Thursday, November 30, 2006

Here's Marine One


Here's Marine One
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Its kind of interesting to watch actually. I've seen marine one fly by before but never land on the south lawn. They always fly in twos, one with the president, one with a dummy. (hard to tell which is which) but today, the first chopper swooped down and almost landed then took off to let the second one land. You can kind of see the second one in this picture.

Funky new path


Funky new path
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This a new path over an empty lot that used to be the convention center. Had lunch with an old friend from aarp today and then walked to the gym. On my way back to work I got stuck taking the long way around the whitehouse cause the prez was returning from the middle east and they close all the streets while marine one comes in

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Back to Work

It's a rude awakening when you get back to work after a week off and find a full schedule, tons of email and deadlines. I've been trying to negotiate all that and get the workout schedule in tune with the rhythm of business. It's only Tuesday and will get better later in the week. I wasted an hour and a half wrestling with my printer\scanner last night that I could have spent it getting some work done but such is life. I've had this Dell printer for three years now and it looks like it will have to go soon. I have an HP downstairs that still kicks out the printed page that I've had for over 6 years. You tell me what I'm going to replace this Dell with.

The boys are doing well but Sam has another sinus infection. He tends to wander the upstairs when that happens and ends up sleeping part of the night in every bed available. I'm sure we're in store for more of that tonight. The boys are watching a Charlie Brown Christmas for the 10 time this season. I actually enjoy it too.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Captain Dylan


Captain Dylan
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

In the cockpit.

Captain Sam


Captain Sam
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We were the first people on the plane this morning at 5:30am and the pilot invited the boys to the cockpit to sit in his seat and wear his hat. They also got to say hi to mom over the intercom. Much excitement for that early in the morning.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Morning drive


Morning drive
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys taking a cruise in the estate wagon. Happy thanksgiving everyone.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Rainbow vulcano


Rainbow vulcano
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We've been taking the boys down to an elementary to play most days and I snapped this picture of one of the walls around the grounds. Gil and I went to best buy this morning to boy a wireless router for the house. Adam and I are sick of stealing a fairly weak signal from the neighbor across the street. I've just finished a nice workout and I'm heading home to do the install while everyone else cooks. The weather is still great here but I noticed a nor easter heading up the east coast. I hope the trees in our yard stay standing.

Napa Getaway

We are back from Napa and getting ready to start the whole Thanksgiving food extravaganza. The boys didn't seem to miss us that much and had a ton of fun with Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Adam at the Cal basketball game and at the Livermore Sciene Museum. Sam really enjoyed seeing a "monster dunk" at the game last night. Napa was as fun as ever and picked up some really good wine for Thanksgiving and to ship home. We had a fantastic Cab at Stags Leap called Cask 23. It's $175 a bottle so we didn't take any with us. We have a lot on tap for tomorrow so I need to hit the hay. Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Stags Leap


Stags Leap
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

One last tasting on the way home.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Mmmmm mud bath


Mmmmm mud bath
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Something we won't be doing tomorrow.

Relaxing


Relaxing
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

After a hard day of wine tasting in napa. Terra Valentine was jiggy stop on Spring Mountain Road and Keenan was laid back like I remember it from last month. We are in Calistoga, at the Cottage Grove cabins. This is our third visit here and this time we are in the Tuscany cabin. Weve done the Nautical and Audobon cabins in the past and haven't found any misspellings in this one. More wine then a short walk to dinner. Good times.

Quintessa


Quintessa
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Our second winery of the day. We had a nice time at Trefelthen and bought a few bottles there. We are on our way to St. Helena for lunch then up Spring Mountain Road to Terra Valentine. Should be jiggy.

Kumie Shoes on the Tracks

Another Kumie shoe sighting. This time on the tracks of the Redwood Valley Railroad. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Clairmont


Clairmont
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Just got a nice, long workout in at the resort down the street from grandma and grandpas house. I have to make sure I'm in shape for the 14 course meal that adam, linda and nicole will make for thanksgiving. The Duritz's like to make a lot of different dishes and have a little taste of each which usually addes up to a streched belly. Can't wait. Off to napa tomorrow for a day of tasting.

Redwood Valley Railroad


Redwood Valley Railroad
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are up in Tildon Park taking a ride on the miniture steam train with Margo and her grandsons. Its a little foggy around here today but its pretty nice in general. I'm off to the clairmont for a workout after this ride.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Kumie Shoes

I took a lot of pictures today but this is my favorite. This is one of the boys in their new Chuck Taylors, also known as Kumie shoes. I have some pictures of the boys and Kumie showing off their identical shoes that I'll try to post at some other point but Kumie hooked the boys up with a pair each for their birthday. I'm watching the Ohio State, Michigan game right now and the boys are taking a nap. Cal and USC later today. Go Bears!!! Posted by Picasa

More pictures from the day here..http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157594381803691/

Cable car


Cable car
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Got your tickets.

Fishermans wharf


Fishermans wharf
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We took a cable car to fisherman's wharf this morning and are having breakfast at Ghirardelli Square. The boys liked going down the hills and treated the trip like a rollercaoster ride.

Longest flight of the week

The big tail winds that got me home early from san jose on wednesday are working against us today. By the time we land and this post goes up, we will have been in the air 6 hours. Dylan is currently asleep and Sam is watching Rudolf the Red Nosed Raindeer. He refuses to sleep. They have both been excellent passengers this trip with very little kicking and noise making.

I have taken Sam to the bathroom 4 times now and Dylan once but its good to get up and move around a bit. So my third 2500 mile flight in 5 days was not as bad as I thought it would be. I'm going to like being grounded for a few days.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Takin off


Takin off
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

And away we go

School Pictures are in!

I'll post some individual ones later in the week but thought I would start up with this dual shot. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, November 16, 2006

We only needed to buy one bed after all.


The boys have taken to sleeping together lately and they seem to fall a sleep faster this way. Here they are shortly after putting them to bed last night. We had lots of rain and high winds today but didn't notice any trees down when I got home tonight. That's a nice deal. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Home again


Home again
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The flight was good and I got a little sleep but went straight to bed after smooshing the boys. Nicole and I are having an early dinner with Jimmy T tonight then home to put the boys to bed.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

I'm bored


I'm bored
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

So here's another google picture. A space invaders glass wall between a hallway and the restrooms. It just struck me as funny.

Back at the airport

San Jose International is like a third world country. Very small compared with sfo or oak. I've got a couple hours to kill before my flight and have to look for some food. The last thing we did today was take a tour of the google campus. We actually ran into eric schmidt, the ceo walking from one building to another. I hear he just bought sergi and larry a 737. Hard times.

We stopped in and saw one of the fitness centers, which is bigger than any gym I've belonged to and took a peak at the outdoor endless pool, complete with life guard. (An endless pool is a smallish pool the has a current so you can basically swim in place forever, like a treadmill). I think gina said it in a comment below, I have google envy.

Hope my flight is on time. Need to get home and smoosh the boys.

Cat women


Cat women
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

And robin.

Google foos


Google foos
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Afternoon foos break.

google view


google view
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Its sunny here in mountain view today. This campus is unbelievable. All food is free including 11 themed restaurants sprinkled around the grounds. We ate at the tapas restaurant today. Snack bars in each building with every type of snack you can think of along with foos ball and pool tables. The campus is open 24x7 and has three gyms, locker rooms, and lounging areas. The restaurants serve breakfast, lunch and dinner so you really have no reason to leave. Quite the environment.

Google scooters


Google scooters
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are here at google and found these scooters for employees to whisk around campus on. Their are lots of buildings and I guess have roving scooters at each main entrance it increases effeciency. This place is wild and they don't like people taking pictures. I'll see what I can.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Early flight west


Early flight west
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are almost all boarded and I did get an upgrade so I may get some sleep. This is going to be a long week of three cross country flights. Sam joined me in bed this morning and started chatting about all sorts of things. The boy has a million questions. Dylan woke up before I left as well and we had some good wrestling time before the cab picked me up at 6.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Rainy Day in DC


We woke up to lots and lots of rain this morning so decided to take advantage of one of DC's great advantages, free museums. Our first stop was the Air and Space Museum where we learned about big planes and spaceships. I haven't been there in years but the boys have gone with Blanca a couple times in the last year. We then shuffled over to the new American Indian museum and took a quick tour of one of the floors. It wasn't set up for kids to be entertained but the building was fantastic. I'll have to go back without the boys one of these days. We are home now with a big fire blazing while I get some work done. Kumie is over getting back the music I backed up for her a while back. Her ipod crapped out and she lost everything but my offer to back up her music saved her days or work. I should have charged her for the service. Anyway, off to Google tomorrow for a quick trip. I may have some good posts from there.
Flu Shot

So I got flu shot on Friday afternoon and by Saturday morning, I had the flu. I didn't know if could be so efficient. It was a mild case but I spent most of the day in bed and still feel a little messed up. I'm not sure I'll ever get a flu shot again. We took the boys to the Air and Space museum today because it's raining. They watched Cars twice this morning and needed to run a little. I have some pictures I'll put up later.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

The days are getting shorter


The days are getting shorter
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Here's a ground level view of the courtyard on my way home. No more aia photos for a while, I promise.

Fall and teeth


Fall and teeth
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The big courtyard tree is finally changing color and it seems that every tree in our yard has dropped its leaves in the past 24 hours. Dylan seems to be doing pretty well and looked much more awake this morning. The tooth fairy came last night and brought him money and a saiiboat. His little toothless smile is still cute but he asked Nicole this morning if his big boy teeth were here yet. I showed him a picture of me without a couple teeth last night and explained that they will come back.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

News on Dylan

From Nicole's blog. http://nikabolid.blogspot.com/

Government papers?


Government papers?
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Funny that this shredding truck pulled into the loading dock of a government building in my neighborhood right after the trumpin the R's took. Maybe carl is getting rid of some evidence.

Morning meeting in democratic washington


Morning meeting in democratic washington
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I just got a call from nicole and dylan is doing fine. He's missing his two front teeth but he got thru it like a champ. Unfortunatly, I'm stuck at work today but I'm looking forward to giving him a big hug tonight. How bout that election? Good times...

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Award winner


Award winner
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Good times

I did my duty


Enough said
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Enough said...

Monday, November 06, 2006

Ready to play some golf


It's actually the boys birthday today and they opened all the remaining presents from the last three days. Here they are with their new jr. golf sets from Grandma and Grandpa Carpenter. They wanted to start swinging in the house but we will wait till later in the week when we can do it outside. Dylan had another birthday party at school today but Sam stayed home sick. He didn't seem to mind that much but it's too bad he missed his big day. Got to go to bed now, need to vote in the morning and see if we can't fix this problem. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Happy Birthday!


Well, almost their birthday anyway. We had the second birthday party in two days today and broke out the racing car cakes. Momma and Grandma worked hard on them last night and they turned out pretty well. Aunt Elaine came down from Philly and brought some lovely handed knitted sweaters and new snow suits. The boys also got to open a ton of present they got yesterday and from a host of other people that sent them in the mail. I think we are saving a bunch more for tomorrow but I hope we are not having anymore cake. I've uploaded a bunch of shots to flickr again. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157594362389084/

Enjoy... Posted by Picasa

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Firehouse Birthday Party


We had a very successful birthday party for the boys today at the Falls Church Fire Department. I think we had about 13 screaming kids getting a tour of the fireman bunks, kitchen, gym and of course the fire engines themselves. We actually got to watch one of the ladder trucks leave for a call. Most of the kids and a couple of the adults sat in one of the engines and the boys loved the whole thing. We have another party here for the boys tomorrow with Linda, Gil and Aunt Elaine and then their actual birthday is on Monday. We have already un-wrapped a bunch of gifts and I'm sure we have a ton more coming.

We found out on Friday the Dylan is going to have to have his two front teeth pulled on Wednesday. Enjoy these pictures with teeth while you can. It'll be a few years before he has new teeth to give us that precious smile. While we are a little bummed that he has to have them pulled, I have a sneaky suspicion that he will have an adorable toothless smile goin on. Remember folks when you see him, no making fun of the missing tooth thing. We don't want him feeling bad about it. Poor little guy... Here are the pictures from today. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157594360856482/ Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Autumn Hike

I told the boys we were going on a hike on Sunday and they threw a fit because they wanted to bring thier bikes. I explained that they would enjoy the hike but to no avail. When we finally got to Fort Washington Park, Sam said, "Papa, we like this place" They remembered it from our trip there in March and were suddenly excited about the whole hike thing. During our visit, they rolled down a big grassy hill, we walked and raced down a wooded trail near the Potomac and threw apples into the river. We went into the "castle" again and explored a recently opened underground gun room and sat on the cannons again. It was a nice trip on a beautiful day and I got a whole bunch of pretty good pictures of the little monsters. Check them out here...http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157594354699515/

It's been a busy week at work and Nicole has been getting ready for the big birthday party on Saturday. Hard to believe the boys are almost four. More soon..