The Sea Change . com

So you're probably thinking I'm dead.

2011-06-07T19:59:00.001-05:00

I'm not.

I'll blog something someday. Hang in there....

2010-02-20T20:42:00.001-06:00

Dallas, TX got 12.5" of snow on the ground last week. A record for one 24 hour period. This shot down the street from our house where a walking path crosses a creek. Amazing for this area....

Audrey's Drama Head Shot

2010-02-20T20:38:00.003-06:00

Taken today in the back yard. Looking like a supermodel...

Images From Summer '09

2009-09-03T13:00:00.003-05:00

In no particular order. New kitchen disposal, Tate's new bike from Target, some fishing, a short trip. Life is good.

New school playground equipment...

2009-07-18T16:38:00.003-05:00

...is going in up at the elementary school this summer. Obviously a bid deal with the kiddos. Developing....

The Dog Days of Summer

2009-06-09T08:39:00.002-05:00

Taken this morning of my daughter's freshly made bed. Moondog sleeps with her and didn't want to get out of bed this morning. There is a dog under there asleep....

School's Out For The Summer ('09)

2009-06-05T13:56:00.001-05:00

Kids just walked home and Susie and Moondog were out in the driveway waiting (and me with the camera). The craziness begins....

Recent family pics...

2009-06-05T08:25:00.006-05:00

Some recent pics from the family, in no particular order. All taken in the last month (Summer '09)

Tate on the day of his first Communion (clip on tie and all).

Here's Audrey on the day she won an award for choir up at the middle school.
I flew the family plane down to P-Cola finally, after wanting to do it for six years. Finally toured the Naval Aviation Museum. Write-up HERE. And a look at what the family calls 'Tate's garden'. He waters all the plants here and is watching daily for the sunflowers he planted to blooom.

Fishing with Tate

2009-05-11T11:20:00.003-05:00

(2) Dr. Peppers and sitting on a yoga mat. No nibbles, but fun still. His casts are coming right along!

Audrey in 'Alice in Wonderland'

2009-05-01T16:50:00.003-05:00

Our 13yr perfect daughter is currently in rehersals for a local rendetion of 'Alice in Wonderland'. Here she is in costume before dropping her off at rehersals the other day. She's nearly as tall as me these days.

VAF Comets 6. Red Devils 5. 4/4/09

2009-04-05T09:16:00.006-05:00

Your VAF Comets defeated the Red Devils yesterday in grand style. The Red Devils scored four goals in the first quarter (their strong lineup was in). The second quarter went to us as we scored four of our own. We went to halftime tied 4-4. The third quarter ended with one more goal for the Red Devils. The Comets came back strong in the final quarter and took the lead with a little more than three minutes on the clock.
6-5 Comets!

- Pictures From The Game

Tate's Book Report

2009-02-17T08:28:00.001-06:00

I don't review a lot of 2nd grader book reports and dioramas up here, but today I thought I'd make an exception for our son. Tate turned in his report and visual aid yesterday morning, and I must say I'm impressed.

I poked the holes in the manila folder material with a needle, but he did the rest. This is, of course, Tate's interpretation of the famous photograph (here's the camera that took it). That box had donuts in it a few days back...and they were good. ;^) dr

Ice in Dallas

2009-01-12T08:33:00.004-06:00

...doesn't happen that often, but you gotta smile at a kid that feels compelled to fill up a bowl with icicles from around the house.

Xmas Shwag 2008

2008-12-27T11:12:00.003-06:00

Christmas 2008 was a good one. Christmas Eve mass went smoothly (always a stand-the-entire-time packed affair). Home after mass we opened the familia presents. I made out swell:

1. "I'm a Lebowski, You're A Lewbowski" ...book on one of my fav movies. I've seen it about twenty times.
2. T-shirt with an old style Vespa on it.
3. New shaving mirror for the shower - with suction cups (YES!)
4. Back scrubber (YES). I specifically asked for this...
5. Journal for recording gas mileage and maintenance on the Vespa.
6. Heated neck wrap.

My take included personal grooming implements, some fashion and comedy. No complaints here. The Dude abides...

Santa brought a Wii for the kids. Life is good...

Audrey singing in choir

2008-12-08T21:16:00.008-06:00

Tonight the apple of my eye sang in the Christmas choir performance at her school. She made district in choir this year. There are few things on this Earth more beautiful sounding than a child singing, and I couldn't be more proud of her (or the last two letters in our plane's N-number...N617AR). Before you listen to the music, look at her in this picture from a few years back helping me build the wing. It's the same kid....and where does the time go?

20 second clip from tonight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaO8x2aQaag

pic from the evening...

Visiting Santa 12.6.08

2008-12-08T08:43:00.003-06:00

For the record, Tate asked for:

1. A Wii

2. A Webkinz

3. A R/C Monster Truck

I know, I saw him give Santa the list!

VAF Comets 10. The Flame 1. Last game of '08.

2008-11-09T16:15:00.008-06:00

We ended the '08 season with a 10 win and 2 loss record. Go Comets!!!

Two clips below from the final game. Enjoy and see you next season!

Clip 1 direct link (first five minutes)

Embedded:

Clip 2 direct link (last five minutes)

Embedded:

Audrey made regional choir.

2008-11-03T18:09:00.003-06:00

Not school. Not district. Regional.

And....when she tried out last week she was sick.

Audrey rocks!!!!

VAF Comets 7. The Gators 4.

2008-11-03T18:09:00.001-06:00

Your VAF Comets played The Gators Saturday at 2:15pm. The coach on the opposing team spent nearly the entire game yelling at his team, the referee and the world in general. Real class act....they are eight years old, Einstein. Eight. Then he yelled at our coach. Our coach! OK, cheif...FIGHT ON. The Comets did what they do best: stuck to their game plan, stayed cool and stayed focused. Then they handed The Gators their first defeat of the season with a score of 7-4. Coach Flossi made every kid MVP. I was so jazzed at the end I bought slushes for the whole team and their parents afterwards. Wish you could have been there. You would have been blown away with the determination these kids showed. Pictures from the game HERE (be sure to look at the last picture). Go Comets!!!

VAF Comets 10. The Eagles 4.

2008-10-21T21:02:00.003-05:00

I missed half of this make up game as I had to go pick up Audrey from cheering at a football game. But, while I was there I got a video clip of Levi scoring a goal. It was dark, so pictures were pretty much out of the question.

Go Comets!

VAF Comets 10. Fuegos 0.

2008-10-20T16:23:00.001-05:00

Pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/VAFComets10Fuegos0101808

Pics from the Briarhill Fall Carnival

2008-10-20T15:17:00.003-05:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/Aaaaaa

Just about perfect.

Bugs in the yard.

2008-10-17T07:02:00.005-05:00

Taken last night. Baby rabbit in the bushes in front of the house. Tate named him 'Ribbons'...and I've no idea why. Works for us.

Hope he stays. He can have all the stuff he wants to eat.

We don't plan on telling Moondog about Ribbons....suspect he'd come unglued .

VAF Comets 5. Stars 10.

2008-10-05T14:09:00.005-05:00

Well, we got our first loss of the season, but it was a real game. Fifteen goals scored total and kids on the edge of exhaustion. Both teams had yellow uniforms so we were in the penny jerseys this time. 10-5 final.

We'll get 'em next time. Go Comets!!!!

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/VAFComets5Stars10100408#

Tate prepares for battle.

VAF Comets 5. Express 1.

2008-09-30T08:04:00.003-05:00

Your VAF Comets took The Express downtown with a 5-1 win. We were two men down, so a few of the players went the distance all four quarters. Everyone played like a champ, even with the Express throwing elbows like folks at a square dance. This was a great win! In case you haven't been following along, your VAF Comets are undefeated. Again....undefeated.

More pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/VAFComes_5_Express_1#

Susie: Jewelry Godess

2008-09-27T13:07:00.004-05:00

Susie and her friend Cyndie participated in a local craft show on Saturday. Audrey, Tate and I dropped in to lend some support and see how things were going. The place was a zoo, actually. I think Tate and I were the only two guys...and we didn't stay long enough to find out for sure.

Susie's store is http://moondogtreasures.etsy.com/ and Cyndie's is http://www.littleshopofbaubles.com/.

L to R: Audrey, Susie, Tate and Cyndi.

Bike Rodeo, Bathroom and Beer

2008-09-27T08:14:00.011-05:00

Quick update on life. Tate's 'bike rodeo' was up at school Friday afternoon, and you don't want to miss that!!! They don't do this past second grade, so Susie and I were a little bummed that this is our last one. He's growing too fast! Here's Tate modeling his $5 garage sale bike.

Work continues on the master bath improvements. We've finally got tile on the floor and the makings of a new shower, after only going without it for a year and a half . Only a few more days and we won't have to go upstairs to take a shower. That's gonna be sweet! Here are three pics roughly a week apart. Last night I was invited over to my college roomate's (Johnny Gibbs) 45th birthday party. Put Duran Duran hair on the guys in this shot and Miami Vice on the TV and you're right back in 1985 with us. I think I kinda prefer now, actually.

Happy Birthday Johnny Geola - The Flyin' Gibbola!

Pictured L to R: Keith Holmes, Glenn Gibbs, Trent and Danny Gibbs. Same pose as in college .

The Brothers Gibb are practicing a few songs for their parents (Johnny and Glenn play guitar). After this beer shot we went to the music room and played for an hour - songs their parents will enjoy (Everly Bros, Elvis, etc.). Johnny's two sons played bass and keyboards - five Gibbs boys in the same room. I was surrounded.

This was a lot of fun!

Hot Air Balloons Over The House

2008-09-21T16:44:00.002-05:00

Taken last Friday as Tate and I drove out for dinner. This about a block from our house. How's that for a happy surprise! That's Tate just behind the car door...

VAF Comets 10. Red Devils 6.

2008-09-07T10:28:00.004-05:00

First game of the season. A great match with lots of enthusiasm from both sides. Pics http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/VAF_Comets_090608_Win#.

Good times

Car wash

2008-09-04T08:22:00.003-05:00

Go into the downstairs restroom this morning and find this on the sink. The boy had washed some toys off last night and 'parked' them for drying. Note they're all pointing the same direction.

Vespa video from Portland, OR

2008-09-01T11:48:00.002-05:00

(link to video) Scooter Culture in Van's Neck of the Woods
...nice video about Portland's scooter population. The RV tie in? I now have hard data that it costs me $1.28 (at this weekend's Dallas gas prices) to ride my scooter on back roads out to 52F and back so I can take the plane around the pattern a few times. My previous truck (a Ford F-150) cost over $6.50 to do the same thing. Not too difficult for me to 'scoot out' an hour of flying with the savings! Plus....I make this thing look good .

Vespa drive....long straight through the trees

2008-08-25T15:33:00.006-05:00

I took this about two weeks ago on a small side road on the west side of Lake Lewisville. The Googlemap location of this street doesn't look too impressive, but when you're under the tree canopy it's a nice couple of minutes on the scooter.

Took this before riding down it a couple of times....
(click to enlarge)

Day One of 2nd Grade (escape sequence)

2008-08-25T15:18:00.001-05:00

Tate finished day one with no hits, misses or drips. The escape sequence....

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/6527/img0001cb3.jpg
http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/3325/img0002qc5.jpg
http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/2209/img0003lp2.jpg
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/8624/img0004vt0.jpg

Lunch with the old work gang...

2008-08-25T13:03:00.009-05:00

Monday I ate lunch with some of the guys I use to work with. Dined over at Los Amigos in Grapevine. I rode the Vespa to lunch so I could take a side trip around Lake Grapevine on the way back. Went over the dam and down into one of the side parks. Nice ride. Googlemap of the location here.

Filled the tank earlier in the day. $5.19 to fill. 71.465mpg on the previous tank.

Lovin' this thing...

A pic from the park... (click to enlarge)

'08-'09 VAF Comets Season Begins!!!

2008-08-17T16:53:00.003-05:00

The parents got together today and picked a weekly practice time, etc. The first game is in a few weeks and we have a few player changes this season. Cody, Zach and Sammy opted to play different sports this year, so we got a few new players.

It's gonna be a great season and we're all excited. The pic below was from the guys out in the back horsing around...

Passed....

2008-07-18T15:03:00.006-05:00

...my motorcycle knowledge test this morning at the DMV (studied the online stuff for one hour last night - took 8min 47sec to complete the test - scored an 82%). Taking the riding test next week....on the scooter, baby!

Been following 'Vespa' in the news lately? Gas prices have increased sales by over 100% over the last year. Say what you will...they hold their value .

Check out some of the articles this lady writes in Denver. No kidding, that's her beat:
http://www.examiner.com/x-400-Denver-Scooter-Examiner

Ciao,
d

The upside to $4 gasoline: Vespa sales soaring

2008-07-15T21:04:00.000-05:00

VA article on soaring Vespa sales.

Vespa Ties To Aviation

2008-07-13T21:57:00.002-05:00

Check out about 1min 15sec into this clip. You'll smile....

R.I.P. - Susie's Car

2008-07-11T15:00:00.007-05:00

Last Wednesday white smoke started coming out of the back of Susie's 2002 Volvo SL60 AWD. It was the turbocharger failing (oil was getting past its bearings and into the exhaust system. The dealership quoted a price more than the value of the car to fix, so later in the day we said goodbye to the Volvo name for good and bought a 1-yr old Honda Accord with 20K miles on it.

Our last Volvo (a 240DL) had 240,000 miles on the odometer when somebody backed into it and totaled it. Wish they still made the 240 series - if it had a descent a/c unit I'd buy another. This SL60 didn't last 82,000 before needed repairs over $10,000. The dealership implied I had not properly followed the oil change schedule. If you know me, you know that isn't physically possible. So long Volvo. Hello Honda.

Our new family car doesn't have a turbocharger, and my friend Randy has the same model (it has 320,000 miles on it). Sounds like good odds....

Wanna buy a Volvo with a smoke system?
This photo taken after bringing it back home from the dealership.

Vespa buddy seat installed / new headlight

2008-07-08T19:19:00.007-05:00

Flew with Danny over to Cleburne, TX (route) and took the airport courtesy car 2 miles to get some Vespa parts at http://www.garnersclassicscooters.com/. Bought the buddy seat and a replacement headlight for our '75 150 Super. The rear cargo rack/spare tire rack that I have will require a lower tailight (about $20).

Plans to repaint the scooter are moving ahead - will strip it down to the metal and repaint in 'cream' or 'putty' in the next month. Some metal under the buddy seat area revealed that the original paint in the '70s was dark red.

Whoever painted it coral (aka pink) should be shot (IMHO).

Scooter Video

2008-07-07T16:16:00.004-05:00

Video piece on the increased popularity of scooters:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#25556759

Laugh all you want...my Vespa costs $7 to fill up and goes 200 miles before needing more go juice. Money that doesn't go into the car's tank can go into the plane's tanks.

Independence Day Weekend ‘08

2008-07-07T15:57:00.006-05:00

The Familia Reeves spent a couple of hours Saturday at the neighborhood pool. Our HMO dues give us access to this and we take ‘em up on the offer a couple dozen times a year. It’s a nice pool, but can get crowded, so we try to time our trips when everyone else is eating dinner. That usually gives us the place to ourselves.
Tate’s swimming is coming along. He can dog paddle pretty good and is getting more confident with floating on his back. Of course he is ALL OVER jumping into the water a thousand times if he is taller than it is deep. Big fan of the cannonball that kid...

Pictured here is Audrey giving some lessons to her little brother.

Monday Vacation Bible School started. More like camp than anything else – they do crafts and eat junk food mostly. For Susie and me it is three hours to get stuff done, like paperwork and phone calls that need to be made.

Here are A and T about to walk in for day one at the St. Ann’s Catholic Parish in Coppell. Came home a few hours later ready for a nap (I suspect a sugar crash).

Our new family ride...

2008-06-30T13:09:00.001-05:00

Took delivery of our new 'build project' after formation practice. I have been looking for a scooter for over six months. Like everyone, I make many small trips around the neighborhood daily and would like to use something friendly on mpg (PO box, grocery store, take Tate to school 0730, take Audrey to school 0830, and a dozen other things all within a mile of home and all in 20-30mph zones). Susie and I have specific criteria which narrowed the search to a few choices: street legal, two people, can get out of garage w/o moving cars, holds value). Bob out at the airport finally agreed to sell me his 1975 Vespa VBC Super 150 - running but needs electrical work. 829 original miles. Danny just restored a similar one to new (pic) and he's going to walk me through the process. It's currently painted 'coral', but I call it 'pink' (pic). It'll look like one of these when done, 'cream' with brown seats and whitewalls, but for awhile it's gonna be pink. Think Roman Holiday, only in north Texas. Laugh all you want...it goes 217 miles on 2.4 gallons (look on pg 5). Ciao Bella!

Our First President: In Soap

2008-05-27T08:24:00.004-05:00

You know how you take the little bits of soap that are left over and smoosh them into a ball? Did that the other day and it came out looking like our first president. I haven't touched it since .

Compare the image above with this one.

VAF Comets '08 Season Complete (here comes summer)

2008-05-19T11:14:00.003-05:00

The Comets won last Saturday 10-1 in the final '08 game. Tater played the entire game and only let one get by him (his words).

Fly-in season is ramping up and school is about to let out. The hard part of the year is upon us!

Tate Helping w/Announcements.

2008-04-30T08:39:00.004-05:00

Tate got to help read part of the announcements this morning at school (first grade). Susie and I got to stand in the back of the room and watch Tater nail it. You can *just* see him on the monitor at left (and standing at right in front of the microphone).

Go Tate!

VAF Comets 5. Wildcats 5.

2008-04-05T16:23:00.008-06:00

The Comets were missing (3) players from the lineup today (flu, scouts, etc). Even with the shortage they came from behind in the fourth quarter to eek out a tie with the Wildcats (they play 4 on 4 at this age).

Tate played the entire game, three quarters as defender and one as striker - he was pretty pooped afterwards and we let him pick the lunch location (Wendy's).

I shot over 200 pictures, 61 of which were 'worthy'.

Go Comets!!!

Pics here (right-click on link and choose 'open in new window'):
http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/VAFComets5Wildcats5April52008

VansAirForce.net Comets 4 - The Lightning 3

2008-03-29T14:23:00.000-06:00

Defender Reeves played three of the four quarters, stopping (I think) ten shots on goal. Only one got past him. The Tatenator was an iron wall today. Great game....we scored the first goal but the Lightning came back with two in quick succession. We tied and then pulled ahead in the fourth. Corner kick with thirty seconds to go could have tied it again, but.....yes....defender Reeves cleared the goal.

Fog, mist and 900' OVC made for not-so-crisp shots. Please forgive.

Go Comets!!!

Pics from the game HERE

Easter Egg Hunt '08

2008-03-24T09:19:00.003-06:00

Tate scored big. He had a little help from some cousins. There is an empty lot across the street from where Susie's Mom lives, and it makes for a nice place to hunt eggs. I especially like the picture of Tate with Susie, her Mom and her sister on the house steps looking on.

Candy all day...

Audrey at Tate's Open House

2008-03-18T08:33:00.008-06:00

Tate's (first grade) school had an open house the other day. All the families around here have multiple kids, and a lot of the parents know each other, so it's no surprise that an open house for first graders would be filled with kids as old as 12!

Audrey (l) and her friend Paige (r) shown here in the cafeteria (sitting the usual 30-40 feet away from the parents....)

Audrey is the 'AR' in our plane's N-number. And yes, I've told her she can have the plane when I'm too old to fly (if she gets her license ).

The highlight of the evening for me was meeting Tate's class pet - a fish named 'Sushi'. You can't write this stuff....it writes itself .

Breakfast at the Blue Hangar Cafe (whole family has colds)

2008-03-10T02:51:00.005-06:00

We're all in various states of recovery right now, suffering through head colds. Saturday morning we had all had enough of the house and wanted to get out, so we headed over to the Blue Hangar Cafe for pancakes and bacon.

Here's a cute pic I took of Tate reading comics while we waited for the food.

Of course, as soon as we were done we were all exhausted and went home to crawl in bed.

Pass the Kleenex...

No VAF Comets game this Saturday....(snowed out)

2008-03-07T14:37:00.001-06:00

Hard to believe in Dallas, TX.....but that is the case.

VAF Comets (5) Red Devils (1).

2008-03-01T15:08:00.003-06:00

Game two of the '08 season resulted in a win for the VansAirForce.net Comets. The Red Devils put up a great fight and it was a very physical game. All shined.

click for slideshow of game

URL to pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/VAF_Comets_vs_Red_Devils_51_Comets

'08 VAF Comets Season Begins!!!

2008-02-23T13:28:00.003-06:00

We're in a higher bracket this year so the games are tougher. We lost the first one, but it's a long season and we're getting better every day!

(34) pictures from the game online here.

Go Comets!

Dry clothes rock.

2008-02-15T09:07:00.001-06:00

The dryer was down for a week. It was under warranty and the new part arrived yesterday (with the repairman). It's good to have dry clothes!

I'll take a broken dryer over a broken washer anyday.

Lunch with the Taterman.

2008-02-07T12:36:00.000-06:00

Spur of the moment. Susie and I went up to Chic-fil-A and got some lunch to go and went to the school so we could eat with Tate. He didn't know we were coming. Seen here with buddy Christopher (who lost his first tooth yesterday...then accidentally swallowed it!).

Later in the evening we returned to the school for the annual 'Teacher Chili Cook Off'. It was insane. Rides, dancing, noise on the level of a Who concert and chaos...in other words....perfect.

VansAirForce.net Comets First Practice of '08

2008-02-05T16:16:00.000-06:00

The first practice of the VansAirForce.net Comets season was today. First game sched'd for the 23rd, and this year we have an addition player (Cody - who is currently out with strep) and are in a higher bracket. Gonna be a fun filled season...

Ryan, Ethan, Drake, Tate and Harrison

Big Day For Both Kids

2008-02-05T09:13:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday we had two big kid events. Early in the morning Tate presented his 'Challanger' book to his class (the kids get volunteer help to 'publish' a short book once a year) and later in the afternoon Audrey sang the National Anthem at a pep rally for the basketball team in front of about a million teenagers.

Tate's book was about his Webkinz collection and was in the shape of a 'W'. If you don't know what Webkinz are, they are stuffed animals that have a 'life' online at http://www.webkinz.com/. It's geared at (from my view) getting kids to buy all the animals. On the up side it's great motivation for him to do his chores and extra things we ask of him - he earns money for his animals.

Audrey rocked. I transported myself back to sixth grade in the gym and just am amazed at how she is turning into such a wonderful person.

I don't know how these kids do it. Maybe it's that they watch American Idol all the time and they are just comfortable with the idea of being in front of people.

I'm so happy that I got to experience these two things. It was the highlight of the week (a week which included the Super Bowl I might add). I'm finding that being able to get up from my day job and just do these things when they come up is the biggest perk of self-employment. I wonder how the day would have played out if done a few years ago when I worked for others - probably with a little stress and irritation I imagine.

PS: The band played 'Smoke on the Water' during the pep rally. Go figure...

Waco gang lunch.

2008-01-17T16:09:00.000-06:00

Every six weeks a few of the folks I went to grade/middle/high school with meet at a TexMex joint in Dallas. This time's meeting was especially enjoyable as I got to visit with somebody I hadn't seen in 25 years.

Jill Holcomb (now Jill Nelson) was one of three kids in my kindergarten carpool back in 1970. She still remembers my Mom's long fingernails. She's the nice lady in the front row, left side. Did I mention she has had two, yes two, liver transplants since graduating high school. We were all thrilled to get to see her. A quarter century is too long...

My Mom was really happy to see this picture of Jill.

Back:
Jeff Ewing, me, Keith Holmes, Danny Gibbs,
Billy Tennison, Scott Toornburg, Johnny Gibbs

Front:
Jill (Holcomb) Nelson, Tonya (Parma) Martin
and Susan (Holiday) Hansen.

I've known Jeff since 2nd grade (both members of the $6 Million Dollar Man fan club) and Scott since I was 7. Johnny was one of my college roomates.

I really like these lunch get togethers.

Briarhill Choir Performance

2007-12-15T14:44:00.001-06:00

...at the grand opening of the new AMC movie theater up in Highland Village. That's Audrey on the front row, third from right (with the Santa cap on). They rocked. The (4) chocolate shakes the family had beforehand probably put us in as good a mood as the songs .

One minute YouTube clip of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNIaMWn0nF0

Saint Ann's Youth Live Nativity 2007 (Part II)

2007-12-01T20:02:00.000-06:00

Three more pictures. Audrey in the manger, our great friends the Lineberrys and their daughter Josie petting her first goat (I think).

Saint Ann's Youth Live Nativity 2007

2007-12-01T19:59:00.000-06:00

Not a bad way to spend a Saturday. You start the day teaching your daughter how to sandblast aircraft parts out at the hangar and finish it watching her play Mary in the live nativity at church. Audrey was the narrator in the 6pm showing and Mary in the 7pm. Audrey's friend Camille was a wise man in the 6pm and the angel during the 7pm.

I, of course, liked them both. Tate, Susie and I were impressed (as usual).

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-25T11:28:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from the Reeves! It was nice seeing family and friends and stuffing ourselves stupid. We ate 2.5 full blown turkey meals over three days. Not bad.

Shown below is the Friday gathering at Mom's house. From left to right: Mom, Audrey, Donna (sister), Gary, Connor, Tate, Susie and Susie's Mom. Brother couldn't make it this year.

The centerpiece - delivered by 'Flash'.

The kid table featuring Tate and Audrey.

Susie and me (sporting a SteinAir shirt). Mom is a big NASCAR fan and understands the importance of supporting your advertisers online .

VAF Comets Beat The Express 12-0.

2007-11-10T17:50:00.000-06:00

Saturday at 1pm your VAF Comets ended the season with a strong 12 - 0 showing against The Express (pictures from the game). Defender Tate Reeves kept the goal clean and Ryan, Zach and Ethan all put some on the board. Zach really found his legs in this game and tore the field up. The Comets end the season with 7 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie. We'll probably get bumped up to a harder bracket next year, but we'll be ready for 'em. Go Comets!

Briarhill Middle School Production of 'Annie'

2007-11-08T21:09:00.001-06:00

....with Audrey Reeves.

Early Thursday night our little princess was in Act II (as a New Yorker reading a newspaper on a bench) and in Act V as a 'walking New Yorker'. Shown in costume here right after the performance. We went to the store for Butterfingers and a Slush.

The set.

I may have secretly shot some video (don't tell anybody). Susie and Tate go to tomorrow's performance. I had tonight's all to myself.

I am SOOOO proud of her!

VAF Comets 9. Orange Crush 2. Win!!!

2007-11-04T17:16:00.001-06:00

More pictures HERE. http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/VAFComets_110307_9To2_win

Squirrel !!!

2007-10-29T17:36:00.000-06:00

Susie and I took a short walk this morning and came upon a squirrel in a neighbor's tree. Since I had the pocket camera...

VAF Comets 3. The Burn 1.

2007-10-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

A very physical game this week. I think the kids all had candy before the ref blew the whistle. Lots more pictures from the game can be found HERE.

Congratulations John and Marianne

2007-10-14T17:30:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I flew out to Atlanta to photograph the wedding of a wonderful lady I worked 10 feet from for 10 years. Marianne Lacko married her longtime boyfriend John in a small ceremony in Decatur, GA (just east of downtown Atlanta). I flew commercial because I had enough frequent flier miles for a round trip ticket, otherwise I would have flown my RV.

John and Marianne

She is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet, and I really do consider her one of my good friends (she has even gone flying in Flash). I've never seen her look more happy, and I'm honored she asked me to take the pictures. I charged her a beer.

A few bands that I didn't know about before, and now enjoy immensely (Slobberbone, Drive By Truckers and Old 97's) were brought to my attention by her.

Congratulations Marianne and John!!!

PS: The drive in northern Decatur (this part), with all its old growth trees lining street after street of older homes was beautiful.

Do You Believe In Miracles?

2007-09-29T17:06:00.001-05:00

Your VAF Comets started the fourth quarter today down 5-1. They came from behind with unbridled energy scoring four goals in 11 minutes to end the game in a tie: 5-5. Of note is striker Ryan scoring from ten feet BEHIND midfield.

(82) pictures, including the 2007 team photos can be viewed at: http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/Soccer_092907

We don't need no stinkin' professional photographer.

Go Comets!!!

The 2007 Van's Air Force Comets.

Comets 3. Mustangs 1.

2007-09-22T15:21:00.000-05:00

The VAF Comets were victorious against the Mustangs today. Final score 3-1....a pretty evenly matched pair of teams. Go Comets!!!

More pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/VansAirForce/Soccer_Comets_092207

Bike Rodeo

2007-09-21T14:40:00.000-05:00

What? You didn't attend the McCauliffe Elementary School bike rodeo today? Well then, you'll need to see this picture, won't you? This is Tate just after going through the slalom course. DPS was there teaching proper riding gear, rules and awareness. Bike Rodeo Day is always a fun one.

Open House (Daughter) / Soccer Game (Son)

2007-09-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

Our 12yr old daughter and I went up to the junior high school for her open house Thursday night. I'm amazed at the complexity of the math work they are doing in the LEAP program and had forgotten how crowded a school hallways can be. Susie took Tate to his soccer game (she missed the last one). The VAF Comets beat the Express 2-1.

These kids are amazing.

the most awesome daughter in the world

Comets 5. The Burn 3.

2007-09-15T20:51:00.001-05:00

The VansAirForce.net 'Comets' were victorious today over the 'Burn', 5-3. Way to go, Comets!!!

(57) pictures from the game HERE.

Tater got a goal today...the pic above just as the end-of-game whistle blew.

Foam Fountain Part XXV

2007-09-14T09:58:00.000-05:00

Someone put soap (again) in one of the neighborhood fountains, and this one is surrounded by grass. Picking this fountain was pretty uncool, kids. Soap up the ones circled with concrete next time, please!

Waco Gang Lunch (September)

2007-09-13T15:58:00.000-05:00

The September gathering of the Waco gang was held on Wednesday the 12th at Tupinamba's Restaurant. We talked trash about all that couldn't attend. Shown in the pic L-R (Keith Holmes, Johnny Gibbs, Danny Gibbs, me, Jeff Ewing and Billy Tennison). Click on image for larger pic.

For those who demand trivia, Johnny was my college roomate, Jeff and I were members of the Six Million Dollar Man Fan Club, and Billy and I spent a couple of hours in the drunk tank once (funny story now...not so much at the time). Danny is a third degree black belt - we carry him everywhere.

Come next month if you can!

About the lunch:
"Some of us from Waco/Midway get together once in a while to catch up and reminisce. This is a standing invitation recurring every 6 weeks. Make it if you can. Don't worry if you can't. And forward this to anyone else you know from Waco/Midway that might like to join us. If you want to be removed from (or added to) the mailing list, just reply to jeff.ewing@realfoundations.net. "

Moondog the Performer

2007-09-11T08:08:00.000-05:00

While walking Tate to school this morning we got a fun picture of Moondog. Off in the distance you can see Tate crouching down.

VAF Comets Lose In A Scorcher...but played well.

2007-09-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

The VansAirForce.net Comets scored the first goal of the season, but in the end lost to the Superheros. It should be noted the Superheros were called for elbowing (7) times to the Comets' (0) times. We're all very proud of the Superhero coach's approach to teaching first graders. (insert long sigh here).

Pictures from the game online HERE.

We'll get 'em next week!

Moondog Treasures Online

2007-09-05T12:34:00.001-05:00

It amazes me that in 2007 you can decide to start an online jewelry store at 8am and have it online ready for business two hours later. This is what Susie did today with some of the stuff she has been making at her little hobby desk. She has been selling jewelry to friends for years and is really good at it, so I'm sure she'll have her hands full with this new outlet. I'm her biggest fan!

Ten years ago doing this would have cost someone ten grand in development costs...

http://moondogtreasures.etsy.com/

I'm pretty impressed with what my wife has done with her hobby.

Labor Day is off to a good start...

2007-09-03T09:05:00.001-05:00

Hummingbird in the backyard - pic through the bedroom window. Friend 'Red' Marron has hundreds of these in his backyard in Mimbres, NM. We don't see too many around our house, so this was nice to see (and the kids were impressed).

A McDonald's that doesn't sell hamburgers.

2007-09-02T15:13:00.000-05:00

This restaurant is in Dallas' Love Field terminal. Apparently there is another McDonald's at another gate, and to resolve the issue of there being two McD's so close together it was worked out that one would sell breakfast 24/7 and the other everything else. Note yellow sign in background...

I kid you not.

Stan Price photo.

VAF cap, SteinAir shirt sighting...and no burgers.

Foam Fountain Part XXIV

2007-09-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

The soap bandits strike again. On a walk this morning I saw that somebody (kids?) put some soap in one of the neighbor-hood fountains. This one is at a street intersection (no grass or plant life coming in direct contact with the water and all contained). The water in this thing is usually dyed a dark blue and looks pretty ugly, to be honest.

This happens a dozen times a year...and secretly makes me smile as I drive or walk by.

Kids.

Rick Freeman: National Treasure

2007-08-31T16:13:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine, Rick Freeman, reached the age 60 'milestone' at Southwest Airlines today and I had the good fortune of attending a little get together in the HQ pilot lounge in his honor. Over 23,000 hours in the Boeing and more aviation stories regarding his many tours in the military than these servers can hold... His plans are, I believe, to get hooked up with a medical helicopter outfit.

He's qualified.

They do not come any better than Rick Freeman.

Rick and Janice Freeman cutting Rick's Cake

Rick flies a Van's RV-8 aircraft. It's the one with the Distinguished Flying Cross ribbon painted down the side. 'nuff said.

Dang cloud in my way. Dang dog.

2007-08-29T21:04:00.000-05:00

Today I forced myself to go to the neighborhood's communal pool after I ate lunch. I intended to go for 30 minutes and then get back to the keyboard (the pool is about 500' from our home and its use is part of the HMO fees). I laid down on the deck chair (I was the ONLY person there except the person at the gate who checked my tag) and took a picture of the blissful scene below with my cell phone camera. Ahhhh....

Shortly after this I discovered the dog had half-eaten the left ear bud on the 512MB iPod clone that a friend gave me a couple of years back ("If you don't take it I'm throwing it away."). Let's just say that my Smashing Pumpkins music sounded smashed. Sigh. Oh well, there's always the Sun...

15 seconds later the Sun went behind clouds for the next 24 minutes.

Oh well, I did get to jump in the water, which was nice.

First day of first grade for Tate

2007-08-27T13:09:00.000-05:00

Barely even acknowledged us as he walked up to the building....I think he'll do just fine. Sigh...

Of course, later when we took our daughter to her first day, she misplaced her schedule...causing some tense moments, but no fouls. Found it later...

When daughter came home she lost her cell phone. Found it later...

Dinner at Jason's Deli. Nice save. 50% success rate today.

Dang....I'm 42.

2007-08-26T20:38:00.000-05:00

My birthday was a coupla days ago. I got EXACTLY what I asked for (and more):

a pepper mill
two T-shirts (faded green and faded blue)
a whole day without seeing one empty toilet roll left on the thingy
(unexpected) a yo-yo and some change out of our son's coin bank.

Who could ask for better stuff? It was a good day.

Holy guacamole, I'm 42.

School starts tomorrow for the kids. Not sure how I feel about that...

Wondering if this stuff works....

2007-08-26T20:25:00.000-05:00

Guess so....