Rest of Break

So, we had our second Christmas together and it was quite nice. It started out with some families and Father Bob enjoying Wigilia and then heading out to midnight mass. We got back and I elected to stay up and finish dishes as Stella got some sleep so she could wake up in the morning. We got up and opened gifts and had breakfast (not cold cereal, we had cinnamon buns). It was a rather camping Christmas for us, we both got gear for our upcoming trip. We watched up and then went to another couple's home for dinner with them and father followed by playing Wii.

This brings us to 4 advent dinners, 1 we survived November party, 1 court of honor/scout party, 1 Los Posada, 1 Wigilia, 1 Christmas dinner and 1 Catholic Young Adult dinner in December. (so many parties)

Well today was a quite bum around town day, but we will need to pack for our trip. Tomorrow we will clean out the car and finish getting the house in order. Then Monday we drive out to the Grand Canyon. Looking at our route we will be stopping in the Petrified Forest for our lunch break. Tuesday we will head down to the canyon floor and Wednesday we will head back up. Thursday we will return and hit Mass and casino night at the parish. So it is just a short trip, but we get to get away.

Then on Jan begins. And to start the year there will be sleeping in. And of course I will need to re-season the cast iron. 2 Jan will be the OA banquet down in El Paso. And the 4th work starts up again. So that is the plan for the rest of break. I'm sure there will be pictures posted eventually.

Oh, and Stella has determined that the AK-47 is pretty.

Wigilia Menu

So then...for Wigilia

We will start with crackers, an Irish Cheddar, a brie and some crab dip.

We will then move to a lovely potato soup followed by a spinach salad.

The main dish will be flounder with platskis, perogis, and green bean casserole.

Dessert will be up in the air

Wassailling

1. Here we come a wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wandering
So fair to be seen.

Chorus
Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you a happy New Year.
And God send you a happy New Year.

2. Our wassail cup is made
Of the rosemary tree,
And so is your beer
Of the best barley. Chorus

3. We are not daily beggars
That beg from door to door,
But we are neighbours' children
Whom you have seen before. Chorus

4. Good Master and good Mistress,
As you sit by the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Are wandering in the mire. Chorus

5. We have a little purse
Made of ratching leather skin;¹
We want some of your small change
To line it well within. Chorus

6. Call up the Butler of this house,
Put on his golden ring;
Let him bring us a glass of beer,
And the better we shall sing. Chorus

7. Bring us out a table,
And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a mouldy cheese,
And some of your Christmas loaf. Chorus

8. God bless the Master of this house,
Likewise the Mistress too;
And all the little children
That round the table go. Chorus

Thanksgiving Dinner

We will start off with a butternut squash soup

Then a Spinach and Prickly Pear salad with a prickly pear dressing before the main course...

of roast Turkey, green bean cassorole, yams, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy

a pumpkin bread will be served as well

we will finish up with a pumpkin pie for desert

We will have cider and the wine for the evening will be a Tularosa Vineyards Gewürztraminer

The Hike

So then, we went into the Gila Wilderness. We saw the cliff dwellings, which you are allowed to walk through which is pretty cool. Of course the real fun was packing into the Gila. We hiked in through the middle fork route. It was 6 miles from the trail head to the mouth of little bear canyon, which is where we made camp for the night. It was really cool, at points the trail was over grown. There were about 36 river crossings for those 6 miles. The river was cool, not overly cold and the crossings ranged from a few inches to about knee deep. So we ended up hiking with wet soggy boots. It wasn't too bad, it was warm so the cold water didn't feel too bad.

At the mouth of Little Bear Canyon we set up our camp, it started to sprinkle and there was some thunder. After a short break the weather let up a bit and we set out to the hot springs. It was 2 miles out and it took a bit and 14 more river crossings but we got to Jordan Hot Springs. It was more like warm bath water than a hot spring, but it was still nice to relax a bit. But you can't dunk your head, cause there are ameobas that will cause menegitis. So after a bit of a soak we headed home and made it back to the camp. Since we had a bit of a fire ring we had a bit of a fire and had dinner.

The next morning we got up had breakfast and set out through the canyon. It was 4 miles back to the road and then 3/4 of a mile back to were we parked. We got back to the car and visited a few more people that were camping in the area. Then we headed home and just made it in time for mass.

So then for starters we were testing out the new water filter. We got an MSR Miniworks and it is great. It takes a bit of effort to pump and I think that about a gallon is all that I want to pump at one given time. But the water tastes really great. So I would definetly recommend it to anyone that is looking for a filter. Also I was trying out backpacking in a kilt. It really worked out well. It was nice, so again, if you haven't tried it out, give it a shot. Lastly Stella tryed out her new therma-rest. She really enjoyed it, said it was comfy, so all around things were good.

Back

ok, i survived the Gila. the route we took in had 50 river crossings. I'll see about putting up some pics. And since i'm tired i'll post more on it later.

Tomorrow

So then...tomorrow my next packing trip is tomorrow. I will be trying out the new water filter. Also....wait for it...wait for it...will try out backpacking in a kilt! prepare to be amazed! More to come.

Tada!

So then... I was up in the mountians camping this past weekend. And last weekend, and the weekend before. Also I will be camping next weekend. I must say it was nice and cool up there. It is odd to live in a place where you can be in the mountains and it can be hailing. Then you drive 20 minutes and you are in the basin and it is atleast 80 degrees and sunny.

But I have completed my woodbadge course and in between hit up an ordeal weekend. Next weekend will be backpacking with Stella in the Gila wilderness. We are going to see about finding one of the hotsprings out there. Now, i've seen some stuffs about backpacking in kilts, so I might attempt to try that out. Seeing as how i own one.

Also it would seem that REI is having a sale, so I am looking at getting a water purifer. Seeing as how i have not one of those. And we need to see about a new pad for Stella.

Lastly I think it is time to post some pictures!

A post

Yes, I have not posted for a while, but i'm not dead yet. I've been down to Florida a few times, then out to WV and then home for a bit. Spent a weekend in Wisconsin, and now home again. I'll probably post more later, but for now I'm gonna rest.

Eat Your Way Through Disney Tour

Well then, I am now back to the Friendliest Place on Earth (From the Happiest Place on Earth).  And I must say that the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan can be a grand thing.  The only problem is it seems that all we did was eat.  But we ate amazingly well.

Day 1: Flew in so only 1 meal, Grand Gathering for Illuminations

They had a buffet from stuff all over the world, so there was much sampling.  The Canadian cheese soup was really good.  Then we got to go and watch Illuminations, was a very good time.

Day 2: Breakfast: Character Breakfast at Tony's (Magic Kingdom)  We got to get into the park a bit early to make this reservation.  Got to see Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy and Goofy (who it seems I am as tall as).  They had breakfast pastries, eggs, sauage, bacon, hash browns, and waffles.  

Lunch: Another character meal, this one at the Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom)  This time we saw Pooh and Tigger and Piglet and Eeyore, they gave us an anniversary card.  Another buffet, I had some chicken nuggets and pizza some veggies and pork tenderloin.  Then Max got a cake and we had that for desert.

Dinner: Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom) [No Characters]  This one they brought out bread and green beans, mashed potatos, ham, turkey, gravy and mac and cheese.  Then apple cobbler and ice cream for desert.  We sat in the Jefferson Room

Day 3: No Breakfast, saving meal points

Lunch: Rose and Crown (Pub in the England Pavilion of EPCOT)  I had the cheese platter appetizer, shepards pie and I forget the desert (i think it was some form of a cake).  Oh yes, and the Imperial Sampler - 6 different British Beers.  It was good stuff.

Dinner: Teppan Edo (Japanese Pavilion of EPCOT)  I had the seaweed salad with ginger dressing, the steak and chicken and green tea pudding for desert.  It was all very good, but we were soaking wet cause of the rain.

Day 4: Breakfast at the Tusker House (Animal Kingdom) Another character meal, we saw Goofy, Donald, Daisy and Mickey.  Another buffet, had some more eggs, biscuit and gravy and some ham.  Plus they had Pineapple Orange Guava juice which was really good.

Lunch: Yak and Yeti (Animal Kingdom)  I had pork egg rolls, the Mahi Mahi and fried wontons.  It was a really neat restaruent and the food was really good.

Dinner: Safari Grand Gathering (Animal Kingdom)  Went on the Safari ride and the then to the tusker house for another buffet.  I don't really remember what all they had, but it was good.  The also brought out a spider and owl for everyone to see and Timon and Raffiki stopped by.

Day 5:Breakfast at Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) More of the juice from the previous breakfast and a buffet.  Mostly had a crossiant and some fruit.

Lunch: Mama Melrose (Hollywood Studios) A little Italian style place.  I had a Caesar Salad and a pepperoni pizza with Gelato for desert.  

Dinner: Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian Resort).  We had pineapple and salad with sweet bread, followed by barbeque ribs and chicken with rice and a cake thingie for desert.  Plus we had Pelea Fire Punch in a coconut monkey.  And the traditional dances were really cool to watch as well.

Day 6: Breakfast at the Kona Cafe (Polynesian Resort).  Another character meal, this time we saw Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch.  They brought out more of the juice and a big skillet with eggs, bacon, sauage and potato wedges.  And I got a picture with Stitch.

Lunch: Marrakesh (Morroco Pavilion at EPCOT)  I had roast lamb and Marrakesh delight.  And they had really good mint tea.  

Dinner: Le Cellier (Canada Pavillion at EPCOT) I had a spicy chicken sauage and then veal for my dinner.  Had a nice Chardonnay with it.  Also my little brother proposed and she said Yes.

Day 7: No breakfast, went to Mass instead.

Lunch: Chefs de France (French Pavillion at EPCOT)  I had another cheese plate, sampled the escargo (nick ordered it) and then had the ham and cheese sandwhich.  It was good stuffs.

Dinner:  Went to Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge) [As a point of order I think the Wilderness Lodge looks amazing and would love to stay there, perhaps in a december setting]  We had a gewuritanmer then I had venison pot stickers (with a chardonney)  wild boar tenderloin (with a merlot) and berries in a muscat (with an ice wine chardonney).  Since it was our anniversary they gave us copies of the menu with an anniversary message printed on them, plus a certificate.  It was really nice.

Then finally we returned home, very very full.

Disney

So then.. I went to disney with the family and we ate our way through Disney World.  The deluxe dining plan was wonderful, but we ate so very much.  Currently in the airport waiting to go home, kinda tired.  I'm sure that I'll post more later.

Happy Memorial Day to All.

Happy Towel Day!!

I'm still around

So then...

It is once again time to fly to Orlando, it hasn't happened for a while.  Luckily this time is for fun!  I will be going to Disney World with my family.  In fact tomorrow night will be the first time in about a year that I will have seen my family.  Its kinda weird.  

Ahh.. the trip to Orlando.  Wake up at 2 AM, leave the house by 3 AM.  Get to the airport by 430 AM.  Check in, through security, to the gate.... board at 530 AM.  Plane departs at 6 AM, lands at Dallas at 8 AM.  Transfer from terminal C to D, Board plane at 9 AM, plane departs at 930 AM.  Land in Orlando at 1 PM.  All times being local of course. 

This time will be grand, since I don't have to get a rental car and drive for another hour.  The Disney shuttle will pick me up and take me to the hotel. Plus they will take my luggage for me.  It shall be nice.  Yay!  Anyhow.. the photo blog will most likely have some Disney pics in the not to distant future.

Star Trek

Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before.

Star Trek opens this Friday.  As such I have been watching the Star Trek which I have, which would be the original series.  I think that the 4th movie is one of the best, I would say the best of the original series.  First Contact is a great movie as well.  

Any how, leave a message with your favorite movie, episode or such.

As for the new movie...is a 23rd century Constitution class starship any match for a 24th century Romulan mining ship outfitted with Borg technology that can fire while cloaked?

Menu for this past week

Sunday 

-Homemade fioccia bread pizza

-V Sattui Chardonnay (06)

Monday (rather busy)

-Left over pizza

Tuesday

-Fajitas

-Margaritas

Wednesday

-Chicken Caesar Salad

-Martinis

Thursday

-Pork cooked in white wine

-mixed veggies

-salad

Friday

-Caesar Salad

-Lasagna 

-Pinot Noir

San Francisco and Napa Valley

Alright, I have managed to return safely.  

I drove out and got into my hotel.  The first place I went was up to Fisherman's Wharf, I walked from the BART station since the line was really long for the cable car (I don't know why they are called cable cars since they are trolleys).  Turns out the hills where a bit more steep then I first though.  But I made it all the way the Wharf and wandered about.  Got to go on a bay cruise and go under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.  Plus I got to see the Sea Lions.  From there I wondered over to Lombard Street, which is apparently the crookedest street in the world.  It was too steep to drive down, so they added a bunch of turns in it. After that I went over to Chinatown to see it.  Then it was back to the wharf to stroll about pier 39 and get dinner

.  I had to get some seafood since I was right there on the wharf.  (Oh and since the cruise passed under the bridge I was on the pacific ocean.  Twas cool).  After dinner I went down and got on a cable car.  I stopped by a speak easy.  You had to ring the bell and give the password.  Then you go back behind the bookshelf to the bar.  Finally it was time to go and get sleep.

The next morning I got up and found out that I couldn't get tickets on the ferry to Alcatraz.  I had wanted to go, but I guess that I will have to go back to see it.  So instead I ended up renting a bike and biking across the Golden Gate Bridge.  I biked from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito.  It was a bit more then 8 miles.  I got a bunch of pictures, check the photo blog.  I had lunch at a nice little Italian cafe in Sausalito and then hopped the ferry back to San Francisco.  A bit more biking and then I hopped in the car and drove the bridge on the way to Napa Valley.

I drove out and passed through Sonoma Valley first.  It was cool to cruise along and see all the wineries.  Then I rolled into Napa and stopped at the visitor's center and got some info.  It was a bit late and so I didn't stay to long.  The first winery I visited was the Robert Mondavi winery.  (by the way one of the attraction types in my GPS is winery).  Apparently this was like the first winery in Napa valley.  I tasted a few wines there, then headed off to the V Sattui winery.  I must say that I really enjoyed it. It had a little deli area and a picnic lawn.  I tasted some more wine here.  I would recommend it should you find yourself in the area.  Stella, this means that when we go we will be stopping here.  After that it was time to head back "home".

One thought though, why is it that when you are driving at night and you come across a construction area they flash all sorts of lights at you in an effort to destroy your night vision and blind you as you drive through the area?

Quick Notes

A few things before bed

- The cruise was cool

- The hills are a bit steepier then I though

- It gets a bit chilly at night

- The speak easy was cool

A Belated Easter

Ok then, I haven't posted in a bit on here, so I think that now is the time to.  When last I posted I had returned from Philmont.  I have set out on another grand adventures and can now claim Neveda as a state that I have been to.  So hooray!  

Now if you have been watching the photo blog you have probably seen a number of pictures go up.  I went to Lake Tahoe on Saturday and then on Sunday for Easter I went to Yosemite.  Cause I could sit around a hotel or go see something.  Now it ended up meaning my Easter dinner was via a drive through at McDonalds on my way back, but I don't really mind, cause I got to see Yosemite.  And now I want to go back.  

Otherwise its been kinda dull out out here.  I did go to Reno on Friday, but it is basically just another big city.  I'm sure that I could find some stuff to do there should I wonder around a bit, but I didn't really feel it.  So I stopped by the REI and the Barnes and Noble.  Wandered through a mall but it was just dull.  My other adventures have been much cooler.  

This upcoming weekend I will be going to San Francisco.  I plan to stop off at Napa Valley on the way back, so I will have to see about picking up some wine there.  I'm sure that there will be pictures that go up from that adventure too. By now I'm sure that you all know where to find them.  As for now, I think it is time to relax a bit.

And I'm home

So last time that I got to Philmont was in 2001, I was still a scout and I did a back country trek.  It was grand.  This past weekend I went again, this time as a scouter for an OA conclave.  It was a bit chilly.  I woke up this morning and it was 20 degrees out, and yes there was snow on the ground.  Consider for a moment your thoughts of spring.  Now consider your thought of New Mexico.  I was in New Mexico in the spring and it was snowing.  

So then... twas a good time altogether, look for some photos and a new synth  (One and Two).  Should be pretty cool.  I got a shirt for Stella and a new shell.  Plus I got some patches.  Some are cool, others are going on my Hawaiian scout shirt.  Once I get it all put together I will see about getting some pictures.  

And tomorrow I will be heading out again.  So many trips to Elbonia, so little time.  Plus I will need to look into some beading again and will have need to learn how to make some head dresses for the chapter, or atleast learn how to make them.  

And for now, I shall be watching Austrailia.

WoooHOOO!

Alright then, tomorrow I go up to Philmont for the weekend.  It shall be a good time.  I will be taking my camera with me, I am just about done packing.  It looks like it will be cold, I might even get snowed on.  You can all look foward to pictures at some point or another.  

Also on monday I go up to Nevada for about 3 weeks.  Unfortunatly I will not be near Vegas, but other adventures may ensue.  Look for pictures of that as well.  Luckily I think I am ready.  I will be taking Firefly with me, plus I've been getting my CDs into digital form so I can load up my Zune.  I've also installed my Civ IV stuff onto the laptop, and now I'm removing old programs and I'll defrag before I go.  

Other then that, I don't know what else to put up here.  So I will end this post......now!

I am offically trained

Now I am an offically trained assistant scoutmaster.  I've done all of my online training plus the first weekend in march I went to new leaders essentials and scoutmaster specific training.  This past weekend was outdoor leader skills. This adds to going to merit badge university the weekend in between and the scout expo next weekend.  So I am doing lots of scouting this month.  Also I am signed up for Wood Badge this summer.  So hooray for scouts!

Also Stella is back in VA so I am all alone for the week.  But today I got to sleep in, which was rather nice.  I haven't really gotten to sleep in for a while, so it was a good change.  But there are things that I must get done today like laundry and food shopping.  I am considering what to have for breakfast, so I will end this post.

Dinners

Well then.. I do believe that the next few days' menu is the most ambitious that I've attempted for some time.

Yesterday was Fry Bread Tacos.

Today was New Orleans style fried fish with coucous and pepper.

Tomorrow is Chicken Kiev and as of yet undetermined sides.

Sunday is going to be BBQ ribs with homemade bread (no not out of the bread machine)

Monday is a down day as far as cooking goes.

Then there are some easy things, and next saturday I'll be doing up some Corned Beef and Cabbage.  

Luckily I happened upon some kitchen toys today.  I got some more tongs and a digital thermal guessing device as well as a kitchen scale.  I'm still looking for a pizza peel and a salt pig.  I kinda like the one Alton Brown has.  

I have been making good use of my cast iron skillet.  Also I learned that in part of the process of making the cast iron they clear off the sand with steel buckshot.  Oh and it was washed with river rocks.  Tis quite exciting.

Oh and I am considering an apron.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

Its the heart of the dunes!

Alright, another week done.  Stella is out in California on TDY.  I was out at White Sands to help out the cub scout klondike derby. Then I also went to a blue and gold because some webelos were crossing over to our troop.  Oh, plus I went bowling.  Turns out during the day on Saturday its $7.50 for two people to bowl for an hour.  So I might have to go more often.  I didn't do quite as well as last time, but its ok.  

  Today I have to see about going food shopping.  But of couse that means I have to figure out what I will be making this week.  Oh, and I have dishes to do and some more laundry to finish, plus Mass this evening.  So there is lots to do, but I may have to watch Donald in Mathemagic land.  

As for now, I think it may be time for blueberry pancakes.

Oscars!

Oh my.. the oscars are coming!!! Run in fear!! Head for the hills!!!  Oh wait... thats for the space monsters, disregard.  In fact, lets start again.

Oh my... the oscars are coming!!  Now I know what you are all a buzz with, who will win?  What will people wear?

We'll start with the first question, who will win?  It doesn't really matter.  But we'll go over a few categories.  First off, Best Picture.  I don't really care.  Not only have I not seen any of the nominated movies, I have no desire to see them.  So there.  In fact, I haven't seen most of the movies that are nominated for things.  So we'll stick to the few that I have seen some or most of the movies that are up.  First up, animated feature film.  I haven't seen Bolt, but I think that it should go to Wall E.  Kung Fu Panda was good, but I think Wall E was better.  Sound editing, I don't know, I think perhaps Iron Man.  

Now then, moving on to question the second.  I will be wearing my pajamas, a WVU jersey and some sleep pants.  And other then what Stella is wearing, I don't really care.

Oh, and I'm going camping this weekend.  I suppose I oughta pack for that.

Bucket List

This was on face book, figure I'd share it hear:

Things you have done during your lifetime:
( ) Gone on a blind date
(x) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
( ) Been to Canada
(x) Been to Mexico
(x) Been to Florida
( ) Been to Hawaii
(x) Been on a plane
(x) Been on a helicopter
(x) Been lost
(x) Gone to Washington, DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(x) Cried yourself to sleep
(x) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons
( ) Sang Karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with coins only
(x) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
(x) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(x) Made prank phone calls
(x) Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(x) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(x) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(x) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sunrise with someone
(x) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(x) Gone to the movies
( ) Been deep sea fishing
(x) Driven across the United States
( ) Been in a hot air balloon
( ) Been sky diving
( ) Gone snowmobiling
(x) Lived in more than one country
(x) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(x) Seen a falling star and made a wish
( ) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
(x) Seen the Statue of Liberty
( ) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
( ) Been on a cruise
(x) Traveled by train
( ) Traveled by motorcycle
(x) Been horse back riding
( ) Ridden on a San Francisco CABLE CAR
(x) Been to Disneyland/World
(x) Truly believe in the power of prayer
( ) Been in a rain forest
( ) Seen whales in the ocean
( ) Been to Niagara Falls
( ) Ridden on an elephant
( ) Swam with dolphins
( ) Been to the Olympics
( ) Walked on the Great Wall of China
( ) Saw and heard a glacier calf
( ) Been spinnaker flying
(x) Been water-skiing
(x) Been snow-skiing
(x) Been to Westminster Abbey
(x) Been to the Louvre
(x) Swam in the Mediterranean
(x) Been to a Major League Baseball game
(x) Been to a National Football League game

Oils

Since I have been spending some time in the kitchen, this may be mostly for me....

Smoke Points

Butter  - 350 F

Olive Oil - 375 F

 

Corn 410 F

 

Canola 435 F

Peanut 450 F

Safflower 450 F

And look!  

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/a346/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/99c7/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/a3f6/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/aeb9/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/8024/

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/b0be/

Tada!

Alrighty then!  Happy Valentines Day to all.  I got Stella  a bush, along with a few other things.  I got a bottle of wine!

And I made pancakes this morning.  I have been watchin good eats and have been enjoying a bunch of the recipes on there.  So I used the pancake one today.  They were light and fluffy and yummy, but I had to run out the door to go to scouting for food.  

So now I am off to cook up some dinner and then I think that we are going dancing tonight.  

Valentines Day?

What???

Tomorrow???

Since when???

Happy Half Time

Greetings all.  I hope you are enjoying the game.  I have been having some wing, some beer and some football.  So it is all good.  As you can see it is now half time and it seems the gon don steelers are up a bit.  Any how, back to the beer and wings.

Bacon and Dead President

Both in the same post!  WOW!

First copeous amounts of bacon!  Check this out

I may just have to try making that some time.  It looks aweful yummy.

Now then, on the the President. I got this today and thought I'd share with you:

I believe we have arrived at the destination Jefferson warned us about.

And if you add the quote from A. Lincoln that you cannot tax people into
prosperity, you have the real picture of today.

Jefferson in some cases could be called a prophet.

When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we
shall become as corrupt as Europe.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff109181.html>

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are
willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff122881.html>

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A
principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff136389.html>

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of
taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff136410.html>

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from
too much government.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff157220.html>

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff125076.html>

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear
arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in
government.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff100991.html>

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood
of patriots and tyrants.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff109180.html>

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas
which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
Thomas Jefferson
<http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff157246.html>

Very Interesting Quote

In light of the present financial crisis, it's  interesting to read what
Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties
than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to
control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by
deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks
will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up
homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.'

Ahhh

So then.. yesterday I was stuck at home cause I had to wait for the FEDEX guy to show up with the desktop.  And then last night we had the dinning out.  It was kinda fun.  I still think it would have been more fun to be backpacking, but that is me.  Stella looked all sorts of amazing.  I'll see about putting up some photos on the other blog.

Today has been a slower day.  I got up and started setting up the computer.  I think that I have it where it should be.  Only the webcam doesn't seem to be working.  It is a bit annoying, but oh well.  Worse things happen at sea you know.  Also today we rented some movies from Hastings.  So overall it has been a rather slow day.

We are going to be placing a few orders today.  We are joining this Disney Movie Club.  We will be getting the Muppet Movie, Enchanted, The Rescuers and one with the 3 Cabelleros.  So yay for Disney Movies.  I still need to see about getting the 09 vacation DVD and those maps Skip keeps telling me about.  

Also I need to thank mom and dad O for the ribbon gifts.  Those are other things that will be getting placed today along with seeing about the wolfermans stuffs.  Then tomorrow will be another quite day.  I need to cut my hair and consider doing my taxes.  Yay!  Taxes! 

Well then... I think its about time to end this post.

Camping

Why is mountain camping so fun?

There are just soo many relaxing things to do....

Hiking a mountain trail....

Enjoing the mountain scenery.....

Fishing in a mountian stream....

Playing scrabble with a mountain goat.

Ho Hum

So then, this weekend we were going to go up to the mountians and spend a night camping out for the Klondike Derby with the scouts.  However they started late and finished late and since it was getting cold and dark they opted not to spend the night.  So we ended up hiking down the hill to the cars, but the scouts took a while and we ended up hiking in the dark.  Luckily Stella and I had our flashlights.  We had been carrying our packs all day.

Then yesterday we got to hang out and not do much.  After mass we went bowling with the youth group.  I ended up averaging 120 over the 2 games that we played.  So it was a good time, plus there was pizza.  It meant that we didn't end up using the beef and barley soup that I had made, but we can have it for tonight's dinnner.  

The 2 previous posts are song lyrics.  The one is Happy Birthday by the Arrogant Worms and Weird Al.  The more recent is Big Bang Theory Theme song which is done by the Barenaked Ladies.  I got season one of the Big Bang Theory for my birthday and we watched it and the song got stuck in my head.  So I posted it.

Today we will be going to the Space Museum here in town should I be able to convince Stella to get dressed.  Then I think that we will watch some Firefly.  I have to go to work tomorrow, but its a short week.  So it shouldn't be too bad.  

Big Bang Theory

Our whole universe was in a hot dense state,

Then nearly fourteen billion years ago expansion started. Wait...

The Earth began to cool,

The autotrophs began to drool,

Neanderthals developed tools,

We built a wall (we built the pyramids),

Math, science, history, unraveling the mysteries,

That all started with the big bang!

"Since the dawn of man" is really not that long,

As every galaxy was formed in less time than it takes to sing this song.

A fraction of a second and the elements were made.

The bipeds stood up straight,

The dinosaurs all met their fate,

They tried to leap but they were late

And they all died (they froze their asses off)

The oceans and pangea

See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya

Set in motion by the same big bang!

It all started with the big BANG!

It's expanding ever outward but one day

It will cause the stars to go the other way,

Collapsing ever inward, we won't be here, it wont be hurt

Our best and brightest figure that it'll make an even bigger bang!

Australopithecus would really have been sick of us

Debating out while here they're catching deer (we're catching viruses)

Religion or astronomy, Encarta, Deuteronomy

It all started with the big bang!

Music and mythology, Einstein and astrology

It all started with the big bang!

It all started with the big BANG!

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Well, it's time to celebrate your birthday, it happens every year

We'll eat a lot of broccoli and drink a lot of beer

You should be good and happy that there's something you can eat

A million people every day are starving in the street

Your daddy's in the gutter with the wretched and the poor

Your mama's in the kitchen with a can of Cycle Four

There's garbage in the water

There's poison in the sky

I guess it won't be long before we're all gonna die

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Well, what's the matter little friend, you think this party is the pits

Enjoy it while you can, we'll soon be blown to bits

The monkeys in the pentagon are gonna cook our goose

Their finger's on the button, all they need it an excuse

It doesn't take a military genius to see

We'll all be crispy critters after World War III

There's nowhere you can run to, nowhere you can hide

When they drop the big one, we all get fried

(Come on boys and girls, sing along, ok?)

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

wow! (background screaming, sound effect)

Well there's a punk in the alley and he's looking for a fight

There's an Arab on the corner buying everything in sight

There's a mother in the ghetto with another mouth to feed

Seems that everywhere you look today there's misery and greed

I guess you know the Earth is gonna crash into the sun

But that's no reason why we shouldn't have a little fun

So if you think it's scary, if it's more than you can take

Just blow out the candles and have a piece of cake

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

wow!

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

(Happy Birthday!)

And a pinch to grow an inch!

Once a year we celebrate,

With stupid hats and plastic plates,

The fact that you were able to make

The trip around the sun.

And the whole gang gathers round,

And gifts and laughter do abound.

And we let out a joyful sound

And sing that stupid song.

Happy birthday!

Now you're one year older.

Happy birthday!

Your life still isn't over.

Happy birthday!

You did not accomplish much.

But you didn't die this year, I guess that's good enough.

So let's drink to your fading health,

And hope you don't remind yourself,

Your chance of finding fame and wealth,

Decrease with every year.

Cause if you feel you're doing laps,

And eating food and taking naps,

And hoping that someday perhaps

Your life may hold some cheer.

Happy birthday!

What have you done that matters?

Happy birthday!

You're starting to get fatter.

Happy birthday!

It's downhill from now on.

Try not to remind yourself your best years are all gone.

If cryogenics were all free,

Then you could live like Walt Disney.

And live for all eternity,

inside a block of ice.

But instead your time is set.

This is the only life you get.

And though it hasn't ended yet,

Sometimes you wish it might.

Happy birthday!

You wish you had more money.

Happy birthday!

Your life s so sad it s funny.

Happy birthday!

How much more can you take?

But your friends are hungry, so just cut the stupid cake.

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Dear [names]

White Sands

So I have returned from my trip out to White Sands, fear not.  This is just a short post to direct you to the photoblog to see some pictures or to look at this photosynth.  

I'll post more later.

Backpacking

So then... part of my goal this year is to do more backpacking done.  To work on this I am going to work on logging down my various backpacking trips that I've done in the past and then keep a log of training and treks that I've gone on.

For starters Stella and I will be going out to White Sands to do an overnight trip.  It should be rather easy since it is only a mile hike from where we will be parking the car to the campsite.  We are only really cooking one meal which makes it easy as well.  

For now we must go bring in the gear so we can start packing and get it all ready for tomorrow.  Look for more to come.  

Happy New Year!!

Greetings all!  It is a new year and all.  So far it has been quite good.  Last night we had a casino night at the chapel.  Mostly we played blackjack and poker, but I learned a bit more about craps.  Stella ended up winning some door prizes (I gave her all my winnings to get tickets also).  So that was fun.

As far as today we have some pizza since I didn't get any last night.  Right now there is a Twilight Zone marathon on.  I think that later we will see about watching some Bond films.  Plus we still need to pack for the backpacking trip.  Don't worry, there will be some pictures from that.  

Plus we need to do some laundry and such.  But I want to wish you all a very happy New Year and hope that you all enjoy 09.  There is much to look foward to.  Lots of good movies coming out, Disney trip, other travels, it should be quite the fun year.  Now then... I'm off to, well, fold laundry!