One Last Fire

One Last Fire
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I'm pretty sure fire season is over but it's just chilly enough
tonight to get one last blazer in before October. Spring smelled
really good today. One benefit of the warmer months.

Game Ball Too!

Game Ball Too!
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Both boys were hitting the ball again today. Dylan went 3 for 4 Sam
smacked 3 for 3 with an RBI. Sam also basically hit two doubles with
two of his hits getting past the the outfielders and hitting the
fence. He stopped on first with his first big hit because he didn't
know he could take more than one base.

Sam also got the game ball which Dylan celebrated with him mightily.

Game Ball!

Both Dylan and Sam had two hits tonight in a 3-2 loss. Dylan had an RBI and the game ball. He was very excited and proud of himself. He kind of got choked up with he got it. Sam was happy for him too, and gave him a big hug, until he realized he wasn't getting one as well. He got over it and explained the RBI probably put Dylan over the top for the game ball, this game.

Hipstabaseball

Hipstabaseball
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Sam gettin ready in the batting cage.

Old school baseball

Old school baseball
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Made it in at 6am this morning from LA and slept until 2pm. Those red
eyes kill me but it was better than getting up in la at 4am and
spending the whole day on an airplane.

Had to get back for the big game tonight and another one tomorrow.
It's all baseball all the time these days.

I love this camera filter for the iPhone. The pictures look like from
when I played baseball.

Hipstamatic

Hipstamatic
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I'm laying in bed in Irvine California wide awake about an hour before
I need to be at my meeting today. I'm getting to an age where I can't
sleep past a certain time and time zones effect me. Didn't used to be
that way. Just downloaded a new app that turns your iPhone camera into
a 70's era pocket film type camera. Gives your photos an old analog
kind of feel. Old school.

Looking forward to going home tonight.

Braced Teeth

Braced Teeth
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan now has brackets on his front teeth, just like Sam. By getting
the front teeth straight now they may be able to avoid full on braces
in the future.

Greek Coffee

Greek Coffee
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Learned how to make Greek coffee from a woman in me group today. Annie
grew up in Greece and gave us a lesson in coffee making to round out a
busy week. It was good stuff.

Almost Friday

This is the first year I've ever really felt the brutal effects of the seriously high pollen counts in the area at springtime. I've been miserable for over a week now and would like a foot of snow to give me relief. The boys had baseball practice today and now I'm helping Dylan with some homework the we are all going to bed. It's been that kind of week, in bed by 9pm. The weekend includes a 7:30am team picture on Saturday and a game at 9am. I think a lot of nothing is in the plans the rest of the weekend. It's going to be a little colder so I think a final fire or two will be in store as well.

A Big Win!

For the little dodgers. Yes, this is the first win in organized (score keeping) sports. They were win less in the basketball league this winter but pulled out a 6-1 victory over the the little White Sox tonight. Both Sam and Dylan got hits with line drives up the middle that trickled into the outfield. They were both very excited and this was really their first taste of victory, no matter how small. All the teams should get a win or two each season.

Baseball Saturday


The boys got a good game in on Saturday morning Dylan got the first hit in this league between the two of them. It was more like a bunt but he got on base. Sam was takings violent cuts at the ball but didn't connect again. It will probably go a long way when he does connect. Sam has also fallen in love with the catchers position. I bet the fascination will end when it's 90 degrees and humid out there on on the field. It was about 50 and a little windy yesterday morning. The parents were all freezing.

I added a bunch of picture to my flickr account that include the opening ceremonies on Friday night and the game yesterday morning. They like playing baseball and they are pretty good teammates. Hard to say what sports they are really going for focus on in a few years but it's going to be all baseball until early June.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157623706819077/

Opening Ceremonies

The season has officially started with flags waving, the pledge of allegiance and politicians talking about family values. It turned cold all of the sudden so we high tailed it outta there after the pomp and circumstance and got something to eat at King Street Blues. A 9am game tomorrow will be a little chilly but at least it leaves the rest of the day to do stuff.

First Machine Pitch Game

So the baseball season starts like the basketball season ended. They had fun but lost, badly. These kids need to get a win under their belt or they are going to get complexes, or I may get one if it isn't too late. Dylan is number 13 and Sam is number 11. They are lined up here for the National Anthem. Great day for baseball with the temps in the high 80's but the humidity very low. Come on little Dodgers, get a win this weekend. I'm not sure I can take another loss.

NCAA Pool Well, Sam is the champion and the loser in the first annual family NCAA Basketball Tournament Pool. I let him know that the loser was supposed to buy the winner a brand new Ferrari which he thinks is unfair. Oh well. Overall Standings Group Standings Rank Team Name Score Correct Best Score Best Correct Champion 1 Sam Carpenter (1) 85 36 85 36 Syracuse (125) 2 Mark Carpenter (1) 58 34 58 34 Kansas (132) 3 Mark Carpenter (2) 57 36 57 36 Kentucky (135) 4 Dylan Carpenter (2) 50 30 50 30 Minnesota (141) 5 gpa gil 48 34 48 34 Kansas (152) 6 Nicole Duritz 44 31 44 31 Kansas (166) 7 Dylan Carpenter (1) 42 30 42 30 Kansas (125) 8 Sam Carpenter (2) 39 27 39 27 Minnesota (145) Report Updated as of: 4/5/10 4:33 AM EST

Gettysburg


We got up early to beat the traffic and the early season crowds, so I don't have a lot in my to describe a really great day in Gettysburg with the boys. The new museum that is now home to the famous cyclorama portrait is pretty spectacular and comes with a 20 minute film that does a great job explaining the whole battle. Dylan and Sam had been reading up on the battle and the civil war at home and school so they were thrilled to see the places they had been learning about first hand. By my estimation, this was their fifth major civil war battlefield but leaving in the dc area they see many smaller ones all the time. Mananas, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Fredericksburg and now Gettysburg. Pretty good for 7 year olds.

It was a beautiful day and the crowds were lite but I'm very tired now and have to get to bed. I took a bunch of pictures and you can find them here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157623770650696/

Cyclorama

Cyclorama
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

At the brand, spanking new Gettysburg National Battlefield
interpretive center. Got here when it opened at 10 and beat the buses
from dc with tons of tourists. Hiked around Culps Hill and having
lunch in a civil war era tavern. Going to make the boys do pickets
charge next since they are rebs, being born in Virginia and all. A
quick visit to little roundtop then home by 6 I hope.

Apollo

Apollo
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan is facinated by Apollo Ono. This is his short track starting
stance.

Springfield Dodgers

Springfield Dodgers
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's jersey day with the first game coming up next week.

Spring

Spring
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Blue skys and cherry blossums are a sure sign that spring is here. The
leaves are jumping out of the trees and the grass is growing. This
time of year us alright but leads us to the sweltering summer months
that I'm not always that found of. On a positve note, all those new
leaves on the trees will eventually turn red and yellow and swirl
around in crisp fall air.

It's going to be 80 degrees this weekend and I still haven't done my
taxes. Sounds like a Saturday indoors and we make make a quick trip up
to Gettysburg on Sunday. The boys are learning about the civil war in
school now what better way to support their interest than to go to one
of the biggest battle sites of them all.

Almost Peak

Almost Peak
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

One of these days I need to walk around the tidal pool during the
cherry tree blooming event instead of taking iPhone pictures at a stop
light on Ohio Drive. I think the thought of so many tourists in one
place keeps me away. Besides, the whole city is full of blooming trees
this time of year and they are all pretty spectacular.

Baseball Weekend


Lot's of time in the batting cage and on the diamond, learning the in's and outs of America's pastime. It's raining now and tomorrow's practice will probably be cancelled but little by litte, they are picking up the game. It was nice to spend the weekend with the little sluggers after a week away. They still annoyed me here and again but much less than when I don't get a break.

Dodgers

Dodgers
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The Boys machine pitch league team this year is the Dodgers. They are
pretty excited about the beginning of the season and I'm hoping they
get more wins than they did in basketball. Of course they were like 0
and 12 in basketball so a single win in this league will be a nice
improvement.

Time is Money

Got home pretty early yesterday morning and found some time to take a nap and get a little work done. I was also able to go to the boy's school for math day. Kind of like the science day they had last year but all focused on numbers. Dylan's project was all about time and Sam's was about money. It was only from 7 to 7:30 but it was fun to see them get all excited about presenting then running around with their classmates. I had some more vein work done today, lots of needles in the leg and I have a knee dr. appointment in an hour. Good times.

Going Home

Going Home
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Early trip accross the Brooklyn Bridge on my way to LGA and an 8am
shuttle back to DC. The kids are already in school but I may be
picking them up early today to get some play time with them.

Way Hifi

Way Hifi
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

My first United flight with wifi, allowing me to blog at 30,000 feet.
Even so, it doesn't mean I have anything more important to say. The
flight is on time and I should be at JFK in two hours. I'm looking
forward to New York after 5 days in San Francisco. The ACS event was a
success but being closer to home will feel good.

Yerba Buena Gardens


Yerba Buena Gardens
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

On my way to SciMix from the board/staff reception at the Palace.
Hundreds of young chemists posters await in a big hall. The future of
science, pretty spectacular.

National Meeting

National Meeting
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Yep, that's what I've been doing the last few days. Off to New York
tomorrow morning then home soon after that. Miss Nicole and the boys,
but they are having fun with Grandma.

The View

The View
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The top of the Marriott Marquis looking toward Oakland. Good dinner at
B44, now a couple glasses of wine over the city.

The Bay

The Bay
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

My room looks toward Oakland and Berkeley. It's been nice here the
last couple days. Warm and mostly sunny. I spent most of the morning
in a windowless hotel ballroom but saw the sun this afternoon. Off to
dinner with the wso team now. Spanish food I believe.

First Bloom

First Bloom
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The whole yard is about to explode with these things but this one got
there first. Early flight to San fran this morning and ran into Gil,
Adam and Emmy on the way to see Cal play in Jacksonville. They took
the red eye from the west coast and were waiting for their connection.
I would have probably walked right by, not having any coffee yet but
caught Adams hair in the corner of my eye. Probably going to miss
Linda who is flying into Dulles later today to spend time with Nicole
and the boys.

Oh yeah, I forgot cinnimon, Emmy's little Yorke was boarding the
flight to Jacksonville too.

St Patricks Day

St Patricks Day
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A little noon time break at Irelands Four Fields with Jud, Jimmy T and
Dipala.

Kumie Reunion

Kumie Reunion
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Kathy, Joe, Bobby, Jake, McDonkey and many other jacks came out to
celebrate kumies first visit back to the
Dc area. Good times.

Pac 10 Twins

Pac 10 Twins
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The Cal Pac 10 Champion shirts arrived from Grandma today and the boys
are looking forward to the tournament. I'm going to introduce them to
brackets and take their allowance.

Another Fracture

So it turns out that Sam did fracture his shin bone a couple weeks ago and all that limping around wasn't just a deep bruise. He had been getting up at night with pain but at the same time was able to run fairly well in his basketball games. He hurt him self during the big snows of February. He now has a boot to wear for the next 4 weeks as the fracture heals. Needless to say, he is not happy about it but it's better than a cast.

The Doctor did say he could see the healing on the x-ray but he wants it immobilized as much as possible to avoid any further damage and to allow it to heal properly. I believe this is the third broken or fractured leg for Sam and the forth broken bone altogether for him. I'm losing track. I think Dylan is one behind with one leg and two arms.

Poptropica

Poptropica
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys learning how to play an online role playing game. It's
suppose to be educational.

Second B of the B&B

Second B of the B&B
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Bright and sunny morning in the Blueridge.

Anniversary retreat

Anniversary retreat
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

First stop, Veramar vineyard in Berrysville Virginia. We just arrived
at L'Auberge Provencale in Whitepost for a night in the suite
Romantique and dinner at the 5 star French restaurant that is the
reason to stay at this Inn.

9 years in last Wednesday and a quick trip to Virginia highlands to
celebrate. We needed break from the kids as well. I'm really looking
forward to dinner. May have to go for the fois gras. Not sure I can
spell it right but I'm sure I will be able to eat it.

A Win less Season


The Jr. Terps played really hard and had a lot of fun but they did not have anyone on the team that could really score on a consistent basis. They have one more game but the season ending party was yesterday and of course another loss right before that. It's a good lesson in life and probably better than dominating every game, thus feeling really deflated when that first loss came. Back in my day, my 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade football team was undefeated mostly because me and my good friend Anthony Burke grew quickly and dominated the other teams with our giant size (I don't think I've grow an inch "up" since 8th grade) All of the sudden all the kids starting springing up in 9th grade and we lost a bunch of games and it was just shocking and bewildering at the time. Our high school team was just mediocre as well and I think all that early success contributed to a sense of complacency. These kids will be hungry for a win soon.

Tough Guys


Sam, Dylan and Nicole won the twist contest because Sam was twirling his shirt above his head like a Chippendale dancer. Two last basketball games this weekend, the end of year team party, a birthday party and some Olympics. The blizzard that hit New York, totally missed us except for the wind but we have no shoveling to do this this time around.

Sock Hop

Sock Hop
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Fonzi one and two are ready to bust a move. I taught them the twist.

Jr. Terps

Jr. Terps
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The team getting ready for another game.

Peking Opera

Peking Opera
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan posing with his Peking Opera mask at school. They are learning
Chinese.

Snow Fort

Snow Fort
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

While our local street is pretty rough, you can see the big piles of
snow starting to shrink and settle as the days provide plenty of sun
and mid thirties temps. The boys are off again tomorrow as am I for
Presidents Day. We are hoping to get them back into class on Tuesday
for the first time in 11 days (7 missed school days). We've had a lot
of good family time but it's time to get back to work and school.

Sam on ice cream

Sam on ice cream
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan on ice cream

Dylan on ice cream
Originally uploaded by homerclees.