Ripping it up

Ok Maybe not ripping it up too much.   Had the day off and went to Cascade Mountain in Portage with Mackenzie and Joel.  We even brought the snow boards.

The day started out ok.  Until 20 miles from the slopes I realized I was so worried that the kids had everything that I forgot my jacket.   It was plenty warm to board with just my vest but it was also foggy and drizzling.  That was the bad part.  So I bought a nice waterproof shell at the pro shop.  Hey, no good time comes cheap.

First few runs were a bit sketchy for Kiki.  First time on a chair lift, first time off a chair lift.  Then it took her quite a while to get her feet and skill back.  A few tears and finally she was back in business.

Look a Smile!

After about two and a half hours we went in for some lunch.

Again, no good time comes cheap.  3 hot dogs, 2 burgers, some fries, cheese curds and 3 sodas = $39.00  OUCH!  We had granola bars and apples in the car.

Of course being so warm and wet Mackenzie's gloves were soaked.  Because the also had holes in them.  Back to the pro shop.  Cha Ching!  Thank god her lift ticket was free with my lift ticket.

Back on the slope and to the top of the mountain on the high speed lift.  Then through some blue trails to get to the far out greens for Kiki.   She forgot everything from the morning session.  But by a few runs later was all good.

Taking a small break at the top.

I have to say Joel and I dropped in and had some nice sessions.  Everything came back very quick.  I have to be careful when pointing out the "old dudes".  I realize the age difference between me and the 'old' dudes is probably 10 years or less.  I am an 'old dude' in this demographic.

However, I did get props from some kids, who thought my set up was sweet.  Now only if my skills were up to par of my sweet gear.








Around 4 Mackenzie declared she hurt all over.  We went to the coffee shop, sat down assesed the situation and realized we were done.  Not bad, we only had 2 hours left on our lift passes anyway.  So we packed up the T-Wrx with the gear and headed out.

Stopped in Fox Lake for dinner at the Boat House.  Nice little place on the Fox Lake peninsula.

Dinner and drinks.

Got home around 7:30.

A great day with my kids.  I hope they enjoyed it as much as me.

Although I am a bit sore today.

Merry Christmas

Well Christmas came and went for 2010.

I did not pass out on Christmas Eve like last year.I

 made it through the following day without sleeping too much at Mom's house.

Oh and don't tell me I am not romantic.  Tracy's best present (one of the few she did not return) was a box of door knobs.  Yep, Ladies I am taken.  Sorry.

1st Storm of the Season

That time of year

No not THAT time of year.

It's the annual (semi annual) visit by our local Jehova's Witnesses.  

I cherish these visits.  I really do.  It makes my heart race and my mind wander on how I really want to approach their knock on the door.

Sometimes I pretend that the dog is uncontrollable and that he really doesn't like strangers.  In his yard, at his door.   If they only knew he was only looking for treats.

This year the timing was perfect.  I had just finished a book.  The End of Faith, by Sam Harris.  A very interesting look at organized religions, beliefs and faith.  Many interesting points backed up with much reference and evidence.  This post is not to do a book review, but to set the stage.

Everyone who reads this knows, even with my parents fine Catholic upbringing (sorry Mom), I struggle with religious concepts and beliefs.  Again, another conversation for another day.

So when I saw this stout middle aged women get out of her nice car and approach my door, I instinctively look around for Bailey.  However, he being hard of hearing most days, never even knew she was at the door.

I open the door and she mentions that she picked up one of my 'decorations' that had fell over in the wind.  Yes a mini Christmas tree.  I thought about belaboring the Christmas angle. Or that is was my birthday!  Nah too easy.

She reaches into her purse and pulls out The Watchtower and Awake! publications.   Again, I think to myself, they need some new way of evangelizing.  This is getting old.  The first real words out of her mouth, other than the pleasantries, were, "Did you know that there are more atheists than ever in this world?"
"hmmm, define athiest" I ask.  Since that is a very broad brush to paint with.
"People who don't believe in god"
"God, god? or your concept of god or any god??" I politely ask
Looking somewhat off balance,  she points to her fine publications and asks differently.  "Do you wonder why this is? people rejecting god?"
I smile a little and reply "No, I really don't wonder why"
"Our publication 'Awake!' describes why.  Would you like to read it?"
Wow, she is obviously not listening to me. It is also obvious she would not care to debate god on my front step either.  "No thanks.  I  have my own opinions as to why"
"I see. can I leave these two booklets with you to look at on your own time?"
I think and almost ask; does she get closer to 'salvation' by the number of publications she hands out?
At a point I almost invited her in to continue this ruse.  Thoughts fresh from my recent reading,  one half wanting me to go in full debate, er, discussion mode. My other half, being of a bit more respectful, just politely declined her offer.  She thanks me for my time and off she goes taking her car from my driveway and parking in the neighbors to continue her quest.

A while later I really wondered why I engaged her so much.   Far be it from most Turk's comfort zone to do anymore than do the 'uh, sorry, don't have the time,can't help ya bro' and close the door or hang up the phone.  Maybe it was my recent reading, maybe my subconscious attempt at having fun with this woman; feeling unjustly smarter than her, or just hoping the dog would eventually hear her and come charging in to save me.
 

Been pretty cold the last few days, as if you didn't already know.  Well this is Bailey weather. He sure loves the snow and cold.  So yesterday I hooked him up and let him out.  He went to sleep in the grass.  About an hour later I go check on him.  He can sometimes unhook his tie out when its this cold, so he was gone.  No big deal, he doesn't wander too far anymore.   A little later I go look for him again.  He is in the backyard laying down. How adorable!

He looks a little goofy and I realize hes chewing on something.  Again nothing too unusual as he often steals toys and bones from the neighbor dogs.  Then he flips it around.

Yep - that' a squirrel.   Yummy Squirrel-cicle!  I busted him and made him come in. He left the critter right there.  I don't think he actually caught it as much and found it.   It was whole and had no major wounds except where the dog tried eating it.   

Today is garbage day,  but instead of throwing it away, I have some fun.  Take frozen solid critter and well...help him out, by putting him back in the tree!

H

He's waving!

he even looks like he's happy!  

K-Town wins it's 3rd game of the season on Thursday with a 55-41 win over Campbellsport.

With a record of 3-1 on the season, that matches the win total from last season when the went 3-20.

They are also in first place in the conference.


Kiki has a game in North Fondy this afternoon.

Cincinnati

Some of you how see my tweets or Facebook items will know I was in Cincinnati this week.  For once it was uneventful and no delays or broken shoes or other crazy stuff that happens when I travel.

However, I did have some interesting observances, the rental car.

I was given this Chevy HHR - or toaster on wheels I like to call it.

How they ever sold this to any one I will never know.  Retro styling?  In fact it's no wonder GM has not done well.  The seating is horrible.  It has minivan type seating.  Very high up, more like sitting in a chair.  This brings me to the next issue that the front wind shield is small.   This combined with ridiculously high seating gave me a great view of the headliner.  At a stop light I could not see the lights unless I ducked my head down.  Add a giant rear-view mirror and I might as well look through a a port hole.  But enough about the bitching and moaning on the car I got.

When I came back from the all day meetings, I saw another HHR in the hotel lot.  Funny right?

So of course I park next to it and take a funny picture.  This was a Hertz rental also, based on the bar code on the windows.

The next morning I go out to get to the airport for an early flight and see not 2 but 3 HHR's in the same hotel lot.  

Again all the same color and all rentals.   What is going on?  Apparently they were giving a great deal on these cars.

So off to the Airport and rental return only to pull in behind.... yes you guessed it.  More HHR's.  2 in fact, although not red this time.

I inquired with the lady from Hertz as I turned the car in.  She laughed and said "I think the got them buy one, get one free".  I told her even at that rate them they still paid too much for them.  

Kewaskum's bid for the undefeated season ended last night at the hands of the West Bend West Spartans.  55-44.

Interested in reading the game summary let me know.

Oh its a also 12/1.  December freaking 1st.  What the hell.

Some think I am nuts

18 degrees when I started.  Had to wait till the sun got higher to keep it all from freezing

Where the sun did not hit, it got icy.

Bailey loves the cold and stayed out with me all morning.

Almost done: Wash, Polish, Glaze, Sealant and Wax.  Ready for winter.

Kewaskum Indians Still Undefeated!

Yes, the Kewaskum Indians are 2-0 on the season.

To put this in perspective:

You have to go back to 2005 to see 2 wins back to back.
2006-2009 season the Indians were a combined 7-58
2009 was a three win season
The Indians have not had a record above .500 in 31 years.
Picked by all local publications to finish last in the conference again.

There is high hopes that this is a breakout season and that they will take a lot of teams by surprise.

This team is made up of 1 senior, 8 juniors and 1 sophomore.  The juniors on last years team (JV) won 15 games as a team.

I can't help but be excited for this season.  I have watched a lot of bad basketball for the last 3 years as Joel traveled with the Varsity team and was forced to watch.

Ktown 2010-2011 Varsity Basketball team

What a motely crue.

Day of 12000

Ok strange but true.   More like nerdy and only I care.

My car hit 12,000 miles yesterday.

My Xbox Gamer score also hit 12,000 pts yesterday.

From Bleachers to Bench in one game.

K-Town Girls lost 28-12 in their first real game of the year.  

Go Kiki!

I will try to publish the schedules for Kiki and Joel on the blog as well as emails to who ever wants it.

More seasons

There are more than just summer spring fall and winter.

They could be catagorized as Football, Basketball, Tennis and baseball around here.

Joe started practice for 2 a days this week.   First practice is at 5:45 am before school.  Then again after school. The next two years will be the turnaround for the K-town boys hoop team.  Since 2007 the team is 7 and 58.  Has not been OVER .500 in 31 years.  Only one returning senior (a good thing) and a strong team from last year mixed V/JV squads should be able to break that streak.

On the girls side Kiki has started 5th grade hoops and really likes it.   Schedule came out last Friday, quite unexpectedly.  The first game was last Saturday and the other team did not make it.  Thanks league scheduler.  So the scrimmaged the Kewasum boys 5th grade for one half.  6-6 after one quarter.  I think the boys were panicking.  The went took the lead at half 16-8.   Still not bad for having no offensive practices, only drills.  Oh and I am assisting already with running some practices.  Will I ever learn.

Now I just need to kick this stupid chest cold thing I have.  Not stuffed up or anything, just a nasty cough.  I sound like I am barking...

Ktown v ktown. Boys v girls

Hey live from Laconia. Ktown 5th grade hoops!

Off again.  Off to Columbus Ohio.  I hope I have ZERO travel stories for you.  Although traveling is always good tweet material.   Catch that on the side bar here or on twitter.

Happy Anniversary

Happy 18th  Anniversary to my lovely wife Tracy.

No goofy pictures...  :)

PUMPKINS!

Ok, I usually get into this.  This year I could not find my muse....

But they turned out ok.

WINDY

Batten down them hatches!

We already battened them down.

Well, batten em down again - we'll teach those hatches!

Well I'm back.  Nice longg weekend in Chicago.  Celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary a little  early.

Took the train down on Thursday afternoon and stayed at the Sheraton Four Points on Michigan and Rush streets.   For dinner we went to a excellent Brazilian Rodizio, Brazzaz.  It's hard to explain if you never went to one.  Huge salad, no, more like sides bar.  Then you get back to your seat and flip your little card/coin on the table to let them know you are ready for the meats.  Gauchos come out with meat that has been cooked on skewers and they slice off pieces for you.  They had 16 different item to choose from that when we were there.  Chicken, sausages, lamb, pork tenderloin, filet mignon, top sirloin, ribs, shrimp, on and on.  I think I had about 12 of the 16 items.  Then fell into a meat coma.

No time to relax because a cab ride away was the 8:00 showing of the Blue Man Group at the Briar Street theater.  Very interesting show, very intimate theater.  Of course what would a live performance be with out me being selected to get on stage.  (Comedy Sportz, as well as a few others things in the last few years).  Anyway this was such an elaborate performance they picked me out before the show and asked me if I would like to do it.  Being the closet actor and incredible car singer I am, I jumped at the chance.

First the marked my seat for the BMG (we're tight like that now) to find me.  Then they took me back stage to explain what was going to happen and oh yeah, because the stage was going to be sloppy by the time I got up there we changed shoes.

My time came and I was up on stage, was stuffed into a tyvek jump suit,  then a full face motorcycle helmet with the face shield painted black so I couldn't see.  Of course they marked me with some blue paint on my face before sending me off.  I was led off stage, outside where the audience saw them as they tied me up by my feet, painted me blue and hung me upside down as the slammed me into a canvas thus making 'art' with my body.  I was then stuffed into a little cart that had a head sized jello mold on top.  Hollowed out of course, as this is where I was to stick my head through.  I was wheeled out they played with my Jello head for a
few seconds and then they tore it apart.  They pulled me out of the cart everyone cheered and they sent me back to my seat, in my painted jumpsuit.  A little ad lib by me, as to ask what am I supposed to do with this suit?  And I was just waved off.  Went back stage took off the suit, changed shoes and went back to my seat, where my row mates all said I did a great job.

After that we hit the Hard Rock for a night cap and back to the hotel.

Friday was a day at the Museum of Science and Industry.  Including a Imax movie.   It was at least 25 years since I was there and its quite updated.  The U505 Sub was really re done nice. As were a few other interactive displays.

We closed the museum at 4:00 and hit Michigan Ave for some shopping.  After all it is my birthday month.

Had dinner at the Piece Brewery and Pizzeria.  Really good THIN crust pizza and really good beer.

This place is alway packed and we waited almost an hour to get a seat.

Saturday, some breakfast some more window shopping (oh yea Garrets pop corn) and an nice train ride home to end the weekend.

Now off the pumpkin farm in the rain. 

It's been a while.  Been pretty busy with all kinds of stuff.  Going to Chicago tomorrow for and Anniversary weekend.  Should be fun.

Sunday Morning Grilling

Hey this great weather makes me want to grill some more.  So I spice rubbed 2 racks of baby back ribs last night.  Took them out of the fridge 10 minutes ago.

Fired up the grill and we will start a magical slow braise/smoking session for some post Packer game victory ribs.

Why am I up so damn early?   Went to the Alehouse last night to watch Spoiled Rotten.  Calzones were awesome. And of course great people to hang out with.

Anyway woke up sweating and a dull headache.  So I stayed up made coffee and all is better.

For Joel's Birthday we went to Maggiano's. After we hit the Cheesecake factory for a Godiva Cheese cake. After eating some and getting ready to pu it in the fridge I noticed the nutritional facts on one slice. Who knew cheesecake was loaded with so much fiber! Oh wait there are some downsides to this, like the 990 calories and the fat content. Oh well sacrifices must be made somewhere.

Happy Birthday Joel!

Our little buddy is not so little anymore. Happy 17th Joel!

It is a bittersweet day now that it's also the anniversary of Dad's passing.

Love both you buddies!

Tomorrow is the first day of October, the best month of the year, in which all other months are judged.

On the way to the airport a funny thing happened.  My car turned 10!

Cabinets

Ok Jenny - Jenna is next - just got this monstrosity installed this weekend.

Locker cabinets

It's not quite done but we are waiting for the last set of doors.

Last Pizza?

Grilled Pizza on Friday night.  Yes it was late - 7ish and dark, and very windy.  But heck,  a hat and a headlamp and I can grill anywhere.

Happy 39th Birthday to Jim!

I hope your day is as happy as the day you got the Guns of Navarone!

Wow its September 13th  Over two weeks since my last blog entry.

School started, Labor day came and went, so did the hot weather.  Football is in full swing.  Baseball comes to and end, pumpkin beer and Oktoberfest are showing up. Apple orchards and pumpkin farms.  Not too hot, can get chilly but warms up with a little sun.  Yep fall is right around the corner.  Gotta be my favorite season.

Rotated the tires on the Rex yesterday.  Tire rolled infront of Joel's car. 

The civic with some big 17" dubs.

Last gasp for summer.  We take the kids to the Dells for some school shopping and swimming. 

Tanger outlet mall on Wednesday.  We really got some great deals.  The mall has coupons and most of the stores have specials - so you can double them up and save a lot. 

Moose Jaw pizzeria for some good food.  They already had their pumpkin beer brewed.  Not really ready for that yet, but I had some.  Too much ginger.  Although it does get me thinking about fall and some lake front pumpkin.

Next day we moved from the Hilton to the Great Wolf Lodge.   It was like we had the resort to our self.   Line for a slide, no sir.   I was getting winded from going up all stairs.  We hit every slide multiple times.   We even got Tracy to go on the Tornado!  That was fun....its not to scary.  Well she was still shaking for 5 minutes after she got off. 

Had some Marley's Caribbean for dinner and then finished on Friday morning at Paul Bunyan's of course.