Baseball Weekend

We participated in the t-ball opening ceremonies on Saturday and went to the Nats game today. Bought a bunch of furniture in between but getting a healthy dose of baseball this weekend. It was our first visit to the new, well, one year old Nationals Stadium. Grabbed the metro at Huntington and emerged a half block from the gates, very convenient. We didn't stay for the whole game but the boys loved the playground and video game room there. We have our first t-ball game on Tuesday and a basketball practice on Monday. Gonna be a busy week of sports.

All the pics are here if you didn't click above already. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157617062073100/

Renovations Nearly Complete



The floors in the front and dining rooms look great and the guest bathroom is looking good with the new beadboard, fixtures, vanity and and shower curtain. We bought a two desks, chairs, a tv stand and leather love seat for the front room this afternoon after the t-ball opening day ceremony. I really love the look and feel of the re-done floors but realize that the scuffs and scratches are just days away and I will have to get over it. The walls all look great too but 4 six year hands are going to be all over them and once again, I'll just have to deal. Fun to have things in order for a while anyway.

Beer and Cheese

Beer and Cheese
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The big council event last night was a beer and cheese tasting lead by the brewmeister at the Brooklyn Brewery. It was fun and pretty interesting. During the lesson on beer and cheese he also talked about business and customer experience but it was an engaging way to learn.

Went out to a bar in TriBeCa and then the lower east afterwords with some long time creative good staff. Some of whom are moving on and I won't see at the next event. Gonna miss those guys.

On the plane going home now. Can't wait to see the family and new floors.

Wall Street

Wall Street
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I've been in the financial district for the last couple days for the first time since about 2002. It's a whole different world from the rest of manhatten and a little confusing. I prefer the village and mid town to be quite honest.

History March

I'm beat from a long 5 mile hike on the Bull Run battlefield and finishing off the taxes. Yes, Manassas was the name of the battle to the southerners but the Yanks named the battles after the nearest river, creek or other natural object. It's speculated that the northern army was mostly from the cities, towns and villages and were impressed by the natural objects near a fight and the confederates were mostly from the country and were impressed by the artificial object near a battle like a city or town.

The boys loved the cannon per usual and didn't complain much during the hike. They may be ready to start hitting some longer trails. My knee may not like that but the boys little legs seem to be up to the task. Anyway, it was a glorious day and I got a lot of pictures. I'm off to New York tomorrow for a day or two and need to go to sleep.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157616598754355/

Manassas Battlefield Hike

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First Round

First Round
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Shot an 89 but had two birds and a half dozen pars. Also had a couple snowmen. Great day for one predicted to rain most of the time. Couple beers then home.

The Driving Range


Blanca had another appointment this morning so I took the boys the first half of the day. We hung around the house in the morning while the carpets were being cleaned then headed to the Driving range for a bucket of balls and some lunch. This was the first time we've been to the range and the boys did pretty well. Master's 2021 here we come.

Death cab

Death cab
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Marching bands of mahattan. The show begins.

Fanning Me

Fanning Me
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The most obvious part of all the housework going on right now is the new fan over our bed. I have to look up at it every night and most mornings. Can't help it, it's right there. It creates some serious wind on the lowest speed and looks dashing in that brushed nickel kind of way. I love my new fan and look forward to it cooling me for a long time.

New Paint

The house is coming along pretty well with most of the painting done and the guest bathroom about half way there. This is the new coloring in the front room and dining room. The front room is all kind tanish and the that kind of mossy green with tan below the chair rail. It all looks great and was much needed. After all all this is complete the only thing we have left is the kitchen. That's going to be pricey and will probably have to wait another year. Otherwise, we've done every room and the outside of the house in the past 7 years. I guess you have to start over when we finish the kitchen.

Young@Heart

Work and coordinating all the materials needed for all the work being done on the house made up most of this week. We are getting the guest bathroom redone (goodbye fishy wallpaper) and are have most of the inside of the house painted and the wood floors redone. Nicole picked some great color combinations for the living room and dining room. The whole place is looking better with new ceiling fans and fixtures but they are not done and the place is kind of a mess. New furniture for the living room is next and that will be fun to pick out.

Watched Bolt with the boys tonight and we are watching Young@Heart now. Both good movies. I'm diving into the taxes tomorrow, hoping the amount owed is reasonable.

Cherry Commute

Cherry Commute
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I probably won't get down to the tidal basin to see the cherry blossums again this year because I can't stand the crowds but at least I get a dose as I drive by them during my daily commute to work. They are just about at peak and looking great.

Springy

Springy
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The flowers are up and the trees are budding. Won't be long till mr. Woo comes and does that spring clean up thing.

Science Day


I got back from Salt Lake today a little early and was able to meet the kids at the bus stop. I got some big hugs and at least Sam said he missed me soooo much. I think Dylan did too but was too excited about Science Day at school tonight. I did go for a little while but had to come back home to get the luggage that arrived a number of hours late. It's here and I need some rest.

Utah was nice but it's good to be home. I had a great view from two sets of floor to ceiling windows in my suite but even staring out at changing mountains everyday got old when I wanted to see my children. I did post a bunch of picture of the Wasatch range in different states for what it's worth. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157615820052369/

I need a long nap.

Spring to winter

Spring to winter
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

In a fast turn of events, it is winter again in Salt Lake City. Not sure if you can see the snow in this picture but it's been snowing all morning after being 70 all weekend. I'm starting to wind down my duties here at the ACS national meetings and ready to head home. Looking at the snow covered mountains all week has gotten me in the mood to ski or hike but I haven't been more than 6 blocks from this hotel the past 7 days. The mountains are close but a long ways away. Kind of like home.

Zion Wall

Zion Wall
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

My First Zion Wall in SLC. It's intended to stop the bartender from serving alcohol over the bar. He has to come around from the behind the bar and serve even when I can see the drink being poured 18 inches in front of me. Brilliant.

Sunrise over the Wasatch

I was up early this morning participated in three 2 hour board committee meetings here in Salt Lake City. They all went really well and my parts went extremely well from the feedback I recieved. The room here at the Grand American hotel is quite nice and has a great view of the mountains to the east. Somewhere over in that direction is Alta, Park City and a bunch of ski resorts with a ton of snow. I checked out the Alta web site and they still have a 106 inches from a total of 450 inches that fell this season. That's a lot of snow. I still have a bunch of days here but it's good to get 4 meetings behind me, including my personal big one that happened on Wednesday.

Got out tonight with some folks from work tonight and watched some basketball. The Bears and Gophers are no more in the NCAA tournament. It was fun to see them in for 20 seconds or so. Time for bed and a day closer to seeing Nicole and the boys.

Still some snow

Still some snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

On those distant peaks here in Utah. Got in late last night but got a workout in this morning and starting to feel better. Lots of meetings the next few days but I'm as ready as I'll ever be for them.

Wildcat

Wildcat
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys are totally into WWII planes right now and while they've seen leutenant ohare's wildcat fighter in previous visits to this airport, I thought they would enjoy seeing it again.

My flight to Salt Lake City leaves in a few. Just grabbing a quick st. Paddys day beer between flights.

Cupcakes and Tulips

Cupcakes and Tulips
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Had dinner at chez modean last night with a bunch of friends. Dinner was great and the cupcakes tasty. Hangin with the kids is fun but it's good to get out with adults every once in while, well modeans anyway.

We have been inside all day today working on leprecon traps, doing some Tae kwon do excersizes and playing video games. It's too rainy for any bike missions or hikes. Maybe I'll watch some tournament basketball, march madness is upon us.

Something about Mary

Something about Mary
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We went on a bike mission this morning to find Marys house. Mary is in Dylans class and rides the bus with the boys. He seems pretty smitten with her. We ended up finding the house a half mile away or so but only found her brother outside.

Friday night video games

Friday night video games
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys don't get to play with the xbox, wii or their nintendo ds machines on weekdays so they are pumped to play every Friday. They are currently stuck on a WWII airplane game called 1942. It's not that violent, nothing like a first person shooter game and gives me a chance to do some history teaching.

I'm going to send them downstairs soon to play the wii so I can read, drink some wine and listen to the new U2 album.

Spring has sprung

Spring has sprung
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The first bunch of flowers are up in the yard and the trees are getting ready to bust out. It's still fire season but those days are going fast. I will miss them when they are gone but I'm looking forward to golfing soon.

Alexandria St. Patricks Day Parade


They do it early in Alexandria every year for some reason. Kind of a kick off to the St. Patrick's Day season I guess. Me and the boys got shamrock boxers for the occasion but I choose not to model them for this blog. You are all better off for that decision.

Check out the pictures here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157614991213676/

Summer in March

Summer in March
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We went down to the Alexandria St. Patricks Day parade this morning in 75 degree weather. A full 40 degree difference from last years parade and about 40 degrees warmer than last week. I'm not quite ready for spring and need a few more weeks of fire weather but I'm sure I will get a little of that soon. Nicole and I took a bunch of pictures and I'll post those soon.

Bought a new Dyson vacuum after the parade. It's so fancy looking it almost makes me want to clean. Almost.

8 Years

Back to DC today on the 2pm shuttle. Arrived a little early and got home as the kids got back from school and started playing in the snow. It was nice to have all the white stuff here and up in NYC and while it was a little chilly walking around the Village this moring, it was nice to have at least one good snow this winter. It snowed every day during our wedding weekend at Squaw Valley in Tahoe eight years ago. That was one of the reasons I suggested the spot. I just love the white stuff. Something you learn as a child in Minnesota I suppose.

Had a nice little dinner at home with Linda, Gil and the boys tonight and a chocolate cake, with chocolate frosting, another wedding throwback. Eight years have flown by fast and I'm looking forward to the next eight. Little pink houses and all that stuff. I put some pictures of the last few days up on Flickr.

Snow Ho

It was one windy and cold day in Soho but we got some shopping done and had a few drinks at the same time. It's been snowing all day and we got a good 8 inches which made it pretty but didn't shut things down so we can still make our reservation at Union Square Cafe. It's suppose to be fantastic. Dylan and Sam had a snow day today back home but they both have strep so they would have been home anyway. Just sitting in bed eating a cupcake right now. Vacation is good.

Cal head

Cal head
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Had a great dinner at The Smith last night with modean and patay. Saw the broadway show, In the Heights today and loved it. Going out to S'mac for the best made to order mac and cheese tonight and watch the 10 inches of snow that's suppose to blanket New York tonight. Missing the kids but this is fairly relaxing.

Brooklyn Bloodies

Brooklyn Bloodies
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We just walked the Brooklyn Bridge and are having a couple drinks on henry street before heading to the Brooklyn Museum. Sam has strep but is in good hands with two dr. Grandparents.

Testing for Gold Belt

Testing for Gold Belt
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Working on the next level and getting closer to being able to kick my ass. They test for the belt today but will get it at a ceremony on Saturday.

Duckpin Bowling

Duckpin Bowling
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

In Baltimore doing a little duckpin bowling which is pretty unique to charm city. Dont know of any duckpin lanes outside of Maryland. Off to dinner in a bit

Turkey Run Hike with Flat Stanley

With a day off tomorrow for President's Day it seemed more like a Saturday than a Sunday. We started the day with a 2.5 mile hike at Turkey Run, along the Potomac above Georgetown with Cousin Finn's Flat Stanley. It's a flat little dude that was sent to the boys to decorate and take around town. Stanley hiked with us then stopped at the Iwo Jima Memorial for a visit before playing basketball at the park. Flat Stanley will be heading back to Minnesota with a few pictures on Tuesday so Finn can bring him into school.

Turkey Run Hike

Valentines Dinner

Valentines Dinner
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The three boys took Nicole out for a valentines dinner tonight. Two of the boys wore ties and jackets, I went with a sweater.

Bike accident

Bike accident
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan just about lost his pants in a bike wipeout a while ago. His leg has to be cold.

Tech Envy

Tech Envy
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Adam gave Nicole and I kindles last year for her birthday (not sure how I lucked out getting a present on her birthday) and I have enjoyed using it to read the new York times, Washington post and a couple books over the past 10 months. Amazon just launched kindle 2.0 and I already have tech envy. It's insane since the one in front of me works really well and was a fantastic gift but the 2.0 is new and pretty. I need to get a grip.

Yes, I do exist

I rarely add pictures of myself on this blog but I'm feeling the need to show that it's actually me taking all those pictures of hikes, birthdays, holidays and martinis. Nicole is now using her new little pink camera I gave her for the holidays and got a few of me on our hike at Hidden Pond on Sunday. It was nice to get outside and tramp around the woods a bit. Work as taken a busy turn and I think it will be that way until the next board meeting in March. That seems to be the cycle, manic work until Spring Board meeting, a little breather, then manic work until the Fall Board meeting. Oh yeah, little spikes before the winter and summer board meetings.

We also got a bunch of pictures of the boys that you can find by following this link....

Really

This is too funny and really easy to share from the Saturday Night Live site.

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Hidden Pond Hike



We got up and had breakfast at iHop and then went a short distance to a little nature preserve about 6 miles away for a quick 2 mile hike. It's in the high 60's today and the sun is brilliant. We took a trail down by a stream and at one point decided to cross it by climbing up a tree that had fallen over it and then I dropped the boys on a sand bar. It was pretty tricky but it was a good exercise in create problem solving.

Hidden Pond park also has a nature center with a whole load of snakes, turtles and frogs. The Ranger Ricks got a couple snake out for the boys to touch but I kept my distance. Not real fond of the snakes. Per usual, I took a bunch of photos that I will post later. I need a nap now.

The Hokey Pokey


I'd rather film it than do it.

Elementary School Dance

Elementary School Dance
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Before it becomes a torturous experience for most kids. I always liked them but then again, I am quite a dancer.

Two Tough Customers

They told me people wanted their autographs today at school. Off to a school dance tonight. They want to wear sport coats for that event.

Jimmy and James Dean


Tomorrow is Movie Star day at school and the boys are going as the twin brothers, Jimmy and James Dean. I convinced them that James Dean has a twin brother named Jimmy and they seem happy. The outfit consists of a t-shirt, collar up shirt, jean jacket and rolled up jeans. They have been practicing the cool walk and look all night. Sam seems a little darker of the two, Dylan can't seem to help but look kinda cute and boy like. Maybe I should give them each a pack of smokes and see how that flies?

Morning cartoons

Morning cartoons
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Found the boys all snug this morning watching cartoons before Blanca showed up. It was a typical Monday at work but felt I got some good work done. Board and committee meetings coming up in March which will be here sooner than I think.

The boys are wearing their pajamas inside out tonight in hopes we will get a ton of snow. They also flushed ice cubes down the toilet. They learned these tricks at school today. Let's see if it works. The weather report is pointing to no.

Snow biking

Snow biking
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's almost 60 degrees out there today, so the boys and I rode up to the park and had a light saber battle. They love to ride on the grass and dirt and now a little snow is an extra benefit. Getting ready to eat a lot and watch some football. Last game until September.