allowing Andy to enjoy the whole night at 9200 feet observing the Perseid Meteor Shower and taking astrophotos. I am sure he will soon post some of the results to his Blog "A Darkerview"!

Bubbles from the Deep!

nospam@example.com (Deborah Cooper) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:12:00 -0700

Starfish Date 20100711.0900 D1:

Surf Forecast called for choppy conditions on both East and West sides of Hawai'i today. We decided to go for a drive to check out Diving conditions at End of Road Puako.

It was Fantastic!!!!! It was in just the right position to be sheltered from the brunt of the wind, surf and surge. Although the water wasn't as clear as we have seen it, it was better by far than I was expecting. Almost no noticeable surge either, unless you held still enough for a few minutes and made conscious note of it.

We decided to go south today, and it turned up a new specie or two of Marine life. Due to the lack of surge, I got to enjoy the dive more instead of fighting to keep my position while I was looking at one bit of coral or another. Realizing that without a camera the dive is much more relaxed for me; but oh, the pictures I do not get...

Like the Garden eels at about 60': 'Thick Cotton Ropes' AND Summer Diving as well as Stout Moray posted by Darkerview.com.

...
Continue reading "Bubbles from the Deep!"