Lost in Sans Souci

So, we start out the weekend with an early breakfast.  It is still foggy, but Luke is checking the forecast so we can decide if fishing is a good idea.

He goes out to shoot some airsoft while I get the bike carrier onto the trailer hitch.  When I come back in, he is going to lay down on the couch.  I can sense something is not right.

This day in history "On this day in 1927, Henry Ford and his son Edsel drive the 15 millionth Model T Ford out of their factory, marking the famous automobile's official last day of production.

More than any other vehicle, the relatively affordable and efficient Model T was responsible for accelerating the automobile's introduction into American society during the first quarter of the 20th century. Introduced in October 1908, the Model T—also known as the "Tin Lizzie"—weighed some 1,200 pounds, with a 20-horsepower, four-cylinder engine. It got about 13 to 21 miles per gallon of gasoline and could travel up to 45 mph. Initially selling for around $850 (around $20,000 in today's dollars), the Model T would later sell for as little as $260 (around $6,000 today) for the basic no-extras model."

I ask Luke if he is ok and he says he hurt his thumb shooting.  Actually pulling back the bolt, reengaging the the shooting mechanism.  Somehow he smashed, bruised, and cut the base of his thumb bone.  Not too bad, and a band aide on it already.  After a few minutes he is up and about and having some cereal for breakfast.

I already bought 2 tickets for the Celtic Quest to go fishing at noon.

After getting the bikes on the carrier, we head out for an exploratory ride at San Souci County Park.  It is a small park with some trails just south of Sunrise Hwy on Broadway ave.  We venture in and decide to follow the "white trail" loop.  After abut 20 minutes we realize we are lost.  After about 40 minutes of ups and downs thru tight trails, across too brooks, we finally hear cars...We make our way out, albeit almost half a mile from the park entrance.

We will need to try it again and pay attention to the hard to find trail markers ( white paint on a tree ).  I have a feeling once we find the main 1.5 mile loop, we can have some fun instead of feeling like a lost explorer....

On the way home we pick up a hero and soda, pack a small cooler and head to Port Jeff to fish.  Fishing is very slow today, and with no breeze and full sun, it turns into a frustration.  On the way back to dock, we see some rain off in the distance.  Fluke Fishing was not good today.  As the boat docks we see about 40 people waiting to get onto the 4:45 for Porgies.  I bet they are going to slam them.

A quick stop at the steam room for some Steamers, and then back home.  We have a chicken and salad for dinner, and then Gavin takes the keys so he can meet his friends at Sachem East (going for a run).  I mow the lawn, Luke waits for me to finish so he can shoot soccer balls at me.  

I am ready to kick back and relax now.

Photo of the day "Sans Souci Park"

Star Wars

The house is bustling by 8am

Gavin going to Dan's house for a run

Kyle and Sue getting ready to go to Maryland for soccer 

Luke, I am your father.  Luke just hanging out and decides to come with me for a run.  I run, he takes the bike.

This day in history "On this day in 1977, Memorial Day weekend opens with an intergalactic bang as the first of George Lucas' blockbuster Star Wars movies hits American theaters.

The incredible success of Star Wars--it received seven Oscars, and earned $461 million in U.S. ticket sales and a gross of close to $800 million worldwide--began with an extensive, coordinated marketing push by Lucas and his studio, 20th Century Fox, months before the movie's release date. "It wasn't like a movie opening," actress Carrie Fisher, who played rebel leader Princess Leia, later told Time magazine. "It was like an earthquake." Beginning with--in Fisher's words--"a new order of geeks, enthusiastic young people with sleeping bags," the anticipation of a revolutionary movie-watching experience spread like wildfire, causing long lines in front of movie theaters across the country and around the world.
With its groundbreaking special effects, Star Wars leaped off screens and immersed audiences in "a galaxy far, far away." By now everyone knows the story, which followed the baby-faced Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) as he enlisted a team of allies--including hunky Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and the robots C3PO and R2D2--on his mission to rescue the kidnapped Princess Leia from an Evil Empire governed by Darth Vader. The film made all three of its lead actors overnight stars, turning Fisher into an object of adoration for millions of young male fans and launching Ford's now-legendary career as an action-hero heartthrob.

Gavin gets a haircut...a new look.

Sue and Kyle arrive in Maryland

Luke and Dad take a long swim in the pool with overcast skies and the fog rolling in.

Spaghetti and clam sauce for dinner.

Shane comes over to visit Gavin.

Fast and Furious 5 DVD came from Netflix.

The start of summer, and Luke and I plan to do some fishing tomorrow.

Photo of the day "Star Wars"

Gavin's in the house

Get up a little late today since I am driving up to Oneonta NY, Hartwick College to pick up Gavin.

Notice my passenger front tire is really low....pull into the driveway to put air in it, and see a nail.  Having to drive 500+ miles today, I decide I better have this repaired.

This day in history " Gavin finishes freshman year of college "

Stop at service station in Holbrook and plead my case.  I get the attention of an old timer who pulls the nail, patches the tire.  On the road 40 minutes later than intended.

Hit traffic on the other side of the Throgs Neck Bridge....Pot Hole Repair.  WTF

Gavin TXT at 2:10 that he is done with his calc final.  I am still 30 minutes away on cruise control doing a bit over the posted speed limit.  As I pass the spot I got pulled over a couple of weeks ago, I take a mental note of the surroundings and no POPO in sight.

Once on campus we begin packing up the car.  Gavin's roomie, Matt helps out.  Last to be packed is the triathlon time trial bike....

We make way to the Yellow Deli in town for some lunch.  We split too amazing sandwiches, the Reuben and a Deli Rose.  I can see why the Yellow Deli is a favorite.

We go for an excursion to Wilbur lake, a place we can fish and launch a kayak.   Too bad I don't live up there.

On the road at 430pm, we do great until we get to the Bronx.  Then we hit the traffic wall....

Home at 915pm.....

Photo of the day "Yellow Deli"

Mini Vacation

After work today I stopped at Hair Force One for a haircut.  A fresh cut was way over due and good to keep cooler in the warmer weather.  Today starts a mini vacation of sorts...don't have to be back to work till next Tuesday....

Salmon Terriyaki, Edamame, and Jasmin rice for dinner.

This day in history "A tsunami caused by an earthquake off the coast of Chile travels across the Pacific Ocean and kills 61 people in Hilo, Hawaii, on this day in 1960. The massive 8.5-magnitude quake had killed thousands in Chile the previous day.
The earthquake, involving a severe plate shift, caused a large displacement of water off the coast of southern Chile at 3:11 p.m. Traveling at speeds in excess of 400 miles per hour, the tsunami moved west and north. On the west coast of the United States, the waves caused an estimated $1 million in damages, but were not deadly.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning System, established in 1948 in response to another deadly tsunami, worked properly and warnings were issued to Hawaiians six hours before the wave's expected arrival. Some people ignored the warnings, however, and others actually headed to the coast in order to view the wave. Arriving only a minute after predicted, the tsunami destroyed Hilo Bay on the island of Hawaii. Thirty-five-foot waves bent parking meters to the ground and wiped away most buildings. A 10-ton tractor was swept out to sea. Reports indicate that the 20-ton boulders making up the sea wall were moved 500 feet. Sixty-one people died in Hilo, the worst-hit area of the island chain."

Never underestimate the power of the earths forces, whether from weather, earthquakes, or volcanoes.  At least their are early warnings systems in place.  We do however love to live near water, and in the path of danger.

I go for a quick 5K run in the neighborhood.  I actually meant to run 4+ miles, but my initial pace was a little quicker than normal I guess.  As Endomondo announced my first mile at 09:16, I decided to see if I could keep or beat that pace.  Mile 2 comes in at 09:07, and the last mile at 09:03.  Not very fast by any stretch of the imagination, but a good pace for me.  3.1 miles in 28:19.

Gavin is finishing up his freshman year at Hartwick, and has one more final to take tomorrow.  The car is ready to go, and I will be on campus to help Gavin move back home tomorrow afternoon.  A stop is planned at Wilbur Lake, and Yellow Deli.  Time fly's !!

Photo of the day "

Space X

I thought Kyle was going to get up early today, but due to the rain he didn't go for his morning run.  I thought I was driving him to school so was lazying around instead of making my lunch.  Left the house abruptly to catch his bus...

Decided that it would be a good idea to check out Sue's Honda Pilot that shakes a lot when braking.   Leave work early to go to Pep Boys.  Big mistake.

This day in history "Privately owned Space Exploration Technologies launched a test run to the International Space Station early Tuesday, but visiting the orbital outpost is just the beginning of the company's grand plan to give humanity a toehold on Mars.

"Our goal is to revolutionize space transport, so we'll be doing every kind of space transport, except for suborbital. We'll launch satellites of all shapes and sizes, service the space station with cargo and crew, and then the long-term objective is to develop a space transport system that will enable humanity to become a multi-planet species," company founder and chief executive officer Elon Musk said in an interview with SpaceflightNow.com ."

Back here on earth, I get to Pep Boys at 3pm and don't see anyone in the waiting area...sure there are a couple of cars in the shop, but not bad.  40 minutes later the diagnosis, like big surprise, we need front brakes and rotors.  Luckily for me, I had already logged in and was working from the waiting area.

We will have you out of here in about 30 minutes is what the guys tell me.  An hour later I take peek into the shop and see Sue's car still on the lift, no mechanic near it, and one tire still on the floor.  I ask how much longer...they tell me they only had one rotor...one rotor.  They sent someone to their store that's 15 minutes away to get another one.

Now it's 530pm, blood sugar low, temper high, and patience waning.  All they had to do was say that they needed to get parts and that it would be a couple of few hours and I would have called Sue to pick me up.  

Finally after three hours they tell me my car is ready.  No apologies for he delays, no I am sorry Mr. Jenkins.  I ask for a discount based on the poor service and get 10% off.   I feel good knowing the car is ready for the long ride to Maryland this weekend, and that I saved some money.  

Come home an make some leftover paella.  Watch a silly movie, "Arthur" and veg out.

Photo of the day "Space X'

P.S.  Someday we may be travelling to other planets....will we need brakes ?  Pep Boys does everything for less, except in the time department......

COOL DADDY

Seeing some rain today after such  beautiful weekend is fine with me.

After work decided to have a fish fry.  2 kinds of fish 2 different ways.  Panko breaded with a mixture of spices and another batch with seasoned bread crumbs.  Striped Bass and Fluke nuggets.  COOL DADDY Yum !!

This day in history "In Washington, D.C., humanitarians Clara Barton and Adolphus Solomons found the American National Red Cross, an organization established to provide humanitarian aid to victims of wars and natural disasters in congruence with the International Red Cross."

Seems Americans in general are very generous and we donate money to many charities including the Red Cross.

A quick trip to the gym for a run, elliptical, and some strength training.  Summer is right around the corner.

Back home for Americas Got Talent.  You know when the regular TV series end, the summer series or fill in shows start.  Summer is right around the corner.

Looking forward to some fishing, kayaking, BBQs, bike rides, and the beach. 

Photo of the day "COOL DADDY"

Bunk Beds

Took Kyle to referee a soccer game in Selden.

Decided to go for run...turned around at 3 miles, forcing me to run back start, completing 6 miles.  The last mile  was tough as the sun was overhead and it seemed like more uphill than downhill.  Completed in under an hour so I am happy.

Being able to track my run and listen to Pandora at the same time, priceless.  I have "Tears for Fears" radio station in Pandora

This day in history "On this day in 1873, San Francisco businessman Levi Strauss and Reno, Nevada, tailor Jacob Davis are given a patent to create work pants reinforced with metal rivets, marking the birth of one of the world's most famous garments: blue jeans.
Born Loeb Strauss in Buttenheim, Bavaria, in 1829, the young Strauss immigrated to New York with his family in 1847 after the death of his father. By 1850, Loeb had changed his name to Levi and was working in the family dry goods business, J. Strauss Brother & Co. In early 1853, Levi Strauss went west to seek his fortune during the heady days of the Gold Rush."

I still wear Levis.  More Dockers now than the old blue jeans.  To be honest, I am finding Lee jeans and business casual attire to be a more comfortable fit.  At least the 29 length is correct and I am not chopping up the bottoms like on most of my jeans and slacks..

Today, Sue spent most of the day rearranging the boys room.  Kyle and Luke have been in bunk beds for like 10 years, so dismantling then and separating the twin beds marked the end of an era.  With Gavin coming home this week from his first year in college, I am sure he will want his room back.  Kyle got so tall, I swear if he sits up in bed on the top bunk he will bang his head on the ceiling.

Luke and his friends go for a swim in the pool after I put the diving board on.  Summer is in full swing, and Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner.

Time to watch Mr. Popper Penguins.

Photo of the day "Bunk Beds Separated"