The Boy is Pretty Special

Pearce is 4 weeks old today. He is just the most awesome little dude ever. He'll be a month old on Saturday. Mom and Dad are adjusting to the new reality. Pearce went to the chiropractor on Wednesday and we are going back tomorrow.

We are also going to string some beans and pickle some cuc's and peppers tomorrow. I'll probably make another batch of zucchini relish and a few more zucchini fritatas. Roy has grown some huge zucchini at my instigation. Kristi has even made two batches of zucchini bread she might even be talked into another batch or two. How 'bout that loaf pan, cool huh.

Some Gratuitous Cuteness

Just click on the baby for more cuteness.

North Avenue Trade School Lovin'

Pearce's love for his cousin Sam knows no bounds. He even uses the quilt Sam gave him (as a quilt even). Sam will do well with babies. He willingly took Pearce in his arms after I showed him how to hold him. Sam even willingly observed the changing of a stinky. Suzy needs to come back soon so she can get in on the lovin'. She lovingly didn't horn in on Sam's baby holding.

K-P Duty

Kennedy meets Pearce. We tricked Ken into holding Pearce. He refused to hold Pearce in his arms. Kennedy crossed his legs so we couldn't lay Pearce on his lap. Well, that was just the perfect prop and the rest is history (or at least on the video below)

First Use

Pearce used his crib for the first time today. It swallows him up. We thought y'all would like to see him in action (or in action). Lady's thanks again for the crib fixin's.

King of His World

What a beautiful baby boy he is. Yes, he does rule his world and will for months to come. He is just a joy and the doctor says he is growing just fine. He is 21 inches and 8.2 pounds as of 6/26.

Pearce Playing Gnome

Isn't this the cutest little gnome you have ever seen? That was back when he was only a few minutes old. He is almost 14 days old. Wow!

Oy!!! W'at Chew Lookin' At

Pretty Baby Pictures

Found that thumb at last. Now I gotta do something about those fingers.


Hey, ya like my soccer gown. Just wait till it fits.

The Joys of My Life

I am still pinching myself. Pearce is really here. He is just so amazing. Right now he is laying in a basket on the coffee table and I can't take my eyes off of him. Pearce is just such a precious and adorable little June Bug.

Click on the picture above for a slide show.

Shout It From the Mountain Tops

Pearce is here. Pearce is Home.

Its That Time

When we leave the house tonight we won't come back without a baby. This is our last hours before parenthood. It's awesome and I can't wrap my head around it and probably won't till Pearce has woken me up for the fifty-millionth time.

We'll go pick up Reba in a few minutes. Get a last picture of Kristi pregnant and a last picture of us without a child. Then it is off to Floyd Regional for the last leg of the big adventure.

Next time you here from me there will be pictures.

The End is in Sight

We have a definite plan going now. The doctor set a time for us to go in to the hospital and start the process of inducing labor. We check in tomorrow night at 10:00 for some preliminary stuff and start with the petosin [sic] in the morning.

So, Pearce may make his appearance by weeks end. Stay tuned for more.

I'm Gonna Sell, Sell, Sell

In cleaning up to move I have discovered a large number of things that we don't need anymore. I also like extra money wherever I can get it. So I have decided to start a permanent garage sale. Go take a look at Andrew's Garage Sale, I'll wait... OK. What did you buy. It's amazing what you find that you don't need. Especially when you are having a baby at the same time you are moving.

We are now at P - 1 and counting. Tomorrow is P Day. We are so ready for the boy to be here. I can't wait to hold Pearce in my arms. Kristi is so ready to share him with me. Remeber to look here for pictures.

Circumstantial Pomposity

A few shots from Sam's big day. Number 1 graduate boy. Winner of awards and super good kid.

Styling and Filing

Suzy did a great job helping us incorporate the filing cabinet into the scheme of the nursery. Aren't the stickers just the coolest. She made them on the computer from the pattern on the crib things.

Build It and He Better Come Quick

Take a look around Pearce's room. The place is ready for the boy to show up any time now. We are so ready for the next phase of no sleep and a cute gurgly baby that sleeps alot except when he doesn't. It is now P - 23.

FRIIIIIIIIIIIIIDAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, there are ten more school days to go. We are almost done. I cannot wait. Running head long into the unknown is definitely a way to learn how much faith one has.

On to much more fun things. We are at P-27 and counting. The anticipation is killing me and I think Kristi is a little more ready than I am. She had a shower at work tonight. I can't wait to see what the little guy hauled in this time.

I have been much better about the practicing of late. (for all of a week) I worked on a couple of scales and then worked on Telemann's Sonata #1 in G major. I like that one. Actually all of the sonatas in that collection are less intimidating for me than the Bach Cello Suites. They are easier.

Speaking of easier. I have found something the doesn't inspire me at all. Daniel Demoivre Suite 1 C major. It is a solo cello thing but it is not technically challenging at all. We'll just have to see how that collection goes. I feel that they may be some of the first pieces Pearce may learn.

Back to the Telemann piece. I have made it through the Vivace. I have all the notes down. Now, I just need to make them sound as well as I can with my poor cello. Most of my mangling tonight came from being tired and my arms and fingers being out of shape. The strength is coming back and endurance grows. I wish Randy were nearer or I lived in Rome where I could get some decent accompaniment. Either/Or will come to pass soon enough.

30 Days to P-Day

Well, I guess it is obvious that we are ready for the little guy to make his appearance on the scene. We are putting together our delivery bags. We've got to put the car seat in the way back of Queenie (the QX4). We went and had our tour of the hospital Tuesday.

Today, I woke up and didn't practice. I really didn't mind. I slept in when Kristi said she wasn't going to go in to work today. I will not go two days without working out on the cello. I have, however, been expanding my repertoire exponentially. I have found two new sites with links to free sheet music. I even found the sheet music Apocalyptica plays. Battery is dying must go now.

Life's a Bit Stringy These Days

I don't know if I told y'all about my trip to the luthier's. That is the folks that make and repair string instruments. The first words out of the fella's mouth were does someone actually play that thing. Of course I said "I do" Well, he said it would need a new bridge (not a surprise). The thing bends like a shepherds crook. Kristi just told me that I have told you about this so I'll stop. (see March 28)

Well, anyhoo. I am just begining to practice again. (I still haven't gotten the bridge or fingerboard done.) I am going to try to take it seriously this time. I am spending plenty of time on the scales. I am also working through Rosenmuller Studentmusic. It's not very technical but it gives me a work out. Once I get used to an hour at a time I'll move on to more tougher stuff.

I am looking at the Diran Alexanian Cello Technique. Its an interesting read and alot of work. Off I go.

Wild and Crazy Ride

Well, the season is over. My tenure as a Rome Wolf is over as well. It started with me happening to over hear a discussion over the need for a JV coach and ended with a missed PK in the first round of the state tournament.

Now that was something to see. We played Hillgrove, out of Cobb County, at their house and got lost on the way. Our top scorer was ill. He went home sick the day before and only came to school on game day so he could play that night. He played the whole game. Rome held Hillgrove scoreless for an hour. They scored one on us with about fifteen left on the clock. We got it back off a throw in with about two left on the clock. After that we kept it scoreless through double overtime.

Next we went to the mandatory 5 PK's apiece. Hillgrove hit the cross bar on one and Rome got blocked on one. After the mandatory five we went to one and one's. Rome made the first one as did Hillgrove. On the second one Rome got blocked and Hillgrove just did make their second. It was over after nearly 2 hours on the field.

Where ever I go next year (still no word on job offers) I hope it is a AAAA school, or at least GHSA, so I can get a game against Rome scheduled. If I can lead a team against those boys and beat them I can pretty much beat anyone. They want me to land on a team as well. It will be a fun game. Whenever it happens.

Lookie Lookie

Spending time getting Pearce's room ready for his arrival. The time grows shorter and shorter.

Moving On Along

Look at that changing dresser. I stripped it and stained it myself. The clothes on the dresser are waiting to be washed. You should see all the cute stuff Pearce is going to get to wear. I wish I were that small again. We need something to cover that filing cabinet. Take a look at the quilt. One of the girls that works at the Exchange Club with Kristi made that with out even asking about colors. Well, we are on our way to a proper nursery.

Rain Rain Come Again Another Day

Darlington wound up being a tie 1-1. That really is the best outcome for a rivalry that big. Of course Darlington didn't beat us 8-1 like the kids were bragging.
Dalton was postponed more later gotta go eat.

It's later. We lost to Dalton 3-1. The next night we beat Ringold and held on for 3rd in the region. Rome goes to Hillgrove in Powder Springs on Tuesday. Wish us luck.

Cutie Patootie and Late Soccer

Isn't this just the most adorable shot. He was jealous of the shots of Sara.

You may wonder why I'm posting so late on a school night, but there is soccer on TV. New England Revolution is getting mutilated by the refs. Chicago Fire could have beaten New England on their own but the refs had to be donkeys. They booked a Rev at 7 minutes it should have been a yellow at worst. Chicago had already scored. Next the refs gave Chicago a PK for tripping themselves in the box. Chicago had already scored again on their own. Finally, the refs did not see the Fireman set up camp on the wrong side of the Revs defense and he just takes a feed and pops it in front of the goal for a buddy to finish off.

Don't get me wrong. I am more than happy that Chicago won. They could have done it on their own with a 2-0 score. I just think the refs should control a game not influence the score. I was amazed that MLS uses Berry Refs.

Well, I'm going to bed before I get caught up in the Galaxy v Quakes. We've got Darlington tomorrow night. I so want to crush them. I'm still looking for a position over there.

Look Out for the Scout

It has lived through the winter. Pretty ain't it. Don't really need to say anything else.

So Fast So Unfair

Well, the week is over. Monday it is back to the grindstone. I got to sleep a good bit this week. That was fun! I also got to cook some too. I made pizza on Thursday and that was a blast.

I found out that the cello is going to be about $250 to put just right with a new bridge and shaved down fingerboard. When I went into the shop down in Roswell one of the guys there squinched up his face and asked if anyone had played the cello recently. Well, that was why I had brought it in. I new I needed a new bridge and it turns out that the bridge isn't the only problem. The fingerboard isn't just right. I'll be happy to hear the cello after the work is done. It sounds good now with an occaisional buzz. The planing should take care of any buzz and a properly fitted and placed bridge will be nice.

We got the changing dresser in the baby's room. Maybe this weekend I'll put some pictures up for all to see. It looks awesome. We can't wait to see it all together. The furniture, fixings, and PEARCE.

Day Two

We are (well I am) on Spring Break this week. I have gotten to cook twice this week. I am going to Roswell tomorrow so I won't be cooking tomorrow night. I am going to try a Pork Mole' on Thursday if I can find a 12oz pork tenderloin. I did get my mountain bike nearly complete. I have to align the chain to eliminate the skip and it will be ready to roll for real. I got a cool novel (it sounds cool). The Spanish Bow is about a cellist in Spain who lives at the time of the Spanish Civil War and WWII. Sound like anyone we know? I'll let the world know how the book is as soon as I get through it.

Roy Bought a New Toy

Roy bought a tiller on Saturday. He lucked into a great deal. He was at the store looking at a $750 tiller. Someone told him about some one that was getting rid of a year old machine. Roy went over there and came home with a tiller for just $250. And I was trying to figure out the logistics of renting a tiller to cut up a little garden. Take a look at this start of the gardening.

Just For You Momma

Here is the long awaited picture of Pearce's bed. That's a little beluga on my music chair (I don't have a music room just a chair). Maybe this weekend we'll put the changing dresser in the room and get a little video of the whole room. We are waiting now for a fair amount of the stain smell to wear off before bringing the dresser in.

Oh, thanks for the pint Mom.

Baby Gifts, Baby Gifts

Here is the latest in our shower registry links. We are at Wal-Mart and Babies R Us. Take a look around. I can't believe that Pearce is almost among us.

Not Playing Our Game

Our winning streak came to a crashing halt on Wednesday. We should have put on a clinic for Cartersville. We did not. Into each life a little rain must fall. So, tonight Ridgeland will suffer a deluge (possibly a literal one and definitely a figurative one). We can't drop our level of play when we are playing weaker teams. I think the boys know that now. It happened at Milton and I'm sure it will happen to more teams when they are on their way up.

Interesting news to come within the week.

Big Week, Really Big

If the rain gets out of the way early enough today will start a busy week for the Rome Wolves. Today we play Sonoraville at home on the varsity side and Darlington away on the JV side. Thursday the varsity side plays Callaway at home and the JV side plays Dalton at home. That is going to be fun logistically. Friday the varsity side plays Lakeview Ft Oglethorpe (LFO) at home for our first region match.

Well, pray for the rain to stop in time for todays matches to go off on time.

O What a Time of the Year

Spring is here for sure.

The first two games of the soccer season have come and are behind us (thank the Good Lord). Thank goodness they weren't region games. They weren't pretty. Next week we play our first 4A teams with a will to put a hurt on anyone in our way.

The rain is pouring down and it isn't all that warm.

Finally, the first race of the year is on the tube. No, I'm not talking about Daytona. The Tour of California prologue starts today. Cycling, baby, that's what I'm talking about. All closet Europeans rejoice we now enter the time of soccer and cycling. Rock Racing is definitely the team everyone will be watching with their flair and team choices. I also can't wait to see the boys in Argyle.

Swim Fishy Swim

The 20th annivesary of the Emory/Children's Healthcare transplant program was this weekend. Dad's heart is 11 years old this year. The Heart-to-Heart Celebration was at the Atlanta Aquarium this year and Dad invited Kristi and I to go with him and Mom. We enjoyed quite alot. The aquarium wasn't as impressive as the price suggests, but there were definitely some really cool fish. I liked walking under the fish.

Tis the Season

We got the season off to a great start with an exhibition game against Coosa. The Wolves scored 7 last night and both keepers had clean sheets (no missed saves). The boys will travel to Kennesaw Mountain on Wednesday and head to Kell on Friday.

Where Have All The Strings Gone

I sit here on a Sunday morning reading Cello blogs and wondering where are all the string players (amatuers that is). Where I live I have only been able to find a Violinist and Bass player. The violinist is a biology professor nearby and getting married; she won't be available until after her honeymoon. I haven't even thought about asking the bass because we'd need at least a violin (or two). I could fix up the cello pieces for bass and play the viola pieces myself (fixed up that is).

I miss playing in a chamber orchestra like I did in Atlanta. I actually played in two. Both were church orchestras. It was kind of fun on days when both were performing. Well, at least it got interesting. Up here I know of only one "Orchestra" and I don't know anything about it except the church it is part of. I don't even know if it has any strings. (people like the hi fallutin sound of orchestra more than band) It is also not at my church and most if not all of there performances are for church services. I'll just have to check into it.

Speaking of church I should probably start thinking about getting ready to go.

We are Registered

We went to Babies R Us today and went hog wild. If you'd like to see what we went and picked out go to Babies R Us. We are going to hit the Wal-Mart soon. Go look at the listings. They are cute.

Pearce Carter Elkins

It's a boy just look.

Pearce pulls a bicycle kick

Pearce plays the ball.

Pearce laying back

Look at those legs.

Pearce as a Picasso Portrait

Didn't Aunt Jeannie do this alot with the thumb?

Happy New Year

Well, the year of our Lord, 2008, is well underway. We did what is becoming usual for us at the Elkins household. We got in bed and watched the Times Square ball drop. Then I went to sleep.

I went down to Roswell for Mrs. Ownby's funeral. Saw David and few others I hadn't seen in a long while. Talked to Susan Caster about the new school she is Principal. I also got to spend some time with Mom and Dad. Kennedy and I looked at one of my surplused computers and decided that it wasn't worth saving. (Actually Becky talked sense)

Today I reentered the world of work. We had us an inservice today at the school. Well, actually it was at the Elementary down the road. I was late. Did a bit of work for Econ and some for World. We're gonna have to hit US before 1st period on Monday. That one doesn't change much anyway. We've got a set pattern in there.

Aufwedersehn 2007

It has been an interesting year. Return to coaching, return to wrenching, vacation in St Augustine, new teaching assignment, exit from coaching, return to coaching, first anniversary, we're pregnant, failed return to cyclocross, first sonogram.

Well, I don't have a great deal of profundity to send y'all's way. I do have to say it's a sad end to the year with the murder of Benazir Bhutto. I'm not really enthused about seeing who doesn't lose the race for president. I am looking forward to the Olympics. We are both looking forward to our first child. That is the all encompassing joy of our life at this point.

Christmas Day

What a day. I got up around 6 this morning and got the Christ candle ready to light. There wasn't a holder for one taper so I hunted one up. I used an old cup from a bottom bracket I removed from a bicycle. That candle fit right in there. We lit the candle and had breakfast in the Christmas Room and enjoyed the tree for a little while. Then I got my shower and we got the car loaded up for the ride to Mom and Dad's.

We had breakfast at Suzy and Sam's and opened presents. Everyone enjoyed the time together. We even had a fire in the fireplace. (I don't have a real one of those at the moment)

After the food and presents Kristi and I went to Mom and Dad's to hang out and nap. Randy and I got the fire started in their fireplace. Mom got a good laugh making references to us being like a presbyterian horse(something to do with a camel). Anyway, the fire went roaring on its way. I racked up, well, we both racked up a few more presents before we left the folks house.

Last of all we had Christmas Dinner at Becky's. Turkey, of course, my favorite oyster dressing, olives, cranberry mold, sweet potato sufflet, dressing, mashed potatoes, pecan pie, apple pie, mincemeat pie, pumpkin pie, and brownie along the lines of my grooms cake (made by Kennedy), and asparagus. We all partook in verying states of gluttony. Then we opened more presents. At last Becky took Kristi and I for a ride in her Christmas present. Actually I forgot my computer and we had to deliver Dad's Christmas present from Jody to M&D's. She has a really cool car. It won the Dakar Rally 13 running. The day is over and I must retire to the sleeping chambers.

Christmas Room

The cats are not fond of leaving anything alone. They feel the constant need to explore and taste everything new in the house. That will be interesting when Baby Elkins gets here. For now however we have the problem of Christmas decorations. Last year they dismantled the tree by perching in it. This year Christmas decorations have been sequestered in the music room. To be known here in this blog entry as the Christmas Room, or CR. Well, we put up a little 3 foot tree in the window of the CR. I printed out a pretty Mary and Jesus Icon for the cover of my Christmas Music binder. We broke out the cathedral window pillow, Christmas afghan, and both of Mom's Angels. You can't forget the Advent Wreath and the old and new Advent Books.

Christmas Gift

The star above the door is an unexpected present from Dad. I was supposed to put this picture up a while back, but here it is now

The Anticipation Builds

We are free of the school yard at last. There is no real work standing between me and Christmas now. I do have to go in to the bike shop but that really doesn't count. Yes, I have to be there. Yes, I don't get to be with Kristi. Yes, I have to build bikes. But, hey, I get to build bikes. Maybe I'll even sell a few of the things to go under someone's tree.

Guess what!!! The Elkins' are lighting the fourth advent candle on Sunday. This is so cool. I don't ever remembering getting to light the candle as a child at RPC. Mom will have to provide that info. I will also be playing on the Sunday after Christmas (12/30).

Well, now that I have completed any and all work to be done infront of a classroom for the calendar year of 2007 I am going to go do vacation sorts of things TTFN

Gitin' Happy about the NATS

I won't name names but a certain nephew of mine has been excepted to the Georgia Institute of Technology. I'm not naming names because he hasn't bothered to call and tell me yet. My pride has caused me to be ostracized by a few fellow Dawgs. O, the sacrifices we make for the young ones. I have even been called the equivalent of mudblood.

Doctor Visit

Kristi got to go to the doctor this past Wednesday. I went to a department meeting. The doctor helped Kristi hear the heartbeat. By the way the heart rate is 140 bpm. I am going to get to go to the next visit for positive and sure because we aren't back in school yet. It is on the 2nd of January. I will be taking the camera and will attempt to take a small video of the monitor. So y'all can see the heartbeat as well. Well, the doctor says that we have a happy baby. More later.

'Tis the Season

It is Christmas, but that's not what I'm talking about. 'Tis the season to start working the team out. Time to start the process of getting the soccer wolves ready for this spring's campaign. We start the conditioning on Wednesday. I have a different role this year I am the goalie coach this year. Back to where started at Milton, lo those many years ago, back in the previous century.

I kinda need to commit to paper a workout for my goalies. I'll set up a rotation to work them out. I can only work with two at a time until sometime towards the end of January. I think I might enjoy this more; not being in charge of the team. All I have to do is work with the keepers.

Well, TTFN

Adventageous

Tis the season to begin our celebration of Advent. Sunday is the first day of Advent. We celebrate at home by reading from devotionals and the Bible and lighting the candles of the Advent Wreath.

This brings back many memories from childhood. I remember everyone gather around the coffee table in the livingroom to read the story and light the candles. The number always varied because by the time I really got to remembering things folks had started heading off to college. Anyway, we would gather in the livingroom with the lights off and the previous week's candles lit to read by.

My favorite part of the Advent celebrations was Dad reading the story. The book he read from was really cool. It is a good story and the pictures were awesome cut paper deals. I've now made a powerpoint slide show that I'll use next year with my little ones.

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Well, we had turkey, we had olives and dressing. That was a good day. We told the Holland brood about their cousin yesterday. We had Vanny come here to the blog and then enlarge the pictures. Then, I told them that the picture was of there cousin. They loved it. Kris and I got wish lists from a couple of the kids. It was really cold after all the warm we've been having. We got a lot of rain on Wed. We even got some good thunder. We should be getting a good bit more over the weekend and Monday.

Christmas List Time

Well, it is that time of year again. This is my wish list. I have it on good authority that we might get a ps2 from Santa.
Colin McRae Rally 2005
Rally Fusion Race of Champions
Paris Dakar Rally
GTC Africa
V-Rally 3
EA UEFA Champions League (soccer)
EA FIFA Soccer
an MLS game if there is one
Gorshkhov's Sea Power and the State. (In English.)
Bookshelves.
Gift Cards

WE'RE PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are the very first pictures of Baby Elkins. We went to the doctor today for the first visit. Because there was some question that there might be two babies the doctor suggested that we go ahead and do an ultra-sound. We heartily agreed. There is nothing like seeing the heart bumping on along. All that is visible at the moment are the head, the body, and arm buds. We are at week 10 and the projected due date is June 16. What a Father's Day present. This may scare some of you, but I'm going to be a Dad. It is so real now that we have pictures. Not that it wasn't. Man, you can see the little bugger. I can't wait. The excitement of the day is about to knock me out. I gotta go to bed so I can go teach tomorrow.

Oh, Good Lord In Heaven Be Praised

I have found heaven in Calhoun. Dub's BBQ rocks. They like to say that they are the only restaraunt in town that doesn't need a sign. It ain't bragging if it's true. I liked it that we finally went somewhere that K was recognised (and not as my wife) first. We walked in and K's cousins W and H work there.

The ribs were to die for. It's a good thing Slope's is so far away (no side by side comparisons will happen). I like Dub's sauce its got a nice tang to it. They have the best fried pickle spears in town (I know that's not saying alot). Stew stands up to anything I've had in a while. It's kind of on the same line as Dad's and Slope's. They have beef and beer. Next week or this week I will try the BBQ. First I think I will go for the pork. Then, I'll try the beef. Finally, I may or may not try the chicken.

The banana pudding... there are no words.

The interior is rough hewn pine with home made booths. There aren't any free standing tables but that is alright. The people are awesome (not to mention related to me). The hostess led us to our booth with a baby in her arms. Just getting there we had to look for a place to park.

We've arranged to take the folks out this week for Dub's and we'll think of an excuse for the week after. Yes, it is Thanksgiving but that don't matter. BBQ over all.

Well Its Wednesday

I don't really have a whole lot to say. Other than I'm bored to death. Only interesting thing at the moment is that I'm supervising detention at 8 in the morning. Got to go cover a class.

Two in a Row

I have now taken 2 Saturdays in a row off from the bike shop. I think that is a first since I started over there. We are having a family reunion at our place this weekend. It'll be fun to "relax" and catch up with everyone.

This has definitely been an interesting week. At school I had a nice surprise. The AP that will be observing me basically told me exactly what would get a good review. They don't usually do that. In theory I should know already, but different people see things different ways and have different Ideas about what is important and what is not. So, that was a very nice surprise.

Yesterday we bought a Christmas CD and listened to it. We listened just to make sure it had been worth buying. I can't wait for Advent to start. We need to find, get, make a wreath and candles this year.

Well, I'm on the verge of rambling so I'm going to go for now.

And Then The Rains Came

Man that was a nice break this week. Three days without a let up in the rain. It didn't do a whole lot for the drought but it was some rain. We have the Moore reunion this weekend. It's going to be at the club house in my neighborhood. I guess that means we are hosting it. That's kind of fun. Well, I don't have a lot to say so I'm going to take my leave for now.

BEST is First, but FIRST is Best...

I just wanted to say that. The Milton Robotics Team under the illustrious leadership of Suz competed well on Saturday, but extended rounds of competition just weren't in the cards. They made it to the wild card round to be the eighth team into the semi-finals and tied another team on points for the round. The other team made it out (over) of the gate first to take the eighth spot in the semi's. Oh, well.
Everybody was around at some point during the day we were in Roswell. Everyone but Jeannie. Jody, Becky, Suzy, and Myself were at the competition. Jody, Randy, Suzy, and Myself were at Slope's for dinner that evening. It was kind of cool. I missed Jeannie not being there. The last time we were all in the same place at the same time was my wedding. Well, everybody will probably be in the same place some time in June. I'm hoping.
It was neat getting to see Sam, Zoe, Zane also. 2/3 of the kids and 3/5 of the g-kids at any given point on Saturday. That was a nice mini reunion. Next week is the big thing for the Moore clan. We'll talk at y'all later.

We Got Us a Face Lift

If you haven't noticed yet there is something wrong with your perception. I changed the layout. The blog guts needed to be updated and I just took the opportunity to go with a new look.
I have been struck down by a stomach bug. There'll be more on that at Old Boy Cyclocross. We'll hopefully be down to Roswell all day on Saturday and most of the day on Sunday.
We actually have to teach for an entire week straight. Two and three weeks ago we had Fall Break. Last week we had a teacher work day. Next week the students leave early on Tuesday so we can talk to there parents.
I'm going to go now. Despite being ill all I can think about is the race on Sunday.

What a Weekend

This was a great weekend. Ordinary Bicycles turned 25 this weekend and we had a great sale. We sold a butt load of bikes and got rid of some more patagonia and mountain hardware stuff.
During the sale Chris McHagge came by to check out how the sale was going. He runs the alternative paper in Rome the Unscene. We got to talking and he told me that he owns the Claremont House B&B here in Rome. I jokingly said that it'd be nice if they happened to have a room. He immediately shot back that someone had called in and canceled at the last minute that morning. Long story short he let us have it for the night.
I called Kristi and told her to pack some clothes for the night. She thought I meant that I had forgotten my clothes for Red Lobster (I did not even think about taking clothes). I said no I was going to come home, change, and take her out to eat. She needed to pack for herself for overnight. Then I told her about our last minute accomodations. The room was awesome. The house rocked. Take a look at the Claremont House. See y'all later.

Which Way Did He Go

Ken and Beck at Milton for the White Columns Invitational. They need to stop fertilizing that weed.

I started the day off by falling asleep at the kitchen counter instead of riding this morning (5am). Then I headed down to the shop to load up George's truck for the triathlon at Lake Weiss. I got loaded up and was ready to roll but no Mike. It turns out he was walking out the door early at the firehouse when a call came in. Someone left their windows open and the neighbors had burned leaves the night before. They woke up smelling smoke in the house. The firefighters came and closed the windows and said that ought to take care of the problem.

Next Mike and I scooted back to Rome. I went by the Church to say hey to the folks at the highland games (I'm doing that next year). Went home and showered and went south.

Got to Milton just in time to see Alpharetta Marching Raiders do their show. This weekend is the White Columns Invitational marching band competition Kennedy looks good in his uniform. He is a giant next to Beck. Got to see Suz as well. They have got their robot about ready for the competition coming up. I can't remember which is first, First or Best, but they are looking to have two weeks to work on fine tuning the driving technique before the competition.

Black Eyed Bandits

I was reminded tonight about the story of the weekend from last weekend's camping trip. Kristi woke at 4 o'clock in the morning Saturday and heard something outside the tent. She tapped me on the shoulder or somewhere, I don't remember... Honey...Honey! There is something out there. I put on my shoes and shorts and a shirt. When I unzip the tent flap and flash the light out at the picnic table we were treated to a scampering herd of Raccoons. Five of the little boogers (little being a relative term) hurried off leaving a sacrificial lamb stuck in the beam of the flashlight under the picnic table. It finally took off.

In the morning we discovered that the banditos only got a hold of the bread and hot dog buns but left the candy and hamburger buns alone. Needless to say we put the food in the truck Saturday night.

And the Ants Go Marching Down

We went camping this week end at Red Top Mountain. It was the first time I have gone camping like this. I really enjoyed it. We were serenaded with I'll Fly Away late on Friday night. Saturday night we got talkative pre-schoolers, but they were funny. Out of the mouths of babes was in full affect that night.

Kristi and I are going to try camping before as many races as possible. We are definitely camping at Yargo. Probably Conyers and Monroe. Hard Labor and/or Panola Mountain State Parks. Well, more later. By the way I am at 31% BF

BACK!! Back In The Saddle Again...

You should know your Aerosmith. I will once again turn the pedals in anger this fall. I have managed to get myself a state of the art ride. It won't belong to me. I will be riding a Scott Cyclocross this season. Not sure if it will be the Comp or Team yet. George has the final say. I'll know by the end of the month, though.

I still have a hefty amount of work to do on the engine before I get the machine. At the moment I'm carrying 67.5 pounds of fat around on my body. That is in addition to the 157.5 that the rest of me weighs. That all adds up to 225. My IDEAL weight would be 180 (as old as I am) but I will settle for 200 for this season.

The schedule looks like this right now:
10/21 Conyers
10/28 Winder
11/4 Monroe
11/11 Macon
11/18 Augusta
12/2 Blue Ridge
12/9 Dahlonega

TTFN (gotta finish supper)

Hatari

Great movie. We loved it. Val de Vargas was there and told stories about the making of the movie and how he was cast. We have passes to the rest of the weekend. We'll be seeing really good stuff I think. I'll let y'all know later.

Now, I'm off to build bikes before we start the Saturday round of Movies.

Whew!!!!!!!!

I love my nieces and nephews, but Good Lord, these kids are crazy. We had them over to swim with the folks and wound up having the kids to visit for the night. It was fun. Not again until I forget how crazy these overnights get. It was fun especially the movie watching, six of us piled into our bed watching a movie. We are now going into recovery mode.

August is in the Books

We've made it through another month and the world is still here. It's amazing how that keeps happening. School is ticking on along. The football season has gotten its start. Georgia won and I don't know about Rome yet. I hope they won. Kennedy marched in his first half time show on Friday with Alpharetta. I can't wait till we get a chance to go see him march. Well, it is time to eat and get ready for church. We'll talk at y'all later.

Oh, yeah!! If any of my family members are in need of ideas of what to get me at any point in the year. I would really like Gorshkov's Sea Power and the State. In english for any of you smarties out there.

And the Days Go By ...

The year is actually off to a good start. We've had some real wrinkles. One overpopulated class. That's been fixed. Got a challenging new student added to my caseload on Friday. An EBD kid that doesn't nicely fit into any service model we have at the school. Never fear I have already put together a plan to accomodate. Of course, we must now see if the plan works.

Well We Made It

One week down and 35 more to go.

Hey Y'all Look at This

The website lives. It has hit the super highway and gone. I have to change the hit counter back to Zero and make it count only unique visitors. But I am so happy that it is up and running. It will be growing by leaps and bounds. So keep visiting. Keep checking it out.

Here it is ordinarybicycles.com

Go look the site use to have a killer links but I chopped them off some how so I have to restore them.