Eugene YMCA

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Hugh Paterson III

This photo of a food truck in front of the Eugene YMCA says so much about the YMCA business model. Clearly the institution is about business. First and foremost it’s in the business of selling subscriptions. Subscriptions to access. Not life-changing results. Not better communities. Not pathways towards longevity.

It’s kind of just a little bit like salt in the wound when we realize that they stuck a vending machine in front of the workout center in the kid drop-off zone.

It’s just gravy to see a bio diesel sticker on the front of the truck and a gasoline power generator in the back. There is no sense of Green at all.

We can all be grateful that the operator rinsed his hands without soap for three seconds after he took his smoke at 6:13pm.

Chasing subsets

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Hugh Paterson III

One of the beautiful things I see when I fly are sunsets. Today was no exception. The camera never seems to do the beauty justice.

The hard life in New Jersey

Posted on September 16, 2024 by Hugh Paterson III

One of the hardest things to cope with in New Jersey is the change in quality yogart providers. We are accustom to Belleweather A2 yogart but apparently it is only available in Costco’s on the west coast.

Staining the deck

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Hugh Paterson III

A few years ago I stained a deck and I got a Shur-line wide applicator. It only came with one tray which was a pain. I can’t find where to get more trays. If anyone has a pointer let me know!

Also this tool looks awesome. Also by Shur-line.

Screened

Posted on August 19, 2024 by Hugh Paterson III

Some of our screens needed repair. And so I did it.

Vodka to vanilla extract

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Hugh Paterson III

In 2008, on the occasion of my wedding, my brother Jeremiah gave me a bottle of grey goose. There is a deeper story about why he gave me grey goose, but in 2024 Becky and I turned it into vanilla extract. The extract is flavorful and I used it in cooking and possibly a jam as well.

Empty Gray Goose bottle. Full vanilla bottle.

Baseboard install

Posted on August 11, 2024 by Hugh Paterson III

Another day of zero tolerance cutting.

That weird corner is 42.5° on each side. It is greater that 90° but the near corner (convex) is 90°

Finishing the baseboard I never installed.

Doorstops

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Hugh Paterson III

Last time we rented out our house… someone left an impression… in the wall. Preventative measures were taken to prevent such atrocities in the future via a section of 2×4 and a piece of carpet which were laying around… today I am happy to introduce to you a new counter measure in the form of a new doorstop acquired from the ReStore for 50¢. (No popping tags).