I always wanted to title something that!
Ang and I are headed to Chicago this weekend to see They Might Be Giants at the Vic. I am really excited about this. We saw them in Peoria way back when they did the John Henry tour. That was their first tour as a band. For any of you people who recall… They started as a 2 piece band. Guitar, Accordian and boombox. Those were the days! Hoping “Istanbul” still rocks like it did back in the day.
Below… One of the greatest live performances from the Flood album. (Yeah, I am old enough to remember watching Carson to see this. I think Jay was guest hosting that night)
At this point… I am closing in on having seen all my favorite bands in concert. All that is left are the Presidents of the United States of America. Maybe the Proclaimers and Hot Club of Cowtown. I think the Presidents still get around a little. I always wanted to see Lou Reed. But after talking to Etter a few years ago… He said its a bit of a letdown. Sucks to get old! I think Lou is like 65 or so.
Summers Belated Birthday
We had Summers birthday party at the house this past weekend. I know, her birthday is in July. We have learned that celebrating her birthday in the middle of summer normally means its really freaking hot, and everyone is out of town. So, this year we opted to have her party when school was in.
We did some horse rides. Set up a short hayrack ride to the timber behind the house. The kids seemed to have a blast. Which was great… Because the weather was garbage, and I was stressing hard that we were going to end up inside playing the Wii with 15 kids! Ang and I were at each others throats 2 hours before things started.
The weather held out…. It drizzled a few times. It was as lucky break.
At one point when we were doing the hayrack ride…. I started to lose traction with the truck. Everyone was yelling “Why are we slowing down”. They didn’t realize that I was seconds away from having to stop the ride with a bottomed out truck. Of course, that would have given me an excuse to use Katy (see: Super Duper 4X4 Kubota). It would have been fun for me either way. Not so much for Mom and kids on the rack.
We had about 20 minutes left at the end of the party. I asked if the kids wanted another ride, or to eat cupcakes and watch Summer open presents. Overwhelmingly, it was agreed that we should do another hayrack ride.
I was smarter on the second trip. No chance of getting stuck. I nearly drove in the field when I had to.
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| Picture from the Hayrack ride | October 2009 |
Foot Update
Its doing really well! Those nasty shin splints that were there when I walked are gone. I still have some random pains and tenderness… But its a ton better than it was! I am SO glad I got the second opinion about the pain. After seeing that bent screw come out… I think that thing was a time bomb in my leg. It could have gotten a lot worse.
Other notable things:
My fantasy football team is sucking 4 weeks in. I normally do pretty well at this stuff. But this year I have started off 1 and 3. Too soon to give up. But its gonna be a hard climb!
One of my co-workers, Frank, is leaving Illinois for Idaho in a few weeks. Its inspiring me to think “west”. I don’t really like the thought of moving. But, when it comes down to it. Illinois is SO limited on recreation with the horses. And I love the thought of doing REAL outdoor stuff with the kids. Don posted some pictures of a day climb to Mt. Democrat a few weeks ago… I was SO jealous! I told the kids that our next vacation should be out west, so we can get a view of that part of the country a little closer. We loved our time in South Dakota last year. Ang and I went to Glacier National Park on our honeymoon… But that is a big part of the country to contemplate! Ang says shes ready!
We are struggling with Aiden and his reading/writing homework. He seems more able with counting and math. But I can feel his frustration oozing out when he puts that pencil in his hand. I think he just needs to spend more time doing it. Well, thats how I feel right now about it. Having him sit down and practice is one of the most nerve wracking and painful experiences for parents and Aiden alike. Its gonna be a long 12 years till graduation!
Read Aiden, “Katy and the Big Snow” last night. If it snows this weekend… Please dont blame me for jinxing it.