All Better on the Forehead Front

I don't have any pictures but things are feeling and looking much better. I was a painful week but I really have been pretty pain free today with a few bouts here and there but all and all it's a world of difference since Tuesday or Wednesday. Shingles are not a good thing and I will recognize them if they come around again.

Gonna trade vans tomorrow, same color, same interior, a few improvements over the 2006 and a lower lease rate. I love leasing cars, I never have a mechanic telling you that the air conditioner broke and you have a $2,000 repair bill and as in the last two exchanges, I've gotten a better car for less money. My theory anyway, when it comes to cars, why buy when you can rent?

Got my eye on you

Got my eye on you
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Waiting room at the eye doctor. Second dr. in two days, good times.

Ouch

Well, I guess all that spider hunting was for naught. The right upper portion of my face was really killing me today so I went to urgent care. The doctor took one look and said, not spider, shingles. Yes, the chicken pox of my youth has come back to stick a thousand flaming needles into my forehead. I guess a little piece of chicken pox hides in your spine for decades and if you're lucky, comes out and bites you when you get old.

The good news is that I don't have a killer spider in the house, the bad news is that I'm stuck with this pain for a while longer. I got some drugs but they are not offering any relief at this point. They offer a vaccine for shingles these days but I figured it was for older people. I was either wrong or I'm old. If you have ever had chicken pox, get the vaccine. You will thank me.

Green Belt Graduation Ceremony


It's been another rainy day but we got out for the big tae kwon do graduation and the boys are now green belts. I can still take them but they getting quicker and I'm getting older. I got what I think is a spider bite on my eyebrow area and it all swollen and it hurts. Beware spiders, I will have no mercy when I find you.

Watching the US Open

Long week, now watching some of the second round of the US Open. Dylan and Sam have been inside all day long with Blanca due to Dylan's strep throat. I guess they went out to the Dr. office in the morning but this is no way to start the first day of summer break. They played the Wii, Xbox and DSi's all day long. Good thing they have choices. Dylan is already feeling better and we will get them outside tomorrow.

Gangsta



I actually live in Alexandria, not Arlington but things are not that different.

Better Than Ezra

Better Than Ezra
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

At the 9:30 Club. It's date night.

Movin On Up

Only a couple more days of Kindergarten and then summer vacation and 1st grade. The boys had their stepping up ceremony today but have a few more days of end of year madness. They grow up so fast.

Trophys for Everyone!


Today was the closing ceremonies for the Alexandria Potomac Little League and everyone was thrilled to get a trophy. The little A's were no exception and we all celebrated with a cake Nicole whipped up last night. Next year they start machine pitch and soon after that, coach pitch then the major leagues. Hard to say what sport if any they will end up really liking but baseball is a possibility. More pictures here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157619616118689/

Sam Self Portrait

Sam Self Portrait
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan Self Portrait

Dylan Self Portrait
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

At a school dance. The boys portraits were hanging in the cafeteria.

End of Season Toast

End of Season Toast
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Toasting the end of a successful tball season. Root Beer for all.

Back to Normal

It was a great long weekend with my parents in town. We did some fun stuff and the boys loved having all the extra attention. My Mom got some good pictures and has put them up in her flickr account for once. I will need to get mine posted sometime this week as well. You will see in the pictures that Dylan is back in the boot, due to yet another fracture in his lower leg. I'm not sure what he's doing but even with that thing on, he insists on climbing on benches and other things and jumping off. I guess you do enough of that and you break a leg. He missed the last two basketball practices this week and had to watch Sam sweat it out and was pretty upset. I think he can still play the last t-ball game tomorrow, at least hit because their really is no fielding going on.

Nicole and I are back to work and dodging rain like everyone else in this rain soaked part of the country. I'm tired, been battling a slight cold all week. Need to rest the eyes if this thunder ever stops.

A little pool time

A little pool time
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The water was cold today but we got a little pool time after a visit to Roosevelt Island and Great Falls. Lots of water going over the falls today.

Boys on the River

Boys on the River
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Taking a break in Georgetown.

Bar With A View

Bar With A View
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Finishing up a meeting in Baltimore and discussing the outcomes over a cocktail. The Navy's talk ship is in the harbor.

Cat Kong

Cat Kong
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Giggle, Giggle, Quack and Cat Kong are the books tonight. I'm not sure when bedtime books and stories end because they are too old but it sure is a good ritual for now.