Brandon is Building a Tablet

I don't know quite how else to put it: Brandon is building a tablet computer!

He turned to me one day and told me he wanted a tablet computer, but the options available are abysmal, and he wants something very, very specific that simply doesn't exist yet. You know, because he's Tony Stark. And as such, he decided to just build it himself. ^_^

First, he ordered a touch screen. When it arrived, it was like Christmas.

I took a video of him opening it, but I seem to have lost it. I know he looks super focused in these photos, but trust me, he's geeking out.

Brandon spent some time shopping for used laptops online, but he was having a hard time staying within his budget. Then, a few weeks ago, we helped my friend Christine move in with her boyfriend. While we were helping, he had an old laptop he needed to get rid of. It's not what Brandon wants for his final product, but it made a quick mock-up affordable. He was geeked to be able to throw together a Mark 1 of the design right away. (Special thank-you to Danny!)

Removing the screen from its chassis.  

A working mockup! 

Happy man ^_^

Relatively portable... albeit delicate. 

The original plans for the hinge - he wants to give it a dockable keyboard and charging station. 

There are still some software issues. He has to keep linking it up to his desktop computer and input devices like keyboard and mouse in order to work on the modifications to the touch-screen drivers. 

But he can handle it. Brandon likes a challenge. ^_^

More Pies! (Big Surprise)

I was inspired this week to make spinach pie, but I didn't want to use filo dough, so I made it in a traditional pie crust.

I made two batches of pie crust, and they turned out quite different. The pie shell on the right is just a little too dry; you can tell because it's too dark, and it was stiff when I handled it. It was more prone to cracks, and more difficult to mold into the shape I wanted. The shell on the left had enough water. It was very elastic, easy to handle, and turned out lovely and flakey.

"Yes, but Amanda, how did the filling turn out?"
Deliciously. ^_^

I used half feta and half ricotta. I put yellow onion and green onion, fresh dill and fresh parsley. 

I had so much pie crust left over, I just baked it in an empty shell and decided I would figure out what to do with it later in the week.

I ended up melting chocolate into it, hoping the hardened chocolate shell would keep the crust dry, then piled fresh berries in it, then topped it with from-scratch whipped cream.

So far, Brandon seems to approve ^_^

Mau is Visiting!

Rasika is out of town visiting friends. While she's gone, we're taking care of her kitten Mau. I promised her I'd post photos so she wouldn't get lonely without him. So here are some adorable kitten photos to brighten your day!

A few weeks ago we did a test run to make sure Quorra and Mau wouldn't kill each other. Mau got the bedroom (and Rasika kept him company so he wouldn't be scared) and Quorra stayed in the living room with us. They played with each other under the bedroom door.

Rasika ate her lunch while she kept Mau company.

Mau is very curious about the people on the other side of the door!

Cutie pie. 

Quorra is not very happy that thre's another cat in the house.

And now for some adorable kitten playtime photos! 

I was taking a nap and I reached above my head, and there was a creature there napping with me!!

And this is especially to keep Rasika company while she's out of town ^_^

Happy Saturday everyone!