Tea Bag Images

Flakes

2012-01-21T21:23:00.003-06:00

Winter has finally arrived. We all knew it was coming, though we didn’t want to believe it. The holidays are over. The long “dead season” is here. The groundhog will pop out in a couple weeks, so spring is really not that far off. A short winter is fine with me, though I don’t mind a little stretch of it.

There is a strange, perverse pleasure in falling snow, at least the first few times. When the ground is covered with snow, the light is different than at any other time. I guess it’s brighter, it bounces around more. It’s also quiet when it’s snowing. Sound doesn’t travel as well maybe, I don’t know. I actually like shoveling snow the first time or two each year. The extreme cold is another story.

Angie is working nights now, 3 or 4 times a week. I couldn’t do it. I can’t sleep when it’s light out. She’s part vampire it seems, so she’s adapted well. She likes it ok, but it won’t be the last job she’ll have. It’s a stepping stone I guess, putting her time in to gain experience.

A couple weeks ago one of my sisters sent an email mentioning western Colorado. We (two of my sisters and I) got into an email conversation about how much we like that area and how we’d like to go back. After a day of this we decided to do just that. Two of my sisters and our families, about 15 in all, will be vacationing in the Durango area for a week this summer. It should be a great time. Madeline’s never seen the mountains, and it’s been 12 years since Alex and Abby have.

Next week is a birthday week at our house. I will be 43 on Tuesday; Alex will be 19 on Friday. Happy Birthday Alex! I’m very proud of you and I love you very much.

Peace-
Matt

Center

2011-12-18T16:07:00.003-06:00

We had our big family Christmas gathering this weekend at the St Thomas More Center in Panora, IA. It's been a few years since we went to STM. The past few have been at the 4H camp in Boone. We all like STM better. It's a lot bigger and we don't feel so cramped.

It was a great weekend. Everyone had a lot of fun. We are all wiped out though. I probably got 3 good hours sleep. I'm counting the minutes until it gets dark, so I can go to bed for the night. Too bad too, because it's like 52 degrees outside right now. I wish I felt like enjoying it. A day this nice doesn't come around very often this time of year.

Six days until Santa comes.

Peace-
Matt

Noel

2011-12-15T21:38:00.003-06:00

The shopping is mostly done. Good thing too, because the money is mostly gone.

My favorite Christmas Carol

If I don't talk to you soon, have a great Christmas.

Peace-
Matt

Blown

2011-11-20T00:49:00.014-06:00

Friday morning at work I received a company wide email from the owner's assistant, asking if anyone was interested in purchasing some tickets to the Zac Brown Band concert on the next night. My boss bought these tickets and was not going to end up going. I knew that my daughter, Abby, really like this band. I also knew that two of my sisters already had tickets to this show. I gave it some thought.

Popular country music, which is where the general consensus on the Zac Brown Band currently falls, just isn't my bag. Most of today's "country" music is studio created bullshit. No real talent. Tight jeans, fancy haircuts, pretty faces, and the same two songs over and over. I have heard a few of their songs on the radio though, and they seemed to me to have something different and promising. I knew Abby would be thrilled to go and that a daddy-daughter date would be very cool, so I jumped on the tickets. What a great move.

I've been to some great concerts over the years. I saw Paul McCartney while he could still sing. I saw U2 in their prime. I went to an Aerosmith concert and saw some opening band no one had ever heard of at the time, Guns and Roses. I was rendered comfortably numb by Pink Floyd at the Unidome.

This band was real. They don't fit the "country" label at all. I saw southern rock, bluegrass, and AC-DC all together. These were six men, playing six instruments masterfully. So much talent. I was blown away.

I'm a picky music listener. I loathe Top 40 auto tuned photoshopped crap. This was the real deal. I was just hoping for a fun night with my daughter. I got so much more.

I sit here, well after midnight early Sunday morning, smoking a cigar and un-blowing my mind. My wife just landed a sweet job at an awesome facility, ISU beat OSU, Iowa finally won a road game, and tonight I saw an awesome spectacle of pure talent and real-ness. How lucky I am.

Peace-
Matt

(PS - Don't go buy a Zac Brown Band cd and tell me I'm full of shit. Go see them live and then we can talk)

300

2011-10-16T15:07:00.006-05:00

Back in late 95/early 96, after Robby died, I decided I needed a change. I didn't like my job and wanted something different. I wanted to work with my hands. I wanted good benefits, and a solid retirement plan. One of my friends was serving his apprenticeship as a union electrician. This sounded perfect for me.

I applied for the electrician apprenticeship program, but was turned down. At the time, Angie was working for a very small health insurance firm in Des Moines. She told me that their accountant's husband, Chuck, suggested that I try to apply to the sheet metal worker's program as well. I didn't know Chuck, but decided to give it a shot. I got in and exceeded in apprenticeship school.

Shortly after I finished by apprenticeship, I was asked to come into the office and take over for the retiring estimator. Soon after I started my new position as estimator, I met Chuck Leysath for the first time. Chuck worked in the office as an estimator for the piping side. Chuck was about 30 years older than me. He was born and raised in New Orleans. He had a thick southern accent. Chuck always called it as he saw it. Always. He pulled no punches. You always knew if Chuck didn't like something, just as you'd know if he did. Chuck was an avid reader. He also remembered everything he ever read. Chuck was a walking encyclopedia. Everyone came to him for answers. He always had them.

About 2 years ago, there was some office shuffling done at work and Chuck and I ended up sharing an office. For the past 2 years or so, I've spent every Monday through Friday sitting next to Chuck. We've become great friends. I've learned so much from him. Chuck is the reason I am doing this job that I love.

Chuck passed away last night. Lung cancer took him out. I'm going to miss him a lot.

Tomorrow will be Robby's 17th birthday.

This is my 300th post on TeaBag.

Peace-
Matt

Nurse

2011-09-29T16:47:00.004-05:00

Angie took and passed the NCLEX test and is now officially an RN. Yay Angie! It's been a long two years since she got laid off and decided to take this path. What an accomplishment for her. Now we have to concentrate on getting the huge student loan paid off.

The leaves are starting to change, the wind is starting to blow, the combines are in the fields. Fall is here. Sweet.

Peace-
Matt

(PS - Happy Birthday to my wife, who will be 29 tomorrow)

BBQ

2011-09-15T22:41:00.001-05:00

Spandex

2011-09-07T21:44:00.005-05:00

Not to sound old...

Abby's getting confirmed on Saturday, Oct 8th at 10am at St Mary's in Elkhart. You're all invited, by the way. Classes for confirmation ended with the school year, but have resumed tonight. Abby had class tonight from 6-7:30pm. I had a Pastoral Council meeting from 7-8:30 tonight. I dropped Abby off a little before 6 and then headed to Casey's for a Redbull, because I had some time to kill before my meeting, and because I was falling asleep on the drive to church.

When I arrived back in the church parking lot at 6:15, I noticed a couple of things. First, there were a couple of cars just now dropping their children off. At 6:15. Class started at 6. "Why so late?" I wondered. The next thing I saw was that one (and maybe the other, I don't know for sure) of the girls was wearing the shortest shorts that I have ever seen. I had to do a double take because I thought she had no pants on, just underwear. This girl is in my daughter's class (9th grade, 14 yrs old). She was walking into CONFIRMATION class. I could not believe it.

I asked Abby about it later. She said they were late because they had volleyball practice. She said the shorts are "spandex, and they all wear them". Like duh.

It's a crazy world folks. Surprising even to me at times.

Peace-
Matt

Panes

2011-09-04T21:51:00.004-05:00

The dirty windows appear to be a recurring theme lately. I just noticed that. I think they're cool, how they interact with light and all. I might never wash the van again. It'd probably fall apart if I did anyway.

I've been thinking about a few new photo projects. One of them is dirty windows. Not necessarily the dirty window itself, but the patterns it makes as it mixes with the light, and the story it tells beyond the window. I think this would be fun to do in many different homes, places I visit, etc. If you would, don't wash a window or two for me. I might just slip by when the light is right.

Angie finally got her NCLEX test date scheduled. She'll take it on Sept 22nd. That means she'll finally be done studying. Time to get a party planned I think. Keep Saturday the 24th open.

Peace-
Matt

Kickoff

2011-09-01T19:50:00.005-05:00

College football starts tonight. NFL kicks off a week from today. It's September now. Awesome weather is in the forecast. I love this time of year.

I'm taking tomorrow off and getting a four day weekend out of the deal. Gonna try and get the camper out for a few day here very soon.

Angie is done with school and waiting for the "go ahead" from the state to take her NCLEX test. Then it's job shopping time. Please keep her in your prayers. She deserves to find something just right for her.

Don't know much else.

Peace-
Matt

Felicitations

2011-08-18T22:23:00.004-05:00

Good job baby! I'm so proud of you.

Dear readers, you've not seen anyone work so hard as my lovely wife has worked on getting through the Mercy College School of Nursing. Mercy College has a 97% pass rate of the national RN nurse test, the NCLEX, one of the best pass rates in the state. Can't get much better than that. It's definitely not an easy program. Tons of really hard work. She picked the right school. She got really good grades there too. Great job Angie! I'm proud of you baby!

Angie graduates from Mercy College tomorrow (Friday, 8/19). She'll take (and easily pass, because she knows her stuff) the NCLEX test in the next couple of weeks. We'll then have a well trained nurse on our hands, looking for a lucky employer.

Congratulations Angie! I love you!

Peace-
Matt

Toil

2011-08-14T18:38:00.002-05:00

As everyone knows all too well, the economy is moving s-l-o-w. As an estimator, it's my job to bid work. Since we are low on work, we are bidding everything that we possibly can. This means that I am extremely busy. In the last four weeks or so, I have worked tons of extra hours. I am salaried, so I don't get paid for it. If I did, I'd have an extra 2 grand or so, which would be damn handy right about now. What I will get for it is some "comp" time. Fall is coming. I will be taking a few me days when the weather is perfect. I hope the bidding calendar is light by then.

School starts on Thursday. Angie graduates on Friday. Changes are a coming.

Peace-
Matt

Red Ribbon

2011-08-07T17:41:00.004-05:00

It's been 5 years since I last entered photos in the Iowa State Fair photography contest. About two months ago I was in a photo shop and noticed the entry form for this year's contest. I thought "what the heck" and decided to enter.

Today was the photographer's reception and awards ceremony. I won a 2nd place ribbon for the top photo (the boat) and have the bottom photo on display. There were 4,052 photos entered this year. 911 are on exhibit. 222 won ribbons.

Look for them if you're out there this year. Just wanted to brag.

Peace-
Matt

Summer

2011-07-05T21:42:00.007-05:00

Long time, no post.

Angie has six more weeks of school left. It seems like she's been doing it for years. We can not wait until she is done.

The kids start school around that same time, on August 15th. Only 5 more weeks left to their summer. Alex will be starting at DMACC Boone Campus around that time as well.

Here are a few photos from this summer. Some are from my phone camera, some are from Alex's camera (which I am currently "borrowing").

Take care and have a great July.

Peace-
Matt

Deer Lake

2011-05-20T21:16:00.003-05:00

Got back from my fishing trip yesterday. The fishing was a bit slow, but the weather was perfect and it was very relaxing. It's always nice to be home though.

Madeline had her 1st Communion last Sunday. Alex graduates this Sunday. It's been a busy spring so far. Lots of life going on around here.

Peace-
Matt

Prom

2011-04-09T17:33:00.003-05:00

Alex has her senior prom tonight. We just got back from taking photos. This year she asked Jared to go with her. He is 15 and they are going as friends. Cool with me.

Peace-

Matt

Rut

2011-04-08T20:35:00.005-05:00

Madeline and I went camping last Saturday night. We talked about it for a week and it got in our heads. We just had to get out there. Angie had tons of studying and homework, so we got out of her hair and into the air. It was damn nice to be outside for 30 hours straight. There's something about a camp fire that feeds your soul. We needed it too.

I'm still in a photographic rut. I need some inspiration. Maybe I need to take some acid or something, hahaha. I think the change in seasons might help with the rut. We'll see.

Abby has started track. Madeline has started softball. If I promised to give you game/meet schedules, I will. Alex's first grad party is on Mother's Day, 5/8, in Huxley. Invitations will be coming soon.

36 days until the fishing trip.

Peace-

Matt

Sprung

2011-03-24T19:35:00.009-05:00

Long time no post. Sorry about that. I'm still here. We all are. We're all doing fine too. It's going to get real busy around here very soon. Angie is in her last month of her second to last semester in school. She will be studying non-stop for the next month. Abby is running track again this spring. Her meets are in April. Madeline will start softball in April as well. I am not coaching this year. They asked, but I said no. I will be assisting though.

Alex is preparing to graduate. She wants to go to college, which is awesome. She would like to go to an expensive private school though, which is probably not going to happen. Well, it could happen if her long lost rich uncle comes out of hiding and pays for it. If only. Her grades are not really good enough for a major scholarship. She won't get one for athletics either. I wish I could afford to pay 30-40 grand a year for school for her. I can't. I'm trying to talk her into starting at the local community college. She has no idea what field she wants to focus on, or if she'll even like college. She likes the idea of moving away from home and hanging out with friends though. I remember the end of my senior year in high school. It was a stressful and scary time. It's a big change in life.

52 days until the annual Troutslayer spring fishing trip. This year we're going north, to Deer Lake in Minnesota. We'll be walleye fishing. I'm really looking forward to it, as usual. I hope they have a warm spell while we're up there.

I finally got my Verizon iphone. I really like it. I use the heck out of my ipod, my phone, and my camera. I thought why not have them all in one device. This thing is great. The camera really isn't that bad for a phone either. There are lots of camera apps. I've yet to scratch the surface really. I've attached a couple photos from my phone. I apologize for the crappy photos this time. I haven't had the photo mojo lately. I probably took 6 photos in the last month. This is all I got.

Spring has sprung. Time to go camping. Who's with me?

Peace-
Matt

Squirrel

2011-02-26T22:02:00.008-06:00

Back in this post, I told you about an angel channeler that spoke with the son of a friend. Today we got the transcript of part of it:

Kyle: Can I ask you about a person in Heaven? Robby Miller.
Ann: Yes, he doesn't seem old. He looks to be your age.
Kyle: He died when he was a baby from SIDS.
Ann: Ah, he decided to age in Heaven. We are souls first. When you're on the other side you can choose what form to take. He has a good sense of humor! He said that it's for your sake because talking with him couldn't work if he was sucking his thumb. :) He's kind of a smart aleck.

Ann: He said that his life and death were for his parent's sake - not his. They needed to learn about forgiving themselves. They felt that they had a part in causing his death. They had to learn to not be perfect.

Kyle: Can you ask him about firetrucks?
Ann: Did you two used to play with firetrucks? When you mentioned them he smiled.
Kyle: I talked to a Native American and he mentioned a firetruck when I mentioned Robby.
Ann: It must have been in a past life because Robby is showing me a full size firetruck. Not a toy. He's showing me firemen and the Chicago fire. You were friends in a past life. You've always been friends.

Kyle: Can I call on him? What would it be like if he was still alive?
Ann: You would be buddies. He knows that in the soul, there is always more to life than meets the eye. He says that God is bigger than people think - He's more than people can handle. Robby knows that he is a soul.

Ann: Yes you can call on him. When you see beings that are out of place - like a squirrel or something - that is him.

I'm not sure what to think of this. On first thought, what she says sounds hokey and fake, like she used what Kyle said and made it up as she went. I don't really believe in this sort of thing, conversing with "souls", at least not the way this lady does it. I do believe in heaven though, and know that Robby is there. I talk to him sometimes. I think I can feel him listening to me too. I can feel his presence. I swear the little windmills at the cemetery blow harder when I'm talking to him. I don't hear him speak to me though, not in the traditional sense.

I'll have to read this a few times and give it some thought before I can really make up my mind about it. One thing I know for sure though, I should stop shooting at squirrels with my bb gun just in case.

Peace-
Matt

Fever

2011-02-18T19:51:00.005-06:00

I was in Florida for a few days last week, mainly just sitting in the sun. It was extremely pleasant, and probably very good for my blood pressure. I have great inlaws and really appreciate their generous hospitality. I'm a lucky guy.

Two of the mornings, I was able to get to my favorite spot on the beach to watch the sun rise. It's been a long time since I've been able to watch the day begin like that. I sure love doing it though. Most of the photos in this post are from my mornings at the beach. I'll probably post a few more in later posts. You can find photos from previous years' morning beach outings in the last few February sections. To some these will all look the same. Not to me though. They all speak to me in different ways.

We've been having unusually warm weather this week. 50's & 60's. This, and the 70's in Florida, has given me (and many other people) a bad case of spring fever. Bye bye winter, please don't come back.

Don't forget to do your taxes soon. We've still got to get ours done. Talk to you later.

Peace-
Matt

(PS - A reminder for my new friends: you can click on the photos to see a much larger size)

Hooky

2011-01-21T21:48:00.003-06:00

Sometimes an unscheduled day off just hits the spot.

Peace-
Matt

Pause

2011-01-15T19:59:00.005-06:00

I haven't been shooting much these past few weeks. It's been cold and I've been lazy. Here are a few panoramic winter sunsets. In a couple you can even see some snow in the air. That's all I've got.

My oldest daughter will be 18 in a few days, on the 27th. Time sure slips by so much faster than we'd like it to. Seems like yesterday she was a goofy 13yr old with braces, and the day before that she was learning to ride her bike in the back yard, and the day before that she was eating dirt out of the potted plants. Where have I been when all this time has passed? Somebody please hit pause.

Then again, I have this overwhelming urge to buy her cardboard boxes and packing tape for her birthday.

Peace-
Matt

(PS - Aaron Rodgers is the best QB in the NFL this year. He's fun to watch.)

Fresh Start

2010-12-29T21:14:00.005-06:00

2010 is just a memory now. Today we look forward to 2011 and all the possibilities it holds. This is a gift. We get this chance to let go of our old selves, with no strings attached, and to forget all the ways we've failed to be who we've wanted to be. We are new people today. We now eat better and exercise more. We are more responsible with our money. We are more focused on the positive and less on the negative. We don't let life's many struggles defeat us daily, and its minor annoyances are quickly banished from our thoughts. We give more compliments and criticize less. We hug each other more, and say "I love you" more. Today we are phenomenal.

I wish for you a phenomenal 2011.

Peace-
Matt

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T20:01:00.001-06:00

What a great day. Hope yours was the same.

Peace-
Matt

Festivus

2010-12-23T21:16:00.007-06:00

Finally, it's here. The kids are on school break, Angie's on school break, I'm off for a couple days. We get to stay home and hang out together. How much better can it get?

I've always disliked the term "Xmas". You know, the whole "taking Christ out of Christmas" thing. I read some information today that changes my mind about it a little bit. According to Wikipedia: "In Greek, the letter X (chi), is the first letter of Christ, and it, or the similar Roman letter X, has been used as an abbreviation for Christ since the mid-16th century. Hence, Xmas is sometimes used as an abbreviation for Christmas". Makes sense to me.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing... For a child is born to us, a son given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests - Isaiah

Merry Christmas everyone.

Peace-
Matt

Baked

2010-12-11T19:53:00.009-06:00

Long time no post. Sorry about that.

Yesterday, Alex & I went on a college visit to Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA. This is our first scheduled college visit. To be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to it very much. It was gorgeous out on Friday, like sunny & 50's. I didn't want to miss that, stuck in a cubicle at work or on the road to visit some boring expensive college that my daughter surely won't pick. I wanted to spend the day with Alex though, so we went on with our plans. It turned out to be pretty cool. Briar Cliff is actually on a cliff, overlooking Sioux City. It's the only thing on the cliff and is isolated from the city. Pretty neat. It's a small school, their enrollment is 1100. To contrast that, the University of Iowa has around 30,000 students total. It's a Catholic college. You don't have to be catholic to go there though, and a lot of their students aren't. They really stress values and service there, which is awesome. We both liked the school very much. Too bad it's around $30,000/yr tuition & boarding. They have lots of scholarships & Alex might be qualified for some of them. We won't get it below 20 grand a year though. Too bad.

Today, we Miller's had our annual baking day. We held it at our house this year. Funny thing is, my wife volunteered our house for baking day and then she skipped out on us to study for her nursing finals, which take place this week. Thanks baby. We're having shitty winter weather today, so Shannon & her family couldn't make it. We did what we could without them though, and will save some cookies for them. a few photos from today are attached.

Next Saturday, we'll have Christmas at my Dad's in the morning then at the 4H center in Boone County in the afternoon/overnight. We are all really looking forward to it. Angie especially, since she will finally be finished with her 3rd semester.

Camera Geek Mode On: I've reported in the last few posts that I've been having camera equipment issues. I sent my main camera in for service a few weeks ago. When I got it back, it seemed to work fine. After a couple weeks it started acting up again. Trying to kill two birds, I decided to sell it and to downsize at the same time, and to make some cash for Christmas shopping. I did that. I am now the proud owner of a new Pentax system (the K-5). I sold all my Nikon (D700) stuff. The Pentax system is quite a bit different from the Nikon system, cheaper too. For instance, I can't rely on autofocus or auto white balance. Pentax just isn't as good as Nikon in those areas. Pentax has some kickass small lenses though. I had the Cadillac system for a while. Now I'm back to the VW. I might have to work harder to get good results, but I'll have more fun doing it now. Anyway, that's a big part of the lapse between posts and the poor quality of photos lately. I've had equipment issues and now on a learing curve. I'll get there.

One thing I noticed on my drive to Sioux City on Friday. This winter light is just awesome this time of year. The sun started breaking the horizon at 7:30. It was still pretty low in the sky at 9:00, with nice directional warm light. In the summer, the sun comes up early and climbs fast. At 9am, it might as well be noon. The sun is high and harsh. In the winter it's low, which gives awesome light for a long time at both ends of the day. Look for it. Enjoy it. I hope I get a chance to get out in it soon.

Merry Christmas everyone. Love you,

Matt

Rainbow

2010-11-18T17:19:00.006-06:00

The Troutslayer trip was a good time. It was a short trip. We seemed to squeeze a lot in though. As usual, we caught trout, smoked cigars, drank spirits, and ate good food. We took a day long guided fishing outing on Tablerock lake (thanks Brian) and caught many white bass. It was a cold day, but mostly fun. I went into the trip with a cold and came home with a sinus and ear infection. Ended up staying home from work for a couple days coughing constantly and blowing my nose. It's amazing how much green shit can come out of one head. I'm finally feeling better today.

I've seen some amazing sunrises in my life, but I think last Friday's topped them all. Friday the 12th was Brian Smith's (fellow troutslayer) birthday. You'll remember that Brian's wife, Maureen, died suddenly and unexpectedly in April 2010. On Friday morning, Brian, Mike L, Mike P, and I headed to the dock before sunrise, anxious to fill our trout limits early. Walking down to the dock and eyeing the sky, I knew it would be a good sunrise. It was insane. The tree lined cliffs across the lake from us were lit up bright red, then the sky above them started turning pink. A few minutes later a partial rainbow appeared above the cliffs. Then a full and bright rainbow, then a double rainbow. All of it was reflected back in the lake. It was so amazing. None of us fished. None of us spoke. We all just watched quietly. Brian then said "good morning Maureen". It was Maureen's way of telling Brian Happy Birthday. What a gift to be there with him to see it. I've never witnessed anything like it. Wow. I took a couple photos of the sunrise with my crappy little point & shoot, but didn't get serious about it. I was taken away in the moment. I'm not going to post the photos though, because they don't come close. Anyway, thanks Maureen.

The new Harry Potter comes out tomorrow. It won't be the same as the book, but I hope they didn't change too much. Can't wait to see it.

Have a good weekend. Go Hawks.

Peace-
Matt

Reunited

2010-11-05T18:26:00.005-05:00

Finally got my camera back from the shop. It's repaired and working beautifully again. Sweet. I felt naked and helpless without it. Now I need to get out and use it.

I've posted one of Alex's senior photos above. It's one of my favorites, but not hers. You'll have to ask her for a few wallets next time you see her.

The one of Madeline is from a few weeks ago when we went to the orchard. I need to get Abby in front of the camera. I don't have any recent shots of her.

This time next week I'll be sitting on the dock on Lake Taneycomo with a trout tugging my line and a big dumb smile on my face.

Peace-
Matt

Boo

2010-10-31T14:49:00.003-05:00

I missed trick or treat for the first time ever yesterday, not that I am bothered by that. I was at the Iowa/MSU game with my brother-in-law. What a great game! Best first half of Iowa football that I've seen. Thanks again for the ticket Kevin.

I should get my camera back from the shop tomorrow or Tuesday. Looking forward to that.

October's over. Damn. Only 7 more weekends until Christmas. Winter's coming. Time changes back next weekend. See you next month.

Peace-
Matt

Asylum

2010-10-27T20:26:00.004-05:00

You'd think that this time of year, with the gorgeous weather and changing leaves, that I'd have tons of photos to post. Not so, for two reasons. I just haven't been into it and my main camera is in the shop for repairs. I've been using my little point & shoot, which doesn't really cut it for what I like to shoot. Anyway, that's what you see here and why it's not up to par. Sorry.

Angie and Madeline are currently in Florida. It's been 90 there. Madeline's been loving the pool. Here, winter is on it's way.

The new Harry Potter movie comes out in about 3 weeks. I'm a geek and can't f-ing wait to see it.

The week before that though, I'll be joining the Troutslayers at Lake Taneycomo for a few days. I haven't been there since May 09 and miss the place very much. Going a little corny here but, part of my soul lives there. I've let so much go there and gained so much from being there. I'll be there again on November 11. I look forward to it.

Peace-

Matt

Tens

2010-10-10T11:17:00.007-05:00

Madeline and I are going to the orchard today for fresh honey crisp apples (if they have any left) and pumpkins. It's gorgeous outside and it will be a great time.

EDIT - Just got back from the orchard. There were a thousand people there, and we spent way too much time waiting in line. We waited for a half hour in line just to get a couple powerades. I spent $8 on a small bag of apples, yikes. Madeline had a lot of fun though, so it was worth it.

Peace-
Matt

Permit

2010-09-26T17:36:00.006-05:00

Madeline & I went to the Ballard football game on Friday night. We didn't get there early enough and ended up sitting behind the student section. A few observations: 75% of the students there don't actually watch the game. Sure, they'll scream when everyone else does, but they don't know why. They're moving around constantly. It's primarily a social interaction event for them. The game is just an excuse. Oh, and they stand up the entire time.

My wife is in nursing school. She studies constantly. It's so much work for her. I couldn't do that. You're doing great baby!

Happy Birthday to Abby tomorrow and Angie on Thursday. Abby will be 14. Angie 29. Abby has been studying for her driver's permit test. Not really ready for that step.

Looks like a great week of fall weather ahead for us. I hope to get out and enjoy it as much as possible. I hope you can too. This is the best weather all year.

Peace-
Matt

Drama

2010-09-14T17:46:00.004-05:00

For some reason that I just can't fathom, females seem to thrive on drama. I'm not talking about acting class or Hill Street Blues. I'm talking about emotional turmoil. They act like they don't like it, but I'm positive that they do. This phenomenon appears to be more prevalent during the school age years, but it does not seem to completely disappear, ever. Life is only as complicated as you make it ladies. I feel better now.

Peace-

Matt

Dream On

2010-09-06T19:12:00.009-05:00

It's been a busy month since my last post. Cambridge flooded. The basement got wet. Kids are back in school. Madeline turned 8. Angie finished her 2nd (of 5) semester in nursing school. I shot a wedding, some senior photos, and a baby; about 900 photos in all. I've since sold my two "best" lenses to pay Angie's tuition. We went camping at MacBride this past weekend with Angie's brother & his family. We went tailgating in Iowa City on Saturday. Go Hawks. Alex has been ungrounded and her curfew extended to 1:30am. whew.

I'm looking forward to being less busy this fall, to sweatshirt weather, and to football.

Peace-
Matt

Bloodsuckers

2010-08-07T20:44:00.005-05:00

It's been a long summer already. We've had constant rain and the grass won't quit growing. Usually, in August, the grass is starting to dry out and maybe turn a little brown. I'm ready for that. My back yard looks like a hay field. Another thing, the f-ing mosquitoes are unbearable. This is the worse I've ever seen them. I was out hiking and photographing this morning. Even with tons of bugspray, they wouldn't leave me alone. They were in my eyes and ears. Geez.

Peace-
Matt

CYC ya

2010-07-09T18:30:00.008-05:00

This Sunday, Abby and Alex will be off to CYC camp for a week. I'm not sure who needs the time away more, them or us. I love them to death, but it will be nice to be teenager free for a week. I'm sure they'll have lots of fun.

Camping over the 4th was a good time. The weather was perfect for the most part. It was fun to see everyone.

In the past year, there have been some changes both in my circle of friends and in my family. It's changed the whole feel in the time I spend with them. During my most recent fishing trip, two out of the six of us had become bachelors in the past few months. One due to divorce, the other to death. The whole atmosphere was different. Some for the better, some not. Just different.

With the July 4th campout, it's always been my family, and my sister's families. This year it changed. One family was not there, due to separation. It changed the whole feel of the weekend. Again, some for the better, some not. Life can be funny.

Peace-
Matt

Solstice

2010-06-22T21:39:00.004-05:00

The longest day of the year was yesterday. The hottest was today (so far).

We had our last softball game on Saturday. The girls played great and improved a lot since the first game. It was a fun season.

We'll be camping at Lake MacBride over the 4th again this year. I hope this constant rain stops by then.

Happy Belated Fathers Day guys!

Peace-
Matt

Parade

2010-06-11T20:10:00.003-05:00

This is Cambridge Jubilee weekend. My softball team will be riding on a fire truck in the parade tomorrow morning. They're excited. Should be fun.

The kids are out of school, eating like there's no tomorrow, bored out of their minds (supposedly). It's humid out there too. Summer is here.

Peace-
Matt

Three Day Weekend

2010-05-31T16:33:00.006-05:00

Nate and Glenda came up for a visit this weekend. It was great to see them and is always a lot of fun.

Peace-
Matt

Therapy

2010-05-22T21:13:00.005-05:00

The 14th annual Troutslayer fishing trip was last weekend. This year we decided to stick close to home and camped out at Red Rock Lake in Southeast Iowa. As usual, it was great to catch up with everyone. Didn't catch many fish, but that's not why we do it.

Peace-
Matt

Sly

2010-05-03T21:12:00.007-05:00

Eleven days until the annual Troutslayer fishing trip. I'll be gone May 14-19.

Angie and I got married 21 years ago this Thursday. Happy Anniversary Baby!
Should I have listed this first?

Softball is going well. We're all still having fun.

We have foxes living in our back yard. The hole was originally dug by a woodchuck. That s.o.b. ate all the sweet corn in my garden one year. I went out to pick it and the woodchuck got to it the night before. The foxes kicked him out last year and are back again this spring. We saw them tonight for the first time.

I saw one of Abby's track meets for the first time this year. She finished her arm of the 4x100 in first place. Fast kid.

Peace-
Matt

Play Ball

2010-04-23T21:21:00.002-05:00

Angie's Uncle Tom passed away this past Saturday. Tom was her Dad's brother. He was 70. There was a world of difference between the funerals for Maureen on Saturday and Uncle Tom on Wednesday. Maureen's was packed with people, had a dozen priests, and the Bishop there. It was very emotional. Tom's was 15 minutes long with just close family there. Both of them made me think a lot about the people in my life. We tend to worry a lot about stupid meaningless stuff. It's easier to think about and to try to control. How we treat and affect and love others is what really only matters. Global warming doesn't matter, or taxes, or dirty dishes, or dandelions. It's the people around us that give our lives purpose. I hope I can remember that for more than just a few weeks this time.

Our first softball game is tomorrow. Should be interesting. 7 & 8 year old girls just can not throw and catch well. There are a couple on the team that do pretty well some of the time. They all need a lot of work though. Don't we all.

Peace-
Matt

Wake

2010-04-15T21:20:00.006-05:00

I met Maureen McLaughlin sometime around 20 years ago. Maureen was the sort of person who made you feel comfortable and at ease just by being in the same room with her. She had a great big smile that always went clear up through her eyes. Maureen wasn't a bullshitter. When she asked "how are you?", she really did want to know. She was the kindest, most gentle, caring person that I've ever met. Billy was right, only the good die young.

Maureen was married to a great friend and fellow Troutslayer, Brian Smith. She and Brian were perfect together; the epitome of balance. They have two daughters 11 & 6, both as sweet as their mother. If you happen to be the praying type, please say a few for Brian and his girls. They've a long hard road ahead of them.

Lighter notes... Alex had prom last weekend. I was out camping with my two youngest daughters and my sister's boys, but Angie was home to spend time with Alex pre-dance. My nephew, Caleb, made his first communion on Saturday. It was fun to celebrate that with him.

Peace-
Matt

Good Friday

2010-04-02T22:46:00.004-05:00

Softball practice starts on Tuesday. Our last game is on June 23rd. It will be a busy spring.

My brother, Tom, and I went camping on Wednesday night. It was gorgeous out and a good time. Tom and I are a lot alike and always have great conversations.

Angie is doing well in nursing school. She's in her last month of her first (of five) semester. She studies constantly and works very hard. She's getting great results from her efforts. I'm proud of her.

Alex is playing soccer this spring, Abby's running track, and Madeline's playing softball. If you want to see a game/meet/match we'll have one pretty much any day of the week.

Have a great Easter everyone. Celebrate.

Peace-
Matt

Dependence

2010-03-23T20:04:00.003-05:00

Camping weather is here. Who's ready to join me?

Peace-
Matt

Thaw

2010-03-07T16:32:00.003-06:00

I can see some grass now. Some of it is even green.

I've been talked into coaching Madeline's softball team this spring. It's 7&8 yr olds. Coach pitch. I've never coached a day of little league and didn't even play as a kid. I could use some pointers.

Peace-
Matt

March

2010-02-28T15:41:00.005-06:00

No snow photos for a change.

Our trip to Florida was great again. It was nice to sit outside for hours and hours instead of seconds and seconds.

I like getting away to warm Florida, but I like Iowa better. We have constant change. The light, especially in winter, is incredible. As nice as 80 degrees and sunny is, I’ve never seen anything in Florida that can compare to what I saw Friday morning on my drive to work. The sky was overcast except for a thin band on the eastern horizon. The sun was just coming up, lighting up the bottom of the clouds and the top of the trees. The trees were covered in hoar frost. It was a breathtaking sight. Spring is just around the corner. The yearly renewal.

Peace-
Matt

Escape

2010-02-06T21:08:00.004-06:00

Just a few February thoughts:

In two weeks, Angie and I will be in the air on the way to Florida for a few days away from winter.

"Eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die"

Escape – some people golf, some fish, some work, some camp, some run, some sleep, some photo; how can we be full without it? Is it selfish to demand it?

Teenagers can eat their weight in food in just a few days. Quicker than that if they're bored.

I think if Jesus had a music cd, it would speak to more folks than the Bible does.

The slowest clock in the world hangs next to the running track at the Huxley community center.

Peace-
Matt

Ice

2010-01-20T20:20:00.003-06:00

Yesterday we had the frost. Today it was ice. We're supposed to have rain this weekend and then snow next week. Yay winter.

31 days until Angie and I go to Florida. It was 77 & sunny there today. We can't wait.

Anyone have any ideas how to motivate oneself to exercise? I just can't get into it this winter. I'd much rather sit down.

Peace-
Matt

Frost

2010-01-19T21:23:00.003-06:00

We've had a long string of foggy days and nights lately. The fog, along with the cold weather, has caused this hoar frost to coat damn near everything. It's beautiful. I haven't been able to get out and take photos of it until today on the way home. The light sucked, but I wanted to get some photos before it disappears.

Peace-
Matt

Stretch

2010-01-16T17:23:00.003-06:00

Winter still has it's ugly grip on us here. We've had a decent week though. No snow and mild temps. I've seen -21 degrees and 42 degrees in the past few weeks. Again, Al Gore is a jackass.

Angie and I are going to take another short trip to visit her parents in Florida in February. We went last year and it was a perfect trip. Will be nice to get away from winter and children. I swear I've aged a week every day this winter.

Belated kudos to the Iowa Hawkeyes for their big Orange Bowl victory and overall great season. It will be a lot of fun to watch them again next year. They should have a very solid team and all the big games will be played at home. Go Hawks!

I've found out recently that I have high blood pressure. I've been on a medication for it. After a doctor visit a few weeks ago, it's been increased from 10mg to 20mg. They say stress has a lot to do with it. I think my daughters are trying to kill me.

I also found out that I have "borderline high" cholesterol. I take full responsibility for that. I like bacon & eggs too much I guess. The doctor said I can either take medication for it, or try to get it down with diet and excersize. I chose the latter. We'll see how it goes in three months.

Peace-
Matt

White Christmas

2009-12-27T16:23:00.003-06:00

Lots of snow here. Plenty really. Enough already.

Peace-
Matt

Happy Christmas

2009-12-20T20:54:00.002-06:00

Hope you have a great Christmas.

Peace-
Matt

Epic

2009-12-11T22:22:00.004-06:00

The National Weather Service called this weeks snowstorm "epic". We received the most snow from one storm in something like 40 years. School was closed for 2-1/2 days. Luckily, I only had to be stuck at home for one day. It's been cold too. It was -12 degrees F on my morning drive to work yesterday, and -10 degrees F today. Is talking about the weather a sign of old age?

I don't like winter. I do, however, like the first couple snow falls, especially when the sun comes out. Winter light is just fantastic.

This week our congress has passed regulations giving the government control of wall street and the banks. That should give you warm fuzzies. The "pay czar" has also decided to limit bank execs pay to $500,000/year. Yes, that's right. Someone we didn't vote for (he was "appointed by Obama) is deciding how much banks can pay their execs. Bad idea. Did you vote for any of this shit? I didn't think so. Neither did I. Heil Obama.

Christmas is in two weeks. Lots to do.

Peace-
Matt

Santa

2009-12-05T19:12:00.002-06:00

I took Madeline to see Santa today. Afterwards she told me he was the real Santa, not a fake. She couldn't take her eyes off of him. What a fun, magical time of year.

Peace-
Matt

Paper Chain

2009-12-02T19:00:00.003-06:00

I know I'm not telling you something you don't already know, but I have to say it again. Hormones do crazy things to females. Estrogen and rational thought are linked somehow. I think tear ducts are tied together in there too.

What's the difference between an enzyme and a hormone? You can't hear an enzyme.

23 days til Christmas.

Peace-
Matt

New Moon

2009-11-22T08:29:00.007-06:00

I'm taking the girls to see New Moon today. Makes me sound gay, I know, but I'm looking forward to seeing it. I listened to all the books. They're pretty good if you can get past the girly romantic stuff. Who doesn't like werewolf and vampire movies?

We've had several beautiful foggy mornings this week, as you can see.

This Thursday is Thanksgiving. Two day work week for me, yay! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving day and are surrounded by people you love.

Peace-
Matt

(Addendum - We saw New Moon today. It was stupid & the acting was horrible. The wolves were cool, but that's it. Don't waste your money. The book (& your imagination) are a thousand times better. I guess that's how it always is though.)

(Addendum #2 - Watched the new Star Trek movie tonight too. It was awesome. I'm going to have to watch it again.)

Garage

2009-11-15T14:04:00.004-06:00

Spent most of the day yesterday cleaning up the garage, to make room for Angie's car and the camper before the snow flies. There's something peaceful about hanging out in a garage. More so when it's tidy.

Peace-
Matt

Let Down

2009-11-07T20:11:00.003-06:00

I don't want to bitch, so I won't say anything. Well, the weather's nice anyway.

Peace-
Matt

Top Ten

2009-10-19T20:38:00.004-05:00

Angie started her CNA class today. The first of many on her way to RN. She's been pretty stressed about choosing full time school again. It will be a ton of work. She's a smart cookie though, so she'll be just fine.

I just returned yesterday from the annual Troutslayer fall campout. This time we camped at Lake of Three Fires in southwest Iowa. It was a nice clean park with a great lake. As usual, the weekend was filled with good food, cigars, beverages, and conversation. Thanks fellas.

The Hawks won again on Saturday. They're now 7-0 and ranked in the top ten in every poll. Go Hawks!

Peace-
Matt

Tailgate

2009-10-11T21:06:00.004-05:00

My mom's younger brother, my Uncle Mark, was killed last week in Colorado, where he lived. It's horrible and sad.

I've been listening to an audio book that my mom gave me titled "Three Cups of Tea". It's about an incredible man named Greg Mortenson who builds schools in poor areas in Northern Pakistan. His story is amazing and very inspiring. They gave the Nobel Peace Prize to Obama, who has done absolutely nothing, especially compared to Greg Mortenson. What the hell?

Angie and I went to the Iowa/Michigan game on Saturday. It was a great game. I bought her tickets to the game for her birthday. She told me this morning that yesterday is in her "top ten best days ever". Cool.

Peace-
Matt

Happy Birthday Abby

2009-09-26T21:14:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to Abby. She'll be 13 tomorrow. Two teen girls in the house now.

It's Ballard Homecoming Dance night. Alex has sure grown up into a beautiful girl. She and Pierre have been dating for more than a year now. He's a good kid. Not good enough for my daughter, but who would be?

Got back from Vegas today. So glad to be back home. The conference was good, but a day too long I think. Vegas just isn't my kind of town. This is the view from my 37th floor room. Look how filthy the window is.

Watching the Hawks now, and am fighting sleep. My bed will feel good tonight.

Peace-
Matt

Orchard

2009-09-20T09:37:00.005-05:00

Madeline and I visited a couple orchards yesterday. We went to the first one to pick apples, and to the second one to play.

I'm heading to Vegas for work on Tuesday. I'll be back on Saturday. While there, I get to have dinner with Angie's Uncle Tony and Aunt Maureen. They'll be there the same time I am, visiting from England. Small world.

Peace-
Matt

(PS - Goats have crazy eyes)

Logic

2009-09-18T20:46:00.005-05:00

Everyones favorite ex-president, Jimmy Carter, recently inferred that most folks that disagree with President Obama are racist. That's like saying that I'm anti-Semitic because I don't like Barbara Streisand music, Woody Allen movies, or anything about George Soros. Joe Wilson was right.

That's the second time I was called racist this week. Earlier this week my middle daughter posted some photos of certain celebrities on Facebook. I told her that the one of the guy with pants around the middle of his ass, chest covered with tattoos, and a pink camouflage hoodie on looked ridiculous and that I disagreed with her assessment that he is "hot". She told me I'm racist.

When did Webster change his definition?

Peace-
Matt

March

2009-09-14T12:41:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note: The largest protest crowd 'ever' was assembled in Washington DC on Saturday. Over 2 million is the estimate. They were there to tell our representatives in Washington that we've had enough corruption and enough reckless spending. Just because they ignore us doesn't mean we're not still here.

http://www.examiner.com/x-20909-Columbia-Independent-Examiner~y2009m9d13-As-many-as-2-million-protestors-attend-912-Washington-DC-Tea-Party-Rally

Why have we not seen this on the news?

Peace-
Matt

Crack

2009-09-12T16:21:00.006-05:00

We watched the Hawks beat up the Cyclones today. Felt good.

The time for fresh honey crisp apples is here. If you've never had a fresh picked honey crisp apple go find one. It's like apple crack.

The beans are turning yellow and it's been foggy every morning. It's hard to get to work on time when it's just so gorgeous outside.

Don't know what else.

Peace-

Matt

Pigskin

2009-09-05T08:59:00.004-05:00

Angie and I went to the Ballard high school football game last night. It was packed and a great game. I always forget how much fun it is to watch a high scool football game. It was a nail biter too. Ballard got the win.

Speaking of football, Angie's birthday is the end of this month. She wants tickets to an Iowa game. If you have any connections, please let me know. It's a plus that my wife loves football too. Maybe more than I do sometimes.

My brother and I took advantage of his day off and the tremendous weather and went camping the other night. It's hard to get into someone's head unless you can spend one on one time with them like that. Tom and I had many good discussions.

Oh yeah, we did end up getting awarded that big 12 million dollar job I mentioned a few weeks ago. Sometimes all the hard work pays off. Sometimes.

Peace-
Matt

(PS - The blog is 3 yrs and 236 posts old today. Thanks for sticking with me)

Seven

2009-08-30T20:56:00.003-05:00

Madeline turned 7 this past week. Between school, family, and her friends, she had several parties. She was out of gas this evening. Turning 7 is hard work.

We're having a taste of fall weather here lately. My favorite.

Peace-
Matt

Bluegill

2009-08-22T21:39:00.003-05:00

Madeline asked me to take her fishing earlier this week. We went today. We stopped at the new Bass Pro Shop first, which is pretty impressive. After that, we went to the pond behind my office and wet our lines. Madeline picked it up fast and ended up catching a bunch of tiny bluegills. I got to fish myself for a few minutes. I caught one small bass. We both had a lot of fun.

Angie lost her job yesterday. They cut four people loose. Seems to be a common thing these days.

Peace-
Matt

Naptime

2009-08-14T15:22:00.007-05:00

The kids are in Florida with their grandparents. They flew out last night (boy are their arms tired). I took them to the airport. We got there two hours early, just in case there were any issues with three minors flying alone. No issues. I waited with them until they boarded. I kissed them goodbye then went down to the bar and had an $8 beer while I waited for the plane to leave. It's a weird feeling watching the kids leave alone. When I talked to Madeline on the phone this morning, she told me she cried on the plane for two hours. Poor Alex & Abby.

It's a good feeling having no commitments for the entire weekend. Maybe I should take a nap now?

Yesterday at work, I bid the largest job I've ever bid. Over $12 million. I took some well deserved time off today. It will be a while before I found out how that one turned out.

Peace-
Matt

Sweet Corn

2009-07-27T20:34:00.003-05:00

It sure seems like there have been a lot of deaths lately. Not just the ones that make the national or world news either. Lots of locals. It's been strange. Death seems to be on the rise around here. Either that, or I'm just paying more attention.

Madeline got her cast off today. Took ten minutes.

We had some sweet corn tonight, for the first time this summer. I think we all ate three pieces each. Good stuff.

Peace-
Matt

One Bird

2009-07-21T19:01:00.004-05:00

The gutters finally got fixed this past weekend. I rented a http://genielift.com/sb-series/index.asp and cleaned them out and put screens on them. Hopefully I won't have to get up there for several years now.

Last weekend Angie and I joined a bunch of our local Cambridge friends on a float trip. We floated in tubes for about 4 hours and had a lot of fun. We've been on these float trips a few times. We are usually among the oldest group on the river. Mostly it's a younger party crowd out there, which are fun to watch. Lots of drunk girls flashing their chests for beads and such. You know, good clean American fun. It was much different this time however. Right before our group put in the river, a couple of busses pulled up with a large group of gays and lesbians. Instead of the ususal female chest flashing, there was a disturbing amount of gay male dong dangling.

Madeline will get her cast off on Monday. Good thing too, it's getting pretty dirty looking and she's so ready to swim.

I still haven't been doing much shooting. Just not seeing much. Hope that changes soon.

School starts in 30 days.

Peace-
Matt

Fourth

2009-07-06T13:53:00.010-05:00

We had a great camping trip. It rained most of the day on Saturday, but cleared off for a boat ride and fireworks. The weather was perfect the rest of the time.

I'll let the photos tell the stories, in no particular order.

Peace-
Matt

Fracture

2009-06-29T20:46:00.004-05:00

The 4th of July is near, which means it's time for our annual Miller campout at Lake MacBride near Iowa City. It's a great park. The campground has lots of big shade trees, they have a nice little beach, and boat rentals. They'll shoot fireworks off near the beach, which is where we'll sit and watch them. The weather here has improved a bunch in the last couple of days and it's supposed to last through the week. Should be another great time.

Madeline broke her right fore arm on Saturday. At first we didn't think it was broken. She didn't sleep well Saturday night because of it, so Angie took her to the clinic for xrays. She's got a crack in her bone. They put a hot pink cast on it today.

Abby is at Catholic Youth Camp this week. I dropped her off there yesterday. She'll have great weather and always makes lots of new friends. We miss her already.

I've been in a photographic slump lately. Haven't done much shooting, and haven't really been seeing much to shoot; which is why you see so much damn corn here. I hope it passes soon.

Peace-
Matt

Jubilee

2009-06-12T19:49:00.003-05:00

This weekend is Cambridge Jubilee weekend here in Cambridge. Happens every June. Abby is at a teen dance right now and has been planning a bonfire out back for after the dance. It's raining though, so I doubt it will happen. Tomorrow is the parade and the truck pull.

I need to clean and fix my gutters. I need to rent a lift to do it. I've been waiting several weeks for a dry weekend to do it. Still waiting. Meanwhile the maple trees growing in my gutters keep growing.

Peace-
Matt

Slacker

2009-06-05T23:54:00.006-05:00

Casanova's living up to his name.

The rabbits are eating my peas. I still haven't planted anything else. Is it too late?

Peace-

Matt

Trout

2009-05-23T17:29:00.007-05:00

We got back from the fishing trip on Wednesday. We caught 100 more fish than last year. It was a good time.

Congrats to all the new graduates out there. Or should I say condolences? It only gets tougher from here.

What purpose do mosquitoes serve? I can't think of a single one.

Peace-
Matt

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T20:55:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you beautiful mothers. Thank you for all you do. We'd all be lost without you.

Peace-
Matt

Ball

2009-05-09T18:35:00.006-05:00

Ball is keeping us very busy. This is the only photography I've had time for.

This time next week I'll be fishing. Or napping. Can't wait.

This video thing is new for me. Let me know how you like it.

Peace-
Matt

Countdown

2009-04-26T18:59:00.003-05:00

18 days until the annual Troutslayer fest at Taneycomo.

Why do I never remember to clean the gutters until it's raining like hell outside?

Peace-

Matt

Jam Packed

2009-04-13T21:40:00.004-05:00

Angie just put all of the softball & soccer games and practices on a calendar. Between the three girls, we have practices and games every single Monday through Saturday through May. We've never wanted to be that family that keeps their kids so busy with activities that they don't have time to breath, and this is a rarity for us. Sure, team sports and extra curricular activities do build character, but I think good old fashioned down time is very healthy for a family too. When else are you gonna talk to each other?

Peace-
Matt

Happy Easter

2009-04-09T21:39:00.003-05:00

We're headed to Indiana tomorrow to celebrate Easter with Angie's brother and his family. We're all looking forward to it.

Alex had her first soccer game of the season tonight. She is a forward (offense) and is one of the fastest on the team. She scored both of her team's goals tonight. Great job Alex. Her team is fun to watch. Come up & see a game if you get a chance.

We received our final (fingers crossed) snowfall of the season on Sunday. Madeline and I built a small fort with it. It finally disappeared completely this afternoon.

Hope you all have a great Easter!

Peace-
Matt

Passion

2009-04-03T21:28:00.004-05:00

Peace-
Matt

Tainted

2009-03-31T21:42:00.007-05:00

The new puppy has a fascination with panties. He finds them wherever they are and drags them to the middle of the house. He'll go into one of the bedrooms, go through everything, and drag a pair down the stairs and into the living room. Funny.

Sometimes it seems that no one listens to me. Other times they hear things I don't say.

Peace-
Matt

Sprung

2009-03-27T21:46:00.003-05:00

Madeline told me that the grass is turning green and the tulips are popping up. Cool. Time to plant sugar snap peas.

Peace-
Matt

3-20

2009-03-20T21:32:00.003-05:00

Has anyone ever heard of an angel channeler? We have a friend that has a son born just a few weeks before Robby was. His name is Kyle. I don't know the whole story yet, but this is what I heard. Kyle's father took him to an angel channeler recently. Why, I don't know. Kyle asked the channeler about someone his mother told him about, Robby Miller. Without knowing anything about Robby, this channeler told him that Robby was never intended to be here long. He was here to teach his parents something. There is more, like what he came to teach us, but I'm not sure what exactly. We're waiting for an audio tape of this channeling session. What am I supposed to think about this?

Peace-

Matt

Spring Break

2009-03-17T21:34:00.001-05:00

Peace-
Matt

Fever

2009-03-11T20:48:00.004-05:00

Cabin fever is starting to set in hard. The little bits of warm weather, the birds singing, the longer days, the new bike; come on spring. Alex will be starting soccer practice in a few days. Abby & Madeline will be starting softball. Spring break is next week. Winter has made me fat and lazy.

We've been talking about going to the Wisconsin Dells this July with my sisters and their families. We're discussing renting cabins at a campground. Sounds like fun. It all started when my sister emailed and asked about camping over the July 4th holiday. That got me to thinking about camping. Damn that sounds good. I only used my camper one time last year. What a pud. Camping is all I've been thinking about this week. It won't be long now. Don't be surprised if I call you very soon and ask you to join me. There happens to be an RV show in town this weekend. I think I'll go out there a dream a bit.

Peace-

Matt

Flat

2009-03-08T20:01:00.002-05:00

I found out what a "pinch flat" is a couple of days ago. I was out riding my bike for the 3rd time ever and was about 2 miles from home when my tire went flat. I walked for a mile before someone stopped and picked me up. After stopping in to Boulevard Sports for some old fashioned awesome customer service, I now know how to change my tube in the field myself. I hope I don't get much practice.

Peace-
Matt

Perfect

2009-03-05T21:47:00.005-06:00

The trip to Florida was a definite treat. The weather was gorgeous. The fish was fresh and delicious. I got to watch the sun rise over the ocean twice, once with my wife. Yes, she got up before sunrise. I know, shocked me too. Angie and I rented bikes one day and rode for about four hours along the river and the ocean. We stopped at a tiki bar for lunch, and sat by the ocean for a while. It was a perfect little getaway.

Spring is beginning to spring around here. It hit 73 today for the first time in many months. Bring it on.

Peace-
Matt

(PS - don't forget, you can click on any photo for a bigger version)

Casanova

2009-02-19T21:06:00.002-06:00

In 20 years of marriage, Angie and I have never owned a dog. We're not really dog people. At all. At Christmas time this year, some friends asked us to dog sit for them while they were out of town. It was ok. No giant headaches to speak of. The best thing about it was the fun that Madeline had. She absolutely loved playing with that dog.

These same friends called Angie and I over a few nights ago. They have been trying to talk us into getting a puppy for Madeline. When we went over they had this tiny 6 week old Miniature Poodle to show us. They borrowed it for the night with the intent to make us fall in love with it. We did.

While on the "puppy high" I went home and made the huge mistake of telling Madeline about it. After many tears and "daddy please"s, I caved in. We now own a puppy.

Our friends tell us that the chocolate color in a Miniature Poodle is fairly rare. We have two dogs in line for breeding with our little stud when he's old enough. We've named him Casanova.

I'd appreciate any and all house training and other general puppy tips.

Peace-
Matt

Ninety

2009-02-16T21:49:00.003-06:00

Two of my sisters, my brother, my mother, and I took a quick trip to Kansas this past weekend to visit my Great Aunt Dorothy and to celebrate her 90th birthday. 90 is quite an accomplishment. I'll quit bitching about being 40 now.

We got to see my Uncle Nate while we were out there. We don't often get to see family on our Mom's side. It's always very cool.

I wish people around here would stop spoiling their kids rotten. It's making it harder for me, because I refuse to do it.

Where's my stimulus check?

Peace-
Matt

Twirl

2009-02-08T20:15:00.005-06:00

This weekend was... bicycles, sunshine, cigar, Catch Phrase, PMS, meltdown, melting, meatloaf.

I know you all know this, but parenting is a tough job. If it's not one, it's the other. What seemed right last week does not today. Throw a dose (or two...or three) of hormones in there and I'm lost. Thank God tomorrow is a new day. Looks like it will be a warm one again too.

Peace-
Matt