...here's more of Buddy sleeping anyway.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Cranium Vortex
Apple Granny arrives in a day or so for her 2-3 month live in with us. Noah is either at swim practice or a swim meet everyday. This week is also basketball camp. This weekend we go to Longview for a family visit. I'm riding again. Noah is trying to find time to ride before Nationals. We leave for Nationals on Monday. We'll be gone for two weeks. I bought Reanie some soccer shoes yesterday. I've got some work to do to get ahead for the two weeks I'm about to be gone. I'm a few days behind where I should be anyway. The yard needs mowed and trimmed. It is a pretty big yard. Have to get a trailer hitch put on Wallace (the Toyota) before we leave for Nats. Need to spend some time with Buddy so he still calls me "Daddy" when we get back from Nats. I've got a column 1/2 written in my head and 1/8 written on the 'puter, and it needs to get all the way written on the 'puter so it doesn't keep me up at night. I have one more episode of Miami Vice on the second dvd. My OCD makes me unable to be ok with having one episode on one dvd unseen. Have to get to the bike shop for some tubular glue, since all of mine is too old. Need to get the tires glued on so Noah has some hot wheels for road Nats. It doesn't bother me that he gets to use my wheels before me. He has a bug bite on his ass, but he doesn't want me to tell anyone. Actually, I don't think he cares if anyone knows. Also need to get a box for some wheels, as I sold my Powertap and need to get that shipped off before we leave. I need to reserve a room for Track Nats and get Noah registered. I probably ought to print out some maps and schedules of what we are doing, since driving to PA will only get us kinda close. Need to change out Noah's track gear, which entails breaking the chain and adding a couple lengths. Not a big deal, really. Just has to be done before tomorrow's workout at the track. Need to cut Buddy's hair again. I've got to get to Sprouts to get stuff for the dinner I need to cook for Mama and the POSS3. Can't really count Noah in the POSS3 anymore since he's getting kinda big. 5'2", 114#, 10.75 yrs old. That's a chunk of boy. I'm under 200# for the first time in over a year. Doesn't feel like it yet, though. I have to replace my handlebars, as I bent them in a workout the other day. Fugg yeah! But they were cheap bars to begin with, so don't tell me, as it will mess with my badassness. Buddy will now hold hands with me, so I'm sorta tore up about leaving for a spell. Thinking about taking him with us to PA. That's a long, long time for a 2 yr old in a car, in a hotel, at bike races, and pretty much nothing else. I'll still love him the same without him there. Just found out that Noah sprained his ankle at basketball camp today.
Enough of that. Back to work.
Noah's 10th time up Hilltop Rd in a row. Sorry for the heavy breathing on the audio. It was my 10th time up the hill too.
Reanie's first soccer shoes. Pink stripes and cleats too.
Buddy and I watched the car while Mama and Reanie went to IKEA to do some damage.
Enough of that. Back to work.
Noah's 10th time up Hilltop Rd in a row. Sorry for the heavy breathing on the audio. It was my 10th time up the hill too.
Reanie's first soccer shoes. Pink stripes and cleats too.
Buddy and I watched the car while Mama and Reanie went to IKEA to do some damage.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
The Letter Game
We usually play "The Letter Game" when driving around in the car. Someone calls out a letter and then we take turns coming up with words that start with that letter until we get where we are going, the game fizzles out, or we run out of words that we know. This has gone well with Noah for years, and Reanie just started getting it a few months ago (Buddy just repeats what we say, so he's a part of things too).
While running some errands this evening, Reanie wanted to "Letter Game" the letter J. When playing the game with Reanie, it sounds something like, "juh, juh, juh, jeep!" and "juh, juh, juh jelly bean!"
We came up with jeep, jelly bean, jump, jersey, jacob, january, and Reanie's last contribution..."j, juh, juh, juh, drink!"
While running some errands this evening, Reanie wanted to "Letter Game" the letter J. When playing the game with Reanie, it sounds something like, "juh, juh, juh, jeep!" and "juh, juh, juh jelly bean!"
We came up with jeep, jelly bean, jump, jersey, jacob, january, and Reanie's last contribution..."j, juh, juh, juh, drink!"
Monday, June 05, 2006
Full weekend!
If I would have realized I had the camera, I would have started the photo and video essay earlier in the trip. Anyway, here's some of what #1, #2 and I did this past weekend.
Our first stop was a motel in Centerville. It was very late when we got there, so the highlight is probably the waffles I made at the breakfast thingy in the lobby.
Our first real stop on the trip was at Uncle Neal and Aunt Shaunie's. Here Reanie and Noah get to hang out a bit with their cousins, Aidan and Brodie for a couple of hours while I went to work with a client nearby.
Following this short but pleasant visit, we made way over to the Alkek Velodrome for the 2006 Youth State Championships. This was Noah's first time at this event, but his second time on the track there.
This is Noah getting up on the track for the first of his warm up laps (it is only about 10 seconds of video).
And this is Noah up on the banking getting ready for his races.
This is Reanie helping out the guys on the podium.
There we go.
Right on.
We only made it as far as Hearne before I had to find a motel and call it a night. This is a shot of Reanie at the local cafe for breakfast. She didn't spill her milk. We all recommend the chilli and eggs.
Somewhere around Abbott. about 20 minutes before this picture was taken, Noah was being profound when he said, "Having chilli burps is like farting out of your mouth."
We had to motor it home because Reanie had a recital that afternoon. We didn't have time to do pics before because we got home just in time to load up and leave. Then I forgot the camera for during the show, but I was able to snap this one afterwards.
Whew!
And today, the kids didn't have school, so they were with Daddy, and then Grammy stopped by for an hour or so and a trip to lunch, and then we went to Noah's swim meet...SUMMER!
Our first stop was a motel in Centerville. It was very late when we got there, so the highlight is probably the waffles I made at the breakfast thingy in the lobby.
Our first real stop on the trip was at Uncle Neal and Aunt Shaunie's. Here Reanie and Noah get to hang out a bit with their cousins, Aidan and Brodie for a couple of hours while I went to work with a client nearby.
Following this short but pleasant visit, we made way over to the Alkek Velodrome for the 2006 Youth State Championships. This was Noah's first time at this event, but his second time on the track there.
This is Noah getting up on the track for the first of his warm up laps (it is only about 10 seconds of video).
And this is Noah up on the banking getting ready for his races.
This is Reanie helping out the guys on the podium.
There we go.
Right on.
We only made it as far as Hearne before I had to find a motel and call it a night. This is a shot of Reanie at the local cafe for breakfast. She didn't spill her milk. We all recommend the chilli and eggs.
Somewhere around Abbott. about 20 minutes before this picture was taken, Noah was being profound when he said, "Having chilli burps is like farting out of your mouth."
We had to motor it home because Reanie had a recital that afternoon. We didn't have time to do pics before because we got home just in time to load up and leave. Then I forgot the camera for during the show, but I was able to snap this one afterwards.
Whew!
And today, the kids didn't have school, so they were with Daddy, and then Grammy stopped by for an hour or so and a trip to lunch, and then we went to Noah's swim meet...SUMMER!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Monday, May 08, 2006
Muffins and No Panties
The plan was to put the POSS2 in the trailer and take them to school with the bike. But the roads were still pretty wet, and I feel bad when they have to catch road spray in their face without a chance to pull through and do it to me, so we took the Jeep instead. Before we left, we made "muffins." It was actually just cornbread, but it was the closest and quickest thing I could come up with.
We've struck gold. These kids absolutely loved the muffins. They reacted the same way to muffins as they would if we opened up the candy factory and said "go! Eat it all. Now!" I ate the top piece of a muffin that had broken off as I was handing it to #3. He made a mad face at me. In fact, when we'd finished them up and #3 asked for another, he teared up a little when I told him "We ate them all."
Despite being out of muffins, we made it to school, but just as we are turning into the parking lot, #2 says, "Oh no! Daddy, I'm not wearing panties!" Well, it is one thing when one of my teammates says it, but it is another when #2 does, since she doesn't race with us yet. But it was quickly resolved when moments later she said, "Oh, yes I am."
We've struck gold. These kids absolutely loved the muffins. They reacted the same way to muffins as they would if we opened up the candy factory and said "go! Eat it all. Now!" I ate the top piece of a muffin that had broken off as I was handing it to #3. He made a mad face at me. In fact, when we'd finished them up and #3 asked for another, he teared up a little when I told him "We ate them all."
Despite being out of muffins, we made it to school, but just as we are turning into the parking lot, #2 says, "Oh no! Daddy, I'm not wearing panties!" Well, it is one thing when one of my teammates says it, but it is another when #2 does, since she doesn't race with us yet. But it was quickly resolved when moments later she said, "Oh, yes I am."
Monday, May 01, 2006
What a weekend!
Posted Saturday about Noah's romp around Greater-Greenville en route to a State TT Championship. We expected that he'd do well, but in his age group, you just never know what might happen because some strong, but new, 12 year olds might show up, or (more likely) that Noah is just having an off day and rides like a kid. He showed up and rode tough, though. I would have been proud of him had he come in last, because I'm certain he gave his best effort on the ride.
That night we celebrated by buying a couple fig trees, eating some gelato, and heading over the Andrew and Stephanie's for margaritas and birthday cake and so #3 could drive a jeep into and over landscaping.
Yesterday was the State Criterium Championships and they were held in Dallas. In what was a bit of a surprise, Mama wanted to come out with the kids to watch the races. Of course, with a 3yr old and a 2 year old, there really isn't a lot of bike race being watched, but it meant a lot that she came out to support anyway. It was way cool to have the family there as Noah won is second state title in two days.
It was also nice for everyone to be able to hang out with the team again (thank you 'zingers for putting up with all of us and bringing the beer). Having kids underfoot isn't all that for some folks, but on our team, methinks that those people don't last too long on our roster. After all the time away from racing, it was good to see Mama enjoying the scene again. (I'm looking forward to seeing Les's PEZ shot of all our hotties)
As we closed the day yesterday, we drove home quite fulfilled. The team did pretty ok overall on the day, we had a great sunny day and an excellent venue for the family to make its return to racing, and Noah has almost closed the door on the Texas Cup for his age group (which is one thing the entire family will get credit, because Mama is left home with #2 and #3 when we go travel and play "bike racer" on the weekends...it really is a family effort).
The two little ones (and the two biggest ones) were totally whupped from the day. #2 was a bit of a mess since we took her from Miss Becky. During #2's bath and getting ready for bed, she was crying and whining. When I'd had enough, I told her so. She looked me in the eyes and told me, "I need to cry for just a little bit more and then I'll be done." She did, and she was. I held her in my lap through this, and at one point I told her she sounded like coyotes, because she sounded like coyotes. She replied, "It sounds like it, but it's not."
This morning, we put the top down on the jeep, and we stopped for donuts on the way to school. I let the POSS2 talk me into eating inside the donut shop, which we do from time to time when we aren't in a hurry or when they are being especially cute.
As we sat down with our "usual" (two kolaches each and split a sprinkle donut), they were two angels, saying please and thank you and passing the OJ and napkins between each other. Just as the line grew to reach our table (small place with just three tables, and "our" table is the one by the door), #2 made sure I could hear her by speaking loudly and repeating over and over and over, "Daddy, Buddy has a big ding ding!"
The weekend was good, and we had a pretty good start for the week as well.
Yeehaw to all y'all!
That night we celebrated by buying a couple fig trees, eating some gelato, and heading over the Andrew and Stephanie's for margaritas and birthday cake and so #3 could drive a jeep into and over landscaping.
Yesterday was the State Criterium Championships and they were held in Dallas. In what was a bit of a surprise, Mama wanted to come out with the kids to watch the races. Of course, with a 3yr old and a 2 year old, there really isn't a lot of bike race being watched, but it meant a lot that she came out to support anyway. It was way cool to have the family there as Noah won is second state title in two days.
It was also nice for everyone to be able to hang out with the team again (thank you 'zingers for putting up with all of us and bringing the beer). Having kids underfoot isn't all that for some folks, but on our team, methinks that those people don't last too long on our roster. After all the time away from racing, it was good to see Mama enjoying the scene again. (I'm looking forward to seeing Les's PEZ shot of all our hotties)
As we closed the day yesterday, we drove home quite fulfilled. The team did pretty ok overall on the day, we had a great sunny day and an excellent venue for the family to make its return to racing, and Noah has almost closed the door on the Texas Cup for his age group (which is one thing the entire family will get credit, because Mama is left home with #2 and #3 when we go travel and play "bike racer" on the weekends...it really is a family effort).
The two little ones (and the two biggest ones) were totally whupped from the day. #2 was a bit of a mess since we took her from Miss Becky. During #2's bath and getting ready for bed, she was crying and whining. When I'd had enough, I told her so. She looked me in the eyes and told me, "I need to cry for just a little bit more and then I'll be done." She did, and she was. I held her in my lap through this, and at one point I told her she sounded like coyotes, because she sounded like coyotes. She replied, "It sounds like it, but it's not."
This morning, we put the top down on the jeep, and we stopped for donuts on the way to school. I let the POSS2 talk me into eating inside the donut shop, which we do from time to time when we aren't in a hurry or when they are being especially cute.
As we sat down with our "usual" (two kolaches each and split a sprinkle donut), they were two angels, saying please and thank you and passing the OJ and napkins between each other. Just as the line grew to reach our table (small place with just three tables, and "our" table is the one by the door), #2 made sure I could hear her by speaking loudly and repeating over and over and over, "Daddy, Buddy has a big ding ding!"
The weekend was good, and we had a pretty good start for the week as well.
Yeehaw to all y'all!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
.8 gallons of gas, some jerky and Ivermectin Wormer
I'm riding the scooter with a Young Gun on my wheel. He's getting ready for a trip across the pond. We're settling into our groove. The weather is favorable after a record heat wave for April slapped us in the throat. A long sleeve t-shirt is just right for me on the motor and him in shorts and short-sleeve jersey working up a sweat. Easy there, boys.
As I mentioned, we are in the groove, but about three miles into the ride is when I decide to check the gas gauge. Not good.
So I send him up the road and I stop at a country gas station. What makes it a country gas station? Well, it is also a feed and tack store, and the only non-truck vehicle at the place is me, on a red Vespa-like scooter. And I'm wearing a black helmet with flames on it. No matter how hard you try, it is hard to fit in like that.
I filled up the tank, which holds 1.1 gallons full, and went inside to pay (no pay at the pump here). I didn't have any cash, so I had to bust out the check card for my $2.67 in gas. Needing to show that I am indeed manly, I picked up some jerky as well. But I didn't like it.
With a bit of hurry to my step, I head for the door and an entering Farmer Joe holds the door open for me. I tip the bill of my helmet to him, say "Howdy" and "Thanks" and then see that the pump I chose to use to fill up my steed is the only pump that also spews diesel, and there is a line of two big trucks behind Collina, my faithful red scooter.
"Sorry 'bout that," I say. Farmer John replies, "Y'all are sure going fast out there. Have a good ride."
Well, we sure did.
As I mentioned, we are in the groove, but about three miles into the ride is when I decide to check the gas gauge. Not good.
So I send him up the road and I stop at a country gas station. What makes it a country gas station? Well, it is also a feed and tack store, and the only non-truck vehicle at the place is me, on a red Vespa-like scooter. And I'm wearing a black helmet with flames on it. No matter how hard you try, it is hard to fit in like that.
I filled up the tank, which holds 1.1 gallons full, and went inside to pay (no pay at the pump here). I didn't have any cash, so I had to bust out the check card for my $2.67 in gas. Needing to show that I am indeed manly, I picked up some jerky as well. But I didn't like it.
With a bit of hurry to my step, I head for the door and an entering Farmer Joe holds the door open for me. I tip the bill of my helmet to him, say "Howdy" and "Thanks" and then see that the pump I chose to use to fill up my steed is the only pump that also spews diesel, and there is a line of two big trucks behind Collina, my faithful red scooter.
"Sorry 'bout that," I say. Farmer John replies, "Y'all are sure going fast out there. Have a good ride."
Well, we sure did.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Hey, llama! Come here, llama!
Sitting in the comfy chair in the living room doing some work on the computer. It is fascinating work, editing a bio profile thing and getting some articles tweaked that I wrote years ago. Anyway, out the dining room window I saw a llama walk down our driveway and out the gate.
Whuh?!
Pretty sure I was seeing things, I sat up straighter and got back to work. But then I saw throught the windows at the back of our house that a llama was walking down the road.
Up I get, make sure I'm dressed, and I hightail it out to the street. The pavement burns my feet, but since it is my gate to the pasture is open, this is pretty much all my fault. I run as best I can to go get the llama, which responds by running away from me, of course.
Eventually, I get the thing turned around and spend the next 30 minutes or so getting the thing 200 yards back into our front gate. I spend the next 30+ minutes trying to get it through our yard and back out into the pasture. But it is all good now.
What are llamas used for, anyway?
I just went out to take a picture of one of the llamas (you wouldn't have known if it was the llama anyway). Three of them were under the tree next to the well house. As soon as I opened the front door, they took off running. Watching three llamas run from me opening the door is funnier (only just) than me, barefoot, trying to round one up.
Whuh?!
Pretty sure I was seeing things, I sat up straighter and got back to work. But then I saw throught the windows at the back of our house that a llama was walking down the road.
Up I get, make sure I'm dressed, and I hightail it out to the street. The pavement burns my feet, but since it is my gate to the pasture is open, this is pretty much all my fault. I run as best I can to go get the llama, which responds by running away from me, of course.
Eventually, I get the thing turned around and spend the next 30 minutes or so getting the thing 200 yards back into our front gate. I spend the next 30+ minutes trying to get it through our yard and back out into the pasture. But it is all good now.
What are llamas used for, anyway?
I just went out to take a picture of one of the llamas (you wouldn't have known if it was the llama anyway). Three of them were under the tree next to the well house. As soon as I opened the front door, they took off running. Watching three llamas run from me opening the door is funnier (only just) than me, barefoot, trying to round one up.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Big Sam Weekend
After the crit on Saturday, we made our way back to Stella Sola via I45. We had to convince ProCard that there were trees in Texas. Plus we wanted to show him Big Sam.
Big Sam. And Kid #1.
We raced bikes over the weekend. Kid #1 and I raced on the track. Kid #1 won the Youth B's handily. Not sure why he was put in Youth B's, but since it was his first night racing at Alkek, and we showed up just as registration closed (no warm up at all), there wasn't much point arguing. I raced masters. Did ok in races #1 and #3, but totally messed up the plot in race #2 to the point that I missed the bus, the car after that, the scooter after that, and the lady pushing her twins in the stroller after that.
We grabbed some IHOP at 11pm and then found a motel for the night. Early to rise for a early race for Kid #1 on Saturday at the Heights Crit.
This is a nice race, and I hope they can continue to pull it off. It was held in the Heights area in Houston. Felt like one of the Superweek crits in Wisconsin (minus the crowds and hangover). Made ProCard feel at home a little.
Kid #1 rode the ride of his life, thus far. He finished 7th overall in a race that included 17-18, 15-16, 13-14 and 10-12 age groups. He won the 10-12's in this LAJORS race, which helped add to his medal collection.
ProCard has already been beat down by The Coach about his race, but to sum it up, he missed the break because he was goofing at the back of the field. He made the most of what was then a workout, but sat up near the end of the race because he didn't think the leaders could handle the last corner at speed. The leaders balled it up in the last corner, taking 6 or so people down. Live to fight another day.
But we got to see Big Sam on the way home.
By the way, Peter left for his Wisconsin home today. Get back here soon, ProCard!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Can't Pimp This Ride Much More Than It Is
Here's Noah's new sled. Frame/Fork courtesy
of GSTz. The Dura Ace stuff is a hook up from
pro, Peter Femal. The rest is stuff that was in
the garage.
Here's Noah at the start of the first Tuesday
Nighter of 2006 in Plano. Sort of a famous
race. Noah is racing in the C's here, which is
against grown ups, though there were a couple
of high school kids in this race. Noah was
dropped pretty early, but fought back to finish
ahead of the two high schoolers and a couple
of grown ups. This was his second ride on his
new bike.
The commute isn't too bad, I get my own office, and even an intern...
Just got promoted to Head Coach at my "other" job. Yes, I've been Head Coach at my regular job for some time, but at the "other" one I had to actually earn it.
I'm going to celebrate by eating a donut this morning.
I'm going to celebrate by eating a donut this morning.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Send me a bill, Drs
Had one of the most wicked dream I've ever had last night. I'm riding my bike (in my dream I'm race shape and fit) down Country Club Rd when I get hit from behind by a Camry.
Stay with me here.
My body is split cleanly in two, with a top half and bottom half. The POSS2 were laughing, but upside down in the trailer behind my bike. My bike ended up on the golf course, and two golfers were angry that we were on the course.
It took me longer than I wanted to drag myself to my legs, which then started kicking me as I approached. This took too long for the golfers, evidently, so they started hitting golf balls at the kids.
Reanie told them, "No. You stop it." Buddy kept picking up the balls and taking them back to the golfers who would then hit them back at us.
Meanwhile, I'm stressing out because my middle hurts, I need to get the kids back in the trailer, because I'm nervous about Noah, who was riding ahead of us, reaching the intersection of the highway by himself.
So, I get everything upright, but I'm having trouble hammering to catch him because my alignment of upper and lower body keeps coming askew. We do finally catch Noah, who is at the coffee shop near the intersectionn of Country Club and 377. He's on his cell phone with Mama, and she asked if we'd stop and get milk and tampons if it wasnt' too much trouble.
After going to the store and getting an earful from the manager about me getting the floor bloody, Noah and I raced home. He beat me, but it had more to do with me having to go gentle around the corners so Reanie and Buddy wouldn't spill their cappuccinos.
Then Reanie kicked me in the stomach (really) and I woke up to see that the alarm was about to go off, and that was it.
Well, I think I have a little better understanding of why I haven't been riding even though I'm healed up. I've felt safe on the track. I even felt safe in the craziness of the start of the Aledo race, even as I locked it up behind a crash. Felt safe riding with Glen. But I just can't go out by myself and ride.
Stay with me here.
My body is split cleanly in two, with a top half and bottom half. The POSS2 were laughing, but upside down in the trailer behind my bike. My bike ended up on the golf course, and two golfers were angry that we were on the course.
It took me longer than I wanted to drag myself to my legs, which then started kicking me as I approached. This took too long for the golfers, evidently, so they started hitting golf balls at the kids.
Reanie told them, "No. You stop it." Buddy kept picking up the balls and taking them back to the golfers who would then hit them back at us.
Meanwhile, I'm stressing out because my middle hurts, I need to get the kids back in the trailer, because I'm nervous about Noah, who was riding ahead of us, reaching the intersection of the highway by himself.
So, I get everything upright, but I'm having trouble hammering to catch him because my alignment of upper and lower body keeps coming askew. We do finally catch Noah, who is at the coffee shop near the intersectionn of Country Club and 377. He's on his cell phone with Mama, and she asked if we'd stop and get milk and tampons if it wasnt' too much trouble.
After going to the store and getting an earful from the manager about me getting the floor bloody, Noah and I raced home. He beat me, but it had more to do with me having to go gentle around the corners so Reanie and Buddy wouldn't spill their cappuccinos.
Then Reanie kicked me in the stomach (really) and I woke up to see that the alarm was about to go off, and that was it.
Well, I think I have a little better understanding of why I haven't been riding even though I'm healed up. I've felt safe on the track. I even felt safe in the craziness of the start of the Aledo race, even as I locked it up behind a crash. Felt safe riding with Glen. But I just can't go out by myself and ride.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Whew!
The last time I raced a road bike was on September 12, 2004...until today. It wasn't pretty, but I finished. Because so many people quit, my placing might even look decent on a resumé. I also doubled the mileage on the odometer of my cycling computer with this ride. I'm going to celebrate by eating a carrot cake.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)