It's been so long since I posted I had trouble remembering how to get in. Ah, well.
I played fantasy football this year in R@fink's "crummyrummy" league and actually did pretty well (#4 of 12 going in to the playoffs) but thereafter got spanked and finished 4th. L'il Petey won on the back of LaDanian Tomlinson, and Toddy came up just a little bit short.
Off to Grand Forks this weekend to watch the Sioux play New Hampshire in NCAA hockey. It was a gift to the oldest boy, who will be decked out head to toe in his Sioux clothing. Toddy and his lovely wife are in Orlando doing the family Christmas thing, so we'll have to spend our free time at Cabela's.
Work is work, and I don't know if we'll be able to squeeze in a snowboarding trip this year. So far our snowfall is crappy, and I don't know about Montana....
I shot a good sized doe this fall, and we had a great time hunting snow geese that weekend as well. I'll post a non-PETA approved photo when I find one. There are 10 or so days left in the pheasant season, I'll try to get out once more. And then there's always ice fishing.
I can't get too fired up over many of the current candidates for President, maybe somebody will step it up as the field narrows. Hope you all are doing well.
Red Rocks
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Vacation. At least that's what I'll tell the people at work.
But the truth is, taking three boys to the slopes is very hard work, (not to mention not cheap), and the weather has actually been too nice. We boarded at Bridger Bowl on Friday and it was a tad slushy by midafternoon. The green runs worked pretty well for the little guys, and the big dog and I rode to the top and came down some (truly) double black diamond moguls, albeit some parts of it on my ass. We ran into some people we know from Home (600 miles but you stand in line with your old neighbors) and had a pretty good day.
Saturday was even warmer so we skipped the slopes and drove through Paradise Valley in search of a Jimmy Buffett quality cheeseburger, and ended up going into Yellowstone for a few hours. The highlight, not counting Will's Gastrointestinal problems, was a stop at the Boiling River. The Mom and a couple of boys hiked to a site where a hot spring dumps into the Gardiner River, and there enjoyed an hour of swim/splashing in the river on March 10th. We're talking The Montana/Wyoming border at 6000 ft. on March 10th. Bragging rights guaranteed.
Needless to say, the wildlife was plentiful- Elk and Bison by the herd, some Pronghorn, and a fair number of Mule deer along the way. We found some great places we'd like to camp in the summer, and on the way back to Livingston (Saturday Night) we stopped at the Chico Hot Springs for a nice long hot soak in the mineral waters and a "beverage" or two.
Sunday- no real choice but to drive the hour to Big Sky. The higher elevation and cooler temps made for much better quality snow conditions. The little guys rode the gondola and boarded down a long green run (Mr. K?) for those who've been there. I'm pretty sure they made 5-6 runs, including two trips in the afternoon by themselves. BIG HEADS. Meanwhile, the big dog takes yours truly as high as you can go short of the tram to the summit, and I board down another double black diamond set'o'moguls (yes, some parts on my ass) and then all the way to the bottom of the hill. Burn, baby, burn.
When I ran out to get some fast food, Luke came with me and announced "This has been a really great vacation, but there's one thing I don't like about Livingston. They have too many of those old cowboy buildings."
Which pretty much sums it up.
Long drive home tomorrow, then work Tuesday. When's my next day off???
But the truth is, taking three boys to the slopes is very hard work, (not to mention not cheap), and the weather has actually been too nice. We boarded at Bridger Bowl on Friday and it was a tad slushy by midafternoon. The green runs worked pretty well for the little guys, and the big dog and I rode to the top and came down some (truly) double black diamond moguls, albeit some parts of it on my ass. We ran into some people we know from Home (600 miles but you stand in line with your old neighbors) and had a pretty good day.
Saturday was even warmer so we skipped the slopes and drove through Paradise Valley in search of a Jimmy Buffett quality cheeseburger, and ended up going into Yellowstone for a few hours. The highlight, not counting Will's Gastrointestinal problems, was a stop at the Boiling River. The Mom and a couple of boys hiked to a site where a hot spring dumps into the Gardiner River, and there enjoyed an hour of swim/splashing in the river on March 10th. We're talking The Montana/Wyoming border at 6000 ft. on March 10th. Bragging rights guaranteed.
Needless to say, the wildlife was plentiful- Elk and Bison by the herd, some Pronghorn, and a fair number of Mule deer along the way. We found some great places we'd like to camp in the summer, and on the way back to Livingston (Saturday Night) we stopped at the Chico Hot Springs for a nice long hot soak in the mineral waters and a "beverage" or two.
Sunday- no real choice but to drive the hour to Big Sky. The higher elevation and cooler temps made for much better quality snow conditions. The little guys rode the gondola and boarded down a long green run (Mr. K?) for those who've been there. I'm pretty sure they made 5-6 runs, including two trips in the afternoon by themselves. BIG HEADS. Meanwhile, the big dog takes yours truly as high as you can go short of the tram to the summit, and I board down another double black diamond set'o'moguls (yes, some parts on my ass) and then all the way to the bottom of the hill. Burn, baby, burn.
When I ran out to get some fast food, Luke came with me and announced "This has been a really great vacation, but there's one thing I don't like about Livingston. They have too many of those old cowboy buildings."
Which pretty much sums it up.
Long drive home tomorrow, then work Tuesday. When's my next day off???
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Who you calling Shorty?
And one more thing...
I don't really know where to start.
The Dems are using their collective power to make some early statements about who runs the country and who owns the country and which guy should stop issuing signing statements in order to circumvent the rule of law and thereby drive a stake into the heart of the U.S. Constitution. I am distressed by how few people even give a shit about those "little things" like the Geneva Conventions (which we embraced when we were pretty sure we were the good guys), the Writ of Habeas Corpus (when "freedom" referred to something besides the freedom of mass consumption), and the system of Checks and Balances.
As the hastily erected cheap movie sets hiding the true engines of the "War on Terror" crumble, it is slowly dawning on us all that the world is big (but not big enough) and resources are getting scarcer (especially if we have to share with the Chinese and the Indians and every other emerging market) and that science may actually explain all the stuff the Bible doesn't mention, and that our best hope is to ... what?
Personally, I have been a mess of late.
Those of you who know my Old Dad probably know he had (successful) surgery for colon cancer last Fall, celebrated his 80th birthday with a great party, but then spent the rest of the year in the hospital, and even though he's back home he is m-o-o-o-v-i-n-g s-l-o-w-l-y. Mom has handled it all pretty well, and they are (as all of northern European descent can attest) doing "good."
Also this Fall, I failed a sleep apnea test, had my first MRI of my head, (which revealed a very small pituitary adenoma which will be rechecked in six months since all the bloodwork and functional testing was normal) followed recently by an incredible lower back spasm that had me thinking "Kidney Stone" but turned out to be a good old fashioned- lower back spasm. Today I was able to stand up straight with only a deep dull ache for the first time in eight days.
My clinical work is challenging. Thankfully, it is still interesting and rewarding despite the repetitive nature of what I do. Administrating is a mixed bag of "things I like to do" and "things I don't like to do." The optical shop is slowly evolving and may one day be rewarding, too.
I did not reveal much hunting prowess this year (as in I shot one pheasant rooster and exactly no deer) and I'm planning a couple of ice fishing excursions but certainly won't hold my breath waiting for a fresh "catch of the day."
The guys are wonderful and fascinating and bright and extremely aggravating pretty much simultaneously. We've managed one snowboarding trip but awaiting more snow as the winter continues.
My lovely wife and I are struggling to be a better "Us" rather than just "Me and You." We don't make enough time to be together that isn't work. Haul the kids to school, help with practices, make sure the homework gets done, oversee the projects, supervise the ... all you parents know that of which I speak.
Did I mention I have Golf Fever? Snow on the ground and I'm thinking about strolling around a course searching for my (lost?) ball. I think I will organize a "Grew up in Minot with you guys" kind of golf outing this year.
So that's my update. I swear that I actually feel pretty good, and may just start posting a tad more regularly. I've got all kinds of crap I've been ruminating about. Hope to talk to you all soon.
I don't really know where to start.
The Dems are using their collective power to make some early statements about who runs the country and who owns the country and which guy should stop issuing signing statements in order to circumvent the rule of law and thereby drive a stake into the heart of the U.S. Constitution. I am distressed by how few people even give a shit about those "little things" like the Geneva Conventions (which we embraced when we were pretty sure we were the good guys), the Writ of Habeas Corpus (when "freedom" referred to something besides the freedom of mass consumption), and the system of Checks and Balances.
As the hastily erected cheap movie sets hiding the true engines of the "War on Terror" crumble, it is slowly dawning on us all that the world is big (but not big enough) and resources are getting scarcer (especially if we have to share with the Chinese and the Indians and every other emerging market) and that science may actually explain all the stuff the Bible doesn't mention, and that our best hope is to ... what?
Personally, I have been a mess of late.
Those of you who know my Old Dad probably know he had (successful) surgery for colon cancer last Fall, celebrated his 80th birthday with a great party, but then spent the rest of the year in the hospital, and even though he's back home he is m-o-o-o-v-i-n-g s-l-o-w-l-y. Mom has handled it all pretty well, and they are (as all of northern European descent can attest) doing "good."
Also this Fall, I failed a sleep apnea test, had my first MRI of my head, (which revealed a very small pituitary adenoma which will be rechecked in six months since all the bloodwork and functional testing was normal) followed recently by an incredible lower back spasm that had me thinking "Kidney Stone" but turned out to be a good old fashioned- lower back spasm. Today I was able to stand up straight with only a deep dull ache for the first time in eight days.
My clinical work is challenging. Thankfully, it is still interesting and rewarding despite the repetitive nature of what I do. Administrating is a mixed bag of "things I like to do" and "things I don't like to do." The optical shop is slowly evolving and may one day be rewarding, too.
I did not reveal much hunting prowess this year (as in I shot one pheasant rooster and exactly no deer) and I'm planning a couple of ice fishing excursions but certainly won't hold my breath waiting for a fresh "catch of the day."
The guys are wonderful and fascinating and bright and extremely aggravating pretty much simultaneously. We've managed one snowboarding trip but awaiting more snow as the winter continues.
My lovely wife and I are struggling to be a better "Us" rather than just "Me and You." We don't make enough time to be together that isn't work. Haul the kids to school, help with practices, make sure the homework gets done, oversee the projects, supervise the ... all you parents know that of which I speak.
Did I mention I have Golf Fever? Snow on the ground and I'm thinking about strolling around a course searching for my (lost?) ball. I think I will organize a "Grew up in Minot with you guys" kind of golf outing this year.
So that's my update. I swear that I actually feel pretty good, and may just start posting a tad more regularly. I've got all kinds of crap I've been ruminating about. Hope to talk to you all soon.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Who you calling Shorty?
Who you calling Shorty?
I ran across a most peculiar little name generator online, which has given me my official TITLE. So check it out.
 | My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Viscount Steven the Portable of Throcking in the Hole Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title |
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Good people die everyday....
Got a note today from an old friend saying his Mother had died yesterday. I've already written to him but not sure I said exactly what I wanted (or meant) to say.
This lady's name was Eunice, and she was the classiest, sweetest woman I have ever met. I met her when I was a seventh grader, and I'd never had an adult treat me like she did. She would ask me real questions (politics, religion, stupid teenage-boy stunts, etc.) and then actually listen to my answer. Needless to say, coming from a home where for the most part kids were not supposed to be seen or heard, this was a life-altering event.
She opened my eyes in many ways; she was one of the first women (besides teachers and nuns) I'd ever met who worked outside the home; she was opinionated but open-minded; she taught me how to interact with adults (I was very shy) and also how to interact with kids when I was the adult.
She loved her husband Joe, and she loved her three sons in spite the fact they were all so different from each other. She told me she trusted me to be her son's best friend, and with the exception of a couple of really stupid moments (on my part) her trust was well placed.
I hadn't talked to her for almost a year, but I said my goodbye every time I talked to her. She had been in failing health and struggling with Alzheimers, and a compassionate person could see and hear that she was tired of this life.
I'm reminded of a poem where "the Creator thins the herd" and the last lines are simple:
"What message should we take home from this?
Live every day like it is your last."
Amen.
Eunice, rest in peace. And thanks for all the love and advice.
This lady's name was Eunice, and she was the classiest, sweetest woman I have ever met. I met her when I was a seventh grader, and I'd never had an adult treat me like she did. She would ask me real questions (politics, religion, stupid teenage-boy stunts, etc.) and then actually listen to my answer. Needless to say, coming from a home where for the most part kids were not supposed to be seen or heard, this was a life-altering event.
She opened my eyes in many ways; she was one of the first women (besides teachers and nuns) I'd ever met who worked outside the home; she was opinionated but open-minded; she taught me how to interact with adults (I was very shy) and also how to interact with kids when I was the adult.
She loved her husband Joe, and she loved her three sons in spite the fact they were all so different from each other. She told me she trusted me to be her son's best friend, and with the exception of a couple of really stupid moments (on my part) her trust was well placed.
I hadn't talked to her for almost a year, but I said my goodbye every time I talked to her. She had been in failing health and struggling with Alzheimers, and a compassionate person could see and hear that she was tired of this life.
I'm reminded of a poem where "the Creator thins the herd" and the last lines are simple:
"What message should we take home from this?
Live every day like it is your last."
Amen.
Eunice, rest in peace. And thanks for all the love and advice.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Other things I forgot...
I recently spent a long weekend in Grand Forks with the family. I was at a continuing education conference for two days and Tami did some stuff with the guys. The highlights of the weekend were:
1. Sunday brunch with Todd and Christie, whom we haven't seen for a couple of years. They are doing well, still teaching and teaching. We are going to try to get together next summer in GF at a soccer tourney and later in Bismarck for some golf.
2. A Prairie Home Companion was live from the Chester Fritz, and Tami and I always love to see and hear Garrison Keillor. Hunter really liked the live music and skits, and Luke and Will both "sorta" liked it.
3. Watched the Fighting Sioux beat Michigan Tech Friday night at the Ralph Engelstad arena. Great venue, even our nosebleed seats were pretty decent. Boys got to see good hockey and experience drunks on the bus ride back to the hotel. (Hunter: "Dad, I'm really glad you only had one beer. Most of these guys are really being stupid.")
4. Family time. Nothing like being cooped up in a motel room and/or a minivan with three grade-school age boys. Tami is nearly recovered.
My friend Cameron from work is interested in homebrewing, too, so maybe I'll have somebody to join forces with since the R@fink continues to live 106 miles away.
1. Sunday brunch with Todd and Christie, whom we haven't seen for a couple of years. They are doing well, still teaching and teaching. We are going to try to get together next summer in GF at a soccer tourney and later in Bismarck for some golf.
2. A Prairie Home Companion was live from the Chester Fritz, and Tami and I always love to see and hear Garrison Keillor. Hunter really liked the live music and skits, and Luke and Will both "sorta" liked it.
3. Watched the Fighting Sioux beat Michigan Tech Friday night at the Ralph Engelstad arena. Great venue, even our nosebleed seats were pretty decent. Boys got to see good hockey and experience drunks on the bus ride back to the hotel. (Hunter: "Dad, I'm really glad you only had one beer. Most of these guys are really being stupid.")
4. Family time. Nothing like being cooped up in a motel room and/or a minivan with three grade-school age boys. Tami is nearly recovered.
My friend Cameron from work is interested in homebrewing, too, so maybe I'll have somebody to join forces with since the R@fink continues to live 106 miles away.
Monday, March 13, 2006
My most recent flimsy excuse....
This is a true story. About three weeks ago, I went to my cardiologist and got a very good report. Then I decided I should get myself in better shape. 3 days after that I have Pneumonia, and haven't been worth a shit since! I'm finally recovering but a long way from !00%.
In the meantime, I finally got my homebrew catalog from The Northern Brewer, and I'm very excited to get my kit together and do some homebrew.
We did manage another day of snowboarding,but the snow has been crappy (or nonexistent) most of the winter. Maybe next year.
Coaches meeting for Soccer on the 28th. The first tournament in the first weekend of June so lots of work to do. Luke and Will will be playing together for me on the U10 team, and Hunter will play for the Capital City U12 team.
Recently watched the DVD from the BRHS76 20th reunion,and I've been through the website. Nice work y'all. I do have a conflict with the July reunion weekend dates as I'll be in Fargo for the State Soccer tournament Friday thru Sunday.
Which got me thinking...It's time I got my own DVD filled with pix and history and stuff. If I actually get it done I'll send it to Terry. Never let opportunity slip by....
In the meantime, I finally got my homebrew catalog from The Northern Brewer, and I'm very excited to get my kit together and do some homebrew.
We did manage another day of snowboarding,but the snow has been crappy (or nonexistent) most of the winter. Maybe next year.
Coaches meeting for Soccer on the 28th. The first tournament in the first weekend of June so lots of work to do. Luke and Will will be playing together for me on the U10 team, and Hunter will play for the Capital City U12 team.
Recently watched the DVD from the BRHS76 20th reunion,and I've been through the website. Nice work y'all. I do have a conflict with the July reunion weekend dates as I'll be in Fargo for the State Soccer tournament Friday thru Sunday.
Which got me thinking...It's time I got my own DVD filled with pix and history and stuff. If I actually get it done I'll send it to Terry. Never let opportunity slip by....
Friday, January 27, 2006
Which National Anthem?
I've been seething of late about the current Administration's abuses of American freedom. Instead of "enforcing" the law of the land, the President and his posse have just been "makin' and interpretin' those laws" on their own.
In light of the upcoming Winter Olympic games, where some American citizen will win a gold medal and thereby earn the right to mouth the words to "The Star Spangled Banner" on national television, I am proposing a (national) contest to rewrite the words to the national anthem to better reflect our current situation.
At a minimum, you must find something to replace "...the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
Just send me your ideas in the comment section, I'll do my best to sift through and pick out the New and Improved Anthem. If it's really good, I'll send it to one of my favorite blogs where they actually have readers!
In light of the upcoming Winter Olympic games, where some American citizen will win a gold medal and thereby earn the right to mouth the words to "The Star Spangled Banner" on national television, I am proposing a (national) contest to rewrite the words to the national anthem to better reflect our current situation.
At a minimum, you must find something to replace "...the land of the free, and the home of the brave."
Just send me your ideas in the comment section, I'll do my best to sift through and pick out the New and Improved Anthem. If it's really good, I'll send it to one of my favorite blogs where they actually have readers!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Okay, so I've not been diligent about posting...somebody's got to keep the economy going so our Preznit can continue to spy on "free and brave" American citizens- oh wait, Karl told him to call it terrorist surveillance, which does not give me the same warm fuzzy feeling I got when he said "No Child Left Behind" or "I'm the education Preznit."
Be that as it may, I've survived the Holidays, the family time, and the playoffs. Now it is time to snowboard! But, of course, we have no snow. I've been tracking the snow reports for Red Lodge and Bridger Bowl, and will just have to go on short notice whenever it actually snows. The boys are all outfitted and ready to go, just need a little cooperation from the snow gods.
On the mundane side, several employees have moved on to greener pastures (that is not a slam) but it has meant wading through hundreds of applications, narrowing the field, interviews, rehashing, finally hiring, realizing one of those was (gasp!) a mistake, rehiring....oh, you get the idea. I think I've got it under control but I'm not holding my breath, either. The "well oiled machine" takes a lot of oil, maintenance, and parts.
The Future? Not too long until the summer soccer season starts. I'll be coaching Luke and Will on their U10 team, and Hunter will play with the same team but in the U12 division. No big vacations planned (yet). Not sure if they'll all play baseball, too.
Be that as it may, I've survived the Holidays, the family time, and the playoffs. Now it is time to snowboard! But, of course, we have no snow. I've been tracking the snow reports for Red Lodge and Bridger Bowl, and will just have to go on short notice whenever it actually snows. The boys are all outfitted and ready to go, just need a little cooperation from the snow gods.
On the mundane side, several employees have moved on to greener pastures (that is not a slam) but it has meant wading through hundreds of applications, narrowing the field, interviews, rehashing, finally hiring, realizing one of those was (gasp!) a mistake, rehiring....oh, you get the idea. I think I've got it under control but I'm not holding my breath, either. The "well oiled machine" takes a lot of oil, maintenance, and parts.
The Future? Not too long until the summer soccer season starts. I'll be coaching Luke and Will on their U10 team, and Hunter will play with the same team but in the U12 division. No big vacations planned (yet). Not sure if they'll all play baseball, too.
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