Movie Top Ten - Actors in a Leading Role

There are a number of actors (male) that I love and will see in just about any kind of movie.  I'm going to share my top ten.

These are not tabloid-junky stars.  These are men of the screen and I love their movies.  They have classic faces, memorable roles, and have stood the test of time.

 

Clint Eastwood - This man puts the 'man' in manly. With the exception of Pink Cadillac, I'd sit down for just about any Eastwood flick anytime.

Denzel Washington - Happens to be my wife's favorite guy. I am really looking forward to his upcoming movie The Book of Eli.  One of my favorites of his is Man on Fire.

Gene Hackman - The intensity he can bring to bear on the screen is amazing. Sometimes you just love to hate his character which makes him just brilliant.

Michael Caine - Hello. Don't need to say much about this guy. One thing I'll say is that his voice helped put him on this list. I love to hear him talk.

Gene Wilder - Two things put Mr. Wilder on the list - his comic genius and the love he had for his wife, the late Gilda Radner.

Bruce Willis - Say what you want but I love his movies.

Christopher Walken - Hey, he's crazy and scares the heck out of me. What's not to like?

Alan Rickman - From his first scene in Die Hard I knew I'd like this guy. When he brought Snape to life in the Harry Potter movies he confirmed his spot on this list.

James Woods - He's smug, arrogant, and a bit cocky. So. That's why I like him.

Gary Oldman - Last but certainly not least. If I have to explain why he's on the list you've never seen one of his movies. If you haven't start with Leon (aka The Professional)

Alex the Comic Genius

Last night while I suffered through an agonizing loss by the Angels, Alex was diligently working on a comic for me.  He knows my affinity for pirates so that was his theme.

We've got swords, planks, guns, canons, pirates getting eaten by sharks,  "aargs" - what more could you ask for?  Oh yeah - total annihilation!

*** Click on the Image for Full Size ***

Kids Say...

Brianna:  "Some of the men at the race today were wearing really short shorts.  They just shouldn't wear those."

Race Time

Most Saturday's are sleep in days for us.  Today we were up early.  First, we had to take the van in to have the power steering looked at and our appointment was at 6:30.  AM people!  A frigging M!  On a Saturday!  What can I say it's what we could get.  After dropping the van off we grabbed the kids to be at Cook Park by 8:30 in order to help with the Catalyst Challenge 5K/10K run.  This was a first for us.

First I have to say that the weather was a total blessing.  It's October in Oregon so the forecast was for rain on and off all day.  We showed up the same time the blue sky did.  It was awesome.  We donned our race shirts and folded up our hoodies and put them aside.

We've participated a couple times in charity walks and fundraisers but never a run.  It is way more official and serious than a charity walk.  These runners take it very serious.  Some more than others but they were into it nonetheless.

Our role was to help at the end of the race by collecting the runners tags after they finished the run. A guy was set up with his three laptops and a printer to track and post the results and we stood off to the side to wait for the runners to come in.  As they came in we gathered the tags and put them in order on a tether.  I guess this was to help the time keeper verify the order later but I'm not really sure. Some runners knew what we needed some we didn't and would have to chase them down.  Others had tore off the tag or left them elsewhere.  So much for verification.  All in all it was interesting to see and be part of the process.

The weather throughout the race was awesome.  Everyone was just loving it.  Towards the end we got word there was only a couple people left on the course we began to tear down the equipment.  Right then a couple sprinkles came down.  The second to the last runner came in and a few more drops came down.  We moved the electronics under cover.  Then the rain started and the last runner came in.  We grabbed her tag and BAM!  Thunder and lighting.  It was spectacular.  The change from the earlier blue skies to this massive rain was amazing.  We stood under the shelter debating if we should walk through it or wait.

As we debated I hear Alex calling me as he was running down the path.  Leave it to the eight year old to get the most out of the rain.  He and his buddy were soaked and loving it.

We decided to not wait it out.  We grabbed our things and booked it to the main area.  Not long after we get there the rain lets up.  So were a little wet - we had a good time, met some great people and helped a good cause.  Kathi has been inspired to train to do a run next year.  I think I might join her.

Stair Fun

I found this very clever. But maybe we could just take out the escalators. That would guarantee 100% stair usage.

Now... further down the road

After writing this post, I googled "itchy chin" because I was just wondering.

The number one link contains this from Yahoo - UK:

Question by sarahlou212
Itchy Chin???
you know when you have itchy feet it means new ground, and itchy hands mean you are going to lose money or come into money, well my chin has been itching like mad, any ideas what that means?

Answer from jugglermatt1
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
We used to use the expression itchy chin when I was at school.I think it means that we dont believe what someone is saying,or they are exagerrating too much.It comes with its own mime(essencial).Maybe , someone is telling you porky pies.

Porky pies? Well that calls for another google...

From WordWeb online we get:

Noun: porky pie
Usage: Brit

1.A trivial lie
"he told a porky pie about eating his spinach"
- fib, story, tale, tarradiddle, taradiddle, porky [Brit]
Derived forms: porky pies

Type of: lie, prevarication

Gotta love the Brits.

Now

Right now I just poured myself a fresh cup of coffee, my computer is not protected from a lightning strike, my chin itches, Ghost Train is playing on my Marc Cohn Pandora Station, I have eleven cents in my pocket, my back hurts, I've got a Word document to edit and an email to send to some tardy-pant Brits. And I don't think this would fit on the Twitter account that I don't have.

I'm living in the NOW.

Watch This - Please.

Manning Overload

Don't get me wrong, even as a Raider fan I love Payton Manning. He's an upstanding guy, good at his job, and has a sense of humor about himself. The question I have is - why is he in the Sony commercial for their book reader product? Why? He just sits there. No lines, no dialog, nothing. He is just present. Sitting there. Being Payton. I just don't get it. How much was he paid to sit there, say nothing, and be Payton Manning? The speed reader talks, the lady who wrote a book talks, even Justin Timberlake talks. Why not Payton? Is it his accent? Is he so floored by the awesomeness of this product that he's speechless? What?

I'm mystified.

Uhg! It's Begun...

In parenthood there are certain milepost's along the journey that are inevitable. Today the inevitable arrived on somebody else's time frame.

Alex is eight. Eight year old boys start to hear things from other boys. Today I overheard in our front yard another boy who was playing with Alex saying "this is a vagina and here is my penis... uhn... uhn.. uhn...". It has begun.

We knew that the "talk" would soon be coming and I knew that I would be the one to handle it with Alex. Kathi had the "talk" with Brianna about the time Brianna was eight.

Upon hearing the above I called Alex in the house and had an introduction conversation to the topic of sex and sexual nature. Let's just say it was Sex Talk 101.a with a side discussion about lewd talk and decency. I finished up by telling Alex we would talk more about it, which will be Sex Talk 101.b through Sex Talk 401.

The poor boy just looked at me with his jaw on his chest and his arms folded just under his chin. I think he was mystified by my ability to hear through solid walls in addition to the fact that I used the words sex, penis, erection and vagina all in the same conversation.

This will be an interesting milepost to get through. I want to do it right and do it in a way that doesn't scare Alex in way that keeps him from talking to me about it whenever he has a question in the future.

For my mom

Mom,

In reference to your facebook comment on this post I submit the following.

I know you'd never buy the CD or download the song so here is a link that you can listen to it: just click here.

Love you,

Brian

Rain / Sun

Tonight I got to experience one of my favorite things. Rain and sun at the same time.

Since I've been laid up all day with a sore back and bursitis in my elbow I decided a walk was in store. I can't let myself atrophy on the couch can I?

I decided to walk. The timing was perfect. Above me were dark cloud dripping their moisture on me as to the right was the sun leaving us for the evening. As the rays passed through the droplets, the droplets sparkled. It was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful, and one of my favorite things.

Because of the beauty the walk was extended. I went all the way to the used bookstore and the game store. I say my friend Joe drive by on the highway - Hi Joe! He honked. Then I hit 7-11 for a PowerBall ticket. Who knows? Maybe I can travel the world looking for rain and sun.

The Bag Man Cometh

Last night I had a dream that I was a bag man for a drug runner. It was one of those highly detailed dreams that seem to last a long time.

The dream started with me and my partner pulling two bags out of the trunk of our car. We had a backpack and a rolling carry on. With the bags unloaded we headed into the hotel. We bypassed the check in clerk and headed straight to the room. Inside the room we were met by two others. My job was to empty out the contents of the bag and refill them once the exchange was done.

Much to my surprise, we were the buyers. I had to load the bags with pouches stuffed with drugs. In this case I think it was cocaine as it was solid white. Once the drugs were in the bag I then began covering the drugs with clothes and other items to help disguise them in the case of a search. In most dreams there are points of the dream the become weird and make little sense. This was the first part of the dream that had the weird moment. While I was putting the clothes in the bag I looked under the bed to find more and under the bed were a couple knit hats I knew my daughter had made. What those hats were doing in this hotel room I had no idea. I stuffed them in the bag and zipped them closed.

As I got the bags up on the bed ready to go there were only three of us in the room. Me, my partner, and one of the sellers who was now putting on gloves. After he got his black leather gloves on he pulled a gun and pointed it at my partners head and asked him a question. My partner shook his head and the gun swung towards me. The seller then asked me a question, of which I don't remember hearing. Taking the cue from my partner I also shook my head and the gun went back into his jacket and we were free to leave.

I had the bags walking through the lobby when a tour guide stopped me and said, "Brian, the police are at the car because somebody saw something in it." He warned me. I didn't know who he was, but he was in the know. At this point I was still calm. I knew they didn't know who to look for, just that something had gone down because somebody saw something in our trunk. What that something was I had no idea.

I calmly walked out of the hotel and was thinking I had to dump the red bag. I guess the red bag had the drugs. I stopped by some bushes and dropped down pretending to tie my shoes. My plan was to stash the bag. As I scanned the area I noticed that there were police all over looking through the bushes and garbage can for something. I guessed that they were looking for what I had. My plan had to be scrapped as they'd see me dumping the bag.

When I saw the car we arrived in it was surrounded by police cars and police personnel. I saw no sign of my partner. At this I decided to just walk on. With bags in tow I turned the corner and headed towards some fast food restaurants. I decided the best course of action would be to hide the red bag in the ceiling of one of the bathrooms. I had a choice between Wendy's and Burger King. This is the point which the dream faded.

Anyone want to analyze this one?

An Artist on the Rise

Here is the latest offering from our young artist on the rise. Brianna is really enjoying art class and it shows with the wonderful work she's been doing. Keep it up Girly!

All Around Me - Flyleaf

This song is covered by David Crowder on his new CD. The original is by Flyleaf. It is a wonderful song.

My hands are searching for you
My arms are outstretched towards you
I feel you on my fingertips
My tongue dances behind my lips for you

This fire rising through my being
Burning I'm not used to seeing you

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

My hands float up above me
And you whisper you love me
And I begin to fade
Into our secret place

The music makes me sway
The angels singing say we are alone with you
I am alone and they are too with you

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

And so I cry
The light is white
And I see you

I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

Take my hand
I give it to you
Now you own me
All I am
You said you would never leave me
I believe you
I believe

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healed

The Tea Party

For my ladies 40th birthday I threw her a tea party. Thanks to Krista for the help and supplies and my mom for the beautiful flowers the party turned out well.

This was a first for me. I know it's hard to believe but I've never thrown a tea party before yesterday. I did some reading on the web for hints to what needs to happen to have a successful tea party and the reading paid off.

The teas served were: Precious White Peach, Matevana & Rooibos Chai, Jasmine Dragon Pearls for the hot teas and Southern Sweet Tea for the cold tea.

The foods served were: cucumber sandwiches, avocado/tomato/mozzarella English muffins served hot, Russian Tea Cookies (by Krista), chocolate chip cookies, Skittles, and Dove chocolates. For the cake I made lemon cake with strawberry-vanilla frosting topped with crushed white chocolate crumbs.

Here is the spread.
Presenting the birthday girl with her cake. I spared her and our fire alarms the 40 candles.

Thank you to all the ladies that came to make this a special day for Kathi. We love you all.

Remember

Dual Screen Necessity

This is cool.

Look what's coming. I think I'm going to need one of these.

I have two 24" monitors at work and can't imagine working again without them. I figure the more work space the better. One monitor is for my email and database information and the other is my working desktop for active programs. The bummer about using laptops is that this is much harder to achieve. This new invention will be huge and will change the face (literally) of the laptop as we know it.

The Batman

Lately I've taken a break from the heavy reading and have been enjoying some Batman comics and graphic novels. I'm not a huge comic book reader but I've always enjoyed Batman. His humanness and uniqueness as a superhero makes him my favorite.

Where most superheroes rely on a supernatural power or object of power, Batman relies on his intelligence and physical ability. Yes, he's got toys like the Batmobile and Batplane but these are man made creations. His skills as a detective are top notch and his fighting abilities would put him on top of the UFC.

The reading I've done has brought me from the simple beginnings of Bob Kane's art and Bill Finger's story telling to the brilliance of David Mazzucchelli's art and the darkness of Frank Miller's writing. Of all the stories I've read thus far Frank Miller's are my favorite. From "Year One" to "The Dark Knight Returns" to "All Star Batman & Robin: The Boy Wonder". Jeff Loeb comes in a close second with the Hush series. The only one that I've read that I didn't care for much was "Batman - Arkham Asylum (A Serious House on Serious Earth)". Not only was the story dull but the artwork was odd and not in a style I care for.

One thing that is interesting about Batman is that he doesn't apologize for who he is. As the Justice League is frustrated by him and his exploits that leave a black mark on the name Superhero, he continues on. His methods are born from Man's desire for punishment on those who do wrong and from his own desire to clean up the city that he loves. He is harsh, dark and unconventional and that is why he is intriguing. Each writer has their own take on these traits but each holds true to the fact that although Batman fights against the bad guys he is not neccessarily a "good" guy.

The more I read, the more I see the complexity of Batman. Superman has his strength and ability to fly, Green Lantern has his ring, the Hulk has his Hulkiness, and others have powers that have been given to them through accidents, aliens or whatever, but Batman has his anger, money, dual identity and drive. This keeps him going and makes him more interesting than the others.

A Litttle Diddy

For the past four years I've been on a journey. I truly believe that the Holy Spirit has prompted this journey in me and many others. There is a swelling of people in the Church that are questioning the status quo. In essence there is movement. People are moving. The Church is moving.

I first recognized my journey for what it is after reading Blue Like Jazz (thank you, Sarah). I was reading the book thinking "yes, this guy gets me. There is more out there. I want to be a part of it." Since then I've come to the knowledge that I was unsettled in my place in the Church. I was no longer fine with the way I was trained to think of church. I felt compelled to go beyond what I know.

I think the institutional church is in need of revolution and repair. What has been is in need of adjustment and repair.

I don't have the answers nor do I think I am the poster child of Christianity. I am just one on a journey that is filled with 41 years of experience. I feel like I've been there and done that but still feel like there is more out there for me to be part of. I think Jesus wants more from me.

At http://researchingforjesus.blogspot.com/ I am journaling my experience. I'm not sure if it will go any where or mean anything. I just feel like it needs to be written out. My goal is to go as long as I can, as far back as I can remember, and as truthful as humanly possible.

Star Wars Humor

Star Wars fans will get it.

AAAGGGHHH!!!

Brianna had the perfect opportunity to kill me tonight. Literally.

While I took Alex to TaeKwonDo our friend took Brianna to the library for a stage makeup demonstration. I didn't know about the subject of the library time until after I got home.

Alex and I had pulled up to the house and I was saying hi to a neighbor when Brianna came out of the house calmly saying "hey, Dad! look what I had done."

If she would have come out of the house holding her face and crying I would have keeled over from a heart attack.

Owen's Nemesis

Behind our house is a wooded area. When you have a wooded area you have critters. These critters have become Owen's nemeses.

On occasion I'll cut Owen loose to rid the backyard of the intruders. I think it makes him feel like the big dog. As a ball-less poodle he probably has some masculinity issues and this is probably good therapy for him.

Pink is Out

I guess nobody likes the strawberry very much. When I returned to the office on Friday most of them were still there.

I think I'll hoard all the orange for myself.

Starburst Experiment

Work has been a bit crazy lately and my stress level has been a bit high. Today I decided that I needed a distraction. So I made one up.

At work I am the candy guy. I have a dish (actually it's a record) that is filled with candy most of the time. Currently it is a mix of Starbursts and Willy Wonka goodies.

The experiment goes like this:

1. Fill the bent up bowl shaped Barry Manilow record with equal amounts of each color Starbursts.
2. Let the Starbursts get consumed by el co-office inhabitants.
3. See which is the last color standing.

My experiment was a success.

In order here are the favorites.

#1 - Cherry

#2 - Orange

#3 - Lemon

#4 - Strawberry

Not only was Strawberry last, not a single one was taken.

Since I am off tomorrow to help my sister out with a project in Washington I decided to further my experiment. I took a bunch of the strawberry flavors out of the bag and filled the dish with them. I want to see how many, since they are the only flavor, will get eaten while I'm gone.

My bet is that most will still be there. More to come...

Rain, Rain, ahhhh

On my ride home tonight it started raining - it's Oregon, what do you expect? Well I love it. I'm sitting here now listening to it come down. The sound is one of my favorites in the world. There are days at work when I drive down to the river just to sit in my car and listen to it. The sound is pure and cleansing.

It is random yet consistent. It isn't too loud and doesn't have volume control even if it was. I love it.

People I talk to at work from all over the world often comment on the amount of rainfall we get here in the Northwest and they are always surprised to hear that I enjoy the rain. Why not love it, it's what makes this place so green and beautiful.

Next week it is supposed to be back in the 90's but I have no fear... the rain will return.

Wendy's Fright

Have you ever tried to eat while you are scared? It ain't easy let me tell ya.

Today Brianna and I stopped at Wendy's (her choice) for a bite to eat before heading down to Dayton to visit with family. We ordered and sat down in the back to eat. I chose the back because no one was there and we could eat in peace. It's kind of like walking into the movie theater and finding the best seats that aren't near anyone. We had those. I had finished my jr. bacon cheeseburger and was starting on my value menu chicken sandwich when a shadow fell across the table and I knew our space had been invaded.

Invaded it was. Sitting perpendicular to us was the intruder. With all the empty seats and tables available this was a peculiar choice for the invader. Again with the movie theater analogy - it is like sitting in an empty theater and having someone come in and sit right in front of you. Odd. So I peeked over. It was a quick peek. Very quick. GAH! I didn't know what to think. I know this is somebodies mom and grandma but I was scared. This lady had on makeup that was scary. More scary than Mimi from the Drew Carey Show.

I notice that Brianna had looked too because she was now facing the window trying to quickly swallow the bite she just took and to avoid eye contact with me. We both knew. It was time to go.

"Briannna, are you almost done there? If you want you can take it with you and eat in the car."

I looked again. She was staring at us with the face of a scary clown. I know you think I am exaggerating but I'm not. She was staring. Let's just say that metallic blue eye make up was nothing, even though it covered half her face, it was the lip makeup that did it. She had painted exaggerated black lines around the edge of her lips with something that probably resembled a Sharpie pen. Scary! Black on pale pink - not a good combo.

After was seemed like an eternity being stared at by Scary Clown Lady, and 50 questions to Brianna about the state of her food in like 30 seconds - "are you done" "are you sure you want those fries" - and the offer to have her eat in the car she relented. "Dad, maybe I can finish this in the car." "YES, you can." Whoosh. Off we went leaving Scary Clown Lady to stare at our empty seats.

Phew. Safe. The moment we passed the threshold of the front door and with the knowledge we couldn't be heard we turned to each other and said simultaneously "DID YOU SEE THAT?" and burst out laughing. I know I'll be punished for laughing but it was the kind of laugh you have after a fright that could take your life and I couldn't help it.

Mom's Glad I Never Did This!

Extreme Pool Jump - For more amazing video clips, click here

Beer. Mmmm...

Yesterday I attended the Oregon Brew Fest down on the Portland waterfront. The weather was hot, the crowd was large, the music was rock'n and the beer was flowing.

My pallet votes best in show a tie between Rogue Ales Latona Pale Ale and Widmer's KGB. These beer's were very different from each other but both were outstanding.

My pallet votes worst in show as Terminal Gravity Brewing's Festivale. This was not a good beer. It was a brown beer that tasted like something brown was put in it. Sorry Terminal but if I was to drink a full glass of that I think I would have been terminal.

In fairness I will say of the 80 plus beers on tap I only sampled eight or so. It was disappointing to see how many breweries ran out of their featured beer so early in the day. McMenamin's Concordia Breweries featured beer was Hot for Teacher IPA which was out by the time we got to their tap and was replaced with their Ruby which is a very fruity beer I won't drink.

The crowd was typical Portland. Which means a bit of everyone and everything was there. The one thing that surprised me was how many people brought their kids. Granted there were some stands for craft soda's which would be fun for the kids, it just didn't seem like the place to take a kid. The crowd for the most part was on its best behavior which helped make the experience better.

People in line were very friendly and most wanted to talk about beer which is good because that is why we were there. Over the years my appreciate for beer and what it takes to make it and the variety of flavors has grown. The beauty of living in Portland is that there is no shortage of fine crafted brews.

Goodbye 40, you were good to me.

Hello 41, you need to be better.

Sparring

For Alex's birthday we bought him some sparring gear for his Tae Kwon Do class. Last night was his first night to participate in the beating session and he loved it. I totally enjoyed watching him and the others and wished that I could have joined in. When we can afford to I think we'll have the whole family in the class. For now I'll live vicariously through my little butt kicker.

Here's Alex all geared up before class. What you can't see is his favorite part (the cod piece). When we bought the gear he had to try it on which embarrassed him thoroughly.
Here he is delivering a fine front kick.
The boys he was sparring with were all higher belts than him and he held his own. Here he is defending against a side kick during free sparring.

Moo!

This picture makes me smile.

I'm Melting

I'm not too big on the heat. Right now it is too hot for me to be outside long. It makes me cranky. Old man on the porch yelling at the kids kinda cranky. The only positive thing about weather like this is that it makes my iced tea taste soo good.

Thanks to a portable airconditioner our house is tolerable. The poor pup is hot which isn't good because he is a total lap dog and wants to sit on me all the time. No can do pup. Too hot.

Just Heard

Me (to Kathi): "I wonder how we can keep down the spider population [in the backyard]?"

Alex (answering for Kathi): "We can get a robot."

The Crazy's Back

It's been two years since I first posted about the Crazy Car Lady. Well, she's back and in a new car.

I've actually seen her a number of times in the last couple years and may or may not have said anything about her here. She's had a couple different cars since I saw her in the original Kia, but they've all had one thing in common, the color. Always a burgundy or shade of, sometimes leaning towards brown, sometimes red.

The new car is a Toyota Rav4.

This morning after a stint at the gym I went home and grabbed the bike. Half way up 185th the car in front of me hit its brakes. For no reason! Then I saw why - it was her. I thought about following her to her destination to confront her about her psycho behavior but decided to keep on to work.

One day lady, one of these days! You keep pointing and shaking your fist, keep on making the crazy sign, we know who the crazy one is. Until I lose it and decide to follow...

Scanned Photos

This weekend I reclaimed the garage - in other words, I cleaned it. While enjoying my Father's Day in a dusty, crap filled garage I ran across some gems. So tonight I scanned them for your viewing pleasure.

This was was my 1979 Subaru Brat - my first car. I bought it my senior year of High School from a classmate for $1,850. I wish I still had it.

This car brought me on some great adventures around Oregon, Washington, and California. It could climb Timberline Road in a foot and a half of snow without chains. And yes, it had the jumper seats in the back! Driving the gravel roads along the Deschutes River made for some excitement for me as the driver and the two passengers who must have been holding on for dear life in the back.

This car rocked! Sort of. The tape player could only play my copy of Brian Adams Reckless without sounding funny. For some reason it was the only tape that played in normal speed. All my others would sound like they were playing in half speed. Sorry Stryper.

The one thing I know it beat driving the Great Green Beast which was our eight passenger Ford Econoline Van or the Diesel Volkswagen Rabbit we had.

This is one of my mom during my black and white experimental days. I'm guessing she was about 45 when I took this picture. She was very supportive and tolerant of my photography hobby. My guess is that she probably thought I'd do something with it one day. Which in all honesty I hoped to until all of my gear was stolen from my dorm room in college. I'm still young, so you never know, I could still be the next Ansel Adams or Annie Leibovitz.

This is a shot of my dad while we were on vacation in San Fransisco in 1986. I'm guessing he was about 46, which is only five years older than I am now. Oh how time flies. He's holding his old Minolta which I know gave him many years of good service. I know he'd tell you that he had these shades before that style was cool. My dad, the trend-setter.

The three pictures were taken with either a Pentax K1000 or a Pentax ME Super. Both cameras I loved and had for many many years. The ME Super was actually the only camera not stolen in the big heist and until a year ago was still in my possession.

I've got a huge box of slides to go through when I've got time. So keep an eye out for future posts on old photos.

Gimme Some Sugar

I am not a control freak, but I do prefer to drive than to be a passenger. I probably speak more than I should in conversations. I'd rather do things myself so I know it is done right. That said, the one thing I know is that I don't like to be controlled.

There is one thing in my life that has more control over me than it should - my desire for sugar. I just can't seem to get enough. If sugar was meth I'd be a full blown, on the street, begging for money, addict.

My drawer at work often resembles the candy aisle at Walgreen's. It is often stuffed with the likes of Hot Tamales, Gummy Worms or Bears, M&M's, Jujyfruits, Mike & Ikes, Starbursts, Milk Duds, Skittles, and the like. Currently there are a handful of cigar shaped bubble gums (so far untouched). My boss often will come in and rummage through my drawers looking for my latest hiding spot. I do hide it because of him and he rarely finds it. I think his lack of self-control may rival mine.

So this past week I decide to go on a sugar and caffeine fast. I have no set length of time in mind, I just want to show myself that I don't need it and that it does not control me. I also hope to break the quantity and frequency of my sugar and caffeine intake. So far so good.

This week there have been many temptations. Today, for example, a lady from Costco stopped by to give us information packages about potential memberships to the club and with that she left a box of brownie bites. I didn't eat a single one. I resisted soda at Five Guys, pie and candy at my sisters, and the coup de gras - the candy aisle at Walgreens. I went there and by habit walked through it and said out loud to the candy (cause I know it can hear me) "not today boys!"

Today is day seven. The journey continues.

Pool Cool

After meeting my brother Kevin (who now lives in TN) at Five Guys *burp* for dinner I ventured out to set up our new pool (thanks Daniel). It is a 12' x 3' above ground pool - just enough to keep cool in on hot days. This undertaking was a little more than I anticipated. But when the box says "easy set up" I say okay! I'm not feeling well but it is "easy set up" and I'll be a rock star to my kids. Well I say "easy set up" my ass! It was a pain in the...

First you have to level the ground - it is 12' across people - that is almost 144 square feet of ground you have to level. If it is off a hair the pool will know - yes, the pool will know. This I found out when all the water runs to one side. According to the "east set up" directions, this is a problem. Fortunately I only put a couple inches of water in so I was able to lift the pool and move the pebbles around a bit. After two hours which felt like two years - the ground was level. Or at least as level as I was going to get it without a team from ODOT.

Second you've got to fill it. City water ain't cheap. It'll cost more to fill the pool than it did to buy the thing.

The kids are very excited about having a pool. Owen on the other hand is not. There was a lot of sniffing and growling and running away. I think what he really needs to fear is the kids desire to put him in the pool once it is up and running. There was no wagging of the tail tonight.

The hose has been running for over two hours now and the pool is barely filled. I just can't wait until this months water bill.

Weekend Away

Thanks to my mom and dad for a nice weekend at the coast.

We stayed in Gleneden which is just south of Lincoln Beach. The beach was calm and peaceful, the condo was just the right size, and the company was perfect. Just the four of us for the weekend.

This is the view from the deck. You can see the beach if you lean out and turn your head to the right.
Here's my favorite picture of Brianna from the weekend.
and my favorite of Alex. I had him stand at the water's edge for a pic and I got him just as the wave did.
We took a hike up to a falls which included a trek across this cool suspension bridge in the middle of nowhere. We had to drive 12 miles up a narrow logging road just to get to the trail head. I'd say everyone was a good sport but one of us didn't like the suspension bridge and made a stink about it. Miles from nowhere we even ran into an old friend on the trail - it was good to see you Sam.
The falls. You actually stand on the suspension bridge to see it.
The kids favorite part was the pool and hot tub.
Of course there was some Catan to be played. Brianna won.

The weekend ended with a visit from my brother Kevin at my sister Mo's house. We had a yummy dinner and talked and laughed. Good times.

Today started at 3am with a monster headache and as I sit and type right now it still lingers. Nothing I've taken or done has helped. Tomorrow's a new day.

The bottom of a bag of chips is the pits; the end is near and the pieces are small.

Just thought I'd mention it.

Community

Tonight when I took Alex to his taekwondo class I had planned to sit in the park and read. Plans change.

Downtown Hillsboro was having a little party. There were vendors and music and cars and lots-o-people in the streets. So I took it in. As Carlee Smith sang her sweet tunes I was treated to a bit of people watching and a cappuccino.

Dudes were standing around talking about their cars that were on show; gals stood aside talking about whatever they talk about when their dudes are engrossed in dude stuff.

Lots of dogs. Small and horse-like.

Teenagers were trying to be cool.

Vendors were vending. Fruit, massages, crafts, palm readings, and more fruit.

Diners dining - I had just had dinner but could've eaten again.

It was nice to see people out enjoying themselves on a Tuesday night. It is a regular thing so I'll be there again to do whatever it was I was doing there.

Heard at Church

"When somebody breaks their arm, people sign their cast.

When you're weird in the head, nobody signs their forehead."

Dear Allergies,

We've been together for almost 41 years and it's about time we talk honestly. I'm tired. Tired of the way you make me feel. All the tears I've shed and itches I've scratched over the years has finally taken its toll on me. I'm done. Calling it quits. I think it is time for you to move on. I'd say "it's not you, it's me" but that is a lie - it is most definitely you.

I know this may be hard for you to take and it may come as a surprise but that is too bad. When you leave I will feel no sense of loss or remorse, that is how far I've come in my disdain for you. Our relationship is done, kaput, over! I won't miss the running, stuffed up nose or the itchy eyes. As a matter of fact there is nothing you bring to the table that I will miss.

So I am asking that you pack your bags and hit the road. There is no need for goodbye's, no last minute sneezes, and no explanations - just go.

Your host,

Brian

PS - While you're at it, why don't you take your friend Asthma with you.

Big News! HUGE!

I've been holding off on letting anyone in on a little project I've been working on but I think it is time to let it out.

I've decided to express one of my hidden talents and why not do so with one of the bigs in the biz.

The news is published in a link here!  Me and Don together at last.

Back!

It is great to have the family back together.

Kathi and Brianna had a great trip which you can check out at www.justvisitinghere.blogspot.com.  It has been fun to swap trip stories and photos.  We both experienced very different trips, ours was a fun and relaxing vacation while theirs was a ministry based trip with lots of work to do.

Owen is finally coming around to being himself again. 

We are off to The Dalles for my brothers birthday.  I'll bet it is very hot there.

Time To Say Goodbye

As sunset falls on the Naragansett Bay it is finally time to say goodbye to the small but mighty Rhode Island.  This will be our final night here with a flight back to the wacky west midday tomorrow.  It has been a wonderful trip filled with great memories and good times.  I hope to return someday to see more of the North East and its offerings.

To Jennifer, Jonathan, Natalie, Nathaniel, and Aidan - Thank you for a wonderful time.  You are great hosts and fun tour guides.

Portland, here we come.

Casual Thursday

Thursday we kicked back, took our shoes off and relaxed at the beach.  Okay so we were only there for a 1/2 hour - stupid wind.  It was still a nice break for the kids.  Alex was proud of himself for getting in all the way in up to his shoulders.

The shoes are off and the ladies are out ;-)

The Downing boys at play

Jen getting in some shots

Alex and Natalie avoiding the seaweed

We had Five Guys burgers for lunch and played a little Catan to finish off the evening.  I call that a great day.

Wednesday Part Two

The second part of Wednesday we ventured off on The Cliff Walk in Newport.  This walk is beautiful as it strolls along the shore above the cliffs behind many of the local mansions.

A natural spring that pours out of one of the cliff walls at the bottom of 40 Steps.

Our host family: the Downings.

The boy and I.

The Breakers mansion which we toured later in the day.  This was by far the neatest mansion that I saw.  Built in 1893 for $7 million for Cornelius Vanderbilt II this house has over 65,000 sq/ft of living space.

Can you find the fisherman?

Sailing FAIL!

Unfortunately the day ended with me being dehydrated.  I had a massive headache and couldn't eat.  A little water and a bit of rest I was better.

Wednesday's Event

Wednesday we ventured out to the Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, RI after running a few errands around town.  Around the lighthouse were plenty of rocks to climb around along the shore which Alex took full advantage of. 

Much to the delight of my neice we saw a family of geese on our way out of town.

The Beavertail Lighthouse: currently under rennovation.

Alex and a fishing boat.

The lighthouse had a small aquarium with a touch tank for the kids.

The view of the bay on our way home.  Many of the boats are returning for the summer season.

Fenway

Thanks to a customer of mine we were able to enjoy a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park last night.  We hit the road early to pick up the tickets and then hopped the subway to get to the game.  We arrived plenty early to enjoy the festivities around the park.

The fourth ticket was sold to an eager scalper who took it off my hands for $10.  That $10 then was used to get a Red Sox hat for the boy.  Our seats were out in the bleachers with all the true fans.  The Red Sox fans bleed green - it's true - they are great fans. 

The park itself is cool in an old school kinda way.  It is small and tight and full of tradition and gives you a sense of what baseball was like in its early days.  Although the park has gone through some rebuilds, modifications, and additions it still has that classic feel. 

This was Alex's first professional ball game and he had a great time.  He cheered with the best of them.  He enjoyed a Fenway Frank and some cotton candy and wished for more but the one thing that has kept up with the times was the food prices.  $7.25 for a beer - yikes.

Alex and I entering the game.

Some classic seats near the third base line.

Think he's having fun?

The Green Monstah!

Me and my boy at Fenway.

This is a panorama of the view from our seats.  As you can see we were a little too far away to catch the newances of Wakefield's knuckleball.  

Thanks for the good time Boston.  Oh yeah, and congrats on the 2-1 victory over the Jays.

Party Time!

Thanks to Aunt Nenn we rocked for Alex's birthday. She made him a special cake and got some sweet party favors.
The birthday boy and his rock'n cake.
Mmm... time to dig in.
The rock'n partiers.