We have our first Connealy Total Package calf on the ground, a heifer, and she has the look I’ve been building toward.

How We Got Here

Back in the spring, we made the decision to go heavy on Connealy Total Package through our AI program. I wrote about this in our earlier breeding update  he was a bull that caught my eye before I even knew his name or numbers. Once I pulled up his EPDs and pedigree, the decision was easy. We bred a group of cows to him, specifically targeting females where we wanted more performance without sacrificing the temperament we’ve worked so hard to build.

On the embryo transfer side, we had a strong season. Our recipient cows came through with an 80% take rate, which for anyone who’s done ET work, you know that’s a number you don’t take for granted. Good recipients, good timing, and a vet team we trust made that possible. We ran IDEXX BioPRYN Pregnostx tests to confirm pregnancies on-site pulled blood, labeled tubes by cow number, and had results the same day. It’s a tool I’ve come to rely on heavily, especially in an ET program where early detection matters.

We’re expecting a wave of Total Package calves starting in September. This first heifer is the early arrival, and she’s giving us a lot to be excited about.

Why Total Package

Every sire decision we make here comes back to the same question: does this bull move the herd forward without creating a problem somewhere else? Total Package checked every box. The calving ease numbers gave us confidence breeding him to a range of cows. The growth is there without getting excessive. And his progeny reputation for disposition lined up with what we’re selecting for, cattle that are calm, functional, and easy to be around.

We’re a small operation. I don’t have a crew. It’s me, in the evenings and on weekends, doing pregnancy checks, running blood, making breeding decisions, fixing fence. The cattle have to work with me, not against me. That’s not a nice-to-have, it’s a requirement. Total Package fit that program.

The First Heifer

She’s built low and square, with a smooth shoulder and plenty of rib shape. Good bone without being coarse. She came into the world without any drama and has been gaining well from day one. Her dam is a solid, quiet cow — one of the ones I had specifically matched to Total Package because I thought the cross would produce exactly this kind of calf.

It did.

I’ll be watching her closely through the fall as the rest of the Total Package calves start hitting the ground. If the others look like her, we’ll have a strong group to evaluate heading into winter. Some of these heifers will be candidates to stay in the herd, and the bulls will give us a good read on what this sire can do crossed on our cow base.

What’s Next

September is going to be a busy month. We have multiple Total Package calves due, plus ET calves from our donor program. I’ll be documenting the calving season as it unfolds — weights, observations, how the cows handle things. That’s the data that matters to me more than anything on paper.

If you’re following along with our program, thanks for the interest. We’re building something here at Deluisio Angus that I’m proud of calm cattle, honest genetics, and a focus on what actually works in the pasture. More updates coming as calving season picks up.

The post First Connealy Total Package Calf on the Ground And She’s Exactly What We Were After appeared first on Blog of Cody Deluisio.

She’s already looking the part. Strong, put together, and carrying herself like she belongs here. We’re retaining her. When you get a calf that hits the ground like that — out of a good heifer, by a proven sire — you don’t let her go. She’s staying in the program.

What’s Next

We’ve got another calf due any day now. This one is out of Sitz Rachel 238B and sired by Connealy Limerick. Rachel 238B is one of those cows you don’t come across very often. She’s been productive for a long time and she’s still in outstanding condition. That’s rare. A lot of cows fall off after a few calves. She hasn’t. She’s the kind of cow you build a program around, and we’re glad she’s here.

Spring calving is in full swing at Stella Manor. More updates coming as calves hit the ground.

What is Regenerative Farming and Why It Matters

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I found myself waking up around 5:30 every morning without an alarm. The early mornings were quiet and cool, and they became my favorite part of the day. I would head out early to explore before the beaches and streets filled in, when everything still felt slow and unclaimed.

Parking on Naples Island was honestly the biggest frustration. Public parking near the beaches was limited, and it took more effort than it should have to make short stops. It was a reminder that Naples, like most desirable coastal towns, comes with tradeoffs.

Once I was actually on the beach, though, it was easy to forget about that. The sand was clean, the shoreline was calm, and the water in the Gulf of America was warm and gentle. It was the kind of beach where you could stand in the water for a long time and feel no rush to leave.

One evening, I went on a sunset cruise, which ended up being a quiet highlight of the trip. Watching the sun drop into the Gulf from the water felt unforced and peaceful. No distractions, no noise, just open water and soft light.

I also spent time at the Naples Botanical Garden, which surprised me in a good way. It was well maintained, calm, and thoughtfully laid out. Walking through it felt like a deliberate slowdown, which paired well with the pace of the rest of the trip.

Overall, Naples was not flashy or overwhelming. It had minor inconveniences, but it also had warmth, calm water, perfect weather, and mornings that made it easy to get up early and explore. It was the kind of place that does not demand much from you, and that made the experience feel grounded and genuinely relaxing.

The post Early Mornings and Quiet Water in Naples, Florida appeared first on Blog of Cody Deluisio.

The trip out to Washington state, however, is not easy on the body. From Pennsylvania, it is a long haul in the air, often involving multiple flights, cramped seating, and hours of immobility. By the time you land, your back reminds you that cross-country travel is not designed for comfort. It is a real tradeoff. Leavenworth is worth seeing, but the physical cost of getting there is something travelers should factor in, especially if they already deal with back or joint issues.

Arrival in the Cascades

Once you leave the airport and head inland, the experience changes quickly. The landscape shifts from city sprawl to dense evergreen forests, steep rock faces, and winding mountain roads. Leavenworth feels isolated in a good way. It is clearly a destination, not a pass-through town.

The surrounding geography does much of the heavy lifting. Snow-dusted peaks, clean river water, and thick pine forests give the town a natural credibility that keeps it from feeling like a theme park. The Bavarian aesthetic could have gone wrong here. Instead, it is anchored by real terrain.

The Alpine Coaster Experience

One of the highlights of the trip was the alpine coaster. It is a gravity-driven ride that snakes down the mountainside through the trees, fast enough to be exciting but controlled enough that you can actually take in the view.

Unlike traditional amusement rides, this one feels integrated into the landscape. You are not being flung around. You are moving with the mountain. It is a short experience, but memorable, especially if you time it for clear weather when the Cascades are fully visible.

Coffee, Walking, and Small Details

Leavenworth’s downtown is compact and easy to explore on foot. That matters. You can park once and spend hours wandering without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Local coffee shops stand out here, not because they are flashy, but because they are consistent. Small-batch roasts, well-prepared drinks, and places that encourage lingering rather than turnover.

Coffee in Leavenworth pairs well with walking. The streets are designed for it, and the town benefits from visitors who slow down rather than rush between attractions. Bakeries, specialty shops, and small retailers fill in the gaps between major stops.

Oktoberfest and Controlled Chaos

During Oktoberfest, the town gets crowded. There is no way around that. Music, gardens, and events draw large numbers of visitors, and the quiet mountain town energy shifts toward something louder and more compressed.

That said, Leavenworth handles it better than most small towns would. The infrastructure is built for tourism, and locals appear accustomed to the seasonal surge. If you want a calmer experience, visiting outside of major festivals is worth considering. If you want energy and noise, Oktoberfest delivers exactly that.

A Place That Knows What It Is

Leavenworth succeeds because it commits fully to its identity. It does not hedge or half-execute the idea. That clarity shows in how the town is maintained, how businesses operate, and how visitors move through the space.

It is also a reminder that small towns can thrive when they lean into a vision and execute it well. Leavenworth is not trying to be everything. It is trying to be one thing, done properly.

Final Takeaway

Leavenworth, Washington offers a rare combination of scenery, walkability, and character. The mountain coaster, the coffee, and the Bavarian architecture are all worth experiencing. Just be honest with yourself about the trip out. The flight is long, the seats are unforgiving, and your back will notice.

If you plan accordingly, pace yourself, and give the town time, Leavenworth delivers more than a checklist destination. It delivers a place that feels cohesive, intentional, and genuinely enjoyable once you arrive.

The post Leavenworth, Washington: Bavarian Charm, Mountain Views, and the Cost of Getting There appeared first on Blog of Cody Deluisio.

Pedigree Strength

This calf is sired by Connealy Craftsman 7160 (Reg. No. 20708802), a bull known for strong structure, balance, and practical performance. His influence should give this calf plenty of genetic horsepower to grow into a productive and reliable herd sire prospect.

239L herself is a daughter of Sitz Dignity. From an early age, she stood out among her contemporaries for her form and potential. She developed into a deep-bodied, structurally correct female, and this first calf reinforces the confidence we had in her future.

Why This Calf Matters

The pairing of Sitz Dignity on the maternal side with Connealy Craftsman 7160 as the sire brings together two pedigrees that emphasize maternal strength, soundness, and longevity. That balance is exactly what we look for in building a herd focused on long-term success.

Looking Ahead

With his friendly disposition and strong genetic background, we expect this calf to be more than just a good addition—he represents the type of seedstock we are striving to produce. 239L has started her career as a cow in impressive fashion, and we’re very excited about the path she and her progeny will chart for Deluisio Angus.

The post 239L Welcomes Her First Calf appeared first on Blog of Cody Deluisio.

Sauce

Excellent balance of herbs and spice. The herb pesto base adds depth, and the spice level enhances without overpowering.

Cheese

The mozzarella stands out. Distinct flavor with fresh mozzarella providing creaminess and a noticeable taste difference from standard blends.

Crust

Just the right amount of crispiness while maintaining a pleasant chew. Perfectly baked for texture and flavor.

Bake Quality

Evenly cooked. Slight browning and bubbling on the cheese indicate careful oven timing.

Aftertaste

Lingering flavors are enjoyable, with herbs and cheese leaving a clean, satisfying finish.

Overall

A standout pizza with exceptional sauce, flavorful cheese, ideal crust texture, and a pleasant aftertaste. Strongly recommended.

The post Pizza Review – Uncle Maddio’s 16″ Extra Large CYO appeared first on Blog of Cody Deluisio.

Raven’s Blood Frosty

The highlight for me was the Raven’s Blood Frosty. It’s fruity, but hard to pin down to a single flavor. The taste is unique, festive, and different from the standard offerings. The deep red color fits the theme perfectly and makes it visually appealing.

Dips of Dread Sauces

The meal includes mystery sauces labeled as:

Nowhere to Woe

Grave Mistake

You Can’t Hyde

This Will Sting

You don’t know which you’ve received. I ended up with two different sauces—one noticeably hotter than the other. Both were tasty, slightly spicy, and paired well with the nuggets and fries.

Nuggets and Fries

The nuggets and fries were standard Wendy’s quality—crispy, hot, and satisfying. The themed fry container and nugget box added to the fun presentation.

Branding and Extras

The packaging was creative, from the “Spoon of Gloom” for the Frosty to the gothic fry container and themed paper bag. The attention to detail is a big part of what makes this meal memorable.

Final Thoughts

While I would have liked a bit more variety in the sauces, the overall concept is executed well. It’s fun, flavorful, and different enough to be worth trying if you’re a fan of Wednesday or just want a change from the usual fast food.

Rating: 8/10 — strong theming, good taste, and a playful twist on a combo meal.

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The rise of streaming giants like Netflix, YouTube, Disney Plus, and Hulu has changed guest expectations. Travelers want to watch their shows, not sift through outdated cable guides. Smart TVs promised to bridge that gap but have failed to deliver. The real solution is hotel casting systems.

In this article, we break down what casting is, why smart TVs fall short, and what to look for when choosing the right in-room entertainment system.

What Is Hotel Casting?

Hotel casting allows guests to stream content from their own phones, tablets, or laptops to the in-room television. No app downloads, no logins on public devices, and no storing personal data.

Guests can play videos, music, or even mirror their screen securely and instantly from their device, giving them a better experience than they have at home.

Why Smart TVs Are Not the Right Tool for Hotels

Smart TVs sound good on paper, but they come with major flaws in hotel settings:

• Guests do not trust entering their personal credentials on a public device.
• Older TVs often cannot install new apps.
• Clunky interfaces make navigation frustrating.
• Some apps may store guest data even after checkout.
• There’s no guarantee the TV supports the streaming services your guests use.

Smart TVs are not built for high-traffic, short-term environments. Hotel casting is.

What to Look for in a Hotel Casting System

1. No Apps or Logins Required

Guests should not be forced to:

• Download an app
• Enter passwords on a public TV
• Fill out a registration form

Look for casting systems that allow device pairing via a QR code or NFC tap. The best options let users connect in seconds and start casting without hassle.

2. Broad Support for Streaming Services

Every guest uses different platforms. A solid casting solution supports all the major ones:

• Netflix
• YouTube
• Hulu
• Disney Plus
• Amazon Prime
• Spotify
• Plex
• Apple TV
• HBO Max
• International services for global travelers

The more services your system supports, the more satisfied your guests will be.

3. Simple and Intuitive Experience

Your casting platform should work for everyone, not just tech-savvy travelers. Look for:

• QR-code-based pairing
• An optional remote for those who prefer buttons over phones
• A clean and simple interface that explains exactly what to do

If your staff constantly gets calls for help, your system is not working.

4. Security and Privacy Are Built In

Guests care about privacy. You need to show that you do too. The right system should include:

• Device isolation so guests cannot cast to the wrong room
• No logins on the TV itself
• Auto-reset between guests
• End-to-end encryption for streaming sessions

A secure experience is a trusted experience.

5. Designed for Hotels, Not Living Rooms

Off-the-shelf consumer gear is not made for commercial use. It lacks:

• Remote management
• Compatibility with hotel-grade TVs
• PMS integration
• Device provisioning tools

Choose a platform built for hotel environments. It will save you time, support costs, and guest complaints.

6. Tools for Your IT Team

Some of the best hotel casting platforms include a real-time dashboard for your staff. This lets you:

• Monitor active sessions
• Check network health
• Push updates
• Quickly reset or reconfigure rooms

The more insight your team has, the fewer problems your guests will notice.

7. Fast and Reliable Wi-Fi

Even the best system cannot save a slow or overloaded network. For seamless casting, you need:

• Strong wireless signal in every room
• Sufficient bandwidth
• VLAN separation for security
• Consistent low latency

Consider investing in managed Wi-Fi to meet the performance needs of modern entertainment systems.

The Wrong Way: DIY with Chromecast

Don’t try to build this on your own with retail devices. It will fail. A cheap Chromecast and a basic network setup will not provide:

• Security
• Guest privacy
• Compatibility with hotel TVs
• Remote support tools
• Isolation between rooms

Hotels have unique needs, and you need purpose-built tools to meet them.

Final Thoughts: What Guests Really Want

Your guests are no longer impressed by cable or on-demand movies. They want a seamless, private, and high-quality streaming experience. Hotel casting is the best way to deliver it.

The right system:

• Works fast without apps or logins
• Supports every major streaming platform
• Keeps guest data safe
• Requires no staff intervention
• Is built specifically for hotels

Get it right, and your guests will remember your property for all the right reasons.

The post Why Your Guests Hate Smart TVs (And What to Use Instead) appeared first on Blog of Cody Deluisio.

Does “Disconnected” Mean the Internet is Down?

Not always. A disconnected device simply means it cannot communicate with the UniFi Network Controller. Users may still have uninterrupted internet access if the disruption is only in the communication channel between the device and the controller.

Example:

• If the controller is unreachable but the gateway is online, users still have internet access.
• If the device is truly offline (e.g., lost power or internet), user connectivity is impacted.

Common Causes of UniFi Device Disconnection

Here are the most likely scenarios:

How to Diagnose the Disconnection Cause

1. Check Device Uptime

Run the uptime command via SSH or inspect uptime in the UniFi controller.

• Low uptime = Device recently rebooted → Likely a power issue
• High uptime but still disconnected = Communication issue

2. Scope of the Problem

Determine how widespread the disconnection is:

Troubleshooting Steps

Power Issues

• Verify power supply is working.
• Check for tripped breakers or disconnected PoE injectors/switch ports.
• Consider adding a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) or redundant PoE source for critical infrastructure.

Connectivity Between Device and Controller

• Check physical Ethernet connection and uplink.
• Test local DNS resolution: the device must resolve the hostname of the UniFi Controller.
• Check firewall logs to ensure no ports are blocked. The controller uses TCP port 8080, 8443, 8880, and 3478 UDP.
• Ping the controller from another local host to ensure it’s reachable.

ISP Issues

• Verify modem status and WAN link.
• Check logs or contact the ISP for known outages.
• Use tools like downdetector.com for regional outages.

Controller-Side Issues

• If using a cloud-based controller, make sure it’s online and responsive.
• Check system resources (CPU, memory, disk).
• Restart the UniFi service or host server if necessary.
• Verify the inform URL is correct:
  SSH into the device and run: bashCopyEditinfo

Bonus Tips

• Enable alerts: Use UniFi’s email or webhook alerts to be notified immediately when a device disconnects.
• Check logs: Review UniFi controller logs under Settings > System > Event Logs for context.
• Use a static inform URL: Especially for remote or multi-site deployments, ensure the device is pointed at a stable FQDN, not a local IP that might change.

Final Thoughts

A disconnected UniFi device doesn’t always mean downtime for users. By methodically checking power, ISP, LAN connectivity, and controller status, you can quickly isolate the issue and restore normal operation. Logging, alerting, and proactive monitoring go a long way in reducing future disruptions.

The post How to Determine the Cause of a Disconnected UniFi Device appeared first on Blog of Cody Deluisio.

Accessing UniFi devices via SSH is one of the most powerful ways to troubleshoot issues, inspect device settings, adopt devices manually, or perform advanced configuration and reset tasks. This guide walks you through how to SSH into a UniFi device and lists the most useful SSH commands with explanations.

What is SSH?

SSH (Secure Shell) provides secure remote command-line access to UniFi access points, switches, gateways, and other devices. SSH is especially useful when devices are:

• Offline or stuck in a provisioning state
• Failing to adopt into a UniFi Network application
• Experiencing unknown configuration or performance issues

How to SSH into a UniFi Device

You can SSH into UniFi devices in two ways:

1. From your computer

• macOS/Linux: Open the Terminal app and use the ssh command
• Windows: Use Windows Terminal (built-in) or install PuTTY

Command format:

ssh username@ip_address

Example:

ssh ubnt@192.168.1.20

2. From the UniFi Controller’s Debug Terminal

The UniFi Controller provides a browser-based SSH session under Settings → System → Debug Terminal, though this is less flexible.

Default UniFi SSH Credentials

The login varies by firmware and model:

If the device is already adopted, the SSH credentials are site-specific. To find them:

• Go to Settings → System → Advanced → Device Authentication

Each site may have different randomized SSH credentials.

Common UniFi SSH Commands

Here’s a breakdown of the most used and helpful SSH commands for UniFi:

Real-World Example: Process List on a UniFi AP

Using the top command on a UniFi AP reveals running processes like:

bashCopyEdit/usr/sbin/ubnt-discover
/usr/sbin/hostapd
/sbin/sysmon
/usr/bin/element-monitor
/usr/bin/reset-handler

These processes help manage wireless services, system events, provisioning, and inform communication.

Pro Tips

• Always check the info command first to confirm the inform URL and adoption status.
• Use set-inform if you’re adopting a device manually to a local or cloud-based controller.
• Don’t interrupt firmware updates. Use uptime and top to monitor device status before resetting.
• Use reboot or syswrapper.sh restore-default carefully, especially on remote deployments.

Final Thoughts

SSH is an indispensable tool for any network admin working with UniFi gear. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn provisioning issues or just want to monitor performance, these commands give you fast access to the data and tools you need.

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