one more turn in the bay

Hello everyone!

So after 6 months of hard work at ENE and Army/NASA, I still do not have a finished product to show off, but progress is being made.  I am now back at Ames Research Center in the Bay Area spending about a week to demonstrate some control algorithms for the helicopter blade flap that I've been working on.  Pray that it goes well... if it does then we can continue on our project, otherwise, we will have to give up one of the more challenging tests, which would be a shame.

On the ENE front, the Case machine is coming along nicely (the 6-wheel, fully independent suspension pruning machine).  I have almost completely finished detailing the hydraulic system and my colleague Alex is nearly done with the mechanical design.  I'm very excited about that.  My current estimate is that we will be painting in 4 weeks, put on hydraulics in 5 weeks and be done in about 8 weeks, Lord willing.  I'll definitely post some pictures of that bad boy soon.

On a personal note, I'm still a bit socially constricted due to two (too) busy work schedules (sche-duels).  But every once in a while I get to do something fun and blow off some steam.  I had a wonderful afternoon this last sunday, getting to spend time with some friends I haven't seen in a while (just hangin' out and drinkin' smoothies) and then going to soak up some sun by the pool with family and friends... it was great.  very relaxing.

I still haven't found the truck i'm looking for yet.  I hope to find it soon though.  It's funny, I find the right make/model/year/mileage without the extras, or a find all the extras without the year/mileage...  In case someone reading this (by chance) has my truck, here is what i'm looking for:

chevy silverado
crew-cab
2004-newer
less than 100k miles
4" lift
33x12.50 tires
alloy wheels
the longest short bed (I think it is 6.5')
good paint, good body

so if you have such a truck and are in the market to be rid of it, please drop me a note ( gavin.nielsen@gmail.com )

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in other news, I'm also looking for a good place to live in the country where I can keep track of a nice big dog...  again, if you have a place, I have some cash!  =)

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I guess last on the list is that other thing, which must not be named.  I daren't say it out loud, for fear that its report may be heard.  No, I must keep it secret, I must keep it safe.  LOL.  This is called dramatic bluffing.  as far as this public address goes, I'm done.  I hope to post some pics soon of the goings on here at Ames, but until then, Adieu!  =)

Gavin