Planet Stahl

Just got back from Iowa. As per tradition… We headed up for dinner with the Cook’s. (Thats Angela’s side of the family for those that dont know.)

On our way there… We stop for our new family tradition… A pizza at the Parthenon in Fort Madison. While the family is having a seat placing the order… I wander down to Lost Duck Brewing Company to refill my growler. (Another annual tradition)

At the Parthanon.  From November 2009

Ray still had lots of work to do in the fields…  So, after Thanksgiving dinner, the kids took a ride in the combine.

From November 2009

From November 2009

Christmas cookies are being made today!

From November 2009

I love Netflix… So, don’t let the thought that I don’t, ever enter your mind as you read this post.  If you have the service, you will agree with me that they are exceptional in speed and quality. 

I do have one gripe though.  I put Beetlejuice on our “queue” several weeks ago…  And it has shown as “Very Long Wait” during that time.  Normally, I don’t think much of it if this is a new release.  Some new movies may take a week or two depending on how popular they are.

Beetlejuice cannot be that popular!  So, this leads me to believe they have a limited amount of copies.  Maybe its not in production anymore?  Thus, Netflix only has a few copies left?

Not the case.  I checked Amazon… I can get it with “Free Super Saver Shipping” for 8.99.  I can even get a copy in Blue Ray!

So, I have to ask???  Why do I have to wait weeks, or months for this title from the unrivaled king of DVD rental? 

Next thing you know… I will have to wait for a month to get “the Burbs”!

Went up to Marquette Heights and hiked for a few hours today.  Let me tell you… GPS does not always mean the easiest path!  I felt like we were on the cloverleaf trail at one point!  See the map below and you will understand.

The kids did pretty well.  Although it was only 2 miles…  When you are going up and down hills, it gets a little long.  I kept telling them that they will never climb a mountain in Denver if they cant handle a few hours hiking here!

Aiden dragging his feet!  From November 2009

Resting!  From November 2009

Ride home.  From November 2009

From November 2009

Ang called me all hacked off at some story that has spread around her family.  Something about ME moving some family photos in Don’s (Her Dad) nursing home room.  I have visited on several occasions with the kids.  Never replacing photos. 

That little story spun into an argument about how you deal with family in these situations…  Past arguments about dealing with similar issues.   As I write this… She is all pissed at me for my complete lack of concern.

I sooooo want to lay down a big diatribe about pathetic family squabbles…  But as it stands…  Its not my family…  So, I will just sit on the sidelines for now.

All I can think…  As people die… So do their feuds and wars…  And so does my desire to even care about any of it.  Years from now…  When asked by my children questions like: 

“How come you never tell us stories about ____”, or “Why don’t you have pictures of the other side of our family up?”

I will answer those questions with answers like this:  “Kids, those people were so petty and wrapped up in themselves…  They forgot the important things in life.   They lived a life…  But that life was made trivial by their hatred of others.  I expect so much more from you, and I know that you have little to learn from how they lived.”

You get the point.  You are only worth what the next generation cares to pass on…  And at this rate…  I will feel very little makes the cut to pass on.

From November 2009

Bugs that is!  I have been inundated this year with these little pests they call “Japanese Beatles”. 

We have had plenty of them every year… But this year seems particularly bad.  Above is the close up… Below is a small spot on my front porch.

From November 2009

Updated picture of Timmy.  for those wondering how he is doing…  He is fat and sassy.  Loving life on the farm!

From November 2009