Halloween 2024
The number of storage boxes I need to bring down from the attic for Halloween is quickly approaching parity with Christmas. Batty finally has some friends to keep him company. We move the candy distribution center to the bottom of the driveway so kids didn’t have to travel all...
Cartoon fun
I asked ChatGPT to turn this picture into a cartoon: Here are some early iterations: Interesting that is reversed the colors of his rash guard. We noted he was a ginger and got this: Then we said “make him more Irish” We kept pushing for “more Irish” but ChatGPT...
Tristan in Paris
Tristan visited France with his Horace Greeley French class and documented his trip on SnapChat. Fortunately, I took screenshots of the pictures before they expired!...
Old Family Photos
I have been looking for a way to share old family photos and crowd-source the identification of many mystery photos. After researching a bunch of options, I think Facebook actually meets my requirements best. It allows for albums, some story telling and, most important, commenting on each photo. Check...
Spider webs
Now we just need a giant spider… Update: Found a giant spider and more webs…...
White Board Art
During the COVID pandemic, Tom bought a whiteboard-like material that could be temporarily applied to a wall for some visual thinking. It quickly got taken over by the boys (and some houseguests) As these images can become permanent after some time, I am going to wipe the board but...
Wild Flowers
I have been trying to restart my walks around the neighborhood and can’t help but stop and snap some wild flower pictures...
Empty spot
I went down to St. John’s Cemetery in Queens today to see if I could find Wesley Payne’s grave 1855-1919). He is supposed to be buried there in Section 19, Row M, Grave 45 along with David Payne (-1933) and John Cairnes. Unfortunately, what I found was a blank...
Simulations
Dad: William it’s time for bedWilliam: I am almost done! Let me finish.I watch the screen. He is at 96% completeDad: What are you playing?William: It’s a simulator!Dad: Is this the game you needed $20 for yesterday?William: Yeah, so I could play it with Tristan.Dad: So what are you...
Alfo is back
Alfo, the Payne family elf, is back for the holiday season, keeping an eye on our comings and goings. All part of Santa’s surveillance network…...