tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44039080790541105162024-02-19T04:14:11.282-07:00TaylorTaftingTaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-85043314573752486902011-01-01T13:03:00.001-07:002011-01-01T13:03:00.490-07:00The Tipping PointWe were at Ruby Tuesday's for dinner the other night and were lucky enough to have a server who looked like she had been professionally serving all her life. And by that I mean she looked old, not that she carried herself in a manner that reflected years of honing her craft, such that it is.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBuL0FG56ABIYua43DnfneL4wc5jWKaM-FpVYcB_bJoygvxzl0kt3IeACeijgOegitvdub6Mqc2DHq2poOVDChyphenhyphenXVZ5iYDq8hrW33hV4uYji-ucgOvwtTmhK21n6K2oo1I4FSg4hNDPA/s1600/Waitress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBuL0FG56ABIYua43DnfneL4wc5jWKaM-FpVYcB_bJoygvxzl0kt3IeACeijgOegitvdub6Mqc2DHq2poOVDChyphenhyphenXVZ5iYDq8hrW33hV4uYji-ucgOvwtTmhK21n6K2oo1I4FSg4hNDPA/s320/Waitress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557226998930808530" /></a><div align="center"><em>I have no idea what the special is. Leave me alone.</em></div><br />So, yes it was Ruby Tuesday's so we weren't expecting the best service, but c'mon, if they are expecting a tip for their service you would expect them to at least try, right? Can I get a what, what?<br /><br />Allow me to recreate the scene. <br /><br />Half empty restaurant so there is plenty of maneuverability for all parties involved. Five people at the table plus a sleeping baby in the car seat on the floor between Laura and me. So where does the server stop when coming to take our order? If you guessed right over the baby, you are the winner, give yourself a high five <em>(though not in public, that would be weird)</em>. <br /><br />Anyone see anythng wrong with this? Okay at first glance, yes it would look like there is room to stand in the space between us to view everyone and take the drink order. But upon seeing that there is a car seat on the floor, wouldn't it make sense to not talk over a baby? And maybe not to proceed to stop there when returning with the drink order? And maybe you wouldn't pass drinks over the baby????? I mean really? REALLY???? Do you normally pass drinks over adult guests at the table? Right over their head? And why risk accidentally dropping said beverage or a plate of hot food onto a baby?<br /><br />I chose not to bring this to the attention of the server because I've seen the movie <em>Waiting</em> and I'm always afraid of what they will do to our food if we don't sit still and behave ourselves.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4AuXEfahOK7pyBmQFpQjBrvZ1Js6nuAiOmxENo43m1RPlESdlliT9I9KqaLf5BxMVtNUwtv0wzjSveyc7xYwwvBWaBZA8e-9sioKaoM5ritMDY5BdIAeCPzxpUfS2gZnNMA5_mbAlPY/s1600/Waiting-movie-10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4AuXEfahOK7pyBmQFpQjBrvZ1Js6nuAiOmxENo43m1RPlESdlliT9I9KqaLf5BxMVtNUwtv0wzjSveyc7xYwwvBWaBZA8e-9sioKaoM5ritMDY5BdIAeCPzxpUfS2gZnNMA5_mbAlPY/s320/Waiting-movie-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557227006560500690" /></a><div align="center"><em>"Oh, I'll get them some extra sauce."</em></div><br />Instead, I just closed the gap between us, making another spot the obvious server loading/unloading zone. And guess what? She comes back and stands over the baby again. So I move him to another spot. Maybe that is her preferred location. She's an old dog, might not be able to train her to stop at another place around the table. And I position him in a way that she would have to go out of her way to violate what I would assume would be common sense. And guess what? She went out of her way to walk by him and pass food over him. REALLLYYYYY?!?!?!?!!?!?!<br /><br />Some of the other violations <em>(from my 20+ years of dining experience)</em>:<ul><li>not knowing the menu (minor violation)</li><li>writing down an order incorrectly, <em>twice</em> (um, yeah, this isn't what I ordered; and neither is this)</li><li>serving cold food, <em>twice</em> (Do you mind cooking this?)</li><li>promising the biscuits would be right out, and not delivering them until after the food came (apparently this is Ruby Tuesday's thing, having free cheesey bread as an app, sort of like free chips at Mexican food restaurants - bad service might be their thing too)</li></ul><br />So what would you tip to guarentee that you would get this same experience again? Would you even leave a tip? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF0GLdscXsaaNaM5hPM25D-V3kqeRY-aukHvRyX0GmP0kVbje0tqhDekouBZDjeByJocA3JaMB2bQD4yoAzbAo3jSj-swdUqhYX6IjP6iAPl5aGVT9It49nBuLZxj3G1dRGS6PAsDvhE/s1600/MrPink.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtF0GLdscXsaaNaM5hPM25D-V3kqeRY-aukHvRyX0GmP0kVbje0tqhDekouBZDjeByJocA3JaMB2bQD4yoAzbAo3jSj-swdUqhYX6IjP6iAPl5aGVT9It49nBuLZxj3G1dRGS6PAsDvhE/s320/MrPink.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557235563438305442" /></a><div align="center"><em>I don't tip.</em></div><br />I wanted to leave $0. But others disagreed and I heard excuses like:<ul><li>"She's trying her best"</li><li>"The cold food wasn't her fault"</li><li>"This is Ruby Tuesday's"</li><li>"It's the holidays"</li><li>"But she's old"</li></ul>I'll give you the cold food, but the rest, not so much. <br /><br />Do you have a tipping point? A certain level where you decide to tip or not to tip. If tips/gratuity is to reward service, shouldn't the tip or lack thereof indicate said service? Would a $0 tip send the right message? 10%? 20%?TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-91241038386917377282010-12-29T09:38:00.009-07:002010-12-29T10:10:33.715-07:00Little Baker ManWe got a Learning Tower for our little teeny guy. For the most part it is an enclosed step stool so our little guy doesn't fall off. But the Tower of Learning and Almighty Knowledge allows Nathan to be close to mommy/daddy while proving us with the opportunity to get some stuff done. It also allows Nathan to help us out. Like making holiday cookies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BPGlvMn-cL3Eu_iPgSJy4hQe1drAmk-Gi_Zyxebjwqkfi-TvFa26Wy39uaRSFLjveVFdZwFFjZ1wv4_piOyz_ih83G7DodojyG6A8Y6pJgIkCwYAKU4tSbJaZdP9-ZYZc2iKwpdp5-o/s1600/IMG_6550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BPGlvMn-cL3Eu_iPgSJy4hQe1drAmk-Gi_Zyxebjwqkfi-TvFa26Wy39uaRSFLjveVFdZwFFjZ1wv4_piOyz_ih83G7DodojyG6A8Y6pJgIkCwYAKU4tSbJaZdP9-ZYZc2iKwpdp5-o/s320/IMG_6550.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556147261777614562" /></a><div align="center"><em>Pineapple cookies???</em></div><br />Nathan really enjoys stirring/mixing. When he sees a wooden spoon now, he gets excited and says, "Stir? Stir?"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikon10cU6X2OLXKlNyiJHJlAfFsYrDwzilPw0mDyjUgvVIRKfAoRpWOVDKGx3aHKePX6njo-dO6_QCe7gjchqPCtvmun_YFFTzfQ6fZrgbK6E1aY7SvcbhipWUnHb1zIVWNuIBI2C7z6w/s1600/IMG_6567.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikon10cU6X2OLXKlNyiJHJlAfFsYrDwzilPw0mDyjUgvVIRKfAoRpWOVDKGx3aHKePX6njo-dO6_QCe7gjchqPCtvmun_YFFTzfQ6fZrgbK6E1aY7SvcbhipWUnHb1zIVWNuIBI2C7z6w/s320/IMG_6567.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556147452098767202" /></a><div align="center"><em>Cheeeese</em></div><br />Nathan taking a moment to smile for the camera.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7FNZFOgMJ-gzSt9z_cONLuM2cAo8xl5INdW3rf15ZRo9v_QMhAkuWVtnxZ1MpvyK8jFwK5v4sB0W0hglR2yQrzxy7SQFTUtRlmVydfxTuqb9Xz3ptAk9TpFlWSPRcJc0-d2pCF-fgSU/s1600/IMG_6562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7FNZFOgMJ-gzSt9z_cONLuM2cAo8xl5INdW3rf15ZRo9v_QMhAkuWVtnxZ1MpvyK8jFwK5v4sB0W0hglR2yQrzxy7SQFTUtRlmVydfxTuqb9Xz3ptAk9TpFlWSPRcJc0-d2pCF-fgSU/s320/IMG_6562.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556147268853054882" /></a><div align="center"><em>Full-body cheese</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNJh0ebZbaWXKhUpNnqJEMyK-SfIaIt-KD79yJs9dDnlss7urFltUP_43HFdcbETTUjoToIR3loidit0btWVC4DGG_oq1Ynwuw0CV_z-J3jsgj1UQqEr2HN5Mqnwustd-Y5F75IyI_H8/s1600/IMG_6530.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNJh0ebZbaWXKhUpNnqJEMyK-SfIaIt-KD79yJs9dDnlss7urFltUP_43HFdcbETTUjoToIR3loidit0btWVC4DGG_oq1Ynwuw0CV_z-J3jsgj1UQqEr2HN5Mqnwustd-Y5F75IyI_H8/s320/IMG_6530.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556146928271550098" /></a><div align="center"><em>Patty cake, patty cake...</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido6jtt1ZOH1U_ob81udjuVThn2lEXqfK8O5eSp_seiXsoLb8Qk5OZ94uBlXXTBeT0j-aUoeFhEZfrd_b8Qp8mundgKlK38exNh0-3p_DBp6f30lZJQqEdsQshO3psHTG7x3qfuF34LNs/s1600/IMG_6531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido6jtt1ZOH1U_ob81udjuVThn2lEXqfK8O5eSp_seiXsoLb8Qk5OZ94uBlXXTBeT0j-aUoeFhEZfrd_b8Qp8mundgKlK38exNh0-3p_DBp6f30lZJQqEdsQshO3psHTG7x3qfuF34LNs/s320/IMG_6531.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556146933058972018" /></a><div align="center"><em>Um, Mom, I'm trying to concentrate here.</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYYv-5Q2aWJw3kdyTKl9Hlj6ppTQM7uvncuBl4MVJSOOjxE0FAqpiPSDtg8rNFL152ax6K63Ydn6vA6c4Y2yARbC_Sh0xd2gXmkGQrn-yJL6i2i9aeohAgP4oJYJZn9GEa8YehFA5Vc8/s1600/IMG_6536.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYYv-5Q2aWJw3kdyTKl9Hlj6ppTQM7uvncuBl4MVJSOOjxE0FAqpiPSDtg8rNFL152ax6K63Ydn6vA6c4Y2yARbC_Sh0xd2gXmkGQrn-yJL6i2i9aeohAgP4oJYJZn9GEa8YehFA5Vc8/s320/IMG_6536.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556147457663577890" /></a><div align="center"><em>Happy baker.</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfW9JNm7uxYKkMMu8T37mh5A9x-2DD3c4bJDngE5jLdLMREgsV2V9911kLI0MnZ198BwB1Hro7aLY-dknJnaN9QVNPX2L2y_saUqeLgMvbbEVPPqc5rCAlvXebOXItejfsz04HObokYg/s1600/IMG_6526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfW9JNm7uxYKkMMu8T37mh5A9x-2DD3c4bJDngE5jLdLMREgsV2V9911kLI0MnZ198BwB1Hro7aLY-dknJnaN9QVNPX2L2y_saUqeLgMvbbEVPPqc5rCAlvXebOXItejfsz04HObokYg/s320/IMG_6526.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556146727582385314" /></a><div align="center"><em>Well placed cookies.</em></div><br />Looks like Nathan did a great job with the cookie placememnt. I'm sure none of the cookies baked together.<br /><br />I wonder if <em>The Food Network</em> needs another cooking show.<br /><div> </div><br /><em>Did you happen to notice how the kitchen got cleaner as we progressed?</em>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-41362397196859971562010-12-29T09:05:00.005-07:002010-12-29T09:37:57.419-07:00Reinforcements - Mr. Turtle and the Lady BugsWhen we last left our beloved garden, we were being attacked by some self proclaimed "fun guys." But have no fear, the reinforcements have arrived. Take that, fungi!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznI3QXxw9Q8h6yn2AYlY7m2ruGf6TnTiGK6LC_CTP4nMi0_66KI9dr-QDntWpMkCY3a1AxZCQR6vH9sLOIog455XhyphenhypheniJ-1np2oDeH84aKOGYE_-9fsR-uxfCOhpJOyyzEK9NBmGEYWCM/s1600/IMG_6159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznI3QXxw9Q8h6yn2AYlY7m2ruGf6TnTiGK6LC_CTP4nMi0_66KI9dr-QDntWpMkCY3a1AxZCQR6vH9sLOIog455XhyphenhypheniJ-1np2oDeH84aKOGYE_-9fsR-uxfCOhpJOyyzEK9NBmGEYWCM/s320/IMG_6159.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556137045427152978" /></a><div align="center"><em>Come out, come out whereever you are.</em></div><br />Laura found this turtle crossing the street. Apparently the chicken was laid off, paving the way for the slower, less efficient workers willing to accept a lower wage.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBd6y3UB-pe63dKscEUYBfkUyuTW_CLQ-IlaqjNGircGl_U5TtydDkLvYBwC_kToorpTyST11o7mNV2dLF_lmtC0boI8Luvj_JRfAIUm08yo6PiQHZQ_rwJoyhl2L6Pt1QzQKdNKRscDs/s1600/IMG_6163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBd6y3UB-pe63dKscEUYBfkUyuTW_CLQ-IlaqjNGircGl_U5TtydDkLvYBwC_kToorpTyST11o7mNV2dLF_lmtC0boI8Luvj_JRfAIUm08yo6PiQHZQ_rwJoyhl2L6Pt1QzQKdNKRscDs/s320/IMG_6163.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556137057348049186" /></a><div align="center"><em>Zooooooommm.</em></div><br />Actually, for a turtle, he is quite quick. <br /><br />And for phase 2, we have the highly respectable Lady Bugs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ggNhBWZR4KSu1ijvBawSMl-ZTgJn4oH9aWohQ2XJkHs91cWkmyVGq1u6zyDL-6MtoaGXUP86YGXDja81nVkURfr6kE5vDO0ua0ARRntbt-AS_AegpVTQ9rAVmSqcDeqgmnSQDy5evcU/s1600/IMG_6162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ggNhBWZR4KSu1ijvBawSMl-ZTgJn4oH9aWohQ2XJkHs91cWkmyVGq1u6zyDL-6MtoaGXUP86YGXDja81nVkURfr6kE5vDO0ua0ARRntbt-AS_AegpVTQ9rAVmSqcDeqgmnSQDy5evcU/s320/IMG_6162.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556137052311021778" /></a><div align="center"><em>Lady Bugs, ATTACK!!!</em></div><br />"Jolly, oh, dear fungi, won't you kindly depart the premises?"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichcPJw4GlBgGCnxU8RtNESdb-KqY52f1zxj7nirytB5-V6gkQ4mRXi_rFjd7OTbVP3RMh-MBggLW7hEihnGM5PXvI52GjKtnhbAgAEVw5V9Cb-xKVZ6qvgOtnZhmDOwijbuMtu-77EEU/s1600/IMG_6160.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichcPJw4GlBgGCnxU8RtNESdb-KqY52f1zxj7nirytB5-V6gkQ4mRXi_rFjd7OTbVP3RMh-MBggLW7hEihnGM5PXvI52GjKtnhbAgAEVw5V9Cb-xKVZ6qvgOtnZhmDOwijbuMtu-77EEU/s320/IMG_6160.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556137050597604290" /></a><div align="center"><em>An elegant show of force.</em></div><br />"Ah, very good, Gov'nor. Looks like our job here is done. Cheerio."<br /><br />And like that, they were gone. Similar to <em>The Usual Suspects</em>, just when you were about to figure out what was going on, they disappeared into the night. According the the Lady Bug instructions (yes, the Lady Bugs came with instructions), we were to release these little charmers into the garden at night or else they would fly away. Well, that's what we did, with the help of our little gardener, Nathan, who really enjoyed the little buggers, but when we awoke the next day, not a Lady Bug in sight. They absconded into the night.<br /><br />At least they all seemed to do their jobs. The mushrooms are gone (Laura picked them all) and the bugs that were eating our leaves have either departed or moved onto the second course.TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-1547280089161008832010-12-16T08:23:00.005-07:002010-12-16T08:31:03.806-07:00The New Balloon BoyThis is awesome. A father and son send an iphone into space and record the entire trip.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fXkoIBDXwd8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fXkoIBDXwd8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Sounds like something Nathan and I may have to try.<br /><br /><a href="http://grasptheuniverse.com/random/father-and-son-launch-an-iphone-into-outer-space-2/">Link</a>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-26742438838786728752010-11-02T17:53:00.006-07:002010-11-02T20:25:02.015-07:00Soil Diggers - Episode 3: There Goes The NeighborhoodSo within minutes of the garden going up, the low-lifes moved in. And by low, I mean close to the ground. Though, honestly where else would they be? I mean we just finished the garden, of course the new neighbors would pop up close to the ground, they're in the ground. Even though we put in this makeshift gate to keep them out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0MxFcyGasTDn92gcmkH-_-Yyb0mqWwV71h1YKKl8064pHzkyH-8yrOmexBkeE-y_CP0mJDlIa7ZJ8BRKMxMBjb8Hh_PsvLtUC0F9UKMMAmSDOkKHat7bEWCTv-ghzzzzhA6TO2A17es/s1600/IMG_5440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0MxFcyGasTDn92gcmkH-_-Yyb0mqWwV71h1YKKl8064pHzkyH-8yrOmexBkeE-y_CP0mJDlIa7ZJ8BRKMxMBjb8Hh_PsvLtUC0F9UKMMAmSDOkKHat7bEWCTv-ghzzzzhA6TO2A17es/s320/IMG_5440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532185841166182370" /></a><div align="center"><em>Gate?</em></div><br />Actually, the gate was to keep Sonoma out. Some of the seeds needed to be close to the top of the soil and didn't need Sonoma's big, 80 pound, fury paws smooshing them down, deep into the Earth where only the Hobbits live. Or digging them up like a puppy is apt to do. Not the Hobbits, though that would be interesting...<br /><br />So who moved in? Well I'm glad you asked. First the good guys.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUj44739wXHoiZ8UTWhzKbKdp96WNQr_Qxj6q8grnfa0bYOlRFiVRhGOeczl0ZeBNKNV5C_d8gCOuE45n0CSpyHmmMW3BJUGMr5QtcSxpXX94IEJ0E-1XR0V_5rFZPOYkcDtoVTm1pniE/s1600/IMG_5422.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUj44739wXHoiZ8UTWhzKbKdp96WNQr_Qxj6q8grnfa0bYOlRFiVRhGOeczl0ZeBNKNV5C_d8gCOuE45n0CSpyHmmMW3BJUGMr5QtcSxpXX94IEJ0E-1XR0V_5rFZPOYkcDtoVTm1pniE/s320/IMG_5422.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532170786447618578" /></a><div align="center"><em>Green beans</em></div><br />Over in <em>Ceres</em> we have Green Bean lane - a multi-unit, apartment neighborhood right in the heart of Ceres. Easy access to water, soil, and gardeners. Spaces still available. You'll want to grab these spots soon as their value will surely rise with the bean stalks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyeuVRTU8TvMZONHgbxXN_fboweY6HHSh-Gq8YD_vtWlkekOAU39q7RHG_M7xkI0ktZjoiEkPESJZ6nUASEB_PLXMr2Zzh5yp_ZOHOF8OV_ndazZ9Wh-PJzQiQ8xyMG1VVJve0Fhxwvs/s1600/IMG_5419.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyeuVRTU8TvMZONHgbxXN_fboweY6HHSh-Gq8YD_vtWlkekOAU39q7RHG_M7xkI0ktZjoiEkPESJZ6nUASEB_PLXMr2Zzh5yp_ZOHOF8OV_ndazZ9Wh-PJzQiQ8xyMG1VVJve0Fhxwvs/s320/IMG_5419.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532170427946382994" /></a><div align="center"><em>Basil</em></div><br />Over in <em>Demeter</em> we have the basil transplant. An exclusive community that is facing urban sprawl. Also close to the Nathan garden which is always buzzing with excitement.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIKPH9HeCDjLXXJJWFnTNOQo_9nE4mfpuTf0auvqRRRPujzQw0jnj7_IdPso9jVs2-xQwzLhyphenhyphenyZPRYOp9GtEofZfFlblNmrtnjcSAV4y3mkfEbDEq86H4xd5VzsPT8_pPiX7Nfn6RJxY/s1600/IMG_5433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIKPH9HeCDjLXXJJWFnTNOQo_9nE4mfpuTf0auvqRRRPujzQw0jnj7_IdPso9jVs2-xQwzLhyphenhyphenyZPRYOp9GtEofZfFlblNmrtnjcSAV4y3mkfEbDEq86H4xd5VzsPT8_pPiX7Nfn6RJxY/s320/IMG_5433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532181746704192370" /></a><div align="center"><em>Carrots</em></div><br />The carrots are in a nice single family community near downtown <em>Demeter</em>. Good size plots with plenty of room for growth. Plenty of good schools and perfect for raising your family or any root-type of produce.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwY9_sgHHNLhCsyUrCgz93rZXj5uQDFR94oCHHpVU8YeETJOemAKi6ysbMnq8Kq2qPWEwSrYohhPAVkbTYv32RZDeIqm6DjJ1VibKFIzAjNZpeTz1ZfCs742De2j1cA34l26HddD7Z_0/s1600/IMG_5431.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwY9_sgHHNLhCsyUrCgz93rZXj5uQDFR94oCHHpVU8YeETJOemAKi6ysbMnq8Kq2qPWEwSrYohhPAVkbTYv32RZDeIqm6DjJ1VibKFIzAjNZpeTz1ZfCs742De2j1cA34l26HddD7Z_0/s320/IMG_5431.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532181723037316930" /></a><div align="center"><em>Sugar Snap Peas</em></div><br />If you're looking for a quiet get-away, look no further than Sugar Snap Peas. Known for their slow-paced atmosphere, this area takes you back to a simpler time. A great vacation destination to take your mind of the hustle and bustle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQVhK5q7F9Eqlq81mMsV851nJiCYpSOYfYf7WZZbj0xOlcTjne3QjmF_LLTe9ncE-LYP6nCaOSmIWdXFcb1axXQXcp9i6vZho3-yDOxQCZRmnZ6KIWBvMfxOgXSAkPA0lXDC6aG1jF48/s1600/IMG_5416.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQVhK5q7F9Eqlq81mMsV851nJiCYpSOYfYf7WZZbj0xOlcTjne3QjmF_LLTe9ncE-LYP6nCaOSmIWdXFcb1axXQXcp9i6vZho3-yDOxQCZRmnZ6KIWBvMfxOgXSAkPA0lXDC6aG1jF48/s320/IMG_5416.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532170411502300354" /></a><div align="center"><em>Nathan's Garden Spot</em></div><br />There's always something going on in Nathan's Garden and you never know what's next. Lively entertainment, unpredictable watering schedules, and crazy nightlife, Nathan's Garden has plenty of young, single people.<br /><br />So, that all sounds lovely right? Great places that rival San Francisco or New York, New York. I hear they are even working on a theme song. So what was that you mentioned about low-lifes? Well...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMLbTeCPs-OQZ1NqmqgU2ErjofIs8M766YNajIYuzKCKgAFkhW6WazDvsYfoE1MVGytSJYdWoTlMYoTMfp52pFs1whe_BOIx2R77CQyiirGW8yeSe1rLxMdo70xIXH2v9OOP7wYhLsJc/s1600/IMG_5438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMLbTeCPs-OQZ1NqmqgU2ErjofIs8M766YNajIYuzKCKgAFkhW6WazDvsYfoE1MVGytSJYdWoTlMYoTMfp52pFs1whe_BOIx2R77CQyiirGW8yeSe1rLxMdo70xIXH2v9OOP7wYhLsJc/s320/IMG_5438.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532185831689943234" /></a><div align="center"><em>Uninvited guests</em></div><br />Dum, dum dum...<br /><br />These little pinheads began popping up. Like gypsies or Peruvian flute bands. These self-described "fun guys" just come in, party it up, and leave the damage for someone else to clean up. Anyone know a mycophagist for hire?<br /><br />Next time on Soil Diggers...Will they find a mycophagist? WTF is a mycophagist? Will the mushrooms take over the 'hood? What happened to the tragedy that was supposed to strike? Will the carrots get a little sugar from the snap peas? Tune in next week.TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-77968318772565722562010-10-25T18:59:00.001-07:002010-10-25T22:05:36.523-07:00Soil Diggers - Episode 2: Demeter & CeresIn Greek mythology, the goddess Demeter was the most generous of the great Olympian goddesses. Demeter was beloved for her service to mankind in giving them the gift of the harvest, the reward for cultivation of the soil. She was also known as Ceres (to the Romans), because she had a bit of a split personality... And a temper. Word on the street is that she opened a can of whoop-ass on Earth in the winter killing everything in sight.<br /><br />So, since we want a bountiful harvest, what better way to pay tribute to Demeter/Ceres than to name our gardens after her/them. That's right, gardens. With an s. Because look at how much soil we have:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ4ihzGeQhhV46qFegrlDS7DAWxOE4nI-0vbF2_W1TvFW1vBpuy9avy7l_ZC7CojwcjXlJHziRxQThkoBDo7JtwIzGnjwm0-XNN85thcHTwee9nc4ryEOBfDa1XmzJjLeq4W7RcCRlPo/s1600/IMG_5092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQ4ihzGeQhhV46qFegrlDS7DAWxOE4nI-0vbF2_W1TvFW1vBpuy9avy7l_ZC7CojwcjXlJHziRxQThkoBDo7JtwIzGnjwm0-XNN85thcHTwee9nc4ryEOBfDa1XmzJjLeq4W7RcCRlPo/s320/IMG_5092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530329094514025954" /></a><div align="center"><em>That's one big pile of soil</em></div><br />By the way, it's amazing how dirty you can get from soil. I guess what they say is true: You can take the soil out of the dirt, but you can't take the dirt out of the soil. <em>or something.</em><br /><br />And while we were at it, we decided to get that third compost bin we've had our eyes on.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwAskbLG1pCIGaUc0vnbmEehlrRmLWR2FOQGY2iAVnGDqWFv7xpLIejCCK0sZQgvhQ7yVHcCtHIIAQHlrMC_iwCXDiD7HsIjpD5DgPXMm4OKmtO6IVRPjBKZ_zdb3FviPqtCdVgKD1EU/s1600/IMG_5435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwAskbLG1pCIGaUc0vnbmEehlrRmLWR2FOQGY2iAVnGDqWFv7xpLIejCCK0sZQgvhQ7yVHcCtHIIAQHlrMC_iwCXDiD7HsIjpD5DgPXMm4OKmtO6IVRPjBKZ_zdb3FviPqtCdVgKD1EU/s320/IMG_5435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532181751842613874" /></a><div align="center"><em>Newest addition to the family</em></div><br />The stork (aka the nice folks at the City of Chandler) dropped it off on our door step. <em>For Free!</em> Yep, we went all out on our garden. Only the best. Now we'll have plenty of compost to feed our young garden.<br /><br />And just so our new garden would look all naked once we finished the build, we had a few transplants to kick start the process. Meet the Sproutlings:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ0lsUX4fvIRhwEjoqSLMENmzTqv5_lQxOFLhciEy_Y7GQSAjFbUfw_p5CrAjjZxcAVl4nSz0Wh_ujJmO8PEfuGBnwOVRVqXXX_sElUznvagEIJQhLtuD_epbFWSmkff6Ubfwg9LiZZI/s1600/IMG_5429.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZ0lsUX4fvIRhwEjoqSLMENmzTqv5_lQxOFLhciEy_Y7GQSAjFbUfw_p5CrAjjZxcAVl4nSz0Wh_ujJmO8PEfuGBnwOVRVqXXX_sElUznvagEIJQhLtuD_epbFWSmkff6Ubfwg9LiZZI/s320/IMG_5429.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532181275447936290" /></a><div align="center"><em>Sproutlings</em></div><br />Apparently some produce does better when started inside and transplanted into the garden, though I suspect they just wanted to wait until baseball season was over. Additionally, we had some basil that was contemplating some tough career choices, but in the end decided to take our offer and move into the spacious plot near Nathan's garden. We also picked up two tomato plants since we were a bit late to the tomato game.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EHV48BqkBwsEBCce1nPtBCc9GbwCZhV7MYpc32k3HSvN3u3eumogJ5kzCjsjlbmVekguVpkoxrv62cdyUYT4u16f-4eaGyxEWaJ-JzrCj_x-THwtsP3_Hf-J23iD7C6jfAbM45mhRls/s1600/IMG_5426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EHV48BqkBwsEBCce1nPtBCc9GbwCZhV7MYpc32k3HSvN3u3eumogJ5kzCjsjlbmVekguVpkoxrv62cdyUYT4u16f-4eaGyxEWaJ-JzrCj_x-THwtsP3_Hf-J23iD7C6jfAbM45mhRls/s320/IMG_5426.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532181252731219938" /></a><div align="center"><em>Demeter, our first</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sK4ML07mUd2V6mQPeRSvZbbH-VJFm1ukPd2987HH7nKkCSo3jij2xiRVWfReWOZpnxZHMk4tlZcmCY23bLmTvmJ_N50ipxNexIhQekYPSohKhgOCaJPby-9X_k3qJIpOgi_juTihrv0/s1600/IMG_5434.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sK4ML07mUd2V6mQPeRSvZbbH-VJFm1ukPd2987HH7nKkCSo3jij2xiRVWfReWOZpnxZHMk4tlZcmCY23bLmTvmJ_N50ipxNexIhQekYPSohKhgOCaJPby-9X_k3qJIpOgi_juTihrv0/s320/IMG_5434.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532181747817761554" /></a><div align="center"><em>Adopted twins</em> </div><br />Then, after assessing the first garden and allocating space to Nathan, we felt that we wouldn't have enough room for all the bounty Demeter was about to bestow upon us that we needed a second garden to hold it all. <em>We were also kind of afraid of the whole split personality thing and didn't want to get on her/her bad side.</em> And so, Ceres was born.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcdiG6KbnqsppC5Y_zbZHSSybbb0y6ci8JMJ9fe-GS2Tej0biy0zIDsQk1hXWX2dN6Wg1jg1pj5Vdd0Sd7NRCijGeaHaxxB9NHEXtaO80QgJqcTkeZJsf3ogsou0D8aa-UWNJjYHQ74Y/s1600/IMG_5428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcdiG6KbnqsppC5Y_zbZHSSybbb0y6ci8JMJ9fe-GS2Tej0biy0zIDsQk1hXWX2dN6Wg1jg1pj5Vdd0Sd7NRCijGeaHaxxB9NHEXtaO80QgJqcTkeZJsf3ogsou0D8aa-UWNJjYHQ74Y/s320/IMG_5428.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532181263906079522" /></a><div align="center"><em>Ceres, the baby</em></div><br /><br />If you are wondering what happened to the step by step photos I was planning, I apparently didn't stop to take more pictures during the final build. Thus the stand-ins above, just imagine less greenery and soil. Plus a few more I hate gravel comments.<br /><br />Next week, on <em>Soil Diggers</em>:<br />Tragedy strikes the garden! How will our garden cope? Plus some uninvited guests pop up - Is there evil lurking about?TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-6440457171955050042010-10-17T16:36:00.000-07:002010-10-17T17:24:32.624-07:00Soil Diggers - Episode 1: The CanvasLet's build a garden! What a better way to spend a few hours in the dirt. Sorry soil. It didn't spend four years in gardening school to be call dirt. And we spent good money on it so we better not soil its good name with the D word. Especially if we're going to be putting it's bounty on our plates and eating it. Imagine, eating something that came from dirt, ugh, how pedestrian.<br /><br />So why a garden? Well, it'll save a trip to the farmer's market. Plus, organic veggies are expensive. And we have some extra space just lying around the house. Also, it's fun, or so say those other gardeners, though I don't recall them saying the building part of it was all that and a bag of chips.<br /><br />So let's see what we have to work with...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiOUitrEdUjk1jCfOObmu30ejgmFXMX4QFU-RhrkFEULPOI5YPkaO8GzO0f502bjqzBH4RtLW6_s2WGPSOZzHYbitYImS59ETtSYe_3gMWmSQXIFDpBy8sAZi1V2GvQvvVwVDrJffm6E/s1600/IMG_4982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiOUitrEdUjk1jCfOObmu30ejgmFXMX4QFU-RhrkFEULPOI5YPkaO8GzO0f502bjqzBH4RtLW6_s2WGPSOZzHYbitYImS59ETtSYe_3gMWmSQXIFDpBy8sAZi1V2GvQvvVwVDrJffm6E/s320/IMG_4982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525888459450030562" /></a><div align="center"><em>The Canvas</em> </div><br />So we decided on a nice little 3.5 ft by 15 ft. garden. You know, nothing too fancy and showy. We had two spots to choose from, each on the sides of the house, but opted for the side our compost is on since we'll be adding it to the garden frequently. The only issue may be the sun exposure but after talking with a few others, it sounds like we'll have enough.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrkMv8yyIqAfrYu-r-UUFY6zwSJr15Ea1a4E-3hau-FF7m46oZ2S0yZmR6nF_moaOZewQx2VqVZosVWJOdDi-Rr8czKvnj0wiPPHv9bYsw9UHpx_hRajU__N6h9uQaPWAmgn3UDz3zoA/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrkMv8yyIqAfrYu-r-UUFY6zwSJr15Ea1a4E-3hau-FF7m46oZ2S0yZmR6nF_moaOZewQx2VqVZosVWJOdDi-Rr8czKvnj0wiPPHv9bYsw9UHpx_hRajU__N6h9uQaPWAmgn3UDz3zoA/s320/IMG_4984.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525888448538413906" /></a><div align="center"><em>Notice anything different...Shovel?</em> </div><br />So we first had to clear away the gravel. I hate gravel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YXLdQW6WLwYtYyVXBnw2n5_F7RgDMGAPaHiePUyTLuWDX2-03beKsxS7c1xLr26C9WB6I75BPugCBSEJZ-k0FtTHrGcRSe3H4w_rbHLikWyDJh7tNvCrzvkryvTgUBaC4v2uCdeJX5U/s1600/IMG_4999.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YXLdQW6WLwYtYyVXBnw2n5_F7RgDMGAPaHiePUyTLuWDX2-03beKsxS7c1xLr26C9WB6I75BPugCBSEJZ-k0FtTHrGcRSe3H4w_rbHLikWyDJh7tNvCrzvkryvTgUBaC4v2uCdeJX5U/s320/IMG_4999.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525888447084682274" /></a><div align="center"><em>Little workers</em> </div><br />I really hate gravel. I mean really. It sucks. No offense, well, unless you are gravel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcRa9DHkRTxBZswqqGZ5097qhreOUzoEFq1-_daNOxIg9Dv025XMcT52LnhQxvP7TXGk3BnhLJxcv4SMyD5gUjR-8c_CSaOjxRvaIwnJo6iarSmbtzCfkoWETUPKngh0rFg_op8vXxIQ/s1600/IMG_5039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcRa9DHkRTxBZswqqGZ5097qhreOUzoEFq1-_daNOxIg9Dv025XMcT52LnhQxvP7TXGk3BnhLJxcv4SMyD5gUjR-8c_CSaOjxRvaIwnJo6iarSmbtzCfkoWETUPKngh0rFg_op8vXxIQ/s320/IMG_5039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525888435324640082" /></a><div align="center"><em>This is how you do it</em> </div><br />And to make it even better, I had some help along the way. Nice spot Sonoma, way to lay right where I'm working.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemzDBFi9cXdtiX6cEZ8IKn37Rl9TeRdIN27NuiQP2rkfUti86Xi2PuxrBmye_GZSejClJ7z0yLZ_zxaZVPpgeunjciCHXoRlqK9TFoVJiipkuhngs-Q70ufhECiJh0GJNxa7u6zP3Lcc/s1600/IMG_5050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemzDBFi9cXdtiX6cEZ8IKn37Rl9TeRdIN27NuiQP2rkfUti86Xi2PuxrBmye_GZSejClJ7z0yLZ_zxaZVPpgeunjciCHXoRlqK9TFoVJiipkuhngs-Q70ufhECiJh0GJNxa7u6zP3Lcc/s320/IMG_5050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525889833987358594" /></a><div align="center"><em>My little buddies helping out</em> </div><br />And we're clear. Temporarily anyway. We decided to expand later which required more moving of the gravel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXXWWRvMJNyQdk6axOLes9jWdTDTg5nEpKLekcd9OKxoDdls93Xfx8SHUCcOOCdo_eSjHI6Jbv9ot0vHdiNLXja7_eTP9TBqAYeh9tQj5-kMW61KJax-WNiIf1kmTByI1ZhkYNJpbbg8/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXXWWRvMJNyQdk6axOLes9jWdTDTg5nEpKLekcd9OKxoDdls93Xfx8SHUCcOOCdo_eSjHI6Jbv9ot0vHdiNLXja7_eTP9TBqAYeh9tQj5-kMW61KJax-WNiIf1kmTByI1ZhkYNJpbbg8/s320/IMG_5066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525889826799435170" /></a><div align="center"><em>Cheese!</em> </div><br />Nathan actually turned around and said "cheese" when he heard the camera going.<br /><br />So here we are at the end of part one. Will the garden be finished in time to plant for the winter? What will be planted? Will there be enough food to feed the family? Will the gravel regroup and attack at night? Who will survive? Did Professor Plum kill the carrots with the rake in the garden?<br /><br />All that and more, next on...Soil Diggers.<br /><p> </p>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-85460519749161152602010-09-22T20:09:00.014-07:002010-09-24T00:08:31.025-07:00Winemaking 101Have you ever had a really good wine? No, I mean really good? Like great? Probably not, because we just made our first batch and it's not ready yet. But don't worry. In about 9 months, it'll be here. <em>(Was that a bit much?)</em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fxASHaJBPexw9LWZlkBxHQ5BKPtNIPio7ifTodSzetmpVG__vZkO-RoyOiL0KyE0rqAl3dRgovJb88GfcncPtV_xSMOjOxXEyFBB9Dm2W6bei9TX71PgThUrdGHaBV0NyDqj1cnTHSA/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fxASHaJBPexw9LWZlkBxHQ5BKPtNIPio7ifTodSzetmpVG__vZkO-RoyOiL0KyE0rqAl3dRgovJb88GfcncPtV_xSMOjOxXEyFBB9Dm2W6bei9TX71PgThUrdGHaBV0NyDqj1cnTHSA/s320/IMG_4856.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519947914231497826" /></a><div align="center"><em>Loungin'</em> </div><br />The key to a good wine <em>(you know from the wine making experts that we are)</em> is a nice little lounging before the wine making process. This helps get you into the zone. As does a little wine tasting...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwA1MK7Wipcg1mW4FUBM4h9eWSBFRkMJXlKa981ObphQZN3XER2Y8AwjcLthRasZNqqkKHHBNg1ND3QrFtU54y23WGH5BEt65vnD6H4JF9oX3siX2nHj4C4J6XcFvgXywYHrQ-t3dF_w/s1600/IMG_4857.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwA1MK7Wipcg1mW4FUBM4h9eWSBFRkMJXlKa981ObphQZN3XER2Y8AwjcLthRasZNqqkKHHBNg1ND3QrFtU54y23WGH5BEt65vnD6H4JF9oX3siX2nHj4C4J6XcFvgXywYHrQ-t3dF_w/s320/IMG_4857.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519943011882293666" /></a><div align="center"><em>Wine tasting</em> </div><br />So before we got into our wine making adventure, we begin with a sampling of the options, 11 in all <em>(as best as I can remember, it was a lot of wine)</em>. Our host even set up a wonderful spread of wine pairings and each of the wine samples had its own little food buddy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu0i3irNAWoou5WVAFqIfP5ocTUM0QMFZDRERzfq0dEtwjHMG-1X9MKesc8g-1tzjcjNQb6Xyr_DcytQe-9jhaNpfzg3kuoqLvVlWzuRJok2DOc6TuFI1WRer23_SY-3_cMv7Hk6jY2o/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu0i3irNAWoou5WVAFqIfP5ocTUM0QMFZDRERzfq0dEtwjHMG-1X9MKesc8g-1tzjcjNQb6Xyr_DcytQe-9jhaNpfzg3kuoqLvVlWzuRJok2DOc6TuFI1WRer23_SY-3_cMv7Hk6jY2o/s320/IMG_4860.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519943030086473522" /></a><div align="center"><em>The spread</em> </div><br />I have to say it is amazing how the proper pairing can bring out the flavors. Take this pairing for example:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNP5bq4I09JThdg4HrxS6f-4oxXXKrb49kIjaWnkTX0ucjL-bLb_hclmMFx2N6n6gRXgvQMHBH2AlbTvUqqD1pv6hjBwMfeLklWP3jT2JIO8xNfMJLQ7G6ZzL6-ItjhoT8KhPBXQHj20/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNP5bq4I09JThdg4HrxS6f-4oxXXKrb49kIjaWnkTX0ucjL-bLb_hclmMFx2N6n6gRXgvQMHBH2AlbTvUqqD1pv6hjBwMfeLklWP3jT2JIO8xNfMJLQ7G6ZzL6-ItjhoT8KhPBXQHj20/s320/IMG_4862.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519943040016937746" /></a><div align="center"><em>Cheers!</em> </div><br />Or this one:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAkSi82IonhdaGN4fZjSDV2nNXyaLGJN26oovfO54DRFv0iZimu5Zuae80uAk5w1ngB8ULA018fgXFNJ8W2HMONf-l_CSxUvowICE1ErPMRXujzhsNwZd4CODUgvcnD3Vrdp9HNEQ7oI/s1600/IMG_4867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAkSi82IonhdaGN4fZjSDV2nNXyaLGJN26oovfO54DRFv0iZimu5Zuae80uAk5w1ngB8ULA018fgXFNJ8W2HMONf-l_CSxUvowICE1ErPMRXujzhsNwZd4CODUgvcnD3Vrdp9HNEQ7oI/s320/IMG_4867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519943043848888786" /></a><div align="center"><em>Right back at 'cha</em> </div><br />So, after enjoying the wine flight, we landed on Tempranillo as the varietal of choice - a full-bodied red wine native to Spain. <em>(Here legally with a work visa and everything.)</em><br /><br />So how does one make wine without their own vineyard (or bushel of grapes for that matter)? Well, you begin with grape juice concentrate and pour that on into a bucket (sexy, right?)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVY4xOMKoCQp3a7sYnk3_Vs6e4kuPifZMaWmXr1tCS2T2TsPmtECl7v5ahNC6wHM8DWUXDEtrXVk-UZqMTlyuoXm_z2gen_LbsIIyawlfk_561uADE1Kp14EVQle-FnUVDUeHlgaIJ9Q/s1600/IMG_4874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVY4xOMKoCQp3a7sYnk3_Vs6e4kuPifZMaWmXr1tCS2T2TsPmtECl7v5ahNC6wHM8DWUXDEtrXVk-UZqMTlyuoXm_z2gen_LbsIIyawlfk_561uADE1Kp14EVQle-FnUVDUeHlgaIJ9Q/s320/IMG_4874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519945430964395698" /></a><div align="center"><em>One part Tempranillo concentrate...</em> </div><br />So, the whole wine making thing on your own, isn't really a pretty sight - more like science lab, but it was actually pretty fun.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTkZ9XAd3xSwQ3YYrnoyb68s9QJibxbesgL9801UkKgkrYWBw3IPi9uCCeqni-UWpcaCP6Y_B4dRvj15YX8WZEiJJBkAp2a9ewWhF8QqdORSjdwD6IfEgIVoFP_6Qz-mKOjtOVE1xVbM/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTkZ9XAd3xSwQ3YYrnoyb68s9QJibxbesgL9801UkKgkrYWBw3IPi9uCCeqni-UWpcaCP6Y_B4dRvj15YX8WZEiJJBkAp2a9ewWhF8QqdORSjdwD6IfEgIVoFP_6Qz-mKOjtOVE1xVbM/s320/IMG_4881.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519945436506323602" /></a><div align="center"><em>And so it begins</em> </div><br />So once you've got your grape concentrate set up and you've added you filtered water of choice, out come the power tools...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawnVZvgnHkfwliWUpeSVi_SR5OJKX9tyOiyBVEm6XARBLFo5MfJ0hBOpCd0lNftPJrNeSWCjkfz0RVBsUoUcG5MTkDtwaX87zyi31NKb0Z3P2Jts6_UGzxbZbZlrjDXs48E9_JRtf-g0/s1600/IMG_4911+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjawnVZvgnHkfwliWUpeSVi_SR5OJKX9tyOiyBVEm6XARBLFo5MfJ0hBOpCd0lNftPJrNeSWCjkfz0RVBsUoUcG5MTkDtwaX87zyi31NKb0Z3P2Jts6_UGzxbZbZlrjDXs48E9_JRtf-g0/s320/IMG_4911+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519947619911413314" /></a><div align="center"><em>Work it baby</em> </div><br />Mix on high power until you have a decent size vortex created. Similar to Stargate, but without the time/space travel. Though that would be cool to jump into the bucket and be transported to a simpler time when people stomped the grapes barefoot. But then again you might run into Keanu Reeves. <em>(No more movie references, I promise.)</em><br /><br />After you've successfully vortex-blended the wine, you must take some precise measurements...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0Bl1LUs7grfM23A-4DdD5wNt5TtF5MwZANUaKSAVS2a87ev_pmraDPTtqC7MEsvFjSh5eNp7hEnR-baFv70JzxR11_n4RBl6UzbUDyEym99RJSngPrgNBCAkeFlpJlyR3ck_SLLbJlk/s1600/IMG_4926+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0Bl1LUs7grfM23A-4DdD5wNt5TtF5MwZANUaKSAVS2a87ev_pmraDPTtqC7MEsvFjSh5eNp7hEnR-baFv70JzxR11_n4RBl6UzbUDyEym99RJSngPrgNBCAkeFlpJlyR3ck_SLLbJlk/s320/IMG_4926+-+Copy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519947636809666402" /></a><div align="center"><em>Looks perfect</em> </div><br />This is much harder to do after 11 glasses of wine. Okay, 2-3 glasses, they were samples after all. But still, precise measurements are required to identify the proper balance. And indicate the alcohol content on the label because apparently it's not simply a yes/no check box <em>(Does this wine contain alcohol? Yes. Check. Done.)</em>.<br /><br />Next, get high.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwl1fqXhbIJtLLv6b-DT1d_JdqnSOP-jjHKMPIABJh0E5tXLYHmVwEYQ-ayVrciq6alC4y0zSCPizGyVizZbEpmP7qgFnmjb6B2_26A0JBRQgroCrupsXomrzOHSsUZVGoTVDHPfcefY/s1600/IMG_4929.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwl1fqXhbIJtLLv6b-DT1d_JdqnSOP-jjHKMPIABJh0E5tXLYHmVwEYQ-ayVrciq6alC4y0zSCPizGyVizZbEpmP7qgFnmjb6B2_26A0JBRQgroCrupsXomrzOHSsUZVGoTVDHPfcefY/s320/IMG_4929.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519945440146491538" /></a><div align="center"><em>Inhale deeply and pass the kutchie pon the lef' hand side</em> </div><br />Alas, the home wine-maker does not <em>(likely)</em> have French Oak barrels available for the aging process, so we must make do. Luckily, some frustrated wine-makers who did have access to the barrels but not so much luck in making wine, chopped up their entire inventory of barrels into tiny wood chips. Realizing that they still had bills to pay, they bagged up the tiny wood chips, hit the suburbs, and sold them door-to-door.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxDPZHfPztTidmKC8rVSm-7O9BX5yT5XTzTHPepK662yn0OyXZvTF5eRmNty3edpZNM5stzy6b7piU0PjDBou7ze709jHM0Jj943Uh0WQvws-rpu1M571KVfGvus9uYCZwz0D_Ck6gZE/s1600/IMG_4933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxDPZHfPztTidmKC8rVSm-7O9BX5yT5XTzTHPepK662yn0OyXZvTF5eRmNty3edpZNM5stzy6b7piU0PjDBou7ze709jHM0Jj943Uh0WQvws-rpu1M571KVfGvus9uYCZwz0D_Ck6gZE/s320/IMG_4933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519945449578861538" /></a><div align="center"><em>One more...</em> </div><br />Again, precise measurements are necessary here too. The oak chips will mimic the barrel effect adding flavor and complexity to the wine. Too much oak and you could ruin your wine. Not enough and you waste your time and don't get any of the subtle flavors. So taking the advice of our hostess, we tossed it aside, because that's how we roll. We chose the American "Heavy Toast" chips and we went slightly above the traditional 3 oz since we were going to be aging longer and wanted a fuller, bolder wine. <br /><br />Almost done.<br /><br />After adding the wood chips and vortexing for even distribution, we added wine's favorite dance partner, yeast, to do all the dirty work. Now the wine can take it easy while the yeast does all the heavy lifting from here on out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIJzzn8A8Gwu33hHot2OG8e8XSEiO5d-Avd8_SUNeQ91tqFYW-PuNw7_b6dYfJgK68NRdoKdiJG6a3nDEJPUgxE2F0QU4nz2qkPbgKew14V0cn1DLFlmZfjUrINJj4iEUE8qzmchINss/s1600/IMG_4971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIJzzn8A8Gwu33hHot2OG8e8XSEiO5d-Avd8_SUNeQ91tqFYW-PuNw7_b6dYfJgK68NRdoKdiJG6a3nDEJPUgxE2F0QU4nz2qkPbgKew14V0cn1DLFlmZfjUrINJj4iEUE8qzmchINss/s320/IMG_4971.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519945453922267058" /></a><div align="center"><em>See you in 9 months</em> </div><br /><p> </p>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-74539714584488445772010-09-16T23:16:00.005-07:002010-09-16T23:39:32.709-07:00I've Been LostI know I've been absent for a while, but I have a good excuse. Well, a good excuse if you were a fan of Lost. The first 5 of 6 seasons are available for immediate streaming through Netflix which is just a recipe for disaster. Okay, maybe not disaster, but definitely a time-sucking vortex of some sort. <em>(Probably not a recipe either, but whateva.)</em> To wit, we are averaging a season a week. And not because we have that much time on our hands, but simply because we have given up sleep. And Lost any kind of social life.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWhvWC6izvNFZDFXn4uejcyo7Y2MqmtmjvqEwltMTDx5-F4ZoOHDdCLP6VADTLTyT0sNP9JpzjsUB7zct-A5ch5iBZQYbseGIqkVdm08EO9oemLAvbQ_KZlOLwVSltzo_3W-MbaNER7o/s1600/LOST.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWhvWC6izvNFZDFXn4uejcyo7Y2MqmtmjvqEwltMTDx5-F4ZoOHDdCLP6VADTLTyT0sNP9JpzjsUB7zct-A5ch5iBZQYbseGIqkVdm08EO9oemLAvbQ_KZlOLwVSltzo_3W-MbaNER7o/s320/LOST.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517765793886520002" /></a><br /><br />Not that Lost is the best show ever or anything, I mean c'mon, it's no West Wing. That show was AWESOME!!!!<br /><br />But it is a good show and I think that having every episode available in HD at your finger tips adds a little synergy that elevates the goodness. Or something.<br /><br />So we are on Season 4 (don't ruin the ending for us) and our momentum has slowed down a bit (I blame Nathan) and I'm sure if we had to wait a week between each episode we may have given up by now. However, since it is available on DVD and Netflix streaming, I would highly recommend checking it out.<br /><br /></br>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-83149728417515607242010-08-18T20:08:00.009-07:002010-08-18T21:33:02.916-07:00Bonding With NatureCamping July 2010<br /><br />Just outside of Flagstaff, where the air is clean and the temperatures are cool. And downright cold at night. Even in July. Talk about brrrr.<br /><br />But first we had to get there. So pack up the husband and wife and kiddos. Oh and the camping gear. Hopefully we don't forget anything. Anyone want to guess what we forgot?<br /><br />And we're off...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKZVo1-Y8JJ7bFSfEOgCwpBO2FeDmzE-E8F8czSyr0gE8de0QlUuKC6cNV31EgxI_w3_M3Vk8Qbf6hurP26-tLUzMSiiAxjjVuTzJXV2dPpucqFKBYWJcAsgApNYpA9-eEuak9bCLp8E/s1600/IMG_2925.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKZVo1-Y8JJ7bFSfEOgCwpBO2FeDmzE-E8F8czSyr0gE8de0QlUuKC6cNV31EgxI_w3_M3Vk8Qbf6hurP26-tLUzMSiiAxjjVuTzJXV2dPpucqFKBYWJcAsgApNYpA9-eEuak9bCLp8E/s320/IMG_2925.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506954439203712018" /></a><div align="center"><em>All Aboard!!!</em> </div><br />And 3 hours later, we're here! It had actually been raining a lot in the week before, and since the Matrix doesn't have 4 wheel drive (I know, right), we had to be cautious about where we stayed lest we get stuck in the mud. So now that we found the spot, time to set up camp.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBtC3S4LhQhvP7i9zcxOfby-3HMqHp783H-oDE6yBtmhpC5fsVNuZx2Gv1nPXEhEmfR6AtvkzbgFMHY3ToI1C9fQEWHDZgNU3mI_usiLk3Vb4y0NYNu_-TRSxV4uzHDM2ccf8FDvXILY/s1600/IMG_2935.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBtC3S4LhQhvP7i9zcxOfby-3HMqHp783H-oDE6yBtmhpC5fsVNuZx2Gv1nPXEhEmfR6AtvkzbgFMHY3ToI1C9fQEWHDZgNU3mI_usiLk3Vb4y0NYNu_-TRSxV4uzHDM2ccf8FDvXILY/s320/IMG_2935.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506954428432472082" /></a><div align="center"><em>I'm not doing anything</em> </div><br />And Nathan helped a lot. He actually built the campfire ring. Okay, no he didn't, but he did enjoy playing with our mini pick-axe.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjGaVw8ki2ns50sXrYSfjdCR_brhxUSExzHsX1F8o1ZHF3wlRzYbdKzlQiqn4Y8j6xhwPZj6Rz5Ss0L56L8erVUg19KCTlXPuXY8yxn-W9Dgh7xQufrswq0_NV2Dp6lhvVbs2Mg5jn14/s1600/IMG_2959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjGaVw8ki2ns50sXrYSfjdCR_brhxUSExzHsX1F8o1ZHF3wlRzYbdKzlQiqn4Y8j6xhwPZj6Rz5Ss0L56L8erVUg19KCTlXPuXY8yxn-W9Dgh7xQufrswq0_NV2Dp6lhvVbs2Mg5jn14/s320/IMG_2959.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506954419251023106" /></a><div align="center"><em>Hi Dad</em> </div><br />Poor Sonoma, we finally get back out into nature and she's too tired to explore. So the next best thing, sleep!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqD3Xs_1AHPLE44-be01MNNse3K9IZx7Tm7O6m-A4eA99EdGKp-Axf2yn31g9cSGT7_bQmMgAUTcbzMWoHcIQePlyG_eEvwJs6MLDlxjgCW0ZT9dtJ4is-0qQf0bAA8RlOXV4njx23Ho/s1600/IMG_2993.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqD3Xs_1AHPLE44-be01MNNse3K9IZx7Tm7O6m-A4eA99EdGKp-Axf2yn31g9cSGT7_bQmMgAUTcbzMWoHcIQePlyG_eEvwJs6MLDlxjgCW0ZT9dtJ4is-0qQf0bAA8RlOXV4njx23Ho/s320/IMG_2993.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506954407987122962" /></a><div align="center"><em>A perfect spot for napping</em> </div><br />Right by the fire to stay warm in the 80 degree temp. Since everything around was pretty moist it took a while for my Survivorman skills to kick in, but eventually we got the fire going. However, it did take constant managing to keep it going. Especially when it started raining. But luckily it was only a brief rain, but with more clouds moving in, we figured we should get dinner cooked while we could.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGS7vP7AT1X-0XscaFk1BqFb0QUIcJbQxyqLhSsTsB7fnUjJ4R8ZvANPrryyuco-SHnAUH8Fokpuy0mAtd-Co0XqjSEmB8CpRq-SdJTqejJpeJ7pDaKrdRsOITC2xcG4uM7OO5Gld5ic/s1600/IMG_3001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGS7vP7AT1X-0XscaFk1BqFb0QUIcJbQxyqLhSsTsB7fnUjJ4R8ZvANPrryyuco-SHnAUH8Fokpuy0mAtd-Co0XqjSEmB8CpRq-SdJTqejJpeJ7pDaKrdRsOITC2xcG4uM7OO5Gld5ic/s320/IMG_3001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506954404819116066" /></a><div align="center"><em>Dinner!</em> </div><br />And dinner was EXCELLENT! A little lemon pepper chicken and a veggie dish - green beans, peppers, potatoes. Cooking over the campfire, caveman style. Cavemen used pots and pans right?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr1rJR-gg1hSHEK1GVREKkxHs3ctpNAY59GHBRt5piznmlprq6g-camozRNGkQq9MUDn39xr1rrNcibbsitR0Y1W7TPqD4Mij6jkrPRuTGcNvPBC2o-_VNK_U6Qb15SoAgpnsfRvOONc/s1600/IMG_3009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr1rJR-gg1hSHEK1GVREKkxHs3ctpNAY59GHBRt5piznmlprq6g-camozRNGkQq9MUDn39xr1rrNcibbsitR0Y1W7TPqD4Mij6jkrPRuTGcNvPBC2o-_VNK_U6Qb15SoAgpnsfRvOONc/s320/IMG_3009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506955996510010946" /></a><div align="center"><em>Real men cook with fire</em> </div><br />It also was a great time for a little father/son bonding. Teach him how to make a fire. Teach him how to grill. You know the basics so he's prepared when he heads out into the real world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO-ZUdqnmFXnFaUT8bOC0e_wmmvgaMB0xATbXQrblRqjAH9FKEJ6YIOtlhtWzDQIkf06X0lrvdvpviBzN4E_FP7-0I_3_Hl6iVeJtGxt0vrQfdE8AS8ikOPHB0h8p9RbdNrOf0HM6E5w/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO-ZUdqnmFXnFaUT8bOC0e_wmmvgaMB0xATbXQrblRqjAH9FKEJ6YIOtlhtWzDQIkf06X0lrvdvpviBzN4E_FP7-0I_3_Hl6iVeJtGxt0vrQfdE8AS8ikOPHB0h8p9RbdNrOf0HM6E5w/s320/IMG_3018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506955992613771762" /></a><div align="center"><em>Chillaxin' after dinner</em> </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2RyjnxLZ0GZ7-wUxS37iizASweBLovjUxXOFZfuCU6HwauzQuDqO0HlvVyitCmXkd2hWGB2bVewfTC3b1cJdUHx0ZDwqeSRV-9LvtBDWh4bXsG1x4l5k3V9zZl-AICAZyyU-iHkBcPk/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2RyjnxLZ0GZ7-wUxS37iizASweBLovjUxXOFZfuCU6HwauzQuDqO0HlvVyitCmXkd2hWGB2bVewfTC3b1cJdUHx0ZDwqeSRV-9LvtBDWh4bXsG1x4l5k3V9zZl-AICAZyyU-iHkBcPk/s320/IMG_3042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506955986903044258" /></a><div align="center"><em>Time for S'mores</em> </div><br />You can't have a camping trip without S'mores. And apparently, Laura picked up a new "recipe" for making S'mores. A new "method" from someone from New Jersey of all places. I mean what do Jersey people know about camping? I've seen Jersey Shore. No, no, I haven't. I don't watch that show.<br /><br />So after dinner and ghost stories, we did our traditional bedtime routine with Nathan, without all the normal routine parts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYfo9yy1EaobUxr8FZp9imZQx8v-7je1U2W7FEVQbXp9x84ve_1BauYsk2QMII2bAbyz2TQAmQbHNoIMeS-YKl6jhJNPev-xai1THFvpq5aVys7JFX4Nowr_X862y24eolRxWY8Eyjak/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYfo9yy1EaobUxr8FZp9imZQx8v-7je1U2W7FEVQbXp9x84ve_1BauYsk2QMII2bAbyz2TQAmQbHNoIMeS-YKl6jhJNPev-xai1THFvpq5aVys7JFX4Nowr_X862y24eolRxWY8Eyjak/s320/IMG_3101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506955982896103106" /></a><div align="center"><em>Camping buddies</em> </div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDErRku83Dje7ehWF7PWExFApEIXtDNYlxY7lPAZDY1nnCzPHswEQFyyK7VOICJA79lkylTu5-2_xFYuB51ze_q_oj0MXXHujkKmwWeD-P1ulQRz48EVKnD-qVX0AoTM6TGjmpBUa8rck/s1600/IMG_3140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDErRku83Dje7ehWF7PWExFApEIXtDNYlxY7lPAZDY1nnCzPHswEQFyyK7VOICJA79lkylTu5-2_xFYuB51ze_q_oj0MXXHujkKmwWeD-P1ulQRz48EVKnD-qVX0AoTM6TGjmpBUa8rck/s320/IMG_3140.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506955973187070178" /></a><div align="center"><em>Let's see what we can find in the woods</em> </div><br />Go take a hike! What could be better than waking up in the morning and heading out for a morning hike? Be at one with nature. Smell the fresh air. Enjoy all the greenness. Maybe see some wildlife or...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHzvJJRtQM2-NlylWHvqGgdchXh3SAmJNSMjnGAGf-k3BDmqHRYmWOmiCViDuxI8XO_NyKfHnNFIt6O-wxDkPqzDz21FvWmOmYFc7XpfnRXf8Q10UEKTcbaWQqgsk_YPS4vT9YKP2Myg/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHzvJJRtQM2-NlylWHvqGgdchXh3SAmJNSMjnGAGf-k3BDmqHRYmWOmiCViDuxI8XO_NyKfHnNFIt6O-wxDkPqzDz21FvWmOmYFc7XpfnRXf8Q10UEKTcbaWQqgsk_YPS4vT9YKP2Myg/s320/IMG_3155.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506956566826613666" /></a><div align="center"><em>Bones!!!</em> </div><br />Seriously, we were almost EATEN last night. OMG. We could have been someone's dinner. A big someone based on the size of the bone pile. OR A PACK OF SOMEBODIES!! OMG I hadn't thought about that. We were surrounded!!! No Escape!<br /><br />Good thing this is just a one night trip.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaJqh41rNEjabL2rfRGuGbkoUSXd49n1cPec6dLV0cn1m6xNACt1bfTzpUFUVhDLpam36ueLffqsumMxCTblf0ZuMslwwk1nPeDGif_72V7IOGzWkVdALHjqLw834WYijv1IqiWIjj5A/s1600/IMG_3175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaJqh41rNEjabL2rfRGuGbkoUSXd49n1cPec6dLV0cn1m6xNACt1bfTzpUFUVhDLpam36ueLffqsumMxCTblf0ZuMslwwk1nPeDGif_72V7IOGzWkVdALHjqLw834WYijv1IqiWIjj5A/s320/IMG_3175.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506956561506068866" /></a><div align="center"><em>The Fam</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqPVsvomr5ftSFzfHjIROtYqpQ2CgPIF54HnxTpkGYgzKhCH7O2mgK_ZLRkjKhop-MJpWl6RPAfBu93qE2pqQ9mcLzzQCFrow-b-6q8v1lYmAuhQcRB7nzcG7AcloX-gcpcmL14ZpWDY/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqPVsvomr5ftSFzfHjIROtYqpQ2CgPIF54HnxTpkGYgzKhCH7O2mgK_ZLRkjKhop-MJpWl6RPAfBu93qE2pqQ9mcLzzQCFrow-b-6q8v1lYmAuhQcRB7nzcG7AcloX-gcpcmL14ZpWDY/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506956576145232050" /></a><div align="center"><em>Enjoying the car ride home</em> </div><br /><br />Until next time...TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-30368466170988018972010-08-11T20:07:00.020-07:002010-08-12T21:29:44.200-07:00California LoveWoohoo!!! VACATION!!!<br /><br />Yes we managed to go on vacation this summer. Originally we were going to hit up Boston, piggy-backing on a work trip, but that didn't pan out so we decided that San Diego was the spot for us. The only issue was would Nathan last 6-7 hours in the car? That answer and more, after the break.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgzxUR65G8RQoUJwL3zTfvINd0vYsSQ22rpdR0yKDD0XhxSdUb_kd3RawszN-eDuL9EtnvRox3JrCIzBnr2lNuEEc6MBn77KGVXDMo098R1fxl1tKa9gzexbPQHk2vluGqSILq2_yhGs/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgzxUR65G8RQoUJwL3zTfvINd0vYsSQ22rpdR0yKDD0XhxSdUb_kd3RawszN-eDuL9EtnvRox3JrCIzBnr2lNuEEc6MBn77KGVXDMo098R1fxl1tKa9gzexbPQHk2vluGqSILq2_yhGs/s320/IMG_3321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504730251484297026" /></a><div align="center"><em>Po-dunk nowhere</em> </div><br />A long story short (just about the car trip), Nathan was AWESOME!! Sleeping or just being happy baby for 90% of the car ride. We did have to stop for a few breaks, but that was to be expected, with the lunch break in Wellton, AZ. What? You haven't heard of the huge metropolis that is Wellton? Hmmm, neither did we until it showed up right there along-side the highway. Using the (new) trusty Blackberry, we found out that Chuck's Stage Stop is known the world over for their small town cooking. But, now that we are safely outside their "town's" jurisdiction, DO NOT EAT THERE.<br /><br />Skipping ahead a bit, we made it safely to our hotel and rested for our big day at Sea World.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRNt6zBrDHkioweqefjwk2c6ME0U1VHmj-_4e8EccLCP24S-QuKVELDhvy2tqVIFlD_s8N2VA-zZAut1k9c1Fgyr47l0uoA3wGZP78IodV9aFFisZ1CJ-WIvdQCbVEs-Gh1mB994YNaM/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRNt6zBrDHkioweqefjwk2c6ME0U1VHmj-_4e8EccLCP24S-QuKVELDhvy2tqVIFlD_s8N2VA-zZAut1k9c1Fgyr47l0uoA3wGZP78IodV9aFFisZ1CJ-WIvdQCbVEs-Gh1mB994YNaM/s320/IMG_3325.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504726900968732770" /></a><div align="center"><em>Shamu and Friends</em> </div><br />After a wonderful greeting from Shamu, the park was our playground. We tried to get Nathan to pet the sea stars, but he wasn't having any of that, so we headed to the Shamu show.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHtAE4DmDAysqA8Ur0Zr1GsGy7qAsxE7kZbnZcvRhvv3YH3Q3wzZLftrhfr4xQUES5rBp6_gjqf8xTNtIMXN3B2GV-GBAPsTO0Zg9pz2UACLoZLxAoquk3y2I4fZChGDET6IFhUdM-oQ/s1600/IMG_3384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHtAE4DmDAysqA8Ur0Zr1GsGy7qAsxE7kZbnZcvRhvv3YH3Q3wzZLftrhfr4xQUES5rBp6_gjqf8xTNtIMXN3B2GV-GBAPsTO0Zg9pz2UACLoZLxAoquk3y2I4fZChGDET6IFhUdM-oQ/s320/IMG_3384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504355582573409138" /></a><div align="center"><em>Whoooaaa!!!</em> </div><br />We were wondering if Nathan would even realize he was surrounded by large animals, but he definitely enjoyed the shows.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbz902rSzwb-EF-gMZGyd9IH_8WuLDulizA7pFdt_MUgspuNX4uwuwBre593c6mOg7lmgtPV_j79AhaKIzmm0JsdPEF9EPWVZsM3i8MoxAHm3LoSMbHZo27bbxKrEdco0WuNDEkZC1K8/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbz902rSzwb-EF-gMZGyd9IH_8WuLDulizA7pFdt_MUgspuNX4uwuwBre593c6mOg7lmgtPV_j79AhaKIzmm0JsdPEF9EPWVZsM3i8MoxAHm3LoSMbHZo27bbxKrEdco0WuNDEkZC1K8/s320/IMG_3390.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504355596895772178" /></a><div align="center"><em>From Nathan's view point</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDyrkoZ-TYmBaKKXok3mx9g0kFw5lAQ9jzIAzyFI5dO37yi7-9oiWBYYuUsRG9n6L3u5z4Xx8POGhri-ZXk8dr2yqKx3NQtdwfQDgpmE6igu54LNC6km2evrvzzyTzCxltfKyvWZcFqY/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDyrkoZ-TYmBaKKXok3mx9g0kFw5lAQ9jzIAzyFI5dO37yi7-9oiWBYYuUsRG9n6L3u5z4Xx8POGhri-ZXk8dr2yqKx3NQtdwfQDgpmE6igu54LNC6km2evrvzzyTzCxltfKyvWZcFqY/s320/IMG_3377.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504355580189378722" /></a><div align="center"><em>Jolly good show, eh?</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQGZz0TPK4DGC9a7tKU9yqbafVtD3_TSzt3wnxWy_IuL4dC0vxO7Vfs_Ov1kLJYjJFOo6JpTIAXn80Ve_zBYkif2e6O9PjR0uHzFUXiCFYOXsOyJ3u8QtVsWBmiY2vbNb4U9j3PBVo9Y/s1600/IMG_4256.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQGZz0TPK4DGC9a7tKU9yqbafVtD3_TSzt3wnxWy_IuL4dC0vxO7Vfs_Ov1kLJYjJFOo6JpTIAXn80Ve_zBYkif2e6O9PjR0uHzFUXiCFYOXsOyJ3u8QtVsWBmiY2vbNb4U9j3PBVo9Y/s320/IMG_4256.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504355568958370178" /></a><div align="center"><em>That's a big fish</em> </div><br />This is my favorite picture from the trip. This is also where Nathan picked up the word <em>whale</em> - why can't people watch their language around kids?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32j1N2kVvV_yeLDWimoGOTe6CW-AHGXxH-N2mg-_SYzocdP2iexzTzGf9O3_zZ3Y6W_WzrXmnTSO5v2hSOi_vJ4zMCDTl04ZjJHNVKYCn2M6yxo9iymgoulkdJN_AGFVLqNGjNAOHPe0/s1600/IMG_3424.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32j1N2kVvV_yeLDWimoGOTe6CW-AHGXxH-N2mg-_SYzocdP2iexzTzGf9O3_zZ3Y6W_WzrXmnTSO5v2hSOi_vJ4zMCDTl04ZjJHNVKYCn2M6yxo9iymgoulkdJN_AGFVLqNGjNAOHPe0/s320/IMG_3424.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504726906700804834" /></a><div align="center"><em>Dad, it's a whale. You don't need to point it out.</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXTvITAiZjaQX-jhTcONMqOgCCiY0XC1ClldKBJts8GwNLOXwBknljlepbZP3UDQ8x10RYvjidylIwEY1kb6Q435Jg6OSF595__ldjhGDBmSyPxXMH_cnS9JBGx_fkQKsPElbnRJFn3c/s1600/IMG_4073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXTvITAiZjaQX-jhTcONMqOgCCiY0XC1ClldKBJts8GwNLOXwBknljlepbZP3UDQ8x10RYvjidylIwEY1kb6Q435Jg6OSF595__ldjhGDBmSyPxXMH_cnS9JBGx_fkQKsPElbnRJFn3c/s320/IMG_4073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727923336756402" /></a><div align="center"><em>Dolphins!</em> </div><br /><br />On to THE BEACH...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaM4dhRscgICeunxRp4G7L0HqVJWU0OTX_ktRzvO1bT_Ud54epipI6LTu2A3VSgvcfERiUnMP9uKWdveUQnPgXVJbvuh9KJJIH-i1cGJYMdULFpSCE6J4thCderUs3AS3-1IHAt3aLTRA/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaM4dhRscgICeunxRp4G7L0HqVJWU0OTX_ktRzvO1bT_Ud54epipI6LTu2A3VSgvcfERiUnMP9uKWdveUQnPgXVJbvuh9KJJIH-i1cGJYMdULFpSCE6J4thCderUs3AS3-1IHAt3aLTRA/s320/IMG_4014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727914588777250" /></a><div align="center"><em>Future's so bright...</em> </div><br />On day 2, we went to Torrey Pines beach and met up with some friends who also have a one year old. It was Nathan's first beach trip and he seemed to enjoy it, though the ocean took a bit getting used to.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioolKJfwpzB_05w1y5kORFI8yBZMxkYoDQDvguwcQ3-Zp7pAACf0ye098Zj4yaNShcpfBeBQrLdkqSQTyZGup1xLNfWWe6wRGmpeRqv3dmFoPbQGfCrT9JXRii2QDgg392bKbC981jeN4/s1600/IMG_3899.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioolKJfwpzB_05w1y5kORFI8yBZMxkYoDQDvguwcQ3-Zp7pAACf0ye098Zj4yaNShcpfBeBQrLdkqSQTyZGup1xLNfWWe6wRGmpeRqv3dmFoPbQGfCrT9JXRii2QDgg392bKbC981jeN4/s320/IMG_3899.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727911240425218" /></a><div align="center"><em>Nathan organizing the sea shells</em> </div><br />Nathan really didn't care too much for the sea shells. He just picked a few from mommy's hand and placed them back on the beach so he could get back to digging. I think we may need to get a sandbox for him.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ODDCJWdT9sDkhl9EfE4FTIIsQXJa-8-Awpx5rUF1X9ZRqn2MHa80SSPYeX0aVvxC7nQ1sBGyfNqgrp4jae5_y6JJeHV0rH5Zsd6sxfzVQ3Fx7_FR0XFZSLZhfNWfY_NWNjQKKliKos/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ODDCJWdT9sDkhl9EfE4FTIIsQXJa-8-Awpx5rUF1X9ZRqn2MHa80SSPYeX0aVvxC7nQ1sBGyfNqgrp4jae5_y6JJeHV0rH5Zsd6sxfzVQ3Fx7_FR0XFZSLZhfNWfY_NWNjQKKliKos/s320/IMG_3813.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727384515225986" /></a><div align="center"><em>...and tidy up the A a bit...</em> </div><br />Nathan did a wonderful job spelling his name, which is weird seeing as how he can't yet say his name. We think he may be a child prodigy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIesnZ8Au1mgsrZaBZw9f1vSel4oRMEIsqGq_TowBl1F9LA6qVgazjAD2Psas9YBXCqZcEYtYAzZgWh9ky65ujlx_SY36RQqOfbJcHqyRLs2a6genzcROpJuR5u80UGZoSv5YL1DwPNw/s1600/IMG_3807.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIesnZ8Au1mgsrZaBZw9f1vSel4oRMEIsqGq_TowBl1F9LA6qVgazjAD2Psas9YBXCqZcEYtYAzZgWh9ky65ujlx_SY36RQqOfbJcHqyRLs2a6genzcROpJuR5u80UGZoSv5YL1DwPNw/s320/IMG_3807.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727380264348146" /></a><div align="center"><em>and done. A masterpiece!</em> </div><br />Or a really gifted artist.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVhwmS23PDXnvl4PDi0u-dQhVECfnUcW4O3kkyVqObR0ImzrPI14ZgzG21xOx9v8IrGtv0g2is2NFUcu6ga5yG3FUEV2pYF6qLaohqBg2G-LUAtb4VDrgSRmPCtRO012ReoVG4SUTABI/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVhwmS23PDXnvl4PDi0u-dQhVECfnUcW4O3kkyVqObR0ImzrPI14ZgzG21xOx9v8IrGtv0g2is2NFUcu6ga5yG3FUEV2pYF6qLaohqBg2G-LUAtb4VDrgSRmPCtRO012ReoVG4SUTABI/s320/IMG_3827.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727393278810546" /></a><div align="center"><em>Laura and Nathan</em> </div><br />Or just a really cute, squishy baby.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGm1LExxMJAl9UAWIUfuM19JCnlfN-HnH9wEBezYXeLHucophKj1ZNOLzj9gE-lKDLbaoBS-aqLmIACRQDwnDGv5mnl1J8XZLd6gQJ_9sEq0ZlejTw8e2qVMJlua-oxSnfYfOl0_K5Xg/s1600/IMG_3775.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGm1LExxMJAl9UAWIUfuM19JCnlfN-HnH9wEBezYXeLHucophKj1ZNOLzj9gE-lKDLbaoBS-aqLmIACRQDwnDGv5mnl1J8XZLd6gQJ_9sEq0ZlejTw8e2qVMJlua-oxSnfYfOl0_K5Xg/s320/IMG_3775.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727373860446130" /></a><div align="center"><em>brrrrr</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp4yudRHkRu4kubdmZfeazPIIz2LGv_TzNupb7SjcCAhisyssmo2u7M6sIn4lh4OBoiZKOz2XlrnO2uTX8HGbMVfeb5K0-GyA5cQ6btSvsy6Gp_Qila5icTd5EtJro80Ygvg3pj00vkw/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSp4yudRHkRu4kubdmZfeazPIIz2LGv_TzNupb7SjcCAhisyssmo2u7M6sIn4lh4OBoiZKOz2XlrnO2uTX8HGbMVfeb5K0-GyA5cQ6btSvsy6Gp_Qila5icTd5EtJro80Ygvg3pj00vkw/s320/IMG_3758.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727371154707106" /></a><div align="center"><em>Time to make the sandcastle</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBnv78oMhFUhCprxdLF5WRSA7ZCafMIuDIbbv6_xIMNUNwSBjBMvbK3VoAmZEJNi1RBpaREE4x38H9CglXYpiIBIV6wEPIboPhCYeLU4Mxugu7z1n7HwEUgEZRMsM8-Rs13mhCbUGMvs/s1600/IMG_3883.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBnv78oMhFUhCprxdLF5WRSA7ZCafMIuDIbbv6_xIMNUNwSBjBMvbK3VoAmZEJNi1RBpaREE4x38H9CglXYpiIBIV6wEPIboPhCYeLU4Mxugu7z1n7HwEUgEZRMsM8-Rs13mhCbUGMvs/s320/IMG_3883.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504743789176872098" /></a><div align="center"><em>Nathan and Aiden playing</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK4Qx4KMbrfs7ocX_ls9wJCW7GZuGhqlzt4aW1RoDD7Yhxm9k_xyaBQk763DPDu3HBq5s9MTiQytYSoiHDqxDuh-H4H6IjumrE-ty2bSxsKEF8nmnKM1qY1RMyOVYlW4HQm-3g-9N_78/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgK4Qx4KMbrfs7ocX_ls9wJCW7GZuGhqlzt4aW1RoDD7Yhxm9k_xyaBQk763DPDu3HBq5s9MTiQytYSoiHDqxDuh-H4H6IjumrE-ty2bSxsKEF8nmnKM1qY1RMyOVYlW4HQm-3g-9N_78/s320/IMG_3995.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504743801180763762" /></a><div align="center"><em>Trying to convince the babies to knock down the castle</em> </div><br />So just before we departed the beach, we tried to get the kids to knock down the sand castle - a term I use loosely to describe the mound of sand with no real shape the we created. Seeing as how Nathan loves it when he stacks blocks and knocks them over, I didn't think it would be too hard. But no. Apparently they either really loved our castle, or they were afraid of whatever was swimming in the moat that surrounded it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F54RS5v3KUC03c0RCcvelgJ76PQGYBL8H1vppjmyTPdWEY4y-zRsU_2QxdL_bZ4M62xbYjT0ma53eVV8Ah_xHz0dP7_bIxbm_OPcyuCh4jrR4_H91jzPGq6_4FhD79OcWddbQzDVvfA/s1600/IMG_3971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2F54RS5v3KUC03c0RCcvelgJ76PQGYBL8H1vppjmyTPdWEY4y-zRsU_2QxdL_bZ4M62xbYjT0ma53eVV8Ah_xHz0dP7_bIxbm_OPcyuCh4jrR4_H91jzPGq6_4FhD79OcWddbQzDVvfA/s320/IMG_3971.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504743794071516354" /></a><div align="center"><em>Sandcastle: 1; Babies: 0</em> </div><br /><br /><br />Up next, Balboa Park<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTJ5QJkD4WiTkTJ3FYtPXvjRrvunQpWWq6X6tcWIe21Wi1_jkdWBY5SAUEgxHjxQwFnRKxEOzafrkgAHcl-ChU0c7zQJQGV9MSDzhJizUy0UxHS_0aIpt298byZDcq_8iTYlWpotssg8/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTJ5QJkD4WiTkTJ3FYtPXvjRrvunQpWWq6X6tcWIe21Wi1_jkdWBY5SAUEgxHjxQwFnRKxEOzafrkgAHcl-ChU0c7zQJQGV9MSDzhJizUy0UxHS_0aIpt298byZDcq_8iTYlWpotssg8/s320/IMG_3643.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504726924356427218" /></a><div align="center"><em>ooo, a fountain to play in</em> </div><br />Actually this preceded the beach, but I didn't want to reorder all the pictures.<br /><br />Balboa park has really nice gardens and a bunch of museums and other activities, perfect for a leisurely day with a one-year old who just wants to run around and jump in a fountain. I'm not sure where he picked up <em>fountain</em>, but that kid is drawn to them like a magnet. It must be all those splash pad trips that mommy takes him on.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1gq_jUPW9QXA1uTTBWBA0nZVgqQ0zjFTg-89kba6RyjbmxK_YP8y4zF7m5pX40_LcKIXM9IdEV9mGngxMDhupoQVEwKHY-x_yrgGQm1aq-jPCvyXTvco1u4SN3tEoeYUjqb8zoEkiVs/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1gq_jUPW9QXA1uTTBWBA0nZVgqQ0zjFTg-89kba6RyjbmxK_YP8y4zF7m5pX40_LcKIXM9IdEV9mGngxMDhupoQVEwKHY-x_yrgGQm1aq-jPCvyXTvco1u4SN3tEoeYUjqb8zoEkiVs/s320/IMG_3510.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504726915634611394" /></a><div align="center"><em>Balboa Park</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdjAyoLsomNirnPjzWtO66yy0bhiVA5nQu68xFH4U7D7ln4KKJS4bpRS7e_dobIKZGlqAllGBvprg-C5QX6NJSSeEoleO9sdaME89uczf2It6dTwQSAP25Aqv7Gsr_5Rvel4_EVIEtcY/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdjAyoLsomNirnPjzWtO66yy0bhiVA5nQu68xFH4U7D7ln4KKJS4bpRS7e_dobIKZGlqAllGBvprg-C5QX6NJSSeEoleO9sdaME89uczf2It6dTwQSAP25Aqv7Gsr_5Rvel4_EVIEtcY/s320/IMG_3735.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504355601599045538" /></a><div align="center"><em>weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee</em> </div><br />Balboa park even had a choo-choo, so of course we had to ride it. They also had a merry-go-round, but Laura and I thought it was a bit to fast for Nathan so we opted out of that ride.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEaNCSnrkEWZTLrQMxCKogM64g4IvsBJ-JfpzeoDUFDhNvMCnPiA9UUOgszrbObdAqtyc0mj0AqsH6fhjse9tRKJ_e4cTHxBr919oZ6p0R90RJ8CbEUestzcdssQKnprzV9yD2Qphfc0/s1600/IMG_4295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEaNCSnrkEWZTLrQMxCKogM64g4IvsBJ-JfpzeoDUFDhNvMCnPiA9UUOgszrbObdAqtyc0mj0AqsH6fhjse9tRKJ_e4cTHxBr919oZ6p0R90RJ8CbEUestzcdssQKnprzV9yD2Qphfc0/s320/IMG_4295.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504727926847294418" /></a><div align="center"><em>And one last beach trip before the 7 hour drive home</em> </div><br />Five days of vacation and we returned more exhausted than when we left. But then, that is usually how our vacations roll.TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-27854343267854575512010-07-16T18:58:00.004-07:002010-07-16T22:26:47.998-07:00Baby Gaga<OBJECT id=BLOG_video-f5c39afe4f45c39 class=BLOG_video_class width=320 height=266 contentId="f5c39afe4f45c39"></OBJECT><br /><p>Shake it baby, shake it!</p><br /><p> </p><br /><p> </p>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-85884896032437453982010-07-05T18:48:00.008-07:002010-07-05T20:53:31.941-07:00Fore?Golfing on a Monday holiday! Or as Laura apparently called it: <em>Daddy Playdate</em><br /><br />So we were kicking it at our 4th of July BBQ, like normal guys do... (see picture below)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCVNW4eUNKLQxnoI_-AbEh8XQjG0JWHKu7F67lraAhQwKTmrbic3G8Hwr9ZO-xJ0sHWPMivPAHzEpZ_V715BNr0WOxBVBEBEdTy410VX-OK_cDOql5O_9QpiVnZDZIew788gFsAS5QKY/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCVNW4eUNKLQxnoI_-AbEh8XQjG0JWHKu7F67lraAhQwKTmrbic3G8Hwr9ZO-xJ0sHWPMivPAHzEpZ_V715BNr0WOxBVBEBEdTy410VX-OK_cDOql5O_9QpiVnZDZIew788gFsAS5QKY/s320/IMG_2870.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490608177886879762" /></a><div align="center"><em>Regular guys, doing normal guy stuff</em> </div><br />and we somehow managed to get on the subjet of golf. So naturally, being great planners, we decide it would be awesome to go golfing in the morning. Here's a little reinactment of the conversation (which I assume is how most golf conversations go):<br /><br />"Yeah, we should go golfing sometime. When do you want to go?"<br />"How about tomorrow?"<br />"Yeah, let's do it."<br /><br />At this point wife #1 and wife #2 walk in.<br /><br />"Um, Laura, do we have plans tomorrow?" <br />Laura: "Why? What are you guys planning?" <br />"We're setting up a golf game for the morning."<br />"Oh really?"<br />"Yeah, can I go"<br />Guy #2, turning to his wife: "Oh, yeah, we're going golfing in the morning. Is that cool?"<br />Guy #3: "I should probably ask too."<br /><br />Our conversation was actually about how bad we are at golf, so it was kind of funny how excited we were to go out and play a round. Also funny, by the end of the evening, I think all the wives had identified a certain number of items for each of us to deliver to each other. Reinactment #2:<br /><br />Laura: "Oh, you can take this tray back to Guy #4. The chips are for Guy #3 and the watermellon is for Guy #2"<br />Gary: "Really? You want me to deliver a watermellon? Why on Earth does he want a watermellon?" Seriously, I think she's was making stuff up at this point just to see what she could make me do...like the wives had their own little secret game of <em>"Let's see want we can get our husbands to deliver."</em> Well played Laura, well played.<br /><br />So with approval, we nominate guy #2 to find a course. "Honey, what was the name of that course I just golfed at?" And of course, wife #2, having not been at that golf outing, remembers and suggests googling it for directions. So guy #2 stumbles with the google search and offers wife #2 the opportunity to search for our golf course because "you're the better researcher."<br /><br />So miraculously we manager to hook up a location and tee time: Monday at 8:23am. But we apparently forgot to tell Guy #4 the time and of course none of us exchanged phone numbers.<br /><br />So in the morning, I get the numbers of 2 of the wives, you know in case I need to contact the husbands before golf.<br /><br />We arrive one by one, but guy #4 doesn't show up and of course it's his wife's phone number I didn't have. So I call Laura for the number. No answer. So I call wife #4's friend to get wife #4's number to get guy #4's number. That plan worked, but guy #4 is at home because we forgot to provide the tee time. Apprently he left a message with Laura the night before (because of course he didn't have my number), but the message was just static-y and we just assumed it was a wrong number.<br /><br />I would have more pictures of the golf outing, but I forgot the camera and I'm sure it's probably an unwritten guy rule for the golf course. There's probably a rule about writing about these conversations too. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRgznWG93z1jFykBCYVEePoiJGPRMUM6KhjJaXhIrEXvIauQgV4p1g6TQ5KllCNc-8sBTq2P4YoAIdgNfCeNyuieNhUL9b0LlkXaetDbZ4Z14fEq18UeP6HmShMexLrNHJttn29Qpep0/s1600/Igolf+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRgznWG93z1jFykBCYVEePoiJGPRMUM6KhjJaXhIrEXvIauQgV4p1g6TQ5KllCNc-8sBTq2P4YoAIdgNfCeNyuieNhUL9b0LlkXaetDbZ4Z14fEq18UeP6HmShMexLrNHJttn29Qpep0/s320/Igolf+(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490628811442001266" /></a><div align="center"><em>Artist's recreation of golf outing: Apparently a swing and miss (which did happen, but still, c'mon! That artist is a jerk)</em> </div><br />I did manage to hit a really great shot on hole 8. From about 50 yards out, my shot landed two inches from the hole. I even have a picture to prove it but it's on my phone and I haven't figured out how to upload it yet. But I do have two witnesses.<br /><br /><p><em>***Names were changed to protect Phil, Justin, and Jeremy***</em></p>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-81342582324059628902010-06-28T19:59:00.006-07:002010-06-28T21:03:59.198-07:00H2 ooohhhhOh, so good on a hot day - 107 degress hot. Pool time! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8j01x2tyUrHX0h0se7C_TBr5zcxFYizWSB3OzFqkBAVv3yItvxA8rCd20Eh8e1JwCFsYYpyDlVk-_R492zh98WWujoSEd1fxotApQH0cYiHvnfz7FbAwbYPnVLwsDawabp5NeFK3TKE/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488027704631214882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8j01x2tyUrHX0h0se7C_TBr5zcxFYizWSB3OzFqkBAVv3yItvxA8rCd20Eh8e1JwCFsYYpyDlVk-_R492zh98WWujoSEd1fxotApQH0cYiHvnfz7FbAwbYPnVLwsDawabp5NeFK3TKE/s320/IMG_2630.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>There's a smile in there somewhere</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyHxW2d5r-L9D9MSHhYhz2HeLiNvjEIXUC85jCKmfn9ud4XJoYY8rFkSHS-PxFmCS2wusO1NLYIGc3niUyD7mFs1DHvMRLkB6uBDGMaqz6_K6GYH_Ty4sSkzBTYYJmNYHeGK6okgp1Aw/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488026870019091170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyHxW2d5r-L9D9MSHhYhz2HeLiNvjEIXUC85jCKmfn9ud4XJoYY8rFkSHS-PxFmCS2wusO1NLYIGc3niUyD7mFs1DHvMRLkB6uBDGMaqz6_K6GYH_Ty4sSkzBTYYJmNYHeGK6okgp1Aw/s320/IMG_2636.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>Moommmm, it's fine. Let's go!</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iGfuFT_CW8uELTZOAmoOR_oDw5NNUfhyS5Cc2_SycQL7zJVFQR0zMhRSVa9YUwEPT4zGCwUofjoNL5xEZA0PGGL3dvAhW7CdBg_sJN3ztMfAkFGQgul48jgbHVnuuQxwlLgDxjPEkuw/s1600/IMG_2658.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488026891990610962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iGfuFT_CW8uELTZOAmoOR_oDw5NNUfhyS5Cc2_SycQL7zJVFQR0zMhRSVa9YUwEPT4zGCwUofjoNL5xEZA0PGGL3dvAhW7CdBg_sJN3ztMfAkFGQgul48jgbHVnuuQxwlLgDxjPEkuw/s320/IMG_2658.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-kJCoIT-AHlqXhg3YoOWGih0B7fpnsDQ0aV93-CP5C1Ox3M9sbpEDEPyXxsLe2NIMEoZJZLdsL2EMVL_7lUWGhRzBHc2-d9yDNssvplEEsnwK0ABC6dEbDGhynPJuuQU2Zq_7nMwMCU/s1600/IMG_2641.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488026881727299410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-kJCoIT-AHlqXhg3YoOWGih0B7fpnsDQ0aV93-CP5C1Ox3M9sbpEDEPyXxsLe2NIMEoZJZLdsL2EMVL_7lUWGhRzBHc2-d9yDNssvplEEsnwK0ABC6dEbDGhynPJuuQU2Zq_7nMwMCU/s320/IMG_2641.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>I'm done!</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf1GI-WGUaJP5evptPEs8zXyz2mXu43L2CWT9jAhLXVqTkqaOn8-QnVwbceWonkXI8m5tx5W_XInX58mlxEC0M5TYr4I-CZNH1EpAyUUpQU6NGqWMPfumUCgLy8PONOketgxdVjr-BKE/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHf1GI-WGUaJP5evptPEs8zXyz2mXu43L2CWT9jAhLXVqTkqaOn8-QnVwbceWonkXI8m5tx5W_XInX58mlxEC0M5TYr4I-CZNH1EpAyUUpQU6NGqWMPfumUCgLy8PONOketgxdVjr-BKE/s320/IMG_2667.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488029025017902658" /></a><div align="center"><em>Sonoma stalking her prey</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsebJeEj6PYWCgJlRPMnS_69iIP0kpxpKqFii4fUr0adO7gfztvnOzs6zBRpWuBTmforXEUWXgq9yN6ueWow9YzPI3iGdx2sKKAl5c9XgXOLe3sB9WWp32OXWtbZRKQngtmJkeNiN0B2A/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488026896983529938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsebJeEj6PYWCgJlRPMnS_69iIP0kpxpKqFii4fUr0adO7gfztvnOzs6zBRpWuBTmforXEUWXgq9yN6ueWow9YzPI3iGdx2sKKAl5c9XgXOLe3sB9WWp32OXWtbZRKQngtmJkeNiN0B2A/s320/IMG_2675.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>DaaaDUM...DaahDUM</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQG9IqRzKn2Fqfb0EbMJ8iItO3d2EuSrwlD8kMFaJdfesC2vGTZAW0Hl1Kl-Sm_sQOm0vuY6ggJbnRjpj0tRg6GWvq5FBSm1TzE5N2qywM_WAsamu5l7ngtSM3DPs4ZwwGwVMsHxjTfxg/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488026908708426002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQG9IqRzKn2Fqfb0EbMJ8iItO3d2EuSrwlD8kMFaJdfesC2vGTZAW0Hl1Kl-Sm_sQOm0vuY6ggJbnRjpj0tRg6GWvq5FBSm1TzE5N2qywM_WAsamu5l7ngtSM3DPs4ZwwGwVMsHxjTfxg/s320/IMG_2716.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>Returning with the catch</em> </div><br /><br />Plus we found a new gardener! Who knew it was so much fun to play with the hose? Okay everyone knew, but it's always fun to find out for the first time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowuI7DmmGfn2VUcXn2NcS1JTMWp65sKjg02_Yus3rvHYWnuclwCKgGAzTg27THKhlOYy8LnGSMHXwP0dq-nUGG718XOnrPbk5JPmw_xO5ZVrT7rZHRYHB0uDXtW1ROFZigPzN2uLtbTA/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488027686756413362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowuI7DmmGfn2VUcXn2NcS1JTMWp65sKjg02_Yus3rvHYWnuclwCKgGAzTg27THKhlOYy8LnGSMHXwP0dq-nUGG718XOnrPbk5JPmw_xO5ZVrT7rZHRYHB0uDXtW1ROFZigPzN2uLtbTA/s320/IMG_2746.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>A little over here...</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdtIbD7Bs63HHylTn4E4fSf2ULQA4p8hcqKaetmlnxHdPe1CT6zoVZ0K1mNsHy18nBpENY_v4nTmXRwGHD1fU-J7cqvGBhmCMptWq7Lp-JvOCzIoL0T0MfnkekyBw6BrGM5cduI0BKzU/s1600/IMG_2733.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488027676554326338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdtIbD7Bs63HHylTn4E4fSf2ULQA4p8hcqKaetmlnxHdPe1CT6zoVZ0K1mNsHy18nBpENY_v4nTmXRwGHD1fU-J7cqvGBhmCMptWq7Lp-JvOCzIoL0T0MfnkekyBw6BrGM5cduI0BKzU/s320/IMG_2733.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>A little over there...</em> </div><br />And now we can't get it away from him. Well, we can, but not without a fight. Ooo, maybe he will be like this with his chores...What do you think?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQq4H6bm2ol_-ln5zwJf95nmebK70tEK7rglYgKktCJbawRdM0n6LVVwLVedSJ5J_OWwXZ1wVQ7lEBSiF5MnjG0_nNRbKMUREcxsh_UOsB5Vb3KflCkQV44E_Rq7Zc50I57AYcaDm5Yk/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488027695819082018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQq4H6bm2ol_-ln5zwJf95nmebK70tEK7rglYgKktCJbawRdM0n6LVVwLVedSJ5J_OWwXZ1wVQ7lEBSiF5MnjG0_nNRbKMUREcxsh_UOsB5Vb3KflCkQV44E_Rq7Zc50I57AYcaDm5Yk/s320/IMG_2766.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>Hey, Nathan, you missed a spot</em> </div><br /><p> </p>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-80758708471583495732010-06-24T18:05:00.009-07:002010-07-02T18:17:42.316-07:00Who's On First? (updated with bonus Allyson picture)Well that would be Nathan. On his first baseball game, that is. Nothing like instilling a little bit of good ole American tradition. Maybe we'll try some apple pie next...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8BBgQI4dBaESjhjrLogGPRv1yrWeRnUF-fHwjDop4lredzcZVColGTamAbYI-EwivVWq8D1_DKa3pIUHA8rUzXqs1jVHe3FjroMreasAuoVKE37nO7WYMeuNnn7UGxO9lWaH-HTPdVQ/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486512336103602098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8BBgQI4dBaESjhjrLogGPRv1yrWeRnUF-fHwjDop4lredzcZVColGTamAbYI-EwivVWq8D1_DKa3pIUHA8rUzXqs1jVHe3FjroMreasAuoVKE37nO7WYMeuNnn7UGxO9lWaH-HTPdVQ/s320/IMG_2518.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>hmm, what happens if I poke this person?</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdYl0iJok1bAhdwrKJQ4IUbZsgH-36W2szNMRmHcS2pi9iG6drXY3QR9Z3G2pcRLJUK-JOgB97OZW2Xybn66CJqYdfpKJ3VqlhHL9oKAvPunZxbESG-z3NrgJ4i5_A4zckQ91vExy-dI/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486512342530540770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdYl0iJok1bAhdwrKJQ4IUbZsgH-36W2szNMRmHcS2pi9iG6drXY3QR9Z3G2pcRLJUK-JOgB97OZW2Xybn66CJqYdfpKJ3VqlhHL9oKAvPunZxbESG-z3NrgJ4i5_A4zckQ91vExy-dI/s320/IMG_2524.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>Nathan playing with Allyson and baby Calli</em> </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6JU3kIhezf2A5x_KRfYcv5sdnpToyKLwWBBUwlbJ_D9e-YIjGdjj-HP7qQoykLysxJky-ddZGq7Uk2JlNCAIkaxYMfB3ExQmlONwHgQ1pAlPeLFW5CloY8xAIRx8cb5GbMNbPCw6yxs/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486512354470440850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6JU3kIhezf2A5x_KRfYcv5sdnpToyKLwWBBUwlbJ_D9e-YIjGdjj-HP7qQoykLysxJky-ddZGq7Uk2JlNCAIkaxYMfB3ExQmlONwHgQ1pAlPeLFW5CloY8xAIRx8cb5GbMNbPCw6yxs/s320/IMG_2534.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>hee hee hee</em> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6L6Mi-kpKiJUpnevORSHbbLAnCJ0TATbNGs1Xeq0uvT3p8POHtKoL8LnZu3A4pugZZjx9TLjZxZA2N0TU5d4AkG6x8VD-qGa_PFBGDhS5XiOc1v5jerSS3YMr8PUZ6K-5cVITiY3mYE/s1600/IMG_2590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6L6Mi-kpKiJUpnevORSHbbLAnCJ0TATbNGs1Xeq0uvT3p8POHtKoL8LnZu3A4pugZZjx9TLjZxZA2N0TU5d4AkG6x8VD-qGa_PFBGDhS5XiOc1v5jerSS3YMr8PUZ6K-5cVITiY3mYE/s320/IMG_2590.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489482108673485826" /></a><div align="center"><em>Milk Allyson, Justin, Calli (not necessarily in that order)</em> </div><br />Nathan was in awe as we entered. I think he was amazed at the size of the stadium and all the people. And when we finally entered our area we opened up to this view:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB00Ipw2tPkNvQqKc4dn3h1J6Qu02ktTVH7aY0qx2n6crGeWGfNVcTb_boGiYYgAdVH05kmuG-FjqeCtPyY5E4UpJQTfUhLxBbqmtqJr-yfZeIg5AxPKI6WVCvOqBYbMEo9GICfq7YbM/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486512323369840370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB00Ipw2tPkNvQqKc4dn3h1J6Qu02ktTVH7aY0qx2n6crGeWGfNVcTb_boGiYYgAdVH05kmuG-FjqeCtPyY5E4UpJQTfUhLxBbqmtqJr-yfZeIg5AxPKI6WVCvOqBYbMEo9GICfq7YbM/s320/IMG_2517.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>Hello...hello...Echo...echo...echo</em> </div><br /><br />Yes, we were pretty high up, upper deck section 305. Nathan basically had this look of "Whoa" on his face. Until we sat down. That's when he became Mr. Squirmy Man. And here I was hoping that he would sit nicely on our laps and enjoy the D-backs beating up on some Yankees. But alas, no, none of that happened. D-back lost 5-6 in 10 innings...oh, sorry, ***Spoiler Alert*** I didn't mean to give away the ending like that...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg4c3_tDSRh2vAMuWMKuMi5YjNM_VzzTlG8gOuuM4JEdSqbCbORIoQf7u1NiKpHz0F0f4A0ZybbduCNF1AsTn6WZnrjxNPyNYaAJfTd3cqcxVGMhwFBfXl_6xuUCZLRUehuQAuIMzUzk/s1600/IMG_2536.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486513581266418770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg4c3_tDSRh2vAMuWMKuMi5YjNM_VzzTlG8gOuuM4JEdSqbCbORIoQf7u1NiKpHz0F0f4A0ZybbduCNF1AsTn6WZnrjxNPyNYaAJfTd3cqcxVGMhwFBfXl_6xuUCZLRUehuQAuIMzUzk/s320/IMG_2536.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>A little break from the action</em> </div><p>So Laura and I took turns walking around with Nathan and letting him walk the concourse. Being the wonderful husband I am, I let Laura take more turns than me (you owe me one Schmoopie). :)</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uWrRGOxFg50TAO160vPYsLjdGPNPyl7n8vZNw8bpIKDYo4CvI8xKeSPhyphenhyphenNAFrrLxG7ZjQFKDx7XNB1T6hkkD6w6pThAUTS-zJh3UJ_MbsmLbJcvoNtlU6Xy2EqBetBb1S6b-Dzy6MV8/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486513583450879954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uWrRGOxFg50TAO160vPYsLjdGPNPyl7n8vZNw8bpIKDYo4CvI8xKeSPhyphenhyphenNAFrrLxG7ZjQFKDx7XNB1T6hkkD6w6pThAUTS-zJh3UJ_MbsmLbJcvoNtlU6Xy2EqBetBb1S6b-Dzy6MV8/s320/IMG_2553.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy84YIbG4X05IaxYI6Y2S0ABGkPrff5RyWh9bWISDc16reBGWsSDJUxGRnKHLQW5zxHKJOPFJg0jIhCc8hEtC3-PySHXfREjYDASXPhncgq-6fRSjeSmrMDRbsoganDXrjnS3MaBhnoVQ/s1600/IMG_2555.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486512330530343186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy84YIbG4X05IaxYI6Y2S0ABGkPrff5RyWh9bWISDc16reBGWsSDJUxGRnKHLQW5zxHKJOPFJg0jIhCc8hEtC3-PySHXfREjYDASXPhncgq-6fRSjeSmrMDRbsoganDXrjnS3MaBhnoVQ/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" /></a><p>Nathan seemed to enjoy the game, or rather the experience at least. Whenever the crowd cheered, he started clapping. And when there was music playing, he started dancing. And he really enjoyed running around the concourse. Oh, and poking the people seated in front of us.<br /><br />Surprisingly, we actually made it to the seventh inning stretch. He normally goes to bed at 7pm and with the game starting just 20 minutes prior, I had only expected to reach the 3rd. Well that and Laura's love for the sport.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fnJU6-7lpbeKzlLdxvvP8zWYezoioBRS4KKBkEAH3W2U7QRza4-7HWyJ9pIalnWHI6I_6ItadgmKWRshi7Tpu51pCrVGYIJxGCh6foNVrHJoVySCo3_hogoLhy0gBone3fvkMgAoeOo/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486513595984954850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fnJU6-7lpbeKzlLdxvvP8zWYezoioBRS4KKBkEAH3W2U7QRza4-7HWyJ9pIalnWHI6I_6ItadgmKWRshi7Tpu51pCrVGYIJxGCh6foNVrHJoVySCo3_hogoLhy0gBone3fvkMgAoeOo/s320/IMG_2571.JPG" /></a><div align="center"><em>International sign for milk</em> </div><br /><p> </p>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-23259847691292500152010-05-31T18:22:00.010-07:002010-05-31T19:15:21.798-07:00RO RO RO Your Boat...Who knew installing an RO system was so easy. For the most part, this and the garbage disposer I put in the weekend prior were both just plug and play, or unscrew and use, such that it is.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIOj4NxL5vfxiHxdwzxmtDwhQOFo8UFS1mtYefs_zdUBwhfuYiEYmCRN9xA5ZdqWrMg8jj81sKKx0rLdkLHubPl_CM8TMLQHm3TexAGZjN4BSuUPtAOuJre7mqo8ChLsYgqMq8xS80Qs/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477610465858719138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIOj4NxL5vfxiHxdwzxmtDwhQOFo8UFS1mtYefs_zdUBwhfuYiEYmCRN9xA5ZdqWrMg8jj81sKKx0rLdkLHubPl_CM8TMLQHm3TexAGZjN4BSuUPtAOuJre7mqo8ChLsYgqMq8xS80Qs/s320/IMG_1715.JPG" /> </a><div align="center"><em>Hole (in case you couldn't figure that one out)</em> </div><br /><p>So we had this hole that we needed to fill. Actually it was a rusty looking cap, but after popping that off, voila, hole. Anyhoo, Laura has been wanting an RO system for a while now and our in-fridge filter just wasn't doing the trick. So with summer fast approaching we needed a fix since Laura is a water connoisseur and she is about 97% water, about 37 points higher than normal, everyday humans.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bCc2H2-V6KUoQbB9Lgf3vvobL-dbEdyb7fi11_BrHFk8xtf0siU_TIg9-nG9pMNtBUZ-1_SNoVnjUM1se-XlY6ZlzfAsJCqWjlFxJKwCLpI8ruCp9HYjmx9f7NzQ5TTFiVgedGYx_V4/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477610461706478930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bCc2H2-V6KUoQbB9Lgf3vvobL-dbEdyb7fi11_BrHFk8xtf0siU_TIg9-nG9pMNtBUZ-1_SNoVnjUM1se-XlY6ZlzfAsJCqWjlFxJKwCLpI8ruCp9HYjmx9f7NzQ5TTFiVgedGYx_V4/s320/IMG_1713.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"><em>Empty space that could be used for something...</em> </div><br /><p>Well, lo and behold, we had this hole in our sink and empty space that we have been debating about what to do with ever since we bought this place. "Hey Laura, what do you want to do with all that space under the sink?" "Hmf. I don't know. Can we convert into a closet?"<br /><br />So, after years of debate, we landed on a "zero waste" RO system to deliver fresh, clean drinking water to all the people in the land, or whoever should stop by our house...when we are home. I say "zero waste" in quotes, because it is zero wasted water but only after you waste the first two tanks rinsing out the system. But I guess this is better than the alternative that wastes a few gallons per filtered gallon throughout the process. But still... </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiakuLMkfdZB8MWUvCuBuCuLa2Qys9v1gSjTQLifTe2tOfPo9_x-IdwPihMeGFMwf6Xr0EllGM9r0KN-XltJ4uB2Dnk23tfM8-X174joE6N4EQOPgfNktrQJcphRo1MnAUl5eJHAoIGM/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477610453113914194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiakuLMkfdZB8MWUvCuBuCuLa2Qys9v1gSjTQLifTe2tOfPo9_x-IdwPihMeGFMwf6Xr0EllGM9r0KN-XltJ4uB2Dnk23tfM8-X174joE6N4EQOPgfNktrQJcphRo1MnAUl5eJHAoIGM/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"><em>Success!</em> </div><br /><p>So seriously, easy to install. the hardest part was the faucet, only because it was an awkward angle to reach up into. All I had to do was screw in the faucet, add two screws to hold up the filters, attached the tubes, and BAM, done.</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrRlK1twNjYOcj1SPWXgGmhEY_IIZGsrhkA71taa5U2aLNyBy_AYZA-20_yGRHvNJYqXDGhOuFRtNX_NIT5_OLKY_8TLzfSG9XY6CGUXUFWEC5RL6seG_Z6Tb9rO3sH4zhdsAsH_Sq7g/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477610628257411250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrRlK1twNjYOcj1SPWXgGmhEY_IIZGsrhkA71taa5U2aLNyBy_AYZA-20_yGRHvNJYqXDGhOuFRtNX_NIT5_OLKY_8TLzfSG9XY6CGUXUFWEC5RL6seG_Z6Tb9rO3sH4zhdsAsH_Sq7g/s320/IMG_1720.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"><em>No more hole</em> </div><br /><p>Fresh water at the push of a button. The only bad thing is that the water is room temperature. I'm sure there is a way to run it over to the fridge to have cold water and clean ice - I guess I'll have to google that. Though with the fridge on the opposite side of the room, it may be a much larger project that the install itself. </p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZviCLj0-MsUdj6VTboewvgne2RToWcGQ3zobPx1eHm_R7QHHOc1YAB5OgH67I3YNYDMENcViY0BumbNx7lct6SxUGltqaHs0hyphenhyphenfILK3iHeawQZ-Hu7PefTfFkqfJf9hFYDX1NNhkLNRI/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477618949347704658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZviCLj0-MsUdj6VTboewvgne2RToWcGQ3zobPx1eHm_R7QHHOc1YAB5OgH67I3YNYDMENcViY0BumbNx7lct6SxUGltqaHs0hyphenhyphenfILK3iHeawQZ-Hu7PefTfFkqfJf9hFYDX1NNhkLNRI/s320/IMG_1763.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"><em>Extra pieces???</em> </div><br /><p> </p>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-78319539205925090852010-05-26T17:40:00.004-07:002010-05-26T18:12:24.044-07:00Boiled Weeds...mmmmmIt works!!!!! Boiling water does kill weeds. Now I just have to wait to see if it had its way with the weed's roots.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIksgB17lPNeBDj8D8XYRV7VfXRp4JGwND5ax2uiOzjsaCcREkraW4s76XLoGdZJ-L8DykJHafj6i__noDQAj6OY1dlsdowe9CRRqeJCVElRTXq_5Hj105-DAQHL7xdRcjhmyqPHl4vB0/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475744156164779074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIksgB17lPNeBDj8D8XYRV7VfXRp4JGwND5ax2uiOzjsaCcREkraW4s76XLoGdZJ-L8DykJHafj6i__noDQAj6OY1dlsdowe9CRRqeJCVElRTXq_5Hj105-DAQHL7xdRcjhmyqPHl4vB0/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" /> </a><div align="center"><em>Happy weed</em> </div><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxGv0bgNs6kkPHstAgRKw-aUFgn4r59awR7ww1Kjmun6ohgfman4R0lk1EEOrKnVaDl6SD1kv9wx6JCXpd30qR1SbUZtm015f03VRz2QJ2C8VzVJoOeE5WeULPNMsfu3mHIGgEZcH43c/s1600/IMG_1693.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475744165958712450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxGv0bgNs6kkPHstAgRKw-aUFgn4r59awR7ww1Kjmun6ohgfman4R0lk1EEOrKnVaDl6SD1kv9wx6JCXpd30qR1SbUZtm015f03VRz2QJ2C8VzVJoOeE5WeULPNMsfu3mHIGgEZcH43c/s320/IMG_1693.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"><em>Exhausted weed</em> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-euicps7jrZEwNHobleLkU7bqVUqS4r61T1CvJfOMLzTrXyvQjqSuQDYPWqMTwwGgU7s5boXjoOwmsjvrJEV3HFi59BtoWELkS7Wv9UZDQBVfzkc5lzH-XRaAOXcCYdfQOMhrifzXzI/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475744173284424482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-euicps7jrZEwNHobleLkU7bqVUqS4r61T1CvJfOMLzTrXyvQjqSuQDYPWqMTwwGgU7s5boXjoOwmsjvrJEV3HFi59BtoWELkS7Wv9UZDQBVfzkc5lzH-XRaAOXcCYdfQOMhrifzXzI/s320/IMG_1705.JPG" /></a> <div align="center"><em>Dead weed</em> </div><br />Again a reminder - Don't try this in your garden or it will also kill the good little bugs and microbes that power your garden. Also pointed out, you probably shouldn't do this in your grass yard, unless you want to kill the surrounding grass. Happy chemical-free weed killing!TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-13151205144240787352010-04-26T20:46:00.004-07:002010-04-26T21:13:25.284-07:00Organic Wine ReviewVida Organica - Malbec<br />2009 Argentina<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkkyi9USMGurX98_CH4Dgez1-Ir3ENKuXYiOQievl5Qv351uiR8_x05Sch40T7ltPnK6HOAJZY27RgPhtZsD9HgdeaYqiEP63ODKrWCn7WmpBwsIKKx6hiTYnUKech95l1lemgyJZWDg/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkkyi9USMGurX98_CH4Dgez1-Ir3ENKuXYiOQievl5Qv351uiR8_x05Sch40T7ltPnK6HOAJZY27RgPhtZsD9HgdeaYqiEP63ODKrWCn7WmpBwsIKKx6hiTYnUKech95l1lemgyJZWDg/s320/IMG_1310.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464658856945341762" /></a><br />Though made with organic grapes, apparently, it doesn't qualify under FDA regulations as being organic since sulfites are used to make it shelf stable. I'm not sure if this applies to all wines or if this refers to this one specifically. But how does it taste...<br /><br />Well, initially, quite harsh and unbalanced, maybe a little bitter? Even running it though my new wine toy, an instant aerator, which speeds up the breathing process, failed to enhance the flavor. However, on day 3 (yes, it lasted that long since it wasn't very good) it finally showed promise, but by then I lost interest. It was softer and some of the fruit flavors became apparent, but who wants to wait 3 days for wine? According to the all-knowledgeable label, this wine is full bodied with flavors of dark berries and plums. Maybe berries that were picked about a month too early. I wouldn't yet write off the producers, but I can't recommend this vintage and since there are plenty of wines to choose from, I'd only recommend this to an alcoholic who has run through the avaiable wine universe and must now choose between this bottle and Boone's Farm.TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-84834533270916600972010-04-22T20:21:00.006-07:002010-04-22T21:17:20.532-07:00Nathan Birthday Videos - Part 1As promised... <br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzP-q2Uiw5E3vjKrzzHwG59YSiWvFBLHBcWYAMiQFSdmuOedsbHB8PGtDFkX22xxxIeIM8rP2_QlXpuDUnX-g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Here are the boys cruising in Nathan's new ride.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uHt02ZkFfkI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uHt02ZkFfkI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />hmm, video quality seems to be getting killed. May have to drop these in FB.TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-73667572041816491212010-04-18T20:11:00.005-07:002010-04-18T20:25:32.768-07:00Crack A Bottle...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fadHeKN7jHFftPzKX6wBv-l_XXaHaU9PNDJ2UnqMRrL6LQm8dUma49tTJtYhZG85sJ1GudUEHmNxWyeyQoWPC_aF-Q5i-ePAi579OUM2UGBrVS5X7zbLRxeKvnTAazTivg4uhOmIb_Q/s1600/Broken+Glass.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fadHeKN7jHFftPzKX6wBv-l_XXaHaU9PNDJ2UnqMRrL6LQm8dUma49tTJtYhZG85sJ1GudUEHmNxWyeyQoWPC_aF-Q5i-ePAi579OUM2UGBrVS5X7zbLRxeKvnTAazTivg4uhOmIb_Q/s320/Broken+Glass.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461680983903849634" /></a><br /><br />Yes, the glass broke. It was that good. (Whatever that means.)<br /><br />2008 Shannon Ridge Chardonnay ~$15<br /><br />This was part of the Bevmo 5-cent sale, so I guess it was only about $7.52. A little background - I wasn't feely Chardonnays for a while because all I was finding were apple-y/citrus-y ones and I was really wanting a buttery one. Having no luck on my own, a friend recommended J Lohr, which was excellent and buttery. That led me to find out a little more about the buttery trait and I found out that those Chardonnays that had gone through malolactic fermentation tended to have the buttery qualities. So, I found this little wine at the Bevmo sale and sure enough, right on the label, malolactic fermentation. So bam, $15.05, two bottles. You see because you have to buy 2.<br /><br />Anyhoo, this one is not as buttery as the J Lohr, but still quite refreshing. A little pear flavors and a slight butteriness and overall smooth and crisp. I would recommend this at $7.50, but any higher and I'd steer you to the J Lohr, which runs about $11.<br /><br />The glass in the picture actually broke as I tried to get a good angle to snap a few pictures of Nathan not-eating.TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-19284247614983354732010-04-18T17:16:00.005-07:002010-04-18T17:41:24.644-07:00WTF Did You JUST Eat?!?!?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq3Yfyvb7eTgA458cK9PoUeeMoC7ViyL7K30zlSfLHj4JYHa_Wj6CPLsJOyyWcBDqxne1wsdPREIPypj_QQFH6y5mY5pDkicYWB_Jyv3ll4ws85cPRbNtVGaDlpTJ-FIk3j4XQ6PvwRs/s1600/Food+Inc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq3Yfyvb7eTgA458cK9PoUeeMoC7ViyL7K30zlSfLHj4JYHa_Wj6CPLsJOyyWcBDqxne1wsdPREIPypj_QQFH6y5mY5pDkicYWB_Jyv3ll4ws85cPRbNtVGaDlpTJ-FIk3j4XQ6PvwRs/s320/Food+Inc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461636265124867538" /></a><br /><br />We just watched this amazing movie, Food Inc., and I highly recommend it to everyone. It is a 90 minute documentary about where your food is coming from. You can even catch it for free in HD on PBS channel 8 this Wednesday, April 21st at 9:00 p.m. (in Phoenix - not that I have a national audience that needs clarifying). <br /><br />This movie has everything: suspense, conspiracies (everyone I've told about the brief is dead), a mafia-like seed company with their own hitmen and that has infiltrated the government, crazy facts, ammonia-lace beef, genetically modified food, and MURDER!!<br /><br />But seriously, it's an eye-opening movie that will get you thinking differently about what you eat.<br /><br />Interesting links:<br /> Movie web site: <a href="http://www.foodincmovie.com/">http://www.foodincmovie.com/</a><br /> Blog: <a href="http://www.takepart.com/news/tag/hungry-for-change/">http://www.takepart.com/news/tag/hungry-for-change/</a><br /><br />If you watch just one movie this month, watch Sherlock Holmes. But if you have time for 2, check out Food Inc. Just kidding, put Food Inc. at the top of your list as it will have the biggest impact on your life.<br /><br /><br /><br />ps - Alisa I will try not to neglect the blog in the futureTaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-85181192169027682652010-04-04T20:47:00.009-07:002010-04-04T21:36:25.833-07:00Who Needs Cable Anyway<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHFl5Rri6roqt-6WfwLxyA0E2VAOHg2zfjWg0dvKDO0YCaU5yw80Dp5DN3w_2uCEWHmDKZ91y8_Nd5FQgci2pHqw8VPd9PDoh5K4erWbt5O8WEHfLyjkjZA6sPVYoqY_v1hlo5d66PQg/s1600/Cox+Cable.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHFl5Rri6roqt-6WfwLxyA0E2VAOHg2zfjWg0dvKDO0YCaU5yw80Dp5DN3w_2uCEWHmDKZ91y8_Nd5FQgci2pHqw8VPd9PDoh5K4erWbt5O8WEHfLyjkjZA6sPVYoqY_v1hlo5d66PQg/s320/Cox+Cable.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456505955165050226" /></a><br />So a few months ago we cut the cord. No, seriously, I did. Literally. I had to. Whoever owned the house before us had the brilliant idea to pour concrete over a cable instead of, oh, I don't know, say, maybe moving the cable to the side while pouring the concrete. Brilliant!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDStAEPTKldfAdUpssen9Da98V9FkX7tAg5SXh41xPCIQ1IoMWX7MUtpA1bctXfkxz3-_zB4onNOEFzttbHyRyGRMwOxk-1wwqS21FuPTiZ7qFo3Az4nvbFF114u8VVix0xiwQiIuY4I/s1600/brilliant_medium.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDStAEPTKldfAdUpssen9Da98V9FkX7tAg5SXh41xPCIQ1IoMWX7MUtpA1bctXfkxz3-_zB4onNOEFzttbHyRyGRMwOxk-1wwqS21FuPTiZ7qFo3Az4nvbFF114u8VVix0xiwQiIuY4I/s320/brilliant_medium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456505549145185746" /></a><br />But, yes, figuratively too. No more $55/month (or $70ish if you count the "free" HD service that we dropped a while back - seriously, you don't offer "Free HD" if I have to pay $10/month extra, or whatever it is, for the special receiver and another $5 for the included service tier) to the cable dictators. They only get our internet money now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU1YLsZXA4F7OMlKUORLA15ztPLixbVLqiDP9eeBc8rf88qzM_xy9OqWycNu2NKK6TpTQmP-pAuRn4cdqC2fAhqVqSYorjMh9e-XgW3Ue3Spu531X8qvhkJ4qejT-aIbG8b6d4w4L0-U/s1600/no-cable-tv.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnU1YLsZXA4F7OMlKUORLA15ztPLixbVLqiDP9eeBc8rf88qzM_xy9OqWycNu2NKK6TpTQmP-pAuRn4cdqC2fAhqVqSYorjMh9e-XgW3Ue3Spu531X8qvhkJ4qejT-aIbG8b6d4w4L0-U/s320/no-cable-tv.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456504685743580594" /></a><br />So why did we do it you ask. Well it's all Nathan's fault really. We no longer had the time to watch much TV. What we did watch was avaiable free over-the-air. And when we did watch, we were frequently interupted by the teenie guy. So we began watching TV shows online where we could start them anytime, pause anytime, and rewind when needed. Definitely fits our lives better. Plus there are several ways now available to stream the internet (hulu.com, ABC/NBC/CBS full episodes, Live broadcasts, and sports) to the TV. So if anyone is interested, please continue on.<br /><br />Only a few things are needed: <br /> - <strong>High-speed internet (and a PC)</strong>- you likely have this so no additional costs, though the middle tier would be best, so this may add ~$12 (or subtract ~$12 from your savings)<br /> - <strong>A converter (Playstation 3, XBox 360, Wii, or other stand-alone box)</strong> - You may have this too, but if you don't, the stand alone box is only about $80 (<a href="http://www.roku.com/">Ruku</a>). If you play video games occassionally, try the Wii since it's easy and fun with groups. Otherwise you may like the Playstation 3 as it comes with a Blu-Ray player and you can store music/video/photos and play them through your TV and stereo system)<br /> - <strong><a href="http://tversity.com/">Tversity</a> or <a href="http://www.playon.tv/playon">Playon</a> software </strong>- both are easy to use, but Playon costs $30 after the 2 week trial. All you need to do is load up your programs and the software keeps your list updated. Then just select them up through your player in the above bullet and hit play. Both options support Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon videos, ESPN, ABC/NBC/CBS, plus have free options for Food Network, National Geographic, HGTV. However, only shows that are available online will be available, so check to make sure your favorite show is offered.<br /><br /><strong>Optional: Netflix </strong>- since they offer streaming on demand for only $9/month. We are currently watching the most recent season of Weeds streamed to our TV, released on DVD in Decemeber, I believe.<br /><br />So even if you upgrade your internet and sign up for Netflix, you're still saving $ if you don't mind losing some channels and being a little flexible: $55-12-9 = $34 or ~$1/day = $360/year.<br /><br />Here's an artist's reinactment:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyfvlbIh-xdadr2f2a6Cflv8Nr10Sj1LkV5YSNyMyZb4ZAfv4JqurKJa-og0daET8_viDeEE7-LpActiZyPwptE4Uyh7sUnUc44rt07S9070aiDBpXz5KGc3x8Jgbu0FOcfAmYkB8aRQ/s1600/playon.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyfvlbIh-xdadr2f2a6Cflv8Nr10Sj1LkV5YSNyMyZb4ZAfv4JqurKJa-og0daET8_viDeEE7-LpActiZyPwptE4Uyh7sUnUc44rt07S9070aiDBpXz5KGc3x8Jgbu0FOcfAmYkB8aRQ/s320/playon.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456499932238520690" /></a>See it works.<br /><br />Some caveats: while testing Playon and Tversity, some features were intermitent and with a slower connection the fast-forwarding/rewind kill playback (as you need to wait for the internet to catch up). But initial load times are fast and if all you do is pause/play there was only a few second delay, but once playing it was smooth. Netflix ran perfectly. Also, if you watch TV in several rooms, this may not be a good substitute since you would need several converters or to watch TV on your computer.<br /><br />Addtional info: <a href="http://www.cancelcable.com/">Cancel Cable</a>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-32693767035480431542010-03-31T23:04:00.000-07:002010-04-04T20:46:16.416-07:00Happy Birthday To You!Nathan's 1st birthday! Wow, I can't believe this day has already come. Prepare yourself for some expected parental "where has the time gone" soliloquy. Because, seriously, we just brought the little guy home. See:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroR1WagRwLgIqgDlnKqHt_4cf4XoOqngtWnsA-AsUe1w9NS34dY3FVOjgf-tOdKHKQRPpQQYPQlSSVGGOAwiagzzXbo9Ltt8eMmClXM3rhhnKwmuOE3Y72F3O7iRhhrPbVhl23BgGo34/s1600/IMG0012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456489878414433522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroR1WagRwLgIqgDlnKqHt_4cf4XoOqngtWnsA-AsUe1w9NS34dY3FVOjgf-tOdKHKQRPpQQYPQlSSVGGOAwiagzzXbo9Ltt8eMmClXM3rhhnKwmuOE3Y72F3O7iRhhrPbVhl23BgGo34/s320/IMG0012.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><em>Little guy</em></div><br />And now he is a year old! And weirdly, it seems like forever since last year, but at the same time, I was just there. I'm sure I could go on, so I'll stop before I get carried away. Back to the part-tay!<br /><br />There was so much for all the little guys to do. We had wagon rides and everyone's favorite- BUBBLES!!! Plus a few of Nathan's favorite activities including: pull everything out of the laundry basket; and doing something with a parachute. I really don't know what the parachute thing is called, but it is always a hit with the kiddos. I'm sure you remember doing this in PE back in the day, but basically it's holding on to the edge and waving the 'chute up and down (advanced users can add a ball to the top to watch it roll around). Definitely amusing.<br /><br />Anyhoo, here are some photos (unfortunately, Laura and I were busy most of the time, so our photo selection is limited, so if you have any good shots, shoot them our way. Thanks.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluabgypZGn3fn7GxMMluxpNLWAwBQjr6gkkf2Y40Tg9ZkHdK_1LWkHjLtNz3C4XGKW1hxxMsltMwOdyBRjSBfJXQPRqNMY5VUu6iJf0IvxkyNU2UEdS-cejjNtC_yWnR0qIVbTrbKF64/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453207389364006434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiluabgypZGn3fn7GxMMluxpNLWAwBQjr6gkkf2Y40Tg9ZkHdK_1LWkHjLtNz3C4XGKW1hxxMsltMwOdyBRjSBfJXQPRqNMY5VUu6iJf0IvxkyNU2UEdS-cejjNtC_yWnR0qIVbTrbKF64/s320/IMG_0263.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>Wagon Rides!</em></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedwqCEDtF3Sa4P7PDbaT9oNouE2hJGbAbypVp83FhQUdonEqRfDfOp_0f0OlH2Cwlva9XM9oyA9k8Aa9U0ev4liU3p-Ceo1sLtpHtz9xs6XR2sv5T3gTH99STcFd3t88TZr_DXHpKdQk/s1600/IMG_7512.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453207417308984178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedwqCEDtF3Sa4P7PDbaT9oNouE2hJGbAbypVp83FhQUdonEqRfDfOp_0f0OlH2Cwlva9XM9oyA9k8Aa9U0ev4liU3p-Ceo1sLtpHtz9xs6XR2sv5T3gTH99STcFd3t88TZr_DXHpKdQk/s320/IMG_7512.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>The Boys</em></div>Notice how cool Nathan is in the wagon? Arm on the side, chillin' like, "Yeah, ladies, this is my ride."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aYdgUDKlEeFaHA_CIB3UXowmtoNQFFTgXQniIvjA4mIWFpFAm8mlIja2ze5hugzhZ3lSamvRJyRatO4-Qqz7yBst36j2si7AdmzFmoagB8f-3smkDhdBnukWTufmxkNjS4JFJ1sKz-0/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453207393763411570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aYdgUDKlEeFaHA_CIB3UXowmtoNQFFTgXQniIvjA4mIWFpFAm8mlIja2ze5hugzhZ3lSamvRJyRatO4-Qqz7yBst36j2si7AdmzFmoagB8f-3smkDhdBnukWTufmxkNjS4JFJ1sKz-0/s320/IMG_0271.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>"What's under here?"</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSrnIrhRVS_wHRlJCloSNlUoOs8eUmRyxT_ATjhFe-9ZDlcQtd4I0HLfhhG0U7fEBPvNgv6LEu-1bF3s3SffJ530ajizl5PGzXykrHFZO1x-DK6CVy0RAkf72cO0usigstKZEqcojbb0/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453207401923457778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSrnIrhRVS_wHRlJCloSNlUoOs8eUmRyxT_ATjhFe-9ZDlcQtd4I0HLfhhG0U7fEBPvNgv6LEu-1bF3s3SffJ530ajizl5PGzXykrHFZO1x-DK6CVy0RAkf72cO0usigstKZEqcojbb0/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>Birthday Boy</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKJ_gnrJj7MvPJiSOze0xERJJxEFxiBSX2x65af18YjAVeJ56P47Dz3dIcOFtL9Zc_1Yjmhewq4ZEHDrnHBAmM3AlUrm9Z_o_U_6WDw-4N2P5Dcie0TAPTXTgsiGQ7EY8D_RoiAsQ2Ps/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453207405077593474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKJ_gnrJj7MvPJiSOze0xERJJxEFxiBSX2x65af18YjAVeJ56P47Dz3dIcOFtL9Zc_1Yjmhewq4ZEHDrnHBAmM3AlUrm9Z_o_U_6WDw-4N2P5Dcie0TAPTXTgsiGQ7EY8D_RoiAsQ2Ps/s320/IMG_0295.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>16 kids. Sitting. Still. What's up!?!?!</em></div><br />Yeah, 16 kids sitting still...for .00003 seconds. Just enough time for a lucky picture.<br /><br />I still need to find time to edit the video, but it is on its way.TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-55260853481850899472010-03-26T23:02:00.007-07:002010-03-26T23:57:53.310-07:00New Post, No LionZoo trip!!! I took a little reimbursement day and hit up the zoo. What's that? What's reimbursement day? Well it's kind of like a vacation/personal day without all of the baggage. You see, my boss is so awesome that she reimburses me a little family time for business trips; hence, reimbursement day. Anyhoo...The Zoo!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82GHIhmyxswS9BFUuZnMSnDtkdZufnuqoFy7H2WKPsls7GU7EW4ElkMrHlYMOL6GkVyWEkhg3b30s6BQ_uDAJQXk2101uNG0_JFKY1m89XypKz7Uqwu2iFezwE55WwIPALKIiu31NilQ/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453196168118767282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82GHIhmyxswS9BFUuZnMSnDtkdZufnuqoFy7H2WKPsls7GU7EW4ElkMrHlYMOL6GkVyWEkhg3b30s6BQ_uDAJQXk2101uNG0_JFKY1m89XypKz7Uqwu2iFezwE55WwIPALKIiu31NilQ/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>"Hey, Simba, what do you want for dinner?"</em></div><div align="center"><em>"We haven't had tourist in a while..."</em></div><br />Well apparently there was a lion. You'd think I would have noticed that. Good thing they are locked up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxq79iUhIob43tWHct-3JU6DBK6aqb6ob7zoPhbsw_lRmm2SrahoXSkD8nED14tzwVIuHFe0xJIJR8gZJclffiislUdX2GBxv4oefMJtZmffUh9uPeQVGUEGoC8fYjSgDNKS4JCFAQu8/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453196172051728530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxq79iUhIob43tWHct-3JU6DBK6aqb6ob7zoPhbsw_lRmm2SrahoXSkD8nED14tzwVIuHFe0xJIJR8gZJclffiislUdX2GBxv4oefMJtZmffUh9uPeQVGUEGoC8fYjSgDNKS4JCFAQu8/s320/IMG_0361.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><em>Animals...and there are giraffes in there too</em></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW6sOW5NoB_xmlWgnvkalEAfj77epKJXPBZXp5K5nkjGVUAKkRPqZl26Gkjg-hbKfR51CMrw9IW6a051XdWEouM8vKFwUZET6gciJfanH0EIMdm3HGZeD_BSkQ5xoU0w8yZvXCGTNQrg/s1600/IMG_0364.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453196178609406210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikW6sOW5NoB_xmlWgnvkalEAfj77epKJXPBZXp5K5nkjGVUAKkRPqZl26Gkjg-hbKfR51CMrw9IW6a051XdWEouM8vKFwUZET6gciJfanH0EIMdm3HGZeD_BSkQ5xoU0w8yZvXCGTNQrg/s320/IMG_0364.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>Gary explaining Giraffe 101</em></div><br /><br />It was a beautiful day for a zoo day: mid 70s with a cool, gentle breeze. And there was plenty of shade throughout. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QZloO_R2mx5bxu6QZJr8GARjW7ozZdEincTsen6QX75NNnOdVa6KBm3bgmlQOSghELrpkHiJPr8jR1i3BlyFxukT3cSzxOQSH0oRSVz7a2KveClchlmop9ZCwLx0QSTm2dBlobppWfI/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453196189854110594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QZloO_R2mx5bxu6QZJr8GARjW7ozZdEincTsen6QX75NNnOdVa6KBm3bgmlQOSghELrpkHiJPr8jR1i3BlyFxukT3cSzxOQSH0oRSVz7a2KveClchlmop9ZCwLx0QSTm2dBlobppWfI/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>"Um, Nathan, the elephant is over here. He's kinda hard to miss."</em></div><br />Joining us on our trip was our personal photographer. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB34Ttgodm_g35n1l_3JEX-wJ2Zjp8A-c4P1WSNeg1k0o5cOedaSZkV8iRlnMLZNM6OVNPSpJpomdhOVMe5ZiKRWeki9TlSozdGslEdF9Yug-pFlN4nOx6kaFzymcNdusqZjQGIKNghQ/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453196214593422594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB34Ttgodm_g35n1l_3JEX-wJ2Zjp8A-c4P1WSNeg1k0o5cOedaSZkV8iRlnMLZNM6OVNPSpJpomdhOVMe5ZiKRWeki9TlSozdGslEdF9Yug-pFlN4nOx6kaFzymcNdusqZjQGIKNghQ/s320/IMG_0371.JPG" border="0" /></a><div align="center"><em>Self-portrait of Lisa taking a picture of a Giant Tortoise. Man she's good!</em></div><br />She just bought a fancy new camera and was excited to do some more practicing. Actually, she was really excited about spending time with Nathan, but he's so cute, can you blame her?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhModIETmy9vhOzLcAQxTdqAWn9fywU3gI252RPjHLZNfuxVtFG-zs8Y6piqSw5Y04ZawXD0X692eHsn_s9YOfGt7rSdrkftiKEVclDQsBA0mrR78iQ7SJwFNb1JbjOdfpq-_K6dwVqV1A/s1600/Splinky+Shot+-+Gary+Nathan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhModIETmy9vhOzLcAQxTdqAWn9fywU3gI252RPjHLZNfuxVtFG-zs8Y6piqSw5Y04ZawXD0X692eHsn_s9YOfGt7rSdrkftiKEVclDQsBA0mrR78iQ7SJwFNb1JbjOdfpq-_K6dwVqV1A/s320/Splinky+Shot+-+Gary+Nathan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453200911113549922" /></a><div align="center"><em>My favorite shot</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vei78VQzZtqDZuseGwtGDvgruEyfBmWaBdqjLhkcWikJu6KohhU-6fSiA7zvpg4tnkkrAqjqKaN9ktg9BiNVs1MEcVkn7cIdZ8sw2suCS2YWLYMuYp6slOaIWNPYejar9gYPKiZU7V4/s1600/Splinky+Shot+-+Nathan+Monkey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vei78VQzZtqDZuseGwtGDvgruEyfBmWaBdqjLhkcWikJu6KohhU-6fSiA7zvpg4tnkkrAqjqKaN9ktg9BiNVs1MEcVkn7cIdZ8sw2suCS2YWLYMuYp6slOaIWNPYejar9gYPKiZU7V4/s320/Splinky+Shot+-+Nathan+Monkey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453200921841423746" /></a><div align="center"><em>"Look! A Monkey!"</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rav3g_WGOtWOwBnEIs3oDzI8mkilCy15aMEMy69V0nQYNSLdgwH0cDbsqJXGdRDkN8cMlDr-TNW6KkM-BMM-MSf6UlPqcBOl-9zIaHZCbo0NGISvrxCOt8qZKHSfPKjEsMGJOFkGcck/s1600/Splinky+Shot+-+Nathan+and+Real+Monkey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rav3g_WGOtWOwBnEIs3oDzI8mkilCy15aMEMy69V0nQYNSLdgwH0cDbsqJXGdRDkN8cMlDr-TNW6KkM-BMM-MSf6UlPqcBOl-9zIaHZCbo0NGISvrxCOt8qZKHSfPKjEsMGJOFkGcck/s320/Splinky+Shot+-+Nathan+and+Real+Monkey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453200927782397202" /></a><div align="center"><em>"Look! A Monkey!"</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwy1P5mq_Odknkr6cvIItWCjH1V-7wJ9hI4E5ecrlGjYq02Q9uKoOLfon0QqZsp5cdAyGfxqzIvDXMbaKVNsnr5PWdrcFO9zkRoiMr8ajZI7BeTkpoegTi5LSbKXiofmAd3UtVIiH11s/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwy1P5mq_Odknkr6cvIItWCjH1V-7wJ9hI4E5ecrlGjYq02Q9uKoOLfon0QqZsp5cdAyGfxqzIvDXMbaKVNsnr5PWdrcFO9zkRoiMr8ajZI7BeTkpoegTi5LSbKXiofmAd3UtVIiH11s/s320/IMG_0388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453200853679841794" /></a><div align="center"><em>Connecting with the past</em></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKmzEqrC52Yfy9C4cMdYA5xAAMr73ZC2aXv0G4ZteffljEma54EPnb4DNEyihcxKjwCnXlttJhvqBBPQO6nVgjcy7Tu-eZ1kkyFpuEb2v4ADnOFwsDIZY-bMK5SIcwpIZ2ELCYeowxIM/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKmzEqrC52Yfy9C4cMdYA5xAAMr73ZC2aXv0G4ZteffljEma54EPnb4DNEyihcxKjwCnXlttJhvqBBPQO6nVgjcy7Tu-eZ1kkyFpuEb2v4ADnOFwsDIZY-bMK5SIcwpIZ2ELCYeowxIM/s320/IMG_0375.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453200845349636482" /></a><div align="center"><em>The end!</em></div>TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403908079054110516.post-61110640578379245342010-03-24T20:26:00.002-07:002010-03-24T20:38:43.772-07:00I'm tha B.O.M.B.Back On My Bloggin' that is. Yes, after a 2 month hiatus, I am back. I know, exciting right? So why the hiatus, well, since you asked. Well I was busy trying to get healthcare reform passed. No, actually, I was dual-rolling it at work as I transitioned into a new joint (hmmm, that kind of sounds like a drug reference in hindsight, but no drugs, druhhgs er bahd, mmkay). On top of that, I was working a little consulting side action and planning for the teenie guy's b-day. Needless to say, blogging was moved to the back burner (as was sleep).<br /><br />But I'm back now.<br /><br />Well don't get too excited as this is just a welcome me back post, but don't sweat it, real stuff is coming. Such as Nathan's birthday party in minute detail, including photos for all you picture-book people out there who don't like the words so much. Plus a few wine reviews as I hit up Bevmo's 5-cent wine deal to stock up our wine cooler.<br /><br />So until next time - which will be sooner than the last time...TaylorTafthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02347873666392840790noreply@blogger.com2