February 2008 Archives

We used the occasion of leap year to host Perquackey. This is the first sizable get together we have hosted after most of the renovations here have been done. The space proved to be hospitable for our friends. We had a pleasant dinner and settled down to play. Daniel (second from right, mugging for the camera) claims the title of Leap Year Champion until the next Leap Year.

For those of you who have been following along, you know there was pie involved. I made the coconut creme pie from the recipe from the "Killer Pies" cookbook. Yum.

Mentioned here back in December 2006 was the acquisition of a Canon G7 camera. One of the knocks on this model was lack of RAW capability. I felt conflicted about this omission. You hate to have a brand spankin' new camera with a known limitation, but I also was looking for something that wouldn't be a huge time sink. Taking RAW photos creates the obligation for digital post-processing, maybe not for every photo, but at least for the best ones.

Now there is CHDK, an open source hack that brings RAW capability to the G7. The G7 is built on a DIGIC III processor, and some folks have figured out how to get additional software onto and running in the camera. CHDK boots off your SD memory card, so it is not a permanent firmware change. That gives a little peace of mind.

Last night, I downloaded the software and booted it up. New ALT menus are available, cool. No samples yet. I'll have to track down some software with RAW capability. Oh, and find some free time.

.. or so says the proprietors of the Pie Bakery & Cafe in Newton Centre. Karen and I stopped in after visiting our tax accountant on Thursday. Jen had given me the tip after seeing a blurb in the Boston Globe.

The fare was quite tasty. It was a mite early for lunch so we did take-out. My quiche was rich and delicious, as was my slice of coconut creme pie. I may have to see if some homemade can compare.