Mower Development

We just released our new 30" walk behind mower. Now that the project is winding down, we cleaned house in the lab. These are all prototype mowers from our development testing on their way to be recycled. I could sure use one at home, but as prototypes, they are not legal.

Good Cause Night

GP's class had a project where each kid (or pairs) adopted some benevolent cause and did a presentation on it. Lots of kids did cancer research, a few did PETA/SPCA, and then it was a smattering of charities. GP picked the NAACP. The school solicited donations for each cause, and by the end of the night, they had raised $5,900. Pretty amazing.
JP is now on the NAACP call list. I can't wait for next election season.

No More Minivan

JP has finally given up her minivan for a station wagon. The Odyssey served us well, but it was getting tired.

Literate Cat

Libby loves watching tablet screens. She even helps JP play her games.

Snowmen

We've only had a few snowfalls this season. The boys have really helped out with the shovelling. CP got a new fur hat that he is very proud of.

Snowtan

We finally had a saturday with no wind, 35°, and lots of sunshine. Perfect for studying getting a head start on my tan.

Panophone

One of the cooler features of JP's new phone is the panorama feature of the camera. 

New Room

I had to go to MN for a week, so JP decided to remodel our bedroom. She was tired of the yellow we have had for the last seven years. The colors match Libby, blue eyes, and all.

Car Shopping

While we were at a dealership, the boys explored all of their options. CP will be driving soon, and he has decided that he wants a new Mustang. Can I get one, too?

Rock Star

We used my b-day $$$ to get CP a Paul McCartney bass. It took him a while to build up some calluses, but once he did, he really started rocking.

As much as I love music, I am not a musician. CP has some real talent; I hope he will continue to exploit his gift.

Another Step Closer

How did Pink Floyd put it? "Another day older and one step closer to death."

Cat Trap

The fastest way to catch a cat is to put a box on the floor. They cannot resist their instinct to jump in.

Boys Night Out

JP left us for a long weekend with her girlfriends. I took advantage of it and took the boys to The Golden Corral. I felt like a midgit compared to the other livestock at the trough. CP had three steaks, GP had two, plus pasta and cotton candy. What could be better?

Rare Find

Our local video game store has all sorts of cool junk. We found some old LPs. Walked away with Boston II, The Grand Illusion, and Foreigner 4. Just need to find some frames so we can hang them in the basement.

Fireplace floorspace

Funny how well everyone gets along in order to share the floor in front of the fireplace on a cold night.

Birthday Girl

Guess who is a year older?

Paperweight

Libby is very helpful; she sits on things and keeps them from blowing away in the Nebraska wind. Good thing she has lots of weight to help her.

 

Away from the ice & snow

One of the benefits of my job is occaisional travel. To warm places in the winter.
My last trip took me to sunny Florida in the middle of January. Stayed in Orlando, Lakewood Ranch (which, 20 years ago, was a patch of jungle at Fruitville Rd. & I-75), S. Lido, and Clearwater Beach.

In the off season, the beach hotels aren't much more than any others, so I add a few minutes of extra driving time to my days, but it's worth it to stay on the beach.

 

Kitty Kondo

 

Where's the best place to sleep on a cloudy day? In the TV cabinet, of course! Nice and warm. Out of the path of stray dogs and children.

MSP Concourse G

The new concourse G at Minneapolis St. Paul has bars and iPads instead of crummy old seats. All the seats at the bars & restaurants have them, too.