tldr; To flip or mirror a group of sprites, take the parent gameobject, rotate it 180 around the y axis. All the children attached to it will rotate as well.
I wanted to flip or rotate or mirror a sprite that was composed of a group of child sprites. Selecting flip on the parent object's renderer didn't seem to work, or rather it flipped that sprite, but not all the children.
In a script attached to the parent object I called:
transform.Rotate(new Vector3(0, 180, 0));
This rotated the sprite and all of its children, so now the entire sprite was facing the opposite direction (right instead of left) . The animations associated with the sprites were also flipped correctly.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Saturday, September 03, 2016
Sunseeker eco tad sx vs 2011 catrike road
I bought a great Sunseeker ecotad sx (read my review here) from Utah trikes a few months ago then lucked into a well priced older model Catrike Road.
I've had a chance to take them on moderate length rides (around 8 miles) and my husband has taken them on longer rides (around 17 miles). For the curious, here's what I've found.
cons
cons
I've had a chance to take them on moderate length rides (around 8 miles) and my husband has taken them on longer rides (around 17 miles). For the curious, here's what I've found.
2011 Catrike Road
pros- much lighter - I can load and lift without problem
- I'm about 1 mph faster on the catrike
- sleeker looking
- more stable at high speeds
- almost no pedal or brake steer
- gear range is great
cons
- because of the width and shape of the seat, I have to fold down both the back and middle seats in my 2007 sienna to fit it
- low to the ground. Getting in and out takes some getting used to
- I feel cars don't see it as well
- Not easy to adjust for different riders. Changing the size requires adjusting the boom length and either installing a chain tensioner or changing the length of the chain
- fingers keep hitting tires when grabbing for brakes
- have to use a piece of velcro to lock the trike's brakes. I'm installing locking brake grips soon.
- Ride is bumpier
Sunseeker eco tad sx
pros- Seat is easily adjustable for different riders
- higher seat is easy to get in and out of and is more visible.
- granny gear is low enough
- fits in a sienna with back seats down and middle seats up.
- handle bars are wider than tires, so if my hands can fit, the whole trike can fit.
- locking handlebars
- ride is much smoother
- The seat looks like a wheel chair from behind (this is actually good, drivers give the sunseeker a much wider berth than the catrike).
cons
- High gear tops out at about 15 mph
- heavy to lift up. I can do it, but it takes some work
- twitchy at high speeds
- When I hit a big bump, I tend to bounce "lower" in the seat and end up slouching.
My husband describes the catrike as like a mountain bike (he's a big road biker) and the sunseeker as a "putt-putt" beach cruiser bike. On the catrike, my cruising speed seems to be 10-11, but I can hit 12 fairly easily. On the Sunseeker my speed tends to be 9-10.
I'm very happy with my Catrike (even though it doesn't look like it from the list). It is my main trike now. It had some quirks, like my fingers hitting the tires when grabbing the brakes that I've had to get used to, but I love the added speed and handling. The reclined seat is actually very comfortable.
But I'm keeping the Eco Tad for as long as I can. This is a great trike, especially to have someone ride along with you. The seat is easily adjusted for whoever wants to ride. My husband can ride with me one day and my twelve-year-old the next with very little problem.
Because it is slower and adjustable, I put my speed demon husband on the eco tad and myself on the catrike. This puts us at about the same speed and we can enjoy riding together without me feeling like I'm holding him back too much. (He can still easily outpace me on the sunseeker, but he has to work at it).
;tldr Neither trike is perfect. If speed (>15mph) and handling is important, I'd pick a catrike. For comfort, pick the sunseeker eco tad sx.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Catrike Road
Funny story, I saw a great deal on a Catrike Expedition on a local ads site. I went and bought it and when I got home I realized it was actually a Catrike Road. Oh well, it should still be an awesome bike. I'll have to get used to the lower ride and it seems a little bumpier over bumps than my Sunseeker ecotad, but we'll see how it goes.
Here she is:
Here is my comparison of the sunseeker eco tad sx and this catrike road.
Here she is:
Here is my comparison of the sunseeker eco tad sx and this catrike road.
Friday, August 12, 2016
It all fit
So today my husband and i decided to take my new trike (Sunseeker Eco tad sx) and our kids on a local bike trail. I'm pretty proud because not only did we have fun, but we managed to fit my trike, a full sized bike, two kid bikes and a bike trailer all in the back of our sienna without having to take out the middle seats. Not pretty, but it worked.
[updated 9/27/16] I also managed to fit my Catrike Road in a 2015 Honda Fit:
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Initial review: Sunseeker Eco tad sx recumbent trike
I recently purchased a Sunseeker eco tad sx from Utah Trikes. Since I haven't seen a lot of reviews of this trike, I thought I'd post some of my thoughts. I'm not a triking or biking expert, so YMMV :)
About the trike: It's about 70 inches long, weights about 46 pounds, is 31 inches wide and has 7 gears. It is one of the cheapest recumbent trikes available, starting at $899. I chose navy blue, but in the light it can look purple (it's very pretty). It also has a seat that adjusts back and forth with a quick release lever, so it can fit multiple riders easily. The angle of the seat can also be changed easily.
Modifications: On reviews of this trike, I had read the brakes were insufficient, so I had the brakes upgraded to the avid disc brakes. I had a rack added in back, and an "accessory bar" added in front, so I could mount a light later. I was glad I had Utah Trike do these modifications because apparently to mount the rack took some fabricated parts. I also added a flag and a water bottle holder. I've also ordered some double sided pedals for it from Amazon so I can use SPD bike shoes to clip in or use my regular shoes if I want. I also ordered some power grip straps and side view mirrors. (Edited 9/3/16 powergrips didn't work for me and neither did cleats. My left foot hated them both. I've moved to mountain biking pedals with homemade heel slings.)
I wanted to change the gearing because I think it is geared too low, but there was no cost effective way to do that. I also wanted to upgrade the tires, but I decided to wait until this set wears out to do that.
About Utah Trikes: The staff at Utah Trikes was awesome to work with. Since I had driven a distance, they quickly made the modifications to my trike, so I could take it home with me and not have to drive back.
Transporting the trike: I took the eco tad home in the back of my minivan, a 2007 Toyota Sienna. It fit in just fine with the back seats down (and the middle seats still in). I just rolled the back wheel in between the two middle seats and it fit.
The ride: I had fun riding this trike. I like not worrying about falling over like I do on a bike. I've had moments of being one with the trike where I'm able to control it and not think about, just watch the scenery go by and it's amazing. I'm assuming as I ride it more, I will just be able to ride without thinking about riding so much.
I think the seat is comfortable for the 3 mile rides I've taken it on. I'll do a longer ride soon.
This trike can handle packed dirt and rock paths. I took it on a dirt path around a pond near my home and it did fine on packed rock and dirt. It did not do well in the sand. I only had to walk it once, but forcing it through the sand hurt my knees. However, if I had taken my bike on the sand I probably would have wiped out. This is not an off road trike, but does fine on nice dirt paths.
This trike does have pedal steer. If I am not pedaling evenly, the trike will wiggle from side to side a little. This should go away as my triking muscles improve.
My eleven-year-old son was riding the trike and hit the brakes hard and had the back wheel come up off the ground, so with more awesome brakes comes more awesome responsibility. It has duel brakes, so it can have brake steer (like pedal steer, only from braking), so it's important to push both brakes evenly.
Speed: I average about 7.5 mph on the trike (including the time stuck in the sand). On a regular bike, I average about 8.75, so I dropped in speed about 1.25 miles, which, from what I've read, is normal. I'm optimistic I will be able to go faster as I ride more.
My husband who rides bikes a lot and averages 18mph, averaged 15mph on the trike, mostly because he had maxed out the top gear.
At higher speeds (>15mph), it can become a little twitchy and it takes very little to steer it. It is not a trike for barreling down hills at 40 mph (or at least don't expect much control over the trike if you do).
About the trike: It's about 70 inches long, weights about 46 pounds, is 31 inches wide and has 7 gears. It is one of the cheapest recumbent trikes available, starting at $899. I chose navy blue, but in the light it can look purple (it's very pretty). It also has a seat that adjusts back and forth with a quick release lever, so it can fit multiple riders easily. The angle of the seat can also be changed easily.Modifications: On reviews of this trike, I had read the brakes were insufficient, so I had the brakes upgraded to the avid disc brakes. I had a rack added in back, and an "accessory bar" added in front, so I could mount a light later. I was glad I had Utah Trike do these modifications because apparently to mount the rack took some fabricated parts. I also added a flag and a water bottle holder. I've also ordered some double sided pedals for it from Amazon so I can use SPD bike shoes to clip in or use my regular shoes if I want. I also ordered some power grip straps and side view mirrors. (Edited 9/3/16 powergrips didn't work for me and neither did cleats. My left foot hated them both. I've moved to mountain biking pedals with homemade heel slings.)
I wanted to change the gearing because I think it is geared too low, but there was no cost effective way to do that. I also wanted to upgrade the tires, but I decided to wait until this set wears out to do that.
About Utah Trikes: The staff at Utah Trikes was awesome to work with. Since I had driven a distance, they quickly made the modifications to my trike, so I could take it home with me and not have to drive back.
Transporting the trike: I took the eco tad home in the back of my minivan, a 2007 Toyota Sienna. It fit in just fine with the back seats down (and the middle seats still in). I just rolled the back wheel in between the two middle seats and it fit.
The ride: I had fun riding this trike. I like not worrying about falling over like I do on a bike. I've had moments of being one with the trike where I'm able to control it and not think about, just watch the scenery go by and it's amazing. I'm assuming as I ride it more, I will just be able to ride without thinking about riding so much.
I think the seat is comfortable for the 3 mile rides I've taken it on. I'll do a longer ride soon.
This trike can handle packed dirt and rock paths. I took it on a dirt path around a pond near my home and it did fine on packed rock and dirt. It did not do well in the sand. I only had to walk it once, but forcing it through the sand hurt my knees. However, if I had taken my bike on the sand I probably would have wiped out. This is not an off road trike, but does fine on nice dirt paths.
This trike does have pedal steer. If I am not pedaling evenly, the trike will wiggle from side to side a little. This should go away as my triking muscles improve.
My eleven-year-old son was riding the trike and hit the brakes hard and had the back wheel come up off the ground, so with more awesome brakes comes more awesome responsibility. It has duel brakes, so it can have brake steer (like pedal steer, only from braking), so it's important to push both brakes evenly.
Speed: I average about 7.5 mph on the trike (including the time stuck in the sand). On a regular bike, I average about 8.75, so I dropped in speed about 1.25 miles, which, from what I've read, is normal. I'm optimistic I will be able to go faster as I ride more.
My husband who rides bikes a lot and averages 18mph, averaged 15mph on the trike, mostly because he had maxed out the top gear.
At higher speeds (>15mph), it can become a little twitchy and it takes very little to steer it. It is not a trike for barreling down hills at 40 mph (or at least don't expect much control over the trike if you do).
Sunseeker eco tad sx VS Terratrike rover and rambler: My husband and I test rode the rover, rambler, and the eco tad. My husband (an avid biker) hated the way the terratrikes handled. I felt like the eco tad felt a little more solid.
True confessions: The trike I really wanted was a Catrike Villager, but I couldn't justify the price, especially since the catrike is not easily adjustable for multiple riders without adding an $150 accessory. However, if you have $2700 laying around, go for it. (Edited 9/3/16 - I ended up getting a used catrike road which is an awesome machine, but I'm still keeping the eco tad.)
I am happy so far with the eco tad and am looking forward to many happy rides.
Tips: Here's some tips I gained from my reading about trikes:
- Be gentle on the brakes
- Lean into a turn, a trike can tip on turns.
- Be gentle on the controls, it doesn't take much to adjust where the trike is going
- If you are trying to miss something (debris, a small pot hole) have it pass under the pedal, that way it will miss both the side and rear tires.
- Be visible. Use flags and reflective gear. Cars will often give a recumbent plenty of room, but they need to see you first. Be careful where cars could be backing out.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Comparison of low-end recumbent trikes
I was interested in getting a recumbent trike. I like my bike, but my balance is not great. I can't take my hands off the handle bars to signal turns, or to scratch my nose, or really for any reason without tipping over.
I was wondering about a recumbent trike as a way to take the stress of balance out of the bike ride, so I could just enjoy the scenery.
The main thing I don't like about the recumbent trikes is that they are expensive (compared to a regular bike), storing them can be a pain, and that they are so low to the ground which makes visibility an issue. I'm also slower on a trike than a bike by about 2 mph (this is normal).
But they are fun to ride and my biking distance increased because it wasn't limited by how my bum felt.
My main concern right now is weight and size. I have to store this trike somewhere and I need it to fit in the back of my minivan with the middle seats still in. I also need to be able to lift it.
(If you are on an iphone, try the reader view, for some reason, my scrolling table won't scroll.)
(added 7/13/2016)
My husband and I test rode the Rover, Rambler, Eco Tad, Typhoon, and Villager.
My husband hated both Terratrikes. He absolutely hated the way they handled. He was fine with the other trikes.
I wasn't in love with the Terratrikes. I wanted to like the new 2016 Rambler that I'd heard a lot of good things about, but it was having mechanical difficulties (one of the handlebars was loose and couldn't tighten) and so it was hard to get an accurate feel for it, but mechanical difficulties made me wary and since my husband hated it, we decided to look elsewhere. The rover fits just fine in a minivan.
The Eco Tad (which I ultimately ended up buying) drove fine. It was a good solid trike. It is susceptible to pedal steer. I loved the way the seat was adjustable so everyone from my eleven year old son to my husband could take turns riding it. It isn't geared very high, so if you want to go fast (>15mph) it can't do it. There isn't a cheap (<$200) way to fix this.
I can lift this bike into my minivan with the back seats folded down and the back wheel slides between the middle seats, and I am good to go.
The KMX typhoon I disliked. It might have been because the seat was just a tiny bit far back.for me, but yeah, not my favorite. The seat is also narrower and I kept feeling like I was falling off the seat. My husband liked it fine.
Catrike Villager - if money is no problem, get this one. I loved this trike. I didn't notice any pedal steer. It felt very stable. It's only disadvantage was that the seat didn't move, you had to move the boom which means you have to change the chain length if someone else wants to ride. You can add an $150 chain tensioner to make that easier. The other thing was my ankle kept clipping the front derailleur (or what ever it is called). That was probably do to bad peddling technique, but it didn't happen with the eco tad.
I was wondering about a recumbent trike as a way to take the stress of balance out of the bike ride, so I could just enjoy the scenery.
The main thing I don't like about the recumbent trikes is that they are expensive (compared to a regular bike), storing them can be a pain, and that they are so low to the ground which makes visibility an issue. I'm also slower on a trike than a bike by about 2 mph (this is normal).
But they are fun to ride and my biking distance increased because it wasn't limited by how my bum felt.
My main concern right now is weight and size. I have to store this trike somewhere and I need it to fit in the back of my minivan with the middle seats still in. I also need to be able to lift it.
(If you are on an iphone, try the reader view, for some reason, my scrolling table won't scroll.)
| TerraTrike Rover | Sun Eco tad sx | KMX Tornado | KMX Typhoon | KMX Cobra | Catrike Expedition | Catrike Villager | |
| Cost | $999-1299 | 899 | 999 | 1099 | 1499 | 2550 | 2550 |
| Length (inches) | 69.5 | 70.5-78.75 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 73.5 | 77 | 69 |
| Width (inches) | 33 | 31 | 31.75 | 31.75 | 32 | 32.5 | 34.5 |
| Height (inches) | 29? | 34 | 23.25 | 23.25 | 26.5 | 26 | 28.5 |
| Material | Carbon steel | Hi tensel lightweight steel | TIG welded high carbon steel with aluminum front boom | TIG welded high carbon steel with aluminum front boom | TIG welded high carbon steel with aluminum front boom | 7005 hardened aircraft aluminum | 7005 hardened aircraft aluminum |
| Weight (lbs) | 44-47 | 46 | 41.5 | 41.5 | 43 | 35 | 34 |
| Web page | http://www.terratrike.com/specifications.php | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11619618.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617619.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617629.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617627.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617614.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617616.html |
| Speeds | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 24 | 10 | 10 |
| Comments | fits in my toyota sienna | Will need upgraded tires Fits in my sienna |
16” front tires, same frame as the typhoon | 20” tires | not cheap, but aluminum frame and well regarded | not cheap, but aluminum frame and well regarded |
(added 7/13/2016)
My husband and I test rode the Rover, Rambler, Eco Tad, Typhoon, and Villager.
My husband hated both Terratrikes. He absolutely hated the way they handled. He was fine with the other trikes.
I wasn't in love with the Terratrikes. I wanted to like the new 2016 Rambler that I'd heard a lot of good things about, but it was having mechanical difficulties (one of the handlebars was loose and couldn't tighten) and so it was hard to get an accurate feel for it, but mechanical difficulties made me wary and since my husband hated it, we decided to look elsewhere. The rover fits just fine in a minivan.
The Eco Tad (which I ultimately ended up buying) drove fine. It was a good solid trike. It is susceptible to pedal steer. I loved the way the seat was adjustable so everyone from my eleven year old son to my husband could take turns riding it. It isn't geared very high, so if you want to go fast (>15mph) it can't do it. There isn't a cheap (<$200) way to fix this.
I can lift this bike into my minivan with the back seats folded down and the back wheel slides between the middle seats, and I am good to go.
The KMX typhoon I disliked. It might have been because the seat was just a tiny bit far back.for me, but yeah, not my favorite. The seat is also narrower and I kept feeling like I was falling off the seat. My husband liked it fine.
Catrike Villager - if money is no problem, get this one. I loved this trike. I didn't notice any pedal steer. It felt very stable. It's only disadvantage was that the seat didn't move, you had to move the boom which means you have to change the chain length if someone else wants to ride. You can add an $150 chain tensioner to make that easier. The other thing was my ankle kept clipping the front derailleur (or what ever it is called). That was probably do to bad peddling technique, but it didn't happen with the eco tad.
Comparison of low-end recumbent trikes
I was interested in getting a recumbent trike. I like my bike, but my balance is not great. I can't take my hands off the handle bars to signal turns, or to scratch my nose, or really for any reason without tipping over.
I was wondering about a recumbent trike as a way to take the stress of balance out of the bike ride, so I could just enjoy the scenery.
The main thing I don't like about the recumbent trikes is that they are expensive (compared to a regular bike), storing them can be a pain, and that they are so low to the ground which makes visibility an issue. I'm also slower on a trike than a bike by about 2 mph (this is normal).
But they are fun to ride and my biking distance increased because it wasn't limited by how my bum felt.
My main concern right now is weight and size. I have to store this trike somewhere and I need it to fit in the back of my minivan with the middle seats still in. I also need to be able to lift it.
I was wondering about a recumbent trike as a way to take the stress of balance out of the bike ride, so I could just enjoy the scenery.
The main thing I don't like about the recumbent trikes is that they are expensive (compared to a regular bike), storing them can be a pain, and that they are so low to the ground which makes visibility an issue. I'm also slower on a trike than a bike by about 2 mph (this is normal).
But they are fun to ride and my biking distance increased because it wasn't limited by how my bum felt.
My main concern right now is weight and size. I have to store this trike somewhere and I need it to fit in the back of my minivan with the middle seats still in. I also need to be able to lift it.
| Terra Trike Rover | Sun Eco tad sx | KMX Tornado | KMX Typhoon | KMX Cobra | Catrike Expedition | Catrike Villager | |
| Cost | $999-1299 | 899 | 999 | 1099 | 1499 | 2550 | 2550 |
| Length (inches) | 69.5 | 70.5-78.75 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 73.5 | 77 | 69 |
| Width (inches) | 33 | 31 | 31.75 | 31.75 | 32 | 32.5 | 34.5 |
| Height (inches) | 29? | 34 | 23.25 | 23.25 | 26.5 | 26 | 28.5 |
| Material | Carbon steel | Hi tensel lightweight steel | TIG welded high carbon steel with aluminum front boom | TIG welded high carbon steel with aluminum front boom | TIG welded high carbon steel with aluminum front boom | 7005 hardened aircraft aluminum | 7005 hardened aircraft aluminum |
| Weight (lbs) | 44-47 | 46 | 41.5 | 41.5 | 43 | 35 | 34 |
| Web page | http://www.terratrike.com/specifications.php | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11619618.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617619.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617629.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617627.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617614.html | http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11617616.html |
| Speeds | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 24 | 10 | 10 |
| Comments | fits in my toyota sienna | Will need upgraded tires | 16” front tires, same frame as the typhoon | 20” tires | not cheap, but aluminum frame and well regarded | not cheap, but aluminum frame and well regarded | |
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Night in Bethlehem
My family has a tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve by pretending we are in Bethlehem. We dress up in towles, turn off the lights, and eat semi-authentic food by candlelight. Usually this is fun and traditional, but this year the kids actually liked what I made, so i'm writing it down so I can remember for next year.
Chicken broth, about 3 cans
Barley, about half a cup
curry powder, about 3 tsp
1 onion, fried
3 cloves of garlic
3 chicken breasts
1 can of chickpeas
6 mini carrots, chopped
pepper
handful of raisens for garnish
put the barley in the chicken broth, add in the onion, garlic, carrots, and curry powder. cook until barley is tender, about 90 minutes. Add in chicken and chickpeas cook about 20 minutes.
My husband added paprika and cayenne pepper to his.
I also made homemade pita bread, which was quite good. I served cucumbers, appricots and raisens on the side. Almost everyone ate it without complaining.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Moving to lollipop on a nexus 7 - Don't do it
I was excited to up grade to lollipop on my nexus 7. I did not have a good experience. I experienced freezing and locking.
I did a factory reset and it became boarder line useful, but it stopped being able to charge. It was taking ten hours instead of three or four.
My nice husband reflashed it back to kitkat which is where it will stay until a major patch for lollipop comes out.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Initial Review: Pebble SmartWatch
I love gadgets. When my husband mentioned the Pebble, I looked into it and decided I really wanted one. I went off to Target and bought a white Pebble. Since it was something of an impulse buy, I regretted it the next day and gave it my husband to try. While he was using it, I did some more research and decided I wanted it back. So far I am happy with my purchase.
I wanted the Pebble so I wouldn't miss calls or texts. I also wanted to be able to control my podcasts without having to get my phone out of my pocket. Also, have I mentioned I like gadgets?
Pros:
- not missing notifications. Today my phone was charging, and I still got the Facebook messages and text messages I was sent.
- battery life. Pebble's website claims 5-7 day and I am on track to hit four or five days. I can live with charging twice a week.
- skipping ahead in podcasts without having to find my phone. The podcasts I listen to are from radio shows, so there are often commercials and news and weather reports from days ago. With the appropriate app, I can use the Pebble's music controls to fast forward through them.
- cost. At $99, I don't mind taking a risk.
- waterproof. Apparently I could take it swimming. I'm not that brave, but it means it will be fine if I accidentally wear it in the shower.
- apps. There are a large number of apps that can run on the watch. Some of them require paid apps from the itunes store.
- not missing notifications. Today my phone was charging, and I still got the Facebook messages and text messages I was sent.
- battery life. Pebble's website claims 5-7 day and I am on track to hit four or five days. I can live with charging twice a week.
- skipping ahead in podcasts without having to find my phone. The podcasts I listen to are from radio shows, so there are often commercials and news and weather reports from days ago. With the appropriate app, I can use the Pebble's music controls to fast forward through them.
- cost. At $99, I don't mind taking a risk.
- waterproof. Apparently I could take it swimming. I'm not that brave, but it means it will be fine if I accidentally wear it in the shower.
- apps. There are a large number of apps that can run on the watch. Some of them require paid apps from the itunes store.
- kids. My daughter could play on my phone and I wouldn't miss any texts or notifications.
Cons:
- size. The watch is as wide as my wrist. (I have small wrists). It looks huge on me.
-color. I got the white. I wish I had gotten the black. The white stands out more than I thought it would. (Updated: I put a black watch band on it and it looks much better. It also made the match seem to fit me better because there wasn't several inches of watchband sticking out.
- random bluetooth disconnects. The regular notifications use bluetooth-le and it doesn't seem to be as reliable as the regular bluetooth. This means sometimes my calendar notifications and reminders don't go to my watch like they should.
- size. The watch is as wide as my wrist. (I have small wrists). It looks huge on me.
-color. I got the white. I wish I had gotten the black. The white stands out more than I thought it would. (Updated: I put a black watch band on it and it looks much better. It also made the match seem to fit me better because there wasn't several inches of watchband sticking out.
- random bluetooth disconnects. The regular notifications use bluetooth-le and it doesn't seem to be as reliable as the regular bluetooth. This means sometimes my calendar notifications and reminders don't go to my watch like they should.
Fyi:
- It does not have a speaker or microphone. I can answer my phone, but still have to find the phone to talk. It is more useful for declining calls when I forgot to turn the phone off.
- The screen is an e-ink screen. It is not a touch screen. Neither of these things bothered me because I didn't want a watch that I had to charge every day.
- One of the main things I wanted to do is be able to jump ahead / fast forward during podcasts without messing with my phone. This is possible, but I had to buy DownCast for my iphone.
- There is a website where you can make your own watch face for the Pebble
- I wasn't terribly impressed with the pedometer app, so don't let that be a deciding factor.
- The screen is an e-ink screen. It is not a touch screen. Neither of these things bothered me because I didn't want a watch that I had to charge every day.
- One of the main things I wanted to do is be able to jump ahead / fast forward during podcasts without messing with my phone. This is possible, but I had to buy DownCast for my iphone.
- There is a website where you can make your own watch face for the Pebble
- I wasn't terribly impressed with the pedometer app, so don't let that be a deciding factor.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Cake Mix Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Cake Mix Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
1 spice cake mix
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 c pumpkin
3 eggs
1/2 c oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c chocolate chips
Pre heat oven to 350. Mix ingredients. Put muffin liners in tin. Put approximately 1/4 c of mix in each cup. Bake 14 - 18 minutes. Makes approx. 18.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Review: Kindle paperwhite
(This is a review for the 2012 model)
I got a refurbished paperwhite. I love this device, it is the ultimate e-reader for me. I wasn't sure if I would like the touch screen, but I love it.
Pro:
Cons:
I got a refurbished paperwhite. I love this device, it is the ultimate e-reader for me. I wasn't sure if I would like the touch screen, but I love it.
Pro:
- read in the dark
- love the touch screen, so much easier to select what you want
- good battery life
Cons:
- no dedicated turn page button
- refresh can seem slow, but no worse than a regular kindle
For me, this device is perfect in every way except for the lack of a dedicated page turn button (wanted because I like to eat and read and don't want to get grease on the screen).
Thursday, October 03, 2013
Electra Townie 3i Review
My husband is really into biking. I like walking. I don't like worrying about falling over, yes, I have very little sense of balance. I few years ago I bought a cruiser-style bike with lots of gears. I didn't ride it unless my husband was with me. Honestly, it intimidated me. Shifting gears was intimidating and my husband had warned me that certain combinations of back and rear gears were bad, but I could never remember which ones. I also didn't like having to balance on my toes when stopped. I have children and riding with them means lots of stopping, sometimes quickly.
I thought trying biking again would be fun, but I wanted a different bike. My balance had improved a little thanks to riding the exercise bike. I began my quest for the right bike for me.
I initially considered a recumbent tadpole tricycle. I tried out Sun's entry level trike, but it had a few issues. It was very expensive. It was bulky and would be harder than a traditional bike to store fit along the edge of the garage. The main issue was my husband hated riding it. If I was going to spend a lot of money on a bike, I wanted it to be one we both liked. So trikes were out.
I remembered several years ago (before I bought my first bike) about the Electra brand. Their bikes were slightly reclined to allow the rider to put her feet down flat. I didn't consider them at the time because they cost more than I wanted to pay, but compared to a recumbent, they were quite cheap. I went over to a Infinity Cycles who happened to have the Electra Townie 3i and it was on sale.
What I liked:
- I could put my feet down flat when stopped an feel stable
- It had three speeds with an internal hub, so no parts sticking out to get caught on things, and it should be very reliable
- It had three speeds, which is easy for me to understand and not feel intimidated by
- It was cute. I also bought a rack for it so I could carry things.
- The seat goes low enough my eleven-year-old daughter could ride it too. She likes this bike and she is timid bike rider as well.
- The bike rode like I expected it to. I felt very in control.
- I can pull a bike trailer with my four-year-old in it just fine, but the area around where we live is fairly flat. I stay mostly in first gear with the trailer.
- It has holes to fit a water bottle holder, fenders, and a rack.
- I really liked riding it.
What I didn't like:
- I am a little over 5'8" (with long legs). The seat is at its max height and it is just barely tall enough for me. It is slightly too short for my husband (5'11), not that he really wants to be riding my girly bike :)
- It is longer than a normal bike (probably 12" or so). This meant it fit in our minivan, but the middle seat and back seat had to be laid down. It also had to lean over because it was too tall to stand up in the van.
- My husband did not feel comfortable carrying it on our bike carrier because so much of it stuck out past the car.
- The gap between 1st and 2nd gear is a little bigger than I would like.
- I am slightly concerned that three gears may not be enough, but as a put-put bike, it does great.
- The direction you twist the shifter to move up a gears just seems backwards to me. I'll get used to this though and it isn't a big deal.
- Initially, I had trouble shifting to 2nd speed. I don't have that problem now. It was me getting used to the shifter.
- Coaster brake. This bike has one hand brake and one coaster brake. I wish it had two hand brakes, but I'm getting used to it.
- Fixing a flat on the rear tire is a pain
I've ridden my bike 25 miles now. In terms of speed, I'm riding it pretty comfortably now in 2nd speed. I average 8-9.5 mph. My fastest is around 15 mph. I think my husband took it up to close to twenty and averaged 14 mph. I'm not comfortable going fast yet, so overtime, I expect my speed will increase.
I really like my new bike and am having fun riding it. I would recommend it to others who are concerned about balance or are timid bike riders and anyone that wants a fun bike.
Update (6/3/2014):
Still loving riding this bike. I attach the child trailer to it and pull my daughter around. I usually can't get out of first gear pulling her, but the trailer isn't supposed to go very fast anyway. That may also be because I'm not back into biking shape yet. I think at the end of last year I could pull her in second gear. I like that I feel in control of this bike. I wish I had five gears instead of three sometimes, but the three work just fine.
Update (7/12/17)
I recently sold this bike and bought a Townie 7d instead. The three speeds were limiting me a little, because my preferred riding speed was right between the 2nd and 3rd gear. The range of speeds on the 7d fits my riding style better. It also has two regular hand breaks instead of a coaster break. Having to shift only while pedaling is not a problem now that I'm better at riding a bike. I still loved the 3, but the 7d fits me better now.
Update (6/3/2014):
Still loving riding this bike. I attach the child trailer to it and pull my daughter around. I usually can't get out of first gear pulling her, but the trailer isn't supposed to go very fast anyway. That may also be because I'm not back into biking shape yet. I think at the end of last year I could pull her in second gear. I like that I feel in control of this bike. I wish I had five gears instead of three sometimes, but the three work just fine.
Update (7/12/17)
I recently sold this bike and bought a Townie 7d instead. The three speeds were limiting me a little, because my preferred riding speed was right between the 2nd and 3rd gear. The range of speeds on the 7d fits my riding style better. It also has two regular hand breaks instead of a coaster break. Having to shift only while pedaling is not a problem now that I'm better at riding a bike. I still loved the 3, but the 7d fits me better now.
Friday, September 13, 2013
The new subdivision and park
A builder is going to put in a new subdivision on Center Street and approx 1500 s in Lehi. Here's the pdf of the plan: http://sirepub.lehi-ut.gov/sirepub/cache/2/jwsqesous4ewuvi3mx4g0awe/51139109132013091852733.pdf I'm excited because it includes a park with playground equipment.
On a less happy note, they are looking at putting in a gas station across pioneer crossing from us. http://sirepub.lehi-ut.gov/sirepub/cache/2/jwsqesous4ewuvi3mx4g0awe/50774609132013091037910.PDF
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Lehi shed zoning
This is what I got from talking to the zoning and building department at Lehi City about building a shed.
- Sheds >200 sq ft need a permit
- If the shed is in the backyard, sheds must be at least 6' from the back of a house
- if the shed is on the side of a house, there must be 10' from the side of the shed to the property line
- behind the house, the shed must be 16" from the property line.
Saturday, August 03, 2013
Weird things i want
Random things I would like:
wind chime (one with lower notes)
amazon gift cards
I wish:
Tile backsplash for kitchen
Under counter water heater for kitchen
Solar panel kit from harbor freight.
new flooring for upstairs
solar panels for house
band saw
Lego Mindstorms
Things I've wanted in the past:
amazon gift cards
I wish:
Tile backsplash for kitchen
Under counter water heater for kitchen
Solar panel kit from harbor freight.
new flooring for upstairs
solar panels for house
band saw
Lego Mindstorms
Things I've wanted in the past:
"I dream of a world where a chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned" shirt
Monday, June 10, 2013
Best parks in Northern Utah County
Here's some of what I think are the best parks in northern Utah County. I'm sure there's plenty more, we just haven't made it to them yet. This list is in no particular order.
Neptune Park
Address: 452 W 400 N Saratoga Springs, UT 84045
Why it's Great: huge climbing pyramid, play structure, nice separate play area of younger children
Caveats: it's a newer park, so not a lot of shade
Bonneville park
Address: 1450 North 800 West, Orem, UT
Why it's Great: Big play structure, swings.
Caveats: Some of the older kids like to climb up the outside of the big slide. If you have an adventurous little one, you might want to keep an eye on them. This park isn't amazing, but in my mind this is how an average park should be, but often aren't.
Discovery park
Address: 1435-1511 N 100 E, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Why it's Great: Huge amazing wooden play structures. This is a great place to let older children run free.
Caveats: Not really for younger children. The slides are really high off the ground. There is a younger child's area, but my little kids quickly bored of it and wanted to go with the big kids, so I had to follow them everywhere.
Dry Creek Trail Park
Address: 100 W 1580 N Lehi, UT 84043
Why it's Great: Nice play structure, creek to wade in, short walking trail with bridge that crosses the creek, Frisbee golf course, big old trees to climb, nice restrooms (for a park)
Caveats: lawn is not in good condition, lots of weeds, but a great place for kids. I'm not sure if the creek is running all the time or just when the irrigation water runs
Nielsen's Grove Park
Address: 1931 S Sandhill, Orem, UT
Why it's Great: Cool swings that move in a giant circle (think swings like at the fair), small play structure, trails for walking, fountain, pond with ducks
Caveats: circle swings aren't always working well
Other Cool Parks:
Draper City Park
Address: 12500 S 1300 E, Draper
Why it's great: manual exercise equipment, play structure, electronic play toys
Caveats: none
Liberty Park
Address: 600 E 900 S Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Why it's great: huge splash pad, two big play structures, lots of walking trails, big pond
Caveats: I haven't actually been there in the summer yet, very pretty in the fall though.
Children's Discovery Garden
Address: 3900 N. Garden Drive, Lehi, Utah 84043
Why it's Great: splash pad in summer, hedge mazes, small stream to race boats, caves, spider web for climbing
Caveats: This is part of Thanksgiving Point and costs money ($6). Closed during the princess festival.
Neptune Park
Address: 452 W 400 N Saratoga Springs, UT 84045
Why it's Great: huge climbing pyramid, play structure, nice separate play area of younger children
Caveats: it's a newer park, so not a lot of shade
Bonneville park
Address: 1450 North 800 West, Orem, UT
Why it's Great: Big play structure, swings.
Caveats: Some of the older kids like to climb up the outside of the big slide. If you have an adventurous little one, you might want to keep an eye on them. This park isn't amazing, but in my mind this is how an average park should be, but often aren't.
Discovery park
Address: 1435-1511 N 100 E, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Why it's Great: Huge amazing wooden play structures. This is a great place to let older children run free.
Caveats: Not really for younger children. The slides are really high off the ground. There is a younger child's area, but my little kids quickly bored of it and wanted to go with the big kids, so I had to follow them everywhere.
Dry Creek Trail Park
Address: 100 W 1580 N Lehi, UT 84043
Why it's Great: Nice play structure, creek to wade in, short walking trail with bridge that crosses the creek, Frisbee golf course, big old trees to climb, nice restrooms (for a park)
Caveats: lawn is not in good condition, lots of weeds, but a great place for kids. I'm not sure if the creek is running all the time or just when the irrigation water runs
Nielsen's Grove Park
Address: 1931 S Sandhill, Orem, UT
Why it's Great: Cool swings that move in a giant circle (think swings like at the fair), small play structure, trails for walking, fountain, pond with ducks
Caveats: circle swings aren't always working well
Other Cool Parks:
Draper City Park
Address: 12500 S 1300 E, Draper
Why it's great: manual exercise equipment, play structure, electronic play toys
Caveats: none
Liberty Park
Address: 600 E 900 S Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Why it's great: huge splash pad, two big play structures, lots of walking trails, big pond
Caveats: I haven't actually been there in the summer yet, very pretty in the fall though.
Children's Discovery Garden
Address: 3900 N. Garden Drive, Lehi, Utah 84043
Why it's Great: splash pad in summer, hedge mazes, small stream to race boats, caves, spider web for climbing
Caveats: This is part of Thanksgiving Point and costs money ($6). Closed during the princess festival.
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Summer 2013 fun plans
I'm using this post to make a list of the fun things I want to do with my kids this summer (not in any particular order):
- Natural waterslide (Alpine Sliding Rock)
- Provo river falls
- Timpanogos Cave
- North rim of the Grand Canyon
- Battlecreek falls
- Bridal Veil falls
- Boulder, CO
- Thanksgiving Point Gardens
- Thanksgiving Point Children's Garden
- Splash pad in Highland
- Museum of Ancient Life
- Discovery Gateway (via FrontRunner)
- Hutchings Museum
- Neptune Park
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins made with Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling
After Christmas, my husband picked up several cans of Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling on clearance. I wanted pumpkin muffins, so here's what I came up with.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins made with Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling
2 c white flour
2 c whole wheat flour
1 c oats
1 T cinnamon
1 T baking powder
1 t salt
1 30 oz. can of Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling
1/2 c oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together. Mix pumpkin, oil, and eggs. Add wet mixture to dry mixture. Mix. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon 1/4 c of batter into greased muffin pan. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until done. Makes 24 muffins.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins made with Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling
2 c white flour
2 c whole wheat flour
1 c oats
1 T cinnamon
1 T baking powder
1 t salt
1 30 oz. can of Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Filling
1/2 c oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together. Mix pumpkin, oil, and eggs. Add wet mixture to dry mixture. Mix. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon 1/4 c of batter into greased muffin pan. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until done. Makes 24 muffins.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Samsung Transform Ultra Review
I've been wanting to upgrade to a smart phone. My current phone, the Tracfone Samsung t404g , worked great and was good for texting, but I wanted to be able to have "emergency" internet access when I was out, be able to move my calendar from the wall to google calendars, have GPS access, and be able to be a mobile hotspot for my tablet if needed. I really liked having a keyboard, so I wanted one on my smart phone as well. I didn't need a top of the line phone because I'd rather do most of my web browsing and email on my tablet. I also wanted a phone that could fit in my pocket and had OK battery life. I decided on the Samsung Transform Ultra with Ting as the provider. I really like this phone.
Pros:
Cons:
Don't let the long con's list give you the wrong impression. This is a great phone for someone who doesn't need a top of the line phone. It does exactly what I need it to.
About Ting
Ting is cellular provider I'm using. It runs on Sprint's network, but will roam for voice onto verizon. I thought the rates were reasonable, especially since I won't use much data. I'll pay $25 a month for 500 minutes, 1000 texts, and 100mb of data. An advantage is I can add another phone for $6 a month and it can share in the pool of minutes, texts, and data. Because it is a pay-as-you-go plan, I had to buy my phone (Lucked out and got a refurb for $30). If you like the idea of Ting, you can go here and get $25 off your phone.
update (1/16/2013):
I've had this phone about two months. I still really like it for what it is: a quick way to check email, an ebook reader, a gps, and a phone.
Pros:
- fits in my pocket
- battery life is acceptable (have to charge every other day with my light use)
- keyboard comes in handy when my fingers refuse to type properly on the onscreen keyboard
- alarms and calendar come in handy
- camera does OK
- works as a hot spot
- netflix and angry birds run fine
Cons:
- original one I got had a broken settings button and was a little unstable, but the one I got as a replacement seems stable and works just fine (I got a refurb)
- not the fastest processor in the world, but it gets the job done
- screen is not high-def, I don't care, but others might
- current version of Kindle app doesn't work well on it (hangs and hard-locks the phone), had to downgrade to an older version
- When roaming the sms messages don't ring
- not worth paying $200. It's worth about $70 (the refurb price)
Don't let the long con's list give you the wrong impression. This is a great phone for someone who doesn't need a top of the line phone. It does exactly what I need it to.
About Ting
Ting is cellular provider I'm using. It runs on Sprint's network, but will roam for voice onto verizon. I thought the rates were reasonable, especially since I won't use much data. I'll pay $25 a month for 500 minutes, 1000 texts, and 100mb of data. An advantage is I can add another phone for $6 a month and it can share in the pool of minutes, texts, and data. Because it is a pay-as-you-go plan, I had to buy my phone (Lucked out and got a refurb for $30). If you like the idea of Ting, you can go here and get $25 off your phone.
update (1/16/2013):
I've had this phone about two months. I still really like it for what it is: a quick way to check email, an ebook reader, a gps, and a phone.
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