2007 Resolution Results...

I guess I wasn't very serious after all, as I couldn't find my written list. I thought I had left it in my Outlook "notes" on the downstairs computer, but I guess Shelly ate them-- no where to be found. Now, that is the best excuse ever, is it not?

So, going from memory (which is becoming more difficult), let's traverse the past 365 days. I know for sure the one I accomplished because it it the one I miss the most -- I sold JAMES! Yup, the 1971 GMC Jimmy migrated to South Dakota on July 4th--freedom now to park my pickup in the garage--a great thing during Colorado Decembers.

The Texas land deal--well, it wasn't because of lack of effort on our part. $4,000 separated us for which, personally, I have regrets. God wanted to keep us here, so be it, we shall oblige. When it is 25 degrees outside, the winds blowing 25mph and there is a foot of snow on the ground (like it is at this very moment), I REALLY regret it. I would much rather shovel cow pies.

Weigh 205 pounds at year's end. Well, I have 9 hrs left to have a Guinness world record case of diarrhea and I will have met the challenge.

Here is where it gets vague. I believe I had a couple more challenges, but do not recall precisely what they were. So this where you list something that you surprisingly accomplished and pretend you listed it in January. For me, I read. Now compared to my wife, I am merely a literary apprentice. I believe she finished the Jefferson County library. At this very moment, she has FOUR books on her nightstand. I boastfully have a Bicycling magazine next to mine. But, I am serious about this one as is evidence by 4 different pairs of eyeglasses I now own. (Oh,there you go, that is another accomplishment-- I quadrupled my eye wear wardrobe). On the serious side, reading Irresistible Revolution I believe will be life changing. It was great to see my own copy underneath the Christmas tree last week and I will begin reading it again once Teri completes it.

So, that is the best my memory cells serve me. Now I am sure you are eagerly awaiting my 2008 goals and you will have to do just that. I am working on a (believable) strategy on how I also can misplace those next year, so hang on for 24 hours.

Off to the store for some Exlax and toilet paper....

Decisions 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Well, according to weather stats, in the past 106 years, snow has fallen in Denver on Christmas only 13 times. WELL, make it 14 times today!It is snowing at 6am with 5" in the forecast continuing all day---yeah, a White Christmas! Great having Teri's folks here and enjoying Christmas with a 2 year old, now that is special. Enjoy the photos of the Lord's special day.....



The quiet before the storm....

Outside at 630a.m....

Cameron arriving in a vehicle Santa wished he owned on day like today...

Santa, I really want a
little brother...

Our two elves......

Xbox 360 being set up.....

Our gorgeous gene pool....

Just make sure the health insurance is in force....

This is what Bing Crosby
was singing about!

Those eyes could make her million$...

Three pretty girls and
their male relative :)

time to go shovel, the ONE day out of the year I don't mind....til next year..

Great White Hunters

Cameron and his best friend ventured outdoors last Monday to the Pawnee National Grasslands in northeastern Colorado. Three separate storms had passed during the prior week so about a foot of powder covered up the normal grassy terrain. They had a small varmint license and were armed with a shotgun and a light rifle.

Yes, his Uncle Jon and Aunt Sissy have created a hunting monster!

Grasslands have been converted to snowlands by Momma Nature....antelope grazing for food...

Yummy, fried cottontail!

Redneck al-Queda twins....

Announcement..

Shelly has been given the news that, after being off 3 weeks, I return to work tomorrow...

Sunday thought...

One preacher said, "When I look at the well-dressed congregation, I ask, where are the poor? When I look at the collection plate, I ask, where are the rich?"

Frosty...

Things 19 year olds do at work when the planes aren't landing due to weather conditions---snowboard behind a tug! Unfortunately, his 6 ft 5" frame and the 6" of white concrete padding came together.

Honeymoon....

Well, not really, but sort of, as we approach our 21st anniversary. We thought we would do a mountain getaway as last year at this time we were off to Jamaica. We are confused as we can't decide if we want to be sand crabs or mountain goats. Quick trip, one-niter, good time. Our destination was the Romantic Cottage at Annie's Mountain Retreat in Estes Park, CO. It is the "Fredericks burg, Tx. of Colorado" and is located about 35 miles north of Boulder and sits at about 8,000 feet elevation.

10 miles east of Boulder (or 20 miles from my passenger becoming nauseated)



Front row parking at the Cottage...



Teri strips me of my clothes upon entering (yes, my blogging job is to embarrass my youngsters..




Teri working on the boys Christmas gifts. As you know, 'something knitted' is always high on their wish lists...



24 degrees outside, 104 degrees inside!


The biggest bummer--stiff winds, as evidenced by the flags..




The view of the mountain side from our deck..yes I confess I fantasized about resting my gun barrel right there as a trophy walked out of the brush!

Two Texans eating BBQ in Colorado..check out Teri's chicken fried steak--she consumed it like she was heading off to hibernate....

Merry Night-mas in Estes Park....

Heading back out the canyon this a.m.......

So sad...

It seems like it is always a SAD DAY when your hometown makes front page national news...why do we have to ask every day "what is our world turning into?"...

Festive Colorado Morning...

The chef is taking care of Brynn this morning...

What it is all about...

The real stuff...

Hang on Angel!

The garden helper....

Chef's supplies....

Dad promised there was a bone underneath....

Peace.....

What happens when the weatherman forecasts 2 inches.....

THURSDAY WITH TERI..

I had a date with this hot, youthful chick Thursday. She got to see the real me as I picked her up in my cowboy limo and had my Wranglers strapped on. Off we went. This 'looker' had decided on the safe date approach--lunch and a movie at a major local mall. She probably felt the daylight and numerous witnesses this time of the year at the retail center would be her safest option. So, I sense a bit of conservatism about her.

We first head over to the California Pizza Kitchen where she announces major news--she has a coupon--a free appetizer in hand! Yes, a girl chasing my heart. I am really impressed by her financial strategy of maximizing value as she requests the most expensive 'free' item, some yummy-licious crab cakes. The attraction is in full bloom.

Next, the full course decision. She wants to share a pizza. Sharing is nice on a date as it shows she is interested in commonality and frugality, both intriguing qualities. The girl desires something remotely healthy, a California Club pizza- a mixture of chicken, shredded lettuce, avocado and bacon (the nasty side of her). While we await our request, we engage in a very interesting conversation about the Christians versus Amish faiths. I praise the Lord when I am convinced she does not want to switch to the horse and buggy doctrine, all be it they do have the simple life she is looking for. The pizza is consumed without any embarrassment and the date continues.

Enroute to the theater, she expresses a desire to partake in her favorite beverage at Fivebucks--check out her massive drink--you guessed it, she asked the waitress for "Texas" size. Yes, a latte' for my hotte' and all is right in the world!

We arrive to catch Dan in Real Life. An auditorium that seats 250 will have just 4 viewers for this matinee. We are chewed out by the animated Panda bear to turn off our cell phones and the movie begins. It is quite enjoyable but not sure about the vibes now with this woman. She doesn't grab my hand, lean my way, stare wildly into my eyes--all those things I so desperately long for. But, 20 minutes into the show, she shows me her most deviant side--she is texting on her cell phone--yes, I have landed a wild one---a rule breaker! The chick is not a conformist, I might be falling in love. The movie, one we would recommend, comes to a somewhat predictable end but is enjoyed by both, definitely one worth renting when it is released.

Now, the nerve wracking part--the drive to her home. We discuss the movie trailer for Bucket List which will be released soon and it looks great. The central theme is to write down all of the things in life you want to do before you kick the bucket. My female trophy says she wants to learn to horseback ride--yeah, you got it--she has fallen for my Wranglers and Chevy truck. There is a cowgirl amidst us!

We get about a mile from her concrete ranch and my underarms become clammy. What will happen when my limo arrives--I dread the handshake or the kiss on the cheek. I am optimistic about a lip lock or pat on my Wranglers, at the very least. I am astonished as she opens the door and invites me in...to stay the night to cuddle...to stay for 21 years...to stay forever.

Yee-haw!

WEDNESDAYS WITH AUSTIN

Austin and I headed down to the Pepsi Center to catch the Nuggets vs. the Lakers game. GREAT game see-sawing back and forth the entire 2nd half, point spread no greater than 4 points. Unfortunately, the Nugs fell short that exact same amount after giving up the lead with 2 minutes remaining, 111-107. Fortunately, we were able to see the first 50 point scoring effort this NBA season as Allen Iverson tossed in 51, not to mention he played the entire 48 minutes of the game, probably another first this season in the league. So, our first game saw two firsts!

Tuesdays with Cameron..

..the sequel to Tuesdays with Morrie...

I have set time off on Tuesdays as I reported last week to spend time with Cameron, as this is his only day off during any given week. This morning, we headed off to Gander Mountain, a sportsman's paradise, for any outdoor enthusiasts with every gadget imaginable for sale. We stared at shotguns for awhile as the 12 gauge that I inherited and then gifted to him is now a wall ornament, soon to hanging on a new gun rack, as it has been rendered inoperable. After browsing, we decided on investing in some clay pigeons and a skeet tosser . We loaded up on some 20 gauge shells and headed up a canyon about 40 minutes northwest of our house.

We had 50 rounds to go through. But with now the 20 gauge having its moments, it took us quite awhile to go through them. Now you think that spending a day with your dad would be priceless, but probably not. Maybe out shooting your dad (which he did) would be bragging rights and would make it a good day, but not even that was a highlight. The most "sick" moment (teen term for awesome) was when another shooting range visitor sporting a new tactical shotgun offered Cam a chance to squeeze a few rounds, to which we both did. Lo and behold, the next offer the guy brings out of his vehicle was an AK 47 . Woah, what a blast (no pun intended) to fire off these bad boys. When we asked what motivated his purchase, the 28 year old gnawing on his cigarette responded "to protect my house". Humm, must be quite a drug stash he has :) .

So, nonetheless, we are both now certified US white terrorists.

Til next time...

LOOK

what you get when you have been a good hubby all week long --your favorite cereal! Yup, LUCKY CHARMS, the original cereal that caused the American obesity epidemic. Teri has always gotten the boys their favorite on their birthdays, but today is not even my birthday! Perhaps an early 21 st anniversary gift?She has gladly assisted me in devouring the best ever made...I returned the favor and bought her some Scrapple , probably not as good as her Grandma Nunns homemade batch, which she has had a craving for the past couple of weeks....

DOMINATION

The 10 point victory did not accurately represent the clear dominance of the Boys over the Pack last night. We totally had a great time with our friends in Colorado Springs who provided the grilled burgers and most importantly, the NFL Network! We will return to the Springs in the near future to enjoy a playoff game. 11-1 and marching on to the Super Bowl!

YIKES

Second day on vacation and I have hurdled into pre-retirement mode. First sign, there is a puzzle on the card table--oh clearly the AARP newsletter is on its way. Second, we went out to lunch and shared entrees. Next, we shopped for some new reading glasses for me. I caught a 30 minute nap. Finally, I read my latest book, Amish Grace (stellar read), for half an hour. At least the TV wasn't on The Weather Channel.....

3....

....weeks off! How sweet it is...I return to work December 18th...

My main goal is not to annoy the wife. Day one complete and I have survived to type about it. For the first time in over 2 years, the Chevy pickup has a wax job as I loitered in the garage for a couple of hours. The garage is a safe haven for me as Teri won't venture out there much other than to dump the trash.

Tuesdays is Cameron's only day off as all the others are committed to work and school. So, I waited for him and he ended up meeting Austin at the gym and then picked up Austin's tab as they dined at Chili's for lunch. I guess he forgot about who is funding college tuition :) . I called him and he was closet cleaning, bringing over 2 garbage bags worth of clothes. He says 1/3 will go to Austin, 1/3 to donate to the Thrift store and 1/3 to list on Ebay. Ebay funds will probably go back to clothes replacement as his 6ft2 165 lb wardrobe no longer fit his 6ft5, 205 frame!

Cam just pulled up, so let the clothes sorting begin....

CAUTION!

Perhaps something you don't want to see as you take a casual Sunday drive on your Harley! Check it our here