Thursday, May 31, 2012

Seafood Trio

So, we had a repeat day the other day, and double day yesterday.

Today when I got home from work, I prepared an early dinner.  Seafood Trio.

Take Kyle to practice and decide to run 3x further than my last run.

Come home and the internet is acting funny.   Facebook gives me a weird page LUNDBLADH

This day in history "
The famous tower clock known as Big Ben, located at the top of the 320-foot-high St. Stephen's Tower, rings out over the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London, for the first time on this day in 1859.
After a fire destroyed much of the Palace of Westminster--the headquarters of the British Parliament--in October 1834, a standout feature of the design for the new palace was a large clock atop a tower. The royal astronomer, Sir George Airy, wanted the clock to have pinpoint accuracy, including twice-a-day checks with the Royal Greenwich Observatory. While many clockmakers dismissed this goal as impossible, Airy counted on the help of Edmund Beckett Denison, a formidable barrister known for his expertise in horology, or the science of measuring time."

So back to my day.  I run a 10K...6.25 miles tonight in just about 1 hour.  Now that I am home, I notice that my left foot hurts.  Wonder why ?  Triple shot of tequilla ?

The seafood trio was a big hit.  Like in the past blogs, it has become necessary to prepare and feed the boys multiple meals or larger portions these days.  So today is shrimp scampi, Cajun striped bass, and baked clams. I love to cook, and I love to eat.  YUM, YUM, YUM !!!

Photo of the day "Seafood Trio"



BTW - That blob of red between the baked clam and striped bass is home made cocktail sauce.  It has Three ingredients......

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Double Day

So yesterday was repeat day.

Today can be double day.

Worked and doubled as Mr. Mom when Luke called and said he was not feeling well at school.

Had double lunch.  Actually half a bagel, and half a peanut butter and nutella on whole wheat.

This day in history "The U.S. unmanned space probe Mariner 9 is launched on a mission to gather scientific information on Mars, the fourth planet from the sun. The 1,116-pound spacecraft entered the planet's orbit on November 13, 1971, and circled Mars twice each day for almost a year, photographing the surface and analyzing the atmosphere with infrared and ultraviolet instruments. It gathered data on the atmospheric composition, density, pressure, and temperature of Mars, and also information about the surface composition, temperature, and topography of the planet.
When Mariner 9 first arrived, Mars was almost totally obscured by dust storms, which persisted for a month. However, after the dust cleared, Mariner 9 proceeded to reveal a very different planet--one that boasted enormous volcanoes and a gigantic canyon stretching 3,000 miles across its surface. The spacecraft's cameras also recorded what appeared to be dried riverbeds, suggesting the ancient presence of water and perhaps life on the planet. The first spacecraft to orbit a planet other than earth, Mariner 9 sent back more than 7,000 pictures of the "Red Planet" and succeeded in photographing the entire planet. Mariner 9 also sent back the first close-up images of the Martian moon. Its transmission ended on October 27, 1972."

After work ended it was time to cook dinner.  Could not decide so made BBQ Chicken Breast and Sausage and Peppers.  Double Dinner.

Went for a bike ride with Sue, and covered double the usual route.

When I was a teenager, I used to work at Carvel.  They had Wednesday is Sundae at Carvel.  Basically that meant buy one sundae and get one free.  Needless to say, in my old neighborhood, when the weather was nice, a line out the door formed and lasted for a couple of hours.  Double Sundaes ?

Today is Wednesday, right ??  We had double the amount of papers to recycle too.

Photo of the day "Double Day"


P.S. Good thing I cooked double.  There is only one chicken breast and a small (barely lunch portion) of sausage and peppers leftover.  Sue already claimed the sausage and peppers for her lunch tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Repeat if necessary

Wake up to go to work.  Shower, wash hair.  The shampoo says lather rinse repeat if necessary.

Get to work, read emails, play catch up from being off for a few days, repeat if necessary.

Back home, leftovers from the weekend, repeat if necessary.

Go to Sans Suci for a bike ride.  Don't get lost again.  Take a walk out to lakes, repeat if necessary.

Back home, go for a run, repeat if necessary.

Perfect time for a dip in the pool, repeat if necessary.

Write my blog entry, repeat if necessary.

Watch some old episodes of Tosh.o, repeat if necessary.

Photo of the day "Repeat if necessary"


P.S. Sans Souci is a really great little nature sanctuary.  Who would have ever thought it was anything more than an insect sanctuary and trail.  Repeat if necessary.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day 2012

First and foremost, I am thankful for our freedom and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure it.  Most of us think of memorial day as the start of summer, and I must admit that today was a picture perfect summer day.

This day in history "Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all."

Woke up and decided to go for run.  Even at 9am it was starting to get hot and humid.  4 miles today.

Grabbed some bagels for breakfast.

Took the kayak out of its wrapper and gave it a test drive.

After lunch Luke and I went to Sayville to try our luck crabbing.  The beach area crowded, but no one crabbing on the dock.  It is a .little early in the season.  Luke does catch one nice blue claw crab...it becomes a snack.

Grilled chicken and some pulled pork for dinner.

After dinner a quick bike ride on the orange trail at Sans Suci.  We did not get lost, although Luke took a nice spill in a sand pit...

Back home for some more time in the pool.  A night swim.    Followed by watermelon and some lazy time watching TV.

Life is good in America.  Life is good in Holbrook.  Thanks to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in our military to ensure our freedoms.

Photo of the day "Kayak"


 

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Heckscher State Park

Everyone up early today.  Luke at like 7, me at 730, and Gavin at 830.  Sue and Kyle are in Maryland at soccer tournament.  

After breakfast Luke and I go to church.

This day in history "On this day in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge, connecting San Francisco with Marin County, California, officially opens amid citywide celebration.
Named for the narrow strait that marks the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed from January 1933 to May 1937. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, at 4,200 feet. From the beginning, the bridge's location posed challenges for its construction, not least because of its proximity to the mighty San Andreas Fault, which passes from north to south through the San Francisco Bay area. In addition, the tumultuous waters of the strait posed grave dangers for the underwater construction work necessary to build the bridge.
Still, the engineer Joseph Strauss waged a tireless 16-year campaign to convince skeptical city officials and other opponents of the controversial project. On the bridge's opening day, he triumphantly exclaimed: "The bridge which could not and should not be built, which the War Department would not permit, which the rocky foundation of the pier base would not support, which would have no traffic to justify it, which would ruin the beauty of the Golden Gate, which could not be completed within my costs estimate of $27,165,000, stands before you in all its majestic splendor, in complete refutation of every attack made upon it."

After church we decide to pack the bikes and go to Heckscher State Park.  With Empire Pass on the window, we will be hitting the State Parks on LI a lot this summer.

Even though it was a hot day, the breeze off the bay kept the park at a tolerable temperature.  Luke had to work hard to keep up on his bmx style bike, where Gavin on his triathlon bike could sprint half a mile ahead of of us in like 30 seconds.

We have to see if Luke can handle a full size mountain bike without injuring his family jewels.

A nice relaxing swim before dinner.

We have some burgers. hot dogs, and corn on the cob for dinner.

Sue and Kyle get home early form Maryland.

Gavin has some friends over and are in the pool and hot tub.

Summer is upon us.

Photo of the day "Heckscher State Park"


Saturday, May 26, 2012

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"


Friday, May 25, 2012

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"


Thursday, May 24, 2012

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"


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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 "


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

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......

Monday, May 21, 2012

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"


Sunday, May 20, 2012

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"


Saturday, May 19, 2012

Orient Point

415 wake up this morning to go fishing.  A quick shower and a K-cup and we got out on the road for our pilgrimage to the long island fishing mecca, Orient Point.

A quick stop at 'bruce's deli' in Mattituck for egg sandwiches, and with the sun peaking out now, we know it is going to be a good day.  BTW - the deli is really called Wendy's Deli, but since I used to coordinate fishing charters out to Mattituck, my friends started calling it Bruce's deli.

So its Bruce, Ed, Scott, Jose, Chris, and Louis today for some striped bass and fluke fishing.

This day in history "Ed slams the bass with a record 5 keepers"

The morning was a frenzy, with a limit (12 bass for 6 fisherman) caught within 2 hours.  That meant an early celebration beer and some sandwiches before heading to Gardiners bay for some fluke fishing.

We have always had great success out in Orient Point, fishing on the Black Rock with Capt. Sloan, and his mate Joe.

The weather and the fishing did not disappoint and we proceeded to put together a relaxing catch of fluke with a couple of keepers mixed in.

A great weather day as well.

I get home just in time to have a quick cup of coffee and its off to watch Kyle play soccer in Massapequa.  The game starts late, and without an official referee.  The game turns out to be a mess and before the end, we leave the field.

I had to put on a jacket and noticed that I have sunburn on my neck and arms...

Now 8pm, we decide to indulge Luke by going to Popeye's chicken.  It was ok.  The chicken was good, the sides not so good, the iced too gross.  I should have just made the paella at 830.

Now I am really tired, and will be heading to be early tonight....Luke wants to go fishing tomorrow....we may go in the afternoon or eve trip.

Photo of the day "Orient Point"




P.S. That's Ed, aka "Limit" and Bruce "Almighty"  - He was top hook and over the limit....



Friday, May 18, 2012

33.6

The sun is shining and not a cloud in the sky.   Beautiful day across Long Island, and the weekend forecast is the same.

The folks at work indulged me in my flashing of the iPhone.  It is not easy to come by at my company which is deeply entrenched with Blackberry.  I am so happy to have a fresh, fast, multi application capable device.

I pick up the 4 feet of part hero, pretzels, chips, and Doritos for the fishing trip tomorrow.

This day in history "On this day in 2001, the fledgling movie studio Dreamworks SKG, founded by Hollywood heavyweights Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, releases what will become its most successful film to date: the animated feature Shrek.
Based on William Steig’s 1990 children’s book, Shrek was vividly re-imagined by Dreamworks animators as a subversive twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast story. The studio had originally signed the comedian Chris Farley to provide the voice for the titular green ogre, and his death in December 1997 temporarily set the project back, as the character of Shrek had been tailored to his personality and voice. After Mike Myers signed on, he lent his own spin to the character, including a thick Scottish accent with the flavor of Myers’ native Canada."

Kyle is over his girlfriends house so Luke, Sue and I go to Portion Road Sushi....a nondescript sushi place that is inexpensive and good.

On the way hone we make the rounds at a Sears Hardware that is closing down (10-30% off)...not too many bargains really, but an air chuck for the compressor, and a red white and blue volley ball find their way to the register.

Another stop at Atias Flea Market...pretty sketchy really.  We were hoping to find a suitable case for the new iPhones (Sue and I).  I just couldn't purchase the cheap "defender" touted as better than the otter box.  Sue looked at perhaps a hundred covers and decided to not get one there.  Maybe at a Kiosk at the mall ?

Last stop is Leslie's pools to look at poolside basketball and volleyball.  All priced pretty high, so we put our name on the mailing list and hope for a Memorial Day Sale.  We don't leave empty handed, as I schlep to 40lb bags of salt the car.  The salt is to make chlorine.  Salt is NaCl or sodium chloride.  We installed a salt chlorine generator that breaks the bonds of the salt in our pool water to release pure chlorine.  The chlorine after sanitizing re-bonds with the sodium and the process continues.

We have to add some salt after loosing enough water thru splashing, or from the winter when we are forced to pump some water out so the pool doesn't overflow.  Anyway, we fed about 20 lbs of salt int the pool and we will check the salt generator tomorrow (today it said, "LOW SALT")

I will try to get to bed early tonight and set my clock for 04:30 so we can leave for fishing around 05:00.

I just checked the Solar Inverter....an outstanding 33.6Kwh produced today.  Thank you sun !!

Photo of the day "Solar Power"













Thursday, May 17, 2012

4S

Work starts same as always.  Lots of emails.  Answers to problems.

Kyle is taking his history AP exam.

Sue is at work

Gavin is out running

Luke is at school.

This day in history "I get an iPhone 4S and join the countless millions of others who love their phone"

Baked Ziti for dinner.

Kyle goes to soccer.

Gavin reports running a half marathon.  How does he just do that....

I ran 45 mins while Kyle practiced.

Photo of the day "4S"


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Signs of Summer

You just gotta love that the boys are counting down the days till their summer recess.  Even Sue is telling me only 19 work days left till summer.  I am seeing vacation requests from the guys at work.  Then the sun comes out, and starts to warm up our surroundings.  Spring fever, or signs of summer. ?

After work I find Luke and his friends asking to go into the pool.  The pool is open, but has not been vacuumed...the bottom looks like an abyss.  I tell them to wait 30 minutes or so, and I get changed into shorts and start vacuuming the pool.  Once a clean path is made with the first pass, it becomes even more evident that the bottom and sides need a good cleaning....signs of summer.

I take a break after the cleaning the pool and the boys scatter to go get their bathing suits.  Salmon Terriyaki, rice, edamame, green beans, and leftover mashed potatoes.  Somehow the mashed potatoes don't seem to fit, but get eaten just the same.  Luke's new friend John is over the house for dinner...signs of summer.

This day in history "Summer comes early to Holbrook"

I forget that I need to order some party hero for my fishing trip Saturday.  The forecast is for some more great weather, so I run out to Lombardi's market for 2 feet each, Italian and American.  Do you think that's enough for six guys ?  Just kidding, it always is and we have some for the mate and capt. Sloan....sings of summer.

After dinner, the boys play some basketball, and then take the plunge.  I hear the screams as they emerge from the cold water of the pool.  After 5 minutes they retreat to the hot tub....what a life.  Once warm., they go back into the cold pool and huddle around the shallow end....one of them exclaims that the water feels good now...obviously they are getting comfortably numb.....signs of summer.

At around 730, the boys call it a night, after-all it's not summer and they have homework to do.  Luke helps me put the pool cover on, and tomorrow, I will turn on the heater during the day to see if we can get this pool a little warmer.  67 degree water is too cold for me, but a sure sign of summer when 4 boys are in the pool for the first swim of the year.

Photo of the day "Signs of Summer"


Four wild and crazy guys " Zach, Anthony, John,  and Luke"

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Soccer Cancelled

After a day at work that was full of surprises, I decided to go straight to Costco.

Shopped for all the major food groups.  Got to the check out and they told me my membership expired and hit me up for $110 membership.  So $440 later, we have enough chicken, meat, fish, and other goodies to last....a couple of weeks ??

This day in history "A particularly intense tornado hits Sherman, Texas, on this day in 1896, and kills 73 people. It is estimated that the tornado was a rare F5 tornado, in which winds exceeded 260 miles per hour. Storms of that strength happen, on average, less than once a year.
The strength of tornadoes is measured on the Fujita Scale, named after University of Chicago physicist Tetsuya Theodore Fujita. He was the first scientist to devote extensive study to tornadoes and how they operate. He discovered that the average tornado is 150 feet wide, travels one mile moving 40 mph in a northeasterly direction and tends to pick up strength the longer it lasts. Fujita found that only 30 percent of twisters reach winds above 112 miles per hour. The strongest tornadoes--ones that cause complete destruction on the ground, even to steel-reinforced structures--are designated as F5 on the scale designed by Fujita and only occur in North America. There were 94 recorded F5 tornadoes in the 20th century."

While I hate to hear about natural disasters, they do spark some curiosity.  Storm chasers is fun to watch, as it is incredible how powerful these storms can be.  What I really cant understand is how we keep building in tornado alley and not expect horrible things to happen when a storm forms and bears down.

Dinner choices abounded tonight and the hungry people in the house voted for a simple oven baked chicken wings, mashed potatoes, corn, and broccoli.  Simple yet very satisfying especially with some hot sauce and blue cheese dressing.

Gonna watch the season finale of Glee.

Photo of the day "Soccer Cancelled"






Monday, May 14, 2012

First Cut

Back to work.  Why is the weekend so short ?

Sue reminds me that if I don't mow the lawn soon, someone is going to call the town.

Spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.  The Lombardi's market meatballs are NOT  hit in the Jenkins house.

This day in history "One year after the United States doubled its territory with the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition leaves St. Louis, Missouri, on a mission to explore the Northwest from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.
Even before the U.S. government concluded purchase negotiations with France, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned his private secretary Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, an army captain, to lead an expedition into what is now the U.S. Northwest. On May 14, the "Corps of Discovery"--featuring approximately 45 men (although only an approximate 33 men would make the full journey)--left St. Louis for the American interior."

After dinner I venture out in the wilderness that is the back yard.  I pull the almost 19 year old Honda mower out of the shed, open the air filter compartment, spray in some carb cleaner and pull the cord a few times.  The mower belches out some smoke and starts to run.

I am not so good to my equipment, and the mower is perhaps a prime example.  Maybe a spark plug and a tune up every 7 years or so.  Add some oil if it is low, and I think a new air filter a few years ago.  Honda must make a good, let me re-phrase that, great product.

The first cut makes the lawn look much better...even clover and grass when cut to the same length look good.  I just cant bring myself to fertilize and put weed control 4 or 5 times a year.  I do think I should feed the grass soon...Is it supposed to be green ?  Just kidding.  I will feed it soon.  It grows too fast when you feed it, and then you have to cut it again.

I fit in a 45 minute run tonight before taking a quick shower and watching some mindless TV.

The first cut always smells like spring.

Photo of the day "First Cut"




Sunday, May 13, 2012

Pools Open + Happy Mothers Day

We have been having such nice weather lately, and no soccer today, at least we didn't go to any games.

Made breakfast for Sue and the boys this morning.  Bacon, Eggs, Corned beef hash, and pancakes.

We watched the Manchester City game, a real nail biter as QPR had taken a lead and it seemed that no matter what Man City threw at them, they could not equalize let alone win.  In the last 5 minutes of stoppage time, Man City tied, and took the lead.  The win secured them a the championship.

This day in history "Some 100 English colonists arrive along the west bank of the James River in Virginia to found Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Dispatched from England by the London Company, the colonists had sailed across the Atlantic aboard the Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery.
Upon landing at Jamestown, the first colonial council was held by seven settlers whose names had been chosen and placed in a sealed box by King James I. The council, which included Captain John Smith, an English adventurer, chose Edward Wingfield as its first president. After only two weeks, Jamestown came under attack from warriors from the local Algonquian Native American confederacy, but the Indians were repulsed by the armed settlers. In December of the same year, John Smith and two other colonists were captured by Algonquians while searching for provisions in the Virginia wilderness. His companions were killed, but he was spared, according to a later account by Smith, because of the intercession of Pocahontas, Chief Powhatan's daughter."

For several years in a row, when the kids where younger we visited Jamestown, and stayed at a resort called Powhatan.  If it wasn't for the long long drive, and other commitments around the spring break we would visit again.

We go to a neighbors house for lunch and a party.  The new neighbors down the street are friendly with Luke, so we go an invite to Kyle's first communion.  Philippino specialties abounded including a whole roasted pig.  I have to get some recipes.



Had just enough time to open the pool in between the party and dinner.  Sue wanted Sushi, so we went out after she got home from church.

Happy Mothers Day

Photo of the day "Pools Open"



Saturday, May 12, 2012

Blog 5K

Started the weekend with a run around the neighborhood.

Stayed on  conf call for work for about 4 hrs., thru 2 county's and 2 boroughs.  

Visited Sue's mom Peggy and had bagels for brunch.

Out to north west Jersey for some soccer.  Ended in a 0 0 tie.

Back home a bit late, so a short blog.

This day in history"On this day in 1957, race car driver A.J. Foyt (1935- ) scores his first professional victory, in a U.S. Automobile Club (USAC) midget car race in Kansas City, Missouri.
A tough-as-nails Texan, Anthony Joseph Foyt, Jr. raced midget cars--smaller vehicles designed to be driven in races of shorter distances--and stock cars before moving up to bigger things in 1958, when he entered his first Indianapolis 500 race. Foyt won his first Indy 500 crown in 1961, when rival Eddie Sachs was forced to make a tire change in the final laps, giving Foyt the chance to overtake him and win with a then-record average speed of 139.13 mph."

Once again, Sue did the driving.

The Blog is over 5000 views.  Thanks.

I think Sue will be getting served breakfast, lunch, and dinner tomorrow.....

Photo of the Day"Blog 5K"




Friday, May 11, 2012

Bees or Chickens ?

Wow, what a nice day we had today.  Sunny skies and a cool breeze.  We produced over 30kwh of Solar power and it seems each sunny day we have, the system is cranking out the power.

Work ends this week with a scramble to make a bunch of changes tonight instead of the weekend, due to some other emergency work going on tomorrow.  One of my guys will work late tonight and hopefully have a quiet day and no work tomorrow.

Luke has some friends over, and Kyle has Gia over.  We decide to get some Mama Lombardis pizza.  One Neapolitan and one Sicilian pie.  Or for the out of towners, one round and one square.

This day in history "On this day in 1947, the B.F. Goodrich Company of Akron, Ohio, announces it has developed a tubeless tire, a technological innovation that would make automobiles safer and more efficient.
Pneumatic tires--or tires filled with pressurized air--were used on motor vehicles beginning in the late 1800s, when the French rubber manufacturer Michelin & Cie became the first company to develop them. For the first 60 years of their use, pneumatic tires generally relied on an inner tube containing the compressed air and an outer casing that protected the tube and provided traction. The disadvantage of this design was that if the inner tube failed--which was always a risk due to excess heat generated by friction between the tube and the tire wall--the tire would blow out immediately, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle."

Boy an I glad they invented tubeless tires.  With all the nails and screws my wife finds, we would be blowing out tires left and right.  Now we have the offending nail or screw pulled out, and the tire patched.  Now if only our bicycles kept air in their tires we would be all set.

The other day I tried out the new trailer hitch and connected the bike rack.  I am all set now to pick up Gavin, a bunch of his stuff, and his TT bike.  Will be fun having the trailer hitch and going to the State Parks for a ride once in a while.

Went to check the garden and saw one of my plants has purple blooms that a busy bee was buzzing around.  I have not seen too many bees and that worries me.  I read that there is a problem and a major decline in bee populations.  Not only do they make honey, they are our primary pollinators.

I think we should get a bee hive and help raise some bees.  They provide honey.   Another one of my great ideas right alongside getting some chickens which of course can provide fresh eggs.  Sustainable living, backyard agriculture on a small scale.

Vote - Chickens
Vote - Bees
Vote - Both

Leave some feedback or a comment.

Photo of the day "Bee"




P.S. We are fast approaching the 5000th view on the Blog - Thanks for reading, and don't forget to vote.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Caterpillar - They're Back

Sue left early to go on a school trip to Philadelphia.  Its going to be a long day for her.  That left me the drop off for both Kyle and Luke.  I dropped Luke off at 730 and then hit some pretty brutal traffic on the LIE.  There is no real public transportation options from Holbrook to Hauppauge.  My 13 mile commute took an uncivilized 59 minutes.  I am still happy that I don't work in NYC or it would take me like 2 hrs.

Once home from work it was a quick bite to eat, and then i dropped Kyle off at soccer practice.

This day in history "On this day in 1869, the presidents of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads meet in Promontory, Utah, and drive a ceremonial last spike into a rail line that connects their railroads. This made transcontinental railroad travel possible for the first time in U.S. history. No longer would western-bound travelers need to take the long and dangerous journey by wagon train, and the West would surely lose some of its wild charm with the new connection to the civilized East."

Judging from the way folks used to travel, we are pretty lucky now to have the planes, trains, and automobiles that keep us connected.   Now the Internet connects all parts of the world in an instant.

Luke was playing with the neighbors and still had some homework to do, so I ran an errand and came back home for a while before picking Kyle back up.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the discovery the boys made today...the ugliest, hairiest gypsy moth caterpillar I have seen in years.  They're back !

Sue should be home soon.  I think its going to be another early night.  Damn, I didn't run tonight or go to the gym.  What a slacker.

Photo of the day "Caterpillar"




Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Tacos

I jinxed myself yesterday with the SSDD.  Last night I got a wake up call from work for a system that is fault tolerant and cant fail.  Well, something really went wrong, and the system was not cooperating.  By 1:30 AM I was done with the call and had switched all users and services away to our site in St. Louis.

This day in history"On this day in 1950, Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (1911-1986) publishes Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. With this book, Hubbard introduced a branch of self-help psychology called Dianetics, which quickly caught fire and, over time, morphed into a belief system boasting millions of subscribers: Scientology.
Hubbard was already a prolific and frequently published writer by the time he penned the book that would change his life. Under several pseudonyms in the 1930s, he published a great amount of pulp fiction, particularly in the science fiction and fantasy genres. In late 1949, having returned from serving in the Navy in World War II, Hubbard began publishing articles in the pages of Astounding Science Fiction, a magazine that published works by the likes of Isaac Asimov and Jack Williamson. Out of these grew the elephantine text known as Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health."

I never read the book, but recall the late nite TV advertising of Dianetics.  Maybe I can download the book and have it played to me while exercising.  No run or gym tonight.  A tough day at work.

Once home, I had tacos on my mind.  So, beef tacos, rice, guacamole, tomatoes, black olives, cheddar cheese and sour cream.  Hard or soft tacos, we had both.

After dinner, it is out to Best Buy for a printer.  The printer has been messing up for weeks now, and is actually haunted.  it creeps everyone out, as it resets itself 20 times a day and much more frequently noticed when the house is dark and quiet.  Well, too many times it just wont print, or prints partial pages.

I don't think this printer is even two years old and it pisses me off.  I buy another HP, so I guess I am not 100% disgusted with the brand.  The price of ink is another travesty.  The on-sale HP printer was purchased with a 2year no questions asked warranty.  In other words, an extra $19.95, and I swear if this printer gives me any grief, it is the Geek Squads problem.

Photo of the day "Tacos"




Tuesday, May 8, 2012

SSDD

Woke up. Shower, cook some eggs, make a can of tuna for lunch.  Wait for Kyle to get ready.  Drop Kyle off at the bus.  Drive to work.  Work all day.   Get home and take Kyle to work.  Work some more.

Cook Chicken Tikka Masala, rice, peas, papa dam, and nann.

Sue gets home just in time for dinner.

This day in history "On this day in 1945, both Great Britain and the United States celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Cities in both nations, as well as formerly occupied cities in Western Europe, put out flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazi war machine.
The eighth of May spelled the day when German troops throughout Europe finally laid down their arms: In Prague, Germans surrendered to their Soviet antagonists, after the latter had lost more than 8,000 soldiers, and the Germans considerably more; in Copenhagen and Oslo; at Karlshorst, near Berlin; in northern Latvia; on the Channel Island of Sark--the German surrender was realized in a final cease-fire. More surrender documents were signed in Berlin and in eastern Germany"

I go to the gym for a one mile run and 30 minutes on the elliptical.   Catch Glee with Sue and Luke.

Pick up Kyle from work.

Make a snack.  Write a blog.

SSDD

Same Shit Different Day

Photo of the day "SSDD"


Monday, May 7, 2012

Fluke

On the way to work my mind was wandering and I forgot to drop Kyle off at bus stop.  I had just turned the corner onto Broadway ave.when Kyle and I turned to each other and said, WTF.  I dropped him off at the next bus stop up just in case the bus had already left from his pickup.

Kyle made it to school.  I made it work.

This day in history "Pink Floyd releases the single MONEY in the US in 1973"

I have always loved Pink Floyd.

We have fresh fluke for dinner thanks to Luke and our fishing trip yesterday.  I add in a couple of artichokes, french fries, and corn.  Nice to get back into the routine of a home cooked meal after being out this weekend.

Kyle is off to soccer practice.  I put down some seed and fertilizer on the lawn.  That usually equates to bird food.

A 35 minute run and I am ready to take it easy.

Sue and Luke fell asleep on the couch right after 2 Broke Girls.....

I m happy watching some TV, reading some emails, planning my next fishing trip, and blogging.

Photo of the day"Fluke"


Sunday, May 6, 2012

Luke caught a big Fluke

Slept late today.  Even though I heard everyone up before me, I decided to stay in bed till 9am.  Got up to find Sue and Kyle watching the Manchester City game, and Luke on his laptop.  I make eggs for Luke, Kyle and I.  Sue must have already eaten as she did not ask for any.  Manchester City wins 2-0.

Luke tells me the weather forecast which means we are going fishing later.  I plant the eight snap pea plants we picked up yesterday upstate NY at Pie in the Sky...a cute farm store that serves some very good home made ice cream.

Once the plants are in the ground, Luke and I head out to Lombardi Market for a ham and cheese hero.  We also stop at 7 Eleven for some soda.  

This day in history "

In a ceremony presided over by England's Queen Elizabeth II and French President Francois Mitterand, a rail tunnel under the English Channel was officially opened, connecting Britain and the European mainland for the first time since the Ice Age.
The channel tunnel, or "Chunnel," connects Folkstone, England, with Sangatte, France, 31 miles away. The Chunnel cut travel time between England and France to a swift 35 minutes and eventually between London and Paris to two-and-a-half hours.

As the world's longest undersea tunnel, the Chunnel runs under water for 23 miles, with an average depth of 150 feet below the seabed. Each day, about 30,000 people, 6,000 cars and 3,500 trucks journey through the Chunnel on passenger, shuttle and freight trains."

While I have never taken the chunnel, some folks I know in the UK have taken it, and say that they usually make the run to bring back cases of wine.   I would probably opt for a ferry across the channel, if the let me fish off the back....

We got to the Celtic Quest at around 1130, and it was cool, breezy, and cloudy.  I asked the capt. if we were fishing for fluke or porgies, or both.  For a change, it was fluke.  We picked a couple of spots on the port side rail and went into the cabin to wait.  At noon, the boat sounds its horn and starts backing out of its berth.  A minute later, before even making its U-turn, it pulls back in.  A father and son come running down the dock and are happy they did not get stranded on land.

30 minutes out of port, we get the signal that we will start fishing.  Within the first 1 minutes, Luke hooks up with the first fish of the day.  The mate nets the fish, a nice one, and after measuring it, the announcement is made that we have our first keeper.  This is also Luke's first keeper...I don't mean this year, I am talking first keeper fluke ever.  We have been under increasingly difficult catch limits and the size of the fish have always been just out of reach.

The weather turns warmer and shorts and tshirt are fine half the time...as long as the sun is shining thru the clouds.  Luke manages a hand full of fluke landed, me I get three...no more keepers for us, but for our season opener we are still high hook and happy that one of them will make it to dinner.

Photo of the day"Luke caught a big Fluke"


Saturday, May 5, 2012

MC United Win Big in Albany

The day started out with a run around the SUNY Albany Quads.  It was cloudy, cool, and breezy at 6:45 am.  30 minutes later, and back at the HGI across the street from SUNY Albany, Sue was already up and getting ready for her shower.

By 8am we were all showered and ready or breakfast and shortly after that we head to the soccer fields for the last game of the NERP season.  The Stray Cat Alley Cats started showing up at the field as we did, an hour before game time.

MC United took an early lead and never looked back.  Kyle had one of the best games I have ever watched him play.  As a left mid-fielder, he dished out 2 assists, and put 3 in the back of the net as well.  Getting a hat trick is something he has wanted for a long time.  Scoring one of them when taking a corner kick, well, it doesn't get much better than that.

Congratulations to the team, and the 7-3 win also included 2 goals by James, 1 by Tim, and 1 by Kevin.

A team photo followed.

This day in history "Bruce gets pulled over for speeding and doesn't get a speeding ticket"  After the soccer game, we head back to the hotel so that Kyle can take a shower.  We are then on the road again, heading to Hartwick College to visit Gavin.  An hour and change into the ride from Albany to Oneonta, a scant 4 miles away from the campus, I get laser tagged by a State Trooper.

License and registration please.  Do you know why I am stopping you ?  Do you have any warrants ?  is there anything wrong with your vehicle ?  Let's put this into context, I am the one who is the slower driver in the family, and Sue warned me a few miles back that I was hitting 80 or so mph.  I backed off and tried to stay at a more reasonable speed.  Her car does make it easy to go 80 on the open road.

Turns out, ten minutes later that the officer noticed that our registration had lapsed.  Happy Cinco De Mayo to me.  The registration lapsed on May 4th.  As luck has it, the officer decided to give me a ticket for unregistered vehicle as opposed to a moving violation.  Saving me 4 points, a higher fine, and the possibility of a raise in my insurance rate.

Once at Hartwick, I relinquished the keys and decided that Sue should drive as usual.  We enjoyed a nice Hibachi lunch, and a trek through the woods at Wilbur park.  After that we picked up Krista and headed to Pie in the Sky for ice cream.  Yummy homemade ice cream from a real farm in the outskirts of town.

Back on the road again, with Sue at the wheel, we make it back home in one piece, no more tickets, and cover the ride in record 4 hr time.  It usually takes 5 hours.   I will be making the drive again in a few weeks when Gavin is done with finals.  I will watch my speed next time, and so will Gavin, as he will be sharing the driving with me that day.....

Photo of the day "MC United"




Friday, May 4, 2012

HGI

After work we headed up to Albany to for a soccer game, college visits, and a visit to Gavin at Hartwick.  The ride up had some traffic, but Sue drove and we got here in about 4 hours with a break for some fast food at a rest area on 87N.

This day in history"On May 4, 1965, San Francisco Giants outfielder Willie Mays hits his 512th career home run to break Mel Ott’s National League record for home runs. Mays would finish his career with 660 home runs, good for third on the all-time list at the time of his retirement.
Willie Howard Mays was born May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama. The "Say Hey Kid" learned baseball from his father, who played semi-professionally with a team from his steel mill. Willie joined the steel mill team at age 14, and then began his professional career at 16 with the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Southern League. He played home games for the Barons from 1948 to 1950, skipping road trips during the school year so he could attend high school. Upon graduation he was signed by the New York Giants, and made his debut at the Polo Grounds on May 25, 1951. Mays went hitless in his first 12 at-bats, hitting his first big league homer in his 13th. That season, he was named Rookie of the Year and helped the Giants to the National League pennant."

We txt message Nora who is going to school at SUNY Albany.  We just so happen to be right across the street from the campus at The Hilton Garden Inn.

The boys are already wrestling on the bed and saying they are hungry.  Good thing we paid for the Bed n Breakfast option...We got vouchers for breakfast in the morning.  

On the eve before Cinco De Mayo, I wish I would brought some Corona, limes, and Tequila.  The weekend is long, so I am sure there will be some Mexican food and spirits in there somewhere.

Where is Nora ?

Photo of the day "HGI"




Thursday, May 3, 2012

Popcorn

Getting towards the end of the week and looking forward to the weekend.  Cinco de mayo and an excuse to have some Mexican food, and tequila.  

Work is work...Ever wonder why they don't call it play ?

After dinner a visit to the gym so that I can work up a good sweat...I did tell you that sweat, is fat crying....

I have been making some progress on my goal of running 1000 miles by year end.  I wish I would have included walking and miles logged on the elliptical.  A goal is a goal, so the report is 250 miles beneath my feet.  It is a little bit of the mark so I will have to pick up the number of miles as it gets nicer...although now that i think about it...running when it is hot out is pretty tough.  

This day in history"Soul Brother #1,"The Godfather of Soul," "Mr. Dynamite," "Sex Machine," "The Minister of the New New Super Heavy Funk." These are some of the names by which the world would eventually know James Joseph Brown, Jr., the revolutionary musical figure who was born on this day in 1933. The story Brown himself would often tell is that he appeared stillborn when he first came into the world, but that an aunt attending his birth managed to breathe life into him."

As a child, I recall my first two records ...45 RPM records that is.  One was the Beatles and other James Brown.  Well its been along time since I listened to James Brown, but his influence on the music industry is unmistakable.  I wonder where Michael Jackson got his moves ??

Gavin sent me an interesting article today that suggests moderate running...at an average pace for 2-3 hrs per week has been studied and according to the report can add 6-7 years onto a persons life.  They qualify the study as saying not to go all out, but to keep a comfortable or moderate pace....exactly the pace I have settled into.  This means I may have to save more for retirement or retire at an older age.  

Better yet, I should work the numbers and see if collecting social security and from my 401K earlier and longer will be better.   The way I see it, the sooner I start collecting, and the longer I live, the more of my own money I can get back.

Photo of the day "Popcorn"






Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Shun the non believer

Work, Home, Cheeseburger, Run, Survivor, Popcorn

This day in history"Although accounts of an aquatic beast living in Scotland's Loch Ness date back 1,500 years, the modern legend of the Loch Ness Monster is born when a sighting makes local news on May 2, 1933. The newspaper Inverness Courier related an account of a local couple who claimed to have seen "an enormous animal rolling and plunging on the surface." The story of the "monster" (a moniker chosen by the Courier editor) became a media phenomenon, with London newspapers sending correspondents to Scotland and a circus offering a 20,000 pound sterling reward for capture of the beast."

I used to believe "Nessie" existed.  Bur after they searched and searched using modern technology and couldnt locate her, I stopped believing.

Bigfoot - Not a believer

Aliens - Believer

Beatles - Believer

I thought love was only true in fairy tales
Meant for someone else but not for me.
Oh, love was out to get me
That's the way it seems
Disappointment haunted all my dreams.

Then I saw her face
Now I'm a believer.
Not a trace
Of doubt in my mind.
I'm in love
(uuuuuu)
I'm a believer, I couldn't leave her
if I tried

I thought love was more or less a given thing
The more I gave the less I got,
What's the use of trying
All you get is pain
When I wanted sunshine I got rain

Then I saw her face,
Now i'm a believer.
Not a trace
Of doubt in my mind.
I'm in love
(uuuuuu)
I'm a believer, I couldn't leave her
if I tried

Oh, love was out to get me
That's the way it seems
Disappointment haunted all my dreams.

Then I saw her face
Now I'm a believer.
Not a trace
Of doubt in my mind.
I'm in love
(uuuuuu)
I'm a believer, I couldn't leave her
if I tried

I'm a believer

Photo of the day "Loch Ness"


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Empire State

There is nothing wrong with being 2nd best.  According to Ricky Bobby in the Will Farrell movie Talladega Nights, the race car driver who coined the phrase shake and bake, also blurts out "if you aint  first, your last".  Its not until the end of the movie that he realizes that you could be 2nd, or 3rd too.

Yesterday the freedom tower reclaimed its spot as 1st or tallest building in the Empire State.  At one time the World Trade Center towers were 1st.  Back in its day the beautifully decorated art deco Empire State building boasted the 1st place prize as tallest.  

This day in history "On this day in 1931, President Herbert Hoover officially dedicates New York City's Empire State Building, pressing a button from the White House that turns on the building's lights. Hoover's gesture, of course, was symbolic; while the president remained in Washington, D.C., someone else flicked the switches in New York.
The idea for the Empire State Building is said to have been born of a competition between Walter Chrysler of the Chrysler Corporation and John Jakob Raskob of General Motors, to see who could erect the taller building. Chrysler had already begun work on the famous Chrysler Building, the gleaming 1,046-foot skyscraper in midtown Manhattan. Not to be bested, Raskob assembled a group of well-known investors, including former New York Governor Alfred E. Smith. The group chose the architecture firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon Associates to design the building. The Art-Deco plans, said to have been based in large part on the look of a pencil, were also builder-friendly: The entire building went up in just over a year, under budget (at $40 million) and well ahead of schedule. During certain periods of building, the frame grew an astonishing four-and-a-half stories a week.
At the time of its completion, the Empire State Building, at 102 stories and 1,250 feet high (1,454 feet to the top of the lightning rod), was the world's tallest skyscraper."

So, after a quick spaghetti and white clam sauce dinner,  I get ready to go to the gym.  I check my phone and see that there was an issue in our editorial bureau at 3xsq.  Trying to be proactive at that point I jump onto an IRT call to make sure things are not still broken.  Turns out the issue was from earlier in the day and not quite escalated in a way to make it easily view-able by the team.  It gets lost in the emails and with no phone call to the support team, we fall short of expectations.

Earlier in the day, the team performed admirably and in my eyes, was running the race in the 1st place spot, only to slip into 2nd place at the end of the race.

For those of you that don't quite understand this, we go back to Talladega Nights.  If you aint first, your last.....

Photo the the day "Empire State"


 P.S. When does the mega millions go back over $100 million ?  I have a dollar and a dream.