The last couple of weeks have been eventful ones for us, so if we haven't been in touch much, I apologize.
Oliver
Let's see, Thanksgiving weekend, Randell and her boyfriend, Anthony, decided that he was going to buy a dog from some guy in downtown Atlanta. Since he already had adopted a puppy just weeks earlier and had him at his apartment in school, his parents went nuts (rightfully) and demanded he take the dog back.
Since we're softies, we decided we'd keep the dog until we all decided what to do with him. Anyway, he's a German Shepherd puppy, about 8 weeks old now, and it is highly likely we are going to keep him. Daisy is old (14) and Luke needs a big companion, and one with a good disposition, which I am sure out new dog, Oliver, will have.
He and Luke get along well, and Daisy is tired of all of them.
Work
In my other job, I spend a couple days with submarine crews doing workshops of a fashion. This month, I have been to King's Bay and this week, I am supposed to go to Guam for the week, if the Navy can get the travel arrangements made. We will have to see.
Car Mess
Christmas is always a busy and stressful time around here. Amy has a lot of catering gigs to take work, and I am traveling alot this month, and, it's just the Holidays, with decorations, and trees, and trying to plan time for family, etc, etc.
So, Saturday, Amy was going to work a catering event here in town, and less than a mile from her destination, was involved in a head-on collision. Fortunately, she, the other driver and their passenger all walked away. All shaken, and Amy got a decent bump on her knee, but otherwise is fine. Since she was going TO and not from catering, and she was probably going ~30mph and the other car 30-40mph, you can imagine the force of the collision and the resultant state of about $1000 in food in the back of our Murano. Not good. Basically, our Murano emerged as the scene of a major food fight. Since the car is otherwise mangled, we are hoping for a total, so we don't end up with a chicken marsala car.
Some thoughts from the accident victim on this one - wear your seat belt (she was) and you can never prepare for an airbag explosion unless you've been in one. The technology is amazing, as both drivers walked away from this car with just some bruises. Prior to airbags, they would all have been seriously injured. With seatbelts, these are the single most important development in automobile safety. If you don't wear them, do it every time you get in a car, front or back.
Randell's carless, but with me being in Guam for the week, and school out after next week, we don't need the car anyway, but, if we're going to travel over Christmas, it's going to be cramped in the Mustang.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Dog News
I know I'm repeating stuff tonight.
As you know, we adopted a new dog, Luke. He's almost completed puppy training, and he's very smart. He's also very large.
As you know, we adopted a new dog, Luke. He's almost completed puppy training, and he's very smart. He's also very large.
Because of his size, we decided to finally get a fence installed. So, these are pictures of it. I know, lame.
It actually really improves the backyard, because it creates natural boundaries, rather than tailing off into wild areas. The best thing is it keeps both dogs in, which is the idea! And lets Luke run around unfettered, which he needs.
The other enjoyment he's been getting is the city of John's Creek recently upgraded the dogpark at our Newtown Park. Apparently a local resident (who happens to be one of Ran's friend's dad) won a contest through Beneful to upgrade your dog park. Winning video below:
Anywho, Randell has been taking Luke pretty much daily to the park, and you should see him whenever she grabs his leash and harness and gets ready to go. He's crazy happy. So, I'd say, the park is a success for him, and with Daisy being such a sloth, it gives him a chance to play with other big dogs and socialize. They also have a little fountain that he loves to drink out of and get wet. All in all, a good deal, especially since it didn't cost us residents any tax dollars.
Airplane Pictures
I thought I'd share a couple of cool shots from a recent trip home from Newport News.
If you ever fly out of Newport News, you usually fly right over what's called the James River Ghost Fleet. Many of the ships have been moved since Virginians think they are environmental hazards, but, a few remain. You may need to click the picture in a photo editor and zoom in to see them, but they're down there. And, yes, this is early enough in flight your electronic equipment is supposed to be off. Sue me.
On the same flight, I caught this cool sunset:
Looks like the next time I go, I am going to drive, since the fuel prices have caught up to the airlines. That means an intermediary stop in GSO. July 7/8, I think. Not definite yet.
If you ever fly out of Newport News, you usually fly right over what's called the James River Ghost Fleet. Many of the ships have been moved since Virginians think they are environmental hazards, but, a few remain. You may need to click the picture in a photo editor and zoom in to see them, but they're down there. And, yes, this is early enough in flight your electronic equipment is supposed to be off. Sue me.
Recent Events and a new car
There have been a few changes around our house lately, some that you might even have a passing interest in hearing about. Ryan graduated, which is nice. He's working nearly full time at a local pizza place, making food and deliveries.
Ryan's girlfriend, Alex, has joined us for the summer. Ryan's plans are unclear right now. He intends to work this year and take classes at Perimeter College and get enough credits and improve his grades to transfer to somewhere the next year. To where, who knows.
Ran got her license, so, if you're on the roads down here, beware.
In other news, if you didn't here, Josh and Matt, the Friday before Memorial Day, the BMW was rear-ended.
It doesn't look like much damage, but, in the real world, apparently that's enough to make a car totaled. Because I got a decent settlement on it, I started looking at E36's, but, ultimately, settled to not spend more money and settled on another E30, this 87 325i:
The good is that it's 4 doors, and the a/c works, as does most everything else. It's got a lot of miles (over 200k), but the interior is like new (one rip), and it's passed it's 2011 emissions test, so that's the end of that (next year it's >25, so no testing). It's had a ton of recent work. And you can tell it looks brand new.
The bad is the mileage, which is really unknown, since the odometer sort of works. But, hey, after 200,000 miles, who cares. No rust, it's been in Georgia it's entire life and the Carfax showed nothing but annual emissions tests.
The other bad is that it's an automatic. That's bad because it's slow, and boring, but it's good, because everyone here can drive it. That's also bad. The other bad is they installed a new exhaust before I took it, and disconnected the battery, and the original BMW radio needs its code to get it alive. Of course, the 1 key on the pad isn't working, so the code can't be entered. That's good, because it stinks anyway, so I'm getting one I can use my iPhone with.
So, I apologize to Matt and Josh for allowing some jackleg to rear-end me, but, I came out ahead on the deal.
Hope everyone's Father's Day was fun, and glad everyone's safely home. The Braves will be in Seattle next week - anyone going?
Ryan's girlfriend, Alex, has joined us for the summer. Ryan's plans are unclear right now. He intends to work this year and take classes at Perimeter College and get enough credits and improve his grades to transfer to somewhere the next year. To where, who knows.
Ran got her license, so, if you're on the roads down here, beware.
In other news, if you didn't here, Josh and Matt, the Friday before Memorial Day, the BMW was rear-ended.
The good is that it's 4 doors, and the a/c works, as does most everything else. It's got a lot of miles (over 200k), but the interior is like new (one rip), and it's passed it's 2011 emissions test, so that's the end of that (next year it's >25, so no testing). It's had a ton of recent work. And you can tell it looks brand new.
The bad is the mileage, which is really unknown, since the odometer sort of works. But, hey, after 200,000 miles, who cares. No rust, it's been in Georgia it's entire life and the Carfax showed nothing but annual emissions tests.
The other bad is that it's an automatic. That's bad because it's slow, and boring, but it's good, because everyone here can drive it. That's also bad. The other bad is they installed a new exhaust before I took it, and disconnected the battery, and the original BMW radio needs its code to get it alive. Of course, the 1 key on the pad isn't working, so the code can't be entered. That's good, because it stinks anyway, so I'm getting one I can use my iPhone with.
So, I apologize to Matt and Josh for allowing some jackleg to rear-end me, but, I came out ahead on the deal.
Hope everyone's Father's Day was fun, and glad everyone's safely home. The Braves will be in Seattle next week - anyone going?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Congrats
Well, by now, I think everyone who traveled to the Old Country for Matt and Annabelle and Josh and Marketa's weddings, are back in the States.
Welcome home, and those of us who couldn't make it are glad you came home safely, and wish best of luck to the newly married, and the re-wed. Thanks to Mr. Jack for archiving it here, and sharing pictures. We enjoyed them all.
Maybe it was a mistake that those of us who stayed behind did so, since every man left behind either visited the doctor or made a hospital visit. Hopefully, we're all well now.
Again, congrats to all, and I'm glad you made it home safely.
For Matt, don't think you're off the hook, we'll be over there before you leave.
Welcome home, and those of us who couldn't make it are glad you came home safely, and wish best of luck to the newly married, and the re-wed. Thanks to Mr. Jack for archiving it here, and sharing pictures. We enjoyed them all.
Maybe it was a mistake that those of us who stayed behind did so, since every man left behind either visited the doctor or made a hospital visit. Hopefully, we're all well now.
Again, congrats to all, and I'm glad you made it home safely.
For Matt, don't think you're off the hook, we'll be over there before you leave.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
New Car
We get to keep the leather, sunroof, heated seats and all that stuff we liked in the old car.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Graduation and addition
Haven't posted in a while, but wanted to pass a couple of bits of news..
1. Ryan completed his graduation requirements and is now a high school graduate, completing early at Independence High School. No future plans yet, but he's thinking about a job, then maybe do something...
2. Our newest friend is Luke.
He's a mx of some sort. No one really knows. Lab/Terrier of some kind?
Don't know. He's going to be big.
1. Ryan completed his graduation requirements and is now a high school graduate, completing early at Independence High School. No future plans yet, but he's thinking about a job, then maybe do something...
2. Our newest friend is Luke.
Don't know. He's going to be big.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Snow in Georgia!
I'll post some pictures later, but, we are on day 2 of the greatest winter snow Atlanta has seen in a hundred years. Areas of town got from 3-7 inches. Here in Alpharetta, we got about 5 inches. That's the most I've ever seen here. We're clearly not equipped to handle it, though, as the interstates have been variously shut down in spots since Sunday evening.
I was in Norfolk this weekend, scheduled to return yesterday, but changed my flights to return Sunday, ahead of the storm. Normally, a trip on US Air means I will spend the night somewhere involuntarily, but, this time, the travel Gods were with me.
I had changed to leave Charlotte on an 8:25pm flight to Atlanta, arriving around 9:15, about the time the snow was supposed to start. There was a 6pm flight that I hoped to get on, but with my scheduled 4:00pm Newport News departure, I doubted I'd get on it.
Fortunately, although my flight left Newport News about 45 minutes late for Charlotte, that 6pm flight was delayed and I happened to pass by it on my way to my later flight's gate. Lucky for me, another guy had the same thought, got a seat, and I got the last seat! So, I arrived in Atlanta and had my bag and was in my car heading home by 8:15. Unfortunately, the snow had started and at the airport, it was snow and sleet.
Suffice to say, I made it.
Pictures of the snow to follow!
I was in Norfolk this weekend, scheduled to return yesterday, but changed my flights to return Sunday, ahead of the storm. Normally, a trip on US Air means I will spend the night somewhere involuntarily, but, this time, the travel Gods were with me.
I had changed to leave Charlotte on an 8:25pm flight to Atlanta, arriving around 9:15, about the time the snow was supposed to start. There was a 6pm flight that I hoped to get on, but with my scheduled 4:00pm Newport News departure, I doubted I'd get on it.
Fortunately, although my flight left Newport News about 45 minutes late for Charlotte, that 6pm flight was delayed and I happened to pass by it on my way to my later flight's gate. Lucky for me, another guy had the same thought, got a seat, and I got the last seat! So, I arrived in Atlanta and had my bag and was in my car heading home by 8:15. Unfortunately, the snow had started and at the airport, it was snow and sleet.
Suffice to say, I made it.
Pictures of the snow to follow!
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