Five years ago, when Wendy and I were searching for the property in which we would build our house, the criteria we had in mind was wooded, private, several acres, & a stream. We managed all but the stream. There is something about running water that just soothes and calms. Besides, we thought it would be a wonderful experience for the boys. Out there with their pants rolled up… hunting crayfish and tadpoles.

When we went to that fancy bed and breakfast in Gettysburg, I snapped a photo of a pond they had out front. I’ve made up my mind that since I can’t have the stream, one day I will have a pond exactly like this out back by the patio. Pretty, isn’t it?

Here is another cool game John sent in. It takes a steady hand. The object is to maneuver a little icon through the maze. I almost made it to level 2. I was soooooo close!!

click here

Last Christmas, Wendy’s Aunt and Uncle in Ohio sent me a very unique present. A pair of binoculars with a digital camera. The idea being, you can look through the binoculars and press a button that takes a pix of what your seeing. The binoculars hold about 30 images, and once full, you can connect to your computer via a USB port and transfer the photos!

So today, after five months, I finally got it into my mind that I’m gonna test these things out. Just before sunset, I jumped on my A.T.V. and proceeded up the winding mountain paths to the highest point known to me. I then took about 25 pix. Here is a sample of one of them. Not too bad huh? I think I’m going to enjoy my new toy!

I must say that I’ve adopted to my new role as “Man Bitch” very nicely. I’m doing dishes, dusting, cleaning windows, bathrooms, vacuuming, you name it! To be a proper “House-Ho”, one must invest in his equipment. As the saying goes… “A carpenter is only as good as his tools”. I present to you, my latest aquisition. A Dyson Low Reach DC14 Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

This baby is the Ferrari of vacuum cleaners! With its patented “Cyclonic Technology”, it maintains 270 watts of continuous suction power, and has more attachments than “Inspector Gadget”. This thing can suck the skin off an onion! I’m amazed at how good a job this this cleaner does. My carpets have never been happier!

A few weeks ago, we went out to a fancy dinner with my parents, my Sister’s family, and my Cousin and her husband (From Boston) who were visiting. This place in which we dined was like a 5 star bed and breakfast located in Gettysburg, PA. Very exclusive and very expensive resort. The whole affair took like four hours. Wendy and I were amazed at how well behaved the children were during this period. I snapped this photo of Erick’s “invention” using his silverware and napkin rings. He’s always doing stuff like this around the house too. Inventing contraptions with Tinker-Toys, legos, Lincoln Logs, the cardboard tubes from a roll of paper towels. You name it, he can think of something to do with it. I wonder if he’ll turn out to be an Engineer or something?

I’ve made a vow this year to put enough wood away to last the entire winter. I want to use our woodburning stove as our sole source of heat. To this end, when the weather is ideal, usually we will spend a portion of the day doing wood. Mark has gotten very adept at operating the equipment. Check out the look of concentration on his face. I also put together a couple minute video of this particular event. He is soooo cute. I’m such a proud father!

click here for the video

It’s been a good while since I made an update to my “Lil” blog! You see, I’ve had quite the houseful of company as of late. Wendy’s Brother, who is back from Iraq came for a visit. As well, her other Brother, his Wife & their brand new baby and his Wife’s Mother were all up. It was the first time we got to see our new Niece. Gee, come to think of it. She is the first female in our Generation. Wendy and I have three boys, my Sister has one boy. And this baby girl, (Sharon) is the first child either of her brother’s have had. So anyhoo…. finally a female amongst all this testosterone!! YAY!

Hopefully, I will get into regular pattern of posting now that the house is back to normal. I’ve got a bunch of stuff to share so stay tuned!

Mr. Lawrence sent me this link. A game that does little but anger me. I can’t seem to manipulate the arm. The object is to catch the trash, then throw it in the wastebasket. I managed like 550 points. Let me know if anyone can beat that.

click here

I’m pushing Wendy to hurry up and make the family wealthy. I’d be pissed at this fella in the link, but I’m too busy being jealous! Wanna know what rich people do to their basements? Check out the site I’m about to give you. I’m bringing you in on the before pix… but make sure to follow the project through all it’s phases to completion. This is just MAD “Basement Bling”.

Here it is!!!

Here is a neat little story. What makes it interesting to me, and I’m sure any other of my fellow CVS colleagues, is the location in which it takes place. That’s right, Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Corporate Headquarters to our dear old place of employ. As the story goes, a “john” solicites an undercover female police officer for sex. Normally, one would pay cash for such a transaction. This fellow offers some T-Bone steaks as payment.

I kid you not