Day 1940

I spent the day making plans for projects that may or may not ever take place. I have a client who likes to use a teleprompter, so I did some research on teleprompter systems that would work well with my camera. I eventually found something vaguely affordable that would attach to the 15 mm rods I use with my matte box. This system, like most these days, works in conjunction with an iPad. I have an old iPad I thought I'd use, but had trouble finding teleprompter software that would run on IOS 5.1.1. Yes, I have a first generation iPad that isn't even supported anymore. Most of the teleprompter software I saw needed at least IOS 7.0. I finally found something that would run on my old machine and downloaded it. That's enough for one day. If we ever do the video, I'll buy the rest of the system later.

Next on the list was trying to figure out how to route a Pro Tools music file through some old studio  equipment I used to use and then feed it back into the computer again. I've been meaning to do this for years, but never got around to it because of all the wires and interface boxes I had to hook up. There wasn't anything better to do today, so I got to work. Since I didn't really know what I was doing, it took me forever to get the digital signal out of the computer, into the old analog EQ and compressor I wanted to use, and then back into the computer again. I experimented with dozens of different configurations, making a huge mess of tangled wires, extension cords, and electronic boxes, until something accidentally worked. Now, the difficult part will be remembering what I did this afternoon when I actually need to use this technique six months or a year from now.

I probably could have solved today's problems a lot quicker if Dot wasn't in such a demanding mood. She was feeling good today, and didn't want to be in a pen at all. I decided to let her roam the house when she felt like it, always following close behind to assist if she started to slip. Every time I had a good idea about how to configure the audio system, Dot would decide to move about and I had to leave the computer to follow her. Dot really did well. She walked a little awkwardly, but didn't stumble at all. She even managed to sit down in a somewhat controlled manner a few times. If she continues to improve at this rate, I think it's just a matter of time before we can safely walk her on a leash without the special Help 'Em Up Harness.

I received two new writing jobs toward the end of the day, so there won't be any weird experimentation tomorrow. I've cleaned up the mess in the office and am happy that I learned something new. It's good to know that some of my old audio equipment can still be put to good use. Whether I'll ever actually use the old rack of outboard gear in a Pro Tools session is another matter entirely. At least I know I could if I wanted too.

I'm cooking more elaborate breakfasts now. You don't have to worry about me becoming a chef or anything, but I've definitely grown tired of cereal. I think I could live on eggs, sausages, cheese, and salsa. Just about everything I cook starts with these four ingredients. Looking back, I don't know how I survived on oatmeal for so long. A nice spicy omelet is so much better than oatmeal. That's why I fixed one this morning.

There are thunderstorms in tomorrow's forecast. I hope the forecast is wrong. It's hard enough getting Dot to her physical therapy session when the weather is perfect. Dealing with the dogs various storm phobias in the car is not a pleasant experience. I know I can't cancel or reschedule everything I do when it rains, but I'd like to. Rain is problematic. I think the only thing you should do when it rains is get under a blanket and watch a movie.

Livy is today's Dalmatian of the Day

Watch of the Day