Saturday, October 22, 2005
Thursday, October 20, 2005
My first coyote
I saw my first coyote inside the village limits today. My town is about 35,000 people, some small 'forests', and pushes up against some large forest preserves in places. The coyote was no where near any forest. One of my neighbors told me awhile back that she had seen one strolling down the street. I figured she saw someones dog. Maybe not...
It might be easier to get that short range weasel gun I was thinking about for Christmas now...
It might be easier to get that short range weasel gun I was thinking about for Christmas now...
Knives and Distractions
Some interesting rules for knives in the kitchen.
I keep my knives away from the wife. She has a habit of trying to remove the tips of her fingers. With her knives she'll start to hurt and stop before she gets all the way through. A band-aid will usually solve the problem.
With mine - she'd be needing stitches.
I keep my knives away from the wife. She has a habit of trying to remove the tips of her fingers. With her knives she'll start to hurt and stop before she gets all the way through. A band-aid will usually solve the problem.
With mine - she'd be needing stitches.
Best Ranger
If you've never seen this competition set your VCR/TiVO/PVR for tonight. Starting at 7:00 Central on the Discovery Channel and going on for 3 hours it shows America's best competing to see who is really the best.
I watched this a year or two ago on ESPN and it was amazing what these men went through. The online description for tonights episode doesn't say what year they are showing. Hopefully it's the 2005 competition that Blackfive wrote about.
Update: According to Titantv.com it's the 2005 competition. The PVR is set!
I watched this a year or two ago on ESPN and it was amazing what these men went through. The online description for tonights episode doesn't say what year they are showing. Hopefully it's the 2005 competition that Blackfive wrote about.
Update: According to Titantv.com it's the 2005 competition. The PVR is set!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
How many knives
Are you carrying right now?
I got asked this as I was walking out of the computer room at work today. I thought for a second and replied two[1]. The questioner figured 3 or 4 or 5. I guess my reputation precedes me. It's always better to have a knife and not need one than to need a knife and not have one.
Here is what I have on my today. Well most days.
A Leatherman Squirt and a SOG Blink. Both are socially acceptable in the workplace. The Blink, since it's an assisted opener, sometimes startles people till you show them it's not an automatic.
Les Voorhies makes my 'Sunday go to Church knife'.
I got asked this as I was walking out of the computer room at work today. I thought for a second and replied two[1]. The questioner figured 3 or 4 or 5. I guess my reputation precedes me. It's always better to have a knife and not need one than to need a knife and not have one.
Here is what I have on my today. Well most days.
A Leatherman Squirt and a SOG Blink. Both are socially acceptable in the workplace. The Blink, since it's an assisted opener, sometimes startles people till you show them it's not an automatic.
Les Voorhies makes my 'Sunday go to Church knife'.
- Notes:
- [1]This count does not include the three in my daypack :-)
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Monday, October 17, 2005
Visiting Thing1
We took a ride to visit Thing1 at school on Saturday as we had some things to drop off. He was having problems with his wireless access point (old Linksys BEFR model) so he wanted me to look at that as well.
The WAP was toast so we were off to Best Buy to do some shopping. On the way there the kids decided they were hungry so we stopped at Uno's for pizza. Their deep dish pie has a great crust. I wish I could get mine to turn out like that. This is probably my favorite 'chain' pizza.
Best Buy was nice enough to have a D-Link 802.11g WAP on sale. $20.00 after rebate. Thing1 looked longingly at the 802.11g PCMCIA card for his Dell. I smiled and said that he could buy it himself if he wanted it. He then came up with the novel idea of me buying it and him giving me the after rebate price in cash. I gave in and added it to the pile.
As we walked to the front I managed to acquire a CD that my wife wanted. Amazingly nothing else. $120.00 later ($70.00 in rebates to send for) we were on the way to Target (one of my least favorite stores) to get some stuff for his room. I looked at CDs and found the Barlow Girl's latest Another Journal Entry. It included a 'Target Exclusive' second CD so I bought it there.
Back at his room we set up the WAP. The DHCP server isn't quite as nice as the Linksys or the NetGear I have at home where you can map MAC addresses to the server. We had to assign a fixed DHCP address to each of his devices that were going to be attached and then set the range to cover those 4 addresses. Otherwise it was easy for others to mooch off his WAP.
And then it was time to go. Had to get home to feed the dog. As we walked out I noticed the way he was carrying himself and talking to others that we passed - he's grown up a lot. He's turning into a fine young man.
The WAP was toast so we were off to Best Buy to do some shopping. On the way there the kids decided they were hungry so we stopped at Uno's for pizza. Their deep dish pie has a great crust. I wish I could get mine to turn out like that. This is probably my favorite 'chain' pizza.
Best Buy was nice enough to have a D-Link 802.11g WAP on sale. $20.00 after rebate. Thing1 looked longingly at the 802.11g PCMCIA card for his Dell. I smiled and said that he could buy it himself if he wanted it. He then came up with the novel idea of me buying it and him giving me the after rebate price in cash. I gave in and added it to the pile.
As we walked to the front I managed to acquire a CD that my wife wanted. Amazingly nothing else. $120.00 later ($70.00 in rebates to send for) we were on the way to Target (one of my least favorite stores) to get some stuff for his room. I looked at CDs and found the Barlow Girl's latest Another Journal Entry. It included a 'Target Exclusive' second CD so I bought it there.
Back at his room we set up the WAP. The DHCP server isn't quite as nice as the Linksys or the NetGear I have at home where you can map MAC addresses to the server. We had to assign a fixed DHCP address to each of his devices that were going to be attached and then set the range to cover those 4 addresses. Otherwise it was easy for others to mooch off his WAP.
And then it was time to go. Had to get home to feed the dog. As we walked out I noticed the way he was carrying himself and talking to others that we passed - he's grown up a lot. He's turning into a fine young man.
Friday, October 14, 2005
All I want for Christmas is ...
As we have gotten older the wife and I find that we are getting harder and harder to shop for with regards to birthdays and Christmas. We really don't have the need (or space) for stuff that we don't want or would never use. So last year we decided to buy each other something that we really wanted based on our pre-determined spending limit. My present was a Glock 17. Her's was a rocking chair. Both happy campers!
This year we've decided to do the same thing. The only question is what to buy? Something for my computers? Don't really need anything there as I just built a new one. Unless I build another? Hmm - maybe a dedicated PVR?
Of course there is the Surefire line. Not sure which one. Or one of these with magazines to match my Glock? Or this?
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
This year we've decided to do the same thing. The only question is what to buy? Something for my computers? Don't really need anything there as I just built a new one. Unless I build another? Hmm - maybe a dedicated PVR?
Of course there is the Surefire line. Not sure which one. Or one of these with magazines to match my Glock? Or this?
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Carnival of Cordite #33
Gun Safety is the topic number 1. Anyone who shoots or just keeps guns in the home needs to go and read.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Why?
Aren't Chris Muir and Michael Yon available in print form? I realize that Chris' cartoons are a little far to the right for most of the MSM but Michael Yon's writing is riveting and apolitical. It's a must read. Even Chris thinks so.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Sunday, October 02, 2005
A New Door - Day 2
Back when I worked at K-Mart (late seventies, early eighties) one of the departments I worked in was Building Materials. Sold a lot of drywall, paneling, and concrete. And when storm doors were on sale (white crossbuck) we must have sold 30 or 40 a day. Back them they were pretty simple as they were prehung. All you had to too was set the door on the brickmold, square it up and screw it in. Usually took an hour or so.
My new door was like putting together a kids toy on Christmas eve. It's a full length glass door (no picture as a storm blew up just after I got done) that needs to the hinge attached and the frame built. It took ~4 hours to get it right but it looks pretty good. Buffy the Cockatiel Slayer (our Cocker Spaniel) won't go anywhere near it even though she can look right out.
It's real strange - I keep seeing the door out of the corner of my eye and I think its open as there is so much glass. Glass to keep clean... Well - thats the wife's job. :-)
Update: The weather cooperated (it's hot enough for the A/C).
My new door was like putting together a kids toy on Christmas eve. It's a full length glass door (no picture as a storm blew up just after I got done) that needs to the hinge attached and the frame built. It took ~4 hours to get it right but it looks pretty good. Buffy the Cockatiel Slayer (our Cocker Spaniel) won't go anywhere near it even though she can look right out.
It's real strange - I keep seeing the door out of the corner of my eye and I think its open as there is so much glass. Glass to keep clean... Well - thats the wife's job. :-)
Update: The weather cooperated (it's hot enough for the A/C).
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Long day
We have been talking about a new door for the front of the house, well since we bought the house. Sixteen years later we finally got around to it. The orginal door.
An hour later it was all gone.
Old houses are interesting. Even better when they are on slabs. There is no real sill like you have in a house with joists and plywood. Just a little lip made of concrete. Set the door on that and set it square. Couldn't quite make in plumb as the walls aren't really plumb. Got the door to match the wall and screwed it in place. Lots of screws. We decided to replace the locks so the wife went off to Home Depot and brought home a nice Schlage set. Put them in and it looks pretty good.
Tomorrow - paint and a new storm door.
Carnival of Cordite #32
Gullyborg has it. Go and read.
I have to join in his idea of a gun turn in plan.
Don't give them to the goverment just to be destroyed. I'll put them to good use.
I have to join in his idea of a gun turn in plan.
- If you have a firearm that you no longer want, I will happily accept it. You have my word that I will never use it for any illegal activity. Leave a comment and I'll get back to you.
Don't give them to the goverment just to be destroyed. I'll put them to good use.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Carnival of Computing #1
Being a geek for a living I really enjoy working with computers. They have been part of my life, in one way or another, for almost 30 years. If you're like me (or just like playing with computers) take some time and read the first ever Carnival of Computing!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Four Paragraphs
Thats how much of a news story the average person reads unless it really grabs your attention. GM Roper has more. I guess our short attention span is being used against us...
Friday, September 23, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Automated Home Defense
Found a link to this on Blackfive.
A school project based on the Phalanx mini-gun.
Add facial recognition to the software, replace the Airsoft gun with a paintball gun and one would have a great way to keep certain relatives away...
A school project based on the Phalanx mini-gun.
Add facial recognition to the software, replace the Airsoft gun with a paintball gun and one would have a great way to keep certain relatives away...
Great Line
Every morning when I wake up, I read the Bible and the Newspaper... Because I want to know what both sides are up to.
From Jason Smith
He has a great comparison on how the buses are being used in Texas vs. how they weren't used in New Orleans
From Jason Smith
He has a great comparison on how the buses are being used in Texas vs. how they weren't used in New Orleans
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Jet Blue
Thing2 is at Confirmation and the wife is at Bible study. A quiet night to get caught up on Monster Garage and American Chopper. While setting the computer to record something for Thing1 I saw a plane having a problem circling LAX on Fox News. The front gear is locked 90 degrees off center. Just watched the plane land ala the space shuttle. Nose up till the last minute. Lots of sparks flying and the plane is down safe and sound. No rubber left on the front rims. Well - no rims left either.
Great job by the flight crew!
Update
Great job by the flight crew!
Update
- The wheels are part of a recurring problem with AirBus planes?
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Supernatural
I've always liked a good scary movie. Even the cheap thrills like 'Friday the 13th' were fun way back when we (the wife and I) were young and just dating. The wife has lost her taste for such things and I don't like watching them alone. So when the previews were on for WB's Supernatural I was intrigued. Good scary fun.
So far I havn't been disappointed. The premier episode was good clean fun. The second episode, while not as good, was a good start at doing more than ghost stories. This could be fun.
The best part - Thing2 likes it as well!
So far I havn't been disappointed. The premier episode was good clean fun. The second episode, while not as good, was a good start at doing more than ghost stories. This could be fun.
The best part - Thing2 likes it as well!
HELP! MOM! There are LIBERALS Under My Bed!
I used to worry about all kinds of Monsters. Todays kids have it so much worse. I wish we would have had this book when the kids were younger to help explain it all.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Through Military Eyes
Rated PG-13. My dad (USMC 1944-1947) would have loved this. My brothers and sisters that were Air Force (over 40 years between 3 of them) might not like it. They'll probably agree but not like it.
--
Shit: Through the Eyes of the Military
An Army grunt stands in the rain with a 35-pound pack on his back, 15-lb. weapon in his hand, having marched 12 miles, and says, "This is shit."
An Army Airborne Ranger stands in the rain with a 45-pound pack on his back, weapon in hand, after having jumped from a plane and jogged 18 miles, says with a smile, "This is good shit."
A Navy Seal lies in the mud, 55-pound pack on his back, weapon in hand, after swimming 10 miles to shore, crawling through a swamp, and running 25 miles at night past enemy positions, says with a grin, "This is really great shit."
A Marine, up to his nose in the stinking, bug-infested mud of a swamp with a 65-pound pack on his back and weapons in both hands after jumping from an aircraft at high altitude into the ocean, swimming 12 miles to shore, killing several alligators to enter the swamp, then crawling 30 miles through the brush to assault an enemy camp, says, "I love this shit."
An Air Force NCO sits in an easy chair in an air-conditioned, carpeted office in front of his computer and says, "My e-mail is out? What kind of shit is this?"
--
Shit: Through the Eyes of the Military
An Army grunt stands in the rain with a 35-pound pack on his back, 15-lb. weapon in his hand, having marched 12 miles, and says, "This is shit."
An Army Airborne Ranger stands in the rain with a 45-pound pack on his back, weapon in hand, after having jumped from a plane and jogged 18 miles, says with a smile, "This is good shit."
A Navy Seal lies in the mud, 55-pound pack on his back, weapon in hand, after swimming 10 miles to shore, crawling through a swamp, and running 25 miles at night past enemy positions, says with a grin, "This is really great shit."
A Marine, up to his nose in the stinking, bug-infested mud of a swamp with a 65-pound pack on his back and weapons in both hands after jumping from an aircraft at high altitude into the ocean, swimming 12 miles to shore, killing several alligators to enter the swamp, then crawling 30 miles through the brush to assault an enemy camp, says, "I love this shit."
An Air Force NCO sits in an easy chair in an air-conditioned, carpeted office in front of his computer and says, "My e-mail is out? What kind of shit is this?"
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Go Get 'em Marines
I'm sure the Iraqi Army had a lead role in this one.
From Sky News
PowerLine News had the headline. Hopefully Michael Yon will have more soon.
From Sky News
"On Thursday, Major General Rick Lynch said security forces had killed 226 militants and captured 757 in recent operations in Mosul and the surrounding area."
PowerLine News had the headline. Hopefully Michael Yon will have more soon.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Deuces Wild
A year or so back the wife decided she wanted email. And use the interweb. Being a geek I supported her as it made buying a faster laptop and wireless gear so much easier. I also wanted her to get over her fear of technology. Soon she learned to use Google (as a verb no less) and life hasn't been quite the same since.
Readers will recall that the wife is a country music fan (and I love her anyways) so she's always looking for concert tickets for her favorite bands when they are in the area. Usually this means the Allstate Arena or the United Center as they are fairly close. She has always been a big Brooks and Dunn fan so when they came to town she was disapointed as they were playing the Tweeter Center - which is almost two hours away. She had resigned herself to not seeing them.
Then one night I'm watching American Chopper and she's surfing the web in the other room and I hear a scream. Figuring it's a spider I walk out there and she asks how bad would it be to get to the Tweeter Center. I say (like all good husbands) not too bad. She's been crusing the Ticketmaster web site and found 2 seats for Brooks and Dunn in the 20th row dead center. I logged in and bought them. I think I made her day.
Thing2 went and stayed at her Grandpa's house for the evening. We went down a little early and had lunch with Thing1 as his school is kinda on the way there. After lunch we headed over to theatre. Pretty nice place. The "security patdown" was a joke. Anything in the small of the back would get right in. My wife didn't even get touched. We wandered around for a while signing up for various give-a-ways: CD collections, autographed Big and Rich Guitar, and a Chevy Cobalt. The USO of Illinois was also there doing a raffle for a Custom Harley Davidson Fat Boy. For ten bucks you get a shot at winning the bike. Plus the money stays in Illinois to help Americas best when they need a litle lift. The US Army had a booth there attracting a fair amout of traffic. The recruiters were also in the crowd talking to young men and women. And no one was being disrespectful to them.
After we sat down and the opening band The Warren Brothers were done (Good band, wrong market. They really don't seem very country to me) the guy sitting next to my wife asked if it were just the two of us. She said yes and he explained that he had a friend that had seats in the tenth row and his wife couldn't make it so he wanted to sit with his buddy. After a inspection of the tickets we swapped. The wife was real happy now!
Big and Rich are a real good band. Great show. What I could see of it. The lady in front of use brought her young daughter who stood on the chair. That put her at about 6 foot 5. She had a great view. I saw the back of her head. After the set my wife tried to get the lady's attention to ask her to not have her daughter block my view as I headed off to get some liquid refreshment. When I got back the wife and the lady were in a huge argument. Names and insults flying (mainly at the wife). Eventually security got involved. My wife was accused of shoving the little girl and the woman. She was even threatened with physical violence by the woman. Finally security told the woman that if her daughter blocked anyones view again she would be removed from the theatre. All this because the women wouldn't politely talk to my wife. The woman and her kids went off to get something to drink and a lady sitting a couple of seats down came over (she looked to be about 7.5 months pregnant) and asked since she could see over anyones head if she could stand on the chair in front of us - smiling the whole time. The whole section was laughing. The people around us, who had witnessed everything, were amazed the woman had acted the way she did. After the woman left (about 5 songs into Brooks and Dunn) the guy who was sitting next to her moved over to step up on the chair, smiling the whole time.
Brooks and Dunn put on a great show. They end with "Only in America". It's an incredibly patriotic song. During the song 3 Marines, all dressed up, came out in formation, saluted the crowd, and went back in. The crowd went absolutly nuts. Nice thing about country fans - they love the U.S. of A.
One sad note - Ronnie Dunn has a habit of throwing drumsticks into the crowd when he's playing the cowbell. One went a few rows behind us and hit someone in the head. I think she ended up being taken out for medical attention. Hopefully she's ok.
I'm not a country fan but this was a fun show.
Chicago Custom Knife Show
I had planned to go on Saturday but the wife decided that a concert in Tinley Park was a better was to spend Saturday so I took some time off from work and went on Friday.
The room was the same size as last year . To be honest I think that a larger space is necessary. 50% larger with some more makers would be great. I'd also like to see makers and purveyors in different aisles with related vendors (materials, sharpeners, etc) around the outer perimiter as it is now. I think it would make the show easier to navigate.
I kind of had an idea of what I wanted before I went. As usual the plan went out the window fairly soon. I was looking for a small 'tactical' folder - like the small Strider but it was just a tad out of my price range. So I decided to look for a 'gents' folder. Something I could take to church or out to dinner and not get stares at my ugly knife. I looked at a lot of them but most were out of my price range (I guess I'm not that much of a gentleman) or were a little on the large size. In the last aisle of the show I found my knife.
ATS34 Blade, Titanium bolsters and liner, Micarta scales. Smooth, locks up tight, looks great and very affordable. The maker, Les Voorhies, was nice to talk with and explaned his knives quite well. He's probably underpriced by 25 to 50% so I'm glad I got one now.
I also decided to pick up a kitchen knife. Since I don't hunt or fish the kitchen is where I do most of my cutting. I have one of Thomas Haslinger's excellent kitchen knives for heavier work so I looked for something for veggies, chicken, and fish. I found one (again in the last aisle)
Made in Japan - this is a sharp knife! The maker tunes the knife up for you as you purchase it.
I picked some micarta and Ivory for a kit knife that I have. It should look nice when it's done.
In wandering around the show it seems to have moved up a bit since last year. Lots of damacus and upscale scales. It seemed like even more knives were out of my price range than last year. On the other hand knives were selling. At one purveyors table I was looking at a small Sebenza and a $4,000.00 deal went down in under a minute next to me. Ernie Emerson has his usual crowd. He has some hand made knives and was holding drawings for the chance to buy one. The production knives are out my price range so I didn't put my name in.
I got a number of comments on the shirt I was wearing. It was my Arizona Cardinal's #40 jersey. This was Pat Tillman's number before he entered the Army after 9/11. Duane Dyer from Strider Knives came up to me, shook my hand, and complimented me on the jersey. I tried to get a discount out of him for the small folder but it didn't work. :-(
Bobby Branton have a short knife throwing exhibition and discussed throwing. Most interesting conversation. He's bringing out a lower cost throwing knife. May have to get some of those.
Overall it was a good show. It needs to be a bit larger. Hopefully the purveyors won't outnumber the makers in the future.
The room was the same size as last year . To be honest I think that a larger space is necessary. 50% larger with some more makers would be great. I'd also like to see makers and purveyors in different aisles with related vendors (materials, sharpeners, etc) around the outer perimiter as it is now. I think it would make the show easier to navigate.
I kind of had an idea of what I wanted before I went. As usual the plan went out the window fairly soon. I was looking for a small 'tactical' folder - like the small Strider but it was just a tad out of my price range. So I decided to look for a 'gents' folder. Something I could take to church or out to dinner and not get stares at my ugly knife. I looked at a lot of them but most were out of my price range (I guess I'm not that much of a gentleman) or were a little on the large size. In the last aisle of the show I found my knife.
ATS34 Blade, Titanium bolsters and liner, Micarta scales. Smooth, locks up tight, looks great and very affordable. The maker, Les Voorhies, was nice to talk with and explaned his knives quite well. He's probably underpriced by 25 to 50% so I'm glad I got one now.
I also decided to pick up a kitchen knife. Since I don't hunt or fish the kitchen is where I do most of my cutting. I have one of Thomas Haslinger's excellent kitchen knives for heavier work so I looked for something for veggies, chicken, and fish. I found one (again in the last aisle)
Made in Japan - this is a sharp knife! The maker tunes the knife up for you as you purchase it.
I picked some micarta and Ivory for a kit knife that I have. It should look nice when it's done.
In wandering around the show it seems to have moved up a bit since last year. Lots of damacus and upscale scales. It seemed like even more knives were out of my price range than last year. On the other hand knives were selling. At one purveyors table I was looking at a small Sebenza and a $4,000.00 deal went down in under a minute next to me. Ernie Emerson has his usual crowd. He has some hand made knives and was holding drawings for the chance to buy one. The production knives are out my price range so I didn't put my name in.
I got a number of comments on the shirt I was wearing. It was my Arizona Cardinal's #40 jersey. This was Pat Tillman's number before he entered the Army after 9/11. Duane Dyer from Strider Knives came up to me, shook my hand, and complimented me on the jersey. I tried to get a discount out of him for the small folder but it didn't work. :-(
Bobby Branton have a short knife throwing exhibition and discussed throwing. Most interesting conversation. He's bringing out a lower cost throwing knife. May have to get some of those.
Overall it was a good show. It needs to be a bit larger. Hopefully the purveyors won't outnumber the makers in the future.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Carnival of Cordite special double edition!
This week, we feature a special disaster preparedness section and breaking news on gun confiscations in New Orleans.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Have a Plan
This has always been in my mind. Have a plan. No matter what - when there is something to be done - have a plan. This doesn't keep me from spending the day doing nothing (great plan!) every once in a while but otherwise - gotta have a plan.
What kind of a plan am I talking about? A plan to survive. After seeing that Katrina did to the gulf states and how unprepared the local authorities were in Lousiana I decided to review my plan.
Where I live I don't have to worry about hurricanes. We just get tornadoes. And blizzards. Ice storms. Except for tornados we generally have warning and can prepare. Tornados can take a house and then you have to survive. And execute your plan.
Ours was relativly simple. When storms are severe we grab our go bags and double check that we have sufficent cash, clothes, and medication (Medication is critical) and place the bags in our storm shelter. If things get bad we join the bags in the shelter and ride out the storm. If we lose the house and manage to survive we have family and friends that are close by who homes would more than likely not be affected and we'd crash there for a couple of days till insurance kicked in and we got into a hotel. Life would suck for a while but we'd move on.
Ice and snow are a little different. They can strike with little notice so the winter plan involves plenty of bottled water, fire wood, and canned goods. We can easily got 5-7 days without leaving the house.
What does this have to do with Katrina? Plenty if one allows the mind to wander. We're not far from Chicago or O'Hare airport. Either one would be a likely target for a terror attack involving a WMD (dirty bomb, poison gas, etc). This is what my plan needs to address.
While we are upwind are far as prevailing winds go in relation to O'Hare and Chicago every once in a while we get wind from the East - which would be the perfect time to attack for maximum effect. What would we do? Even if we weren't directly affected we'd have to move. Quickly.
The storm go bags would be tossed in the van. The back seat would come out. Still room for the 4 of us and lots of room for storage. Two tents, sleeping bags, a cookstove, pots and pans, and fuel could be in the van in 5 minutes. My daypack and it's attached cutlery go in. The wifes pack with her special things come along as well. The kids each have a pack they can put a few special things in to take along. Bottled water, canned and boxed food go as well. Dog food and a leash for Buffy. All of this is ok if things stay stable where ever we would end up.
What if they don't? Well my Glock 17, Ruger Mark II, Ruger 10/22, and H&R 865 are part of the pack. Sufficent ammo for both calibers is usually in the house. This is fine for close protection and small game. What about larger game? Or human problems at a distance?
I've always wanted a AR15 but the price tag is just too much for me right now. The .223 is in the lite side for de-animation. The M1 or M14 in .308 are awesome (love the SOCOM rifle) but the price is jut too painful right now. AK-47 clones are interesting but scream bad guy. This leads to, it seems to me, the SKS. Available for under $200.00 and a good caliber. Designed as a battle rifle and it doesn't scream 'terrorist'. Thing1 is handy with a rifle so this would be good for him as well. A carbine in 9mm to match the Glock seems like a possibility as well. The Kel-Tec is around $300.00 and would make it easy for the wife to put up a defense if necessary and not have to worry about recoil.
Thing1 and I have talked about tactics a bit. Not enough. Never practiced them either. Gotta find time for that. And bring the wife into this way of thinking. She's not quite there yet.
What am I missing? Outside of the SKS and Kel-Tec. Flashlights. Radio. Batteries. Those would be handy. Sure-Fire or Mag-Lite. Maybe both? Should I take the laptop and digital camera? Water purification? How much ammo? Is three calibers too much? Too little?
What I really need is ideas. I'm sure my fellow CofC writers will put forth their own plans for me to read. I can't wait.
What kind of a plan am I talking about? A plan to survive. After seeing that Katrina did to the gulf states and how unprepared the local authorities were in Lousiana I decided to review my plan.
Where I live I don't have to worry about hurricanes. We just get tornadoes. And blizzards. Ice storms. Except for tornados we generally have warning and can prepare. Tornados can take a house and then you have to survive. And execute your plan.
Ours was relativly simple. When storms are severe we grab our go bags and double check that we have sufficent cash, clothes, and medication (Medication is critical) and place the bags in our storm shelter. If things get bad we join the bags in the shelter and ride out the storm. If we lose the house and manage to survive we have family and friends that are close by who homes would more than likely not be affected and we'd crash there for a couple of days till insurance kicked in and we got into a hotel. Life would suck for a while but we'd move on.
Ice and snow are a little different. They can strike with little notice so the winter plan involves plenty of bottled water, fire wood, and canned goods. We can easily got 5-7 days without leaving the house.
What does this have to do with Katrina? Plenty if one allows the mind to wander. We're not far from Chicago or O'Hare airport. Either one would be a likely target for a terror attack involving a WMD (dirty bomb, poison gas, etc). This is what my plan needs to address.
While we are upwind are far as prevailing winds go in relation to O'Hare and Chicago every once in a while we get wind from the East - which would be the perfect time to attack for maximum effect. What would we do? Even if we weren't directly affected we'd have to move. Quickly.
The storm go bags would be tossed in the van. The back seat would come out. Still room for the 4 of us and lots of room for storage. Two tents, sleeping bags, a cookstove, pots and pans, and fuel could be in the van in 5 minutes. My daypack and it's attached cutlery go in. The wifes pack with her special things come along as well. The kids each have a pack they can put a few special things in to take along. Bottled water, canned and boxed food go as well. Dog food and a leash for Buffy. All of this is ok if things stay stable where ever we would end up.
What if they don't? Well my Glock 17, Ruger Mark II, Ruger 10/22, and H&R 865 are part of the pack. Sufficent ammo for both calibers is usually in the house. This is fine for close protection and small game. What about larger game? Or human problems at a distance?
I've always wanted a AR15 but the price tag is just too much for me right now. The .223 is in the lite side for de-animation. The M1 or M14 in .308 are awesome (love the SOCOM rifle) but the price is jut too painful right now. AK-47 clones are interesting but scream bad guy. This leads to, it seems to me, the SKS. Available for under $200.00 and a good caliber. Designed as a battle rifle and it doesn't scream 'terrorist'. Thing1 is handy with a rifle so this would be good for him as well. A carbine in 9mm to match the Glock seems like a possibility as well. The Kel-Tec is around $300.00 and would make it easy for the wife to put up a defense if necessary and not have to worry about recoil.
Thing1 and I have talked about tactics a bit. Not enough. Never practiced them either. Gotta find time for that. And bring the wife into this way of thinking. She's not quite there yet.
What am I missing? Outside of the SKS and Kel-Tec. Flashlights. Radio. Batteries. Those would be handy. Sure-Fire or Mag-Lite. Maybe both? Should I take the laptop and digital camera? Water purification? How much ammo? Is three calibers too much? Too little?
What I really need is ideas. I'm sure my fellow CofC writers will put forth their own plans for me to read. I can't wait.
A different view of the events in Lousiana
Drumwaster looks to have it down. And in my opinion he's got it just about right.
Instapundit Speaks
"If you are not willing to take care of yourself you deserve to die." - Glenn Reynolds on the radio - 9/7/2005
Well said Professor!
In the case of natural disasters - I have to agree. You have to prepare and have a plan. The wife and I are updating our preparations and plan. Maybe even a plan to backup your first plan. Here is Northern Illinois we really only have Tornados to worry about. We'll take into account a terror attack on Chicago or O'Hare but I think we'll focus on surviving nature.
Well said Professor!
In the case of natural disasters - I have to agree. You have to prepare and have a plan. The wife and I are updating our preparations and plan. Maybe even a plan to backup your first plan. Here is Northern Illinois we really only have Tornados to worry about. We'll take into account a terror attack on Chicago or O'Hare but I think we'll focus on surviving nature.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Excuses
Much has been written about the lack of transportation out of New Orleans for those unable to provide their own. According to the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Southeast Louisiana Hurricane Evacuation & Sheltering Plan (p13 of EOPSupplement1a.pdf )
So the plan calls for the use of school and municpal buses. So why do we see this?
after Mayor Nagin was screaming for buses? Why weren't the used before Katrina made landfall and then again afterwards?
I know. It's Bush's fault!
Maybe not.
Image credits - Sacred Cow Burgers
- "The primary means of hurricane evacuation will be personal vehicles. School and municipal buses, government-owned vehicles and vehicles provided by volunteer agencies may be used to provide transportation for individuals who lack transportation and require assistance in evacuating."
So the plan calls for the use of school and municpal buses. So why do we see this?
after Mayor Nagin was screaming for buses? Why weren't the used before Katrina made landfall and then again afterwards?
I know. It's Bush's fault!
Maybe not.
Image credits - Sacred Cow Burgers
Two Tribes
Bill Whittle is an awesome writer. I'd like to have stuff that is as good as what he edits out. Go read Two Tribes.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Non-Perishables
The wife listens to country music. By assocation I get to listen to it as well. On her way home from Church on Saturday with Thing2 she heard an announcement on the radio for an event to load up a semi-trailer with non-perishables for those affected by Katrina. She stopped on the way home and picked up some blankets, shampoo, etc. After she got home we went through our closets looking for clothes that other might need. Filled up a couple of bags and put them in the van.
After Church today we headed to the location. The event was from 10 - 2. When we arrived at 9:45 there was already enough to fill one truck. A second was already on the way. We put our stuff on the stack and I walked around taking pictures. When I got back the wife had started helping sort and pack boxes. I took that as a hint and started too.
We pack backpacks with clothes, boxes with food, stacked bottled water on pallets, whatever was needed. After a couple of hours we were tired. Fresh volunteers had arrived so we took off. Two trucks were full. 2 or 3 more were on the way. Not only had the deli whose parking lot the event was using contributed time and space but so did Menards (pallets, people, fork lift) and Steak and Shake (people) help out but one guy, who's company was doing construction in the area, brought over this forklift that could put pallets into the back of the trucks. Huge timesaver.
One package got to me. It was full of stuffed animals. Each one had a little message.
Puts one's faith back.
There were people bringing a box of clothes, a box of food, whatever they could afford. One person brought a truckload (and trailer) of bottled water. Probably 3 pallets worth. Another went shopping at Sam's Club and came with over $3000.00 worth of merchandise. Amazing people - responding for a request for assistance.
After Church today we headed to the location. The event was from 10 - 2. When we arrived at 9:45 there was already enough to fill one truck. A second was already on the way. We put our stuff on the stack and I walked around taking pictures. When I got back the wife had started helping sort and pack boxes. I took that as a hint and started too.
We pack backpacks with clothes, boxes with food, stacked bottled water on pallets, whatever was needed. After a couple of hours we were tired. Fresh volunteers had arrived so we took off. Two trucks were full. 2 or 3 more were on the way. Not only had the deli whose parking lot the event was using contributed time and space but so did Menards (pallets, people, fork lift) and Steak and Shake (people) help out but one guy, who's company was doing construction in the area, brought over this forklift that could put pallets into the back of the trucks. Huge timesaver.
One package got to me. It was full of stuffed animals. Each one had a little message.
Puts one's faith back.
There were people bringing a box of clothes, a box of food, whatever they could afford. One person brought a truckload (and trailer) of bottled water. Probably 3 pallets worth. Another went shopping at Sam's Club and came with over $3000.00 worth of merchandise. Amazing people - responding for a request for assistance.
Update 9/6/2005
From the stations website -
"Big John and Ray teamed up with Catom Trucking to fill SIX semi trucks with goods that are now heading south to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Listener response was so massive that local authorities and nearby merchants stepped in to help direct traffic and keep the loading and unloading of donations running smoothly. THANK YOU from everyone at US99.5 for your continued generosity!"
Six trailers full? Awesome!
Painting .eq. car wash
It was a simple plan. Go to church and spend some time painting trim around the windows in our old sanctuary. A couple hours of work on a beautiful Saturday morning.
Get to church and there are signs for a hurricane relief car wash. Tables are set up in the area I was going to be painting. Was is the word as painting would wait. So I got my car washed and headed home.
Not too much later one of the youth leaders from church called looking for Thing2. More help was needed. We got her moving and the wife took her to church. The line was out of the parking lot and down the street. When Thing2 made it home 5 hours later she was wiped. And she had a smile on her face. Hard work for a good cause is the best kind of work.
Today at church the Pastor announced the totals: 245 cars washed raising $5,000.00. Not bad for a free will payment plan. Toss in Thrivents 1 for 2 matching and that is $7,500.00 on its way to help out.
Get to church and there are signs for a hurricane relief car wash. Tables are set up in the area I was going to be painting. Was is the word as painting would wait. So I got my car washed and headed home.
Not too much later one of the youth leaders from church called looking for Thing2. More help was needed. We got her moving and the wife took her to church. The line was out of the parking lot and down the street. When Thing2 made it home 5 hours later she was wiped. And she had a smile on her face. Hard work for a good cause is the best kind of work.
Today at church the Pastor announced the totals: 245 cars washed raising $5,000.00. Not bad for a free will payment plan. Toss in Thrivents 1 for 2 matching and that is $7,500.00 on its way to help out.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Thanks
Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Honduras, Germany, Venezuela, Jamaica, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, China, South Korea, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Guatemala, Paraguay, Belgium, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Italy, Guyana, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Lithuania, Spain, Dominica, Norway, Cuba and the Bahamas.
Every bit helps.
Every bit helps.
About time
That someone grew a spine.
Troops Arrive in New Orleans With Shoot-To-Kill Orders
How about tasking Cobra gunships with the SAR choppers as well?
Troops Arrive in New Orleans With Shoot-To-Kill Orders
How about tasking Cobra gunships with the SAR choppers as well?
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Satellite Shots of New Orleans
NASA - Be sure to let the animated gif at the top stop and then compare it to the normal view at the bottom.
Global Security - Views of numerous sites
Global Security - Views of numerous sites
Americans Aiding Americans
If you're interesting in the amount of aid coming forth for those affected by Katrina - check out Chuck Simmins page
Music for Relief
Found this via Michelle Malkin at Slublog:
Yep - That Stephen King. What a great idea.
WKIT-FM 100.3 here in Bangor is having a "Pay for Play" day to benefit the American Red Cross. If you're in WKIT listening area, call the radio station at 1-800-287-1003 or 990-3100 and request a song with a minimum pledge of $10.
Station owners Stephen and Tabitha King are matching, dollar for dollar, every donation. It's a rock station, so I'm tempted to call in with a request for Barry Manilow.
Yep - That Stephen King. What a great idea.
Katrina - How to Help
It's easy. Point and click - anyone can do it.
I prefer The Salvation Army as they have an excellent record of low overhead but there are many others including the American Red Cross
And as many issues as I have with the ELCA they are already there helping out.
Please give. Generously.
I prefer The Salvation Army as they have an excellent record of low overhead but there are many others including the American Red Cross
And as many issues as I have with the ELCA they are already there helping out.
Please give. Generously.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Katrina
It's bad enough that a Class 4 hurricane trashes your city. But what really gets to me is when people loot. I don't understand how one can justify taking something that isn't yours, that you did not pay for or otherwise earn, just because the windows are blown in?
Hopefully any shop owners that braved the storm are properly equiped. I think a emulation of the Korean business owners during the King riots is in order. AK-47's for everyone!
Local coverage - WWLTV
Hopefully any shop owners that braved the storm are properly equiped. I think a emulation of the Korean business owners during the King riots is in order. AK-47's for everyone!
Local coverage - WWLTV
He's growing up
Thing1 has been back at school for a week now. He helped move freshman in, organize activities for them (last year there was nothing for the freshman to do), and be a listener. A freshman came up to him, almost in tears, as things weren't going well. Roommate issues, no friends, etc. Thing1 sat down and talked with her - relating his similar experience last year. When they were done she knew that she had someone to talk to. Thing1 knew he was in the right place at the right time.
God is good. All the time.
God is good. All the time.
Second Annual Chicago Custom Knife Show
The Second Annual Chicago Custom Knife Show, which will be held on Friday, Sept. 9th and Saturday, Sept. 10th at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
For more details, please go to www.chicagocustomknifeshow.com.
This year's show features even more great knife makers, as well as exciting door prizes, seminars, knife throwing exhibitions, drawings for limited edition Strider knives and much more. The world famous Ron Lake, Virgil England, Warren Osborne, Joe Kious, Todd Begg, Richard Rogers, Ricardo Velarde, Barry Gallagher, Rick Dunkerley, and Jim & Joyce Minnick are among our new exhibitors.
Come to the 2005 Chicago Custom Knife Show, where you will have the opportunity to view and purchase some of the best custom knives available in the world, meet the finest knife makers, learn more about your hobby and have a great time!
--
I went last year and had a blast. I'll have a bit more to spend this year so we'll see what goodies come home with me
For more details, please go to www.chicagocustomknifeshow.com.
This year's show features even more great knife makers, as well as exciting door prizes, seminars, knife throwing exhibitions, drawings for limited edition Strider knives and much more. The world famous Ron Lake, Virgil England, Warren Osborne, Joe Kious, Todd Begg, Richard Rogers, Ricardo Velarde, Barry Gallagher, Rick Dunkerley, and Jim & Joyce Minnick are among our new exhibitors.
Come to the 2005 Chicago Custom Knife Show, where you will have the opportunity to view and purchase some of the best custom knives available in the world, meet the finest knife makers, learn more about your hobby and have a great time!
--
I went last year and had a blast. I'll have a bit more to spend this year so we'll see what goodies come home with me
Sunday, August 28, 2005
What Soldiers think
- "just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. At a celebratory gathering at his parents' home, we chatted a while, and I asked him what he thought were the biggest problems facing the military. Without hesitating, he shot back: "The terrorists and the media.""
More thought insight.
DC Freeps Rock!
Gunn Nutt has all the details.
Personally I think he needs to give broccoli another chance. Communists - none. Never.
Personally I think he needs to give broccoli another chance. Communists - none. Never.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Number 22
On August 27th, 1983 the wife (then the girlfriend) and I were married. It was hot in that little church. No AC either. Her nephew, playing he role of the ringbearer was a tad figity. He almost knocked over a candle and set the altar on fire. Doesn't sound like much of a start.
Well the party afterwards was great. I think we set the standard for weddings in our group of friends. Not one since has been quite as fun.
Hard to believe that it was 22 years ago. Where did the time go? Kids? Lets see - scouts, sports, karate, school. Thing1, now 19, is a sophmore in college. Thing2, at 14, is in 8th grade. Our second cocker spaniel, Buffy the Cockatiel Slayer, lays on the floor next to me. We're in our second home and getting ready for the second part of our life together.
Has it been perfect? No. Life never is. We learned a long time ago that some things just aren't worth arguing over. We've learned to live with each others unique traits. We learned, that sometimes, you have to walk away rather than say something stupid. We learned that "I'm sorry" can solve a lot of problems. Patience and love can go a long way.
My wife is a special person. I'm not the easiest to get along with and yet here she is. By my side the whole way. I don't deserve her but I'm glad I got her.
I love you sweetie pie
Well the party afterwards was great. I think we set the standard for weddings in our group of friends. Not one since has been quite as fun.
Hard to believe that it was 22 years ago. Where did the time go? Kids? Lets see - scouts, sports, karate, school. Thing1, now 19, is a sophmore in college. Thing2, at 14, is in 8th grade. Our second cocker spaniel, Buffy the Cockatiel Slayer, lays on the floor next to me. We're in our second home and getting ready for the second part of our life together.
Has it been perfect? No. Life never is. We learned a long time ago that some things just aren't worth arguing over. We've learned to live with each others unique traits. We learned, that sometimes, you have to walk away rather than say something stupid. We learned that "I'm sorry" can solve a lot of problems. Patience and love can go a long way.
My wife is a special person. I'm not the easiest to get along with and yet here she is. By my side the whole way. I don't deserve her but I'm glad I got her.
I love you sweetie pie
No more Ben and Jerry's for me
I like their ice cream. It's a treat every once in a while. I know they lean to the left and I lean to the right but - it's good stuff.
However - after reading that they are funding Camp Casey I'll never spend my money on their product again.
Thanks for the link Professor.
However - after reading that they are funding Camp Casey I'll never spend my money on their product again.
Thanks for the link Professor.
My letter to the editor
The wife noticed it in the paper when she read it. I guess the red sharpie square around it helped. :-)
I sent it off to Thing1 as he doesn't get the Daily Herald at school. He sent it off to one of his high school buddies and she read it to her father. According to Thing1 I got a 'Hooah' from her Dad. I'll take that as a compliment.
I sent it off to Thing1 as he doesn't get the Daily Herald at school. He sent it off to one of his high school buddies and she read it to her father. According to Thing1 I got a 'Hooah' from her Dad. I'll take that as a compliment.
Project Valour-IT
Chris Muir has spoken (drawn?)
Have you contributed? It's a worthy cause for America's best. It's easy. I've done it. So can you!
Blackfive donates the net proceeds from his shirt sales to Soldiers Angels. What a deal!. Get a unique shirt - help a great cause.
Have you contributed? It's a worthy cause for America's best. It's easy. I've done it. So can you!
Blackfive donates the net proceeds from his shirt sales to Soldiers Angels. What a deal!. Get a unique shirt - help a great cause.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Michael Yon
Honest front line reporting from Iraq. Thats what Mr. Yon provides. Todays dispatch is a must read.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Back to school - A near death experience
And off we went. Fun driving on 355, 290, and other roads here is Chicagoland. Thats where I expected problems but none occurred. Got everything into his room. This was fun as Thing1's room was the second farthest from the elevator on the top floor of the dorm. Great view but a pain to get everything to it. Computers, clothes, furniture - it's all there. Funny thing about computers - he took three. One for school work, one for gaming, and one as a 'server'. Easy to tell he's my kid.
After we got everything into his roon and all the boxes and duffles that were coming back home unpacked I took him and Thing2 to lunch. Since I had only one seat in the van I had Thing1 drive so we could all be belted in. On the way back from Subway some lady decided to try and turn left across the road in front of us while only looking right as we were coming from her left. It would have been very messy and Thing2 and I would, at the very least, be in the hospital right now. Given the size of the SUV she was driving I'd probably not be here. Thing1 did a great job getting as far away from her as possible without going into oncoming traffic which gave her enough time to stop. Our hearts skipped a few beats there.
After we got safely back to school we walked around a bit and then Thing2 and I took off. No tears like last year. Just a hug and we were on our way. Thing1 was off to put his gaming machine together before a meeting.
Great kid I got there.
After we got everything into his roon and all the boxes and duffles that were coming back home unpacked I took him and Thing2 to lunch. Since I had only one seat in the van I had Thing1 drive so we could all be belted in. On the way back from Subway some lady decided to try and turn left across the road in front of us while only looking right as we were coming from her left. It would have been very messy and Thing2 and I would, at the very least, be in the hospital right now. Given the size of the SUV she was driving I'd probably not be here. Thing1 did a great job getting as far away from her as possible without going into oncoming traffic which gave her enough time to stop. Our hearts skipped a few beats there.
After we got safely back to school we walked around a bit and then Thing2 and I took off. No tears like last year. Just a hug and we were on our way. Thing1 was off to put his gaming machine together before a meeting.
Great kid I got there.
The look
Thing1 heads back to school today. He's on the freshman welcoming commitee so he goes in a week early. Thing2 and I are driving his stuff down while he takes his car down. In preparation for this the wife took him to the bank to give him access to his money without going through us.
So they are at the bank signing forms. The clerk askes for two forms of picture ID. Thing1 only has his license plus his credit card. The wife produces her license and FOID card. The clerk stares at the card trying to figure out what it is. And when she does she gives my wife one of those nervous looks over the top of her glasses as she finishes the paper work.
The FOID card is what the great (yea right) state of Illinois uses to identify gun owners. Illinois doesn't register guns, just their owners. The wife has one in case she feels the need to buy me something.
She said the look was priceless!
So they are at the bank signing forms. The clerk askes for two forms of picture ID. Thing1 only has his license plus his credit card. The wife produces her license and FOID card. The clerk stares at the card trying to figure out what it is. And when she does she gives my wife one of those nervous looks over the top of her glasses as she finishes the paper work.
The FOID card is what the great (yea right) state of Illinois uses to identify gun owners. Illinois doesn't register guns, just their owners. The wife has one in case she feels the need to buy me something.
She said the look was priceless!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Thursday, August 18, 2005
You Don’t Speak for Me, Cindy
Will the media fawn all over the You Don’t Speak for Me, Cindy tour like they do Cindy?
Somehow I doubt it.
Somehow I doubt it.
A letter to the NY Times
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Letter to the Editor
A couple of days ago the local paper had an article on Iraq and the theme was that there was "No room for complacency on Iraq". Here's the letter I sent in.
Will it get published? Probably not. Most of the letters that get printed lean to the political left.
August 18, 2005 Update:
August 25, 2005 Update:
- Why are Americans complacent about Iraq? Could the answer be any closer than the pages of the Daily Herald itself? Like the rest of the Main Stream Media, the Daily Herald only tells the bad news. One can read about the deaths of Soldiers and Marines, IEDs, and failures at the bargining table but never about the new schools, the increase in oil output, Iraq's first independent news agency, a radio station dedicated to women's issues, etc. Why do Daily Herald readers have to search for information that a paper who's founder stated "...to tell the truth"?
If the Daily Herald is serious about the problem of complacency with regard to Iraq and the Global War on Terror then the Daily Herald needs to take a step back and review it's own reporting. The information is out there. It's time the Herald start reporting it.
Will it get published? Probably not. Most of the letters that get printed lean to the political left.
August 18, 2005 Update:
- I got a call from the Herald verifying that I sent the letter. It's been forwarded to the Editor for consideration.
August 25, 2005 Update:
- Published in todays paper
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Peace not Walls
I was raised in a Lutheran Church. Baptized, confirmed, and married. Thing1 and 2 were both baptized as Lutherans and Thing1 is a confirmed member of our Church. Thing2 will be in another year. This is the same church that I've mentioned having some issues with.
Our Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and I'm not sure thats a good thing. Parent organizations provide many forms of support but they also sap funds that could be used locally. These parent organizations also do things like 4 year long sexuality studies. After tens of thousands of dollars the ELCA position is the same as it was.
But thats not whats bugging me today. The ELCA 2005 Churchwide Assembly voted "to participate in a campaign -- "Peace Not Walls: Stand for Justice in the Holy Land" -- designed to build awareness, and engage in accompaniment and advocacy activities for "peace with justice" between Israel and Palestine." The ELCA is upset about the wall Israel was building to keep its citizens safe from sucide bombers. The wall makes sense to me. Keep the bombers away from the citizens. The position of the wall may be up for discussion but if it keeps the citizens safe I'm all for it. (The U.S. could use one along it's southern border...)
This area of the world has been fought over since before Christ was born. And now the ELCA wants us to stick our collective noses in. On the side of the nation sponsoring terrorism. I can't do that. Not at the expense of Israeli citizens. They need to be able to protect their people.
Our Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and I'm not sure thats a good thing. Parent organizations provide many forms of support but they also sap funds that could be used locally. These parent organizations also do things like 4 year long sexuality studies. After tens of thousands of dollars the ELCA position is the same as it was.
But thats not whats bugging me today. The ELCA 2005 Churchwide Assembly voted "to participate in a campaign -- "Peace Not Walls: Stand for Justice in the Holy Land" -- designed to build awareness, and engage in accompaniment and advocacy activities for "peace with justice" between Israel and Palestine." The ELCA is upset about the wall Israel was building to keep its citizens safe from sucide bombers. The wall makes sense to me. Keep the bombers away from the citizens. The position of the wall may be up for discussion but if it keeps the citizens safe I'm all for it. (The U.S. could use one along it's southern border...)
This area of the world has been fought over since before Christ was born. And now the ELCA wants us to stick our collective noses in. On the side of the nation sponsoring terrorism. I can't do that. Not at the expense of Israeli citizens. They need to be able to protect their people.
Trample someone, get a iBook
As much as I'd like to have one at home (especially at $50.00) I would never do this.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Casey's Mom might just be dumber than a rock
From Drudge
Thing1 had just gotten up so I read that to him. He had his usual insightful opinion
And Leprechans will dance in the fields. How dumb can she be?
Great kid I got there.
Casey's Mom is also not going to pay income taxes. I hope the IRS goes after her with extreme prejudice. As unfair as I think the tax system is (flat tax anyone?) everyone needs to pay their share.
- "You get America out of Iraq and Israel out of Palestine and you'll stop the terrorism," Sheehan declares.
Thing1 had just gotten up so I read that to him. He had his usual insightful opinion
And Leprechans will dance in the fields. How dumb can she be?
Great kid I got there.
Casey's Mom is also not going to pay income taxes. I hope the IRS goes after her with extreme prejudice. As unfair as I think the tax system is (flat tax anyone?) everyone needs to pay their share.
Saturday, August 13, 2005
War for Oil?
Not according to Austin Bay (from a link on PowerLine)
Hmmm - no mention of the US in there. An elected goverment controlling their nations prime export and sharing it equally. Excellent.
- Under the agreement, oil revenue would be shared by the central government and Iraq’s 18 provinces, and split roughly according to their populations. It was unclear which entity would control the money, though one Iraqi leader said it would be the central government.
“The agreement is that the distribution would be under the control of the federal government,” said the leader, Saleh Mutlak, a member of the committee charged with writing the constitution.
Hmmm - no mention of the US in there. An elected goverment controlling their nations prime export and sharing it equally. Excellent.
Makes sense to me
From Right Thinking
" Being against the war is not unpatriotic. Cheering for America to lose is."
This is just perfect and describes so much of what is going on today. It doesn't bother me if a family member, friend, or co-worker disagrees with me with regard to Iraq. This is America and brave men and women have sacrificed all so that we have that freedom. But when they want more bloodshed, more body bags coming home, more carnage just to they can attack the President and his policies - that makes me sick.
I don't agree with everything that Bush does nor did I agree with all of the policies of Clinton, Bush 41, Reagan, Ford, or Carter. (Before that I was to young to care) But I never wanted the US to lose, to walk away from a task left unfinished, to give up, because I knew that we would have to come back. And that coming back would cost more.
If you want to be against the war - fine with me. It's your right. But lose the "War for oil", "Bush lied, people died", etc, crap. Be against it for a real reason as the babble spewed forth by the antiwar crowd just doesn't hold up to any real scrutiny. And be ready to back up your reason with a logical, fact based argument.
" Being against the war is not unpatriotic. Cheering for America to lose is."
This is just perfect and describes so much of what is going on today. It doesn't bother me if a family member, friend, or co-worker disagrees with me with regard to Iraq. This is America and brave men and women have sacrificed all so that we have that freedom. But when they want more bloodshed, more body bags coming home, more carnage just to they can attack the President and his policies - that makes me sick.
I don't agree with everything that Bush does nor did I agree with all of the policies of Clinton, Bush 41, Reagan, Ford, or Carter. (Before that I was to young to care) But I never wanted the US to lose, to walk away from a task left unfinished, to give up, because I knew that we would have to come back. And that coming back would cost more.
If you want to be against the war - fine with me. It's your right. But lose the "War for oil", "Bush lied, people died", etc, crap. Be against it for a real reason as the babble spewed forth by the antiwar crowd just doesn't hold up to any real scrutiny. And be ready to back up your reason with a logical, fact based argument.
Road trip
Not like vacation but a trip to Thing1's school. He's taking a car back and had never driven there before so we hit the road and went for a drive. Outside of needing to use his turn signals earlier when changing lanes on the expressway he did a great job. Hopefully the wife won't be so worried when he goes back to school in 10 days.
Wow - 10 days. Summer sure went by fast. Need to hit the range one more time before then. Well two ranges - gun and golf. Combine the two. Hmmm - that would be fun. Have a trap shooter try and shoot down the ball when the golfer tees off. Extreme golf. That might make it worth playing!
Wow - 10 days. Summer sure went by fast. Need to hit the range one more time before then. Well two ranges - gun and golf. Combine the two. Hmmm - that would be fun. Have a trap shooter try and shoot down the ball when the golfer tees off. Extreme golf. That might make it worth playing!
First comment spam!
I must be getting somewhere. I had my first spam message show up in a comment. It's almost like the scene in The Jerk where Steve Martin finds himself in the phone book.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Casey Sheehan's Mom
Since it was Casey who died in service of our country and his mom seems intent on using his death to, well, I'm not really sure what she's trying to do. She claims to want to talk to President Bush about Iraq but, she's already done that and from the published account was ok with the meeting. While I have no idea what it's like to bury a child I do know that if my son or daughter died doing what they wanted to be doing I would not attempt to blame someone else for his or her death.
I believe the war in Iraq is just, the right thing to be doing, and started a decade late. The world should not have spent a decade putting sanctions on Saddam. Everything was in position in 1991. It should have happened then.
Back to Casey's mom. If it weren't for the ultraleft organizations that were supporting her I might think it was personal. But with Code Pink, Michael Moore, and other behind her this is nothing but politics. It's just another attempt to embarass the President.
It was mentioned on a blog I read (and I can't seem to find it again) that Bush should offer to meet with her. One on one. The only condition would be that she would not discuss the meeting with anyone. Ever. The idea has merit but since Casey's mom either lied about the first meeting with Bush then or now - well I don't trust her. Neither should the President. Remove the liberal bias from the MSM and this would have been a non-event.
The MSM media should be covering the 9/11 commission omission. Or all the good news from Iraq. Or maybe even just talking with the writers of Iraq the Model. But no - we get night after night coverage of yet another leftist stunt. Sad.
When this is all over Casey will still be dead. Nothing can bring this brave American back. Casey's mom will still be bitter. She is the only one who can change that. We will still be in Iraq because we have a President who is commited to finishing the job. Hopefully the American people are as well.
Update
There is now a picture of Casey's Mom and President Bush, hand in hand, with the President kissing her on the cheek circulating around. It was apparently part of a memorial web site to Casey but, for some reason, has been pulled. My already low opinion of Casey's mom is now zero. She's so consumed with hatred of the President that she will blame him for what happened to her son. So very sad.
I believe the war in Iraq is just, the right thing to be doing, and started a decade late. The world should not have spent a decade putting sanctions on Saddam. Everything was in position in 1991. It should have happened then.
Back to Casey's mom. If it weren't for the ultraleft organizations that were supporting her I might think it was personal. But with Code Pink, Michael Moore, and other behind her this is nothing but politics. It's just another attempt to embarass the President.
It was mentioned on a blog I read (and I can't seem to find it again) that Bush should offer to meet with her. One on one. The only condition would be that she would not discuss the meeting with anyone. Ever. The idea has merit but since Casey's mom either lied about the first meeting with Bush then or now - well I don't trust her. Neither should the President. Remove the liberal bias from the MSM and this would have been a non-event.
The MSM media should be covering the 9/11 commission omission. Or all the good news from Iraq. Or maybe even just talking with the writers of Iraq the Model. But no - we get night after night coverage of yet another leftist stunt. Sad.
When this is all over Casey will still be dead. Nothing can bring this brave American back. Casey's mom will still be bitter. She is the only one who can change that. We will still be in Iraq because we have a President who is commited to finishing the job. Hopefully the American people are as well.
Update
There is now a picture of Casey's Mom and President Bush, hand in hand, with the President kissing her on the cheek circulating around. It was apparently part of a memorial web site to Casey but, for some reason, has been pulled. My already low opinion of Casey's mom is now zero. She's so consumed with hatred of the President that she will blame him for what happened to her son. So very sad.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Day by Day needs your help
All it takes is a couple of mouse clicks. Start by clicking on the cartoon below.
Project Valour-IT
A one who makes his living in IT this project makes a huge amount of sense. Soldiers Angels want to provide laptops and software that
provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the 'Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field without having to press a key or move a mouse.
What an awesome idea. Thanks to Blackfive for link to SA
SA makes it easy to donate with Paypal so please be as generous as you can be. Let your friends know. Every little bit helps.
My donation has already been sent.
provides voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers. Operating laptops by speaking into a microphone, our wounded heroes are able to send and receive messages from friends and loved ones, surf the 'Net, and communicate with buddies still in the field without having to press a key or move a mouse.
What an awesome idea. Thanks to Blackfive for link to SA
SA makes it easy to donate with Paypal so please be as generous as you can be. Let your friends know. Every little bit helps.
My donation has already been sent.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Why Math is Taught in School
From a (female) coworker...
Why Math is Taught in School---- (Written By A Very Wise Man)
I was riding to work yesterday when I observed a female driver cut right in front of a pickup truck, causing him to have to drive on to the shoulder to avoid hitting her.
This evidently angered the driver enough that he hung his arm out his window and "flipped" the woman off.
"Man, that guy is stupid," I thought to myself.
I ALWAYS smile nicely and wave in a sheepish manner whenever a female does anything to me in traffic, and here's why:
I drive 48 miles each way every day to work. That's 96 miles each day. Of these, 16 miles each way is bumper-to-bumper. Most of the bumper-to-bumper is on an 8 lane highway. There are 7 cars every 40 feet for 32 miles. That works out to be 982 cars every mile, or 31,424 cars. Even though the rest of the 32 miles is not bumper-to-bumper, I figure I pass at least another 4000 cars. That brings the number to something like 36,000 cars that I pass everyday.
Statistically, females drive half of these. That's 18,000 women drivers! In any given group of females, 1 in 28 has PMS. That's 642.
According to Cosmopolitan, 70% describe their love life as dissatisfying or unrewarding. That's 449. According to the National Institutes of Health, 22% of all females have seriously considered suicide or homicide. That's 98. And 34% describe men as their biggest problem. That's 33.
According to the National Rifle Association, 5% of all females carry weapons, and this number is increasing. That means that EVERY SINGLE DAY, I drive past at least one female that has a lousy love life, thinks men are her biggest problem, has seriously considered suicide or homicide, has PMS, and is armed.
Flip one off? I think not!......
Why Math is Taught in School---- (Written By A Very Wise Man)
I was riding to work yesterday when I observed a female driver cut right in front of a pickup truck, causing him to have to drive on to the shoulder to avoid hitting her.
This evidently angered the driver enough that he hung his arm out his window and "flipped" the woman off.
"Man, that guy is stupid," I thought to myself.
I ALWAYS smile nicely and wave in a sheepish manner whenever a female does anything to me in traffic, and here's why:
I drive 48 miles each way every day to work. That's 96 miles each day. Of these, 16 miles each way is bumper-to-bumper. Most of the bumper-to-bumper is on an 8 lane highway. There are 7 cars every 40 feet for 32 miles. That works out to be 982 cars every mile, or 31,424 cars. Even though the rest of the 32 miles is not bumper-to-bumper, I figure I pass at least another 4000 cars. That brings the number to something like 36,000 cars that I pass everyday.
Statistically, females drive half of these. That's 18,000 women drivers! In any given group of females, 1 in 28 has PMS. That's 642.
According to Cosmopolitan, 70% describe their love life as dissatisfying or unrewarding. That's 449. According to the National Institutes of Health, 22% of all females have seriously considered suicide or homicide. That's 98. And 34% describe men as their biggest problem. That's 33.
According to the National Rifle Association, 5% of all females carry weapons, and this number is increasing. That means that EVERY SINGLE DAY, I drive past at least one female that has a lousy love life, thinks men are her biggest problem, has seriously considered suicide or homicide, has PMS, and is armed.
Flip one off? I think not!......
Monday, August 08, 2005
Back to work
Really - I mean it. Today is back to work day.
I've really gotten used to being at home. The weather was basically crap (mid 90's and high humidity) so working outdoors wasn't much fun. Got some things done inside, saw a few movies, and relaxed. I needed that more than anything else.
Time to go make money
I've really gotten used to being at home. The weather was basically crap (mid 90's and high humidity) so working outdoors wasn't much fun. Got some things done inside, saw a few movies, and relaxed. I needed that more than anything else.
Time to go make money
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Cable Guy
Not the movie. I spent the afternoon waiting for the cable guy to stop by and see whats going on. During the morning we had two 10 minute cable TV outages. After the second the high channels were much clearer. Hmm. Checked the signal strength on the cable modem (SA modems have built in web servers) and it was much better.
Cable guy shows up right in the middle of his four hour window. I told him what was going on and he decided to check the signal at the entry to the house. Everything was ok so he was off to his next stop. And I went back inside to get out of the heat.
I miss the mountains.
Cable guy shows up right in the middle of his four hour window. I told him what was going on and he decided to check the signal at the entry to the house. Everything was ok so he was off to his next stop. And I went back inside to get out of the heat.
I miss the mountains.
Vacation 2005 - Back to work
Not!
Another week off for me! Took a look at the cable coming in and bypassed the splitter that separates the tv and Internet lines and the cable modem sync'd up so it looks like we have a low signal. We're at the end of the trunk so it looks like more people have hooked up and I lost out. I put a lower loss splitter in and both TV and cable modem were ok. TV is still a bit fuzzy.
We went out to the kennel to pick up Buffy the Attack Cocker Spaniel. She's a little dog with a big dog heart. While we were waiting a greyhound came out and decided the wife was a big dog fan (she is) and nuzzled up to her. The owner apologized after she noticed but the dog wouldn't move.
We went outside to wait for Buffy as she has a habit of squatting when excited. And she was happy. She moaned the whole way home. She had to count noses once she was in the door. Once she was sure we were all here she rolled around on the carpet like the silly dog she is.
I guess it's over.
Another week off for me! Took a look at the cable coming in and bypassed the splitter that separates the tv and Internet lines and the cable modem sync'd up so it looks like we have a low signal. We're at the end of the trunk so it looks like more people have hooked up and I lost out. I put a lower loss splitter in and both TV and cable modem were ok. TV is still a bit fuzzy.
We went out to the kennel to pick up Buffy the Attack Cocker Spaniel. She's a little dog with a big dog heart. While we were waiting a greyhound came out and decided the wife was a big dog fan (she is) and nuzzled up to her. The owner apologized after she noticed but the dog wouldn't move.
We went outside to wait for Buffy as she has a habit of squatting when excited. And she was happy. She moaned the whole way home. She had to count noses once she was in the door. Once she was sure we were all here she rolled around on the carpet like the silly dog she is.
I guess it's over.
Vacation 2005 - Day 10
Heading for home. After breakfast we hit the road. Heavy rain in Iowa. After that it was smooth sailing till we got home. Twas nice to be there.
Interesting thing about the Iowa rest stops - they have wireless Internet available.
After we got home we ordered some pizza and relaxed. The kids went to check their email and couldn't. Thing2 was depressed. Checked the cable modem and the link light was off. Cable TV was working but the upper channels were weak. Called the cable company and a tech is coming out in two days. :-(
Interesting thing about the Iowa rest stops - they have wireless Internet available.
After we got home we ordered some pizza and relaxed. The kids went to check their email and couldn't. Thing2 was depressed. Checked the cable modem and the link light was off. Cable TV was working but the upper channels were weak. Called the cable company and a tech is coming out in two days. :-(
Vacation 2005 - Day 9
A day for a drive. On the road at 5:00 am. Hit Lincoln, Nebraska at 3:00 pm. Probably could have gone for another 2 hours but we've learned from experience to not push the kids too far. Checked in to the FairField Inn and relaxed. Grabbed a sandwich for dinner and sat in the hot tub for awhile. Nothing like bubbles to make ones legs feel better.
Hooked up my DVD player to the TV in the room and we watched "First Daughter" with Katie Holmes. Cute movie that everyone seems to enjoy. Since we had wireless connectivity Thing1 fired up his iBook to read mail. He had gone 7 days without internet access. I think he was losing his mind :-)
Then the wife decided she wanted to read her mail. I fired up my laptop and let her read all 35 messages waiting for her. After she was done I read mine. About 100 messages between my own domain and gmail accounts. I took a peek at my work account - 3000 plus just in my inbox. That'll wait...
Hooked up my DVD player to the TV in the room and we watched "First Daughter" with Katie Holmes. Cute movie that everyone seems to enjoy. Since we had wireless connectivity Thing1 fired up his iBook to read mail. He had gone 7 days without internet access. I think he was losing his mind :-)
Then the wife decided she wanted to read her mail. I fired up my laptop and let her read all 35 messages waiting for her. After she was done I read mine. About 100 messages between my own domain and gmail accounts. I took a peek at my work account - 3000 plus just in my inbox. That'll wait...
Monday, August 01, 2005
Vacation 2005 - Day 8
Our last day here. Breakfast at a local place called the Prospector. Biscuits and Gravy - yumm.
Lots of Corvettes running through town as Vettes in the Rockies is going on starting today in Frisco. Last time we were out here our vacation was at the same time at VitR so we went to the show and shine on Sunday. This year - no such luck. Still fun to see all the Vettes crusing around.
There was an art fair going on in Main Street Station right by our condo. Picked up some interesting metalwork as well as some beautiful prints of some of our favorite places in Colorado.
Then it was time to pack. No one really wanted to leave but it was time. Finished up the ice cream and cookies and got ready for the long drive the next day.
Lots of Corvettes running through town as Vettes in the Rockies is going on starting today in Frisco. Last time we were out here our vacation was at the same time at VitR so we went to the show and shine on Sunday. This year - no such luck. Still fun to see all the Vettes crusing around.
There was an art fair going on in Main Street Station right by our condo. Picked up some interesting metalwork as well as some beautiful prints of some of our favorite places in Colorado.
Then it was time to pack. No one really wanted to leave but it was time. Finished up the ice cream and cookies and got ready for the long drive the next day.
Vacation 2005 - Day 7
A down day. Nothing going on but a trip to the top of the ski hills for some hiking. Can't wait! We took the Colorado Superchair up to the top of Peak 8. After a check of the ski run map (Thing1 was looking for the sign for the run named Psychopath to take a picture) we headed off.
Fifty yards down a trail the wife came across a elderly woman that was leaning over one of the signs. The nurse in her kicked in and she did a triage assessment just like she does every day. The woman was having shortness of breath, pain in her left arm, and tingling lips. We lay our jackets down and got her to the ground. Another family sent their kid off to the top of the lift to get help. After the lift employee arrived the wife gave her the rundown on the woman. A minute later there was oxygen on the was from the base and one of the ski patrol was on his way on his bike. Till they arrived the wife and I kept the woman calm. When the other two arrived they radioed for transportation and for an ambulance to meet them at the bottom. The wife and I assisted as necessary. Finally the truck arrived and we helped the ski patrol get the woman in the stretcher and into the back of the truck. An interesting way to start the day! Seemed strange that there was no oxygen at the top of the hill... It was interesting to see the lifts run at full speed - 1000 feet per minute. This is normal during the winter. In the summertime the lift runs at 650 feet per minute.
Hiked around, took some pictures
(got the moon over the mountain)mountains
and had lunch on the deck at Vista Haus.
Did a bit more hiking and we decided to go down. The wife and Thing2 took the life down. Thing1 and I decided to hike down. We stopped for a picture half way down.
It was great. Once we were away from the lift it got real quiet. Except for the occasional mountain biker we had the mountain to ourselves (or so it seemed). It took us about 45 minutes to get down. The thighs were not happy. Twenty minutes in the hot tub fixed that. A great day finished by a gourmet dinner of Macaroni and Cheese.
Fifty yards down a trail the wife came across a elderly woman that was leaning over one of the signs. The nurse in her kicked in and she did a triage assessment just like she does every day. The woman was having shortness of breath, pain in her left arm, and tingling lips. We lay our jackets down and got her to the ground. Another family sent their kid off to the top of the lift to get help. After the lift employee arrived the wife gave her the rundown on the woman. A minute later there was oxygen on the was from the base and one of the ski patrol was on his way on his bike. Till they arrived the wife and I kept the woman calm. When the other two arrived they radioed for transportation and for an ambulance to meet them at the bottom. The wife and I assisted as necessary. Finally the truck arrived and we helped the ski patrol get the woman in the stretcher and into the back of the truck. An interesting way to start the day! Seemed strange that there was no oxygen at the top of the hill... It was interesting to see the lifts run at full speed - 1000 feet per minute. This is normal during the winter. In the summertime the lift runs at 650 feet per minute.
Hiked around, took some pictures
(got the moon over the mountain)mountains
and had lunch on the deck at Vista Haus.
Did a bit more hiking and we decided to go down. The wife and Thing2 took the life down. Thing1 and I decided to hike down. We stopped for a picture half way down.
It was great. Once we were away from the lift it got real quiet. Except for the occasional mountain biker we had the mountain to ourselves (or so it seemed). It took us about 45 minutes to get down. The thighs were not happy. Twenty minutes in the hot tub fixed that. A great day finished by a gourmet dinner of Macaroni and Cheese.
Vacation 2005 - Day 6
A trip to Vail is the plan for today. The first two times we visited Colorado we had stayed in Vail. At that time Vail was a very snobby place. Over the years it had become more friendly but today we noticed that most of the stores had moved upscale. Could just be a sign of a good economy or just that the retailers have gotten tired of rabble like us.
We started out at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Over the years they have turned into a beautiful place to visit. We've had a family picture taken at the gates of the garden every time we've been here. It has been interesting to see how we (and the garden) have changed over time.
After a few hours of wandering (Thing1 was looking for someone with Mental Gear hats in stock) we met up with the girls at Pazzos for lunch. Their calzones are excellent as is their pizza. After that it was back to Breckenridge for some swimming.
While swimming we had a gust of wind come through. It reminded me of a microburst downdraft - something that we had experienced back home. It collapsed several umbrellas and sent one on a 20 to 30 second flight into the pool. It was one of those times that you wish you would have had a camcorder going.
Thing2 picked out 'Princess Diaries 2' for the nightly movie. Cute story. Ann Hathaway. Need I say more...
We started out at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Over the years they have turned into a beautiful place to visit. We've had a family picture taken at the gates of the garden every time we've been here. It has been interesting to see how we (and the garden) have changed over time.
After a few hours of wandering (Thing1 was looking for someone with Mental Gear hats in stock) we met up with the girls at Pazzos for lunch. Their calzones are excellent as is their pizza. After that it was back to Breckenridge for some swimming.
While swimming we had a gust of wind come through. It reminded me of a microburst downdraft - something that we had experienced back home. It collapsed several umbrellas and sent one on a 20 to 30 second flight into the pool. It was one of those times that you wish you would have had a camcorder going.
Thing2 picked out 'Princess Diaries 2' for the nightly movie. Cute story. Ann Hathaway. Need I say more...
Vacation 2005 - Day 5
Sleep. Still waking up early but at least I'm falling back asleep for a while. Watched the shuttle lift off. Always a beautiful thing to watch. Thing1 was commenting that there needs to be a replacement for the shuttle. I think that NASA should contract that development out to Burt Rutan. Time to go hiking!
Saphire Point is a easy walk. Just about anyone can do this. Beautiful views of Lake Dillion from various points of the trail. This is the four of us at Saphire Point. We've had our picture taken here every time we've been here. It's been interesting to see the change in water levels.
Did some hiking on the shore of the lake as well. Cold water...
The wife and I had dinner at a local mexican resturant while the kids went out for pizza. Great food at a excellent price. The margaritas weren't bad either...
Saphire Point is a easy walk. Just about anyone can do this. Beautiful views of Lake Dillion from various points of the trail. This is the four of us at Saphire Point. We've had our picture taken here every time we've been here. It's been interesting to see the change in water levels.
Did some hiking on the shore of the lake as well. Cold water...
The wife and I had dinner at a local mexican resturant while the kids went out for pizza. Great food at a excellent price. The margaritas weren't bad either...
Vacation 2005 - Day 4
Slept in. Again. Getting used to this. :-)
Today was the designated shopping day. The outlet malls at Silverthorne are 20 minutes away so off we went. Like most malls the stores cater to women and fashionable men (which Thing1 and I are not) so we were a little on the bored side. Thing2 found some tops she liked the so trip was worth it.
On the way back to Breckenridge we stopped at High Country Furniture. Nice stuff made from logs. We have a few bears from there. Found a couple of chairs we liked but the shipping charges were a bit much. Off to town as Thing2 wanted to wander the shops. I dropped the girls off in town and went back to the condo to grab one of the indoor parking spaces.
Thing1 and I walked down to town later to meet up with the girls for dinner. Beef Brisket - yum. On the deck with a beautiful view of mountains (Can there be a bad view of the mountains?) As we walked back to the condo the afternoon mountain rain started up. Got indoors just as it cut loose. I wish we could get some of this rain back home...
When the rain stopped the wife and Thing2 went swimming. Well Thing2 swam. The wife spen ther time in the hot tub. Thing1 and I watched "The Professional" with Jean Reno and Natalie Portman. It's a well made movie. Portman is a bit creepy at times but the story is excellent. After the girls got back we watched "Ella Enchanted". Thing2 brought this along for family viewing. It's a cute movie that is safe for everyone.
Today was the designated shopping day. The outlet malls at Silverthorne are 20 minutes away so off we went. Like most malls the stores cater to women and fashionable men (which Thing1 and I are not) so we were a little on the bored side. Thing2 found some tops she liked the so trip was worth it.
On the way back to Breckenridge we stopped at High Country Furniture. Nice stuff made from logs. We have a few bears from there. Found a couple of chairs we liked but the shipping charges were a bit much. Off to town as Thing2 wanted to wander the shops. I dropped the girls off in town and went back to the condo to grab one of the indoor parking spaces.
Thing1 and I walked down to town later to meet up with the girls for dinner. Beef Brisket - yum. On the deck with a beautiful view of mountains (Can there be a bad view of the mountains?) As we walked back to the condo the afternoon mountain rain started up. Got indoors just as it cut loose. I wish we could get some of this rain back home...
When the rain stopped the wife and Thing2 went swimming. Well Thing2 swam. The wife spen ther time in the hot tub. Thing1 and I watched "The Professional" with Jean Reno and Natalie Portman. It's a well made movie. Portman is a bit creepy at times but the story is excellent. After the girls got back we watched "Ella Enchanted". Thing2 brought this along for family viewing. It's a cute movie that is safe for everyone.
Vacation 2005 - Day 3
Slept in. Well for me anyways 5:30 is sleeping in. After breakfast the wife and I went for a walk. There was a farmers market going on in the square by our condo. Picked up some great fresh bread. Had a loaf of it (Asiago Basil) for lunch. Hit the pool till the thunder started up. Amazing that people will stay in a outdoor pool when there is thunder and lighting happening... The wife made some dinner and we made plans to watch a movie. A perfect relaxing day. I need more of these...
We watched "Man of the House" with Tommy Lee Jones. Way better than the critics may have lead one to believe. Lots of laugh and only the necessary amount of violence. The PG-13 rating is right on. Worth the rental or the addition to your Netflix queue.
We watched "Man of the House" with Tommy Lee Jones. Way better than the critics may have lead one to believe. Lots of laugh and only the necessary amount of violence. The PG-13 rating is right on. Worth the rental or the addition to your Netflix queue.
Vacation 2005 - Day 2
Free breakfast at the Fairfield Inn- yumm. Back on the road. A couple of hours later and we hit I-76 and Colorado. A bit of a chop to the road but a 75mph speed limit :-). After a stop for gas (costing more than back in Illinois) and we were on the way to Denver. The wife drove most of this leg as I napped. I took over as we got close to Denver as she doesn't like to drive in the city and has never really driven in the mountains. For a Saturday afternoon traffic was light in Denver. Once we were through the city and started up into the mountains the traffic on I-70 was very heavy. Not unusual for a Saturday afternoon but very heavy. Once we cleared the Eisenhour Tunnel it was wide open. We stopped in Frisco at Wal-Mart to pick up some essentials. As we got back on the road traffic was stop and go. Took almost 45 minutes to get to Breckenridge. This is usually a 15 minute drive. Saw a couple of wrecked cars off the road but nothing that should have caused a delay. Checked in at our condo and headed back out to eat. One of our favorites here is Downstairs at Eric's (cause everywhere else just sucks). Great pizza. Picked up some groceries and found the hot tub. Perfect thing after a couple of days of driving. Sit in the tub and stare at the mountains. :-)
Vacation 2005 - Day 1
Our usual start - oh dark thirty. Actually around 4:30am. Living in a congested suburb and wanting to get a head start on traffic (we drive on vacation) we leave early. Traffic was light but fog was fairly heavy on I-88 in places. Once that broke we hit construction (the other season in Illinois is winter) which slowed us down. 30 miles of one lane road at 45mph is not fun. Still we hit Iowa City, Iowa for breakfast at McDonalds (this is a tradition for us on our drives west) about 20 minutes later than normal. Fill up the tank and we're back on the road. A quick stop for in Nebraska for gas and our next stop was Kearney, NE. The first time we stopped here 11 years ago it was a small town. Now it's over 30,000 people. Still a friendly little place in a state with a nice speed limit. After dinner we hit the pool (cold pool) to relax. Met a nice family that was moving from Detroit to Denver. They were pretty excited to be starting a new adventure in their life.
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