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.

 

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.

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?

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.