Yes, I Did
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
It's 60 degrees outside but with the heavy rain, it feels colder. I
just really wanted the burning wood smell in the house. It feels good.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Yes, I Did
Yes, I Did
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Back from San Francisco
Back from San Francisco
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Good meetings and some fun night time activities. This is the ferry
building at the end of Market after dinner and before a couple dive
bars with my concil mates. Happy to be home and heading to a school
picnic with Nicole and the boys soon.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Slanted Door
Slanted Door
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Great night on the bay. Good food, drink and friends from council 1.
Still, I'm looking forward to my flight home tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Play with me Dad
I've been hearing that a lot lately and it bothers me who many time I've had to say "not now" or "in a little bit". They want to spend time with me. They value my input. They want to connect in some way and yet I find many excuses to do something else that seems important at the time. I know this is going to change little by little and probably completely change when they get car keys but I still need to do the things that are required to get by in this world.
I'm writing this on my way out west for business that is important if I want to continue to be economically viable and provide the food, shelter and a college education. I just can't stop thinking about the little playtimes I get with them during a normal busy week of school and work.
They are going to be 7 next month and my play time is rapidly evaporating and I want to get as much of it as I can, while I can. I guess another tactic might be to become such a good playmate now that they will still want to play with me when I'm old and on my second or third knee replacement.
Note to self, I need to make sure I drop whatever I'm doing often enough now when I hear the request to play to let them know its the most important thing I do everyday. Maybe that will keep them asking for years to come.
Can't wait to get back and battle the little jedi's with light sabers or race them in Mario Kart. Maybe I'll insist on playing with them.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Brush, Brush
The boys really wanted me to film them brushing their teeth tonight but I opted to just take a picture. They seem to like to ham it up in front of the camera these days. The weekend went by fast and while we tried to go hiking on Sunday, we ended up exploring a bunch of parks on the fringe of Fairfax County but didn't really find in good hiking trails. We did find some cute towns and some cool houses that would be great if you didn't mind a 90 minute commute downtown, each way. The boys are still loving school with the after school care part being their favorite. We usually pick them up around 5:30 and they are all sweaty from playing kickball, walk the plank or some other game that keeps them running. You can't see it in this picture but Dylan face planted on the playground today and has scrapes all over his face. What did Lance Murdoch tell Bart on the Simpsons?
"Bones heal, chicks dig scars, and America has the best Doctor to Daredevil ratio in the world."
The boys really wanted me to film them brushing their teeth tonight but I opted to just take a picture. They seem to like to ham it up in front of the camera these days. The weekend went by fast and while we tried to go hiking on Sunday, we ended up exploring a bunch of parks on the fringe of Fairfax County but didn't really find in good hiking trails. We did find some cute towns and some cool houses that would be great if you didn't mind a 90 minute commute downtown, each way. The boys are still loving school with the after school care part being their favorite. We usually pick them up around 5:30 and they are all sweaty from playing kickball, walk the plank or some other game that keeps them running. You can't see it in this picture but Dylan face planted on the playground today and has scrapes all over his face. What did Lance Murdoch tell Bart on the Simpsons?
"Bones heal, chicks dig scars, and America has the best Doctor to Daredevil ratio in the world."
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Great Fall Day
Played some reasonably decent golf today and got a lot of sun during a perfect fall day. While the Gophers lost, at least Cal stayed undefeated and now a step ahead or USC for the Pac Ten Championship. I'm drinking a little red wine and watching Shine a Light for the second time but have it turned up just a tad because I'm alone and everyone else is asleep.
Played some reasonably decent golf today and got a lot of sun during a perfect fall day. While the Gophers lost, at least Cal stayed undefeated and now a step ahead or USC for the Pac Ten Championship. I'm drinking a little red wine and watching Shine a Light for the second time but have it turned up just a tad because I'm alone and everyone else is asleep.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Doin Homework
Doin Homework
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Well, I'm watching the boys and Nicole do homework anyway. With the
days getting shorter it appears I need to buy a lamp or two for the
new desks. Dylan has now moved on to karate practice.
Karate combinations in underwear is funny.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Blanca
The boys friend and nanny these last 5 years has moved on to new horizons. Blanca has been part of this family as long as the boys can remember but needed to go back to full time work. She was working part time with us last year because the boys are in school pretty much all day now. The boys were upset that she was leaving and Sam asked her to join us for a concert over Labor Day weekend. Fortuneatly she only lives a half mile away so we plan on seeing her once she gets back from her three week vacation in Florida.
The boys friend and nanny these last 5 years has moved on to new horizons. Blanca has been part of this family as long as the boys can remember but needed to go back to full time work. She was working part time with us last year because the boys are in school pretty much all day now. The boys were upset that she was leaving and Sam asked her to join us for a concert over Labor Day weekend. Fortuneatly she only lives a half mile away so we plan on seeing her once she gets back from her three week vacation in Florida.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me
Had a very nice and quiet birthday today. I guess turning 45 isn't the 40th or 50th variety of celebration and with it being a Wednesday and all, things were pretty low key. I did get in to school for lunch with the boys and then had to wait around the house for a chimney sweep for a while. Got a workout in and then proceeded to eat way too much. It looks like I should have fixed the hanging piece of molding you can see in the upper left hand corner of this picture. It's a weekend chore now, time for Glee soon. Thanks for all the calls, presents and facebook wall posts. It's good to have hung in there another year.
Had a very nice and quiet birthday today. I guess turning 45 isn't the 40th or 50th variety of celebration and with it being a Wednesday and all, things were pretty low key. I did get in to school for lunch with the boys and then had to wait around the house for a chimney sweep for a while. Got a workout in and then proceeded to eat way too much. It looks like I should have fixed the hanging piece of molding you can see in the upper left hand corner of this picture. It's a weekend chore now, time for Glee soon. Thanks for all the calls, presents and facebook wall posts. It's good to have hung in there another year.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
1st Graders
They actually cried when Nicole went to pick them up after school today. They wanted to stay there. Both had great things to say about their teachers and fellow students this evening and are looking forward to getting back there tomorrow. The whole day at school thing will take them a while to get used to, the almost fell asleep during dinner tonight. Too much excitement. I'm planning on having lunch with them tomorrow. I'm making it a birthday tradition.
They actually cried when Nicole went to pick them up after school today. They wanted to stay there. Both had great things to say about their teachers and fellow students this evening and are looking forward to getting back there tomorrow. The whole day at school thing will take them a while to get used to, the almost fell asleep during dinner tonight. Too much excitement. I'm planning on having lunch with them tomorrow. I'm making it a birthday tradition.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Gettin the Cast Signed
Gettin the Cast Signed
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
A black cast requires a gold or silver pen but it looks cool.
We've moved on to arms
Yes, another cast but this time, not on a leg. We almost made it through the summer without any mishaps but Dylan fell off an piece of playground equipment on Thursday and fractured, as well as dislocated his wrist. The boy started last school year with a cast on his leg and here he goes again. He's taking it well and doesn't seem to be in any pain now. I think I've also convinced him that he will be fine playing drums with Uncle Adam tonight at Merriweather Post Pavilion. He seemed concerned about the whole gig but loves getting up there and banging out a song. College football starts today so Go Gophers and of course, Go Bears...
Yes, another cast but this time, not on a leg. We almost made it through the summer without any mishaps but Dylan fell off an piece of playground equipment on Thursday and fractured, as well as dislocated his wrist. The boy started last school year with a cast on his leg and here he goes again. He's taking it well and doesn't seem to be in any pain now. I think I've also convinced him that he will be fine playing drums with Uncle Adam tonight at Merriweather Post Pavilion. He seemed concerned about the whole gig but loves getting up there and banging out a song. College football starts today so Go Gophers and of course, Go Bears...
Friday, September 04, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
End of Beach Week
We got back from the coast yesterday afternoon and have been trying to get ready for the work week and the last week before school starts today. The trip to Rehoboth and Atlantic City was a ton of fun and the boys loved the whole thing. Playing in the waves at the beach, the go-kart track, Funland with the bumper cars, haunted mansion and tons of video games. They really liked the carnival game where you took a hammer to a catapult and tried to get a frog on a Lilly pad. They won some stuffed animals on that one.
The Lewes ferry was fun and cut off over a hundred miles of driving to get from Delaware to New Jersey. Now, I haven't been to Atlantic City that many times and when I did, it was usually one of the boardwalk casinos that were pretty skanky. The Borgata is on the back bay part of the city and quite the scene. It's right up there with the best in Las Vegas. It was extremely jiggy.
Adam was a little tired from having the flu but put on a great show with Spearhead and Augustana anyway. The boys were totally into the playing with the band part during Hangin Around. Dylan was pretty serious about drumming well while Sam just wanted to smile at the chicks in the front row.
It's back to work tomorrow and then the grandparents are coming in for the weekend and another Counting Crows show at Merriweather Post on Saturday. Good times..
Here are the pictures from last week. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157622188870060/
We got back from the coast yesterday afternoon and have been trying to get ready for the work week and the last week before school starts today. The trip to Rehoboth and Atlantic City was a ton of fun and the boys loved the whole thing. Playing in the waves at the beach, the go-kart track, Funland with the bumper cars, haunted mansion and tons of video games. They really liked the carnival game where you took a hammer to a catapult and tried to get a frog on a Lilly pad. They won some stuffed animals on that one.
The Lewes ferry was fun and cut off over a hundred miles of driving to get from Delaware to New Jersey. Now, I haven't been to Atlantic City that many times and when I did, it was usually one of the boardwalk casinos that were pretty skanky. The Borgata is on the back bay part of the city and quite the scene. It's right up there with the best in Las Vegas. It was extremely jiggy.
Adam was a little tired from having the flu but put on a great show with Spearhead and Augustana anyway. The boys were totally into the playing with the band part during Hangin Around. Dylan was pretty serious about drumming well while Sam just wanted to smile at the chicks in the front row.
It's back to work tomorrow and then the grandparents are coming in for the weekend and another Counting Crows show at Merriweather Post on Saturday. Good times..
Here are the pictures from last week. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157622188870060/
Friday, August 28, 2009
Ahhh, Jellyfish
Ahhh, Jellyfish
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
At Sea Blue at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Lots of jellyfish on the
wall. Counting crows in an hour.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Afternoon Bar Break
Afternoon Bar Break
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
We rode 15 miles on bikes, hit the waves and are grabbing a couple
drinks and a snack before heading back to the bumper cars at Funland.
Mom an Grandma are shopping. 87 and sunny here in Rehoboth.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Parnelli Jones and Mario Andretti
Parnelli Jones and Mario Andretti
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
More beach fun. I did a few races and feel sick now.
Surfer Boys
Surfer Boys
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
They are getting better in the waves everyday and will be boogie
boarding in no time. Had a great time at Funland on the boardwalk last
night. Just need to kick this cold soon. Off to the go kart track soon.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Bug Attack
Bug Attack
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Found this on one of my office windows this morning. It's big and
green. Kind of looks like a leaf.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Swirling Chemistry
Swirling Chemistry
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
This is the last day of the national meeting and I'm ready for some
business as usual. It's been a successful few days but tiring. I'm
looking forward to some beach time next week and kid play with the boys.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Nice Tomatos
Nice Tomatos
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
After months of watering and care Nicole has managed to get three
tomatos to flourish which is three more than last year. Should be good
eating soon.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Spooky
Spooky
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Spooky
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
The boys got some vampire teeth at the dentist today. Sam also got
some spacers in his teeth. He seems to be handling it well.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Face of Young Chemists
I thought I would share this video done by young ACS members on the eve of the summer ACS National Meeting. I've doing a lot of preparing for the next 8 or 9 days and have not been blogging much. I think I'm just going to post a lot of random shots of the stuff I see during the big event. That should get me back on track to keeping this blog going.
The kids are in summer kicks camp all week and are loving it. They play soccer in the morning and swim in the afternoon. School is coming up fast so they better enjoy the last days of summer while they can.
I thought I would share this video done by young ACS members on the eve of the summer ACS National Meeting. I've doing a lot of preparing for the next 8 or 9 days and have not been blogging much. I think I'm just going to post a lot of random shots of the stuff I see during the big event. That should get me back on track to keeping this blog going.
The kids are in summer kicks camp all week and are loving it. They play soccer in the morning and swim in the afternoon. School is coming up fast so they better enjoy the last days of summer while they can.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Draggin Work Around
Sometimes you can't help but drag workday problems home with you at the end of the day. Even if you think you've left them behind, they can jump up and bite you when you're trying to spend some time with your kids. I will find creative ways to deal with the little issues that work challenges me with and it will all be OK but it annoys me to worry about them when I could be paying attention to the munchkins.
Sam asked me at dinner tonight "how many fingers on a hundred arms" I told him 500. He then said, "their is only one finger per arm" then I said 100. He then proceeded to say that he was smarter than me because he knew the question. I had no defense for that so I agreed with him. Made me laugh anyway.
Sometimes you can't help but drag workday problems home with you at the end of the day. Even if you think you've left them behind, they can jump up and bite you when you're trying to spend some time with your kids. I will find creative ways to deal with the little issues that work challenges me with and it will all be OK but it annoys me to worry about them when I could be paying attention to the munchkins.
Sam asked me at dinner tonight "how many fingers on a hundred arms" I told him 500. He then said, "their is only one finger per arm" then I said 100. He then proceeded to say that he was smarter than me because he knew the question. I had no defense for that so I agreed with him. Made me laugh anyway.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Hike and Golf
Well, got the hike in anyway. It was raining cats and dogs this morning so Modean and I kind of bailed on golf. The forecast and the radar made it look really wet but as it turns out, the whole front flew by much quicker and it's nice and sunny now. Kind of hacks me off to see a child free day go to waste like that. The boys went up to Baltimore for a birthday party and I'm sitting around the house thinking of things to do now. That'll teach me to put any faith in weather.com.
Anyway, got some pictures from yesterday that I put up on flickr. I was having trouble getting the white balance adjusted since the forest was so dark and it was so bright in the open. The pictures turned out kind a funky. Guess I'll go see what's on tv now.
Well, got the hike in anyway. It was raining cats and dogs this morning so Modean and I kind of bailed on golf. The forecast and the radar made it look really wet but as it turns out, the whole front flew by much quicker and it's nice and sunny now. Kind of hacks me off to see a child free day go to waste like that. The boys went up to Baltimore for a birthday party and I'm sitting around the house thinking of things to do now. That'll teach me to put any faith in weather.com.
Anyway, got some pictures from yesterday that I put up on flickr. I was having trouble getting the white balance adjusted since the forest was so dark and it was so bright in the open. The pictures turned out kind a funky. Guess I'll go see what's on tv now.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Weekend Reflections
I'm a self admitted cool weather lover and am looking forward to building that first fire sometime in October or November. I've been obsessing over the empty wood rack next to the shed but know I can't get anyone to deliver wood this time of year. All that said, I have been enjoying this summer weather with the kids quite a bit lately. We washed the cars and played star wars in the yard last weekend. We went to the pool both days and it felt good just floating\splashing around in the cool water on a hot, humid day.
It's been a cooler than usual summer this year but I've felt more able to stand even the hotter days for some reason. I'm more patient with it this year. Maybe age is causing my blood to run thinner or I'm finally, after 18 years, getting used to Washington DC in the summer.
The boys are getting bigger every day and I'm starting to imagine what they will look like when they are teenagers. It will be harder to throw them around in the pool when they weight 150 pounds so I better get my swimming time in while I can. While I will enjoy leaves falling, pumpkin patches, fires and cool early hikes in the woods. I will probably miss the outdoor swimming in the summer heat when it ends.
I'm a self admitted cool weather lover and am looking forward to building that first fire sometime in October or November. I've been obsessing over the empty wood rack next to the shed but know I can't get anyone to deliver wood this time of year. All that said, I have been enjoying this summer weather with the kids quite a bit lately. We washed the cars and played star wars in the yard last weekend. We went to the pool both days and it felt good just floating\splashing around in the cool water on a hot, humid day.
It's been a cooler than usual summer this year but I've felt more able to stand even the hotter days for some reason. I'm more patient with it this year. Maybe age is causing my blood to run thinner or I'm finally, after 18 years, getting used to Washington DC in the summer.
The boys are getting bigger every day and I'm starting to imagine what they will look like when they are teenagers. It will be harder to throw them around in the pool when they weight 150 pounds so I better get my swimming time in while I can. While I will enjoy leaves falling, pumpkin patches, fires and cool early hikes in the woods. I will probably miss the outdoor swimming in the summer heat when it ends.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Dylan Jean
Dylan Jean
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Here's Dylan practicing some dance moves with the Micheal Jackson
video Billie Jean. He can really work it when he wants to. This is
great entertainment while I'm getting a ride in on the bike.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Professor Sam
Professor Sam
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
I got some reading glasses recenty and really haven't used them much
but Sam obviously pulls off the look much better than I do.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Minnesota Vacation
The week flew by but I'm heading back to work tomorrow and have a fair amount to do before the summer national meeting in mid August, then I can take a little more time off and hang with Nicole and the boys. Had a great trip to the great north woods and I'm looking forward to the winter trip back there later this year. Summer in Minnesota always feels like September in DC with the highs in the 70's and low humidity. I was particularly cool this year but beautiful all the same. Took a ton of pictures again and posted over 90. Rachel took a few, including this one from the stage at the Basilica Block party with downtown Minneapolis behind us. Pretty good shot even with the Elvis glasses. Enjoy. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157621585881965/
The week flew by but I'm heading back to work tomorrow and have a fair amount to do before the summer national meeting in mid August, then I can take a little more time off and hang with Nicole and the boys. Had a great trip to the great north woods and I'm looking forward to the winter trip back there later this year. Summer in Minnesota always feels like September in DC with the highs in the 70's and low humidity. I was particularly cool this year but beautiful all the same. Took a ton of pictures again and posted over 90. Rachel took a few, including this one from the stage at the Basilica Block party with downtown Minneapolis behind us. Pretty good shot even with the Elvis glasses. Enjoy. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157621585881965/
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Buzz Brothers
Buzz Brothers
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Nicole and Patrick decided to go with the buzz cut today. Not sure I
like them looking so military.
Football Boys
Football Boys
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
The boys all dressed up for their haircut as Adrian Peterson and Javid
Best. Football season is right around the corner.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A Really Big Chair
We took another bike trip this morning to a neighboring resort and grabed some coffee for the adults and icecream for the boys. Yes, icecream at 10:30am. What the heck, it's vacation, right. Got some pool time in after the ride but some really strong storms have been rolling across the lake for the last couple hours which are fun to watch but not good for outdoor activities. It is really pretty to watch the storm cascade over the lake and it is soothing to listen to the rain come down. We have lost power a couple times now so our entertainment is old mother nature.
We took another bike trip this morning to a neighboring resort and grabed some coffee for the adults and icecream for the boys. Yes, icecream at 10:30am. What the heck, it's vacation, right. Got some pool time in after the ride but some really strong storms have been rolling across the lake for the last couple hours which are fun to watch but not good for outdoor activities. It is really pretty to watch the storm cascade over the lake and it is soothing to listen to the rain come down. We have lost power a couple times now so our entertainment is old mother nature.
Morning Ice Cream
Morning Ice Cream
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Ice cream at 10:30am. What vacation is all about. At least we rode a
few miles on the bikes to get it.
Monday, July 13, 2009
After the Morning Ride
After the Morning Ride
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Did an 8 mile bike trip to the gull lake dam early this morning. Did
some swimming after that and I thought lake minnetonka was cold. It's
colder up here a 150 miles north of Minnetonka.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Crows Triplets
Crows Triplets
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Found this shot from last night as I'm siping wine in a cool Minnesota
evening. The sun is going down so the Mosquitos will be out soon.
The boys loved watching the show last night from the stage and did
some monitor jumping with Adam during Hanginaround. Rock stars in the
making.
Dinner on Gull Lake
Dinner on Gull Lake
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Long trip up with the interstate being shut down due to an accident.
It added 90 minutes to the trip. Good to be up in the great north woods.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Rockin the tour bus
Rockin the tour bus
Originally uploaded by homerclees.
Pre show movie since it's the only thing that will keep three 7 year
olds quiet.
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