Flagrant disregard

cmiked. Get yours at flagrantdisregard.com/flickr

Monday, April 08, 2013

Pedernales Falls SP – 15-mile Backpack Hike




Pedernales Falls SP primitive area, April 6, 2013, 10PM






















We started this morning about 7am. We got settled in and hit the trail. 

We passed our camp area and kept on going. We were looking for a path running along the creek the ranger told us about but ended up in a area that was closed to allow for revegetation, Twin Falls.









We realized our mistake and quickly and carefully left the area.

We finally spotted our river crossing and headed up for the 4 mile loop. It was long and uphill all the way, literally. I don’t know how. The day was really starting to warm up, too.







 




After returning to the river crossing we broke for lunch. The decision was made to stick to the road instead of trying to return the way we came. Our 9-10 mile first day turned into a 13 miler, setting a record for our troop besting the previous of 11-miles. Later we made it back to the primitive area. I had an opportunity to find a nearby cache. We had a great "campfire" the boys told stories and jokes and told us their most memorable scouting moment.








 

We had a little less than a 3 mile hike back to the parking lot Sunday morning. After sleeping in a little and breakfast, John led the troop’s Sunday service. He did a nice job.











   

Carter helped him out with a song. We made it back safely and got back home around lunch time















I had the opportunity to try the prototype of the Alpine Hammock in hammock form. I found it quite comfortable. I wish there was a hook inside to clip a small stuff sack and it’s a little stuffy when it’s humid out. It’s a really nice product though.

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Photo Blogging Challenge (March 2013)

I decided I didn't have enough on my plate so I added PJ's Photo Blogging Challenge The first month's challenge is My World and due to the activities in my world, I missed the deadline, but here it is anyway. 


nassau_2013_3030030
Steamboat_2013_8562March started off with a bleasure plusiness trip that was minorly work-related to Nassau, The Bahamas. It was abnormally windy and cool but we dove some and played a little golf as well as visiting with some old friends. 

 





Steamboat_2013_7349 The next week brought us to Steamboat Springs for some spring skiing for the boys' spring break. We had two days of snow and two days of warm spring ski. They are getting really good. 









In Steamboat, we found this cool place called Ice Castles CO where they have built this huge structure out of ice. 










377_Canoe_MAR2013_3230150 
After returning home, the Boy Scouts of Troop 377 did some canoeing on the Brazos River during our March camp out. The boys did conoes while many of the adults kayaked. It was a great day on the water but a cold weekend.
geocaching-3270173  





Just last week, myself and a couple of local cachers decided to go after a cache that has been on our watch list for some time,
Necropolis of Britannia Manor III. We had a good time on this puzzle cache and ate some fantastic barbecue for lunch. Easily one of the best finds in my list.





EASTER_2013_7614 And since I've already "broken the rules", here is a sixth picture out of five. Our March ended with an Easter egg hunt with the cousins and a friend from up the street. Next month, I'll try to be on time!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Thanksgiving_Turkeys_2012_5300


Thanksgiving_Turkeys_2012_5300, originally uploaded by cmiked.

Here are those same Turkeys seven years later.

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.

Friday, November 23, 2012

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.

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

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!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

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.

Friday, July 13, 2012

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?

MayCoH_2012_2162
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.

Saturday, April 07, 2012

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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.

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

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

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.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

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.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

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.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

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.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Baylor Bears Sweet 16 for the first time EVER!

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!

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

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.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

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.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

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.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

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.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

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.

Saturday, January 02, 2010

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.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

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.

Friday, October 30, 2009

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.

Monday, October 12, 2009

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.

Monday, October 05, 2009

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.

Monday, September 21, 2009

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.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

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.

Monday, August 31, 2009

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.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

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.
Posted by Picasa

Monday, June 08, 2009

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.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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.

Monday, April 20, 2009

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.

Friday, April 17, 2009

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.