The Cali Smith's throw what I would consider to be a large 4th of July party. The preparations for the party began awhile before we arrived. Phil and Sally have a great backyard for a party. A large pool surrounded by paver stones with a large multi-level wood deck off the backside of the pool. There are numerous seating areas with tables and chairs with umbrellas to provide shade. Perfect for a summer party.
Jen helped with the food preparation and decorating as you would expect. I helped set up the chairs and various tables. Then for the big job, getting the drinks ready. I used a two wheel dolly to get the water, beer, and soft drinks from the garage to the backyard. Two dolly trips for water, 5 cases each trip. Three trips for beer, and two trips for soft drinks. I converted the dolly into a 4 wheeled cart to bring the 240 pounds of ice to the backyard. Then I filled up the 6 huge tubs with the drinks and ice. I put the Mike's Hard lemonade and the Guiness in the outdoor refrigerator so that Shawn and I would have quick access to our drinks of choice.
Then it was time for the food. The women had prepared just about anything you could think of including a great baked bean dish. Phil & Gene fried two turkeys and grilled 3 large pork loins. The turkey was good
but the pork was excellent.
In all about 50 people came to the party, not including family. I appeared that everyone had a good time. They definitely had enough to eat and drink. Later today we will begin the clean-up process, after breakfast and golf at the country club. It's a tough life, I know.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
We made it to Cali
I passed out early last night, and woke up late this morning. Thanks Jen.
We left Mesa at 8:15 am and headed west. There were a lot of cars and big rigs on the freeway. Rigs going 60 in the right lane and cars going 80 in the left. Always makes life interesting. Felt like a NASCAR race at a superspeedway. If you got out of the "draft", the left lane, you might get shuffled back a few miles in the right. Huge packs of cars driving 10 feet from each other. At least we did not see the big one that racing fans love, the huge crash.
We stopped for lunch in Palm Springs. At possibly the busiest fast food place on the planet. In-n-out Burger in Palm Springs was unbelieveable. I am a huge fan of their food, Jen tolerates it. Jen is amazed that a place that only sells 4 items is that busy. They only sell burgers, fries, shakes, and other drinks. But they sell a bunch of each. We ordered, and were waiting for a table. I saw a table about to open and Austin walked over to grab it. Austin was about to sit down, but was pushed out of the way by a woman wearing scrubs. This left me in a difficult situation. The woman did not shove him or hurt him, that would have made
my decision much easier. She just slightly pushed/ bumped into him as she slid in the table as he was trying to. Should I confront her and create
a scene in front of about 100 people? I decided to take the high road and wait for another table. I reaffirmed Austin that it was not his fault. Some people are just rude.
By the way, Palm Springs is HOT! I felt like I was in an oven walking on the blacktop to and from the burger joint.
We continued on and made it to Riverside. Austin was in the just redone pool in minutes. We had a nice evening with Phil, Sally, Shawn, Robin, Sydney, and another couple. Now we will help Phil and Sally get ready for the big 4th of July party at their house. Should be fun.
We left Mesa at 8:15 am and headed west. There were a lot of cars and big rigs on the freeway. Rigs going 60 in the right lane and cars going 80 in the left. Always makes life interesting. Felt like a NASCAR race at a superspeedway. If you got out of the "draft", the left lane, you might get shuffled back a few miles in the right. Huge packs of cars driving 10 feet from each other. At least we did not see the big one that racing fans love, the huge crash.
We stopped for lunch in Palm Springs. At possibly the busiest fast food place on the planet. In-n-out Burger in Palm Springs was unbelieveable. I am a huge fan of their food, Jen tolerates it. Jen is amazed that a place that only sells 4 items is that busy. They only sell burgers, fries, shakes, and other drinks. But they sell a bunch of each. We ordered, and were waiting for a table. I saw a table about to open and Austin walked over to grab it. Austin was about to sit down, but was pushed out of the way by a woman wearing scrubs. This left me in a difficult situation. The woman did not shove him or hurt him, that would have made
my decision much easier. She just slightly pushed/ bumped into him as she slid in the table as he was trying to. Should I confront her and create
a scene in front of about 100 people? I decided to take the high road and wait for another table. I reaffirmed Austin that it was not his fault. Some people are just rude.
By the way, Palm Springs is HOT! I felt like I was in an oven walking on the blacktop to and from the burger joint.
We continued on and made it to Riverside. Austin was in the just redone pool in minutes. We had a nice evening with Phil, Sally, Shawn, Robin, Sydney, and another couple. Now we will help Phil and Sally get ready for the big 4th of July party at their house. Should be fun.
Friday, July 3, 2009
iPhone 3GS, Africa, and other random tidbits
I am constantly amazed by technology. I think that you all know that I am very fond of my iPhone. So far on this trip I have used it to read & send email, take pictures and upload them to Flickr, check the weather, surf the web, post to this blog, utilize google maps, check Twitter, read the Bible, send & receive text messages, log expenses, check Facebook, and listen to Marley & Me on audiobook, among other things.
Today, for the first time I used it to shoot video, edit that video, compress that video, encode that video, and then upload the video to Youtube. Absolutely amazing. All of the videos can be found here. Please check them out and leave some comments.
Today, I helped Kenny pick up a golf cart, washer, & dryer, load them on his trailer and transport them to his boss's house. We came to realize that a Ford F-250 crew cab long bed towing a 16 foot trailer is difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
We spent the afternoon in the pool. Austin wanted to play "monkey in the middle", which was called "keep away" when I was growing up. So, that is what we did for about an hour. Austin really enjoyed taking the splash balls and flinging them in our faces as we tried to get the ball. Big fun for the boy.
Now for Africa. Cindy, my sister-in-law, told Jen and I about one of her and Kenny's friends who is a medical doctor. He travels to Africa every other year to work for a month providing medical care. Stories of those that travel on missions always amaze me. I expressed this amazement and then I was informed that I did not have any skills that could be used on a mission trip. At face value, that sounded a little harsh. What was meant was that I was not a doctor, a carpenter, a nurse, a social worker, etc... I began to think, what skills do I have that could be used? It is not like I can write tickets, make arrests, or perform other police related activities while on a mission trip. That is what I am trained to do, be a patrol officer and train others to do the same. In my thinking I did not have any revelations. But, I think it is always a good idea to occasionally access yourself and the skills that you have that are useful.
Today, for the first time I used it to shoot video, edit that video, compress that video, encode that video, and then upload the video to Youtube. Absolutely amazing. All of the videos can be found here. Please check them out and leave some comments.
Today, I helped Kenny pick up a golf cart, washer, & dryer, load them on his trailer and transport them to his boss's house. We came to realize that a Ford F-250 crew cab long bed towing a 16 foot trailer is difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
We spent the afternoon in the pool. Austin wanted to play "monkey in the middle", which was called "keep away" when I was growing up. So, that is what we did for about an hour. Austin really enjoyed taking the splash balls and flinging them in our faces as we tried to get the ball. Big fun for the boy.
Now for Africa. Cindy, my sister-in-law, told Jen and I about one of her and Kenny's friends who is a medical doctor. He travels to Africa every other year to work for a month providing medical care. Stories of those that travel on missions always amaze me. I expressed this amazement and then I was informed that I did not have any skills that could be used on a mission trip. At face value, that sounded a little harsh. What was meant was that I was not a doctor, a carpenter, a nurse, a social worker, etc... I began to think, what skills do I have that could be used? It is not like I can write tickets, make arrests, or perform other police related activities while on a mission trip. That is what I am trained to do, be a patrol officer and train others to do the same. In my thinking I did not have any revelations. But, I think it is always a good idea to occasionally access yourself and the skills that you have that are useful.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Houston to Mesa, AZ
Our journey from Houston to Mesa took 22 hours and we covered 1200 miles. I drove between 75 and 85 miles per hour and the Camry averaged 33.2 miles per gallon. Not bad. We slept in the car for three hours in a "parking area" according to the sign, which was a few miles west of Las Cruces. We stopped to eat twice and stopped at numerous other rest areas. Along the way we experienced a few interesting things.
Our first stop for gas was in Ozona, TX. First, a little info, Ozona is the only incorporated town in Crockett County. It has a population of 3500, 75% of which are white. It is hunting town on the edge of the Texas Hill country.
I finished pumping the gas and went into the store to buy a drink and use the restroom. I put the drink on the counter and the clerk looked up at me. She said, "You are not from around here are you?" I am not sure what gave me away? Having all of my teeth?Speaking without a strong Texas accent? Not wearing wranglers and boots? Not buying pork skins, dip, and a six pack? I said, you are correct, I am not from around here. She responded, "You military"? "No ma'am." "Well, what brings you to our little town?" I said a vacation. She asked to where. I said California. She then said "at least you are not working, yet", and winked at me. Bizzaro.
Ten minutes outside of Ostrango, flashing red and blue lights filled my rearview mirror. I promptly pulled over and waited for the State Trooper. He said I was going 83 in a 65. I showed him my driver's license and my police ID. He wrote me a warning so that he would get credit for the stop and warned me that there were 4 more troopers between there and Fort Stockton. He said they were all rookies and might write me a ticket. I said thanks for the tip and kept it at 75 all the way to Fort Stockton.
After our late night nap, we drove on to Deming, NM. We stopped at Austin's favorite fast food place, McDonalds. We had a nice breakfast and then Austin and I went to the restroom. Now, without being too graphic, the stench that greeted us upon opening the door was unbelievable. The two stalls were occupied, so the malodorous crime was in progress. Austin and I held our breaths, and rushed though our business. Jen then took Addy to the restroom. She found a similar odor, apparently caused by women throwing their soiled toliet paper on the floor rather than flushing it. Outstanding. So, while we can recommend the food at the Deming McDonalds. We would avoid the restrooms like we would avoid Ebola, staph, or Scientologists.
I took a number of photos along the way and uploaded them to my Flickr feed. Search for will7079 on Flickr to find them.
Our first stop for gas was in Ozona, TX. First, a little info, Ozona is the only incorporated town in Crockett County. It has a population of 3500, 75% of which are white. It is hunting town on the edge of the Texas Hill country.
I finished pumping the gas and went into the store to buy a drink and use the restroom. I put the drink on the counter and the clerk looked up at me. She said, "You are not from around here are you?" I am not sure what gave me away? Having all of my teeth?Speaking without a strong Texas accent? Not wearing wranglers and boots? Not buying pork skins, dip, and a six pack? I said, you are correct, I am not from around here. She responded, "You military"? "No ma'am." "Well, what brings you to our little town?" I said a vacation. She asked to where. I said California. She then said "at least you are not working, yet", and winked at me. Bizzaro.
Ten minutes outside of Ostrango, flashing red and blue lights filled my rearview mirror. I promptly pulled over and waited for the State Trooper. He said I was going 83 in a 65. I showed him my driver's license and my police ID. He wrote me a warning so that he would get credit for the stop and warned me that there were 4 more troopers between there and Fort Stockton. He said they were all rookies and might write me a ticket. I said thanks for the tip and kept it at 75 all the way to Fort Stockton.
After our late night nap, we drove on to Deming, NM. We stopped at Austin's favorite fast food place, McDonalds. We had a nice breakfast and then Austin and I went to the restroom. Now, without being too graphic, the stench that greeted us upon opening the door was unbelievable. The two stalls were occupied, so the malodorous crime was in progress. Austin and I held our breaths, and rushed though our business. Jen then took Addy to the restroom. She found a similar odor, apparently caused by women throwing their soiled toliet paper on the floor rather than flushing it. Outstanding. So, while we can recommend the food at the Deming McDonalds. We would avoid the restrooms like we would avoid Ebola, staph, or Scientologists.
I took a number of photos along the way and uploaded them to my Flickr feed. Search for will7079 on Flickr to find them.
Monday, June 29, 2009
To Cali in a Camry
It is that time of year, summer vacation. We are all ready for a break this year. So, it is time for a road trip. We leave today and are going to the Phoenix area and then on to Southern California. Basically, the same trip that we made two years ago, minus San Francisco, in the Suburban. On that trip the Suburban was crammed to the gills with stuff. From the floor to the ceiling, from the second row seat to the tailgate, packed. Jen and I like to say that we are well prepared and ready for anything on these trips, but that was ridiculous. We needed to hire movers just to unload the Suburban at our destinations.
However, this year we are taking the Camry Hybrid. I think everyone, including Jen, thinks I am crazy. Jen asked our Sunday school class for prayer for the trip, but she probably hoped for intervention so that we would take the Suburban again. Packing has been challenging. You start to look at things differently when you have limited space. Do I really need a change of underwear for each day? The answer was yes by the way. But as of this morning it looked like everything will fit inside the vehicle.
Depending on how we feel and our progress this afternoon, we might spend the night in El Paso. So, I got online last night and started looking for hotels. Just about everywhere was $115 to $150 a night. In El Paso? Crazy. Then I noticed some cheaper rates, if we wanted to stay in Juárez. I am all for saving a few dollars, hense taking the hybrid cross country, but I am not spending the night south of the border. I ended up reserving a room at the downtown DoubleTree at a goverment rate. Which was much cheaper than the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express. Two years ago we napped for a few hours between big rigs on the side of the frontage road. Maybe we will do the same this year.
I am going to try to write regularly and to upload a few photos to Flickr on the trip. Who knows, maybe even a few short videos on YouTube. Cathy, I will put everything on Snapfish when we get home. :^)
However, this year we are taking the Camry Hybrid. I think everyone, including Jen, thinks I am crazy. Jen asked our Sunday school class for prayer for the trip, but she probably hoped for intervention so that we would take the Suburban again. Packing has been challenging. You start to look at things differently when you have limited space. Do I really need a change of underwear for each day? The answer was yes by the way. But as of this morning it looked like everything will fit inside the vehicle.
Depending on how we feel and our progress this afternoon, we might spend the night in El Paso. So, I got online last night and started looking for hotels. Just about everywhere was $115 to $150 a night. In El Paso? Crazy. Then I noticed some cheaper rates, if we wanted to stay in Juárez. I am all for saving a few dollars, hense taking the hybrid cross country, but I am not spending the night south of the border. I ended up reserving a room at the downtown DoubleTree at a goverment rate. Which was much cheaper than the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express. Two years ago we napped for a few hours between big rigs on the side of the frontage road. Maybe we will do the same this year.
I am going to try to write regularly and to upload a few photos to Flickr on the trip. Who knows, maybe even a few short videos on YouTube. Cathy, I will put everything on Snapfish when we get home. :^)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
A "Major" in Rosharon
My four month experiment with Major is over. He knew something was going on as we started to pack up his things this afternoon. We got the kids loaded into the Tahoe and Major wanted no part of getting in. I hoisted him into the back and we set off on the 36 mile journey to Deliverence country. Major whined in the kids' ears the entire journey. Austin would pet his head to quiet him and Addy just kept saying "Major" in her adorable way.
Once we arrived, we were met by Rhea and her three dogs. Polar is a 10 year old small white female mutt that likes to bark and growl. Sissy is a black female lab that Rhea just took in from her dad. Then there is Doc, a 95 pound, three year old male Great Dane/ Catahoula Leopard mix. Doc likes to catch and eat wild animals like raccoons and deer. I got Major out of the Tahoe and the butt sniffing comenced among the canines. Once everyone had smelled every part of each other, Major and Doc started running around the yard. Doc was the aggressor but Major held his own. We left Major and Doc outside to bond and took the female dogs inside.
After dinner, Rhea let the boys in. Rhea went to find a cat to see Major's reaction. She grabbed an orange female called "Little" and let Major check her out. Major sniffed and Little hissed. Rhea let Little go and Major attempted to chase her. To me it looked like Major wanted to play with her like he does with Cagney. I think once any of the cats smacks Major in the nose or bites his nose, he will lose his curiosity.
After the cat experiment, the kids got a quick birds and the bees lesson. Doc decided to mount Major and try to do his thing. Major escaped unharmed, but now knows what prison is like.
We said our goodbyes and loaded up in the Tahoe. We started driving away and I was doing fine. Then, Austin started crying saying how hard it was to give away a dog and Addy started asking "where's Major"? That was tough. Realizing that I caused that pain by bringing Major home only to have to give him away. On the bright side, we can visit him whenever we want. Major, have fun at your new house buddy!
Once we arrived, we were met by Rhea and her three dogs. Polar is a 10 year old small white female mutt that likes to bark and growl. Sissy is a black female lab that Rhea just took in from her dad. Then there is Doc, a 95 pound, three year old male Great Dane/ Catahoula Leopard mix. Doc likes to catch and eat wild animals like raccoons and deer. I got Major out of the Tahoe and the butt sniffing comenced among the canines. Once everyone had smelled every part of each other, Major and Doc started running around the yard. Doc was the aggressor but Major held his own. We left Major and Doc outside to bond and took the female dogs inside.
After dinner, Rhea let the boys in. Rhea went to find a cat to see Major's reaction. She grabbed an orange female called "Little" and let Major check her out. Major sniffed and Little hissed. Rhea let Little go and Major attempted to chase her. To me it looked like Major wanted to play with her like he does with Cagney. I think once any of the cats smacks Major in the nose or bites his nose, he will lose his curiosity.
After the cat experiment, the kids got a quick birds and the bees lesson. Doc decided to mount Major and try to do his thing. Major escaped unharmed, but now knows what prison is like.
We said our goodbyes and loaded up in the Tahoe. We started driving away and I was doing fine. Then, Austin started crying saying how hard it was to give away a dog and Addy started asking "where's Major"? That was tough. Realizing that I caused that pain by bringing Major home only to have to give him away. On the bright side, we can visit him whenever we want. Major, have fun at your new house buddy!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A scare
I am sure most, if not all of you, know about Facebook. If not, FB for short, is a popular social network. Popular to the tune of over 200 million active users, of which over 100 million log in at least once a day. Unbelievable numbers. I have been an inactive member for sometime. Jen asked me to help her set up her FB page. For one reason or another, we did not get it set up until earlier this year. Once we got Jen signed up, the friends started rolling in. It seems that my wife is very well liked.
That brings us to last night. After I left for work, Jen was on FB checking out the status updates posted by her legions of friends. One post in particular, jumped out at her " HPD officer, on-duty has been shot". That scared her to death. Luckily, I had recently sent her a text message that she responded to checking on me. I was able to quickly reassure her that I was just fine and to provide a little information about the shooting. (Tragically, the officer died, please keep his family in your prayers.) Jen is remarkably calm and at ease with my job. However, those few words that she read shook her to the core. Understandably.
I may be the one that goes to work at night, but Jen makes it all possible. She takes care of us and asks for nothing in return. She is the glue and the backbone of our family. She bravely tells me "be careful" every time I leave for work. I am constantly amazed by her selfless love for me and our children.
Jen, you are the definition of a Godly, courageous, beautiful, and unselfish wife and mother. I am truly blessed to have found you. I love you.
That brings us to last night. After I left for work, Jen was on FB checking out the status updates posted by her legions of friends. One post in particular, jumped out at her " HPD officer, on-duty has been shot". That scared her to death. Luckily, I had recently sent her a text message that she responded to checking on me. I was able to quickly reassure her that I was just fine and to provide a little information about the shooting. (Tragically, the officer died, please keep his family in your prayers.) Jen is remarkably calm and at ease with my job. However, those few words that she read shook her to the core. Understandably.
I may be the one that goes to work at night, but Jen makes it all possible. She takes care of us and asks for nothing in return. She is the glue and the backbone of our family. She bravely tells me "be careful" every time I leave for work. I am constantly amazed by her selfless love for me and our children.
Jen, you are the definition of a Godly, courageous, beautiful, and unselfish wife and mother. I am truly blessed to have found you. I love you.
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