28 December 2010
10 October 2010
The Pumpkin Patch
October is well in swing and last weekend, Cap and I went to Lowes last saturday. When we walked in Cap saw the halloween decoration, and then the Christmas decorations. So you can purchase you ghost decorations, and hang them off of Rudolph's antlers.
Yesterday we went to the Pumpkin Patch, which is much more than just a patch. It had a play fort, pedal carts, a dinning hall, a couple of fields if christmas trees. It did have a pumpkin patch, and to quote the hay ride tractor driver, "The Jack-o-latern pumpkins were brought in from a different vendor this year.".
Everyone had a good time as we searched for the Patman Family Pumpkin.
Yesterday we went to the Pumpkin Patch, which is much more than just a patch. It had a play fort, pedal carts, a dinning hall, a couple of fields if christmas trees. It did have a pumpkin patch, and to quote the hay ride tractor driver, "The Jack-o-latern pumpkins were brought in from a different vendor this year.".
Everyone had a good time as we searched for the Patman Family Pumpkin.
02 October 2010
Muddy Water
The other day I was at the Library and discovered that not only do they have audio books on CD, and you can Check out, but they also have music. I was going through the stacks of music, and found two CDs. The first, was a critically acclaimed Miles Davis Jazz CD. The second, was Muddy Waters, Greatest Hits. I have listed to both albums and I have to say, that the Jazz that Miles Davis puts on reminds me of trying to get out of a corn maze. The music will be clicking along at a stead rythm and notes, then all of a sudden, wham, you hit the dead end of the maze, and the music goes haywire. The rythm changes, and the notes, cords and melody take a U turn, and throw the listener for a loop. Jazz... the music that sounds like abstract art at times, and Paublo Picaso at others. The Muddy Water CD was what I was looking for, a more John Lee Hooker sound of Blues.
I went back today and picked up Wynton Marsalis, and a classical violin CD, and another audio book. THe book is written by Karl Haasien, and I have several other audio books by him. This past week I listened to Airframe by Michael Crition, and it was great. An 11 hour read and I listened to it in about 5 days, of course I put on around 600 miles of travel with work. At this point with as much driving as I do, purcahsing audio books each is getting uneconomical to say the least. That and the pool vehicles that I get, all have CD players, which my old company truck did not.
Last but not least, I did an experiment today to see if I could use all 5 lbs of flour in a new bag in one day, and I succeded. We started out the morning with homemade biscuits (2 cups), then started with the bread (8 cups), I should mention that the bread machine was not used, then we made some blueberry schones (2 cups), and lastly pizza dough (3 cups). Needless to say we ate well, and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and talking to the kids about cooking. Ella help me top the pizzas, and cap helped with the scones.
I went back today and picked up Wynton Marsalis, and a classical violin CD, and another audio book. THe book is written by Karl Haasien, and I have several other audio books by him. This past week I listened to Airframe by Michael Crition, and it was great. An 11 hour read and I listened to it in about 5 days, of course I put on around 600 miles of travel with work. At this point with as much driving as I do, purcahsing audio books each is getting uneconomical to say the least. That and the pool vehicles that I get, all have CD players, which my old company truck did not.
Last but not least, I did an experiment today to see if I could use all 5 lbs of flour in a new bag in one day, and I succeded. We started out the morning with homemade biscuits (2 cups), then started with the bread (8 cups), I should mention that the bread machine was not used, then we made some blueberry schones (2 cups), and lastly pizza dough (3 cups). Needless to say we ate well, and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and talking to the kids about cooking. Ella help me top the pizzas, and cap helped with the scones.
25 September 2010
Homemade Bread
I did it, all by myself, if you are wondering "what" it is, the homemade bread. This is without the use of the bread machine. It was an interesting process, kind of fun, and not at all as bad as I thought it would be. This does not mean that you will soon see "J's Cafe, your home for coffee and breads."
Another bit of exciting news, while it is still hot outside, I do not feel like I am "MELTING" the second that I walk outside. Football is back on TV, and it does not look like the Astro's or the Red Sox's are not going to be going to the playoffs.
Another bit of exciting news, while it is still hot outside, I do not feel like I am "MELTING" the second that I walk outside. Football is back on TV, and it does not look like the Astro's or the Red Sox's are not going to be going to the playoffs.
07 September 2010
Learning to Read
When I was a kid, particularly when after I started High School, my grandmother always ask me what I was reading. My normal response what nothing, or what ever I had to read in school. She always had a book or to that she was reading, and help get me to read the "Hank the Cowdog" books when I was a kid. (My parents or mom help along those lines as well.). It was not until I was out of college that I finally discovered the enjoyment in reading. This can be correlated with the end of required reading, or that I had time in the evenings to read. Tonight Cap, with a little help, read "Going to the Firehouse" by Mercer Mayer. I hate to boast, but this makes me proud, particular since he wanted to read it.
Over the weekend I was listening to a MLK speech on the forming of a new nation (when Guine became independent) in his speech the he stressed on the importance of education, and the first step, was learning to read. So here at our house we do lots of reading to the kids, as they learn how to read, how to write, and how to be kids.
Over the weekend I was listening to a MLK speech on the forming of a new nation (when Guine became independent) in his speech the he stressed on the importance of education, and the first step, was learning to read. So here at our house we do lots of reading to the kids, as they learn how to read, how to write, and how to be kids.
02 September 2010
Play Mobile Pirates
The great thing about toys is that you can use your imagination. We were playing with the Play Mobile toys the other day, and Santa ended up being the skipper of the Pirate Ship. It makes Ho, Thar, and Ho! Ho! Ho! fit together. On a side note, Ella calls all of the figure people "Bad Guys" from the pirates, to santa, to the Explorer that is in the back of the picture.
26 August 2010
Scenes From My Day 8-26-10
Today I went into a CVS pharmacy in Lafayette, Louisiana. Behind the cash register they had 3 sections of merchandise in this order. First there was the Patron, and other hard liquor. Next to the adult beverages was the and I quote the sign "Quit Smoking Zone". An area with a variety of aids to help stop the smoking. Next to that section was the cigarettes, there was not space whatsoever between them. I would think that if they were interested in helping people kick the habit, they would not be selling the cigarettes.
The other item I notice is that you can purchase a Whataburger gift card now. It makes the perfect card to give to that co-worker that you just cannot tolerate. Buy one today, and save it for the dreadful white elephant gift christmas party this year. That's right, a Whataburger gift card.
If this is not enough there was a teenage girl that came into the whataburger wearing ballet slippers, lime green pants, a yellow shirt, and a knitted winter hat that looked like a puppy dog. I should point out that it is 93 F outside and sunny. If it was 32 cloudy with snow I could understand the hat. No matter what the temperature the lime green pants just don't work.
The other item I notice is that you can purchase a Whataburger gift card now. It makes the perfect card to give to that co-worker that you just cannot tolerate. Buy one today, and save it for the dreadful white elephant gift christmas party this year. That's right, a Whataburger gift card.
If this is not enough there was a teenage girl that came into the whataburger wearing ballet slippers, lime green pants, a yellow shirt, and a knitted winter hat that looked like a puppy dog. I should point out that it is 93 F outside and sunny. If it was 32 cloudy with snow I could understand the hat. No matter what the temperature the lime green pants just don't work.
23 August 2010
Ozark Big Ear Bat
Today was Cap's first day of kindergarten. It was an exciting day, and cap wore a shirt that was educational. It had the picture and name of the Ozark Big Ear Bat. Of course he was also sporting a backpack with "Cap" stitched in the back. I find it hard to believe that he is in kindergarten.
Homemade Pizza
Yesterday I attempted something that I had never done, and only read about. I made Pizza from scratch, that's right. I planted a little wheat, ground up the flout, well maybe not that much from scratch. I started with Salt, Yeast, and flour, and the breadmachine. It worked out okay for my first attempt. While I was cooking I did a little reading and learned a few things that might help. Of course, this means investing in more Cooking equipment. Do you think the neighbors will mind a brick oven in the back yard?
21 August 2010
Lumber Yard Shopping List
8-21-10
* Assorted Zipties
* Hanger for Ella's hide-a-way
* New trash can, Old one is trashed, or thrashed might be a better description.
* Assorted Zipties
* Hanger for Ella's hide-a-way
* New trash can, Old one is trashed, or thrashed might be a better description.
20 August 2010
17 August 2010
August 17
Captains Log: Star date... Oh wait, I am not a captain, just another human being. I have had a touch of writers block, I tried to write last night but lost interest when I fell asleep. Mr. C is now 6, and as birthdays go he had a good one. We traversed the city to go to Galveston, and played on the beach. The kids had fun, along with Stuart, Honey & Bear. The Jellyfish were out, although I did not see any there were some possible bite victims. I did find a couple of Hermit crabs, who up until I pulled them out of the water, were living the good life. Then all of a sudden, they get jerked out of water and it is a shock to their system. It was really hot there yesterday, and on the drive home we were hammered by a rainstorm.
While I am not Captain Krik (and let me tell you that is a good thing. I was watching espn classic a while back and he was on some celebrity bowling show. It was quite funny), sometimes I feel like I am going where no one has been before.
While I am not Captain Krik (and let me tell you that is a good thing. I was watching espn classic a while back and he was on some celebrity bowling show. It was quite funny), sometimes I feel like I am going where no one has been before.
11 August 2010
Ella
Here is a picture of Ella in the kitchen after she and Cap watched amy working on the birthday cakes.
08 August 2010
Willie's Icehouse
Today after church we went to eat at a joint called "Willie's Icehouse". It looked like a place that had character, and we had never eaten there. While they do make a decent Bacon Cheese Burger ($7.95) and a great grill cheese sandwich according to cap, they do have some quirks. I guess one could say that it had character, as that is a word with a broad definition. So here it is, they have a counter that you order at, no problem. The signs getting you to the counter are Less Than adequate(LTA). So if I did a taproot investigation, I would say that the human engineering was LTA. When you get to the counter your order and some kid making minimum wage writes your order down, then hands you the ticket. By ticket, I mean the slip of paper that the guy in the kitchen gets. The kid then tells me to take it to the table and the waiter will take care of it. Keep in mind that I did not even pay. When the waiter shows up, he re-reads the order (I guess to make sure the first kid did not make a mistake, which they had) then takes the ticket to the kitchen. Willie's is a new looking place that by design is striving for that old look. Much like stone washed jeans when they were in their prime. If you want character, and good food, my recommendation is Red's, AKA Sandy's, AKA Shannon's. It is a place in Borger that does not have to work hard to look old, because it has been there since my uncle was in high school (it was Red's at that time). You can go into the smoke filled restaurant, order a tea and bacon cheese burger and get out with a $6.00 bill (including tip). In the event you are feeling saucy, you can play a Clarance Carter Song hit on the Juke box.
Does Willie's have character, well they have characters in their name if that counts!
Does Willie's have character, well they have characters in their name if that counts!
06 August 2010
MKT - "The Katy"
Now that I reside in a town named Katy, it is time to explore how it got this name. It was named not for a person, like Clovis (named after King Clovis) rather, this town was given the actual Railroad's nickname. The Missouri-Kansas-Texas line was nicknamed "K-T Railroad." It has a bit of a colorful history, including a stunt crash at a location in Texas that later became "Crush" Texas. There is a great blues song titled "She Caught the Katy" and it took me a few years to finally spend the time to research what the song was about. I was thinking, okay was the KT some sort of disease, because the singer's theme is that his partner catches the KT and leaves him. Once you fill in that the KT is a railroad, and that is why she leaves him a mule to ride, the song makes more sense. The song is part of the SNL spin off movie "The Blues Brothers" which is (I am kind of ashamed to say it) a great movie with lots of wonderful quotes. Certainly not a show to watch with the kids, but it is priceless when they have a high speed chase through the Toys R Us and mall.
05 August 2010
Elizabeth Who
Today is Ella's Birthday, she has turned 3, and it only took 3 years. She was excited to see me tonight, we met at the Chick-Fillet because they have an indoor playground. In addition I really like their food.
Maize is hungry, she is sitting on the couch winning at me so that I will go feed her. It is certainly on the list for this evening, along with crawling into bed. I can't seem to get my pillows configured correctly, so I have been tossing about at night. I am ready for tomorrow evening, because it will be the start of two blissful without work.
The tropical storm colin, which ceased being a tropical storm a few days ago, so my question is: should this be call Colin II, or just Junior.
Maize is hungry, she is sitting on the couch winning at me so that I will go feed her. It is certainly on the list for this evening, along with crawling into bed. I can't seem to get my pillows configured correctly, so I have been tossing about at night. I am ready for tomorrow evening, because it will be the start of two blissful without work.
The tropical storm colin, which ceased being a tropical storm a few days ago, so my question is: should this be call Colin II, or just Junior.
04 August 2010
2920 Days
Today is Amy's cousins' wedding anniversary. They were married 8 years ago today. It is currently the only anniversary of amy's 10 cousins' anniversary that I know. In all likely hood it will be the only one, I will be able to tell you off the top of my head. In the event you are wondering why I can remember this, I will tell you. It is very simple, they were married the day after we were.
So eight years, 2920 days, 2 kids, 1 dog, 2 house, 3 kitchens later we celebrated our anniversary yesterday. It was fun, went out to eat without the kids (they were under direction of a babysitter) then we hit the Target. While dinner was romantic, the trip to Target was functional, I guess that is what happens after 2920 days.
Love, the Beatles sing about, Shakespeare writes about it, poets rhyme passages of words about it, and Hollywood (we Hollywood shows it, misrepresents it, makes fun or it) but we, we get to live it.
So eight years, 2920 days, 2 kids, 1 dog, 2 house, 3 kitchens later we celebrated our anniversary yesterday. It was fun, went out to eat without the kids (they were under direction of a babysitter) then we hit the Target. While dinner was romantic, the trip to Target was functional, I guess that is what happens after 2920 days.
Love, the Beatles sing about, Shakespeare writes about it, poets rhyme passages of words about it, and Hollywood (we Hollywood shows it, misrepresents it, makes fun or it) but we, we get to live it.
25 July 2010
The Kayak Roll
Well I want to start of with a little something on my trip to Northern Louisiana last week. When you go to Louisiana, their specialty it seafood / cajun food, not Mexican food. I did eat at a Mexican food joint last week, it was okay, but it was not like an Emerald "BAM!" Type of experience.
Friday we headed for the hill country,which is one of my favorite parts of Texas. We had the Strebeck summer Family Celebration, which was fun. This leads me to the kayak, I had never been in one so I tried it out. Fist in a two man boat with ella, which went well. Then I decided (Ella did help make the decision when she went of crying for "mom") that I would try a single person. I managed to roll ot over about 6 inches after being push off from shore. I was proud of my new sandals, the functioned well when wet. Our clan had a great time there, one odd thing, we stayed in a hotel that had a tile floor in the room. It caused me to have a little anxiety. On a positive note, our kids did not crash on it.
On the way home we stopped at my cousin Tina's and had lunch in San Antonio, which was a lot of fun. Got to meet Teddy, and have a nice chat.
We did get stuck in traffic 60 miles for houston, so I bailed off the interstate and hit some of the back roads.
Friday we headed for the hill country,which is one of my favorite parts of Texas. We had the Strebeck summer Family Celebration, which was fun. This leads me to the kayak, I had never been in one so I tried it out. Fist in a two man boat with ella, which went well. Then I decided (Ella did help make the decision when she went of crying for "mom") that I would try a single person. I managed to roll ot over about 6 inches after being push off from shore. I was proud of my new sandals, the functioned well when wet. Our clan had a great time there, one odd thing, we stayed in a hotel that had a tile floor in the room. It caused me to have a little anxiety. On a positive note, our kids did not crash on it.
On the way home we stopped at my cousin Tina's and had lunch in San Antonio, which was a lot of fun. Got to meet Teddy, and have a nice chat.
We did get stuck in traffic 60 miles for houston, so I bailed off the interstate and hit some of the back roads.
The Kayak Roll
Well I want to start of with a little something on my trip to Northern Louisiana last week. When you go to Louisiana, their specialty it seafood / cajun food, not Mexican food. I did eat at a Mexican food joint last week, it was okay, but it was not like an Emerald "BAM!" Type of experience.
Friday we headed for the hill country,which is one of my favorite parts of Texas. We had the Strebeck summer Family Celebration, which was fun. This leads me to the kayak, I had never been in one so I tried it out. Fist in a two man boat with ella, which went well. Then I decided (Ella did help make the decision when she went of crying for "mom") that I would try a single person. I managed to roll ot over about 6 inches after being push off from shore. I was proud of my new sandals, the functioned well when wet. Our clan had a great time there, one odd thing, we stayed in a hotel that had a tile floor in the room. It caused me to have a little anxiety. On a positive note, our kids did not crash on it.
On the way home we stopped at my cousin Tina's and had lunch in San Antonio, which was a lot of fun. Got to meet Teddy, and have a nice chat.
We did get stuck in traffic 60 miles for houston, so I bailed off the interstate and hit some of the back roads.
Friday we headed for the hill country,which is one of my favorite parts of Texas. We had the Strebeck summer Family Celebration, which was fun. This leads me to the kayak, I had never been in one so I tried it out. Fist in a two man boat with ella, which went well. Then I decided (Ella did help make the decision when she went of crying for "mom") that I would try a single person. I managed to roll ot over about 6 inches after being push off from shore. I was proud of my new sandals, the functioned well when wet. Our clan had a great time there, one odd thing, we stayed in a hotel that had a tile floor in the room. It caused me to have a little anxiety. On a positive note, our kids did not crash on it.
On the way home we stopped at my cousin Tina's and had lunch in San Antonio, which was a lot of fun. Got to meet Teddy, and have a nice chat.
We did get stuck in traffic 60 miles for houston, so I bailed off the interstate and hit some of the back roads.
17 July 2010
The Early Bird Gets the Table
Today was a summer saturday at home, which as usual, involved a trip to the swimming pool. Today we made it to the pool 8 minutes after it opened (10:08 AM). I finally understand how long it take to get two kids in their bathing suits, sunscreen, pool toys, snacks, towels, and water gathered up. We managed to get a table with a shade on it, and had the pool pretty much to ourselves for the first 30 minutes. Then other folks showed up, we had fun.
Tonight I grilled some steaks, shrimp, and veggies, and made some whole wheat bread in the bread machine. The bread tasted very, very healthy, so I need a little more practice with it.
Tonight I grilled some steaks, shrimp, and veggies, and made some whole wheat bread in the bread machine. The bread tasted very, very healthy, so I need a little more practice with it.
15 July 2010
Travels
Here is a brief recount of my recent travels.
Houma, LA - July 7-9th
I had Cajun food, and stayed at the Fairfield Inn. To be honest it was not what I expected, a little run down, and my room had a de-humidifier. That's right, something that sounded like a diesel engine in my room that removed humidity.
Houston - 1 Night
Abilene, TX - July 10th-11th
Stayed at Alana's had a great time with them as well as Ryan & Amberly. Went to Ryan's church, which I could not remember ever seeing when I lived there. In addition to that, I had the best ribs I have ever had in my life, Doug cooked them for the birthday party.
Houston - 2 Nights (Yippee)
Editorial Note: I drove 300 + miles 3 days in a row.
College Station - July 13-14
Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. I Went to a place called wings and more, and we were all surprised that they actually made a few things that weren't fried. I also had a great pork chop at lunch.
Beeville - July 15
Holiday Inn Express I know what you are thinking, "Where is Beeville?". Well it is in Bee county. Not much to report, did not have a local guide for dinner last night, so I headed to Chillis, one them about that place is consistency. No matter if you are in the houston airport, Amarillo, Tx, or Lincoln Nebraska, the food tastes about the same.
Houma, LA - July 7-9th
I had Cajun food, and stayed at the Fairfield Inn. To be honest it was not what I expected, a little run down, and my room had a de-humidifier. That's right, something that sounded like a diesel engine in my room that removed humidity.
Houston - 1 Night
Abilene, TX - July 10th-11th
Stayed at Alana's had a great time with them as well as Ryan & Amberly. Went to Ryan's church, which I could not remember ever seeing when I lived there. In addition to that, I had the best ribs I have ever had in my life, Doug cooked them for the birthday party.
Houston - 2 Nights (Yippee)
Editorial Note: I drove 300 + miles 3 days in a row.
College Station - July 13-14
Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express. I Went to a place called wings and more, and we were all surprised that they actually made a few things that weren't fried. I also had a great pork chop at lunch.
Beeville - July 15
Holiday Inn Express I know what you are thinking, "Where is Beeville?". Well it is in Bee county. Not much to report, did not have a local guide for dinner last night, so I headed to Chillis, one them about that place is consistency. No matter if you are in the houston airport, Amarillo, Tx, or Lincoln Nebraska, the food tastes about the same.
10 July 2010
Frog Legs
I made an important discovery this past week in Louisiana. I knew they.ate alligator meat, crawfish, and budan, but I did not realize that they ate frog legs. Keep in mind, that I grew up in a place where a wet year was 23 inches of rain. Our fish were freshwater, and we ate a lot of beef and corn.
The frog legs were deep fried (this fits in with southern belief that if it is good, then it is better fried) were good a little on the chewy side. I am a texture person, some people are hung up with color, but texture is important to me. It could taste really good, but if the texture is off, then it does not do it for me. All that said, the chewy texture eliminated the good taste of the frog legs.
The frog legs were deep fried (this fits in with southern belief that if it is good, then it is better fried) were good a little on the chewy side. I am a texture person, some people are hung up with color, but texture is important to me. It could taste really good, but if the texture is off, then it does not do it for me. All that said, the chewy texture eliminated the good taste of the frog legs.
05 July 2010
Cap at pool
You guessed it, here is "Cool Cap" at the pool. We did some snorkeling in the pool, which Cap thought was great.
Ella at pool
While not the best quality photo, I think the subject makes up for it. I ran off and left the camera at the house. I almost got the photo taken, uploaded to flickr, and blogged on my "Smart phone." I made it all the way to getting it blogged before I was shut down, still it is pretty amazing. (Needless to say, we went swimming this morning.)
July 4th 2010 Family Photo
Here is our family photo on the 4th of July. Later it sounded like my neighborhood was under siege, but it was only the fire works that went into the wee hours of the night. We are truly blessed to live in a country with some many freedoms, like religion, speech, and even to publish stuff on the Internet.
Fashion
Yesterday we went to church, then went to the Texas Roadhouse for lunch. While we were there I noticed a couple of the waitresses wearing miss matched socks. I asked Amy if they knew their socks did not match, and she said that they did. Evidently that is a fashion statement, as opposed to a political statement. It reminds my of a children's book that Max Lucado wrote titled, If I Only had a Green Nose, which is a great children's book no matter how old your are. This sock thing is a fad just like the bell bottoms of the 70's and late 90's as they made a resurgence. Clothing fashion is such a strange concept, how things that look good today, my children will laugh at when they are my age.
A few interesting tib bits from the news. A hot dog eating champ was arrested for trying to crash Nathan's hotdog eating contests. (Link) You have got to be kidding me, I mean really, there is much more news worthy stories out there. On a second level, a contest to see who can eat the most hot dogs. This is something you do as kids, with hot dogs, pizza, or Cream Puffs. (I would like to mention that I hold the family record for the most cream puffs eaten at 3. I must clarify that these were the "BIG" ones, not the little ones). Only in America, will we have a contest to see who can eat the most hot dogs. It does not stop there... ...in Amarillo, Texas, there is a steakhouse that will cook you a 72 oz steak for free, if eaten in 1 hour along with the sides, while sitting in front of the entire restaurant.
For all the soccer fans out there, the following link will take you to a video of a couple of announcers, announcing a goal in the world cup. I have always said that it is funner listening to the Spanish announcers while watching, and this is even better.
03 July 2010
Going to Swim WIth Dolphin
Here is the crew getting ready to meet the Dolphins, Cap would not kiss the dolphin, and Ella, gave it "Eskimo Kisses".
Birkenstocks Demise
My sandel's finally fell apart. Natually they decided to do this while on vacation in the Bahamas. They held up for 2 days, until I submerged them in swimming pool water, at which point the two section seperated. It was a true travesty, so I had to pay 16.99 for a pair of 2.00 flip flops at the restort. They are not even comfortable flip flops, part of today's quest, is going to be replacement sandels. That, along with laundry, a trip to the swimming pool, a pasta supper or grilling shrimp on the grill, and mailing two memory sticks of vacation photos to Honey.
25 June 2010
Story Time 6/25/10
Note - I actually wrote this last week, but am just now publishing it.
I started mowing the grass tonight, but took a break for story time. Current we are reading, Thank You Santa". So reading a Christmas book while the kids are playing with the Halloween decorations they found in the draw. It is like the twilight zone.
Thank goodness, we have moved on to a non-holiday book, it is "If you give a cat a cupcake". A good book, not quite as fun to read as "If you give a pig a pancake," but fun none the less. These books kind of remind me of a TV show call connections, which start with some mundane event, and threads its way to great discovery.
I started mowing the grass tonight, but took a break for story time. Current we are reading, Thank You Santa". So reading a Christmas book while the kids are playing with the Halloween decorations they found in the draw. It is like the twilight zone.
Thank goodness, we have moved on to a non-holiday book, it is "If you give a cat a cupcake". A good book, not quite as fun to read as "If you give a pig a pancake," but fun none the less. These books kind of remind me of a TV show call connections, which start with some mundane event, and threads its way to great discovery.
24 June 2010
Reality TV, Really?
So the other day I was spending the night in a small hotel with nothing to really do but watch TV. I happened to stumble across the Golf Channel, I like golf, so I wanted to see what was on. After a few minutes, I decided that reality TV has gone to far. (A thought that I have been harbouring ever since "Survivor" started). So here is the setting, a private resort with a golf course, 10 lady golfers who played in college, and saw a little pro action, and one big house. It is like Survivor crossed with The Real World. As you can image, the challenges were all based on who was the best person on the golf course. I was telling Amy about this and she said, "Isn't that kind of what they do every week on the pga tour."
We live in a world with abundant access to books, I mean we have the printing press, Amazon's Kindle, the Sony reader, a variety of newspapers, magazines, yet, the average American house has 2.24 televisions per house. Americans spend, on average, 4 hours of Television per week. We have become a nation that would rather watch someone else's lives, that we would participate in our own life. That is what I think about reality TV...
We live in a world with abundant access to books, I mean we have the printing press, Amazon's Kindle, the Sony reader, a variety of newspapers, magazines, yet, the average American house has 2.24 televisions per house. Americans spend, on average, 4 hours of Television per week. We have become a nation that would rather watch someone else's lives, that we would participate in our own life. That is what I think about reality TV...
20 June 2010
Slow Camera
I was taking a picture, well this picture with the Sony camera, which is not quite as fast as the Nikon, but what do you expect for a camera that is 1/4 of the price, and fits into your pocket.
Swinging
Cap is enjoying the swing, at what he calls, "The Little Park". Little or not, it has swings, and is within walking distance.
Fathers 2010
"One father is more than a hundred Schoolmasters." ~George Herbert, Outlandish Proverbs, 1640
So happy Father's day, the day which father's are recognized for being, well themselves for the most part. Ole George was right about fathers and schoolmasters, while I learned a lot of book smart from the teachers, I learned more about they way the world worked, in particular a 1966 mustang, than anyone else. My dad taught me how to use a drill when I was 5, I have a 5 year old and he is not going to be touching that drill for a few more years. I learned how to welded before I could drive a car. The first vehicle I drove down a street was a 5 Ton GMC Winch Truck (or Gin Pole Truck), it had a Detroit diesel engine, and 13 speed roadranger transmission. (I don't think I had started drivers education yet). More important, he taught me about integrity, honor, and respect, treat others the way you would want to be treated. Every year, they would put together a vacation trip to Houston, so I could See a doctor. Once the doctor visit was over, the trip was great, lots of fun.
Here's to dad's, while they may be sitting across the room from the conversation, looking at the paper, they are still listening to every thing. No matter what time you call, or how insurmountable the problem, they always have sound advice, and an extra heavy tow-rope to pull you out. No matter how many questions you ask, they always seem to have an answer.
So happy Father's day, the day which father's are recognized for being, well themselves for the most part. Ole George was right about fathers and schoolmasters, while I learned a lot of book smart from the teachers, I learned more about they way the world worked, in particular a 1966 mustang, than anyone else. My dad taught me how to use a drill when I was 5, I have a 5 year old and he is not going to be touching that drill for a few more years. I learned how to welded before I could drive a car. The first vehicle I drove down a street was a 5 Ton GMC Winch Truck (or Gin Pole Truck), it had a Detroit diesel engine, and 13 speed roadranger transmission. (I don't think I had started drivers education yet). More important, he taught me about integrity, honor, and respect, treat others the way you would want to be treated. Every year, they would put together a vacation trip to Houston, so I could See a doctor. Once the doctor visit was over, the trip was great, lots of fun.
Here's to dad's, while they may be sitting across the room from the conversation, looking at the paper, they are still listening to every thing. No matter what time you call, or how insurmountable the problem, they always have sound advice, and an extra heavy tow-rope to pull you out. No matter how many questions you ask, they always seem to have an answer.
19 June 2010
Saturday Morning 6 AM
I think one of my favorite times is saturday morning around 6:00 am. I get up before the kids, and can have a bit of peace and serenity. It is also a nice time to sit outside. One of the issue I have with the greater Houston area in the summer is the heat. Right now it actually feels kind of cool. In the panhandle it cooled off pretty good once the sun went down, making the back porch an "attractive" place to it. Here it is still 85 degrees, with 60 % humidity, so it is not very cool.
There are a few things I could do, pick-up back yard, go for a walk, fold my laundry, or even take some advil for the headache, as I stayed up to late to be up this early.
I can actually hear a cow mooing in the pasture across the street, which is one reason, my does not feel like it is in the big city. That is until you get on I-10 to drive into work with 500,000 other people.
There are a few things I could do, pick-up back yard, go for a walk, fold my laundry, or even take some advil for the headache, as I stayed up to late to be up this early.
I can actually hear a cow mooing in the pasture across the street, which is one reason, my does not feel like it is in the big city. That is until you get on I-10 to drive into work with 500,000 other people.
15 June 2010
Tonight the president was on television, talking about the oil spill. The spill that has been going since April 20th. One interesting fact that I learned today, was the bp (British Petroleum) has more employees in the good ole USA than any other country, including Britain.
"Mean while back at the ranch," have you ever wondered why cliches are so popular. Sayings like, "bite off more than you can chew," "a rolling stone gathers no moss" are just things people say with out much thought. Is it that we are out of phrases, or just to lazy to think of something to say... ...or perhaps they are just sayings we like to use, because they sound so different than their meaning. Take "what ever tickles your fancy" has nothing to do with someone tickling you (or me) until we laugh. It means, If that is the way you like it, then it is okay with me". This would be the McDonald's slogan, unlike Burger King which has, "Have it your way."
"Mean while back at the ranch," have you ever wondered why cliches are so popular. Sayings like, "bite off more than you can chew," "a rolling stone gathers no moss" are just things people say with out much thought. Is it that we are out of phrases, or just to lazy to think of something to say... ...or perhaps they are just sayings we like to use, because they sound so different than their meaning. Take "what ever tickles your fancy" has nothing to do with someone tickling you (or me) until we laugh. It means, If that is the way you like it, then it is okay with me". This would be the McDonald's slogan, unlike Burger King which has, "Have it your way."
14 June 2010
Do Not Come In My Room
Well today was the kids first day back in Katy, which was an interesting lesson in kids. Ella I think has been missing sleeping in the same room as big brother. Cap on the other hand spent some time in his room with the door closed. In fact, he needed a pencil and paper to make a do not enter sign for his door. Which is funny on two different levels. First, instead of "Do Not Enter" the sign said, "Do Not Come in My Room." Secondly, mom and dad will always knock first, but come into the room, leaving Ella, who does not read, to absorb the new sign on Cap's door, which is still hanging on his door. Amy informed me that while closing the door is easy, the is fun in making a sign. I wonder if that will work at the office?
Other than that it was a pretty ordinary day, we picked up Mazie (Ella and I), Cap elected to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas show instead of coming with us. Charlie Brown may be 6 months out of season, but Mr. C sure like to watch them. Of course, on the TiVo, we still have a show titled, "Prep and Landing," (it is an adorable cartoon) about two elves that "Prep" the house before Santa arrives, and assist with the "Landing" of the sleigh. In 6 more months it will be back in style, just like Disco Music...
Other than that it was a pretty ordinary day, we picked up Mazie (Ella and I), Cap elected to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas show instead of coming with us. Charlie Brown may be 6 months out of season, but Mr. C sure like to watch them. Of course, on the TiVo, we still have a show titled, "Prep and Landing," (it is an adorable cartoon) about two elves that "Prep" the house before Santa arrives, and assist with the "Landing" of the sleigh. In 6 more months it will be back in style, just like Disco Music...
05 June 2010
Hello World... ...are you still there?
I have been working on hanging a few pictures in the house, that is in my spare time, to make it more homey. So I had the bright idea to see if I had taken any good picture lately with my camera, i.e. "artsy" photo's. (I have taken plenty of the family, well really those have even fallen short.) After looking through several folders, I realized that I had not taken any pictures that were not related to family events, and of family members. Not that this is a bad thing, I like taking pictures of the family. The exception would be the ole house hunting trip. Amy has the good camera with her, so I am left with a small Sony camera, and the old film camera. I may have to run to wal-mart to see if they have any real B&W film, although I doubt it.
I have been so busy lately, and somewhat disjointed the past year, that I have forgotten about the enjoyment, and value in writing, along with photography. Next year I am going to set a one photo per day rule, which will be placed on flickr.... but that is in about 6 months.
I have been so busy lately, and somewhat disjointed the past year, that I have forgotten about the enjoyment, and value in writing, along with photography. Next year I am going to set a one photo per day rule, which will be placed on flickr.... but that is in about 6 months.
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