McClose

Ah press night diner, mostly because it's right on the corner.

Lying Rodent

The mouse has been telling me the batteries are critically low...for four weeks now. I think it's a conspiracy between the Logitech and Duracell to sell more batteries.

Bucking The Cold

A warm treat on a cold and rainy day.

Earth Hour

Everything in the house is off and unplugged with the exception of the refrigerator and our Tivo. Mari is reading her Kindle by candlelight and I a few magazines. The dogs are doing their part to conserve energy by sleeping.

No Power Hour(s)

Mari and I are observing Earth Hour tonight, and Mother Nature decided to add her two cents by having a lightning storm knock out power from about 6:20 until 7.

Chicken Check

La Hacienda check art.

Chain Chain Chain

I was a victim of marketing on this one. Never heard of the author, or the book, but the display at Barnes & Noble hooked me. 80 pages in and it's really good so far. It's set in a steampunk style city completely built on a series of giant chains hanging over an abyss.

The Scene

P.J.'s departing article, a recount of his time in Afghanistan.

Spring Snack

Spring means the return of a favorite snack. Cut up fresh strawberries in the morning, sprinkle just a little organic sugar over them, and by the afternoon you have a treat.

Streetscapes IV

The Frist Center for Visual Arts.

Cut To The Chase

There have been some nice days leading into summer this year, but today was pretty close to perfect. Warm with just enough of an overcast and breeze to make you want to be outside. So some undergrowth and dead limbs got cut from the trees, then the Mad Hatter got to run around chasing pitched balls until she was worn out.

To No Carma At All

I think that looks a little better.

Bad Carma

I need all the good carma I can get, but still...

Framed Devil

I've had this frame since college, but somehow it never made it onto the van. It looks good on the G35 though.

Sipish

So far, the car is living up to it's rating. I wondered as they tend to overestimate sometimes.

Comfort Food

When you've spent the day at home, hacking up a lung, there is nothing better than Mari's world famous grilled cheese and soup. (Note: Stock photo as picture blogging wasn't exactly at the top of the list.)

The Scene

Times are changing for most media. The music industry is no exception.

Daywalker

Springing forward means dog walks no longer require night vision.

Bleh

Sunday was spent being sick.

Disney Dog Delicacies

Madison's favorite snack. Is there anything Disney doesn't make? Let's hope there's no relation.

Take Out

Neither of us felt like cooking tonight, so our favorite Chinese take out China Wok provided dinner.

Pringle Party

A co-worker's daughter needed Pringles cans for a school project. Lots of Pringles cans. As a result we Sc3nsters got bags and bags of Pringles on the Table of Things That Are Free(tm). What was more fun was walking around the office this morning, and seeing Pringles everywhere as well as hearing the crunch of Pringles from every direction out in the cubicle farm.

The Scene

No desert in Canada.

The Car 4

But who am I kidding, there isn't much practical about this car. And I'm OK with that.

The Car 3

3.5 liter V6 making 286 HP, whilst achieving a respectable 22 MPG.

The Car 2

Silver exterior, gray interior.

The Car

A pre-loved, 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe.

Tease

Infinite possibility.

Oregonian Return

Picking Mari up from the airport.

A Sign Of The Times?

A random problem, or a sign of the continuing decline of the print medium?

Fast Goodwill

A visit to the Goodwill drive through, to drop off the treasures found hidden in the garage during the cleansing.

Fail

This post space originally reserved for pictures of my new car. But the part will not be in until Monday now. I officially label that "suck". On the plus side they have promised me the five day, no questions asked return policy will be extended for another week after I pick the car up. This does not help my frustration much, but...one must accept what one cannot change. Or some zen crap like that.

Big Mother Trucker

Our new car arrived, but I was being very picky. On the test drive I noticed it burbled a little at idle speeds, so I had them check it out. We had already traded in the van, beside the fact it wasn't safe to drive anymore anyway. So Carmax lent me this....monstrous SUV to drive until the new car was checked out. (Editor's Note: Turns out there was something wrong with the air flow sensor, so it's good I was picky.)

Early Bird

Dropping Mari off to wing her way West on an early morning flight to Oregon.

Arigato Gozaimasu!

Brent and Brock were kind enough to bring a touch of Japan back to us. Inside the cool bags were Donald and Minnie pins embossed on the back with Tokyo Disney stamps (upper left) and delicious rice chocolates in Mickey shapes (upper middle.)

The Scene

Was an executed man guilty?

Dew Drops

In these tight economic times, such as when expecting the arrival of a new (pre-loved) car shipped down from Merrillville, IN to our local CarMax and the accompanying new (not so pre-loved) car payment that comes with it, certain adjustments must be made. For instance my precious Diet Dew addiction is now a Diet Citrus Drop addiction. Just like Dew! Only half the cost! With catchy "Pop the drop" slogan.

Ode Part Two

You served me, and my parents before me, well for 170,000 miles. I am sure you will give your all in the name of trade in value. And now for a haiku in your honor:

Van old and rusty
Odometer speaks of past
Rest now for some cash

An Ode To A Van

So the van is officially on the chopping block, too many things have gone wrong with it to make it worth fixing. OK, so that wasn't really an ode. What'ya want it's a 15 year old van?

Clean Sweep

Mission accomplished. Mostly.