Billy's Blig

New Reality

2010-12-18T20:58:00.002-06:00

Everyone is adjusting to the new reality. Thinking about renaming Cab and Austin to Felix and Oscar since they are now the Odd Couple.

Sweet Little Brie Girl

2010-12-17T20:23:00.002-06:00

For such a little girl, she leaves a big hole.

Last Couple of Hikes

2010-09-21T17:21:00.004-05:00

In total we hiked up 2 6,000 footers, 2 7,000 footers, and one 8,000 footer. Not very impressive for Colorodoans but not bad for a couple of flatlanters.

This is the husband of Cheryl's youngest cousin. He's about the nicest guy on the planet.

Me at New Belgium brewery. They get a lot of my money because they make the best beer.

Beerfest Photos

2010-09-19T17:09:00.003-05:00

Denver Part 1

2010-09-17T14:12:00.004-05:00

One of the few non-wooded areas of the trail.

The trail was broken into sections of about 2.5 miles each. We did 10.7 miles.

Running, not tripping, and snapping.

Two of the climbs were 7200 feet.

Proof I ran too.

A really cool, very tall tree.

Another really cool, tall tree but with a rock.

Admiring the view.

The view Cheryl was admiring.

Cheryl and our friend Cathy. We did a two mile stroll last night.

Cheryl on the deck in her natural state.

Testing Testing

2010-09-16T06:55:00.001-05:00

Just making sure this damn thing still works.
bc

100_4785

2010-08-19T19:46:00.000-05:00

Yard/Garden Images

2010-05-02T18:15:00.002-05:00

Lily 3rd Photos

2010-05-02T18:05:00.005-05:00

A cake fit for a princess.

Singing happt birthday. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be short. At least digital photography gives me a fighting chance.

More singing.

Outside with Colin giving directions that singing and cake is inside.

Kinome preparing the princess's cake table.

A slightly higher resolution photo of the cake. If you crop/zoom you can see a photo of the princess. Joe was taking his royal nap.

Lily at the head of the outside table.

Princess Lily and a subject or two.

New Camera

2010-04-11T14:09:00.003-05:00

Your humble photographer. The gray thing is my Nathan running vest. It holds a a lot of water, which I need since I sweat like a pig when I run. I also has a couple of handy pockets for things like little new cameras.

Little, white flowers were everywhere at Lake Grapevine.

Virginia Creeper

Can you tell the difference between Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy? I don't really have to since I don't plan to come into contact with either.

Starting our run at Lake Grapevine

This is "Sporty" the Polaris. He keeps our pool clean.

Where the Cherry Laurel used to be. Now it's a new litter box.

Austin and Cheryl hanging out on the glider with Cab butt.

The very first photo with the new camera. What a good-looking man!

East 2010 - Part 3 More Photos

2010-04-04T14:26:00.003-05:00

More photos - sorry for any duplicates

Easter 2010 - Part 2 (Videos)

2010-04-04T14:19:00.004-05:00

Easier than carrying around a bar with floodlights on it!

Easter 2010 - Part 1

2010-04-04T14:12:00.003-05:00

Part 1

999-1000

2010-03-29T19:31:00.001-05:00

DUCK!

2010-03-29T19:17:00.000-05:00

Weekend Update

2010-03-28T14:59:00.004-05:00

Notice the lack of asian jasmine. I've declared war on the ground cover and seem to be winning. However, it will be a long-term battle. I think if you look closely you'll see a Cabber enjoying one of the buried rocks I found.

Slowly making headway on the stone path on the side of the house. It's been a problem area and I think stone is the way to go. Won't be able to finish the project until the sprinkler guys come out for some maintenance.

New berry vines. I really would like a good berry crop this year. I have four vines.

Could not resist buying a topsy-turvy - as seen on TV! We'll see if my cherry tomatos enjoy growing upsidedown.

The garden as a whole. It's pretty full.

Stuff waiting for large item pick up. We're looking a little white trash these days.

Plan to move some of the larger rocks from the front to the back. They are cool rocks and we will view their beauty more in the back. Nobody looks at their front yard too much. Notice the groovy 8" snake that was living under the rock.

Another photo of the snake. Cheryl would not get within 10 feet of it. She, like my dad, doesn't like snakes. Have never figured out why they don't bother me any. I do respect them but don't have a phobia.

Ain't Skeed of no snow

2010-03-23T19:37:00.002-05:00

Looks like everything survived the snow with a flourish. I was most worried about the squash but they are growing. Those three little plants aren't in the best area even though the soil is pretty good. Plus they were covered with 4 inches of snow. Looks like all the snow did was give everything a good soaking. It was a weird snow - didn't even kill the lettuce. Am too lazy to walk outside and take a photoe (Dan Quayle spelling) but trust me, it looks like lettuce.
bc

Tales From the Snowy Nexus

2010-03-21T10:48:00.003-05:00

Strange but not unheard of to have a bit of snow in March. We got about 4 inches if not a little more.

The chiminea with a mustache and goatee - in honor of hell freezing over for Anna's birthday.

An unhappy Sego palm. They took a beating from the last snow. We thought they'd be okay for this one since the forecast was for less than an inch and they are next to the house. Plus they are so big it's a challenge to cover them up.

Lots and lots of icicles. They are growing and dripping simultaniously. Will call them the Hillwood stalagtites. Pretty sure it's stalagtites and not stalagmites but would need to check to be sure. However, since this is the internet, spelling and grammar aren't important.

A beached Ali-gator. Ali has been untethered because the new Polaris is capable of climbing the pool walls (cleans better) but this means it gets tangled in the twine tethering the gator. Therefore, Ali gets to roams free even if he does blow out of the pool on occasion. The wind took him for a ride then the snow covered the poor plastic creature. The floaties are the old set and are serving as back up to help persuad the ducks that our pool isn't the prime place to put down roots and roost. I don't want them to lay in our backyard.

Blech

2010-03-16T19:47:00.003-05:00

Cheryl has a work thing tonight and won't be home until really late. I don't have any books I'm dying to read - have two on order but they won't be here for a couple of days. Stuff that would bore the crap out of a normal person. There's a new translation of Christopher Columbus's log books - exciting stuff! Magellan has been getting some different treatments lately too that I'm anxious to read about. Heck, he was the most daring seafarer until Sir Frances Drake came about! Fear not, I'll have reviews. Maybe I should have been a history professor... :-) Or maybe not. Details to follow.

I understand from all the layout and design books I've read that articles are better with photos. Sorry Anna. My apologies. hehehehehehehehe

Hommage to Anna - from day one through bean stach

2010-03-14T08:08:00.003-05:00

Nothing says Party like a bean stach.

There is more evil in this photo than mortal man can describe!

After

Before - don't mess with Kinome

Even at a young age, the center of attention.

Aw shucks

Proof that some folks (John) should not be allowed to play with PhotoShop.

Pointing the way

ROTF LMAO

Anna, Uncle with Stach, and Stairs.

Before the Macarena was a hit...

Day one.

Project for Today

2010-03-06T16:41:00.003-06:00

The beginnings of a garden. The sprouts are onions. Between the onions and the flagstones is a row of Swiss Chard (growing from seed) and there is one lone sole tomato plant. I'm going to put up a post and try some hanging plants.

One of the new outside lights. There was a bunch of Geckos in the boxes. They kind of startled me when I removed the old lights and they scattered. A couple were hibernating and had to be woken up so they'd move.

While you can't see it there is a new matress pad, blanket, and a couple of new pillows.

My Pledge To Austin

2010-03-01T19:45:00.001-06:00

If you poop it, I'll scoop it. Though I may have to hold my nose.

The new ride

2010-02-22T14:35:00.003-06:00

Finally broke down and got a new car. The Focus has been falling apart for a few months and I didn't want to throw any more money into it. My 2010 Honda Fit is now in the garage.

You know it's official when I put my shopping bags in the trunk.

The passenger seat.

The full view from aft to stern. It's a lot like my old car but nine years newer. I'd forgotten what a new car drives like. Now the goal is to keep it driving like new - avoiding Dallas's impressive collection of potholes.

Cross Timbers 2010

2010-02-21T11:00:00.003-06:00

We were fortunate that the weather Saturday wasn't like the weather Sunday morning. While a little warm for me, it was perfect for most. I did not train for this one and had a really good run. Trained a lot for Rockledge and sucked eggs. Guess training is overrated. Anyway, the run was excellent, course well marked, aid stations top notch. There was enough mud to make it interesting in places. Cedar Bayou management pissed off the race director so she moved the start/finish to Juniper Point which was a better place. The new starting location broke up the really really hard part into two pieces instead of one long one. Lots of steep climbing on this trail. Back home and headed for a Sunday of nothing.

Quite a few of the climbs were quad busters.

Cheryl and Andi coming through a muddy patch.

Cheryl and Andi starting a muddy patch. They were about 20 minutes ahead of me so I was just hitting his part of mud. Soon after, there was a climbed affectionately dubbed "Stairway to Heaven" . It's really steep and freaks a lot of non-climbers out. I kind of enjoy it.

Running down a descent.

Lots of cool rocks along part of the trail.

Ken and Rally acted as support crew near the aid station. It was walking distance from our cabin. Rally is very popular at these points and it's one of the few times she barks uncontrollably.

Cheryl and Andi waiting for our race to start.

Birds

2010-02-14T14:27:00.003-06:00

We've been invaded by American Robins and Cedar Waxwings. Both enjoy the red berries from the Japon Hollies. My only grievance is last year one of the Robins did a fine job of pooping on my head. I'm wearing a hat this year. Also need to get a camera with a longer lens.

Joli

2010-02-14T14:21:00.004-06:00

Our friend, Joli, passed away last Sunday from lung cancer. She was a non-smoker and very athletic. Basically did everything right but got dealt a bad hand. She orchestrated her Celebration of Life which was held at UTD yesterday. A very moving event. She was 43.

This is Joli and her youngest daughter.

Last November, several of us did a little fund/awareness raising 5k. Joli was a runner and this was her last event. We pushed her in her wheelchair since at this point it was a major effort for her to stand up.

Post-race festivities.

One of the reasons comparatively little research is done on Lung Cancer is there really aren't any support groups, you die too soon. Lung cancer goes from initial diagnosis to death in 12-24 months. Only about 3% of those diagnosed survive longer. If you are a non-smoker, the diagnosis is much more serious and your time much more limited. Joli's initial diagnosis was Stage 4 so it was incredible that she lived over a year.

I have a related rant but will give it some thought before I put it on a public forum since it will piss off just about everyone I know.

Snowfest Feb. 2010

2010-02-13T12:50:00.003-06:00

Also titled "Guess I picked the wrong week to not have a chainsaw".

This is a crepe myrtle hanging over the wing wall into my garden area. Notice that you can't see the 14" garlic plants (that are not happy right now).

Broken limbs from the giant Japon Holly. The limbs have now been removed. Glad I got that done before the wind started picking up. Nothing like being too high on a slick ladder in wet shoes when the wind is blowing out of the north.

The front of the house - our winter wonderland.

Across the street. Roger's tree look like it belongs in an elvish setting in Lord of the Rings.

The beginning of my "yard" pile. The pile in the driveway is about 11 times larger. All limbs are now in the drive awaiting being cut into smaller pieces and put out for large item pick up.

This is the big trunk that broke. All the limbs have been removed the trunk is on the ground. If the angle had been a little different or the bigger part had extended a couple more feet I'd be writing about our new fence and new pool equipment. We do plan to relace both, but would rather do it at our leisure.

4.jpg">>Close up. You can see the rot that made this part of the tree suceptable to breaking with the added weight of the snow.

Quacker the chlorine tablet dispense getting snowed on.

Nothing to say but feel like posting

2010-02-06T09:12:00.002-06:00

When you have nothing to say but feel like saying it anyway, look into the photo archives since each photo is worth 1,000 words, or so I've heard.

Spelling, it's overrate.

A couple of family "heirlooms" I plan to pass on soon. I know they still work since I've been sharpening my knives on them for about 20 years and haven't made a dent in any of them. The white one has been in use for about 40. It's not an heirloom, just something I've had for some time.

Britany, Travis, and Kate. Plus Britany's baby and Travis's baby. Travis lives in Oregon. Kate lives in Colorado Springs.

The Christmas Pig. There is a story behind the Pig which will be told for years to come. Part of the story will include the phrase "Billy is a strange little man."

Rally and her annual gift of a hedgehog.

Insanity

2010-02-04T19:39:00.002-06:00

One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. With this in mind, I have decided to not vote for a Democrat or Republican in the foreseeable future. The current crop of candidates for Texas governor really hammered this thought/action/lack of action home.

The Obama thing. I didn't drink the coolaide but the thought of a Palin admninistration worried me more. And the Libs put up Bob Barr?! Give me a fucking break. He's worse than Newt Gingrich. Plus I don't know why the Republicans aren't all over Obama like a Tiger on a porn star. If you use W as the Republican standard, Obama has out Bushed him at every turn - bigger spending, bigger troop deployments where we don't need to be, bigger bailouts...

Rant off. Don't look for me at the polling place on primary day.

Exercise and Beer

2010-01-31T14:54:00.003-06:00

As you may know, I enjoying working out and drinking beer. Now the two may not seem to be quite in synch with each other - until now.
http://draftmag.com/calories/

Bringing life back into balance. hic
bc

One more photo

2010-01-31T13:42:00.001-06:00

One more photo from the previous post I forgot to upload. You can see the snow a little but has a bit of haze.

A Bit of Snow

2010-01-31T13:29:00.002-06:00

We ran into a little bit of snow this morning on the Northshore trail. In the photo with Cheryl there is actually quite a bit falling but you can't see it. We were hoping it would have been a bit colder so the ground would have been frozen (don't you love the compound use of the past conditional perfect tense?) and not been quite so muddy. There were a few places where it was pretty sloppy but we tread softly. Can't say the same for the mountain bikers we saw, there were tearing the crap of the trail.

Our next run is on Lake Texoma at Cross Timbers. It's later in February. We've got a cabin/mobile home rented for the weekend. The course is changed from last year so instead of two out and backs, there is one. I may not finish the race and just stop at the lodging. Cheryl, Andi, and Ken will be quite a bit faster than me since they have actually been training and are simply better runners than I am. Nobody has mistaken me for a gazelle lately.

Honing In

2010-01-24T12:47:00.002-06:00

My three sharpening stones. The darker ones belonged to grandfathers and the lighter one I got when I was carving oboe reeds in junior high. I use each regularly and have not made a dent in any of the three. I attempted a shave with the straight razor (not pictured) and while it works, I think I stay with the modern inventions or go scruffy.

Natural Ice Sculpture

2010-01-10T13:59:00.003-06:00

Headed out to Rockledge this morning to get in our first trail run of the new year. It was cool but very pleasant. Cheryl was on fire and did 11.5. I had some drag ass and did 9.5 in the same amount of time. I must add that I did some goofing off and bird watching.

Along the cliffs at Rockledge there were some natural ice sculptures. Loving me some camera phone.

A Little More Austin

2010-01-07T18:53:00.001-06:00

For the first six months, he thought his name was "Dammit"

A Little More Austin

2010-01-06T19:57:00.002-06:00

Austin likes to lounge in the neighbors monkey grass. He'll nap as long as I'll sit with him.

Austin and the Pigg. Notice Austin's eyes, very hard to take a photo and not get the glare or red eye.

Dryers are fun. Basically as an adolescent, everyplace was fun.

Austin as a stuffed animal. Notice the blue eyes.

The best photo ever taken of Austin. This is the work of Uberphotog John Crawford. This former US Army Air Force photo lab manager and newpaper photographer, writer, editor, publisher, etc. has about 10,000,000,000 photographs under his belt and knows when to use flash and when to turn it off.

Stay tuned for more Austin and other animals I have and have had the pleasure to play with.

Happy Birthday Austin Boy

2010-01-06T19:35:00.003-06:00

Sometime this year, Austin the Cat will turn 16. Probably around September or October. It's impossible to tell. I'd say that even though he is definately geriatric, his life is pretty good. I'll periodically share a few images from the cat fondly knows as the Naughty Little Austin Dingle Dammit Love Boy. His real nickname is Kosmo. He's also known as Biggest or Biggest Bear (Cheryl's name for him). His hobbies include sleeping, sleeping, spraying stuff outside, chasing his brother Cabernet, and sleeping. He prefers warmer weather. He really prefers sleeping in the garage with the sliding door open.

This is big excitement. Though he's not too thrilled when we are walking at the same time that Trooper of Louis the neighbors goldens are walking.

Brie and Cabernet are up top while Austin makes sure the couch is properly slept upon.

Obviously I'm not doing something correctly and need to be admonished.

Runner Humor

2010-01-02T09:20:00.001-06:00

From the grimacing and moaning and groaning you hear from most runners, one might think we are a sour bunch with nothing but grievances. However this is only a facade as there is much humor in running.

This may be the funniest running photo ever.

2009 NYE Run - Airing of Grievances

2010-01-02T09:11:00.002-06:00

Each year there is an informal run at the Bath House to benefit Marathon Kids - a group that works to fight childhood obesity. You just show up, throw some money in the jar as a donation, run around the lake, and hang out with runner friend geeks. One of our traditions is the airing of grievances at the Festivus Pole. It's a spoof on a Seinfeld skit. The festivus pole is supposed to be aluminum but PVC is cheaper. The purpose is to air grievances and perform a feat of strength. We're not very strong so our feats are pretty unimpressive.

George maintains the pole. Notice the festive fake greenery on the top.

Here are Cheryl and I at the end of the run. It was pretty humid and my clothing was wicking moisture so it looked like I had snow on my cap.

What would a festivus run be without an adult beverage. Here is my hand (which I sacrificed by taking off my glove to open the bottle) pouring some bubbly into Cheryl cup. Many other cups followed. Please note that this is 8:30 in the morning but we got up early so it was like 10:00ish for normal people.

The beautiful and talented Teresa. She had the camera which was commandeered by my left hand for the group self portrait. One of our grievances was that we didn't hang out with Teresa and her husband Toby enough in 2009. A grievance we won't be able to air in 2010.

A group shot at the Grievance Pole. Note to self - if you're short and with a bunch of tall people, don't get stuck in the back. It looks like one guy has a head growing out of his shoulder.

Bummer I Didn't Take the Camera

2009-12-26T13:19:00.002-06:00

The Northshort trail at Lake Grapevine was really pretty today. Lots of snow-scapes. Going out the ground was pretty firm but coming back it was getting a little squishy in places. Not too bad for us but for anyone going out later today - it'll be a mudfest.

The Great Blizzard of 2009

2009-12-25T09:33:00.005-06:00

All the Pooh stuff in order after being reset - the wind took a toll.

The Pooh stuff with Piglet in sad shape.

The wreath in the backyard

My little snow bunnie!

The glider where many of the world's problems have been solved over a glass of wine.

This is Quacker. He faithfully dispenses chlorine into the swimming pool.

He isn't going gray!

View of the backyard.

The snow had just started to stick to stuff.

Snow blowing off the roof.

The tarp is over two very large Sego palms. As soon as it warms up, we're going to revise our method of plant protection. It was a challenge to cover the Segos in 40 mph wind and not let the tarp fly into the pool.

Have some more photos but they are on the phone and a little more involved to post.

12 Swimming Days of Christmas

2009-12-24T10:33:00.002-06:00

Coach Regina has had a special set of workouts the last few days she calls the 12 Days of Christmas. It's 12 different sets that get progressively shortly but more numerous as the days go by. The most "joyous" is the 12th day which is 12 25's of butterfly to finish the workout. I can now do a bad version of the butterfly if I'm fresh; however, at the end of the workout it's more of a flailing series of movements that don't result in much forward momentum. About the middle I switch to the one-arm butterfly as a survival mechanism. Even with all the kickboard and stroke work I finished today with 3050 meters which is a lot for me for a one-hour workout.

If all goes well, I should hit 150 miles for the year by next week. Since I didn't begin swimming regularly until April, I may go for 250 for 2010.

And in a more real-life note, I have a large cavity in my back molar. Yippee. Spent way too much on dentistry last year so hopefully this will be the only big thing this year. I about to run out of teeth that aren't rebuilt.

Christmas Pig

2009-12-22T14:38:00.001-06:00

Oink oink

Wrapping up 2009

2009-12-22T12:48:00.002-06:00

Almost have 150 miles in the pool. Should hit this mark without much problem.

Almost have 1000 miles running. May or may not hit this one. Could come up just a little short - about 980 or so. Am not too worried about it but will stay on track better in 2010.

Will hit 1400 pedaling miles - road and trainer combined. Not bad considering I really don't cycle that much.

Cheryl has much of her Christmas baking done. I did most of the knife work, okay all of the knife work since she has a tendenancy to draw blood these days using gadgets that don't work as well as a knife and cutting board.

Got a lot of our shopping done. Everyone is bought for. We've got most of the things purchased we intended except for a new Blueray/DVD player which will happen soon.

I need to go get three pounds of coffee for my swim coaches. Bless those wonderful people who are willing to get to the pool by 5:30 a.m. to let the geezers swim.

Brie and Cab had their physicals yesterday so there's still a little bit of mistrust around the homeplace even though Brie is helping me type. Just wrote the checks to register them with the city so they are legal for another year.

Lasagna is on the menu for tonight. This recipe takes us about 45 minutes to assemble and then about an hour to bake. It's a fun activity for the cloudy vacationany afternoon. Have lots of projects I could be doing but my inspiration is waining. I may just read and nap this afternoon after the lasagna is put together. No-boil noodles are the best.

Family Tombstones

2009-11-30T19:12:00.002-06:00

Give me your biggest pizza, she said

2009-11-27T08:44:00.002-06:00

Actually, Andi said give me two of your biggest pizzas. Both our freezers were full - that a lot of pizza for 4 folks.

Tires and Dill Bits Don't Mix

2009-11-27T08:43:00.004-06:00

My Black Friday purchase - a new tire afer running over this drill bit last night. It was making an awful racked and I'm happy it's only a tire - even if the tire only has 2000 miles on it. Could have been the suspension which would have been more than $100.

The Crawford Boys at the Trot

2009-11-27T08:40:00.004-06:00

Proof we were where we said we were! :-)

Cheryl and Andi enjoying a post Trot beverage.

Dad visiting with George.

Two generation self-portrait.

Two generation self portrait2.

And a good time was had by all (and yes, I did ask everyone).

Some Photos from the Race

2009-11-16T19:48:00.002-06:00

Some days you feel like a nut...

2009-11-15T13:20:00.002-06:00

Some days you don't.

The 2009 Rockledge Rumble has come and gone. This 21 mile trail run goes from Rockledge Park at Lake Grapevine to Far Cove, a scant 1o+ miles of cliffs, rocks, trails, creeks, etc. and back. We thought we were pretty well trained this year but the weather conditions made this one a challenge. The humidity was high but you didn't notice how much you were sweating until you saw all the salt patches on your skin.

The first 10 miles went by pretty well. The second five were a bit of a struggle. The last five were at a walking pace. Even though I filled up my bottles at every aid station, I got a bit dehydrated and had to take it easy. I wore my one bottle belt and was wishing I had worn my running vest which holds about 4 bottles.

This run is one of the best organized and supported around. Being close to Dallas, it also is very popular with the non-trail running crowd. There are three distances, 33 miles, 21 miles and 9 miles. The 33 milers is a pretty serious run, the 21 is quite doable, and the 9 miler is for those checking it out. Each has a different start time so you're generally running with folks doing the same race you're doing. It basically separates the 9 milers from the other races which is good because you can do 9 miles at a much faster pace.

Cheryl finished about 45 miles ahead of me but was needing some rest. She was still stretching and resting when I finished so she missed me at the finish, which is a 100 foot elevation sand ladder. After about a gallon of water, 2 Cokes, a bowl of rice and beans (okay 2 bowls) and a large helping of cobbler, I began to feel better. We waited about an hour for Ken and Andi to finish (they did the 33 miler), got them some fluids and headed home. We all stood in the pool (it's cold but good for recovery) drinking wine and beer for a few minutes before ordering two of the largest pizzas we've every seen. Plan to take a photo of the box for proof. Between the four of us, we ate 1/2 of one pizza. Full bellies and lots of leftovers.

Today we are both pretty tired. Cheryl doesn't have as much soreness as I do. My main problem is the arch on my right foot. It's pretty tight but is improving as I walk around. After I eat some more pizza I'll break out the massage oil and go to work on the foot. We thought about getting massages today but after getting groceries just wanted to hang out at the house.

I had my camera but didn't take any photos since we were all looking pretty pathetic and we stank so bad I was afraid the smell might even permiate a digital photo! :-)

This goes down as one of the three hardest athletic things I've done. The other two being the 1997 White Rock Marathon and the 2000 Buffalo Spring 1/2 Ironman. The funny thing is we were so much better trained for this than last year but the weather makes all the difference - if it had been 40 degrees I would have finished an hour sooner. Guess this means that training is over-rated and one should just do the event!

It's a good day

2009-10-29T09:17:00.002-05:00

Having the Heating and Air services - the guys come out twice a year.
Then there are some errands to run - need pool chemicals and maybe pick up some stuff for dinner or to cook for dinner.
Eye appt. at 2:30 - want a new 2nd pair of glasses and sunglasses.
Massage at 4:00.
Wine at 5:30

Have been doing some 2010 budgeting to see if this is the year I can buy back some time to help my retirement account. Cashing out my time from UTD in 1995 was a silly thing to do but I was financially naive at the time. At least that mistake is fixable. Even if I don't retire early, for each year I buy back my pension increases by 2.5%. Run the numbers - it's a good investment.

The other thing on today's list is go to Best Buy and get a disposable emergency cell phone. The main phone doesn't do well when I run with it. The card gets loose and then the phone won't work. I just want a small, cheap thing I can carry in my running belt in case of emergencies.

Other than that - it's a wonderful day to not be at work.
bc

Brie and Garlic and Acorns

2009-10-26T19:36:00.002-05:00

The sea of acorns that is my driveway.

The little garlic sprouts

Brie sniffing a boxwood.

Brie in the Monkey Grass

Palo Duro

2009-10-18T14:35:00.005-05:00

A few images from Palo Duro. Between the 4 of us we ran 115 miles. Ken did the majority with Andi a strong second. Cheryl and I did the 12.5 mile fun run.

Canyon - Palo Duro

2009-10-16T07:14:00.003-05:00

Off to Canyon this morning for the Palo Duro trail run. Should be a nice weekend. Since I'm doing the "shorter" run (not the 50-miler) I'll take my time and take lots of photos.

email

2009-10-13T20:20:00.001-05:00

crawbush@yahoo.com - RIP. You served well for over a decade but it looks like the nefarious evil doers have corrupted you.

Long live billy.crawford50@yahoo.com!
bc

Cooler

2009-10-06T19:25:00.001-05:00

Just finished mowing the yard and didn't sweat too much. The cool north breeze felt very nice. Plus I have hopes that I only have to mow once or twice more this year.

Paying to do a 5k

2009-10-05T19:41:00.002-05:00

With all the longer runs on the horizon, it seems silly to pay money to run a 5k. Trust me, when you're training for 20+ milers, there isn't much speed and 5k's are all about speed...unless you're running in honor of a wonder lady and friend who recently was diagnosed with ALS. Diane is stronger than all of us put together, just shows that neurological disease don't care who you are.
http://www.runproud.org/

It seems strange just how many of my contemporaries are dying or getting horrible shit happening to them.

Oh well, am eligible to join AARP in 4 weeks....and I picked a good week to become a Broncos fan...

The Garlic is Sprouting!

2009-10-04T09:19:00.004-05:00

When do you plant garlic? In Texas it's a little harder than in Oregon or Northern California because of the extreme and prolonged heat and drought. I plant when I think the last of the really hot weather is over and/or when some of the crop from last year begins to sprout. The sprouting has begun and it feels like we've seen the last of the 100's for the year so the seed is in the ground. Of course, all this may be a crock of shit and growing good garlic is just a combination of pure dumb luck or the fact that it's about as hard to grow as a weed.
bc

16.2 and garlic

2009-10-03T15:22:00.003-05:00

We did 16.2 miles at Northshore this morning with Ken in tow. It was a short run for him, a long one for us. We feel pretty comfortable about being able to do the Rumble now but will be interested to see what the race director does with the newly cut trails. It is billed as a 30k but could be as long as a 36k. That, my friends, is almost a marathon.

The garlic I leave in the ground has sprouted so I have planted next year's crop. Let the games begin!
bc

Mas Randomness

2009-09-29T19:15:00.002-05:00

Had good swim this morning. My friend Debra was in my lane. She runs 50 and 100 mile races and likes to tease me about the short ones (20-28 miles) I do. Someday, she claims, she'll get me to do some real running. She'll be at Palo Duro and I promised to take lots of photos of her and have a hamburger ready for her when she finishes.

I am glad tomorrow morning is supposed to be cooler since I didn't trot this morning. We're planning on doing 16-18 at Lake Grapevine on Saturday with Ken so I don't want to overdo it during the week. An easy 6 tomorrow, swim on Thursday, and Friday is iffy - may swim or sleep.

Am up to 100 meters of butterfly, the one stroke I never learned to do. The goal was to learn it before I turn 50 and I just snuck under the wire. Gives me a case of geezer-wheezer but it's getting smoother.

It's been nice to have the windows open a little during the evening. And it'll be easier on the electric bill.
bc

Photos from Today's Run

2009-09-20T12:18:00.004-05:00

14 miles at Northshort trail at Lake Grapevine this morning. Not a bad day though as usual I sweat about 4x what Cheryl does. The humidity was too high but other than that, just fine. We feared some mud but there weren't any bad spots and the traffic from mountain bikers was non-existant - we only saw one. The 5-6 other runners were easily passed.

Going for the little flowers but the camera phone doesn't have a zoom and I forgot to crop before uploading. I'm lazy - blame it on Obama and the internet.

Pretty red flowers.

Self portrait at appx. 7 miles.

Notice the red flowers in the background. Cheryl at appx. 6 miles near a little creek that must be crossed.

Better photo of the red flowers - they were having their day today!

2009-09-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

Me and Cheryl in 30 years.

Postponed

2009-09-19T13:15:00.003-05:00

Postponed the trail run at Grapevine until tomorrow to give the trail another day to dry out. Am doing yardwork today and getting some work done on the car. This will actually work out better since Ken can join us and we'll be running appx. the same distance. If we had run today, we would have driven separately since he had to do 25 miles and we were doing 14-16. Tomorrow we have 14-16 and he is scheduled for 10-12. We're training for a 23 miler, he's training for a 50 miler. We can fake a 23'er. There is no faking a 50 miler.

Got to swim this morning and Cheryl got a little biking in so all is well.
bc

Randomness

2009-09-16T19:24:00.002-05:00

Love the rain. Hope it lets off enough for the run at Grapevine this weekend. We need to get 14+ miles on the trail or I'm going to be hurting a little come race time.

Still saw dozens of sprinklers running this morning on my run even though we've had 7 inches of rain in the last week.

Got a jalapeno pepper off one of my vines. Several bell peppers and new tomato blooms appeared so maybe I'll get a 2nd wave of produce.

All kitties spotted and pretty much asleep. Kind of like I'm about to be. Probably won't make it to 8:30 tonight.

Am rereading Born to Run by Christpher McDougall. Very funny book.

Swimming tomorrow morning to give my legs a couple of days rest before the weekend. At least I'm not Ken - he's got a 25 miler scheduled. However, I'm not training for a 50 miler like he is. Though it is funny when the idea of running White Rock again this year - just as a training run for the longer stuff.

Kitties no longer asleep - the boys are getting into a hissing match.

Over and out
bc

Sprinklers in the Rain

2009-09-13T10:14:00.002-05:00

We've had rain pretty consistently for the last two days. Yet on my morning run (in he rain) I saw dozens of sprinkler systems running. One more nail in the coffin of our race - we are becoming a society of complete oblivious idiots.

Warning! Warning! Tongue in cheek comment ahoy -
Why can't we all be more like the Dallas ISD administrators who banned Obama's speech which basically said "Stay in School. Study Hard. Work Hard". However, have already reserved busses and gotten approval for a "skip day" to hear a George Bush speech scheduled for 2011?

I pledge allegiance to the _____ (insert your party affiliation here)
Of the United States of ______ (insert your party affiliation here)

2009-09-10T19:37:00.002-05:00

This is Britany hold her son, Tristan, and Nuna. Nuna is the daughter of the Oregon cousin we went to visit.

Brittany, Tristan, Travis (the Oregon cousin), Kate (Travis's sister who was taking care of Lawrence), and Nuna.

Rest in Peace

2009-09-10T19:31:00.002-05:00

It was a very nice service and burial.

Rhoda Proper

2009-09-07T07:14:00.000-05:00

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Rhoda - taken in 1993.

Me and my shadow

2009-08-30T12:16:00.004-05:00

This Austin, I may rename him Dick Cheney because he is becoming an old, bitter, sour, vocal grouch. Unlike Mr. Cheney, I love this boy.

2009-08-25T19:10:00.001-05:00

Mr. Cabber waiting for a bird to fly into his mouth.

Anna Fish Face

Our little hummingbird visitor. He's tiny. Need to enlarge the pertinent section of the photo for better viewing.

Sweet little Brie girl and my foot. Call it abstract art.

Trail Running and Anna

2009-08-24T19:29:00.001-05:00

Training has begun for the trail running season. Palo Duro in October, Rockledge in November, maybe Ultracentric in November, then Cross Timbers. And then there's Anna.

Upcoming event

2009-08-12T19:09:00.001-05:00

This weekend Cheryl is going to Denver for a girls trip.

I'm headed to Paul's Valley with Ken and Andi on Saturday for Big Ken's retirement party. It's just a day trip - a long day trip.

As of today for this year

2009-08-09T11:00:00.003-05:00

Swim - 132,751 yards (appx. 75 miles)
Bike (road and spin) - 1017.7 miles
Run - 501.7

As we begin training for the fall races, the running will go up. Last year I ran over 1000 miles. Just call me Forest.

Hawk

2009-08-05T19:09:00.002-05:00

Hope he wasn't here because he heard the kitties were tasty!

John Underbrink

2009-08-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

Rest in peace my friend.
bc

Projects

2009-07-26T15:13:00.003-05:00

Here is the pile of brick that will become a short walkway.

White trash side yard. Next I'll replace the house with a double-wide.

This doesn't look like much but the house has a couple of plumbing mysteries. Getting one of the drains in condition to be capped was a project I'd been putting off for, well, just over eight years. It took some time with a hammer and the blessings of the gods. And I killed a zillion cockroaches.

Tomato #2 just prior to being picked by the little girls next door. There was some talk of a BLT sandwich.

The storage building moved back to its original place. This is a much better location for it. More level and doesn't mess with the sprinkler system.

Happening Around the ole Crawford place

2009-07-21T19:49:00.003-05:00

The harvest is near and one of the wing walls (on the east side of ths house) is falling down. It's been leaning for some time but has really started to embrace askew. We're going to knock it down and make a walkway out of the bricks. It will force me to clean up the side yard since it won't be as hidden anymore.

A Saturday Under Control

2009-07-18T11:05:00.002-05:00

Started the day with about 2800m swim. I've now done enough extra swims this month to go back to my usual schedule and get me t-shirt for the DAM swim for distance month. It's all about the t-shirt.

Hanging at the parent's house until they get back from their village board meeting. Then off to lunch. Just found a bunch of pennies I bought from a guy up here. I'm pretty close to having the complete set of Jefferson cents. Unfortunately one of the few I still need is by far the most expensive.

The photo is me and Austin the cat.

70,000

2009-07-05T13:06:00.002-05:00

0-10

2009-07-05T08:37:00.006-05:00

Ultimately went 0-10 yesterday on my "name any part of the Declaration of Independence". Hmmmm. A couple of folks on my Facebook account quoted some of it. It's a really great document and between that and the Constitution, a really great nation could be created.

I'm not really knocking the U.S., we've done some great things but it could easily be so much more. Unfortunatly people are in charge. The founding fathers could only do so much to protect us from ourselves.

2009-07-04T11:09:00.001-05:00

So far today I'm 0 for 6 when asking people if they knew how the Declaration of Independence started. At least one person told me it was "We the people".

Oh well, happy ignornat of our history 4th.

Harvest and Strings

2009-06-25T19:44:00.003-05:00

My berry harvest and my strings. Nothing to do with each other except both are familiar with my fingers in one way or another.

Tomorrow

2009-06-08T18:44:00.001-05:00

Swim
AC guys coming for maintenance and preventative maintenance
Get oil changed in car
Mail check for pennies
Paint some trim

It'll be a good day.
bc

Pool timer

2009-06-02T19:12:00.003-05:00

Phase next of the "fix everything that broke at once" - the pool timers and all the surrounding electrical.

Next up - the last part of the HVAC system. Then on to the pool polaris. It never ends. I am glad to be off the manual system for the pool timers. Manual being my hands.

2009-05-20T19:26:00.001-05:00

Love me some mud!

2009-05-17T11:33:00.002-05:00

We out to MADD to run this morning - since it rained yesterday it was muddy. We both had lots of mud on the legs but it was fun. No falls but lots and lots of slipping and sliding.

Brie is having the best morning ever. The other cats are outside, the window is open, there are birds in the front yard and I'm making the bed. It doesn't get much better than that for a sweet little Brie girl.

Only two more days

2009-05-14T07:28:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was the absolute worst training class I've every had. In a note to my supervisor I said something like "I can't believe we paid money for this".

Oh well, at least the coffee is free and plenty.

The AC is back on line but needs some more maintenance. The wiring is old and needs to be replaced so we'll get that scheduled as quickly as the budget allows (next billing cycle). We knew this was going to be an expensive year with house maintenance and we're always ready for a surprise or to0 (ready financially that is, not to come home to a 87 degree house.)
bc

Another day of PeopleSoft training

2009-05-12T16:51:00.000-05:00

four down three to go. Hopefully the last three will be more applicable to my department. However, having a week with the software will ease the learning curve on learning the new modules.

The phones in the back of the house have died. Not really sure if it's the phones or the jack. No worries. We just moved one of the main satellite units to the office.

Tomorrow - pool guy shows up and the AC guy will put in a new fan motor and bearing. It'll be expensive but better to do it now than when an emergency hits.
bc

AC

2009-05-09T09:39:00.000-05:00

The AC went out yesterday but the tech from Barbosa is coming out in a few minutes. Fortunately the weather this weekend isn't too bad. Unfortunately both Cheryl and I are really indisposed at work next week. I'm in a training class all week in Las Colinas which would be hard to miss.

The coach at master's swim this morning decided it was time I worked on my flip turns. I admit that's one of the reasons I am swimming with a group but my feable attempts provided a few hardy chuckles. Oh well, nowhere to go but up (unfortunately sometimes with a flip turn you push off and head straight down). I fear (and it's truly a fear) that when I get my turns down he'll move me into the next lane. I suppose progress is a good thing but the skill level difference between lanes 4 and 5 is pretty steep. I would go from being the fastest (along with Pam) to the slowest. It is fun to watch the folks in the lanes 1 and 2. They are very graceful in the water.

Storms and Martinis

2009-05-03T10:37:00.001-05:00

Almost got the yard mowed yesterday but the rain stopped me just short. At least I got the parts that border the neighbors well maintained lawns but the back yard is still a cats delight. The grass is high and good for bird stalking.

Went over to Ken and Andi's last night and we started with a martini. Went downhill from there. A good time was had by all and the pizza was demolished in short order.

Beautiful morning for a run. Nice and cool with a good breeze. Won't get too many more of these until fall.

Afternoon - go cash a check, go to Keifer to get a couple of new swimsuits, get a couple of peppers for fajitas for tonight. Pretty much a tour de Coit.
bc

Generic Day

2009-05-02T11:16:00.000-05:00

Swam master's this morning. Two of the pools are closed due to the idiotic swine flu n0n-outbreak but the one I swim at is still open. I'd think that swimming in clorinated water would be the safest place in regards to non-swine flu.

As soon as Cheryl showers, we're off to lunch and lots of shopping. Will probably do the tires on the pilot tomorrow.
bc

Scenes from the compound

2009-04-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

Got a few things planted. 2 tomatos, 2 jalepeno peppers, 2 bell peppers. The berry vines have lots of blooms.

A little rose bush left by the previous owners.

My car is living outside this week. We car sitting Pat's mercedes while she's in Michigan helping Andi with her dad's estate. Pat's get the garage spot.

Brie checking out some of the bedding plants. I think she's more interested in the fresh mulch.

The pink thing is called a polka-dot plant. Not sure what the blue plant is. The big green thing is a hybiscus.

Flowers under the master bedroom window.

Accidentally uploaded the same photo twice.

The salvia that has gone bezerk this year.

Clearing out the asian jasmine to reveal a rock path by the pool equipment. Cab has been loving this project. He is a rock boy.

Bikes and blood - not at the same time

2009-04-26T11:47:00.000-05:00

Cheryl and I had a very nice bike ride this morning despite the wind. Fortunately the headwind was during the first 1/2 of the ride and then a nice tailwind for the return trip.

Then cut my finger while working on breakfast. Thought about going to get stiches but it seems to be healing okay. Cheryl faints at the sight of blood so I was on my own holding the cut open to pour in some hydrogen peroxide and then some Neosporin. The third change of gauze had the bleeding stopped. Fun stuff.

Sunny day

2009-04-23T16:09:00.000-05:00

Swam master's this morning with DAM (Dallas Aquatic Masters) to see if I could do the workout and still make it to work on time. Have to be organized but it works. It'll be good to have another workout option.

No AC at work yesterday or today so I decided to work from home this afternoon. My office was over 90 degrees. Yuck.
bc

Busy day

2009-04-18T16:14:00.000-05:00

7:00 - Master's Swim
8:15 - 40 minute trainer ride
10:30 - breakfast at Cafe Brazil - yum
11:00 - Shopping for groceries
1-3 - painting - all done but the very last bit of detail to straighten up the edges
3:00 - walked cat
4:15 - goofing off on the computer
4:25 - cook supper.
7:00 - probably be ready for bed

Officially am over the hill now. Just got my first piece of junk mail from a funeral home. For the record - creamation and spread the ashes on whatever my favorite running/biking route is. Just don't make me into kitty litter.

Run Paint Dinner

2009-04-11T16:07:00.000-05:00

Did an 11 miler at Rockledge this morning. Beautiful day for a run.

Got the first coat of paint on the breakfast nook and kitchen. Cheryl picked out the color - it was pretty red.

Dinner tonight with Ken and Andi at McGuires. We had planned to go to OKC this weekend but with Andi's dad passing away and her needing her vacation to get his disjointed affairs in order we canceled and decided on a nice dinner in Dallas instead.
bc

bike breakfast and paint

2009-04-10T10:34:00.000-05:00

Started the day out with a 31-mile bike ride. Cheryl and I did a lake loop. The winds were backwards to what they generally are this time of year. The course is more downhill going and uphill returning and the wind is generally from the South so it evens out. However, when the wind is from the North...uphill with wind in your face. Made for some slow miles.

Next is grocery shopping and breakfast - most likely at Cafe Brazil.

Then we're going to prime the breakfast nook and kitchen.

Then we're probably going to retire to the couch with a glass of wine or two.

Tomorrow is a trail run at Rockledge with Ken and Andi. Looking forward to it!
bc

Alligator, Indian Hawthorn, and Big Tailed Cat

2009-04-09T19:14:00.001-05:00

From our evening walk, Austin with a big tail and hackles over nothing, the pretty blooming indian hawthorn in our back yard, the alligator that keeps the ducks out of the pool.

Cab the Lizard King; One happy cat

2009-03-23T19:22:00.000-05:00

Today

2009-03-21T16:40:00.001-05:00

1.5 hours of yoga
1 new pair of running shoes purchased
1 trip to Home Depot
1 trip to Tom Thumb

All the drywall in the kitchen completed.

3 spuds in the over. 2 for dinner. 1 for lunches.

1 glass of wine in my hand.

1 happy camper.
bc