So, not a real inventive topic, but, with our California vacation coming up, I thought I'd share a few places I want to return to in the near future. These are historical sites--historical meaning they are on the National Register of Historic Places--that I've been to in the past and that I've been longing to spend more time at in the future. Here goes:
1. Gettysburg, PA
I've been here twice, once as a kid and another just a few summers ago. As a kid, I had neither the patience nor the interest to fully enjoy the incredible sense of history oozing from every pore of this place--but I still remember being entertained. As an adult, I enjoyed it so much Becki and I went back a second time during the few days we were staying with my sister in Washington, DC. If you're planning on going, make absolutely sure to take the auto-tour (for sale at the visitor center). This is simply a CD you pop into your car's stereo system and follow the directions. Easy stuff--but chock full of information. And I can't recommend enough to get off of the "beaten path" and away from the crowds. The second day there we did this and ended up meeting a "re creative actor" who shared what it must have been like for soldiers who were there. It was really moving stuff. Next time through, I'd love to actually stay in town (there are, as you might imagine, quite a few old Bed and Breakfasts) and really dig into the history of the place...
2. Bodie, CA
This is actually what sparked my idea for this post ('cause we're heading that direction in a few weeks). You can check out everything you need to know about this 19th century ghost town at the site here. It's literally out in the middle of nowhere--the last 10 miles or so in are on a gravel road across winding hills--and is an incredible picture of western life in the 1800s. Although most of the buildings are gone, a good few still remain and paint a picture of life from that era. We spent several hours a couple of summers ago wandering through what's left of the town and had a blast. I'd love to go back and spend more time with the park rangers (several of whom live on site year-round), asking questions not only about life back then in Bodie, but also what it's like for them now. I really get into that stuff...
3. Mesa Verde, CO
Honestly, I don't remember a lot from this National Park, as I was probably 7 or so the first time round, but it definitely made an impression on me even then. So you know it would be completely worth the effort to check out now. There are literally thousands of archaeological sites, the most spectacular of which are the ancient cliff dwellings which the Pueblo people used as their homes. I do remember climbing down ladders into these places, and thinking how cool it was to actually be standing in a place that had been built by human hands thousands of years ago. Check out the site for more information...
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
weekend review...Memorial Day Weekend 2008
Well, first off, I'm feeling much, much better. Thanks for asking. I'm still coughing a bit, but nothing like I was before. I'm guessing I had a version of the flu, but, whatever it was, it knocked me around for a couple of weeks. I even missed about 3 days of work. Which my checkbook hates.
So, anyway, this was the first weekend in a while that I've felt pretty good. Beyond having our Small Group and some friends/family over Monday night to grill some hamburgers, though...nothing too exciting happened. I'd love to say here that I worked on the lawn like I said I was going to, or cleaned my office like I had hoped to, but, alas, I did not. Chalk it up to just wanting to relax, I guess.
I did catch quite a few episodes of Deadliest Catch on Discovery yesterday. Good stuff. At first, every episode looks the same. "Hey, we caught crab. Pay us." But, after a while, you start to get hooked (ha!). It's a pretty fascinating look at a profession I never even thought about before. And, like most shows on Discovery, it's very intriguing.
Beyond that, though...pretty boring weekend. Oh, I did clean the grill in preparation for Monday evening's cookout. REALLY cleaned it. I had no idea that several month's worth of drippings from Stubb's chicken marinade would be that hard to clean. But it apparently is. By the way, don't let that stuff go down your disposal (the residue--not the marinade). If you do, make sure you're prepared to do a bit of plumbing.
Back on Thursday with a new list of cool stuff. See ya then.
So, anyway, this was the first weekend in a while that I've felt pretty good. Beyond having our Small Group and some friends/family over Monday night to grill some hamburgers, though...nothing too exciting happened. I'd love to say here that I worked on the lawn like I said I was going to, or cleaned my office like I had hoped to, but, alas, I did not. Chalk it up to just wanting to relax, I guess.
I did catch quite a few episodes of Deadliest Catch on Discovery yesterday. Good stuff. At first, every episode looks the same. "Hey, we caught crab. Pay us." But, after a while, you start to get hooked (ha!). It's a pretty fascinating look at a profession I never even thought about before. And, like most shows on Discovery, it's very intriguing.
Beyond that, though...pretty boring weekend. Oh, I did clean the grill in preparation for Monday evening's cookout. REALLY cleaned it. I had no idea that several month's worth of drippings from Stubb's chicken marinade would be that hard to clean. But it apparently is. By the way, don't let that stuff go down your disposal (the residue--not the marinade). If you do, make sure you're prepared to do a bit of plumbing.
Back on Thursday with a new list of cool stuff. See ya then.
Friday, May 23, 2008
random friday posting
So, I've been down with the flu for about a week, and still recovering the bulk of this one. That, combined with a strange work schedule and working some overtime to make up time lost didn't leave a whole lot of time to post. I'll be back on track next week; for now, here's some random topics I've been mulling over in my head lately:
- Went and saw Prince Caspian last Friday with my father-in-law before he took off for Mongolia for a couple of weeks. I have to be honest that I was kind of expecting to be disappointed, but I was actually pretty pleased with it. My concern with adapting the book was that due to its length--under 100 pages--it would need to stray alot from CS Lewis' original story. But, despite being over two hours long, that wasn't the case. Sure, they took some "artistic liberties" (the raid on Miraz' castle; the little romance between Caspian and Susan that I REALLY didn't like), but, all in all, it was pretty spot on. I can't wait for Voyage of the Dawn Treader, due out in 2010. That was always one of my favorites in the Narnia collection...
- Speaking of going to the movies, about 5 minutes after we got in the theater I was reminded why I don't go often. Holy cow, people, have some manners! Sure, I knew the place was going to be packed on opening night, but that doesn't mean I was expecting kids running around, people talking loudly on cell phones, people saving ROWS of seats for late-arriving friends, etc. Things settled down after the trailers started rolling, but since when is it acceptable to--as the guy in front of me did--carry on a texting conversation through the movie? Or bring your 3-year-old, who cares nothing about the movie, and let him hang from the railings, loudly asking Mommy and Daddy when they were going to go every few minutes? And, oh, yeah, you think gas prices are high? Good thing I didn't show up to the theater hungry. I actually don't own a home, so I can't mortgage it to buy a tub of popcorn and a large coke. Anyway, at least the movie was good. But my visit to see it was a strong reminder why I much more enjoy watching the newly-released DVD from the comfort of my couch...
- I'm sure quite a few of you have heard the tragic story of Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter's passing (story is on his website here). I have to admit, being a new parent, this really hit me in the gut hard. My heart really breaks for them. Not only for their loss, but also for the emotional trauma it's sure to cause for their son, who accidentally ran over her. Please take a moment to pray for them. Steven, as well as his whole family, are such great warriors for Jesus Christ, and I know they're leaning on Him...but they need our prayer support, too....
- I thought this story was pretty interesting. Seems the woman was in WalMart, the guy in front of her, in a hurry, left an envelope on the counter, and the cashier handed it to the woman, thinking it was hers. Supposedly the envelope contained $1800, and the woman has now been charged with grand theft. I'm not dismissing the trauma the guy's going through, but there's one key point that seems to be missing: no one knows where they money is, and no one can prove it was there in the first place. So, uh, how can you possibly charge the woman? On the guy's word? I'm curious what everyone's take on it is, so leave me a comment and let me know. Whatever, though, it seems like both parties have issues...
- Memorial Day weekend is here. Enjoy the long weekend and don't forget to take a moment to remember why you've got Monday off--to pay respect to the men and women who allowed us to live in this great nation.
- Went and saw Prince Caspian last Friday with my father-in-law before he took off for Mongolia for a couple of weeks. I have to be honest that I was kind of expecting to be disappointed, but I was actually pretty pleased with it. My concern with adapting the book was that due to its length--under 100 pages--it would need to stray alot from CS Lewis' original story. But, despite being over two hours long, that wasn't the case. Sure, they took some "artistic liberties" (the raid on Miraz' castle; the little romance between Caspian and Susan that I REALLY didn't like), but, all in all, it was pretty spot on. I can't wait for Voyage of the Dawn Treader, due out in 2010. That was always one of my favorites in the Narnia collection...
- Speaking of going to the movies, about 5 minutes after we got in the theater I was reminded why I don't go often. Holy cow, people, have some manners! Sure, I knew the place was going to be packed on opening night, but that doesn't mean I was expecting kids running around, people talking loudly on cell phones, people saving ROWS of seats for late-arriving friends, etc. Things settled down after the trailers started rolling, but since when is it acceptable to--as the guy in front of me did--carry on a texting conversation through the movie? Or bring your 3-year-old, who cares nothing about the movie, and let him hang from the railings, loudly asking Mommy and Daddy when they were going to go every few minutes? And, oh, yeah, you think gas prices are high? Good thing I didn't show up to the theater hungry. I actually don't own a home, so I can't mortgage it to buy a tub of popcorn and a large coke. Anyway, at least the movie was good. But my visit to see it was a strong reminder why I much more enjoy watching the newly-released DVD from the comfort of my couch...
- I'm sure quite a few of you have heard the tragic story of Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter's passing (story is on his website here). I have to admit, being a new parent, this really hit me in the gut hard. My heart really breaks for them. Not only for their loss, but also for the emotional trauma it's sure to cause for their son, who accidentally ran over her. Please take a moment to pray for them. Steven, as well as his whole family, are such great warriors for Jesus Christ, and I know they're leaning on Him...but they need our prayer support, too....
- I thought this story was pretty interesting. Seems the woman was in WalMart, the guy in front of her, in a hurry, left an envelope on the counter, and the cashier handed it to the woman, thinking it was hers. Supposedly the envelope contained $1800, and the woman has now been charged with grand theft. I'm not dismissing the trauma the guy's going through, but there's one key point that seems to be missing: no one knows where they money is, and no one can prove it was there in the first place. So, uh, how can you possibly charge the woman? On the guy's word? I'm curious what everyone's take on it is, so leave me a comment and let me know. Whatever, though, it seems like both parties have issues...
- Memorial Day weekend is here. Enjoy the long weekend and don't forget to take a moment to remember why you've got Monday off--to pay respect to the men and women who allowed us to live in this great nation.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
three on thursday...best vacations
Ok, I'm really tired tonight from a stress-induced cold, so this will be short and sweet. But still chock full of literary goodness.
In honor of summer rapidly approaching, I give you this week's edition: favorite vacations.
1. Maine 2007
I put this one at the top because it was such a relaxing trip to a unique place (Oquossoc, Maine, anyone?) with great friends and family. This was a trip that was given to us by Becki's old boss, who took the whole staff and their families as a bonus for the year. We spent several days in old log cabins on the edge of an incredible lake with gorgeous views. No TV, no internet, hardly any cellphone service. We loved it and talk often of getting the gang back together to do it again. Of course, our favorite part was finding out Becki was pregnant with Jacob...and sharing the news there. You can still see the pictures from this trip here.
2. Almost any summer from my childhood in North Carolina
Back when my Pop was alive, he and my Mema--along with several members of our family--owned property and homes in Hendersonville, NC. The whole complex consisted of three older, country-style homes, a big, sloping field that we converted into a driving range, an old barn, acres of apple trees, and a pond that was perfect for swimming. All of us cousins would get together every year--sometimes at Christmas, too--and have a blast spending the day out in the mountain air. The "rite of passage" came when Pop decided you were old enough to drive the rickety old red jeep that we used to scurry around the property. I miss those summers of getting together with family. It was all so simple then...
3. "Sports trip" with my parents, Summer 1994
This trip came right at a time when I needed it most...I had just gotten fired from a job I hated, but still needed at the same time. It was a last minute thing; my Mom was driving up north for business and my Dad was going with her. I decided to tag along. It turned into a great few days. While Mom was on business, Dad and I went to a lot of sports-related things, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, a Chicago Cubs game (sat on one of the rooftops across from Wrigley Field), and threw in a visit to Notre Dame stadium (which wasn't all that impressive...but at least I've been!). The highlight for me was driving to downtown Cleveland hoping to find tickets to the Indians game, who were playing their first year in their beautiful new stadium. The game was sold out, but the parking attendant where we parked the car saw our Florida tags and, being a native Floridian himself, offered us seats 10 rows back from first base for some ridiculously low price. That was a great night, and I had a great time bonding with my Dad.
Any cool vacation stories/spots to tell me about? Let me know...
In honor of summer rapidly approaching, I give you this week's edition: favorite vacations.
1. Maine 2007
I put this one at the top because it was such a relaxing trip to a unique place (Oquossoc, Maine, anyone?) with great friends and family. This was a trip that was given to us by Becki's old boss, who took the whole staff and their families as a bonus for the year. We spent several days in old log cabins on the edge of an incredible lake with gorgeous views. No TV, no internet, hardly any cellphone service. We loved it and talk often of getting the gang back together to do it again. Of course, our favorite part was finding out Becki was pregnant with Jacob...and sharing the news there. You can still see the pictures from this trip here.
2. Almost any summer from my childhood in North Carolina
Back when my Pop was alive, he and my Mema--along with several members of our family--owned property and homes in Hendersonville, NC. The whole complex consisted of three older, country-style homes, a big, sloping field that we converted into a driving range, an old barn, acres of apple trees, and a pond that was perfect for swimming. All of us cousins would get together every year--sometimes at Christmas, too--and have a blast spending the day out in the mountain air. The "rite of passage" came when Pop decided you were old enough to drive the rickety old red jeep that we used to scurry around the property. I miss those summers of getting together with family. It was all so simple then...
3. "Sports trip" with my parents, Summer 1994
This trip came right at a time when I needed it most...I had just gotten fired from a job I hated, but still needed at the same time. It was a last minute thing; my Mom was driving up north for business and my Dad was going with her. I decided to tag along. It turned into a great few days. While Mom was on business, Dad and I went to a lot of sports-related things, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, a Chicago Cubs game (sat on one of the rooftops across from Wrigley Field), and threw in a visit to Notre Dame stadium (which wasn't all that impressive...but at least I've been!). The highlight for me was driving to downtown Cleveland hoping to find tickets to the Indians game, who were playing their first year in their beautiful new stadium. The game was sold out, but the parking attendant where we parked the car saw our Florida tags and, being a native Floridian himself, offered us seats 10 rows back from first base for some ridiculously low price. That was a great night, and I had a great time bonding with my Dad.
Any cool vacation stories/spots to tell me about? Let me know...
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
weekend review...May 3-5
So, again, not an overly thrilling weekend...but a good time was had by all. Here's what went on:
1. We had a picnic for our company (Percepta) on Sunday afternoon, at which we enjoyed some great sliced pork BBQ sandwiches and baked beans and hung out with everyone from my department. Later that evening, we had a Small Group dinner, at which we enjoyed pulled pork BBQ sandwiches and baked beans and hung out with everyone from our Small Group. I guess you can never get enough pork BBQ!
2. I finally got to watch my Cardinals play some baseball on TV this weekend, a three-game set against the rival Cubs. And they didn't disappoint, taking two games and opening up a 2.5 game lead for first place. That's significant in that all of the "experts" said St. Louis would be in the tank this season. But this is just the kind of team that Tony LaRussa likes, a lineup he has to tinker with every night to get the best out of. He's the best in the business at it, and it's showing this year. 'Course, it's only May 6. I'm aware that the MLB season runs until October. Still, I really like what I see from this club so far.
3. Summer has arrived. I don't care what the calendar says. It's hot out there.
4. I'm secretly praying for a close brush with a hurricane this year, if only so we can have a vacation without costing me time at work. But I'm also praying it doesn't happen between July 23-30....when we're on vacation (taking real vacation time) in California. That would suck...
Also, I need to have more interesting weekends...
1. We had a picnic for our company (Percepta) on Sunday afternoon, at which we enjoyed some great sliced pork BBQ sandwiches and baked beans and hung out with everyone from my department. Later that evening, we had a Small Group dinner, at which we enjoyed pulled pork BBQ sandwiches and baked beans and hung out with everyone from our Small Group. I guess you can never get enough pork BBQ!
2. I finally got to watch my Cardinals play some baseball on TV this weekend, a three-game set against the rival Cubs. And they didn't disappoint, taking two games and opening up a 2.5 game lead for first place. That's significant in that all of the "experts" said St. Louis would be in the tank this season. But this is just the kind of team that Tony LaRussa likes, a lineup he has to tinker with every night to get the best out of. He's the best in the business at it, and it's showing this year. 'Course, it's only May 6. I'm aware that the MLB season runs until October. Still, I really like what I see from this club so far.
3. Summer has arrived. I don't care what the calendar says. It's hot out there.
4. I'm secretly praying for a close brush with a hurricane this year, if only so we can have a vacation without costing me time at work. But I'm also praying it doesn't happen between July 23-30....when we're on vacation (taking real vacation time) in California. That would suck...
Also, I need to have more interesting weekends...
Thursday, May 01, 2008
three on thursday...favorite fast-food places
You probably can't tell from looking at me, but I enjoy fast food every once in a while. (That was a joke, people...but I'm workin' on it!!) I try to stay away as much as I can and eat healthier, less expensive meals--i.e., cook at home--but, let's face it, it's hard to beat the convenience of ordering a cheap meal from the comfort of my own car.
So, this week's edition: my top 3 fast-food joints...
1. ChickFilA
This one's easy. I could eat here all the time. I love the chicken sandwiches and I've become a pretty big fan of their breakfasts, too. Unfortunately, we live in a no ChickFilA zone (for now), so the only time I eat here is occasionally when I'm at work and when we happen to be in a mall. I'll choose this over almost anything out there. The fact that Truett Cathy is a great man of God and his business model shows it doesn't hurt, either.
2. Sonic
I love their breakfast burritos and onion rings especially. In fact, I don't believe I've ever had a burger here. The other stuff is too good. The first few times I ate here I thought the whole "order from your car and we'll bring it to you" thing was pretty cool, but it's no big deal now.
3. McDonalds
Yeah, I know...this one's here purely because of the fries. They're hard to beat, and polls show it. And the McGriddle sandwich for breakfast? Yum. My enthusiasm for this American icon took a big hit after watching "SuperSize Me" (we even swore the place off for a few months), but I still manage to sneak a visit in every week or so on the way home, if just for the fries.
There you have it. Opinions (and scolding comments) welcome...
So, this week's edition: my top 3 fast-food joints...
1. ChickFilA
This one's easy. I could eat here all the time. I love the chicken sandwiches and I've become a pretty big fan of their breakfasts, too. Unfortunately, we live in a no ChickFilA zone (for now), so the only time I eat here is occasionally when I'm at work and when we happen to be in a mall. I'll choose this over almost anything out there. The fact that Truett Cathy is a great man of God and his business model shows it doesn't hurt, either.
2. Sonic
I love their breakfast burritos and onion rings especially. In fact, I don't believe I've ever had a burger here. The other stuff is too good. The first few times I ate here I thought the whole "order from your car and we'll bring it to you" thing was pretty cool, but it's no big deal now.
3. McDonalds
Yeah, I know...this one's here purely because of the fries. They're hard to beat, and polls show it. And the McGriddle sandwich for breakfast? Yum. My enthusiasm for this American icon took a big hit after watching "SuperSize Me" (we even swore the place off for a few months), but I still manage to sneak a visit in every week or so on the way home, if just for the fries.
There you have it. Opinions (and scolding comments) welcome...
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