Family football was tough on the lawn this year

| December 28, 2008

Once again my Treo smart phone ’email to blog’ didn’t post correctly while visiting family in New York state. A couple posts were missed, but I’ll quickly upload at least this one family photo for posterity sake. It is from the Howard Bowl 2008 and shows the well trampled field (my father-in-laws lawn) after our […]

Sunny skies and a leftover October snow

| October 31, 2008

While traveling in the northern part of Ohio this week I snapped a photo of some leftover October snow. It seems a bit early to be seeing the white stuff in my part of the world, but significantly better than having to drive through it. Actually the weather was crisp and clear … clear enough […]

Gov. Sarah Palin in West Chester Ohio

| October 17, 2008

Although the polls and news are not positive for McCain/Palin in many parts of the country, in the area north of Cincinnati Ohio, they are a very popular pair. So when Gov. Sarah Palin stopped in West Chester Ohio across from the local Lakota West High School, she had a great crowd — about 15,000. […]

Wall Street sellers send stocks tumbling again

| October 15, 2008

Long term investors and all who are saving for college or retirement through stocks or mutual funds are suffering yet again as the financial markets continue to slide. After a huge move up Monday, the trading on Wall Street headed down again, this time on gloomy economic warning from the U.S. Federal Reserve. After a […]

Last weekend’s visit to Letchworth State Park, NY

| October 10, 2008

After reflecting on the doom and gloom of our economy and state of most investors, I thought I would go back a few days to a nice autumn weekend in western New York. We enjoyed pleasant weather and time with my mother and father-in-law at Letchworth State Park. If you’re looking for a great weekend […]

DJIA down 678.91 — third largest point drop

| October 9, 2008

Dow 8,579.19 -678.91 (-7.33%) | Nasdaq 1,645.12 -95.21 (-5.47%) | S&P 500 909.92 -75.02 (-7.62%) No buyers on Wall Street — the collapse continues to drive stock prices lower and cut even deeper into ordinary Joe and Jane’s retirement and college savings. Not only has today’s drop put the DJIA to extremely low levels, it […]

Shingles have arrived

| October 7, 2008

I headed home to check on the arrival of the shingles for the south side of my roof in order to repair the damage left by Hurricane Ike … yes I’m in Ohio. 😀

Archiving: Photo from Brenda’s August 2008 Birthday

| August 26, 2008

I’ve used this photo for the last couple years but knew it was from a birthday celebration at my parents house in August of 2008 … so since I’ve updated the “ABOUT” page on 6/2011, I’m archiving the older photo in the year it was taken. I still like it …

Goodbye to friends …

| August 20, 2008

My son had an end of summer cookout and bonfire (sorry for the lack of focus above) this week for he and his good friends head off to college this fall; most will be parting ways and heading in different directions. As a parent, its been great to know my sons core group of friends, […]

Beautiful Day & Beautiful Evening

| June 30, 2008

Too lazy to post from in the house tonight as the cool quiet evening out on the backporch is far more desirable. I did get a second primer coat of paint o new repair, but that was about the extent of the evening. It has been an exceeding nice couple of days temperature wise for […]

Enjoying some time on and off the beach

| June 16, 2008

Enjoying some R & R and a semi 19th birthday trip with Taylor … although any downtime is spent by my son Taylor in getting comfortable with his new notebook Macintosh computer. One would think it would be easy to pull him from the computer to go to the beach, but pretty focused on updating […]

Graduation, family and an overall busy weekend

| June 1, 2008

It has been a busy few days getting ready for a well attended open house, family for the weekend and my son’s high school graduation ceremonies. (baccalaureate and graduation) The good weather held and everything went very well, thanks to my wife’s planning … and we even have some left over food! Since I’m traveling […]

Happy Mother’s Day Brenda

| May 11, 2008

This might seem odd, but a new Royal Star Magnolia (Stellata Magnolia) is a gift that made my wife happy on Mother’s Day — photo and post from Palm Treo. (EDIT: tweaked post Sunday afternoon) Happy Mother’s Day Brenda … and to all mothers reading this. (in fact I think I’ll give ‘my’ mother a […]

Lakota East High School Prom 2008

| May 4, 2008

Its been a busy weekend as my son Taylor’s Lakota East High School prom was Saturday night at the Cincinnati Convention Center, followed by early morning after prom back at the high school. (I’m tired and I didn’t even chaperon!) During an early morning conversation with the gang, who departed from our house by a […]

Home Improvements: Landscaping and Blacktop

| April 28, 2008

My back is sore and my muscles ach as this past weekend was spent working in the yard … well really in just part of the yard. I’ve been reworking the landscaping as the ‘new porch’ is slowly coming together — this past weekend was the small pond and opening up the pool. (too many […]

Great White Shark following Kayak poster

| March 27, 2008

This is an older photo that was published in African Geographic in December 2006, but I saw it framed on an office wall and thought it was pretty cool. Can you imagine Kayaking and being tailed by an interested Great White Shark? (by the way … its real — click photo for larger scan or […]

Backporch Project gets some stamped concrete

| December 22, 2007

Our backporch project is S-L-O-W-L-Y progressing; about the only thing slower is the airplane project! 😀 The slightly warmer weather this week permitted our contractor a window to pour and stamp concrete although we are in for a change come tonight. Nevertheless, I’m glad to at least get the concrete poured! Click photos for larger […]

Sonex airplane project update for 2007

| December 14, 2007

I’ve spend the last several years on and ‘more’ off building parts for my ‘scratch’ built Sonex experimental airplane. (note masthead) Recently a retired friend is lending a hand and is encouraging me to move a bit more aggressively on my project. (thanks John) His experience has been really appreciated, as has the influx of […]

Southern decor for the Christmas tree

| November 30, 2007

It is sort of a tradition in our family to add a few odds and ends to the Christmas tree — this year we’ll add some ‘cotton’ I picked up on my way back through Alabama on this past week’s trip. I’ll also include two quick photos as I spent a morning in Destin and […]

Back porch progress

| November 17, 2007

The stone masons (stone artists) continue to make slow progress on our new back porch fireplace. I’m finally giving up on having an evening fire before winter.

Our Back Porch Project gains a fireplace

| November 4, 2007

Our back porch project continues to slowly progress as the fireplace begins to take shape. I’m hoping the stone masons will show up this week and that the weather continues to remain dry.

Slow progress on our Back Porch project

| October 30, 2007

(New Palm Centro smartphone photo test – click photo for larger) The weather is starting to turn a bit nippy and our back porch project is still without an outdoor fireplace, not that you’ll catch me sitting out there at 32 degrees. (temperature this morning) According to the the builders, waiting on the stone masons […]

Our Porch Project gets a roof

| October 12, 2007

The framing crew has been moving along quickly as the back porch project starts to take shape. Like most building projects, framing is an exciting part as one get a feel for the size and feel of the space. I’m looking forward to getting the stone in place and the artist/stone layer working on the […]

Day two: LEHS Homecoming dance

| October 6, 2007

I didn’t get a chance to post a comment, but my son has a great group of high school friends. A bunch of them got together for photos on Saturday before they senior year Homecoming dance. Have such great kids sure makes being parents of teens less stressful; we are very fortunate. Thinking back, I […]

High School Football Homecoming win

| October 5, 2007

We had a great time tonight watching both an excellent high school football game and see my son’s close friend Katie crowned homecoming queen. Congratulations Katie! (and Anthony) My wife and I enjoyed the game with friends on a warm October evening. Our Lakota East Thunderhawks scored in only two plays after a strong initial […]

Ohio based “Spirit of Goodyear” blimp

| October 4, 2007

I took a quick photo out my sunroof as I followed the blimp “Spirit of Goodyear” and its support bus and semi on my drive up to northeastern Ohio this week. We paralleled each other heading north on I-71 and I eventually passed the icon airship on I-76 heading into Akron Ohio. The current Ohio […]

Covered Back Porch & Fireplace project

| September 30, 2007

The final construction project that will complete the original plans for our home is underway as the masonry crew finished the foundation. We are adding a back porch and outdoor fireplace (left elevation) that replaces an existing deck which houses our hot tub. The new stamped concrete is in place of the 12 year old […]

Back from “The Water’s Edge” on Kelleys Island

| August 1, 2007

We enjoyed being out of touch on an extra long weekend these past few days with my family celebrating my parent’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. Its is wonderful mile-marker for mom and dad which provides both my brother and me with an excellent marriage example. Our families booked a semi-surprise long weekend at The Water’s Edge […]

Minor milestone for my Volkswagen TDI

| June 26, 2007

No big deal … but this weekend’s graduation trip took me to western New York in my little diesel Volkswagen and my TDI turned the odometer over to the sixth digit … 100,000 miles. As far as modern cars go, the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI has treated me very well. It has operated pretty much […]

Western NY High School Graduation visit

| June 25, 2007

We had an enjoyable trip to western New York (my wife’s home) to attend my niece’s graduation from Maple Grove High School in Bemus Point. The weather and drive was beautiful and the time with our family too short. The small rural high school graduation (79 students) did offer an interesting commencement speaker for such […]

Memorial Day 2007 and a Birthday Bash Video

| May 27, 2007

In remembrance of those who gave their lives for our country, I paused for a moment to retire our tattered flag and hoisted a new one. As a nation and a people we have so much … I thank God for our nation and for those who gave their lives to found, secure and protect […]

Bought a new Troy-Bilt 4 cycle string trimmer

| May 26, 2007

Oh … I bought a new toy this week; and I came on it by accident. After stopping in at several hardware stores, and shops that handle John Deere equipment, in an attempt to find a new spool head for my 2-cycle John Deere string trimmer — vintage 1980s — I ended up purchasing a […]

Stormy skies & Lakota East High School Prom

| April 29, 2007

Last weeks storms: I’m a bit slow to post the drive home storm photos from last week, but will put a few thumbnails below … it was a nasty bit of weather, although the above clouds were more ominous to look at than to drive through. (click for larger) . . . . . . […]

Happy ‘biodiesel’ Earth Day :-)

| April 22, 2007

Happy Earth Day … I guess that’s what you’re suppose to say? (click for larger macro photo of Tullip) It has been a beautiful couple of days in Cincinnati and I’ve been lax in posting and instead I’m getting the swimming pool opened, tuning up lawn equipment (fixing actually) and finishing a first compete grass […]

Final day at Delray Beach and then home :-(

| April 15, 2007

Closing out the week with a family photo and post after a safe flight home; it was a great week of ‘just’ family. I’ve been heavy on the personal memories this week, but I did want to archive a family photo the good time we had. For three us it was just the sunshine, relaxation, […]

Enjoying the day on the beach

| April 8, 2007

Happy Easter to those checking in. We are enjoying the weekend at the beach. (post from phone)

Rugby season – Subconjunctival haematoma

| March 18, 2007

Surfing the Banzai Pipeline … kinda

| March 4, 2007

Haven’t posted a video clip for a few days and thought I would post this one for Taylor — he would rather be one of these rats. (Does PETA regulate rats?)

Ice and Snow this past week in Ohio

| February 16, 2007

Here are couple more photos (click for larger) while heading up Interstate 71 just south of Columbus Ohio this past week. The storm was pretty impressive as it first coated roads, trees and house with a thick coat of ice followed by snow. From Columbus south the February 13-14 front started with ice and then […]

It is cold outside, duh …

| February 4, 2007

Colder weather has settled around much of the mid-west this past week as were in the single digits in and around Cincinnati. Thankfully we are only dealing with what is expected — winter, other are not as fortunate; my heart goes out to those dealing with the severe storms, the destruction and deaths in central […]

“Its cold today,” says the snake …

| January 31, 2007

Winter is finally here as temperatures in southwestern Ohio are down near the single digits. “Brrr” …. it is cold … but at least I’m not as stiff as the eight-foot boa constrictor found along the Great Miami River. (AP/Middletown Journal photo by John Agliata) A couple of construction workers were cleaning up debris along […]

Congratulations to Madison and Nathan

| December 31, 2006

It has been a busy holiday week which included Christmas, New Year’s Eve, football and my niece’s wedding. I also wanted to ‘archive‘ at least one photo from from the wedding. (and what a wedding it was!) Here’s wishing both Madison and Nathan congratulations as they begin married life together. Oh … and thank you […]

Volkswagen GTI surprise

| December 26, 2006

Christmas has been hectic as usual around our house. We’ve been entertaining and enjoying the festivities including time with our extended families. (which isn’t going to end until after the New Year!) This year was special for my son as you might have noticed above; Santa brought him a ‘car’ … I’m not sure how […]

A post that should never be public

| October 18, 2006

A ‘deja vu moment’ hit me as I watch my son head off to school for “Nerd Dress Up Day.” Although I found his appearance humorous, I couldn’t help but think back a few decades (1960s) when I was in grade school — I’m surprised my photo wasn’t used in Wikipedia under the Nerd definition! […]

Nice weather, home projects and NFL football

| October 1, 2006

Since the Cincinnati Bengals game is at 4:30pm today, I had a chance to cut the backyard grass (with the help of my son) and finish adding a stone drainage area behind the garage. (Treo 700p cell phone photo) Really this is just an excuse to see if my phone to blog is still up […]

Haleakala Crater Sunrise – animated GIF test

| September 1, 2006

Hopefully this weekend I’ll get part 2 of my vacation to Hawaii photos and comments posted. (click here to see Part 1) Nevertheless, here is a animated GIF series of photos of a sunrise on Maui atop the crater rim at Haleakala. The photo was taken early morning (duh!) at Haleakala Crater National Park as […]

Hawaii Trip Wrap up: Part 1

| August 29, 2006

I’ve been planning to write down some thoughts and include some personal photos from our recent family vacation to Hawaii. We enjoyed near perfect weather on our entire trip, both on a cruise ship, NCL(A)’s “Pride of Hawaii,” and the time spent with my nephew David and his wife Gillian who live on Kauai — […]

Flag flying over USS Arizona memorial

| August 21, 2006

Our final day in Hawaii has been a wonderful one. We enjoyed one last leisurely meal while on vacation at Stinger Ray’s listening to island music. (which is beginning to grow on me) The boarding time for our flight is still an hour away so figured one last photo of the flag over the USS […]

Pearl Harbor

| August 21, 2006

As we rest in the shade before riding the tender out to the Arizona memorial, we sit somewhat somber as the displays portray the terror unleashed by the Japanese bomber during a sleepy December Sunday 65 years ago. The harbor view is a quiet place this Monday morning … thankfully, but I can help but […]

Back in Honolulu

| August 21, 2006

Heading to the airport on the bus. We are hoping for enough extra time before flying back to the mainland so as to be able to drive to Pearl Harbor. Crossing our fingers we can fight this heavy, heavy traffic. Later.

Leaving Kauai

| August 20, 2006

Head out and circling Kauai back to Honalulu.

Last day to enjoy Kauai

| August 20, 2006

Looking out in the harbor this morning I’m realizing a vacation is coming to an end. We will be circling by helicopter today … Then off for Honolulu.

House of Rainbows

| August 20, 2006

Hanalei, Kauai with David and Gillian. The guys wait while the girls visit Gillian’s dress shop. I can’t wait to post a photo of jumping off the cliff and rope swing. Very exhilarating!

Leaving Kona for Kauai

| August 20, 2006

Our ship “The Pride of Hawaii” leaving Kona and the big island of Hawai’i behind as we sail for Kauai tonight. This will not get sent until the next Sprint service — we’ll see how that is on Jurassic Kauai. 🙂 I have some negative comments to come on the NCL management of the American […]

Haleakala – 10,023 feet on Maui

| August 19, 2006

We must be nuts … its early and cold! 🙂 Who in their right mind gets up at 2am to catch a van to the 10,023 foot extinct volcano just so they can see the sunrise above the clouds … and yet can still come away saying that it was well worth it. Yes … […]

At a cafe in Kona

| August 18, 2006

Kids are out on jetskis and we’re just enjoying a morning at a cafe in Kona, Hawai’i. Breezy and beautiful … wish you were here. 🙂

Sailing to Lanai from Maui

| August 18, 2006

Since I have my Treo ‘tethered’ to my notebook computer in Maui I’ll put a couple more photos up rather than using the cellphone camera. (Sprint EVDO service here) We sailed over to the smaller island of Lanai (from Maui) which was something I love to do. The trip over in the morning was under […]

Mt Mauna Kea at 13796 feet

| August 17, 2006

Two days, two different volcanic summits. The first was on the ‘big island’ of Hawai’i and rises from the seafloor some 33000 feet of which 13,796 feet as see from the geological marker. Its the first time I’ve climbed to that altitude and was amazed at how thin the air is hiking at that level. […]

Maui – arriving at 6am

| August 16, 2006

By the time you read this, you will realize we did not have Sprint EVDO service on Hilo, Hawai’i so yesterday’s quick messages were sent this morning at Maui. It is a beautiful morning sitting on the deck of the NCL ship ‘Pride of Hawaii’ eating breakfast. Last nights sail an view of the lava […]

Waikula River & Rainbow Falls

| August 16, 2006

Outside Hilo, Hawai’i we stopped for photos at the Rainbow Falls on our way up the 14796 foot Mt. Mauna Kea. We enjoyed hiking except the final distance from the observatories on top of the volcanic mountain. Beautiful and cold at the summit. (photos of observatories to come.)

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog