227 - razor study

Check out their website. It's quite cool in that sci-fi futuristic utopian society sort of way.

226 - smoking, kansas city style

This weekend we has some good friends come over for dinner.

So, I used that as an opportunity to work on a new hobby of mine - barbeque. As many of you know, I love barbeque and I haven't met a BBQ joint in KC that I didn't like.

A few years ago, I learned that a few of my co-workers participate in BBQ contest. So, I quizzed them on the in's and out's of smoking meat. They convinced me that it was pretty easy to do and then you spend a lifetime perfecting the art. So, I bought a little smoker and I BBQ my on meat a few times a year.

I hadn't smoked any meat yet this summer, so this was a good excuse for me to have some fun. For dinner, I smoked pork loin and pork ribs. I have to admit, they were both pretty good with a nice smokey flavor. The ribs fell right off the bone. Yum!

It's a bit of a long process, but well worth the wait.

If you twist my arm, we might have to have a party were you all can come. (I am taking orders.)

225 - food and heat and food and spain

Last Satuday, my parents came over to watch the kids so that Vernal and I could go out and eat and run some errands. No planning goes into this other than getting a sitter to come over. As usual, we are pulling out of the driveway looking at each other, asking "where do you want to eat?" We decide on D'Bronx on 39th street. I love that place and it has been a while since we have eaten there. I must say it is one of my favorite places to eat - the atmosphere, the people, and the food. I got a D'Bronx sub and Verna had a slice of pizza and a salad. Delicious. We had such a good time and talked and talked and talked like adults.

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As you all know, this has been one smokin' hot week. I have heard terms on TV like "beat the heat." The A/C is cool but we need to get out unless we go crazy. We, as a family, have been going to the pool most days to beat the heat. I forgot how much fun the pool is in the summer heat. Ah, the water feels so good. The kids are waiting for me when I get home from work, so I eat quick and we are off. We swim till the pool closes. The boys are really getting good in the water. We are definately getting our moneys worth out of our OP pool memberships this summer.

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I went out for lunch yesterday with some co-workers to Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. Yum, AB's is one of my favorite spots in town for BBQ. (I have many.) You know when you are in for a treat, when the aroma outside the restaurant makes you pause in the 100 degree weather. Their sandwiches are huge - so I didn't eat breafast in preparation. I also didn't need to eat much of a dinner either. My mouth water up as I think back over my lunch experience. Oh, that was a good beef sandwhich. I got fries to - which are really good as I would soak them in BBQ sauce. And my coke - I ordered a large and it comes out in a bucket. These are the serving sizes they talk about that is making America obese. Which is why I don't eat out every day, but only once in a while. I was going to eat only half my sandwich and save the rest, but I couldn't stop and it tasted so good. Kansas City has so many good barbeque options.

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I apologize to my friends in Spain who have just read the above. BTW, I thought about you guys the other day, when my dad and sis took me out for lunch at Manny's. (Oops, I did it again - sorry!) I think that was our last outing before you left.

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221 - Interstate 35

"Many cities, these days, seem to have people living on the surface of life but hardly in it's soil, diluting the deeper questions of life in television monologues and reality shows, amusing ourselves to death..."
Don Miller - Through Painted Deserts

I read those words tonight and it reminded me of today's previous events. Every day I skim across the surface of I-35 to and from work. I have driven that route so often that sometimes it feels like I use only my peripheral vision as I get lost in the drone of local talk radio or NPR.

Today I met a couple people who know the roads.

I was pulled out of my trance-like drive to work this morning when my car demanded attention by suddenly letting up on power. I wasn't sure what was happening, so I down-shifted. I got my power back, but moments later lost it. Traffic was a bit slow anyway as I was in the stretch of road across from Union Station that approached downtown. It soon became apparent the the situation with my engine was only getting worse and that I would not make it to a convenient location for a break down. I was in the far left lane of of a four lane with no shoulder. I put my hazards on and came to a stop. In the review mirror, I could see how quickly that traffic was becoming backed up because of me. I was so used to hearing traffic reports on the radio of a stalled car that has northbound traffic backed up to Cambridge Circle. Was I about to become a report on the radio? I have to admit that I was a bit embarrassed. Will any co-worker pass by and recognize me? I was embarrassed to be the one to stop traffic.

But how do I get out of this mess? Thank goodness, I remembered ot bring my phone with me. I tried starting the engine a couple of times in a vain attempt to get out of this situation discreetly. No luck. Who do I call? I think I need a tow. Should I call Vernal to get me a number. Thankfully, I didn't have to mess with any of that, because Patty came to the rescue.

Her MoDot truck with the yellow flashing lights and the Motor Assist decal on the hood pulled up behind me within 3 minutes of me stalling out. Her first concern was moving the car to saftey and how she was going to push me and on her signal (a honk on the horn) we would switch lanes as she pushed me over to a shoulder with a grassy area.

Patty was really friendly. She told me that she was going the opposite direction when she sensed that something was happening in the north bound lane. I am glad she knows the road. Patty was probably 50-something and she was a toucher (in a way that puts one at ease) and one who addresses people by "honey." She called a tow truck for me and during the wait we talked about the in's and out's of her job and how thankful I was of it.

Soon the tow truck arrived, and the driver looks like a Willie Nelson type of character. He has the poney tail hanging out of his old cap, the mustache that curls over his upper lip, the untucked plaid shirt over a pair of dirty jeans that cover his small, skinny frame. Jim quickly takes action - pulling levers on his truck and crawling under my car with chains. Within a few minutes my car is pulled up on the flat bed. When all is safe, Patty leave to help out the next person in need and I hope in the cab with Jim.

Jim was also a real nice guy who understood peoples problems with hard times. He often gets calls from the police to tow for free. And he states that he doesn't take advantage of the situation, when the service is a must some can charge pretty high. He knew Patty quite well and told me some sad stories of other highway workers, officers, and other tow drivers who met some untimely deaths when I commented on this being a dangerous job. His cab is noisy with the sounds of police radio from the front and the fire department radio from behind. We talk over the noise. He pulls out a cigarette and assures me he'll blow the smoke out the window. I responded that it didn't matter to me, but he was apologetic about his smoking habit and the latest report of second-hand smoke. He went on to tell me that at his age, 65, he has had 3 heart attacks and now eats a diet of 12 grams of fat a day. I was hoping the next heart attack was not in the next 2o minutes. He did quite smoking for 6 months but recently picked up the habit again. He felt ashamed that his youngest son, 19, just started smoking, or that he found out that he has been smoking. But what can he tell him?

Jim had a smooth move that shows his 30 years of experience. At the VW service shop, he pulled a few stall past an empty stall. After unhooking my car and raising the flat bed, he backs down and with the momentum of gravity slide the car back in reverse and turns into the empty stall. A perfect parking job! I couldn't back up that well with gas.

Soon Vernal came to take me to work. I paid Jim and then wondered "are you suppose to tip tow driver?" I didn't. I feel so awkward about the social graces of tipping. Who are you suppose to tip these days. I've never been towed before, so I don't know if that is a common courtesy. If so, how much. I don't want to be cheap, but I also know that we are going to have an expensive bill to fix the car.

I hate car problems. If we had light rail, I would use it every day. I envy my friends who live in big cities and don't own cars, because it is not needed.

220 - did I tell you what happend over the past weekend?

Friday, July 7th

My cousin Rushmore Jerbil has this amazing ability to organize a BBQ at the drop of a hat. My cousin and his wife were driving from Rapid City back to Springfield when their car broke down in St. Joe. So she pick them up, and throws a BBQ at her place and invites all the family. Our boys love it anytime they can get together with their cousins and play. The boys got to stay up late as Vernal slipped away with her sister and friends to watch the Devil Wears Prada.

Saturday, July 8th

We stopped over at Dust and Golden's, to bring dinner and see NJ for the first time. He is a cute little guy and the parents were beaming. I forgot how sweet it is - the first few weeks at home with the baby. Their house reminded me of our first moments with baby Ewe. It is still a house that is seperated by the parents with their things and the baby with his things in his place. What I mean to say is that all the baby stuff is neatly put away in the baby's room and the rest of the house still looks normal. And you can keep it that way for a few months - before you have to babyproof the bottom shelfs and they toys and books start to take prime real estate.

The Legends shopping center is hosting a free outdoor summer concert series. My family was meeting out there to listen to a Brazilian Jazz group. We thought we'd swing by briefly and check out Legends since they have more shops open. There were a lot of people out, which made it a great people place. I scored a great pair of all-stars at the converse store that were on sale for $9.99. I found my parents dining in one of the restaurants, so me and Els popped in on them. They were finishing up, so I got to eat the rest of my mom's sandwhich - she was full. Yes, free dinner! We listend to some music and partook in the festivities.

Next, we were off to the City of Mission annual picnic. The city knows how to throw a good family party. Free food included - hot dogs, chips, pop, and ice cream. They had all sorts of game set out and lots of moonwalks, slides, and obstacle courses for the kids. They firemen made an appearance in their truck. The DJ played in the Gazeebo - the kids mostly danced. And finally, a little fire works display.

We ran into Darwin's brother ,Grogan, and family. They were about to eat out when they ran into these festivities and wandered on and had a free full night of entertainment.

The funniest part of the evening were the firemen. Part of the attraction was that they raise their ladder way up high and spray water over the kids to run through. The kids are in their swimsuits and are gathering in the field in front of the truck as the ladder slowly rises. When they turned the sprayer on, the nozzle was adjusted to shoot a tight stream of water rather than the more comforting mist. He quickly corrected that, but when the water was first released it shot down into a group of kids and knocked about 20 of them off their feet. I think one girl got it right in the chest. She ran off crying to her parents, but she was back in the water a few moments later. This fireman had a sense of humor - most of the parents were along the perimeter at a so-called safe distance. A couple of times he would tight the nozzle and soak a family on blankets. And once he nailed a couple of old men who were talking and not paying attention. Very funny!

Sunday, July 9th

After church, Ewe and I took a bike ride to the park. It was hot out, so we didn't stay long. Back at home, I watched the world cup. Later that night, we met with Vernal's family to celebrate a birthday.

219

I just started reading a new book by Don Miller called Through Painted Deserts. It is a book about a road trip in an old VW van and a lot of Don's thought on life as he is driving over the open road. So far, it is pretty interesting. I like the way he thinks. Sometimes, I wonder if you have to stop what you are doing to think or maybe, just writing causes you to think through these really intelligent ideas...now I'm rambling.

So far he has hit on how vs. why questions. I think this is the common theme for the book - as it has appeared in several chapters. Most of us live in the how questions, but it is the why questions that we find God. For example, evolution can explain how we came into being, but it can not explain why.

I also read something that I have never heard before, that I thought would be good discussion. He and his friend were talking about the perfect woman. He says:

I've heard it said there are two types of men in this world--one is looking for a woman to make his life complete and the other is looking for a woman to join his complete life. I don't think one is better than the other...

Hmmm! Is one better than the other? I am not sure yet which one I am. I wonder if you can go through phases - one where she completes you and then later since you are complete she joins you. Or I wonder if a single man of 38 has a complete life but looking for someone to join him? All sorts of scenarios, one could work out.

218 - June music and books

Mojave 3 - Puzzles Like You...I have been a longtime fan of Neil Halstead and his bands M3 and earlier Slowdive. M3 has been mostly really slow sleepy alt-county sort of tunes, but this album is upbeat with more of a sunny california sound. Brit-pop of course. I paid full price at Borders, because I don't think I could find it anywhere else.

Keane - Under the Iron Sea...I really like this album. I wondered if they could do much else after their first album - since they are piano, drums, and voice, but this is quite a mature record and a bit moody. ($8.48 at NFM.)

Dashboard Confessional - Dusk and Summer...I was debating on picking this up. I liked this band a few year ago, but quickly grew tired of his whiny voice and 8th grade lyrics. I didn't care too much for the last record either. But with Daniel Lanois producing and the current song on the radio was pretty good for a summertime song, I figured I'd give him one more chance. Two bum records and your out. My expectations were low, but I was pleasantly surprised that most of the songs are pretty good. It's still a little whiny, but a lot better than I expected. ($8.48 at NFM.)

Corrine Bailey Rae - S/T...This was Vernal's pick. She saw Corrine perform on some PBS show and later we saw her on the late night shows. She is classified as R&B, but her style is more of a throw back to the old R&B artist of the 70's with natural instruments instead of synthisized. ($9 somthing at NFM.)

Starflyer 59 - I Win E.P....another 3 songs of perfect pop and one moody-dark instrumental to preclude the upcoming album. (online - $7.99)

Pony Express - Fraud E.P....Fuzz pop or rock- whatever you call it. This CD was free plus $1.25 for s/h from Velvet Blue Music as a thanks to it's fans. No, thank you!

Angels & Demons - Dan Brown...I finished this book earlier in the month. Thanks to BB for the loan. It's a fun read - mystery and suspense. The multiple endings get a little far-fetched.

The Last Battle - C.S. Lewis...I started rereading the series a few years ago when I was taking my Architectural exams. I would pause from studying and read a book. I read the first six and kept picking up different books to read. Now I have completed the set. I bet the next time I read this I'll be reading them to my kids.

217 - the 4th of July weekend

Now that I think about it...the 4th of July is a holiday that last longer than the day itself. Depending on where the 4th lands in the week, we can usually make a long holiday over several days and plan all sorts of activities. In the nineties and the early aughties, I spent most of my 4th of July weekends at the Cornerstone Festival listening to music and camping with 25,000 other people.

So when the 4th lands on a Tuesday, it's easy to take Monday off and have a nice four day weekend.

Here is a real quick run down of our activities:

Friday-

• Leave work at noon. It's my half day. Go home and pack the car full and leave about 2pm.
• Drive south on 71 highway towards Bella Vista, Arkansas. It is about a 2.5-3 hour trip. With kids in the car we stopped once for a bathroom break and ice cream.
• About 5pm, we arrive at my Grandparents house - Great Grandparents to my boys. Ewe has seen them many times and is really comfortable around them. But Els is a little shy at first holding close to mom. He soon warms up and begins to flirt.
• After dinner, we all go swimming at their neighborhood pool just up the street. Grandpa came too. Both boys learned to jump off the side of the pool into the water. Els was fearless. Ewe was a bit more cautious, but soon let his guard down.

Saturday-

• Spent the day at my Grandparents with little excursions.
• We all went to one of our favorite hiking trails, next to a creek with a waterfall that is close to a lake.
• After lunch, Els went down for a nap and I took Ewe out for a little drive where he ended up falling asleep. So, I kept on driving until I found a McDonald's with a playland. He played while I enjoyed a coke.
• We all went swimming again. Ewe let me throw him up in the air so that he lands in the water by himself. Both boys made great strides in the swimming department this weekend. Being able to get comfortable with the head underwater was a major accomplishment.

Sunday-

• We took our time in the morning, packed up, said our good-byes, and left for Branson to go to Silver Dollar City. It is about a 2 hour drive.
• Branson traffic was crazy, as usual. We found our hotel. I went out to get a quick lunch and bring it back. McDonald's is not good on hot, sticky days.
• We got to Silver Dollar City a little after 3pm. - which means we can use our tickets again the next day for free. We stayed until the park closed at 7pm.
• In the car, we called Pizza Hut for carry-out and then ran to a grocery store for a few items. We ate dinner back at our hotel.

Monday-

• Continental breakfast.
• Back to Silver Dollar City for the day.
• We left about 4pm. Went back to our hotel for a short break to nap, refresh.
• Dinner at Olive Garden. The kids will eat breadstick and spaghetti. There is a funny story about our pager. (Later.)
• Back at our hotel. We all go swimming at the pool.

Tuesday-

• Continental breakfast.
• Pack-up and check-out.
• A quick stop at the Tanger Outlet Mall.
• Eat lunch in Springfield.
• Arrive home at 3pm.
• A short little nap for me.
• Ewe and I head over to Leawood Park to watch the fireworks with our family.