Gin Martini

I like a plain gin-based martini, usually with a little added olive brine, and stirred--not shaken. I really wanted to like the vodka "shaken, not stirred" martini so I could do a (bad) James Bond impression when ordering it. Although bartenders may get that all the time and not really find it funny.

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Spanish Omelet

I do not usually make a traditional Spanish Omelet, but instead make more of a frittata. However, a Spanish omelet is a good base on which to grow and is tasty, probably due in part to the large amount of fat added to it. A traditional Spanish Omelet only contains thinly sliced potatoes and onions, along with eggs. My frittata-like take usually consists of other ingredients thrown in with a quarter of the olive oil. But I did start with a traditional Spanish Omelet with the only addition being rosemary as I grow it inside and think it pairs well with the potatoes and onions. While I prefer to have some more vegetables in my meals, the Spanish Omelet is a good base. Some additions could be spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese, or sausage and bell pepper. The possibilities are practically endless and it is a good way to clear out produce from your refrigerator. If I am adding additional ingredients I will usually cut the amount of onions and potatoes in half or more.

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Potato and Spinach Curry

From what I understand, this is typically served as a side dish, but it works well as a full meal for me. I could also see reducing the amount of potato and adding some shredded chicken or lamb, or black beans to provide some protein. Every recipe I researched had a different approach to the supporting ingredients, viscosity, and order and timings of the cooking. Therefore, I am not sure if there is an "official" standard recipe, or if it is more like different regions or even different families have their own take on the dish. My approach is a combination of multiple recipes along with some of my own contributions. The result is a fairly thick dish with a moderate amount of heat, (although you may adjust the heat to your liking), and an earthy spice mixture. I avoided some of the more involved spice preparations along with some of the spices or other ingredients that may not be as common in an American household.

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Automating Flood Detection

There have been a few incidents over the years where my basement (cellar) has incurred water damage. The worst time was when the sump pump stopped working and the basement floor was covered by several inches of groundwater. While the basement is not a finished area, it is a recreational, work, and storage space containing furniture, electronics, tools, and more. It also houses all the major equipment that provides the home network and automation services.

The other fluid-induced cases did not cause much damage other than clean-up time, but could have been worse if the issues were not found when they were. These cases include: a time the hot water heater developed a leak, a couple of times the drainage path for the whole-house humidifier became clogged causing water to leak out of the furnace, and when the main pipe transporting sewage out of the house became restricted enough that the pressure forced some of the sewage through an access point in the basement floor.

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