Croc Problems

Croc Problems
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

National Geographic has a huge crocodile in their courtyard. Hope it doesn't terrorize the entire neighborhood.

Big Win

The little Orioles built up a 9-0 lead going into the bottom of the 6th and watched as the A's hammered in 8 runs before they were stopped and the game ended. It was quite tense in that last inning. Sam had a K, single, double with 2 RBI's. Dylan had two K's but didn't give up and had what turned out to be the winning RBI with a single in top of the 6th. The little O's are 2-1 now on the season and starting to get their bats going. They still need some work on defense.

I'm exhausted and need sleep after that heart stopper.

Sent from my iPad

Getting There

Getting There
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

So we have most of the cabinets in and some if the appliances back but we still have a bunch of stuff that needs to be done. I ordered the new, much bigger fridge and the 50 bottle wine fridge this weekend and Bernardo has promised to finish the cabinets, redo the floor and finish the new laundry room in the basement this week. The countertops should be in in a couple weeks and we may be back up and running by May.

Scoring Duty

Scoring Duty
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's a cold morning for baseball but I'm keeping warm by keeping score. I have to do the book and the scoreboard.

Opening Day

Opening Day
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's a cold and slightly wet opening day here at Nationals Park and the Nats are already down 2-0. Sitting in a sky suite with a bunch of other tech geeks makes it much warmer.

Dylan Art

Dylan Art
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A Dylan creation. Interesting new type of plane.

Sam Art

Sam Art
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A little something Sam created and is hanging at school. It's good to be home.

Grand Californian

Grand Californian
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I've spent the last 6 days in Disneyland and haven't ridden a single ride. The hotel is beautiful, it mimics the great lodges built by the railroads up in yellowstone and glacier. I was arranging a car with the concierge this afternoon and someone came over and said the giant fireplace was broken. I was going to suggest they throw another log on, but remembered it's Disney, gas fireplace.

Another national meeting is almost over and I'm on a 6am flight out of LAX tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing the family and what I'm hoping is great progress on the new kitchen.

Meet the Orioles

Meet the Orioles
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys team this year is a local favorite. Opening ceremonies were yesterday and their first game is today. I'm going to miss the game but I'm sure I'll get a score to post later today.

Soho Snow

Soho Snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Woke up to a dusting of snow in New York. Got the Acela home and I'm at batting practice again.

Bar Reflections

Bar Reflections
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Listening to some cool Jazz at the Jazz Standard in NYC. It's still early.

Jazz Standard

Jazz Standard
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Great food and a little Jazz on East 27th street.

Batting Practice

Batting Practice
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

They had a birthday party from 1 to 3 at Shadowland, then batting practice from 4-5, now swimming from 6 to 7. Busy day shuttling kids around and doing some kitchen stuff shopping. We bought faucets, drawer pulls, dimmer switches and receptacles. The cabinets arrive on Tuesday and the big construction begins. We will probably be mostly kitchenless for 4 weeks. That should be fun.

Happy St. Patricks Day

Happy St. Patricks Day
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys gettin in the groove.

Mountain Retreat

We are back from the mountain retreat and smack dab in the middle of a busy week at work. Tomorrow is St. Patricks Day so that will give some relief but then all sorts of work activity till the 1st of April. The kitchen re-modeling project has begun by finishing of the utility room in the basement so we can put the washer and dryer down there. Bernardo is basically tiling the back room in the basement that we didn't tile a few years ago when we re-did main basement rooms and is getting all the plumbing, gas and electric put in to house the washer and dryer that are currently on the first floor. The new laundry room will allow us to utilize the space where we currently have the washer and dryer and put in a giant refrigerator, a wine fridge, a prep sink, more counter space and of course cabinets. I wasn't so sure of this strategy since we have to walk down an extra flight of stairs to do laundry but I will have a 50 bottle wine fridge on the first floor, thus saving me from walking downstairs as often to get wine out of the basement wine fridges. It should all work out.

Anyway, happy St. Patrick's Day everyone and I've posted a bunch of pictures from the weekend on my flickr account. Enjoy.

Peter Pan

IMG_5146
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys did some bungee ballet yesterday afternoon at the Big Top up here. No flips but Sam did his impression of Peter Pan.

Snow Machine

IMG_5163
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We went on a nice twilight snowmobile tour last night, the boys first. They liked it but it went up and down some big hills and I think they were a little nervous hanging on back. It was a nice end to the weekend up here in the mountains. We head home to work and school today.

Here Comes the Sun

Here Comes the Sun
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We stayed off the slopes today and tried some tubing and swimming. We also have a snowmobile tour in about an hour, which should be fun. The snow stopped and the sun came out this morning and starting the spring thaw again. Lots of relaxing fun.

Winter Soak

IMG_5122
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Great day of skiing at Snowshoe with fantastic snow all day long. It just kept coming and coming out there. The boys had a good time learning to snowboard and spent a little time with them as they fell down the hill. I believe I heard one of them say that they think skiing may be easier and what they should do next time. Watching the snowboarding lesson, I think skiing is easier too.

We got off slopes at 4pm and hit the outdoor hot tub to soak that sore knee. It's about 25 degrees, snowing with a 10mph wind out there. It was a tough run to the condo when we got out. All is well now and we are warming up by the fire before we head out to dinner.

Snow Bunny

Snow Bunny
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We rode with the boys on their first chairlift ride, they both fell getting off. They seem to be having a great time in school and learning the basics anyway. The runs on the Mountain are in great shape and the lift lines are short. Nicole and I are taking a little noon break then we will get back on the slopes for a few more runs.

Snow Ninjas

Snow Ninjas
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Getting ready for some serious snow thrashing.

Check out my HipstaPrint

Check out my HipstaPrint
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Kaimal Mark II
Flash: Off
Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Snowshoe

Snowshoe
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's snowing like mad up here. It rained most of the drive then turned to snow as we went up the mountain. It's supposed to snow tonight and most of tomorrow. That should be good for skiing.

Shake for Two

Shake for Two
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

In Moorefield WV. Snowshoe here we come.

Baseball Begins

Baseball Begins
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It gets cold when the sun goes down but the season has to begin. Three weeks till season opening and the boys are a little rough in the fielding department.

Sweet Messages

Sweet Messages
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Desert at Eve includes a little message for us. Nice touch.

End of Season Party

End of Season Party
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Big team party last night to celebrate a great season for the little Blue Devils. We came a basket short of the championship but nobody has the talent these kids had. They just needed a basket worth of luck. On to baseball.

Ten Years



It's been ten years since this photo was taken and I still pretty much recognize the people in this photo. I actually wore that suit until about a year ago when it pretty much fell apart. It's been a fun trip and we added a couple little miracle children to the mix a little more than 8 years ago that has made it even more fun. Here's to ten more.

Rough Day

Rough Day
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The little Blue Devils fought hard today but came up short in a double overtime game against the Cavs. Sam went down in the second overtime with a rolled ankle and was not able to return to the game. A pretty disappointing outcome for the strongest team in the league. Losing the league MVP was a tough blow but the the little blue devils worked together and just lost by a basket. Dylan and Sam played great all year and will be back to do it again next winter. Go Blue Devils!

Semi's

Semi's
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A 20-5 win over the Tigers and a 26-13 win over the Hokies earlier in the day have put the little Blue Devils in the semi-finals with the 2-0 Cavs. Tip off at 1:30 tomorrow. We split the regular season with the Cavs and they were the only team to beat us. This time it's personal. ;-)

Score Keeping

Score Keeping
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

These tense games are easier when I keep score.

Kitchen Office

Kitchen Office
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Sam was home sick today and Nicole is in Nashville si the kitchen table was my office for a bunch of the day. Here I am using the Go To Meeting app on the iPad and listening to the conference via blackberry and Bluetooth while I do employee reviews on my mac. Multitasking at it's grandest.

Sam is feeling better and will be going to school tomorrow.

Co Pay

So, Sam is sick today and Nicole is out of town so I've taken him to the doctors office. Not my favorite thing to do but does remind me how ridiculous these places can be. In fact, before we left I got a call from one of my doctors about a past due amount of co pay of $5. Yes, it cost more to call me and ask about it than just letting me know the next time I came in. Not to mention the 2 minutes of my life I will never get back.

Sam's doctor also wanted $5 from a previous visit when we got here. Now, we have had the same insurance and co pay amounts for at least two years now. It says it right on the card I hand them. Why can they not seem to do the simple thing and charge us consistently. In fact, sams file says the co pay is $20 while it has clearly been $25 for years. Yet she looked at me as if I was a criminal for their lack of ability to do basic book keeping. I crossed out the $20 and wrote $25. She looked annoyed. Will health reform fix this?

Btw, sam has pink eye.

74 degrees to Snow

It looks like a little winter storm is heading this way for tonight and tomorrow morning. Not a ton of snow but some sleet, ice and snow that will no doubt put the kibosh on tomorrow's school day. It was a very nice 4 day weekend and I'm ready to go back to work but a canceled school day will mean me staying home and watching the kids one more day. The wood guys delivered another truckload of timber so we can handle some more cold weeks ahead. Not that the big storm is out to the question but I would say our winter is coming to an end. I was some tulips starting to struggle out of the group today. Basketball season ends this weekend and baseball practice is only a few weeks away. Spring is coming fast.

#1 Seed

The little Blue Devils finished off the regular season with a 23-20 victory over the Eagles. It was a nice come back from last weeks mistake laden loss and secured a league best 8-1 record and a #1 seed in next weeks double elimination tournament. The easy baskets starting falling again in the second half and Sam was lighting it up under the basket. He was also 5 for 6 in foul shooting. That's important because the other team starts hacking him when they realize he's getting every rebound and going back up. He had 15 total points and seemed to be settling down a bit and getting in a groove.

Dylan was playing mad defense again and had 4 points. He definitely had the most exciting basket when he drove the lane, spun around a defender and pulled up for a 10 foot jumper. Impressive stuff. Saturday nights are always so much better when they bring home a victory. Next weekend will be full of stress with what could turn out to be 2 or as many as 5 games in two days.

Sent from my iPad

70 Degree Day

70 Degree Day
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Got an early round in today and played pretty well. 3 birds and a 91 overall. It was good to get outside a little. In sure the cold is coming back soon.

Dog Face

Dog Face
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It was dress like an animal day in Sam's class so he went as a dog. He wouldn't bark for me.

Happy Valentines

Happy Valentines
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We went out to dinner at Rustico last night and the boys brought money to help me pay. I let them think they actually did puck up the bill.

Imagination Stage

Imagination Stage
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan and Sam imagining that they are slaying each other at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. We are here to see Perseus Bayou thanks to Linda and Gil's holiday gift of season tickets to the theater. It's a nice new theater and occupies a spot that used to be a bar I once frequented when I lived in Bethesda. Seems like a long time ago.

A Wake-up Call

The boys played hard yesterday but were not able to pull out a victory. This was the same team they beat at the beginning of the season by a dozen points but the blue devils couldn't get the ball to drop most of the game. Sam had 8 and Dylan had 2 but the other team was making everything. In all honesty, they needed this loss to remind them to play hard as we head to the playoffs. The team has already locked up the regular season but have another regular season game next week, then will need to win three for the championship.

Picked up a new Acura MDX yesterday. The boys were getting too big for the Infiniti's back seat. We still have the minivan but with boys going in all directions we need two vehicles with growing boy legroom and space for all the crap that they need to carry around with them.

Off to the Imagination Stage in Bethesda today to see Perseus Bayou. Should be fun.

Chinese New Year 2011

Chinese New Year

IMG_2014
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan and Sam had participated in the school New Year celebration today and had some fancy outfits to wear. Dylan looked good to and I will post a video of one of the songs so you can see him as well. I'm glad this week is over. It was good but it wore me out a little. Going to go out and pick up a new vehicle tomorrow which will be fun and of course, a basketball game tomorrow night at 6:15. Can they keep the unbeaten streak going or will we come back down to earth and would it be a good thing so lose one before the tournament starts so they won't be so cocky going into it? I don't know, but we beat this team before and I like to see them win. Lessons in losing as well. Hmmm, I guess I'm not playing or coaching so it's out of my hands anyway.

Dance Showcase 2011

Dancin Fools

I seem to have cut off the heads on some of this video but it gives you basic idea of what's going on. This spring they are doing a singing showcase. That should be interesting.

Car Negotiations

Time to get a new car again so I took Sam with me to the Acura dealer yesterday. Surprisingly, one of the only dealers open on Sunday's. On the ride over I explained to Sam how I wanted him to help me negotiate a good price for the vehicle. We had gone to the auto show last week and sat in a bunch of different cars so Sam was well aware of the different vehicles we were considering. I asked Sam to wait a little while into the conversation with the sales guys to bring up the fact that he really likes the Volvo XC60. I explained to him the pressure that comment would put on the sales guy to give us a good deal and Sam agreed.

So we got to the dealership and found a sales guy that I had purchased two Acura's from before and really like. We went outside and jumped into a MDX and took it for a quick spin. About midway through the ride, Sam piped up from the backseat and says, "You know, this is a nice car but I really like that Volvo" Al, kind of looked at me and I kind of shrugged my shoulders and said, "well Volvo is nice and your Mom likes the Volvo too, but we need to agree on a car" Sam comes back with, "yeah, but the Volvo is pretty sweet"

Al and I talked about the Volvo compared to the MDX and then he went back to take a look at the numbers. The numbers he came back with were really competitive, more so than my research indicated. We talked some more and I explained that I was close to making a decision and we walked outside again where Sam says, "that Volvo is sweet, we should get that" Al looked at me again and asked what a couple questions, then said, you know I could probably take another thousand off the MDX.

Now to be fair, I did price out a Volvo and I did like it but I tend to the like the MDX more. We also had a couple of other vehicles in mind. That said, Sam played his role perfectly. I'm going to do this every time I get a new car. Nothing like the kid putting pressure on Dad to get something different that what the dealer is selling . I'm also willing to rent the boys out to anyone who wants help negotiating new car deals.

Rockin 7-0

Busy day today with the big dance showcase at 11am and then at late basketball game against the Wolfpack. The dance showcase was fun and guess what, all 17 squads got a trophy. They were all winners and some of them were pretty entertaining. The theme was dance through the last 100 years. 20's, 50's, 70's etc.. The boys squad did the 90's with the Back Street Boys Bye, Bye, Bye..

I was happy when it was over but the boys had a great time. Now the basketball game was tense. The Wolfpack was 4-2 and the only team in the league we had not beaten. They played smothering defense and had a great outside shooter. The little Blue Devils were definitely more alive this week and played great defense but the baskets were not falling. Lots of good shots from Dylan, Sam, Sam K., Sophia and Dalton but they were just not going down. Sam ended up with 11, Dylan, Sophia and Dalton had 2 a piece. This will be a tough team to beat if we see them in the playoffs. Fortunately, my coaching days are over for a while. Jasper and I filled in for coach Lance the last couple weeks but he is back next week and truth be told, he is a much better coach than I am. Jasper is good but Lance is a pretty intense guy and kids listen to him more than Jasper and I.

I've always been a competitive guy, I can't seem to help myself but I was happy I was able to keep it under control. It's a kids game and I've seen some parents completely lose their cool. My heart pounds, I sweat and yell a little but I didn't get negative and that's what I have to keep teaching the boys. They are competitive like me but so far, are not mean about it and that's the key. They are good little atheletes and this heavy dose of winning is fun but it won't last forever, they will lose again at something and being prepared for that is important too.

Bye, bye, bye

Cruzin

Cruzin
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A Mini for some miniature people. This would be a good car for the boys if they could drive.

Racing

Auto Show

Bought a cool new app that makes video shot from an iphone look like it came from an old Super 8. This is my first video of the boys playing a racing game at the Auto Show today. We went for a few hours to sit in cars and see which one's will fit the growing boys behind me with the seat pretty far back. Right now the leading candidates are the Volvo XC60, the VW Toureg and the Acura MDX. Need to get a new vehicle in a couple weeks so I'm glad I have it down to threeish.

6-0



The boys played another tough game today and came away with a 21-13 victory over the Tigers. Sam had 15 points and Dylan had 4. It was a tougher game that the score indicates because the little Blue Devils were a little off today. The whole team was sleep walking a little and not being Blue Devil aggressive. It was also my first game as an assistant coach. Coach Lance is away for a coupe weeks so Jasper (Sofia's Dad) and I are picking up the slack. I focused on personnel (bringing kids in and out and making sure everyone gets enough time on the court) and Jasper took care of strategy and positioning. It worked out pretty well and we have to run practice on Wednesday which he will key to running any drills because I never played the game.

The boys also played for the first time with their new Cal Basketball wrist and head bands. They looked awesome and were the key to victory. Only one more team in the league before we start playing a couple of the teams over again. It would be nice to beat every team once and my coaching advice to the boys for next week is WAKE UP! I think all these victories are making them lazy.. Can't have that..

Whiteboard

Whiteboard
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan and Sam designing the web of the future on the whiteboard in my office. Yes, school was cancelled again so they hung with me for a while.

The Power

The power is back after a 22 hour absence and it is feeling warm again in here. At first I missed the Internet and TV when it first left us but it didn't take long to really miss the lights and heat. The snow didn't really disrupt the drive to work this morning and Dylan and Sam went to AARP for the day. That was not true for some I people I know who spent 6 to 8 hours to go 8 miles. Hard to believe but that was a common story around certain parts of DC. I was home yesterday with the boys and Nicole took Metro so we avoided that nightmare.

We are now basking in the heat of a fire, glow of the iPads and warmth an LCD TV.. Of course school has been cancelled tomorrow again for some unknown issue (literally, the streets are as dry as a bone) so the boys will be hanging out in our offices for part of the day tomorrow. I have a meeting I can't cancel and Nicole has a video town hall at 1pm. Oh, yeah the same type of system is heading this way for early next week. Tons of moisture from the gulf, spinning off the coast and dropping wet, heavy snow. We did lose some tree size branches from the bigs pines and maples but nothing landed on the house, this time..

School Canceled

Their is a half inch of slush on the ground but school is canceled today and with about 6 inches of snow coming tonight, will be canceled tomorrow. They do over react a bit around here but I'm at home with the boys today and will hopefully go in tomorrow. Nicole has a meeting with the Secretary of HHS and she is unlikely to cancel so the three boys are going to find a way to have some fun while I get some work done as well. I may be able to post pretty snow pictures later today. That would be fun.

Maybe a little snow?



This looks like our first real shot of the white stuff in a while. It would be nice to get a coating that didn't shut down the city for a week.

Tough Guys

I've been in Texas he last couple days and missed the big game against the other Clermont Elementary team and wow, what a game it appeared to be. Sam as you know, rolled his ankle yesterday and was limping badly but really wanted to play. From the reports I got, he got some playing time in the first quarter but his movement was pretty limited and he had some obvious issues moving around. The team played great defense but were down 3-12 by the fourth quarter. Dylan played tenacious defense per usual. He is relentless when the ball is near their basket and seemingly able to steal it as will. He was also very concerned about Sam, his other super ability to be incredibly caring about his brother.

Sam finally came off the bench in the 4th quarter and somehow led the team to a 14-2 run to win the game. Sam had 8 of those points but the kids really bonded together and played some great basketball to pull out a victory. I know it may have been bad to play on a badly sprained ankle but those two boys are pretty tough puppies and I'm damn proud of them for toughing it out. Sam will wear the boot for the next week and I'm sure the ankle will heal just fine even if I feel a little bad about pushing, just a tad for him to play. He really wanted to be out there even without me nudging him that direction. I'm getting out of Texas in the morning and I'm looking forward to watching some football tomorrow afternoon with the little guys. More basketball next weekend and I don't plan on missing any of the remaining games. Go Baby Blue Devils....

Rolled Ankle

Sam rolled his ankle today at school and is in a boot. This is not good news for the baby Blue Devils because Sam has been responsible for 70% of the teams points over the last four games and I think I was really hoping the team went undefeated. This is a team game and Dylan and Sofia are capable if putting up some numbers. Let's all hope they and the rest of the team come together to make up for the missing offensive punch of Sam. I feel bad for him, he really likes to play.

Sent from my iPhone

Burke Lake Hike

Burke Lake Hike

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Arlington, Virginia

Had a nice little hike this afternoon. Not far from home and pretty empty with the temp around 32. Back to work tomorrow.

Long Weekend

I've been hanging out with the boys this long holiday weekend, keeping warm by the fire, playing games outside and in and watching playoff football. I do love staying close to home and having little conversations with those developing minds. The kind of meaningless banter that tells me a little more about who those kids are with each exchange. They are amazing little guys and have not gotten too old to snug with me on the couch or give me a kiss on the lips. I love them very much.

They both played a great basketball game yesterday with Sam scoring 16 and Dylan getting 4 in a 25-19 victory over the Hurricanes. They really love sports and get very excited about the game and being part of a team. They are extremely competitive little monsters but still have fun with it and are not overly aggressive but go get that ball wherever it is.

Sam and Nicole just went to swim practice and Dylan and I are watching some football in front of the fire. Pickle has an ear infection and needs ton stay out of the water today. I think a long winter hike is in store for tomorrow. We have not been in the woods for a while and some fresh air will do us good.

Sent from my iPad

Football

Football
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan loves to use his computer to watch all sorts of things on YouTube and NFL.com. He has figured out how to go back decades and watch game film of contests that happened before he was born. He knows more about some if the old Viking teams than I do, or that u choose to remember anyway.

Undefeated Blue Devils

Undefeated Blue Devils
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

While I was away last weekend the Blue Devils Won another game, 28-14. Sam had 19 points, 3 steals and Dylan came away with 1 point and 9 steals. Nicole wasn't able to count rebounds but I'm sure they both had a few.

I'm at practice with them now and am looking forward to this weekends game. The snow missed us again last night and put a hurt on New England instead. I do hope we get one good snow this winter. Just not one that cancels a game.

Wishing I Brought My Knee Brace

Wishing I Brought My Knee Brace
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This is the first tee of the Torrey Pines South Course and the location of the 2008 US Open and a tournament stop in two weeks. I didn't bring my golf clubs, shoes or knee brace on this trip. It just seemed too much to haul to Vegas and La Jolla but just walking around the beautiful grounds of this this place made me sad I left all that stuff at home. I can rent clubs and buy shoes but I will probably fall over in my backswing if I don't have my brace on. Oh well, maybe next year. I have an early flight tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing the family and a four day weekend next week. I think I will take Friday off and Monday is a holiday. The ACS Editors meeting was very nice, I learned a lot and had some great conversations with some of the leading scientists in the field of Chemistry. The CES Show and this meeting as worn me out and I'm ready for some R&R.

IMG_0641

Silver Horse

Silver Horse
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This is a new addition to the Bellagio lobby since I last stayed there. About 2 days in that town was enough for a while. Win some money on the black jack tables but lost it all in the video poker machines. At LAX again and on my way to La Jolla for weekend work meeting. I'm looking forward to the slower pace of the Lodge at Torrey Pines over the all night insanity of Vegas.

Viva Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Long day but I'm in town for CES. Ended up with a decent room anyway.

Dancin Machines

Dancin Machines
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I picked the boys up from school the other day and came in when they were practicing their moves for the big Aftercare Dance Showcase in February. I also just bought them Just Dance Two fir the Wii last weekend so they have many opportunities to get their groove on.

Happy New Year

We got the boys out yesterday with a touch football game with some of the old flag football team players and their coach. We are starting the training for next season early and they were really muddy to show for it. The McCarrick's early new year party was fun but all the running away from girls in that that rather large home wore the boys out by 8pm. The party only went till 9pm but Nicole and I had fun before coming home and watching Easy A, then the ball drop in Times Square. I have another day off tomorrow but the boys go back to school and Nicole to work. Not sure what I'm going to do but it will probably not be real strenuous.

I posted a bunch of my pictures from Christmas in Minnesota on flickr. It's warm in Virginia right now and I kind of miss the snow. We still have some winter left and may see a few flakes before spring. On to some football for the rest of the day. The Vikings are done but the playoffs are always fun to watch regardless.