Christmas Part 2

Saturday we went down to the farm. We had sandwiches for supper in preparation for the feast the next day. Christmas morning came at 7:00am and was time the get the turkey in the oven. After the bird was in the hot box it was time for coffee and pecan pie squares. Around noon the uncles showed up and exchanged gifts. I ended up winning 7 bucks on scratch off lotto tickets and got some candy and few bucks to put in my wallet. We had our meal and to say I over ate is an understatement. Now I need to get back on my diet. Also I think Needles and I are going to get back on our regular exercise program. Our trip in March is getting closer day by day and I am glad to state the the Kilauea Volcano is spilling lava in the ocean again after a several month hiatus. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Part 1

Friday night my parents made the trip North from Kentucky. They arrived before I got home from work but Needles had everything in control and she even made an amazing tomato bisque soup with dill bread. I got home a close to 3:30pm and settled in.The plans were to go out for supper and the Trace Inn was the decided destination. When we arrived around 5:15pm there was a line at the door and the wait was over 30 minutes before we were seated. The food was very good and we all had a good time. After our supper we went to Rudy's house and visited until time to go home. The next morning we had breakfast and after all the preparations were ready for us to head out for Christmas Part 1. We all ate our fill of ham, green beans, broccoli cheese casserole and turtle and pecan pie. After the meal it was time to open the gifts. After the gifts were all opened and the malaise of over eating was pulled over us like a warm blanket. I had trouble staying awake for the movies we watched. When the movies were over, one of the local churches was putting on a live nativity scene. The road from town was lined with lights all the way out to the scene. We got back and watched Christmas with the Kranks and then Needles and I returned home. We had a great time and flet like everyone had time to visit with each other. I think the kids wanted a little alone time with the grandparents. Maybe next time. Hope everyone had a great Christmas part 1. Next weekend will be part 2.

You'll shoot your eye out!

Friday after work Needles and I made the trip South to visit with family. We made good time arriving in Owensboro just after dark. We were greeted warmly and invited in to sip coffee, catch up with each other and enjoy the Christmas cheer. For supper we had Cynical goulash with corn muffins. Mmmmm, tasty. A quick Starbucks run and we stayed up way too late. The next day we had breakfast and then headed out the door to Target. Needles wanted to lay hands on a Kindle Touch and I scored some Wasabi covered peas. We stopped by Great Harvest Bread Company were we got some great sandwiches and soup. I picked up a couple of brownies that were very rich. We made our way back home where Cynical and Ragged prepared a pre Christmas Christmas meal. We had ham, mashed potatoes, green bean almondine and rolls. It was all very good and fortifying for us to brave the cold temperatures and venture out to the local theater for a play. The play was A Christmas Story. It was done very well and it included all of the memorable moments from Flick getting his tongue stuck to the flag pole to Ralphie's infamous saying of the word FUDGE! We returned home by way of seeing a few Christmas lights and then off to bed. Sunday morning we had breakfast and the adjourned to the living room to get in a few more conversations before it was time to return North. We had a wonderful weekend with great food, great conversation and great friends. We will have to do it again very soon.

Rant/ Venting.

I don't need any response. I just need to get this out there and off my chest. It seemed just a few short months ago that life seemed to be going pretty good, not great but working on it. It seems that since then one life disappointment has lead to another and another. It seems that drama and immature behavior has crept into my life and won't go away. I have been trying to ignore the situation which probably isn't the best thing to do but I am not sure what to do about it as I am unfamiliar with a situation like this. It is a terrible terrible thing when family disappoints you. It's one of the worst things that can happen to you in your adult life other than the death of a loved one. In away it's a kind of death of how a person is perceived and now that perception is forever changed. When a friend lets you down there is a feeling of hurt and disappointment but when its family, it hurts you to the core of your soul. I have been hurt and disappointed multiple times by my family almost to the point that I wonder if I really need that portion of my life anymore. It is a painful decision and believe me not an easy one. It can be compared to cutting a piece of your body away and expected to not to miss it but sometimes when a body part is diseased to the point that there is no cure then it must be removed to cure the rest of the body. These words may sound profound and deep but I am hoping that by writing this that it maybe cathartic to my soul. As Needles says that sometimes you just got to release it into the universe and let it sort itself out. I don't have a lot of faith that it will but I hope it sorts itself out before I have to start cutting.

11-11-11

Happy Veterans Day and Happy 11-11-11 Day!

Almost Here.

It is the time of year I look forward to. I have been going through the usual preparations. I have checked my gear and have grown my annual deer season beard. We have 3 of our 6 only paid holiday coming in the next 2 months and also shotgun deer season that I have been counting down the days. I know that idea of setting in a tree stand freezing your rear end off doesn't sound like a lot of fun to some but it seems like the first weekend deer season is to me the official start of the holiday season. Just setting in the stand with the sounds of nature all around is something that seems to bring me an inner calm just before the hectic holiday season. The next few weeks will come and go in a blur.

All good things.

After 15 years of decorating for Halloween, adding new things to our display every year to get the kids to venture down to our end of the block passing all the darkened porch lights and handing out handfuls of candy to make the trip worth it. We have had steadily declining numbers of trick or treaters so I think Needles and I have come to a decision. This will be the last year we decorate and hand out candy. I think the best year we ended up with around 70+ T or T'ers. Last year we had 52 and this year 37. I think we can decorate our yard all we want but I can't make my stingy ass neighbors turn on their porch lights and hand out candy. Oh well it was a good run. They win, our light will be off next year.

Zombie Walk 2011 Video

Zombie Walk 2011

Made the trip down to Greenville, Kentucky this weekend to attend the Zombie Walk. We had a great time watching all the Zombies and getting some pictures. I think the last head count was over 350 zombies with well over 500 watching the event.

Bar Harbor Coastal Panoramic View

TGTFWIO

Thank God This F*cking Week Is Over.

To say I am done with this week is an understatement. October is getting off to a rough start.

Sense of Loss.

This week hasn't been a good week. There seems to be a little uproar with my family that I am not taking sides and just staying out of it. The less I know the better. On top of that situation we had a long time neighbor and friend of the family pass away on Wednesday and I found out about it Thursday and if that wasn't enough we received a phone call this morning that informed us that my sister-in-law's brother loss their 14 month old child in her sleep. This of course would be devastating news to anyone but this same thing has happened to one of the parents more that once just makes it even worse. I feel like I am numb from all the emotions I have been through this week and I feel like my emotions aren't in check as they usually are. I hope that the situation with my family resolves itself soon and my heart goes out to my neighbor's and sister-in-law's family.

Acadia National Park

Portland Lighthouse Cruise

Bar Harbor Sand Bar

Cadillac Mountain Panoramic VIew

Bar Harbor Vacation

Wednesday the 14th after work I came home a grabbed my bags and Needles and we headed to Indianapolis to the Microtel and did the park, sleep and fly for our vacation. We went to Kazablanka for our supper and I had the Kuesadilla and Needles had the BLT. We returned to our room and prepared for our travel day.

Day One: Thursday at 5:45 am we had a shuttle to the airport to get checked in and begin our trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. We arrived and went through the customary security checks. We sat and waited for our flight to board. The flight was uneventful as you would hope to happen on your flight. Our first lay over was Reagan International Airport and because we weren't familiar with the layout led us to have to go through security again to arrive at the other concourse to get to our next flight. We again had an uneventful flight to our destination and quickly picked up our bags and made it to the rental car counter for our reserved car. They gave us a brand new Nissan Altima with about 200 miles on the thing. We grabbed the fob, no keys and was on the road and heading North on Highway 1. We had planned to make a few stops on the way to Bar Harbor but we were pressed for time. We stopped for lunch at Wicked Good Captain's Fresh Idea Restaurant in Waldoboro, Maine. Needles tried to have a Salmon Salad but they were out of salmon which kinda detracted from the visit so she went with a Grilled Chicken Breast Salad. I had their Lobster Roll. The meals were good and we set back on the road. Our next stop was Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol, Maine. We entered the park and roamed the grounds before again making our way northward to our final destination. We arrived a Bar Harbor and The Saltair Inn at around 6pm and met our Innkeepers Matt and Kristi. Matt showed us around and showed us to our room. The Cottage room was just the right size with an average size bathroom. The neat thing about the room was the spa tub with disco lights. It had a button that would turn on the light in the tub. Every time you pushed the button the lights would change color and then the final push would make the colors shift through all of them. We settled in just long enough to put some of our things away and head out for supper. Our hungry stomachs lead us to The Thirsty Whale. Needles had the Whale Salad with Salmon. I had the Blacked Haddock Fish and Chips. The meals were good and after looking around at a few shops we ended up in Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium. We both had a double scoop on a waffle cone and went on to the B&B. We turned in early because we had to be up before breakfast for our whale watching trip with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.

Day Two: Friday when we showed up for our cruise we were told that the cruise was cancelled due to rough seas. We rescheduled for the 1pm trip and headed back toward the Inn. On our way back, we ventured out on the sand bar that only comes out twice a day when the tide is out. It was very interesting to see all the shells and rocks on the bar. The seagulls were picking up mussels and dropping them from several feet up on the rocks to break open their shells for a meal. Sometime the shells were dropped so close that it sounded like light bulbs being broken all around. We went back to the Inn to grab the car and headed to Thunder hole in Acadia National Park. After a short visit there and then headed back into town for our 1pm whale watch. We called to confirm and were told things were a go, we arrived to see tons of people in line waiting to board the boat. At the last second the trip was called off yet again due to rough seas. We heard that this was the third day in a row they called the trip off. We were a bit disappointed but this is why I scheduled the trip early in our vacation. We again rescheduled for Sunday since we had a Nature Cruise aboard the Acadia with the same company on Saturday and was told since it stays in the Harbor it shouldn't be cancelled. We had lunch at Geddy's with Needles having the Fish and Chips and I had the Crab Meat Roll. We also walked the shore path along the edge of Bar Harbor that ended up taking us to a path that led to Main Street and Mount Desert Ice Cream where again we both picked up a couple of cones from the Ice Cream Shop that served a couple of scoops to President Barrack Obama just a few months ago. That evening we went to Rosalie's Pizza and Needles and I both had the Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone. They were very good and filling. We walked back down town and went through a few more shops before returning back to the Inn.

Day Three: Saturday morning we were able to have breakfast at the Inn. We had a Quiche and Herb Potatoes which was very good. We then made our way back downtown for our Nature Tour. We headed around the north coast of Bar Harbor and was told about the history and stories of the island. The view of the coast was very beautiful and watching the waves crashing on the rock cliffs was mesmerizing. We made it to Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park and made the turn to Egg Rock Lighthouse. We got close enough to see a few gray seals bobbing around in the surf. We went by several other islands on our return trip back to the harbor. We learned about lobster fishing and also saw a bald eagle in a tree near the edge of one of the islands. We also learned about some of the families that call some of these private islands home. When we got back from our trip we went to West Street Cafe. Needles had the Salmon and I had the Crabcakes. This was my favorite seafood meal in Bar Harbor. It was served with a horseradish sauce with totally made the dish. After the meal we grabbed the car and headed back out to Acadia and to Otter Point. Just setting and watching the water was relaxing and peaceful. We ventured deeper into the park making our way up Cadillac Mountain which is the first point that sunlight touches in North America every morning for three months of the year. The view from Cadillac was amazing and you could see almost the whole island from that spot. After a bit of a drive we ended up at South West Harbor and Bass Harbor Lighthouse. We headed back to Bar Harbor and that night we had a craving for Chinese food so we walked to the only Chinese place in Bar Harbor, China Joy. Needles had the Chicken and Vegetables and I had the General Tso's. This was probably some of the best General Tso's I have had in a while. We returned to the Inn with our bellies full and satisfied.

Day Four: Sunday, we started the morning off with breakfast at the Inn. Baked Pairs and Herb Scrambled Eggs with Bree and Chicken Sausage. After the meal we were energized to set out on our day after a brief walk along the sand bar we made our way to our whale watch trip. We boarded the AtlantiCat and set off some 20ish miles off shore to an area they call the ballfield. This area is where the ocean depth drops off and is where plankton seem to be and also the whales. We spotted a few harbor porpoise on the way out to the area and before long we we had a mother and her calf near the boat. The calf put on quite a show with its flipper and tail flapping and also a few breeches. The front and left side of the boat seemed to get the better show and of course we were on the right side so what we saw was amazing but somewhat limited as compared to some of the others. After spending a lot of the time with the mother (Victim)and calf we also happened upon a group of four adults (Sword, Spoon, Atlas and Anchor) that promptly split into two groups of two. I think we saw anywhere from six to ten whales total. When we got back to shore we went to Stewman's for lunch. Needles had the salmon with asparagus and I had The Pier House Catch. This was another spot that the POTUS had stopped in. We then returned to Acadia and stopped in a Schooner head overlook and to the sea cave. For supper we went to Poor Boy's Gourmet where Needles had the Salmon and I had the Lobster Poor Boy. Not my favorite meal. On the way back to the Inn we stopped a CJ's Big Dipper Ice Cream.

Day Five: Monday, French Toast for breakfast at the Inn and we were free from any scheduled activities so we hiked across the sand bar to the summit of Bar Island and then spent the day at Acadia. We decided to park the car a Otter Point and walk the Ocean Path to Sandy Beach 3 miles away. The scenic view and awesome overlooks was amazing along the way. When we got to Sandy Beach we walked back to Thunder Hole and await the hour that activity seems to be at its peak. Unfortunately it seems that activity is really at its peak in Jan. and Feb. We returned to our car and back to the Inn and went to Testa's for supper. Needles had the Salmon Salad and I had the Maine Lobster Newburgh. After some last minute souvenir shopping the sun was going down so Needles made hot chocolate and we enjoyed the warm mugs while setting in the Adirondack chairs in the back yard watching the fading light of the sun.

Day Six: Tuesday, Blueberry Pancakes with Sausage and Biscuits was on the breakfast menu. This was our last morning in Bar Harbor and we packed up our things and headed back to Portland. We had plans of stopping in at a few places along the way.

We stopped at several lighthouses. Grindle Point, Indian Head, Rockland Breakwater and Marshall Point to name a few and also the LL Bean flag store in Freeport, Maine. We had to get the rental car back by 5 pm so we made it there with about 20 minutes to spare. We called the shuttle to pick us up and take us the the Holiday Inn by the Bay. After checking in we decided to eat in the Lounge and grabbed a couple of Angus Burgers with a side of fries. We retired to the room and prepared for a busy day with a freezing cold dip in the hotel pool.

Day Seven: Wednesday was to be very busy and the last day of our vacation. We started the morning off with watching the sun come up in Portland Harbor and then searching for breakfast. Since Portland seems to be a sleepy town we ended up at a Dunkin Donuts as it was the only thing open at that hour. We made our way to Long Wharf were the Portland Discovery is that runs the Land and Sea Tour we had scheduled. We boarded our Trolley and headed out for the Land part of the tour. We were told some of the history of Portland and some of the historical events that had happened. We also got to see some very nice homes and made a trip out to Portland Head Lighthouse where we ran into an artist and author that was at Nubble Lighthouse the last time we were in Maine. I kicked myself for not purchasing a print from him then, so in the short time we had left at the stop Needles purchased a print for me. This made the land trip very special and I never thought I would get a second chance at meeting with the artist and purchasing a print . The Artists name is Bill Thompson and he sells the customized prints and books to raise money for upkeep and restoration of the lighthouses. After the land part of the trip we got aboard the Islander for the sea portion of the tour. We sailed by several lighthouses, scenic coastlines and some of the island communities in Portland Harbor. We again learned a little about lobster fishing andthe history of the fortifications in the harbor during wartime in the past and more recently World War 2. When we got back to land we quickly looked for something to eat and settled on Andy's Old Port Pub. Needles had the Fish and Chips and I had the Lobster Melt. After our lunch we hiked up the hill past Shipyard Brewery to the Portland Observatory. We joined a tour already in progress to try to fit several things into the remainder of our last day in Portland. It was interesting to hear the history of the Observatory and the restoration process. We spent a little time at the observation deck and then headed down and walked down Commerce Street to a few yarn and fiber shops to scratch Needles itch. We then proceeded toward Henry Wadsworth Longfellows home. We went to the Cryptozoology Museum before calling it a day and stopping only to take a few pictures of the Victorian Mansion on way back to the Hotel. When we got to the room we decided to go out for supper and just a bock way was the Dogfish Bar & Grill. Needles had the Grilled Turkey Cobb Salad and I had the Seafood Sliders. Let me say they were AWESOME. By far the best meal I had for the trip. I guess they saved the best for last.

Day Eight: Thursday, travel day and back toward home. We left out of the Hotel at 5:30am to catch our shuttle back to the Portland Airport. We flew to Philadelphia Airport and changed planes to get to Indianapolis. We picked up our bag and headed to the shuttle pickup area and back to the car. On our way home we stopped at Wendy's for a burger and chicken nuggets. We had to do a quick grocery stop before we could finally make it home. The cats were glad to see us although a bit skiddish and meowy. Lets just say the duel litter boxes was very well used in our absents. We had a great time and one of these days we will be going back to Maine. It's just the way life should be.

Where were you?

I was standing in the waiting room of Daviess County Hospital in Washington, IN. My first patient hadn't showed up yet and I was watching the waiting room T.V. showing one of the twin towers on fire. It's the day my world changed. All of our worlds changed. I will never forget.

Sumner Fall Festival Parade 2011

Weekend in Kentucky

This Labor Day weekend we headed South after work to spend the weekend in Kentucky with my family. Friday night we spent the evening talking and catching up. Aunt "R" and Grandma came over to visit and see the video of Needles and myself's travels and in no time they were going home and it was time to go to bed. Saturday we headed into Central City for the Car Show.

It was neat seeing some of the old cars and I think my Dad said he at one time or another owned several cars like the ones at the show.

After the show we went to Island, Ky. for an Island Burger. We got back and relaxed for the evening.

Sunday we stayed home except for a Dairy Queen run. I had the new Peanut Butter Bash and it was good but I don't ever need another one. Needles and I made a couple of laps in the back forty in the golf cart. Monday came too fast and before long it was time to head back North and home. The weekend was nice and it was good to have the extra time with my family. Hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend.

Starry Night 3

Tonight's picture

Stars

Kittens

Just a few more days.

We are just a few more days from our trip back to Maine. We made a trip up there last year but only got to spend a couple days in Kittery, York and Ogunquit area. We enjoyed our time there so much we decided to go back and stay at Bar Harbor. We have several things scheduled like a whale watching trip and a nature cruise while in Bar Harbor and on our way back into Portland we will do a land and sea tour. I can't wait to get back up there and be close to the ocean and get away from here for a few days. I guess you could say we have been bitten by the travel bug because we already have our 2012 trip booked for March.

Just a picture

Weekend Pics.

Overloaded.

Lots of change going on in our neck of the woods, mostly at work. New systems, new room, new processes, all of which I could report make things easier and quicker but unfortunately with every change it seems we have to do more with less. Our new information system which is by far a better system unfortunately makes an old process that took about 15 to 20 key strokes and about 5 mouse clicks has transformed to 20 to 30 keys strokes and 10 to 20 mouse clicks. Like I said for every improvement we seem to back slide in efficiency. With the heat and a generator test that turned our dept. on it's head for about 4 hours yesterday, having this week behind me is a good thing. It seems this next week will also be very trying for our dept. and with a new upcoming change I am hoping that we can all just keep up. Tape your ankles.

End of an Era.

I remember where I was when the first shuttle was launched, I remember where I was when the Challenger exploded in the sky during launch, I remember when I heard about the Columbia breaking up during reentry and now I will remember where I was when I watched the last shuttle launched. It seems the shuttle has been around my whole life and for the most part, it has. It's almost like saying goodbye to an old friend. We have been through the whole gambit of emotions, excitement, curiosity, intrigue and sadness. You will be missed.

Fourth of July

This weekend we were lucky to have some guests. Needles friend Jenny from up North came to visit Saturday afternoon and Cynical and Ragged from the South. Saturday morning started early at 6 am with getting the smoker ready for 2 chickens and a 5 pound pork shoulder. Everything seemed to come along nicely and at just around 1 pm the chickens were done and the shoulder needed a little more time to come to temp. Around 3 pm Jenny arrived and the meal was prepared and a late lunch of smoked chicken, cole slaw, macaroni salad and baked beans was ready. After the meal we sat and caught up with each other. Just after lunch I pulled the pork shoulder off the smoker and let it rest until time to pull it apart. The rest of our visitors arrived later in the evening around 8:30 pm. After another catch up session that lasted late into the night it was time to go to bed. The next morning we had a breakfast of scrambled eggs, beacon and toast. Rain and a few power outages dotted the Sunday and then a visit to Rudy and Brando finished off the afternoon. We made a run up to the Dairy Dee but unfortunately the storms caused a power outage that closed them early. Last night we heard a few of the neighbors setting off fireworks. Jenny had to leave us Sunday to visit with her parents while Cynical and Ragged stayed until today before heading home. I finally got to mow at Mom and Dads since it has been almost 3 weeks since the last mowing and it needed it badly. We had a great fourth of July weekend but it has passed by too quickly. At least with the holiday, next week is only a 4 day work week. Hope everyone had a happy fourth of July.

Moon

Just a few pics.