Rainman suite
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Friday, April 21, 2006
Long flight
So after my original direct flight was cancelled, I found my way to chicago and begged to get on the 10:30am to vegas. All said and done, I got here at noon and had some good sun time. I'm getting ready to go gamble a little now. Hopefully my luck is working and I'll make a little spending money, the boys demanded presents.
I already miss them.
Mark Carpenter
General Manager
Web Strategy and Operations
www.aarp.org
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld (www.BlackBerry.net)
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Here's some more Kenyan art from Atlanta's Hartfield-Jackson airport. I woke up this morning and Dylan was in bed with me and Nicole was working out in the basement. I snuggled with him for a while then he slowly opened his eyes and saw me next to him. He kind of pulled himself up to a sitting position on the bed while still looking at me in a surprised to see me kind of way. I wasn't there when he went to bed so I think he was a little confused. Anyway, he looked at me a little longer and then said "where's my present?"
I have been bringing the boys little gifts after being gone a few days and now it seems to be the first thing they think of when I return. I do think they are actually happy to see me but the present is an extra added bonus. I'm sure they will get one soon.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
I spent most of the afternoon in the Atlanta airport today. The meeting I was attending around 1 so I headed to the airport to check in and see if I could find an earlier flight than 6pm. No other flight really made sense so I went thru security and found a Laptop Lane (a little private office you can rent with a computer, printer and stuff) and did e-mail for a couple hours. I seemed kinda quite in the halls while I was in this little closed cube and when I finally left I found out that they had a bomb threat and closed the security check points about 5 minutes after I had gotten by it. They made thousands of people leave the terminal and stand in the rain while they addressed the issue. I felt pretty lucky I didn't show up to the airport 5 minutes later and stood around for two hours waiting to get in. That would have sucked... The air traffic was stopped for 90 minutes so everything was backed up of course so i took a leisurely walk under the runways from terminal T to D where my flight was going to board. The train is faster but I had time to kill. Found a Kenyan art exhibit between Terminal A and B I think and took a few pictures. It was almost all carved stone. Very interesting. I'm home how and ready for sleep. It was good to see Nicole and the boys even with them fast a sleep.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Fun
We had a full weekend with the boys, Linda and Gil. I met the boys, Nicole and the Grandparents at the train station on Friday after work and they were running up and down the platform talking to everyone per usual. We went to dinner in old town and then had ice cream, all over their faces of course. I played golf on Saturday as you can tell from the post below. It went pretty well, shot an 89 on a very tight course. It could have been much worse and it was a beautiful day.
We had Kumie, Joe and Bobby over for the annual Easter Egg hunt today. Good thing Mr. Wu started on the spring clean up and mulching yesterday. The yard was in much better shape for the egg gathering than it was last Easter. Mr. Wu still has some work to do but I do love this time of the year when the whole yard starts out perfect, then slowly drifts into disrepair. Anyway, Linda and Gil are on their way home and I'm finishing off my taxes. I play on dropping the check in the mailbox at the last possible moment.
Here's a link to the photo set of the Easter Egg Hunt. Some good shots but right before I started this hole deal, I cleaned the lens and filter and them quickly put them back together. I guess I didn't let it dry fast enough because I was getting some condensation on the filter, so a few shots have some cloudiness to them. Oh well, l'll never do that again.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594108800192/
I've got a busy week coming up. I'll try to keep you posted.
We had a full weekend with the boys, Linda and Gil. I met the boys, Nicole and the Grandparents at the train station on Friday after work and they were running up and down the platform talking to everyone per usual. We went to dinner in old town and then had ice cream, all over their faces of course. I played golf on Saturday as you can tell from the post below. It went pretty well, shot an 89 on a very tight course. It could have been much worse and it was a beautiful day.
We had Kumie, Joe and Bobby over for the annual Easter Egg hunt today. Good thing Mr. Wu started on the spring clean up and mulching yesterday. The yard was in much better shape for the egg gathering than it was last Easter. Mr. Wu still has some work to do but I do love this time of the year when the whole yard starts out perfect, then slowly drifts into disrepair. Anyway, Linda and Gil are on their way home and I'm finishing off my taxes. I play on dropping the check in the mailbox at the last possible moment.
Here's a link to the photo set of the Easter Egg Hunt. Some good shots but right before I started this hole deal, I cleaned the lens and filter and them quickly put them back together. I guess I didn't let it dry fast enough because I was getting some condensation on the filter, so a few shots have some cloudiness to them. Oh well, l'll never do that again.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594108800192/
I've got a busy week coming up. I'll try to keep you posted.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Trash Head
I forgot to tell everyone about my conversation with Sam last night at dinner. I was sitting at the end of the table and Sam was next to me. Linda and Gil were eating with us and we were all worn out, me and Nicole from work and Linda and Gil from chasing the kids around.
Sam was not eating well and playing with his food and utensils. We were trying to be nice but he was getting a little annoying. Anyway, at one point I told him to stop doing something and he said “papa, I’m going to put you in the trash can” pointing to the kitchen trash can nearby. I said, “that’s not very nice” then he said, “you’re a trash head”
I was too tired and that was pretty funny to get too upset about but we did make him clean his plate.
Sam was not eating well and playing with his food and utensils. We were trying to be nice but he was getting a little annoying. Anyway, at one point I told him to stop doing something and he said “papa, I’m going to put you in the trash can” pointing to the kitchen trash can nearby. I said, “that’s not very nice” then he said, “you’re a trash head”
I was too tired and that was pretty funny to get too upset about but we did make him clean his plate.
Minnesota Stories
I just got down working out and was catching up on some video podcasts that I download to my video ipod a few times a week. I came across a classic from the producer of Minnesota Stories. It’s a little music video called “When winter lets go in Minnesota” You might have to be from Minnesota get the full meaning but hey, it has a cute baby as the star so how can you go wrong. For you without video ipods, go to http://www.mnstories.com/archives/2006/04/when_winter_let.html to check it out. If you have a video ipod, go subscribe to this on itunes. Good times.
On that note, I’m also very fond of “Ask a Ninja” and the last episode was about “Minjas” or midget ninjas. Go to this page http://www.askaninja.com and scroll down a little ways and check it out. This Ninja is amazing and some of the best free entertainment around.
I’m packing up the office today and I’m feeling much better if any of you people leaving comments care. Ask the Ninja says, “I look forward to killing you later.”
On that note, I’m also very fond of “Ask a Ninja” and the last episode was about “Minjas” or midget ninjas. Go to this page http://www.askaninja.com and scroll down a little ways and check it out. This Ninja is amazing and some of the best free entertainment around.
I’m packing up the office today and I’m feeling much better if any of you people leaving comments care. Ask the Ninja says, “I look forward to killing you later.”
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Ugh
I’m still sick and I’m not getting any sympathy and that’s making me mad. The cold has moved to my head from my throat and it sucks. I think I’m going to go sneeze on Kumie and see how she feels about this business.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Im sick
Got some sort of bug from the boys and I don’t feel well at all. They actually seem to be getting better faster than me but who knows. My group is moving to new office space in a little less than two weeks and I have not started packing yet. I’ve moved a few times over the past 13 years here but have thrown away very little of the paper and other junk I’ve collected. I have time to pack this week but I just don’t feel like it. I’m sick……
Monday, April 10, 2006
As Promised
I've uploaded a group of pictures to flickr for your enjoyment. The museum was really nice and I think the boys would like it again at some point. I forgot to add that part of the experience was a real train ride on the first mile of commercial railroad build in the United States. It was aboard a retired MARC (Maryland Area Rapid Commute) train and the boys enjoyed that. It really didn't go very fast but they just like being on trains. Linda and Gil are in town this week and the boys are loving the attention per usual. They get more Grandparents later this month with Carolyn and Marsh visit. They should be good and spoiled by then.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594103098249/
More soon...
I've uploaded a group of pictures to flickr for your enjoyment. The museum was really nice and I think the boys would like it again at some point. I forgot to add that part of the experience was a real train ride on the first mile of commercial railroad build in the United States. It was aboard a retired MARC (Maryland Area Rapid Commute) train and the boys enjoyed that. It really didn't go very fast but they just like being on trains. Linda and Gil are in town this week and the boys are loving the attention per usual. They get more Grandparents later this month with Carolyn and Marsh visit. They should be good and spoiled by then.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594103098249/
More soon...
Sunday, April 09, 2006
I'm too tired to send up a group of pictures to flickr right now, so I will leave you with this and get more up tomorrow. We made it to the B&O Train Museum this morning and spent two hours looking at all sorts of locomotives, box cars, tankers, coaches, cabooses and various other railroad apparatus. Here are the boys getting all excited in front of a 1850 steam engine. The museum had a dozen old trains in the parking lot alone. It's a must see for people with small boys.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Good Start to the Golf Year
I played a full 18 holes yesterday with Modean, Wacky Dave and McDonkey. The weather was looking a little bleak when we started but the sun was out by the 5th hole and I was doing ok with some early round putting problems. I birdied the second hole, a long par five and birbied a par 3 on the back side. We played at Timbers at Troy which I've played many times and it has always kicked my butt. Something about the fairways sloping quite a bit causes me to find the woods a little too often. I didn't have that problem yesterday and came out with a ten over par 82. Probably seven strokes better than my previous best there and 10 better than average. Not bad for my first 18 holes in 2006. Last week I only played 9 holes on a fairly short course.
It's been raining all day here but we needed the moisture. We plan on hitting the train museum in Baltimore in the AM. It's suppose to be a fantastic spot and not a long drive. I should have a bunch of pictures.
I played a full 18 holes yesterday with Modean, Wacky Dave and McDonkey. The weather was looking a little bleak when we started but the sun was out by the 5th hole and I was doing ok with some early round putting problems. I birdied the second hole, a long par five and birbied a par 3 on the back side. We played at Timbers at Troy which I've played many times and it has always kicked my butt. Something about the fairways sloping quite a bit causes me to find the woods a little too often. I didn't have that problem yesterday and came out with a ten over par 82. Probably seven strokes better than my previous best there and 10 better than average. Not bad for my first 18 holes in 2006. Last week I only played 9 holes on a fairly short course.
It's been raining all day here but we needed the moisture. We plan on hitting the train museum in Baltimore in the AM. It's suppose to be a fantastic spot and not a long drive. I should have a bunch of pictures.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Thursday Already?
I've been working, coming home, playing with the boys, going to sleep all week. Not too much excitement except for the strange guy that came to the door Tuesday night asking for gas money to get back to Waldorf or Fredneckville or something like that. He seemed to actually have a car parked on the street and had a real hard time telling the story of being screwed out of $200 for some job he did and how the gas station wouldn't lend him 10 bucks for gas to get home. I gave him $7 because that's what I had in a drawer downstairs and he seemed to have had a compact car that would get him 60 or 80 miles away from me and hopefully home. We set the alarm right after that.
Actually, he seemed real nice but a little confused. I was hoping he wasn't going to ask for a ride somewhere like some random guy did to my parents a few decades ago. My dad actually got up in the middle of the night and drove this guy across town to his home. I don't think anyone ever figured out how he got to our little suburban neighborhood but that was the 70's in Minnesota. Today is a different story and I'm not sure I could have taken him anywhere. We just don't have that small town feel in DC.
I'm playing golf tomorrow if the weather holds. It's suppose to be 75 and partly cloudy with a shower here and there. Should be good.
I've been working, coming home, playing with the boys, going to sleep all week. Not too much excitement except for the strange guy that came to the door Tuesday night asking for gas money to get back to Waldorf or Fredneckville or something like that. He seemed to actually have a car parked on the street and had a real hard time telling the story of being screwed out of $200 for some job he did and how the gas station wouldn't lend him 10 bucks for gas to get home. I gave him $7 because that's what I had in a drawer downstairs and he seemed to have had a compact car that would get him 60 or 80 miles away from me and hopefully home. We set the alarm right after that.
Actually, he seemed real nice but a little confused. I was hoping he wasn't going to ask for a ride somewhere like some random guy did to my parents a few decades ago. My dad actually got up in the middle of the night and drove this guy across town to his home. I don't think anyone ever figured out how he got to our little suburban neighborhood but that was the 70's in Minnesota. Today is a different story and I'm not sure I could have taken him anywhere. We just don't have that small town feel in DC.
I'm playing golf tomorrow if the weather holds. It's suppose to be 75 and partly cloudy with a shower here and there. Should be good.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Bataan Death March
We took a long walk around Lake Accotink this morning. I figured it was about 3 miles but it was closer to 4. The boys were good for a bunch of it but needed to be carried on our shoulders for at least 2 miles on and off. Needless to say, it was a good workout and a gorgeous day. We all took a nap when we got back and just did some shopping in the late afternoon. Per usual, I posted a bunch of shots in my flickr account. Click here to see more...http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594097137149/
We took a long walk around Lake Accotink this morning. I figured it was about 3 miles but it was closer to 4. The boys were good for a bunch of it but needed to be carried on our shoulders for at least 2 miles on and off. Needless to say, it was a good workout and a gorgeous day. We all took a nap when we got back and just did some shopping in the late afternoon. Per usual, I posted a bunch of shots in my flickr account. Click here to see more...http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594097137149/
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Trolley Museum Video
I learned a lesson about uploading video footage to google. Don't compress to a Windows Media File format. The minute worth of video below is pretty low quality because I tried to compress it down a little more than the Alexandria Train video but it gives you an idea of what the trolley ride was like. The boys keep asking if they can go see the trolleys again but it's a long drive so I'm thinking no for a while.
They have both been wearing big boy underpants most of the day this week. Few accidents so far. Keeping our fingers crossed.
I learned a lesson about uploading video footage to google. Don't compress to a Windows Media File format. The minute worth of video below is pretty low quality because I tried to compress it down a little more than the Alexandria Train video but it gives you an idea of what the trolley ride was like. The boys keep asking if they can go see the trolleys again but it's a long drive so I'm thinking no for a while.
They have both been wearing big boy underpants most of the day this week. Few accidents so far. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Spring in the air
It is starting to smell like spring out there. The dogwoods and cherry trees are coming out and the air is full of life. I realized this on a simple trip to the curb with the garbage and recycling for pick up tomorrow. Funny how if you just pay attention, you can get a completely different experience from what you expected performing a simple chore.
Mark Carpenter
General Manager
Web Strategy and Operations
www.aarp.org
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld (www.BlackBerry.net)
Saturday, March 25, 2006
National Capital Trolley Museum
We had a busy morning today. Me and boys had a haircut with Patrick at 11am, but I thought it was 9:30 so we were a little early. We ended up finding a nice playground in Adams Morgan and got a little breakfast on 18th Street. We then headed up the National Capital Trolley Museum in Layhill Maryland. This museum is actually right next to the house Jud and I lived at together in for a few months in the early nineties. I never visited the museum back then, too busy going out to bars and stuff like that. The museum has a dozen trolleys in their collection and had a newer one donated by the Netherlands running on the track today. The boys loved it and their are some really cool shots of the two of them getting their tickets stamped by the motorman. Pure wonder in the whole process..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594090566581/
We had a busy morning today. Me and boys had a haircut with Patrick at 11am, but I thought it was 9:30 so we were a little early. We ended up finding a nice playground in Adams Morgan and got a little breakfast on 18th Street. We then headed up the National Capital Trolley Museum in Layhill Maryland. This museum is actually right next to the house Jud and I lived at together in for a few months in the early nineties. I never visited the museum back then, too busy going out to bars and stuff like that. The museum has a dozen trolleys in their collection and had a newer one donated by the Netherlands running on the track today. The boys loved it and their are some really cool shots of the two of them getting their tickets stamped by the motorman. Pure wonder in the whole process..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594090566581/
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
First Video Post
If I haven't annoyed you enough, I'm now going to start to add video to this blog. I've uploaded a couple videos to Google Video over the past few months and will now link to them in this blog so you to can enjoy these fine creations. The boys, particularily Dylan, love watching train video and Google Video has a ton of home movie quality train video available for free. Some people just love to watch and video tape trains and have uploaded them to Google. Since I have a computer attached to big plasma in the basement, we can watch these videos while hanging out on the beanbags.
A couple weeks ago we went down to Alexandria for a little trains watching and I filmed a couple Amtraks and a CSX. I edited the footage a little to keep the focus on the trains, not the boys and added titles. I uploaded it so that other mothers and fathers with trains obsessed children can watch the trains that we see, kind of paying into the train community in a way. Go to google video www.video.google.com and search trains and see all the options. You can also search Alexandria trains to get to a smaller return or search Chicago trains for see Dylans favorite video with Amtraks, Metras, subway and freight trains.
Enjoy
If I haven't annoyed you enough, I'm now going to start to add video to this blog. I've uploaded a couple videos to Google Video over the past few months and will now link to them in this blog so you to can enjoy these fine creations. The boys, particularily Dylan, love watching train video and Google Video has a ton of home movie quality train video available for free. Some people just love to watch and video tape trains and have uploaded them to Google. Since I have a computer attached to big plasma in the basement, we can watch these videos while hanging out on the beanbags.
A couple weeks ago we went down to Alexandria for a little trains watching and I filmed a couple Amtraks and a CSX. I edited the footage a little to keep the focus on the trains, not the boys and added titles. I uploaded it so that other mothers and fathers with trains obsessed children can watch the trains that we see, kind of paying into the train community in a way. Go to google video www.video.google.com and search trains and see all the options. You can also search Alexandria trains to get to a smaller return or search Chicago trains for see Dylans favorite video with Amtraks, Metras, subway and freight trains.
Enjoy
Monday, March 20, 2006
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Oxon Hill Farm
In case you are wondering, Dylan left, Sam right.
We went over to Oxon Hill Maryland again today. This time to the Oxon Hill Farm http://www.nps.gov/nace/oxhi/ where we saw a bunch of animals and ancient farm equipment. This was originally the home of Samuel Debutts and his family. They lived their about the same time Washington built Mt. Vernon. From 1890 to 1960 is was worked by and fed the nearby St. Elizabeths Hospital, now home to John Hinkley Jr. and many other slightly crazy people. The boys loved being outside on this crisp Sunday and had good naps after all the excitement. What I really love, is that this place is literally 5 miles from the house. Should be fun in hay ride and milking season.
I loaded a bunch of pictures up on flickr and I'm sending the link to the Park Ranger who said they needed some shots for the new web site they are building. Enjoy http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594085817607/
In case you are wondering, Dylan left, Sam right.
We went over to Oxon Hill Maryland again today. This time to the Oxon Hill Farm http://www.nps.gov/nace/oxhi/ where we saw a bunch of animals and ancient farm equipment. This was originally the home of Samuel Debutts and his family. They lived their about the same time Washington built Mt. Vernon. From 1890 to 1960 is was worked by and fed the nearby St. Elizabeths Hospital, now home to John Hinkley Jr. and many other slightly crazy people. The boys loved being outside on this crisp Sunday and had good naps after all the excitement. What I really love, is that this place is literally 5 miles from the house. Should be fun in hay ride and milking season.
I loaded a bunch of pictures up on flickr and I'm sending the link to the Park Ranger who said they needed some shots for the new web site they are building. Enjoy http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72057594085817607/
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Up early again
On a plane bound for Dulles and looking forward to seeing Nicole and the boys. Don't tell them but I bought two Jay Jay Jet planes at the airport gift shop. I don't want them to think they get a present everytime I leave town but its hard to come home empty handed. I still remember a fire engine my dad brought me from some trip over seas. He use to travel to Germany and Japan a lot and to me, that fire engine was exotic. Possibly coming from a foriegn land or an airport gift shop. I don't remember how many times he brought me something after a trip but I remember that fire engine.
Maybe the boys will recall one of the presents in 40 years and look back at it as proof that papa loves them.
Mark Carpenter
General Manager
Web Strategy and Operations
www.aarp.org
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld (www.BlackBerry.net)
I also got an extra added bonus for being in the bay area yesterday and today. It turned out that Adam was playing a private show in San Jose. I took a cab down after the reception at Stanford and caught the show with Gil. They were performing for the VON Conference at the Civic Auditorium in San Jose. VON is the Voice Over Network group run by Pulver Media. They obviously have too much money but the crowd of 2000 of so loved the show. The CEO of Pulver Media somehow conviced Adam to allow him to sing Mustang Sally as the last song. He wasn't that bad but it was a little annoying and I'm pretty sure the crowd was not all that impressed. I'm going to bed now...
I had to stop in Denver on the way out west yesterday. I don't like stopping all that much but it did offer a better view of the Rocky's after takeoff. Usually, you see the mountains from 35,000 feet but after takeoff from Denver, you get a look at them at less than 20,000 feet for a while. Some spectacular views.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Quick stop in Miami for a meeting and dinner with the e-business executive council. Always a fun group of people with similar jobs as me. They come from up and down the east coast and the midwest. I have an early flight tomorrow so I gotta get some sleep. Quick note, the empty space with the cranes in the picture above is where I stayed last year for this event. It used to be a 25 story Sheraton Hotel, now it's a vacant lot. Amazing....
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