Turkeys

Turkeys, originally uploaded by cmiked.

It all started here. Thanksgiving 2004 I joined flickr. I'm now sitting at over 24000 photos and almost 166000 views. I've met new folks, participated in many projects, and keep snapping photos. I don't remember the exact first photo posted as I have manipulated my stream over the years. But this one was one of the first.

Thanksgiving 2012

Thanksgiving_Turkeys_2012_5208, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Thanksgiving is the day I try to get everyone out and photograph them for Christmas cards, etc. I got my people done yesterday but couldn't really get everybody into it today. I'll miss having that one big photo of the cousins.

Knot Tying Board

377_Cleburne_2012_1-2, originally uploaded by cmiked.

While I'm on a roll... another Wood Badge ticket item was learning the knots and lashings required for First Class, teaching them to a scout, and have him teach other scouts. Also, have a knot demonstration in my Scoutmaster conference. Also DONE! Two down, three to go... back to Gilwell, happy land, I'm going to work my ticket if I can.

Troop Trailer Shakedown

377_Cleburne_2012_1, originally uploaded by cmiked.

One of my Wood Badge ticket items was performing a troop trailer shakedown and develop a Quartermaster Handbook. Done and Done!

Projext 365(6) x 3

366Mosaic, originally uploaded by cmiked.

I'm now more than halfway through my third Project 365(6) in a row and I never dreamed that the most difficult part would not be taking a picture every day (interesting picture, yes, any picture, no) but the clerical work required to keep the groups up to date as well as the tagging. Especially when some only allow seven photos per day. I fully understand though, who wants to wade through 15 of my photos just because I dump all at once.

I don't know if I can do another one of these. I need to get back into more creative photo projects.

And just like that, suddenly...

It's raining cakes! This is my traditional cake. Just how it is supposed to be. Chocolate cake, chocolate icing, green lettering. #mo, originally uploaded by cmiked.

I'm 44.

Scoutmaster Mike

MayCoH_2012_2285, originally uploaded by cmiked.

On May 22, 2012, I became the second scoutmaster of Troop 377. I'm honored to have been selected and have had a great time so far. I have learned that it is more work than I originally thought but the time spent with the troop makes it all worth while.

On Monday I head to Sid Richardson Scout Ranch to attend Woodbadge training. It's essentially advanced scoutmaster training. We will go in as Webelos II ready to cross over to Boy Scouts and progress through ranks throughout the week. I'll post a report afterwards. I'll see what I can do about getting back into this blog. Why not?


Also of note, John received his First Class rank at the May Court of Honor. He is keeping up with his requirements nicely.

Hoohaa Holga Challenge

Holga_Challenge_011, originally uploaded by cmiked.

I recently participated in the Hoohaa Holga Challenge in which six photographers from around the globe documented their town using their Holga cameras and a roll each of 400 ASA color and black and white film. We posted our 12 favorites as well as a brief blog post over at the HooHaa's blog. Here is a link to mine: http://hoohaablog.com/?p=3987
I encourage you to check them all out.

Can I trouble you for a vote?

San Antonio Marathon

20x30-SAPX1688, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Hey! Look at me! I stopped posting for awhile and ran a marathon or two. This was my first. San Antonio Rock and Roll. All the way back in November. In December, I ran the Dallas White Rock Marathon. On Sunday, I'll be running my third in three months as we head to Houston for their big Marathon. Crazy, I tell you.

September 2010

Baylor_v_Buffalo_2010-9110099, originally uploaded by cmiked.

September brought us Baylor Football. Our hopes were low but our spirits were as we kicked off another season. Led by one of the best quarterbacks in Baylor history, RGIII, the Bears have surprised quite a few people this year. The Bears were the first Texas Big XII team to be bowl eligible, led the Big XII South for two weeks, were ranked for two weeks, beat Texas in Austin, and are guaranteed a successful season for the first time in years. Sic 'em!

September also took us back to North Carolina and more golf.  This time with our friends at Axiom.  I'm sure I don't have to say that drink, food, and golf was the game and fun was the rule.

August 2010

Pinehurst_NC_BMS_August_2010-8210081, originally uploaded by cmiked.

In August, we had the opportunity to spend several days with good friends, who also happen to be work partners, in North Carolina. We played several rounds of golf at Pinehurst's different courses including the famous No. 2. We had a lot of laughs, good food, plenty to drink, and an all around good time. Thanks to Sheli and Wayne of BMS for hosting us.

Time Flies....blah blah

I was trying to post at least once a month, I made it to July before I failed.  I owe a write up about our Disney trip in May.  As in May-be I'll get to it.  November is here and getting close to half way already.  Thanksgiving will be here soon.  I'll pull up my Disney notes and get to work on that.  And fill in some empty pieces along the way.

Summer is slipping away.

July_2010-7250167, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Home State Spring Round Up 2010

Kelly_Willis_June_2010-1750, originally uploaded by cmiked.

The boat has been played out. For about 15 years, we cruised Lake Travis on the Spirit of Texas (I think it was called). But when Lakeway built their new condos, the condo association made them move the boat, the captain dies, and the boat was lost. For the last two years we tried to make due with a smaller boat but it just wasn't the same. Then, when last year Lake Travis was just about empty, we hardly cruised at all. So in spite of the protests of an important minority majority(the guy that signs the checks), we decided to scuttle the boat plans and find some Austin music to fill the void.

There was very little debate, as I recall. I think I said something like, "Jen, maybe we do some kind of music this year." Jen said something like, "How about Kelly Willis?" I wondered if we could get her to perform without breaking the bank and neither of us new. So, with the help of Rock and Roller and #1 brother-in-law Dale, we set out to contract Ms. Willis to play for us.

It actually was a very easy process and as you can see, we pulled it off. She was so awesome there are no words. She is as laid back and as Texas as one gets and pleased the crowd for a little over an hour. There were many there who didn't know of her but ended up knowing of her songs. I think we managed to entertain the crowd, even the Boat Man. I can't wait to see what next year brings.

Just for the sake of background, our Spring Round Up is an annual gathering of our business partners we have been doing for 18 years now. We get together on Lake Travis, play some golf, eat some food, do a little bit of business(it really is more about fun here), and generally have a good time. It's a lot of work but we have a system and it's close to automatic sometimes.

10 Years! Killeen - Geocaching Anniversary Event

10_Years_Killeen_2010-5010002, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Will and I attended the 10 Years! Killeen geocaching event at Dana Peak Park on Stillhouse Hollow Lake this weekend. There were events nationwide celebrating the 10th anniversary of the date the U.S. government turned off the GPS Selective Availability making geocaching possible. We had fun visiting some folks we hadn't seen in a long time and some new faces. We did about a 1.5 mile uphill hike and grabbed some caches.

Rainy Day Fun

April_2010-1060999, originally uploaded by cmiked.

The boys got a little muddy today. It's been raining the last couple of days and tough to get out. But we had a short break that allowed us to play some today. Travel time is upon me, Houston for Jen's 40th birthday last Wednesday then we're headed out to sunny San Diego on Friday for the AIR conference. I still haven't swung a club. Hopefully I can try this week.

Baylor Bears Sweet 16 for the first time EVER!

NCAA_Southern_Regional_2010_Sweet_16-1060865, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Now they are in the Elite 8 for the first time in the modern era. Reliant Stadium was Bear Country for a basketball game that Baylor dominated from start to finish. I've never sen so many Baylor fans in one place at one time. It was spectacular. I'm headed back to Houston in the morning for the Elite 8 game vs. Duke. Something tells me that game is going to be a little more difficult for my Bears. Sic 'em!

R.I.P., Frances

Amy's Aunt Frances passed away this morning. Frances loved my kids and me. She always had the best stories and was a great story teller. I will miss her visits. All my love to her kids, Nick and Alix. Peace.

Waco Theater (Hippodrome) - closed

Waco Theater (Hippodrome)
Originally uploaded by cmiked.
I learned today that the Waco Hippodrome has closed its doors for the foreseeable future and has released all of its employees. It was already having financial trouble and the economy certainly did not help it.

I hope that someone is able to step up and get it back up and running again.

Snowpocolypse Waco 2010

Snowpocolypse_Waco_02_2010-7972
Originally uploaded by cmiked.
We had ourselves an old fashioned Snow Day yesterday. That was the most it had snowed in Waco in a long time. The boys and I had a blast. It was really wet snow too so snowballs and snowmen were easy. We followed it up by drying out in front of a big old fire and drinking hot chocolate. The winter needs to be over now as I am out of firewood. I'm just sorry Amy missed it. She was out of town at her Great Uncle Joe's funeral.

Update:  I see now where a record was set.  3 inches of snow in Waco.

Barred Owl

February_2010-7620
Originally uploaded by cmiked.
Amy was taking Will to his den meeting last night and called me just as she left. I grabbed the long lens and slipped out the front door and sneaked around to the back of the house to get a good look. He was hanging out in our pecan tree just watching things. I hope he hangs around as we have spotted some mice hanging out on the bird feeders.

Texas_Appaloosa_Horse_Show-6892

Texas_Appaloosa_Horse_Show-6892
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

I participated in a photowalk hosted by the Heart of Texas Photographic Society. I've never been to an Appaloosa show before so that was new. I briefly met a few new folks and some old ones as well. I took a bunch of pictures and I'm pretty happy with a few.

Jan_2010-6069 - Kim's Hamburgers Etc.

Jan_2010-6069 - Kim's Hamburgers Etc.
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Kitok's is still closed for the holidays so we decided to go to Kim's today. The food wasn't great but all these cars pulled in while we were eating. It made for a cool retro shot. Speaking of shots, I'm attempting a Project 365, this is shot number two. I've done two 365's in the past. One for each of the boys 7th year. Since I don't have to have them for the shots this should be easier.

Equity Christmas Party 2009

Dec0912of12-10003
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

This weekend was our Tulsa Christmas party. They hired a photo booth again. It was big fun. The party went well, lots of fun and food. We stayed a the newly renovate Mayo hotel and it was really nice. The trains though, Tulsa has to do something about the trains blowing their horns through town all night.

December 2009

New_York_City_12_2009-5177
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Back from our annual trip to NYC. The trip was uneventful this year. We stayed in the shadow of the Empire State Building. The rooftop of the hotel provided for some unique views of the ESB unobstructed. Had a great Thai dinner at Kittichai in SoHo. Good times, good friends, good food.

Homecoming 2009

Homecoming_2009-4202
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

A lot of folks made the trip to come home this year, some folks we have not seen in a long time. A long time. Besides the lousy outcome of the footballing contest, we had a great time. I went to Orlando the next day, stayed at Disney and didn't take a single "real" picture.

Fried Butter!

State_Fair_of_Texas_2009-3218
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

I was a little disappointed hearing the big new thing was Fried Butter. It didn't sound appetizing in the least. But Oprah was there, as was Gayle, and they seemed to like it, so I figured I'd better try it. I got the Grape Jelly variety. As you can see, they are about the size of golf balls and covered with grape jelly and powdered sugar. They tasted just like a hot buttered biscuit. That was not at all what I expected. It wasn't bad, but the fried cookie dough from the same stand gets a bigger thumbs up. Amy's fried s'more wins my Fried Food of the Fair award for 2009, however. Two thumbs up!

Sweet Jalapeno Shrimp Corndog

Sweet Jalapeno Shrimp Corndog
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

This wasn't too bad. The corn dog batter could have been a little sweeter. The sauce was tasty. I would have liked a bit more kick from the jalapeno. Still, shrimp, corn bread, sweet and spicy sauce all crammed on a stick! I just wish it would have been better. I got my Belgian waffle fix taken care of though.

Burgers on the Berm

Burgers_On_The_Berm-1060079
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Baylor baseball held their annual Burgers on the Berm. Designed as a fund raiser for the Diamond Girls, we are given a chance to check out the new team and enjoy some hamburgers in the early fall. There were few people there so the boys had a field day rounding up the foul balls. They had somewhere near 11 here. By the time we left, we were up to 15.

Busy September

Sunrise at 15000 just off from KPWG
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

So far I've been to Sheboygan, Tulsa, and Southern Pines, NC. This week, I'm headed to Connecticut; next week, Brownwood, TX. Then maybe some of the madness will stop.

The trip to NC was a dark and early start. Fortunately we don't do those often. But it did provide an awesome sunrise. We played at Pinehurst #8 that afternoon. A little sprinkling that did nothing more than keep it cool.

Mid Pines is a really neat facility if you find yourself in the area. Old and quaint rooms, nice employees, two great golf courses, and a fantastic training center at Pine Needles. The area offers plenty of golf, for sure.

Orangutan

CPZ_Asian_Forest_909-3008
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

The newest addition to the Cameron Park Zoo. It was a little hot when we visited on Sunday. Hopefully our new friends will be more active when it warms up. There is a stone near the fence with a button on it. Apparently, they are trying to train them to press the button. The button sprays water on unsuspecting viewers.

Baylor and Boys

Baylor_Campus_-2818
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Alix and Francis were in town this weekend, Saturday evening we took Alix over to Baylor campus. Reason 1) Dr Pepper Icees. Reason 2) To show her the campus. After walking around the Bear den and the Quadrangle, we swung around the end of Founder's Mall and the boys wanted to climb up on the statue of Judge Baylor.

It was a pleasant afternoon/early evening; a cool-ish front lowered the temps to bearable. I wish the book store was still open. You'd think that the weekend would be a good time for folks to buy t-shirts, etc.

Snorkel Dudes

John and Will snorkeling for the first time Grand Cayman style. We floated the current from our condo down to Cemetery Reef. We saw plenty of cool fish and an octopus. More later.

Model A Club

Brazos_Nights_2009-1434
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

We went down to Indian Spring park this Friday evening to see Ruthie Foster and Ray Wylie Hubbard perform. A Model A club was staying at the Hilton and had filled up the parking lot with their cars. Many of them looked factory fresh. John got a big kick out of sitting in one and honking the Aaoogah horn. the concert was great, too.

Did I mention I had breakfast with John Cleese?

John Cleese and Amy at breakfast
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Did i? So here's the story. John Cleese had performed for or convention's big gala event the night before. Amy and I were lucky enough to get rooms on the concierge level of the Boca Raton Resort and Club for the convention. We love free breakfast!

So Thursday morning, after getting packed to head home, we ran up to the Commodore Room for a final breakfast. I saw him the second we walked in, he is a very tall man. I walked over and grabbed a plate just as he was leaving the eggs. We exchanged "excuse me"'s and I said, "We saw your show last night and really enjoyed it." He replied, "Really, i thought you seemed quite tired." I laughed and explained that we had just sat through an hour of guys exchanging jackets and being presented with crystal gavels, got my eggs and moved on.

After filling my plate, I looked around for Amy and see she is sitting at the table with him! Apparently there were no empty tables and she asked if she could join him. His reply: "The English are not very good conversationalists in the morning, so if that doesn't bother you, please do."

I walked up and sat opposite him quietly eating my breakfast, twittering and texting about with whom I was eating. I got up to refill my coffee and snapped this with the blackberry. While he continued to eat his eggs, dring his coffee and honey, and peruse the New York Times.

As he was wrapping up his meal, he asked us if we were leaving today, to which we replied yes. He asked where we were from, when we replied Waco, he told us that his soon to be ex-wife used to live in Waco. She was married to a pro-golfer from here in the 70's, Dave Eichelberger. "Steve Martin was born in Waco too," he said. We agreed. I said that I was glad someone knew some better things about Waco. Amy asked him if he was going to stay in Florida, he replied, "I should hope not, this place is what my mother should refer too as Hell warmed up." He said that he was flying up to Newark spending the night then back to London. He said because of his height, he can't sleep on planes anymore, I mentioned that I had that problem due to my width and he chuckled, I'm sure.

We exchanged farewells, he thanked the concierge, and made his leave. Then Amy and I started giggling. He was the only reason I sat through that gala. I've been a Monty Python fan for as long as I can remember and Fawlty Towers is simply the best. So I was quite giddy and maybe still a little giddy almost a week later.

Meerkat!

Beasts_and_Blooms_CPZ2009-0631
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

We visited the zoo this Sunday. They were doing the Beasts and Blooms deal. The Blooms were not so much but we enjoyed checking out the animals again. It's a really nice zoo. Waco did a good thing.

Wii Will

Easter_2009-0177
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

I like the soft light and the monochromatic feel of this. This room looks like it will get some nice afternoon light.

10AM Firing People's Just the Icing on the Cake
IT manager: I wish I worked in HR, they're always either eating cake or firing people.

New York City, New York
via Overheard in the Office, Feb 19, 2009

Autorama 2009

IMG_4561_autorama2009-03
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

We took the kids to the Autorama this past weekend. It seems the "girls" get skankier every year, and the cars not quite as cool as they once were. I loved watching John though. He likes his cars. It took him 15 minutes to pick out some hot wheels to buy.

This was the year of the Gran Torino. Due to the movie of the same name. This Studebaker was just in the parking lot and one of the better sites of the day.

Clone Wars

IMG00297.jpg
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

You know that Good Times Video version of Pinnochio that was $4.99 at the Walmart cash register. The one your mom bought thinking it was the Disney version. I mean, Pinnochio and Giapetto are it's just nowhere near as good as the Disney one. That's pretty much the way I felt about the Clone Wars. The music sounded familiar but was no John Williams conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. They were decent imitations of the voices we became accustomed to over the last three movies.

We've also gotten to expect a certain level of realism in animation. This was something like a cut-scene from a video game from ten years ago. No facial expressions, the mouth movement was just wrong. Really disappointing.

So, I get over the music and the animation and start getting into the story a bit (the whole story line was a touch weak), but I finally start enjoying myself some and then comes the biggest wha-what EVER!

SPOILER ALERT:











A GAY HUTT, That's correct. Jabba the Hutt has a homosexual, strip-club owning, saxophone loving, fluorescent makeup, feather wearing, Truman Capote-esque uncle. Zero the Hutt. Absolutely insane. I found myself laughing out loud at this. "I always depend on the kindess of strangers."

All that said, my boys, 6 and 8, loved the movie and are ready for it to be on DVD. TV would have been a much better place for it.

Dwarfed

Dwarfed
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

No sir...not much of a blogger. A new post nearly a year later! Sweet.

John shows Amy and Kelly how to make fairy bread

John shows Amy and Kelly how to make fairy bread
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Fairy Bread - this is not a recipe

First you take some bread and tear, not cut, the crust off.
Next you spread butter on the bread
Then you dust the bread with sprinkles of your choice
Finally, you eat it.

and that's all.

Myrtle is frozen

Myrtle is frozen
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

We've had a couple of days of winter. Mostly ice. Stuck in the house. Lots of Lego's Star Wars on the PS2.

New York City

nbc
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Spent the week in NYC. Late nights, lots of drinking. I'm not much of a blogger.

100 Days

100 Days
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

I've bugged John now for 100 days, taking a picture of him every day since his 6th birthday, Only missed one. Pretty good.

Ugly but a win

Ugly but a win
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Baylor has a two game win streak if you reach back to their last Big 12 game last year game Big 12 against OSU. It's their first back to back Big 12 wins ever. Yeah...I'm grasping.

340_cropped

340_cropped
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

This is another simple one I enjoy. Plain. But the contrast and the bright colors. I like it.

power

power
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Something about this, I don't know what, I just keep coming back to it. It's simple. There's not much there. But I like it.

will mugs

will mugs
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Playing with the 50mm today. Took one of John but the focus didn't work out for some reason. Will was making a goofy face, I told him to stop. This is the result, a goofier face.

BU v TCU

BU v TCU
Originally uploaded by cmiked.

Another season, another loss...to a mostly inferior team. They beat themselves. TCU had two good plays, unfortunately that was all it took. Baylor could not make the plays when it counted. Disappointing. TCU put a new quarterback in the second half. He should be their starter. If he didn't win the position last night, he got screwed.