Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Christmas Part 2

Here are all of the family pictures.
Jeff, Sue, Zack, Sarah and JoeyJon, Julie, Nick and EthanDan, Jody, Abbigail and JoshDeb, Tim, Lindsey, Jared and ErinMe with all of the kids.Mom and DadGrandma and Grandpa with the grandkidsThe whole Davies Family

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Christmas Part 1

Christmas Eve I was at my brother's. Here I am with Lauren (or Laren depending upon who you ask), "E", Jake and Pickle.Christmas Day was at my parent's house. I was shocked that when I showed up at 2 in the afternoon I was the last one there. Normally that title belongs to Jeff and Sue. Although I think my parents may need to add on to the house, because 21 people in the living room is getting pretty tight. Here are all of the nieces and nephews.
JoeyBoomer"E"ZackPickleSarahPrincessFussCrusherAnd Hollywood

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Late Weekend Review

I know, I know, I have been slacking on my postings. But in my defense, I don’t have a lot going on. Here is my weekend recap: Friday night, I finished putting together my Christmas card and stuffing and labeling all of the envelopes. And while I am on the topic of Christmas cards, allow me to go off on a tangent. I got a voicemail from Roman on Saturday, December 18th. “He was wondering if I sent out my Christmas card and he was surprised that he hadn’t received one yet. The reason he was thinking about my card was because he was sending out his cards that very same day.” Roman, I have to admit you have me a little confused. According to my time table, I have up until the 25th to get my cards to their respective homes. And if you didn’t have your cards out yet, why should I have mine out?
Anyhow, Roman, you will be happy to know that the cards went out Monday morning. So you will probably get them today or tomorrow. But I wouldn’t be too excited to get it, since I think the card this year was another pretty weak effort. I guess I will let everyone decide for themselves. I also made a major mistake on my letter that I didn’t notice until I had the letters all printed out and didn’t feel like redoing them again.
Back to my weekend. I finished off Friday evening with some soccer. I play with my old indoor team at a church gymnasium that we reserve for every Friday night. My skills are severely eroding, but if nothing else it is exercise. And if you saw me with my shirt off, you would agree, I need all of the exercise I can get.
On to Saturday, the highlight of my Saturday was getting my hair cut. My good friend, Rebecca, always cuts my hair and does a fantastic job. This time when she asked me what we were going to do with it, I replied with “I don’t care, do whatever you would like. At this point in my life, I am just lucky to have any hair.”
Sunday I watched some football then in the afternoon I went to watch my niece, Lindsey (Boomer), play basketball. Lindsey is pretty good, but she is on a really bad team. She routinely scores the majority of the points. But then again they don’t normally score too many points. I was told that I need to be as hard on Boomer as I am on Jared. She is #5.That being said, Boomer, needs a lot of work on dribbling without looking at the ball. She also needs to learn that when she is in the low post with the ball, to go up with it to take a shot right away. She often stops her dribble, looks around, and then decides to take a shot, by which point the other defenders have converged on her and she has no hope of getting off a clean shot. When the weather gets better, I will have to show Boomer some low post moves that border on being legal.
I finished off Sunday night with the Packer game. I was surprised that they played as well as they did. If not for two plays they would have won the game. I said right after Woodson dropped that sure interception, that it would come back to haunt them. And more importantly the inability to tackle a 300 pound lineman as he returned the kickoff really hurt them. I was embarrassed for the team as I watched that run back. However, looking at the silver lining, the Packers still hold their playoff destiny in their own hands.
Prediction: There is no doubt in my mind that Brett Favre will debate all of this upcoming summer if he is going to come back for yet another year of football. And while the Vikings are a rather poorly run organization, even they won’t touch him. But some other team will take a flying leap of faith on this attention whore.
Well chances are, that I won’t get another post in before the Christmas holidays. So with that, I wish all of my loyal readers a Merry Christmas.

Friday, December 17, 2010

A Bad Start to the Day

Last Wednesday morning I was going through my normal routine. I woke up, showered, packed my lunch, jumped into my truck and headed out for another day of work. I was on the interstate driving to look at a project. I grabbed my 32 ounce smoothie that I had made and that I drink every morning. But since I premade the smoothie, it had segregated itself in the days that it sat in my refrigerator. I violently shook the bottle and as I did so, the cap came partially off. This lead to smoothie going everywhere. I had smoothie on the passenger window, the dashboard, the radio, in the CD player, in the heat vents, on my dress pants, my leather jacket, across my face, in my hair and on to the driver’s side window. I sat there dumbfounded at what I had just done. Not really the best start to the day. Since nothing is more funny that someone else's pain, I thought I would share it with you. But I guess it wasn’t as bad as the time I locked myself out of my closet.

Pink Floyd

Last Saturday I went to see the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra play Pink Floyd. It was at The Riverside. I intended to scalp a ticket to get in the show. But when I got down to The Riverside at 8:01 p.m. there were only two people standing outside and they were both smokers. So I had to buy a ticket to the show. But I still saved all of the service fees.

As for the show itself. It was just OK. The first half of the show was Dark Side of the Moon front to back, or I guess it would be beginning to end. The second half of the show was pretty much a Pink Floyd greatest hits. I really didn't think that the orchestra added that much. To me it just seemed like a really good Pink Floyd cover band with an orchestra playing with them. Nothing all that special. And the lead singer didn't really fit as far as I was concerned. He was from New Orleans and had a southern accent. I didn't take any pictures and I didn't feel like taking too much video. So here is the only worthwhile video I shot.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Why Do You Think I Am Such A Bad Driver?

I had a discussion at work the other day about bad drivers. I think it is too easy for people to their license. On one of the projects that I am currently working on, some safety measures were taken to protect motorist, but since these measures were installed there have been two accidents. Real quick background. Utility gas lines are being moved. To do so a major excavcation was made where the new gas lines meet with the existing gas lines. This excavation is in close proximity to the roadway. As a safety measure, concrete barriers were brought in to separate motorists from this excavation. However people are claiming that they are unable to see over the barriers at the intersection just south of the barriers. I have driven through this area a number of times, and yes, while your view is blocked if stopped behind the stop sign, you can not see traffic as well. But if you perform a "double stop", and stop once at the stop sign and then again a second time at the edge of the cross traffic lane, there is no problem with the view of oncoming traffic. Bad drivers. Then later that day as I was pulling up to the ATM I saw this clown. This should be part of the driver's test. If you have pull up to any drive in and you have to open the door, you should lose your license on the spot and have to walk home. Lyric of the Day:
If I could through myself.
Set your sprit free.
I'd lead your heart away.
See you break, break away.
Into the light.
And to the day

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Halftime

Here a couple video clips from the halftime show of the Wave Game where my niece, Sarah, danced. I guess you would call these guys acrobats.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Big Balls

Saturday I was at my sister's house to help out with putting up some drywall. I found this somewhat amusing because I actually have some drywall that I should be working on at my house. But as I stated it is always more fun doing work at someone else's house. While I was working I told my nieces and nephew a number of times that they should be outside playing in the snow. I finally convinced Erin to get outside. I told her if she started rolling a snow ball, I would help her roll it up the hill in the back yard and then down the hill two times. Once she finally got it started I helped her get the ball up to the top of the hill. We then rolled it down the hill and by that time it was so heavy there was no way I was pushing it up the hill again. Here is Erin's snowball with Boomer on top.Erin and her snow ball.The Coonen girls and the big ball of snow. I promoised Erin that if it is good packing snow on Christmas, that we would make another big snowball at my parent's house.
Lyric of the day:
I have been planning out,... all that I'd say to you.
Since you slipped away,... know that I still remain true.
I've been wishing out the days,...Please say, that if you hadn't of gone now.
I wouldn't have lost you another way.
From wherever you are,... come back.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Happy Birthday Haus

Sunday was my brother, Jon's (Haus'), birthday. I think he turned 44.I thought this picture would help in wishing for warmer weather. Did it work? I didn't think so.

Lyric of the day:
Oh don't worry, you'll find yourself.
Follow your heart and nothing else.
And you can do this oh baby, if you try.
All that I want for you my son.
Is to be satisfied.

Friday, December 10, 2010

The Lizard King is Free

I think most people know that I am a Doors fan. This past spring I went to see two of the remaining 3 members play in concert. And back in 1999 when I went to Paris the first place I went to was Jim Morrison's grave. I learned today that Jim Morrison was posthumously pardoned Thursday for a 1969 indecent exposure conviction in Florida. It is a little late, but is good to know that Mr. Mo Jo Risin is a free man.

Lyric of the Day (Actually some of Jim's Poetry):
Gently they stir, gently rise
The dead are newborn awakening
With ravaged limbs and wet souls
Gently they sigh in rapt funeral amazement
Who called these dead to dance?
Was it the young woman learning to play the ghost song on her baby grand?
Was it the wilderness children?
Was it the ghost god himself, stuttering, cheering, chatting blindly?
I called you up to anoint the earth
I called you to announce sadness falling like burned skin
I called you to wish you well
To glory in self like a new monster
And now I call you to pray

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Top Events of 2010

7. Because this topic of list was from Roman. Roman’s wedding comes in at number 7.
6. Having my surgery. Maybe it wasn’t that much fun. But in looking back (no pun intended) I feel much better than 2 years ago.
5. Running the Pewaukee Triathlon
4. The Freeman Party.
3. The fireworks after the Milwaukee Brewer Fan Appreciation game.
2.Of all of my concerts this year, the best overall concert had to be the first Dave Matthews show at Wrigley Field.
1. Camping on the Mississippi.

Lyric of the Day:
I don't know why nobody told you
How to unfold your love
I don't know how someone controlled you
They bought and sold you
I look at the world
And I notice it's turning
While my guitar gently weeps
With every mistake we must surely be learning
Still my guitar gently weeps

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Best Things About This Time of Year

I actually had a hard time coming up with 7 nice things to say about winter. But here is what I came up with.
The 7 best things about this time of year.
7. I actually like clearing the sidewalks now that I have a snow blower
6. Sledding behind the truck on the streets of Milwaukee
5. The chance that school / work may get cancelled for the day
4. Donuts in parking lots
3. Christmas cards mixed in with your bills and junk mail
2. 12 days of Christmas by the Muppets
1. Eggnog

Lyric of the day:
I know I was born
And I know that I'll die
The in between is mine
I am mine

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Have A Holly Jolly Christmas....

....It's the best time of the year. I have sent out a number of emails. But in case I missed you want to get one of my Christmas cards. Leave a post on my blog and I will make sure one ends up in your mail box.

Top 7 List

I have decided to steal a bit from David Letterman. Dave does the top ten list. I don’t think that I have enough creativity to come up with 10 so I have decided to cut it down to 7. I encourage you to throw out any ideas that I missed or ideas for a list.

The 7 worst things about this time of year.
7. Showering with only one shower head
6. The sun goes down at 3:30 in the afternoon
5. Sitting in a freezing car and waiting for it to warm up
4. College football means nothing anymore
3. Two Words: Frozen Boogers
2. Paying your Heating Bill
1. Salvation Army Bell Ringers

And it has been a long time since I posted a lyric of the day:
Turning back the pages to the times I love best.
I wonder if she'll ever do the same.
Now the thing that I call living is just being satisfied.
With knowing I got no one left to blame.

Monday, December 06, 2010

Where to Eat

I have decided to go through my favorite eateries and drinking establishments in the area.

Best Restaurant: Crawdaddy’s (6414 West Greenfield Avenue)
I think everyone knows my favorite restaurant is Crawdaddy’s. If anyone comes to town and wants to go out for dinner that is the first place I mention. I don’t know what happened, but it is not nearly as crowded on a weekend night as it used to be, which is fine with me.
My Order: Dine in Alaskan Skatewing with Scallops and Lobster Mashed Potatoes
Takeout: Crawtails, Carrots and the House Rice (I mix it all together when I get home. I call it the Crawdaddy’s casserole.
http://www.crawdaddysrestaurant.com/index.php

Best Breakfast Food: Original Pancake House (16460 West Bluemound Ave)
Try the crepes, even though I always order the same thing for breakfast wherever I go.
My Order: Ham and Cheese Omelet and 2 Hot Chocolates.
http://www.originalpancakehouse.com/

Best Burger: Sobelman’s (1900 West Saint Paul Avenue)
It is located down in the valley in an area that looks like it would be next to the Paper Street Soap Company from Fight Club.
My Order: Mushroom and Swiss burger. And if you can squeeze some bacon on there, you won’t hear me complain.
http://www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com/

Best Cheap Food: Conejito’s Place (539 W. Virginia Street)
Food served on a paper plate. I remember going there in college when I only had $5 on me, but that was enough for a meal. The food is cheap and the margaritas are strong.
My Order: Enchiladas
http://www.conejitosplace.net/

Best Fish Fry: Painted Parrot (8028 West National Avenue)
They serve up an “All You Can Slam” fish fry on a garbage can lid. How can you go wrong?
My Order: Haddock with Potato Pancakes.
http://www.foodspot.com/Clients/WI/Milwaukee/PaintedParrot/default.aspx?accid=14697

Best Chinese: Panda Hut (7136 West Greenfield Avenue)
I’m not much for dining in at Panda Hut, in fact I never have. But it is a short 10 minutes round trip from my house for takeout.
My Order: The General’s Chicken
http://www.pandahutchinese.com/

Best Mexican: La Fuentes (625 South 5th Street)
It has been years since I have been here, but for a while I was there on a bi-monthly basis. The margaritas are great, but if you have to wait too long, the margaritas will make you forget how good the food is. And now they have a second place which opened up just down the road from me at 9155 West Bluemound Road.
My Order: Enchiladas Regulares: One Beef, One Pork and One Pollo.
http://www.ilovelafuente.com/lafuente-home.php

Best Wings: Rock Bottom Brewery (740 North Plankinton Avenue)
The biggest wings I have come across at any eating establishment. At one time they had all you can eat wings special in the basement on Thursdays, but the beer was over $10 a pitcher.
My Order: The Buffalo Wings, but they make me sweat.
http://www.rockbottom.com/Milwaukee

Best Custard: Gillies (7515 West Bluemound Road)
It is close by, walking distance from my house. The burgers aren’t too shabby either.
My Order: Raspberry Shake. I have from time to time diverted to the caramel apple sundae. It is so good you can add 3 pounds just by smelling it.
http://www.gillesfrozencustard.com/

Best Bar Food: Leff’s Luckytown (7208 West State Street)
I am a huge fan of their relatively new patio. Plus they have the biggest urinal in the city.
My Order: Cheese Curds and Chicken Tenders
http://www.leffs.com/


Best Bar Time Food: Oakland Gyros (2867 North Oakland Avenue)
Not a big shock that this is my favorite bar time food. I think it is great sober. And if you go there sober before bar time, you can take the secret hallway over to Axel’s (See favorite Dive Bar) for a beer.
My Order: Plain Gyro Sandwich, Extra Pita and Large Root beer.

Best Bar to be Seen at: Iron Horse (500 West Florida Street)
I have always found this to be a cool bar, but then again to be cool unfortunately you have to be expensive. Fortunately it is across the roundabout from Conejito’s, so you can call it a wash if you eat there.
http://www.theironhorsehotel.com/

Best Dive Bar: Axel’s (2895 North Oakland Avenue)
Right when you walk in, there is no question about it, this is a dive bar. The Thursday night special is $3 pitchers of Busch Light. $3 for a pitcher of beer!!!!

Best Downtown Bar: Buck Bradley’s (1019 Old World 3rd Street)
This bar is rumored to have the longest bar east of the Mississippi. It stretches the length of the building.
http://www.buckbradleys.com/

Best Beer Garden: The Harp (113 East Juneau)
I know the deck is getting a little old, and the river sometimes smells and is always brown. But it is still my favorite. It is a great place to meet for lunch during the business day and then never return to work.
http://www.theharpirishpub.com/

Friday, December 03, 2010

Dance The Night Away

Here is Sarah and her dance group at the Wave game.

Winner Winner Gyro Dinner

Julie wins the Oakland Gyro for being closest to the actual date of the first snow fall. It happened December 1st. And here is proof.

Thursday, December 02, 2010

Happy Birthday Princess

According to my records, my niece, Abbigail a.k.a. Princess turns 10 years old today. Where has the time gone? Your birthday present has been deposited into a bank account which you will not be able to access until you are much older. Here are some pictures of Princess.

I think Abby looks a little like Predator in this last picture, don't you?

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

New Years Resolutions?

It really isn’t that time of year yet, but I thought I would get a head start. Every year I post my New Year’s Resolution, and with that I once again reinforce my past years’ resolutions. But since some of my past resolutions have been food and alcohol related, I thought I would start a month early. This will keep me from eating poorly and drinking too much the entire month of December. So starting December 1st, I am starting my New Year’s Resolutions. But let’s review what resolutions I have had in the past and what I will be missing out on:
No Buffalo Wings (They make me sweat anyhow.)
No Fast Food (It has been years since I ate at McDonalds.)
No Candy (But I really love eating runts while at the movies.)
No Chips (Even Sun Chips? Yes, even Sun Chips.)
No Soda (So the large rootbeer at Oakland Gyros is out, but they still have milk shakes.)
No Cheese (That means no pizza, one of the main staples in my diet. How insane is this?)
No French Fries (What about American Fries?)
No Alcohol (I am going to try and make it until the end of March. So I guess I will be boring until mid spring.)
No Swearing (Damn it. Alright starting now.)
No Eating after 7:00 p.m. (But when can I start eating?)
Juggle 10 minute a day. (Even if it hurts my shoulder? Especially if it hurts.)
And my new addition to my list of better living, this year’s resolution: I will no longer drive while talking on the phone. If it is a call that might be “important” I will just pull over to answer the call. Published studies show that motorists who talk on handheld or hands-free cellular phones are as impaired as drunken drivers. I have nothing to say anyway. I have had my current phone for a couple years and my plan only gives me 450 minutes a month. I have yet to go over 450 minutes. That means I spent less than 15 minutes a day on the phone.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

When Will It Snow?

A very loyal blog reader phoned me this evening asking if today was the day of first snow. As with all of my contests, I am judge, jury and executioner. I will be the one who determines when the first snowfall is. And while there was some snow fall tonight, it didn't stick. The ground should turn white to be called a snowfall. It is kind of like the definition of pornography. When I see it I know it. It also looks like MKA will be the winner of the costume contest. I am a bit skeptical that there may have been some vote tampering. But I am going to let it slide.

Slacker

How was your long weekend? I am guessing much like mine and was not nearly long enough. Here is a quick rundown of what my weekend entailed.
Wednesday I finished up with work and then stopped out at my parents’ house to fulfill my duties as the head boner. It was a down year at the Davies Deer Processing Company which was just fine with everyone. I think we did maybe 50 deer. That night I was out for a couple drinks with the Dillaber brothers, friends of my brother, Jon’s.
Thanksgiving day I was again at my parents’ house to celebrate the day. It was just a relaxing day with football, great food and some cards.
Friday I actually worked out in the morning and then was couch bound for college football the remainder of the day. Friday evening, I went to the Wave game where my niece, Sarah, was performing at half time. Here is a picture, Sarah is in the back row with the red top. Saturday was my final day of deer cutting. I am not a hunter but I do enjoy venison. I had my brother, Jeff, shoot me a deer. Here I am with my deer. I plan on printing this picture and putting it on the fridge so that whenever I have some of the venison, I know who I am eating. As you can tell from the picture I was sporting the Dirk Diggler facial hair. Saturday evening I got in some cards then headed to El Fuego for dinner with a big group including Truz and Julie who were up from Florida. We had 18 people, 9 of them kids. Somehow it was Truz’s birthday.Sunday I continued to sleep in late. It was with each passing day of the long weekend I slept in later by another 30 minutes each day. That became a hard habit to break Monday morning. I watched a tough Packer game. Then I got myself moving and tried to prepare for the upcoming weekend with a quick workout, some laundry and cleaning the house. So now it is a month until we have another long weekend.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Like Sand Through an Hour Glass.....

It has been an interesting football season. Especially if you are a Minnesota Vikings fan. If you don’t mind, I would like to review some of the events of the past year or so. This may sting a little bit.
August 18, 2009, Partly due to frustration with the development of quarterback Tavaris Jackson and the struggles of Sage Rosenfels, the Vikings signed Brett Favre for the 2009 season. Favre joined to the team after a controversial courtship which included Childress picking him up at the airport. "I am excited about the opportunity to join this football team," said Favre. "From ownership, to coaching to the players, it is evident that everyone in the Vikings organization is committed to bringing the fans of Minnesota a Championship. I am eager to join my new teammates and get to work towards that goal." Because Favre is a vested veteran, the $12 million contract is guaranteed for this season if he is on the opening day roster.

On November 19, 2009, the Vikings announced they would be extending Brad Childress's contract through the 2013 season. The owner Zygi Wilf was cited as saying, “Brad has done a tremendous job leading this football team and we value the positive environment he has created for the Minnesota Vikings on and off the field. He has continued to positively impact this team and create a strong foundation for future success." Financial terms weren't immediately available but the deal is believed to be between $4 million and $5 million a year.

January 24, 2010, The New Orleans Saints, are heading for their first Super Bowl. By battering Brett Favre and beating the Minnesota Vikings 31-28. There were nine fumbles and two interceptions, and the biggest mistake belonged to Favre. Flushed from the pocket in the final minute, he seemed to have room to run to set up a field goal. But hampered by a left leg injured in the third quarter, he threw cross-field and was intercepted. The Saints then won the coin toss and ended the game on a field goal 4:45 into OT. That finished off Minnesota's chance for its first Super Bowl trip in 33 years -- and opportunity to win it for the first time after four defeats. The Vikings have lost five straight NFC title games. "I've felt better," said Favre, who looked every bit his 40 years. "It was a physical game. A lot of hits."

August 17, 2010, Favre returned to the Minnesota Vikings after three teammates, Steve Hutchinson, Jared Allen and Ryan Longwell, flew to his Mississippi home to recruit him to play a 20th NFL season. Favre received his $3 million signing bonus when the new contract became official. He earned an additional $13 million in 2010 base salary, which became guaranteed once he was on the roster in Week 1 as a vested veteran. Favre also has the $4 million in incentives as part of the new deal. Favre said, "I owe it to this organization to give it one more try.”

October 5, 2010 The Vikings acquired wide receiver Randy Moss from the New England Patriots in exchange for the Vikings' third-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. “He can still go downtown and get the football, which is a stand-alone factor," Vikings coach Brad Childress said.

October 24, 2010, Brett Favre threw three second-half interceptions and the Packers beat the Vikings 28-24. "It's devastating," Favre said. "I don't know how else to put it. I take a lot of pride and ownership in all phases of the game. You've got the ball in your hand, you hope to win those. You just feel like you let everybody down."

On November 1, 2010, less than four weeks after being traded to Minnesota, Vikings head coach Brad Childress told Vikings players in a team meeting that Moss was going to be waived by the team, one day after he criticized Childress and teammates in a press conference following the Vikings' loss to the Patriots. Just before the press conference, Moss reportedly told team owner Zygi Wilf that Childress was unfit to coach in the NFL and should be fired. Childress did not consider consulting with team owner Zygi Wilf on this decision. Wilf reportedly considered firing Childress and keeping Moss, but Moss was officially waived the next day, November 2.

On November 21, 2010, Brett Favre looked ready for retirement, with six likely meaningless games now left for Minnesota in the epilogue of his 20-year career. Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay's swarming defense sure made it clear who's in charge of this Packers-Vikings rivalry right now. He beat Favre for the second time this season and sent Green Bay to a 31-3 victory over melting-down Minnesota. "This has got me at a loss for words," Favre began his post-game news conference. "Disappointing would be an understatement."

On November 22, 2010 Brad Childress is gone, one season after he famously picked up Brett Favre at the airport, got a contract extension and came within a field goal of reaching the Super Bowl. The Minnesota Vikings fired Childress on Monday, ending an eventful and often tumultuous run with the team marred recently by player unrest, livid fans and an angry boss over everything from his abrupt decisions to a 3-7 start. But don’t feel bad for Childress, he will still get paid $6.6 million dollars in 2011 and 2012.

I didn’t want to see Childress go. I was afraid that a new captain at the head of the Viking ship would steer them in the right direction. But the fact that with their season all but over, new coach Leslie Frazier is sticking with old #4 as his starting quarterback, instead of getting some quality playing time for quarterback in waiting, Tavaris Jackson, with live bullets, just means that the Vikings have picked the right man for the job. My advice to Vikings fans, “batten down the hatches, it looks like you are in for some rough seas.”

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Slacker

Yes, I have been a bit of a slacker on the blog lately. But I don't have much that is note worthy going on. In fact I was at my parent's house the other day and noticed their albino squirrel. So that is the most exciting thing I have to report. I will make it a point to get some blog worthy pictures this coming Thanksgiving weekend. As far as my plans. Wednesday evening I am cutting deer at my parent's house. I am sure everyone would like to see a picture of the head boner. I may get talked into a couple drinks after work. Thanksgiving I am picking Borky up from the airport. Cashing in on our Vikings / Packer wager, yes that is 2 cases of beer I believe. My Thanksgiving meal is still up in the air for me. But I do know this, I am going where my mom goes. Friday I am cancelling the football game with my nieces and nephews because of this cold weather. Friday evening, I am going to see my niece, Sarah, at half time of the Wave game. No, she isn't on the Wave, she is part of a dance routine that will be performing. Initially I was suppose to be her partner in this dance routine, but apparently I wasn't good enough, and I didn't even get a try out. Saturday I am planning on meeting up with Nate and his family as well as Truz and his family for dinner. That just about wraps up all of my excitement for the weekend. And here is that picture of the squirrel.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Weekend Review

It was a very low key weekend for me. Friday night I played soccer with my old indoor team. We rent out a grade school gym and play just pick up games. It only took about 5 minutes to get that dry air burning feeling in my lungs. It was good to get the band back together and kick the ball around.
Saturday was highly unproductive. I went and worked out in the morning and then I nestled into my couch at 11:00 to start 11 hours of watching college football. I broke up the day with a trip to Panda Hut for some Chinese and then another quick trip to the grocery store in the evening. How about Bucky hanging 83 points on Indiana? It is looking more and more like my prediction of Wisconsin playing Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl might be a little off. If things continue on their current path, Wisconsin will be back in the Rose Bowl.
Sunday was Nate’s son, Elery’s, birthday party. It was a bowling party. Not a real big surprise that I took Nate down in bowling. Here is a little bit of free advice on how to be a hit at a kid’s birthday party. Buy whatever present you plan on giving the kid. Then go to a furniture store and get your hands on a recliner box. Buy some candy and some balloons. Put you present in the recliner box. Put the candy inside the balloons. Then fill the recliner box with the balloons. It is guaranteed to be the most popular gift. They opened my gift first and there were ten kids just ripping away at it. They got the box open, then started throwing the balloons up in the air. It took the kids about another 30 seconds to figure out that there was candy in the balloons. Then the kids started popping all of the balloons. It is quite the scene. Plus of all the gifts that the kids get, the big recliner box is the one thing they will play with the most over the remainder of the day.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Due Date

I went to see Due Date starring Zack Galifianakis and Robert Downy Jr. In seeing the previews for this movie, it looked like Zack was playing the same Alanesque character from “The Hangover”, so I was all in. I am happy to report that he plays pretty much the same character. With that said, it isn’t so shocking that the plot of the movie is a combination of Planes Trains and Automobiles with The Hangover. I don’t laugh out loud at movies that often, but this movie had two laugh out loud moments. I think Robert Downy Jr gives a great performance. He plays a great uptight condescending jag. I will give this movie a rating of 7 out of 10. It is worth seeing in the movie theater.