6-0



The boys played another tough game today and came away with a 21-13 victory over the Tigers. Sam had 15 points and Dylan had 4. It was a tougher game that the score indicates because the little Blue Devils were a little off today. The whole team was sleep walking a little and not being Blue Devil aggressive. It was also my first game as an assistant coach. Coach Lance is away for a coupe weeks so Jasper (Sofia's Dad) and I are picking up the slack. I focused on personnel (bringing kids in and out and making sure everyone gets enough time on the court) and Jasper took care of strategy and positioning. It worked out pretty well and we have to run practice on Wednesday which he will key to running any drills because I never played the game.

The boys also played for the first time with their new Cal Basketball wrist and head bands. They looked awesome and were the key to victory. Only one more team in the league before we start playing a couple of the teams over again. It would be nice to beat every team once and my coaching advice to the boys for next week is WAKE UP! I think all these victories are making them lazy.. Can't have that..

Whiteboard

Whiteboard
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan and Sam designing the web of the future on the whiteboard in my office. Yes, school was cancelled again so they hung with me for a while.

The Power

The power is back after a 22 hour absence and it is feeling warm again in here. At first I missed the Internet and TV when it first left us but it didn't take long to really miss the lights and heat. The snow didn't really disrupt the drive to work this morning and Dylan and Sam went to AARP for the day. That was not true for some I people I know who spent 6 to 8 hours to go 8 miles. Hard to believe but that was a common story around certain parts of DC. I was home yesterday with the boys and Nicole took Metro so we avoided that nightmare.

We are now basking in the heat of a fire, glow of the iPads and warmth an LCD TV.. Of course school has been cancelled tomorrow again for some unknown issue (literally, the streets are as dry as a bone) so the boys will be hanging out in our offices for part of the day tomorrow. I have a meeting I can't cancel and Nicole has a video town hall at 1pm. Oh, yeah the same type of system is heading this way for early next week. Tons of moisture from the gulf, spinning off the coast and dropping wet, heavy snow. We did lose some tree size branches from the bigs pines and maples but nothing landed on the house, this time..

School Canceled

Their is a half inch of slush on the ground but school is canceled today and with about 6 inches of snow coming tonight, will be canceled tomorrow. They do over react a bit around here but I'm at home with the boys today and will hopefully go in tomorrow. Nicole has a meeting with the Secretary of HHS and she is unlikely to cancel so the three boys are going to find a way to have some fun while I get some work done as well. I may be able to post pretty snow pictures later today. That would be fun.

Maybe a little snow?



This looks like our first real shot of the white stuff in a while. It would be nice to get a coating that didn't shut down the city for a week.

Tough Guys

I've been in Texas he last couple days and missed the big game against the other Clermont Elementary team and wow, what a game it appeared to be. Sam as you know, rolled his ankle yesterday and was limping badly but really wanted to play. From the reports I got, he got some playing time in the first quarter but his movement was pretty limited and he had some obvious issues moving around. The team played great defense but were down 3-12 by the fourth quarter. Dylan played tenacious defense per usual. He is relentless when the ball is near their basket and seemingly able to steal it as will. He was also very concerned about Sam, his other super ability to be incredibly caring about his brother.

Sam finally came off the bench in the 4th quarter and somehow led the team to a 14-2 run to win the game. Sam had 8 of those points but the kids really bonded together and played some great basketball to pull out a victory. I know it may have been bad to play on a badly sprained ankle but those two boys are pretty tough puppies and I'm damn proud of them for toughing it out. Sam will wear the boot for the next week and I'm sure the ankle will heal just fine even if I feel a little bad about pushing, just a tad for him to play. He really wanted to be out there even without me nudging him that direction. I'm getting out of Texas in the morning and I'm looking forward to watching some football tomorrow afternoon with the little guys. More basketball next weekend and I don't plan on missing any of the remaining games. Go Baby Blue Devils....

Rolled Ankle

Sam rolled his ankle today at school and is in a boot. This is not good news for the baby Blue Devils because Sam has been responsible for 70% of the teams points over the last four games and I think I was really hoping the team went undefeated. This is a team game and Dylan and Sofia are capable if putting up some numbers. Let's all hope they and the rest of the team come together to make up for the missing offensive punch of Sam. I feel bad for him, he really likes to play.

Sent from my iPhone

Burke Lake Hike

Burke Lake Hike

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Arlington, Virginia

Had a nice little hike this afternoon. Not far from home and pretty empty with the temp around 32. Back to work tomorrow.

Long Weekend

I've been hanging out with the boys this long holiday weekend, keeping warm by the fire, playing games outside and in and watching playoff football. I do love staying close to home and having little conversations with those developing minds. The kind of meaningless banter that tells me a little more about who those kids are with each exchange. They are amazing little guys and have not gotten too old to snug with me on the couch or give me a kiss on the lips. I love them very much.

They both played a great basketball game yesterday with Sam scoring 16 and Dylan getting 4 in a 25-19 victory over the Hurricanes. They really love sports and get very excited about the game and being part of a team. They are extremely competitive little monsters but still have fun with it and are not overly aggressive but go get that ball wherever it is.

Sam and Nicole just went to swim practice and Dylan and I are watching some football in front of the fire. Pickle has an ear infection and needs ton stay out of the water today. I think a long winter hike is in store for tomorrow. We have not been in the woods for a while and some fresh air will do us good.

Sent from my iPad

Football

Football
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dylan loves to use his computer to watch all sorts of things on YouTube and NFL.com. He has figured out how to go back decades and watch game film of contests that happened before he was born. He knows more about some if the old Viking teams than I do, or that u choose to remember anyway.

Undefeated Blue Devils

Undefeated Blue Devils
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

While I was away last weekend the Blue Devils Won another game, 28-14. Sam had 19 points, 3 steals and Dylan came away with 1 point and 9 steals. Nicole wasn't able to count rebounds but I'm sure they both had a few.

I'm at practice with them now and am looking forward to this weekends game. The snow missed us again last night and put a hurt on New England instead. I do hope we get one good snow this winter. Just not one that cancels a game.

Wishing I Brought My Knee Brace

Wishing I Brought My Knee Brace
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This is the first tee of the Torrey Pines South Course and the location of the 2008 US Open and a tournament stop in two weeks. I didn't bring my golf clubs, shoes or knee brace on this trip. It just seemed too much to haul to Vegas and La Jolla but just walking around the beautiful grounds of this this place made me sad I left all that stuff at home. I can rent clubs and buy shoes but I will probably fall over in my backswing if I don't have my brace on. Oh well, maybe next year. I have an early flight tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing the family and a four day weekend next week. I think I will take Friday off and Monday is a holiday. The ACS Editors meeting was very nice, I learned a lot and had some great conversations with some of the leading scientists in the field of Chemistry. The CES Show and this meeting as worn me out and I'm ready for some R&R.

IMG_0641

Silver Horse

Silver Horse
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This is a new addition to the Bellagio lobby since I last stayed there. About 2 days in that town was enough for a while. Win some money on the black jack tables but lost it all in the video poker machines. At LAX again and on my way to La Jolla for weekend work meeting. I'm looking forward to the slower pace of the Lodge at Torrey Pines over the all night insanity of Vegas.

Viva Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Long day but I'm in town for CES. Ended up with a decent room anyway.

Dancin Machines

Dancin Machines
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I picked the boys up from school the other day and came in when they were practicing their moves for the big Aftercare Dance Showcase in February. I also just bought them Just Dance Two fir the Wii last weekend so they have many opportunities to get their groove on.

Happy New Year

We got the boys out yesterday with a touch football game with some of the old flag football team players and their coach. We are starting the training for next season early and they were really muddy to show for it. The McCarrick's early new year party was fun but all the running away from girls in that that rather large home wore the boys out by 8pm. The party only went till 9pm but Nicole and I had fun before coming home and watching Easy A, then the ball drop in Times Square. I have another day off tomorrow but the boys go back to school and Nicole to work. Not sure what I'm going to do but it will probably not be real strenuous.

I posted a bunch of my pictures from Christmas in Minnesota on flickr. It's warm in Virginia right now and I kind of miss the snow. We still have some winter left and may see a few flakes before spring. On to some football for the rest of the day. The Vikings are done but the playoffs are always fun to watch regardless.

Kids Table

Kids Table
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are back home now and waiting for 2011 sitting by the fire. Dylan and Sam got all worn out running from girls and wanted to leave. Happy New Year everyone.

New Years Foos

New Years Foos
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys with Dylan's girlfriend Mia.

Hats and Jerseys

Hats and Jerseys
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are on flight number two for the day and the boys are all relaxed on their new timberwolves and Viking hats and jerseys.

Ridin Home

Ridin Home
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

On the plane back to dc and hoping the connection works out in Chicago. Based on the gift the Vikings gave the Bears yesterday by beating the Eagles, I'd say they owe us one. We had a great trip but it's time to get back.

Tubing Fun

IMG_5019
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Got out and got some tubing in today with Rachel, FInn, Mae, Nicole and the boys. It was chilly but we all warmed up after a few runs. Plenty of snow out there to keep us busy with winter sports. Not sure what we are doing tomorrow but I'm sure it will involve snow. You never know if we will get enough back in DC to have any fun there.

Puss in Boots

Puss in Boots
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Saw a nice little children's play at the Old Log Theater this afternoon and now we are settling in to watch some football and let the cousins play together outside. We finally got some sun today which made the snow filled trees look very beautiful.

Snow Cave

IMG_5004
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We dug a series of snow caves and forts in the 6 foot drifts in the front yard today. That may be all the outdoor time we get today but it is a winter wonderland out there.

Waiting for Santa

Waiting for Santa
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The kids in their new pajamas getting ready for a long winters nap.

Winter Sky

Winter Sky
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's a snowy and cold Christmas Eve here in Minnesota and the kid present frenzy is about to begin. The dead of winter always seems so bright around the holidays.

Sledding Madness

Sledding Madness
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The snow is deep on the sledding hill this year. Like to my waist deep in some spots. We spent a couple hours shooting down the hill and sipping bailys and hot chocolate before getting ready for Christmas eve dinner and the child present opening extravaganza.

Minnie Bound

Minnie Bound
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Early flight to ORD then a fairly tight connection to MSP. The boys are pumped about all the snow.

2 and 0

2 and 0
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The baby Blue Devils won their second game of the season 21 to 10. Sam had another 10 points, Dylan had 4 and both played great defense. Sophia came away with 7 points and some awesome assists. They have a good little team.

A Christmas Miracle

A Christmas Miracle
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I did some errands after my vein treatments today and got some replacement LED icicle lights for a string that was having issues on the back porch. When i got home after picking up the boys, the strand in question was working again. I looked at it with the boys and told them that it wasn't working all week and how I bought a new strand today. Dylan looked at me with a dead serious face and said, "it's a Christmas miracle". Then grinned and we all laughed. Funny kids.

December Snow

December Snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's just a couple inches but it whitened up the place quite nicely. I do like trees with lights and snow. It's a good look. In off tomorrow for one more session of needles in my legs. I may have to take the boys with me since school has been delayed two hours. They should enjoy that.

First Snow

First Snow
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

We are getting our first couple of inches of snow today and people have already forgot how to drive. As always, stay away from cars with diplomatic plates. They tend to be really bad snow drivers.

The Yellow Team

The Yellow Team
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This was last weekends starting lineup and are working together tonight against the other five. Dylan and Sam provide some great power under the basket but Sophia may be the best all around player on the team of 8 boys and 2 girls.

Modeans

Modeans
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The annual Christmas party at Steve and Patty's house in Catonsville. A bunch of people I haven't seen in a while and a good time all in all. The boys had a great basketball game yesterday as well. Sam has 10 points and Dylan had 2 in a 14-12 nail biter. They both played some ferocious defense and had to have 10 steal a piece. We are getting the rain that was snow in Minnesota today so after few errands it will be home in front of the fire for the rest of the day.

Flying By

Flying By
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

This was a busy week that kind of flew by like this little spaceship ornament on our tree. I had more needles put in my leg today and I'm still trying to shake thus cold but I'm glad it's the weekend. Minnesota is getting a couple feet of snow this weekend. With the foot they already have we should be good for some serious sledding un a couple weeks. I like snow but I'm glad I dont have to shovel this round of the white stuff.

Big Lights

Big Lights
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I would be the neighborhood champ if I had these lights up on the house. Had an easy trip back from New York today with the trains running on time. Sam and I are still a little sick and I'm not sure he will be going to school tomorrow and I'm a little on the iffy side as well.

The Tree

The Tree
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Rockefeller Center at christmas time. It's cold and a little snowy here in Manhattan. Noon train up today, noon train home tomorrow.

Decorating the tree

Decorating the tree
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The tree is up, the stockings are hung, the outdoor lights are strung and Elf is on TV. Elves stick to the four major food groups, candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup.

Out Done

Out Done
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

My neighbor across the street from us got his lawn all set for the holidays. I can't match the sheer number of inflatable displays, mostly because I wouldn't know where to store them so I will do my typical lights around the doors, front bushes and back deck. Maybe something new this year if I can muster the energy.

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Another eight crazy nights.

First Basketball Practice

First Basketball Practice
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A new season begins.

December

December
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

One of my favorite months of the year. Lights, cold and snow are all good with me but this kinda hot torrential rain we just had should not happen again until June.

Basketball Season

Basketball Season
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Basketball practice starts on Wednesday and the boys are excited. Got them new shoes for the season and dud some drills at the park. We are going to win some this year.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Looking out at the sunset over San Francisco. It's time to eat.

Cheering Sam

Cheering Sam
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A tense Cal volleyball game but Sam is making some noise.

Left on the vine

Left on the vine
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Landera Vineyard on Howell Mountain was very nice and I ended up with a lot of their wine. Don't know why these grapes are still on the vine, harvest of the 2010 cab ended in October.

Solbar

Solbar
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Great dinner at Solbar in Calistoga last night and a relaxing day meandering back to Berkeley today. Had a nice tasting at Landera on Howell Mountain. It was nice and sunny today which was nice after on and off rain yesterday.

Frazier Family Winery

Frazier Family Winery
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Just completed a very nice tour and tasting at Frazier in Napa. The caves were actually warmer than the outside and the wine was very good. At the Soda Canyon store for a quick bite them off to Larkmead for more wine.

Oakland Museum

Oakland Museum
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Checking out the Pixar Exhibit at the Oakland Museum. Can't take pictures inside.

Happy Bears

Happy Bears
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

While the football game yesterday afternoon was a Cal disaster, the basketball game last night was a Cal romp. The Boys like to see the Bears win as much as Grandpa.

The Tree

The Tree
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The Stanford tree had it's way with Cal today. How does a tree beat a bear? The boys had fun at the game anyway.

Lawrence Hall of Science

Lawrence Hall of Science
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's been raining all day so we went up to the Lawrence Hall of Science childrens museum for a while. The main exhibit was the science of roller coasters but Nicole found the building blocks area the most engaging.

Airtrain

Airtrain
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Our 6:30am flight landed 20 minutes early this morning and we took the SFO airtrain to the car rental facility and got to Berkeley at 10:30 cal time. It was tough getting up at 3:30am but I survived and the flight and the boys were pretty good as 6 hour flights go. Need some rest now.

Great Fall Weekend


The parents left yesterday but not before a action packed weekend of historic sites, football parties and dinners. I think everyone had a good time during three really nice days in late fall. It's rainy now but it was 65 and sunny while Marsh and Carolyn were in town which had to beat 12 inches of snow back in Minnesota. Actually, I like snow and would have enjoyed that too. As you can see from the picture, I survived my varicose vein treatment on Friday. The two Valium, laser glasses and music made the whole thing bearable but my leg is pretty sore still today. It's my bad knee leg, so I'm limping even more than usual. I must look pathetic. Still have a couple of busy work days then it will be Thanksgiving week with the Big Game, wineries and turkey. Good times...

Here's a link to some of last weekends photos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157625385528480/