Kitchen Sploot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A glimpse of kitchen facing splooty butt. Just because.

Quilt Of Valor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today the quilt guild Dad belongs to honored him with a Quilt of Valor for which he was deeply touched, even got a little teary eyed. He may not have seen combat but he was treated poorly for being a soldier during Vietnam, and his work in the Air Force changed warfare and the world, ultimately saving many soldier's lives.

Wrong Name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Way back in 2004 a game came out called Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines. Quite the mouthful. For it's time it was an amazing game and still remains on many a gamers top ten list. I'm one of them, I played it through several times. If this blog existed back then, surely it would have been raved about within it.

So after 22 years, they came out with a sequel. Only it's not anything like the original, except that it exists in the same universe. On it's own, without trying to cash in on the original's nostalgia, Bloodlines 2 was actually a solid game. Decent story, really good voice acting. But it can't escape the weight of the original and in comparison is a huge disappointment. They should have just called it something else and it would have left a better taste in everyone's mouth, myself included. 

WOTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I enter this August in uncharted territory. I am confident but still nervous. My peer is gone and I'm in charge now. It'll be fine. No really.

Heading For The Barnes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today marks the end of an era for me. Back in 2009 when I first started at JIS Jerry was there. He sent me my first work email. He showed me the ropes. He's been my mentor and peer though it all for nearly 17 years, and he retired today. He also doesn't like a fuss or having his picture taken so I admit I did this surreptitiously. I had to have at least one picture of him before he rode off into the sunset. JIS won't be the same without out him.

Canine Companion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did mention these two got along pretty well. Notice she's even got Bluey on for him. Of course I have no idea where being such a sucker for a silly dog comes from. 

Royally Cheesy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I won of course. I am the king of the cheese! 

That's Just Rube

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know when Mackenzie is staying there's gonna be games. All kinds of games. But now that she's a little older we're evolving into some more complicated ones. Like Mouth Trap. I used to love Mouse Trap when I was a kid and didn't know they even still made it. Just as silly as ever. 

Bear x Mackenzie

 

 

 

These two got along, just a little.

Still Fun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, as is life, the times had to end. Casie and Lonnie went back home while Mackenzie is staying for the week. It goes way too fast with people we don't get to see nearly enough. Luckily these two get along pretty well, there's a lot of giggling with this pair. 

General Picture

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The official picture from the General Jackson. Dad, me, Casie, Mackenzie, Mari, Lonnie and Payton. 

The General Jackson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even without the river tour, we enjoyed ourselves. We'll be back when the paddles are working again! 

Showtime

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally the show kicked off, and as would be expected of Music City they were all top notch singers and musicians. Nice song selection too, overall a great show! 

Sibling War

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner there was a pause before the show where the wait staff cleaned up. To fill the time for an easily bored kid, the other kid played some thumb war. Payton has always been a good big brother to Mackenzie. 

Dinner On The River

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally the doors to the main cabin opened and we were ushered into a (mercifully) air conditioned room where dinner was served and the family got more chances to talk and catch up with each other. 

General Admission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While waiting for the dinner and show to be ready they had a live band to keep us entertained. They were pretty good, the fiddle player in particular had skills. I also appreciated they didn't just play country, there was some classic rock in there too.

Jackson Still View

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It'd be nice to follow the river, but this was the best we were gonna get from the bow of the ship. 

Jackson Jetty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately we learned that the big boat had mechanical issues and we would not be chugging down the river. They did offer us a discount on each ticket, but we would have preferred the ride. Still, it was fun to finally see and board the classic paddleboat. 

First Boat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite living in Nashville since 1998, Mari and I had never gone on the historic General Jackson Riverboat. So for the big birthday bash, we finally did the thing! 

Family Time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To sit, to talk, to spend time together. So good. 

Bear x Bear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bear loves people and was thrilled to get to meet so many new ones. He soaked up every ounce of attention he could, and this family being dog people, he got plenty.

Breakfast With A Twist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know when the Greer-Hulden-Ireland clan gets together there's gonna be aebleskivers. Only this time, Payton and Mackenzie did the batter and Payton cooked them! 

Photogenic Bear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casie took this picture of Bear with the bully stick holder she got him. He does seem to pose for such things. She did clean it up a little using AI, can you spot the tell? It's EARily familiar.

Big 0s Birthday Gathering

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To celebrate certain birthdays that shall not be mentioned ending in zero, the whole fam came down to spend time with us. So good to have such a rare and wonderful group of people together. 

Cup And Pup And Pop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a nice evening having some dinner up at Dad's house and watching the World Cup Final. Bear's on window duty. Spain went on to beat Argentina. It was only 1-0 but Spain dominated the whole game.

These Flowers Are Jerky

 

A unique birthday gift from my kids out West, Casie and John are always very thoughtful!

50th Wish Made

 

 

 

I turned 50 today. Mari got me my traditional "cake". One more trip around the sun! I know 50 is supposed to be a big one, but I don't really feel much different, nor am I have an existential crisis. I'm pretty healthy (heart defect and single kidney aside), got a wonderful family, a job I like. Setting aside the political, I got it pretty darn good!

The Big 5-0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another year, another pint of Cherry Garcia. 

Walker Tennessee Duck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a small sample of the duck caravan. 

Duck Stop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I was coming back home down Saunders Ferry Road when I came upon a line of cars. I didn't know if there was maybe construction or a wreck and then I spied a line of ducks young and old crossing the street. They just kept coming, and coming, and coming. There must have been fifty of them. And we all sat and patiently waited for them to cross. Sometimes people are good and kind. Even in BFT.

It's Rainiering Cherries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After being introduced to the culinary delight that is rainier cherries on our recent trip to Washington, we found some at Kroger today! We don't know if it's a karmic coincidence or they have them often and we just never noticed, but here they are! 

The Big 6-9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mari turns 69 today!*

 

*Actual age my vary, no ages above 69 will be accepted at this time. 

The Cake Isn't A Lie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's time for a very special birthday! 

Pup Cup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acknowledging this isn't something he should have on a regular basis, it was still fun to get Bear his first Starbucks pup cup. Which he devoured with gusto. 

Night Terror

 

 

 

We are not fans of fireworks, especially personal ones. They should be banned outside of professional displays. But controversial opinion aside one of the biggest reasons is it scares the animals. Case in point we discovered Bear is absolutely terrified of fireworks. He ran all over, shivered, panted, was manic, tried to climb into a cabinet, then tried to climb over the three suitcases in the back of the closet. So well pulled the two soft-sides out, laid the hard shell over and made him a hidey hole, complete with a laptop playing Bluey to drown out the noise as best we could. That did seem to calm him down and we got through the night. TLDR: People stupid fireworks bad.

The Grillmaster

 

 

 

Another nice spread put out by Dad, whose steaks continue to be second to none. Although I have to admit, that key lime pie in the corner might have been a scene stealer.

Upper Fort

 

 

Up at Dad's for a 4th BBQ. The neighborhood girls built this little fort in his driveway from found bits and pieces. Just thought it was cute, he has a nice group up here.

WOTM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday bashes and the end of an era at work. 

Better Bear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before we left for Seattle Bear got pretty sick. He was just not himself, no energy, afraid of everything. At first we, and the vet, thought it was kennel cough but that never fully materialized. We are pretty sure he does not do well on doxycycline and have since heard from Casie, Bridger had serious issues with it too. We took him off it the day we left and Dad has been watching him. He seems to be much better now, almost his old self again. Thank goodness, we thought we broke our puppy!

Home Almost Alone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We got to Nashville a little after midnight. Just a little difference in the number of people around. 

Welcome In Reverse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Sea-Tac waiting for our flight. We got there super early in anticipation of the FIFA crowd madness and it was extremely busy, especially trying to get into one of the bathrooms, but not too bad with our extra time. Planning pays off! 

Seattle Set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the whole crew, minus Mari who was taking the picture. It was a great visit. We were worried Jenni would do too much but she kept up and pushed us to do more which was nice to see. She has another round of chemo tomorrow so we won't be able to see her again before we leave. We said our goodbyes here, and went back to rest up for the long trip tomorrow. 

Lean Three

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The food was really good, especially the chowder. But the best part was getting to see the rest of the fam as well, Rowan, Megan and Rowan's girlfriend Fiora. The kids posing with Steve to show how much they love having their picture taken.

Duking It Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duke's Seafood. 

A More Perfect Union

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We took Jenni back to rest with plans to meet up for the grand finale at one of her favorite restaurants. A place called Duke's right on the shore of Lake Union. 

Yep, More Coffee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the farmer's market we walked down to the Dancing Goat roastery - or where it used to be. Jenni wanted to get Dad something since she knew he liked their coffee, but it turned out they had sold the building to the Port Authority and moved elsewhere since last she'd visited. The statue was still there though. 

Keeping It Fresh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today's excursion was to the Farmer's Market in Olympia. Lots of good things to choose from, I wish we had something like this in our area. The Nashville Farmer's Market hasn't been very good for quite some time now. The best part was being introduced to Rainer cherries, which were excellent.

Point Pic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mari and I at Cutters Point, courtesy of Jenni. 

Coffee Of Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We started off the second full day of spending time with Jenni... with coffee! Shocking. I know. This we went to Cutters Point, which I have to admit I think may be my favorite. 

Seattle Trio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jenni, Steve and Tuppence after a nice dinner and a some good conversation.