Servings: Two loaves
Preparation Time: 1.5 hours
Ingredients
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. oil
3 eggs
3 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. grated zucchini
3 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. nuts (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Beat sugar, oil and eggs. Add zucchini and vanilla. Blend dry ingredients with first mixture. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans. Bake at 325 for one hour.
Source: Backpacker Magazine #17
Notes
This is the best one! This is the one we grew up with -- I found the recipe in Backpacker magazine, and Mom made it from then on!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
52 stories - 1.04
I've started writing stories for 52stories.net - a website that posts a picture each week to get your writing started; you write a story by Friday at 5 and submit it for comments.
Last week's picture was a black and white image of a pool. Read my story, Black & White, and the comments here.
Last week's picture was a black and white image of a pool. Read my story, Black & White, and the comments here.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
What is the problem with software support?
This was written in response to my boss' request for ideas to help fix support at our organization. Maybe harsher than I wanted, but pretty straightforward.
What is the problem with support? It is very simple. With the very rare exceptions, People Don't Care. It's not their job. There is no incentive. No one wants the responsibility, the extra burden with no reward. But add a small incentive if you want - if people still don't care, it won't make a difference.
We write software as a one-off for each site. Pretend that we have an off-the-shelf package if you want, but then explain why there is one person who "knows" each site. We might use common tools, but even they are modified regularly. How can you even move to a full-time, independent support staff unless it is manned by the people that did the work, unless you finally get to a more stable, re-useable package? And how can this happen when Ken, Barry, John, Gen, Carl, etc., all want to do things there own way?
Idea 1. Add a person that is in charge of each product. Make everyproject go to this person as a consultant to force reuse of code and concepts.
Idea 2. Have the tech writer put together matching documentation for each project, so that people can find things when their needed, and so sections that are common from site to site can actually be re-used.
Idea 3. Have a training person that teaches the same use and concepts for each site. Have them work with the client over the first few weeks to build a decision tree of common diagnostics, FAQs, and so forth. These will also help the operators determine when they can fix things themselves, or really need to make a call for real support.
Idea 4. Build a tool that stores the functions of our system as database records. For each record, have a general description, a sales description, a more detailed write-up with full step-by-step instructions for common uses, and finally a diagnostic paper that helps look for problems. Allow a designer/installer to select the functions that are in use at a specific site, and have the tool generate context sensitive help, an on-line manual, and a ready-to-customize Word document for the functions that are included. This provides all the basics, and then gives a good starting point for the final documentation, as well as enforcing common descriptions, etc.
Idea 5. Fix the morale. Knowing the company is doing good, or even great, is not much of a boost when you know it will never mean anything to you. For instance, our company typically gives raises in May, whether or not reviews have been done. This year, there was no mention. Was I one who didn't receive anything, or was it another thing swept under the carpet with the merger. Unless I am the only one who didn't receive anything, people are probably wondering. What answer to this will raise morale when the company is doing very well, and we're having trouble retaining good people in our department?
Need more?
What is the problem with support? It is very simple. With the very rare exceptions, People Don't Care. It's not their job. There is no incentive. No one wants the responsibility, the extra burden with no reward. But add a small incentive if you want - if people still don't care, it won't make a difference.
We write software as a one-off for each site. Pretend that we have an off-the-shelf package if you want, but then explain why there is one person who "knows" each site. We might use common tools, but even they are modified regularly. How can you even move to a full-time, independent support staff unless it is manned by the people that did the work, unless you finally get to a more stable, re-useable package? And how can this happen when Ken, Barry, John, Gen, Carl, etc., all want to do things there own way?
Idea 1. Add a person that is in charge of each product. Make every
Idea 2. Have the tech writer put together matching documentation for each project, so that people can find things when their needed, and so sections that are common from site to site can actually be re-used.
Idea 3. Have a training person that teaches the same use and concepts for each site. Have them work with the client over the first few weeks to build a decision tree of common diagnostics, FAQs, and so forth. These will also help the operators determine when they can fix things themselves, or really need to make a call for real support.
Idea 4. Build a tool that stores the functions of our system as database records. For each record, have a general description, a sales description, a more detailed write-up with full step-by-step instructions for common uses, and finally a diagnostic paper that helps look for problems. Allow a designer/installer to select the functions that are in use at a specific site, and have the tool generate context sensitive help, an on-line manual, and a ready-to-customize Word document for the functions that are included. This provides all the basics, and then gives a good starting point for the final documentation, as well as enforcing common descriptions, etc.
Idea 5. Fix the morale. Knowing the company is doing good, or even great, is not much of a boost when you know it will never mean anything to you. For instance, our company typically gives raises in May, whether or not reviews have been done. This year, there was no mention. Was I one who didn't receive anything, or was it another thing swept under the carpet with the merger. Unless I am the only one who didn't receive anything, people are probably wondering. What answer to this will raise morale when the company is doing very well, and we're having trouble retaining good people in our department?
Need more?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Grandma Smart's Turkey Sandwich Sauce
Servings:1 pint
Preparation Time:0.25 hours
Ingredients
3 eggs, beaten
3/4 c. sugar
1 heaping Tbl. flour
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 c. cider vinegar
1/2 c. water
Cooking Instructions
Beat the eggs. Add sugar.In seperate bowl, mix flour and mustard. Mix well. Add vinegar and water. Mix well.Add to eggs and sugar. Add salt and pepper to taste.Bring to a boil, and then simmer until it thickens (which doesn't seem to take too long). Add 1 well-rounded Tbl of butter when it cools.Refrigerate until you are ready to make the sandwiches. We always had them with turkey slices, lettuce, salt, and lots of sauce!
Source: Grandma Arvilla Smart
Notes I make a double batch, and it about fits a quart Mason jar. This way I can keep it sealed. This has a flavor similar to a Pennsylvania Dutch sweet and sour salad dressing, and we're going to try it on salads next. But the real memory is all those years, when Grandma would make us a bag full of turkey sandwiches, for our trip back home, slathered with this delicious sauce. Enjoy!
Preparation Time:0.25 hours
Ingredients
3 eggs, beaten
3/4 c. sugar
1 heaping Tbl. flour
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 c. cider vinegar
1/2 c. water
Cooking Instructions
Beat the eggs. Add sugar.In seperate bowl, mix flour and mustard. Mix well. Add vinegar and water. Mix well.Add to eggs and sugar. Add salt and pepper to taste.Bring to a boil, and then simmer until it thickens (which doesn't seem to take too long). Add 1 well-rounded Tbl of butter when it cools.Refrigerate until you are ready to make the sandwiches. We always had them with turkey slices, lettuce, salt, and lots of sauce!
Source: Grandma Arvilla Smart
Notes I make a double batch, and it about fits a quart Mason jar. This way I can keep it sealed. This has a flavor similar to a Pennsylvania Dutch sweet and sour salad dressing, and we're going to try it on salads next. But the real memory is all those years, when Grandma would make us a bag full of turkey sandwiches, for our trip back home, slathered with this delicious sauce. Enjoy!
Grandma Smart's French Dressing
Servings: 1 quart
Preparation Time: 0.25 hours
Ingredients
1 can Campbell's Tomato Soup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp paprika
4-5 pieces garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic salt
small diced onion
1-2 Tbl worchestershire sauce
1/2 c sugar
3/4 c vinegar
1 c salad oil
Cooking Instructions
Beat with a beater so the oil won't separate.
Source:Gramma Smart (who got it from Bud Wenker)
Preparation Time: 0.25 hours
Ingredients
1 can Campbell's Tomato Soup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp paprika
4-5 pieces garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic salt
small diced onion
1-2 Tbl worchestershire sauce
1/2 c sugar
3/4 c vinegar
1 c salad oil
Cooking Instructions
Beat with a beater so the oil won't separate.
Source:Gramma Smart (who got it from Bud Wenker)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Penny Rich
Here's a pet peeve...
In the cafeteria in our office sits a refrigerator, with a freezer on top. The freezer is equiped with the necessary connections for an ice maker. The refrigerator sits next to the sink.
The obvious choice would be to connect the ice maker, and give everyone the ability to get ice on a regular basis. Our management had a better idea.
They bought 8 small ice cube trays. This in itself took some training, because they need to be stacked in alternating directions, or they nest together and all the water is pressed out. But after a few weeks, most of the employees had figured it out.
Now, when I go for ice, I am met by 8 empty ice trays, stacked nicely. Obviously, I should use my time, billed out at $150 an hour, to stop and fill these trays, and then come back again in a few hours, hoping that they are frozen but not yet drained by the untrained hordes.
Ten minutes to refill and place the trays in the freezer. Twice a week, fifty weeks a year.
Certainly, this is cheaper than the $40 needed to hook up an ice maker. And definately a morale booster, as I rethink the value that must be placed on my time...
I should be writing.
In the cafeteria in our office sits a refrigerator, with a freezer on top. The freezer is equiped with the necessary connections for an ice maker. The refrigerator sits next to the sink.
The obvious choice would be to connect the ice maker, and give everyone the ability to get ice on a regular basis. Our management had a better idea.
They bought 8 small ice cube trays. This in itself took some training, because they need to be stacked in alternating directions, or they nest together and all the water is pressed out. But after a few weeks, most of the employees had figured it out.
Now, when I go for ice, I am met by 8 empty ice trays, stacked nicely. Obviously, I should use my time, billed out at $150 an hour, to stop and fill these trays, and then come back again in a few hours, hoping that they are frozen but not yet drained by the untrained hordes.
Ten minutes to refill and place the trays in the freezer. Twice a week, fifty weeks a year.
Certainly, this is cheaper than the $40 needed to hook up an ice maker. And definately a morale booster, as I rethink the value that must be placed on my time...
I should be writing.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Where Did He Go?
Long ago and far, far away... I forgot to update my blog. Too much happens, too much to write about, and writing takes that back seat. Somehow, that doesn't seem right.
Okay, the girls got back from girl's camp, well refreshed. Then we went to Wisconsin and had a great time. I took the bus from Minneapolis to Indianapolis, and Lesa and Leah drove to meet me there at Matt's. Matt and April had a new baby boy on Tuesday (Max!), Lesa and crew arrived late Wednesday, and I got there Thursday afternoon. Left Friday morning for Montello, after getting to meet the new baby!
Had fun in Montello. Got to see all the buffalo's, got to see the Madison 4th of July celebration (Rhythm and Booms), and even figured out a quicker way out of the park. Bought a bunch of cheeses, had a couple cookouts at Jerry and Joan's, and visited lots with Grandma, Aunt Carolyn, and Uncle Jerry's crew.
On the 5th, we went to Indiana Dunes, and met Matt and his kids. Spent a couple hours in the sun and sand on a postcard perfect day. Then drove to Indy for a pizza buffet and a good night's sleep. Friday we drove home.
It happens far too quickly. And feels too good there to want to come back to the reality that waits here at home. But I think everyone had a good time.
About the bus trip... I will post my notes soon ;-) It was a very interesting night. The reputation that buses have is still well deserved, but it really wasn't all that bad.
Okay, the girls got back from girl's camp, well refreshed. Then we went to Wisconsin and had a great time. I took the bus from Minneapolis to Indianapolis, and Lesa and Leah drove to meet me there at Matt's. Matt and April had a new baby boy on Tuesday (Max!), Lesa and crew arrived late Wednesday, and I got there Thursday afternoon. Left Friday morning for Montello, after getting to meet the new baby!
Had fun in Montello. Got to see all the buffalo's, got to see the Madison 4th of July celebration (Rhythm and Booms), and even figured out a quicker way out of the park. Bought a bunch of cheeses, had a couple cookouts at Jerry and Joan's, and visited lots with Grandma, Aunt Carolyn, and Uncle Jerry's crew.
On the 5th, we went to Indiana Dunes, and met Matt and his kids. Spent a couple hours in the sun and sand on a postcard perfect day. Then drove to Indy for a pizza buffet and a good night's sleep. Friday we drove home.
It happens far too quickly. And feels too good there to want to come back to the reality that waits here at home. But I think everyone had a good time.
About the bus trip... I will post my notes soon ;-) It was a very interesting night. The reputation that buses have is still well deserved, but it really wasn't all that bad.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
