Tasting

Tasting
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Started the morning at Pride Mountain and now on to Caymus. Not a sucky way to start the day.

Sonoma

Sonoma
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We had a couple of very nice tastings today at Audelssa and Pasterick. Wine is good.

The Rock

The Rock
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We went out to Alcatraz island tonight to show the boys why crime does not pay. We did the night tour so we got some spectacular views of the Golden Gate bridge at sunset as well as the SF skyline at night. Linda and Gil have lived in Berkeley for 30 years and they had never been there. Kind of like the fact that I've lived in DC for 20 years and have never been inside the Capitol. You look at if everyday and don't ever feel the need to go inside.

Tilden Park Carousel

We went up to the Tilden Park Carousel after the train ride on Saturday. They are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the roundabout thing. I decided to shot in 1920's black and white with my Super 8 app on the iphone. It seemed fitting. The kids are off to camp today and I'm off for a workout and message at the Claremont. We have an Alcatraz night tour later today. Should be exciting.

Rally Caps

Rally Caps
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Don't seem to be working here in Oakland.

Redwood Valley Railroad

Took a ride on the Redwood Valley Railroad this morning. Lovely day for it.

Back with the Boys

Back with the Boys
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It was a long day of travel yesterday with the three hour delay then trying fighting rush hour traffic over the bay bridge but we got here. Just happy to laying around in the cool Berkeley air with the boys, a couple ipads and my mac book. We got another bonus when uncle Adam delayed his trip down to LA and stayed the night even if Nicole, Gil and Linda were feeling like they had 4 children in the house last night. Not sure what we are doing today but this in enough for now.

Get out of town

I'm looking forward to heading west for some cool weather and to possibly escape the political theater of the debt ceiling debate. The one thing I hate about DC is the politics and I've never seen it this bad. It simply drives me insane but I can't stop reading about it. As fortune would have it, I should be in Napa when these idiots we elected drive the car over the cliff and point fingers at each other. I really don't think it will be resolved and will make life more expensive for everyone, then taxes will have to go up. It's a lose, lose, lose proposition.

At least, the adults in the NFL have come to an agreement, yes, the NFL is more capable of settling differences and compromise than these career politicians. The NFL, where a majority of the employees barely graduated college with degrees in physical education and the owners who are mostly egotistical tyrants who either were born into money or won some sort of business lottery. Yes, that group realized that they would lose 9 billion dollars if they didn't come to some agreement and made a deal.

Thanks to the NFL, this fall, I can tune out the ideology wars on Capitol Hill and tune into football on TV. That will be nice.

Anyway, the boys are having a good time with Grandma, Grandpa and Adam out west and they are to distracted to really talk with me so seeing them will be good. I miss the little guys.

Going to California

Going to California
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Sending the boys off to Berkeley with Grandpa today. Gonna miss the little rug rats but they get to escape this heat and bask in the high 60's.we'll get a break next week.

Poncho and Cash



Here's Sam riding Cash at Camp Christmas Tree in Minnesota. This is the second summer in a row that included horses and I think they are getting the hang of it. Of course, these are pretty old horses, does Cash seem to be missing a tail?



Here's Dylan on Poncho, who has a tail. The cowboy boots they got in Santa Fe last year still fit them so they are looking pretty stylish.

Men's Shoes

I just took the boys to the store for new shoes and for the first time, had to leave the boys section and buy shoes from the regular old adult shoes section for Sam. He got a brand new pair of K-Swiss size 8 today. Dylan is still at a 5.5 but Sam is sporting the big boys. Pretty amazing stuff. Nicole tried them on when we got home and they were snug but fit fairly well.

British Soccer Camp

British Soccer Camp
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys picked the hottest week of the year to run around on astro turf and kick a ball. It's going to be brutal out there.

Pool Fun

Pool Fun
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A weekend home before we send the kids out to Berkeley next Saturday. It was a beautiful day for the pool and the water actually felt refreshing from the few days we've been below normal temp wise. It heats up again next week and I won't have anyone to play catch with in the pool. Booo.

The waterproof camera is fun and I uploaded some experiments to flickr. www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157627210277754/

Fishing

Super 8 Fishing

I took some iphone super 8 video of some of the fishing up on Lake Sylvan dropped it on You Tube. Nothing all the spectacular but fun all the same. It's gonna be a hot one today and tomorrow here in DC. I'm starting to look forward to Fall again.

Boys are back in town

Boys are back in town
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Grandma brought the boys back from Minnesota in once piece. The house feels right again. We did have a nice dinner with Jimmy T and Michael P last night and slept in this morning to take advantage of being kidless for a short time.

Minnesota Pictures

We got back in town yesterday, minus the boys who stayed behind to finish the week at Camp Christmas Tree. They are having a great time their riding horses, swimming, doing archery and other camp stuff. We miss the little buggers but just got done video chatting with them on Skype. Grandma is bring them back to DC on Saturday which isn't far away. Nicole and I are going to take advantage of the time and see Jimmy T for dinner tomorrow night. The house is strangely quiet without them so we need to get out. Pictures of the 12 day trip MN here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157627142782740/

Happy 4th

Happy 4th
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Great Wisconsin bought fireworks at the party we went to last night in Orono. About 20 minutes of some really big explosions means I don't have to fight the crowds at any of the local public shows tonight. The show last night was as good or maybe better than most I've seen. The guys even tried to sync it to music which partially worked. The boys are at the Twins game today and I'm doing a bunch of nothing.

Orono

Orono
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A little baseball by the barn.

Angry Birds

Angry Birds
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The most expensive angry birds ever. We got these at the Delano 4th weekend celebration in Delano MN. Those carni folk know how to get you to buy $20 worth of stupid games for a $1 worth of plush toys. Yes, that's about $80 worth of angry birds right there.

Cousins

Cousins
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The kids got one final swim in up north last night as we celebrated Grandpa's 74th birthday. Back in Wayzata where the heat index is 105 right now. This is Washington DC weather.

Babe the Blue Ox

Babe the Blue Ox
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Sam and Dylan taming the Ox.

Dylan Woods

Dylan Woods
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Check out Dylan's straight left arm, club pointing at the target, full shoulder turn, feet planted and eye on the ball. He has some golf potential. Look out Jr. Modean.

Flying Sam

Flying Sam
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Only one fish this morning but we had a good time jumping off the pontoon boat anyway. Not sure where all the fish are in this lake, it is damn cold so they may be hanging out on shore somewhere. This is Sam in mid tuck for his canon ball. The judges gave him a 8.5.

Sam Bass

Sam Bass
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The ice went out just in time for a little fishing. Sam caught a nice little bass and Finn caught a couple of crappie. Not to many other bites on the lines. Dylan and Mae were shut out. Grandpa had his hands full with all those leeches and worms. God bless him.

Early Angling

Early Angling
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Glad my dad and spouse like to fish because I don't want anything to do with those slimy aquatic creatures.

Grand View

Grand View
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dinner at Grand View were we stayed a couple summers ago. One of the oldest resorts in the area.

Kavanaughs

Kavanaughs
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The day started out rainy and cool but almost got to 70. The lake produced considerable shrinkage but the sun came on strong in the afternoon for a while. Tonight it will dip to the low 40's but tomorrow, sunny and 75. I love this brisk northern Minnesota weather. Off to dinner at Grand View in a half hour.

Lake Sylvan at Dusk

Lake Sylvan at Dusk
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's totally silent up here. I forget how quiet nature can be.

Pool Trooper

Pool Trooper
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I started using my new waterproof digital camera today and had some fun in the pool. I will see what I can get tomorrow in Gull Lake.

Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. My first Tull concert after over 40 years of touring. Good times.

Norm the Cat

Norm the Cat
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A good cat was put to sleep today. Norm was 19 years old and was losing a lot of weight due to some growth in his mouth that was also bleeding from time to time. It was a hard day for Nicole but she bravely went and held him at the vet as they helped him fall asleep. I had my issues with Norm as he aged but I will miss him. I'm sure I will become cantankerous if I ever get that old as well. Rest in peace Norm the Cat.

Father's Day

Forgot to post yesterday about my lovely Father's Day. Spent all day with Nicole and the boys and while Nicole was nice to me the entire day, the boys were mostly nice to me but what do you expect from two 8 year olds? All in all, they are great little boys and it is a ton of fun being their Dad. I never thought I would find the whole being a Father thing so satisfying. It's a nice surprise.

Buzz Cut

Buzz Cut
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys got their annual summer buzz cuts today. They have such great big blond hair that I hate to see it go but it will be back soon enough and the shaved look works for summer. Easy to find any ticks and showers go much faster. Wish I could grow it back like them.

Character Day



The boys got to pick a character in history that started with one of their initials. Sam is Spartacus and Dylan, Charlie Brown. School at this time of year is a lot of playing around. The mandated testing is over and the teachers are just killing time with costumes, movies and games. Not a bad way to slide into summer.

June 15th

School is winding down, summer is in full swing, and we are getting close to the longest day of the year. Baseball ended so it has been a little weird not having a practice or a game the last couple weeks. We have been in an organized sports league since touch football in September with the only breaks being Christmas and Easter weeks. I don't know what to do with myself after work. I suppose I should start reading again since I kind of fell off my reading streak from March of 2010 to around January this year. I've started two books but can't get the swing of them. I guess I need some good vacation time to get going again.

Team Pride


At the closing ceremonies for CSLL. We have the team party later today and then no more baseball for a while. The boys made some big strides this year with Sam really hitting the crap out of the ball and Dylan making the biggest improvements in fielding and batting on the entire team. He got better every game. Whoever drafts them next year will be getting a pretty good one, two punch.

Oriole Cake

Oriole Cake
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Nicole went all out on the team cake this year. 10 little birds for 10 little sluggers.

2nd Grade


Dylan and his class.



Sam and his class.

The school year is rapidly coming to an end and the boys are getting ready for a busy summer and the start of 3rd grade in just a few short months. My, how the time flies.

End of Season


It was a tough game but the little Orioles lost their second round ballgame to the Pirates this afternoon. They boys both contributed a lot to offense and made some heads up defensive plays to keep the game close. Sam went 3-4 with two doubles and Dylan went 3-3. They were both a little sad to see the end of the season but they still have the end of season party next Saturday. Bring on touch football season.

Pictures here http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157626884331910/

It's Hot

It's Hot
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

According to my new Sony Dash Internet enabled alarm clock, the heat index is 110. The Dash is a new toy that I got for $70 on Woot. It was originally marketed at $229 I believe but is just barely worth $70. It does a lot of things I will never use, like steam Netflix but does some cool stuff like show me weather and traffic.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We finished off a nice weekend with some flag plantings in our very own cemetery. We have a bunch of veterans buried behind the house so we made sure they all had fresh flags in honor of their service.

Batting Cage

Batting Cage
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

After a visit to the pool this morning, we hit a couple hundred balls at the batting cage to stay tuned for the big playoff weekend next week. They were both getting the bat on the ball and getting some good rips in. Its been a nice and relaxing weekend so far.

Ghost Tour

Ghost Tour
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys are nice and spooked by the Oldtown ghost tour. They should sleep well tonight.

Summer Begins

Summer Begins
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I still like the colder months a little more but pool season is nice. The big opening was today and we had great weather for splashing around. The water was surprisingly warm I guess from the last few days in the 80's. We are hanging around town this holiday weekend and are heading down to old town for dinner and a touristy ghost tour. Sam caught a piece of a ghost tour last week when were out wit marsh and Carolyn and wanted to do a full one. It might be fun.

Air Show

DSC_3426
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We spent the morning at the Joint Services Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base today with Marsh and Carolyn. The boys do love the planes and really enjoyed a flight simulator. They each left with a new model plane courtesy of Grandpa.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157626658348537/

It's Not Easy

It's Not Easy
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

At the University of Maryland early for a ACS regional meeting. Home of Jim Henson.

Double Game Ball

Double Game Ball
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Sam went 4 for 4 with a double and triple and Dylan went 3 for 3. They both played heads up defense and got game balls. The team lost 11-10 but this was may have been the best team game they've played, even over the wins.

Candy Shoppe

Candy Shoppe
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We ventured down a few blocks and visited the candy shop in old town after dinner. The boys, Nicole and Grandma do like candy.

Happy Birthday Nicole

Happy Birthday Nicole
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dinner at Jackson 20 with the boys and Linda.

Birthday win for Nicole

Birthday win for Nicole
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Buckhorst H1
Flash: Off
Film: Blanko

Scoring an HR

Scoring an HR
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I'm still scoring the games when we are the home team and this was my favorite. I'm usually circling the 1B or 2B or recoding a K but this was the first HR I ever had to circle and it was all Sam. BTW, Orioles won 11-4.

Home Run

Home Run
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

And a game ball for Sam's first career home run. It was an amazing poke into left center and some quick feet around the base pads. Dylan also had a good night at the plate with two singles and a couple sacrifice RBI's.
No strike outs for either of them.

Sam also took a line shot that bounced on the lip of the infield to the head but he did stop it. We need to watch him a little tonight.

Mother's Day

I missed my mom yesterday because she was out with my sis at a play but I do need to wish her and all the other Mothers out there a happy Mother's Day. We had a nice weekend filled with Baseball, a kids birthday party, some shopping and continued kitchen clean-up. Little by little the house is getting back in order and with visitors coming the next couple weekends, we need to finish that up soon.

2011 A Ball Orioles

We spent some time at the batting cage tonight to help get Dylan and Sam to really start smacking the ball again. They have both been in a little slump but Dylan particularly. They took about 100 swings a piece tonight. That and some more hitting later this week should help.

Meet the Orioles