I asked Gary what he would like for his birthday and the idea of an espresso maker came up. Today, he sends me a website link that says, “Espresso is messy. Really. If your significant other likes a tidy kitchen your relationship may not survive a home espresso machine."
I wonder if this should convince me that this is the item to get? Do we think an espresso maker is a good idea??
Ah well, it was funny. He did point out that line to me...
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Monday, August 22, 2005
Red Hot Chili Pepper Bike Rally
Gary and I did the Red Hot Chili Pepper bike rally this weekend. We had fun, however I would have to say I was rather disappointed with the rally for several reasons.
First of all, it was difficult to get to the Calumet Community Center starting point due to the road being blocked. The directions on the website said to come in off of Jefferson and follow the signs to the rally. However the route to the center from Jefferson was blocked. We eventually found that it would have been much easier to come in from Davis on the North.
Unfortunately, due to the problem getting to the community center, we were off to a late start. The 20-mile route participants started at 8:00. By the time we got going, everyone else was gone. This also caused us trouble in determining where to go. We had a map, but it is rather unusual based on the other rallies we’ve been to, to not have the turns marked. We’ve started late before and never had a problem finding the route. In this case, we got to the end of the driveway of the community center and had to consult our map. OK… our fault for starting late, but not totally since the late start was caused by the first problem.
The next problem was that the route immediately took us out on to high traffic roads. Again, since we were late we didn’t have the luxury of the police blocked roads. Once we were out on Davis (which was a 3-lane busy road), a police car did come along and tell us that he would help us get through the Loop 12 intersection. The rest of the route, we found the police support rather lacking. It was understandable on the first part of our ride, since we did start out late. Everyone else would have already passed and the police could certainly have thought there were no more riders. On the second half of our ride however, we were in amongst riders who did the 40 & 60 miles routes. There was one particularly bad intersection where we had to cross 6 lanes (3 each direction) and the cross traffic did not have to stop. There was a hill, which would have made it difficult for the drivers to see us. I really don’t understand why they wouldn’t have had police at that intersection all day. Everyone had to pass that point twice. The police were there the first time we crossed it, but they weren’t there on the way back.
The rest stop was also disappointing, consisting of warm water, uncut oranges and some cookies. There were port-a-potties but no shade or chairs. We normally see rest stops with water and ice, sliced fruit (much easier to eat), cookies etc. and they are usually located somewhere with some shade.
There was a large hill at the end, which we knew about from reading the website. The problem with the hill was it was on Davis (the busy 3-lane road). Most cyclists took to the shoulder of the road since they were probably going 10mph at best. The shoulder was *covered* in glass. I’m surprised I only saw one person fixing a flat along there.
On top of all this, this was the most we’ve paid/donated to do a rally. The website indicated that they raised the price this year in order to have more police assistance. Hmmm…. I would hate to see what last year was like, if this year was an improvement.
I think I’ll pass on this rally next year.
First of all, it was difficult to get to the Calumet Community Center starting point due to the road being blocked. The directions on the website said to come in off of Jefferson and follow the signs to the rally. However the route to the center from Jefferson was blocked. We eventually found that it would have been much easier to come in from Davis on the North.
Unfortunately, due to the problem getting to the community center, we were off to a late start. The 20-mile route participants started at 8:00. By the time we got going, everyone else was gone. This also caused us trouble in determining where to go. We had a map, but it is rather unusual based on the other rallies we’ve been to, to not have the turns marked. We’ve started late before and never had a problem finding the route. In this case, we got to the end of the driveway of the community center and had to consult our map. OK… our fault for starting late, but not totally since the late start was caused by the first problem.
The next problem was that the route immediately took us out on to high traffic roads. Again, since we were late we didn’t have the luxury of the police blocked roads. Once we were out on Davis (which was a 3-lane busy road), a police car did come along and tell us that he would help us get through the Loop 12 intersection. The rest of the route, we found the police support rather lacking. It was understandable on the first part of our ride, since we did start out late. Everyone else would have already passed and the police could certainly have thought there were no more riders. On the second half of our ride however, we were in amongst riders who did the 40 & 60 miles routes. There was one particularly bad intersection where we had to cross 6 lanes (3 each direction) and the cross traffic did not have to stop. There was a hill, which would have made it difficult for the drivers to see us. I really don’t understand why they wouldn’t have had police at that intersection all day. Everyone had to pass that point twice. The police were there the first time we crossed it, but they weren’t there on the way back.
The rest stop was also disappointing, consisting of warm water, uncut oranges and some cookies. There were port-a-potties but no shade or chairs. We normally see rest stops with water and ice, sliced fruit (much easier to eat), cookies etc. and they are usually located somewhere with some shade.
There was a large hill at the end, which we knew about from reading the website. The problem with the hill was it was on Davis (the busy 3-lane road). Most cyclists took to the shoulder of the road since they were probably going 10mph at best. The shoulder was *covered* in glass. I’m surprised I only saw one person fixing a flat along there.
On top of all this, this was the most we’ve paid/donated to do a rally. The website indicated that they raised the price this year in order to have more police assistance. Hmmm…. I would hate to see what last year was like, if this year was an improvement.
I think I’ll pass on this rally next year.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Stupid Google Tricks
This just in … google the word “failure.” The top results indicate a vast [left/right]-wing conspiracy.
Family Reunion Pic
2005 08 06_17_George Leroy Richy Allan Jim Bertha Emma Albert Martha
Originally uploaded by rkbk03.
A photo of my dad and siblings from the family reunion. Dad is back, center.
Friday Feast 8/19
Appetizer
Do you get excited when the season begins to change? Which season do you most look forward to?
- - - I wouldn’t say I necessarily get excited when the seasons begin to change, but I most look forward to spring. Which is probably carryover from growing up in ND. After the long winters there, it is wonderful to see the snow begin to melt and warmer weather become more and more frequent. I also love rain, especially the nice, light, steady rain we tend to see more of in the spring as opposed to thunderstorms. (Although I like them too).
Soup
What day of the week is usually your busiest?
- - - Weekends in general tend to be the busiest for me. We seem to pack a lot of fun into those days. There is always something going on and I'm usually beginning to plan on Mondays!
Salad
Would you consider yourself to be strict when it comes to grammar and spelling? What's an example of the worst error you've seen?
- - - Yes, I would say I’m fairly picky about spelling and grammar. Or at least I try to be, although I would certainly not profess to be perfect and I definitely do not have the best vocabulary. Worst error… hmmm… I think it may be ironic based on last Friday’s question… but how about “good vs. well”? That one always stands out to me, as do other adjective vs. adverb errors.
Main Course
Who has a birthday coming up, and what will you give them as a gift?
- - - The two most important guys in my life both have birthdays coming up. My dad’s birthday is September 2nd and Gary’s birthday is September 5th. Of course, I can’t say what I am getting them as gifts because they will probably read this. Sorry fellas – no hints. :-)
Dessert
If you could have any new piece of clothing for free, what would you pick?
- - - Gary would probably expect me to answer this question with shoes of some sort, but I don’t think there are any that would be at the top of my list. Maybe… just maybe… that’s because I already have everything I need in that department. Since I’m thinking of something I’d like for *free*, it would have to be something expensive. So, perhaps a special occasion type of dress.
Do you get excited when the season begins to change? Which season do you most look forward to?
- - - I wouldn’t say I necessarily get excited when the seasons begin to change, but I most look forward to spring. Which is probably carryover from growing up in ND. After the long winters there, it is wonderful to see the snow begin to melt and warmer weather become more and more frequent. I also love rain, especially the nice, light, steady rain we tend to see more of in the spring as opposed to thunderstorms. (Although I like them too).
Soup
What day of the week is usually your busiest?
- - - Weekends in general tend to be the busiest for me. We seem to pack a lot of fun into those days. There is always something going on and I'm usually beginning to plan on Mondays!
Salad
Would you consider yourself to be strict when it comes to grammar and spelling? What's an example of the worst error you've seen?
- - - Yes, I would say I’m fairly picky about spelling and grammar. Or at least I try to be, although I would certainly not profess to be perfect and I definitely do not have the best vocabulary. Worst error… hmmm… I think it may be ironic based on last Friday’s question… but how about “good vs. well”? That one always stands out to me, as do other adjective vs. adverb errors.
Main Course
Who has a birthday coming up, and what will you give them as a gift?
- - - The two most important guys in my life both have birthdays coming up. My dad’s birthday is September 2nd and Gary’s birthday is September 5th. Of course, I can’t say what I am getting them as gifts because they will probably read this. Sorry fellas – no hints. :-)
Dessert
If you could have any new piece of clothing for free, what would you pick?
- - - Gary would probably expect me to answer this question with shoes of some sort, but I don’t think there are any that would be at the top of my list. Maybe… just maybe… that’s because I already have everything I need in that department. Since I’m thinking of something I’d like for *free*, it would have to be something expensive. So, perhaps a special occasion type of dress.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Friday Feast 8/12
I found the Friday Feast a while ago and look at it occasionally. I have decided to start answering the questions...
Description: "While our questions may sometimes be related to food, the main idea here is to feed your mind by asking thought-provoking, mind-stimulating questions. Each Friday when you visit this meme, you will find 5 enticing courses for your mind to gobble up":
Appetizer - quick, tasty morsel to get you started
Soup - smooth and warm to soothe your mind
Salad - nutritious blend of "veggies"
Main Course- hearty portion that is sure to satisfy
Dessert - light concoction for your sweet tooth
This week's questions:
Appetizer
Did you sleep good last night?
- - - Yes, very well
Soup
What is your current computer desktop image?
- - - Picture of Gary in a hammock from our cruise
Salad
When was the last time you planted something, what was it and where did it go?
- - - I planted a cactus in my backyard last spring. It's still there.
Main Course
What's your favorite condiment?
- - - Ketchup
Dessert
Share a quote that you like, for whatever reason.
- - - It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
Description: "While our questions may sometimes be related to food, the main idea here is to feed your mind by asking thought-provoking, mind-stimulating questions. Each Friday when you visit this meme, you will find 5 enticing courses for your mind to gobble up":
Appetizer - quick, tasty morsel to get you started
Soup - smooth and warm to soothe your mind
Salad - nutritious blend of "veggies"
Main Course- hearty portion that is sure to satisfy
Dessert - light concoction for your sweet tooth
This week's questions:
Appetizer
Did you sleep good last night?
- - - Yes, very well
Soup
What is your current computer desktop image?
- - - Picture of Gary in a hammock from our cruise
Salad
When was the last time you planted something, what was it and where did it go?
- - - I planted a cactus in my backyard last spring. It's still there.
Main Course
What's your favorite condiment?
- - - Ketchup
Dessert
Share a quote that you like, for whatever reason.
- - - It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
Review: A Long Way Down
Review: A Long Way Down, by Nick Hornby
This was the selection of my monthly book club. I read it last week while traveling - though not in time for the book club meeting. My bad.
Hornby certainly has a gift for narrative and dialog. The book was a pleasure to read and occupied me during the plane and car trips. By my measure, though, that wasn’t enough to overcome it’s fundamental flaws: a contrived plot and comic and dramatic misfires.
The plot revolves around four individuals who choose, quite coincidentally, the same time and place to commit suicide. We all know that suicide rates increase around the holidays, and fair enough, midnight on New Year’s Eve has a poetic ring to it. But who knew there’d be a line forming at the top of the building?
The four of them manage to talk each other down from the ledge and form a sort of club. But, wouldn’t you know it, they couldn’t be more different: A self-absorbed morning-show TV personality whose shenanigans cost him his job, marriage, and, for a time, his personal liberty; a dowdy shut-in overwhelmed by the perpetual demands of caring for a disabled son; a wild and wacky teenager coping with a family tragedy, and whose parents just don’t understand her; and a thirty-something rocker with a stalled career and an ex-girlfriend. Despite (or rather because of) their differences, they find themselves in a number of predicaments as they gradually help each other to realize that, hey, maybe they don’t want to die after all.
I wouldn’t mind the contrived premise so much if it just led somewhere interesting. Billed as a dark comedy, it fails on both counts.
I’ll grant you that, as topics go, suicide’s pretty dark. The thing is, I just never felt for these characters. In their own voices, they explain what they did and why they did it, but I never felt the depth of their desperation and depression. The supporting characters were also wasted. We should’ve felt the withering scorn of the jilted wife, or the despair of a couple incapable of easing their daughter’s pain. Instead, we’re given supporting caricatures, not characters. The book reaches a dramatic climax of sorts when someone finally does off himself. But it’s almost a throw-away moment with no lasting impact.
So, that just leaves the comedy. I liked the witty repartee between the characters (see, I said he has a gift for dialog), but it wasn’t enough to make up for the sitcom-esque plot turns. The quartet finds itself in the media spotlight and they behave badly. The quartet takes a trip to the beach. Cue the laugh track.
This is the first Hornby novel I’ve read. Some of his other work has been turned into first-rate movies, though (About a Boy, High Fidelity), so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. My recommendation: pass on this one and pick up one of those instead.
This was the selection of my monthly book club. I read it last week while traveling - though not in time for the book club meeting. My bad.
Hornby certainly has a gift for narrative and dialog. The book was a pleasure to read and occupied me during the plane and car trips. By my measure, though, that wasn’t enough to overcome it’s fundamental flaws: a contrived plot and comic and dramatic misfires.
The plot revolves around four individuals who choose, quite coincidentally, the same time and place to commit suicide. We all know that suicide rates increase around the holidays, and fair enough, midnight on New Year’s Eve has a poetic ring to it. But who knew there’d be a line forming at the top of the building?
The four of them manage to talk each other down from the ledge and form a sort of club. But, wouldn’t you know it, they couldn’t be more different: A self-absorbed morning-show TV personality whose shenanigans cost him his job, marriage, and, for a time, his personal liberty; a dowdy shut-in overwhelmed by the perpetual demands of caring for a disabled son; a wild and wacky teenager coping with a family tragedy, and whose parents just don’t understand her; and a thirty-something rocker with a stalled career and an ex-girlfriend. Despite (or rather because of) their differences, they find themselves in a number of predicaments as they gradually help each other to realize that, hey, maybe they don’t want to die after all.
I wouldn’t mind the contrived premise so much if it just led somewhere interesting. Billed as a dark comedy, it fails on both counts.
I’ll grant you that, as topics go, suicide’s pretty dark. The thing is, I just never felt for these characters. In their own voices, they explain what they did and why they did it, but I never felt the depth of their desperation and depression. The supporting characters were also wasted. We should’ve felt the withering scorn of the jilted wife, or the despair of a couple incapable of easing their daughter’s pain. Instead, we’re given supporting caricatures, not characters. The book reaches a dramatic climax of sorts when someone finally does off himself. But it’s almost a throw-away moment with no lasting impact.
So, that just leaves the comedy. I liked the witty repartee between the characters (see, I said he has a gift for dialog), but it wasn’t enough to make up for the sitcom-esque plot turns. The quartet finds itself in the media spotlight and they behave badly. The quartet takes a trip to the beach. Cue the laugh track.
This is the first Hornby novel I’ve read. Some of his other work has been turned into first-rate movies, though (About a Boy, High Fidelity), so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. My recommendation: pass on this one and pick up one of those instead.
Monday, August 15, 2005
The Rest of the Trip
Gary came to Fargo on Thursday and spent a long weekend. I showed him around a bit, but since there is not much to see, I mostly showed him the significant things in my past - like my high school. :-)
We did go out with a few of my friends Friday night. We went to a nice restaurant downtown and I was really impressed with the things Fargo has done to the downtown area. They have some really nice places down there. We went to a restaurant called Monty's - described as "upscale but not uptight". Afterwards, we tried to go to the Hotel Donaldson for drinks, but it was a little crowded there, so we ended up at the Great Northern on the patio, which is the old train depot. It was a little cool but really nice to sit outside. All three places were really cool to visit.
Saturday was a high of 65 degrees, so we decided to go to the lake - LOL. Good timing on that plan. We went to see my aunt and uncle. My cousin (their son) is building a house next door, so that was fun to see. He was just out of the hospital after falling on a ladder a few days earlier and injuring his lung.
Sunday, Gary and I went to some new construction open houses. I always find it fun to see what they are building in Fargo in comparison to Dallas. There were some nice houses.
Our flight home was about an hour late getting into Dallas so that made for a late night.
It was a fun trip home.
We did go out with a few of my friends Friday night. We went to a nice restaurant downtown and I was really impressed with the things Fargo has done to the downtown area. They have some really nice places down there. We went to a restaurant called Monty's - described as "upscale but not uptight". Afterwards, we tried to go to the Hotel Donaldson for drinks, but it was a little crowded there, so we ended up at the Great Northern on the patio, which is the old train depot. It was a little cool but really nice to sit outside. All three places were really cool to visit.
Saturday was a high of 65 degrees, so we decided to go to the lake - LOL. Good timing on that plan. We went to see my aunt and uncle. My cousin (their son) is building a house next door, so that was fun to see. He was just out of the hospital after falling on a ladder a few days earlier and injuring his lung.
Sunday, Gary and I went to some new construction open houses. I always find it fun to see what they are building in Fargo in comparison to Dallas. There were some nice houses.
Our flight home was about an hour late getting into Dallas so that made for a late night.
It was a fun trip home.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
It’s Been a Long Time…
Today my mom had me helping her make pickles. First, I got the fun job of washing the cucumbers. Then, I helped her with filling the jars, etc. I decided to try to cut my finger off when I was doing the dill (my mom does believe in sharp knives). Other than that it went well. My finger hurts a bit and I don’t believe I’ve ever cut myself this deeply, but we all decided it wasn’t deep enough for stitches. It was a lot of blood though and I got a little light headed. Blood has never had that affect on me before. :-(
Tuesday
My mom’s sister from Washington is also currently visiting Fargo. She retired in April of this year. Her and her boyfriend have spent quite a bit of time in North Dakota this summer. Last night, my aunt, mom, sister and I drove to St. Cloud, Minnesota to see one of my cousins. We had dinner with her, her husband and her little boy who none of us have ever seen. (He’s two). It was great to be able to see her and they’ve done a lot of work on their house since I have been there, so that was cool to see. It was a 3-hour drive each way, which is a little far for dinner, but I think it was fun and was worth it.
Back to Fargo
We got back to Fargo on Monday and I hooked up with my best friend since 1st grade, Kim. We went to dinner, did a little shopping and she drove me around West Fargo to show me all that has changed. (I went to school in West Fargo school district). It was great to have her as a tour guide. She’s a teacher so she knew everything that was going on around town. It was really wonderful to see her again.
Tuesday morning she brought her kids by so we could all see them and they are adorable. They change so much in a year!
Tuesday morning she brought her kids by so we could all see them and they are adorable. They change so much in a year!
Family Reunion
I’m home in North Dakota with my sister for a small family reunion on my dad’s side. I say small because it was mainly for my dad and his sisters (3) and brothers (4). A few other cousins were there but it definitely wasn’t our normal reunion, which can easily be 150 people. My dad’s two sisters in Harvey, ND were nice enough to host, even though they are both in their 80’s (another reason for the reduction in size this year). The good thing is that all remaining siblings made it… from Arizona, Alabama, Michigan, Minnesota and North Dakota. It was really nice to see those that were 1) invited and 2) came. Sounds like it’s time for the next generation to take over so that we can once again have the full-blown version and see everyone else.
Roberta and I stayed in Hurdsfield, ND with our aunt and uncle. Hurdsfield is the town where my grandma lived all my life, so I have fond memories of it, which has now shrunk to a size of about 85, with most of those being over 70. I did go around town and take pictures of the places I remember spending time as a child, as I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to visit the town again. It’s probably been 15 years or so since I’ve been there.
Roberta and I stayed in Hurdsfield, ND with our aunt and uncle. Hurdsfield is the town where my grandma lived all my life, so I have fond memories of it, which has now shrunk to a size of about 85, with most of those being over 70. I did go around town and take pictures of the places I remember spending time as a child, as I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to visit the town again. It’s probably been 15 years or so since I’ve been there.
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