Blogging lately?

It's summer and no time to sit and type. I still read blogs. However, by the time I am finished reading (never), it's usually too late to write. I have found an alternative - twitter. Cute as it is. It keeps you folks updated on the latest a little at a time.

I have noticed a change in my blog. It's not the decrease in post. It is the decrease post about Little One. I know you don't all tune in to see what I am doing. You tune in so you see the growth and craziness of Little One's life. Well, sad to say - She isn't the daddy's little girl she use to be. She is growing up and standing on her on principles.

She doesn't like dad to photographer her all the time.
She doesn't like to join me in my adventures: Geocaching & Hiking.
She has a cat that her attention is geared towards at home.
She is being more independent and not "hanging" around me as much.

I have adjusted okay. I just wanted my blog followers to know that I haven't abandoned them on entertaining them with my daughter mishaps. I just don't have that shadow following me around as I did in years past. Sad.

I will get you more updates concerning her and her exploits - I promise.

Until then, follow me around on twitter. I let you see a little different side of me and my personality.


Enjoy Knuckleheads

Back to work - Uggh

For those of us going back to work, isn't it the pits? When do I get to retire? Oh yeah - 2044. Crap!

Our family enjoyed the holiday - the extra day not to think of work.

However, it's back to the normal grind. Only this time it is a 4 day work week. I will enjoy that. 5 days worth of work crammed into 4 days - Yeah!

The weekend review - No photos (sorry)

Friday - Out to eat at Roadhouse - Grocery Shopping
Saturday - Pool - Cinderella and Little One to the in-laws, me(couch)
Sunday - Church, Pool
Monday - Hiking (sweetwater creek), Pool, In-Laws for a cookout.

That's all folks. Summer is here and I can tell my interest for sitting here in front of the computer is not as strong as it use to be.

A visit to Dalton, GA. Next weekend. (Nephew's graduation / Chattanooga Lookouts baseball game)
Providence Canyon in 2 weeks.

Goodnight Knuckleheads.

Quick Update

Father-in-law = is home resting now.


Daughter = a straight A student (1st grade complete)


We're headed to the pool - catch you peeps later!


Knuckleheads

Sweetwater Creek State Park

I took an early morning trip up to Sweetwater Creek State park this past Saturday. Cinderella had taken Little One to the hospital to see her Grumps. I was to mow the lawn and get a few things done around the house before joining them.

I took great care and in calculating the things I had to get done before making the trip into Atlanta. I deducted that I had a couple of hours to spare. I could use them to sleep late and lounge around the house until the grass was dry enough to cut. Or, I could take liberties and go hiking.

I have been thinking a lot about my health lately. You know I am getting older and this body is sure telling me it more and more these days. Put that with my "healthy" Father-In-Law in the hospital with heart problems and I am really thinking about my health more and more. I decided I needed the exercise.

I arrived at the park around 9:15AM. It was a quick 20 minute drive from our house. The morning air was still cool and crisp. I realized on the drive over that I had forgotten my hat. So, a quick trip to the visitors center solved that. I quickly loaded up with my pack and headed out onto the yellow blaze trail. I quickly fell in love with this trail. The park is a fairly popular one. However, the yellow trail being longer and away from the main attractions - means it's way less populated. I will definitely visit this one much more often.

The Yellow blaze trail is a short 3 miles long. It has some good elevation changes for being near Atlanta. The cool crisp air of arrival was soon replaced with the warm soaking of a bright spring Georgia sun. I was thinking I really need to get to Dicks Sporting goods and get those hiking pants I am coveting. Once I crossed the river and headed uphill within the first mile, I quickly remember why I was there. My heart was pounding, my forehead was dripping and my thighs were starting to tighten up. Health. "It's all for my health" I kept repeating to myself.

I topped the ridge line and followed the trail along near the top. It wasn't long before I happened upon a small doe. She noticed me about 10 seconds after I noticed her. I had come to a dead stop when I first saw her. I quickly reach for my camera attached to my hip and snapped a picture. You can't see her in this picture but she is there in the center of it.



She quickly hopped off the trail and begin blowing/snorting at me. It gave me a good grin and a second wind to continue the journey. I videoed some of my experience. However, I was putting it all together last night and as I clicked the save button - the computer locked up. Poor pitiful me! Your loss.

I continued on and enjoyed the trip. I finished the yellow trail and continued along the blue trail making a loop with the red trail back around to the falls and up along the old mill building.

Here are some photos from along the way.




I returned home to do my yard work. I finished all that and made it to the hospital before 5:00PM. A full day.

Until next time, keep your feet planted - Knuckleheads.

Updates

Father-in-law:

He is still in the hospital. His heart can't hold a normal rhythm. Doctors aren't sure why. They expect at least another week in the hospital. Cinderella and her mom are staying by his bedside.


Mother:
She writes from South Dakota today. Say's she is enjoying the rich history of the west. She's telling stories of the wild west, Deadwood, S.D. and Wild Bill Hickok.

Here is a photo of Deadwood as I swiped off the Internet.



Enjoy peeps.

West Photos

Mom sends more pictures from her travels around Montana.

Enjoy!

Mid-Week Update

I am stuck on 255 Geocaches. There is a lot going on even though I feel like I am not getting anything done. With gas prices reaching out to $4.00 a gallon. I am in no hurry to plan a day trip out driving around geocaching. So, I stick close to home. If I wasn't such a Dave Ramsey fan, I would go make a automobile purchase. Is 0% financing the same as cash? My 1999 Passport will probably make it a couple more years with some repair work. I think I will just wait.

Hiking. I have got the itch and can't seem to find time to scratch it. I need a short day hike somewhere soon. I have my eye on Sweetwater Creek State park. I haven't hiked the back side of the park. Maybe I can squeeze it in soon. Of course, Providence Canyon State park is coming within the horizon. I can't wait for that trip. I went to the Tyrone library yesterday and checked out a few backpacking books. I was kind of disappointed when I got them home. Most of them are several years old and glaringly out of date.

My mother is sending me daily updates from her trip out west. She is traveling with her sister (the Tennessee fan) and her mother. The ladies are have a great time. They have made it through Utah and have crossed over into Montana. The will be heading towards Jackson Hole and The Grand Canyon later this week. She reads this blog - so - have a great time mom/aunt/grandmother. Be safe and hurry home....no wait...take your time and enjoy it. Love ya'll.

My mom sent me this photo this morning of their trip.


Another thing to distract me is the neighborhood pool opens on Saturday. My daughter and I are just alike in this area. We could live up there if it had a refrigerator. So, I am sure several hours a week will be diverted to poolside. But, I can't complain.

Family update: My father-in-law had a heart attack on Tuesday. He is resting comfortably in Atlanta's Piedmont hospital with a newly received splint holding open an artery. He was in what I thought great shape. He retired several years ago around the age 55 or 56. He was keeping busy around the house and his church. Cinderella and her mother are staying close by his side. He should be coming home Friday.

Cinderella cancelled her business trip to Utah for this week. I am being keep busy with our daughter. Studying spelling words, reading, meals, dishes, and baths. It's times like this where I appreciate all the things my hard working wife does while I am out chasing my hobbies.

Gas Pumps

I find it funny that some gas station owners will not be able to charge more than $3.99 per gallon. Kinda reminds me of the Y2K bug. I am sure a solution will be found and $4.00/gallon will quickly be replaced with $5.00/gallon soon.


http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/12/old.gas.pumps.ap/index.html

And case you are wondering. It appears that Michael Jackson may not lose Neverland ranch. Just in case you felt sorry for him.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/12/jackson.neverland.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Providence Canyon Trip Itinerary

Friday 6/6/2008

4:00 PM Backcountry hikers must be checked in at Visitor Center
4:00 PM ~ 6:00 PM Hike into Providence Canyon - find shelter (Idea Shelter # 1)
6:00 PM ~ 8:00 PM Set camp & dinner

Saturday 6/7/2008

6:00 AM ~ 8:00 AM Breakfast & Break camp
8:00 AM ~ 12:00 PM Hike, Explore & Photograph Providence Canyon
12:00 PM ~ 1:00 PM Lunch & Visitors Center
1:00 PM Leave for home


Email me at Rakethetable at yahoo dot com if you are interested.
$5 per hiker per night.

Resturant and Park review

Strip: Meat Drink Eat – Atlantic Station

My in laws had a gift certificate for $100 to Strip (steakhouse). Since they don’t like to drive downtown, our family was invited to go as long as I would drive. Sounds like a good deal to me. Strip is a part of the "Here to serve Restaurant" business. Here is the Conglomerate website: HTSR

The Menu at Strip: Here

What we ordered:
Rake: Yasai (appetizer), 16oz thick cut prime rib
Cinderella: Grilled Chicken
Little One: Grilled Cheese
Mother-in-law: Classic Club Sandwich
Father-in-law: Whole Rack of Ribs

Our bill totalled $89. Not a bad way for us to spend his gift certificate.
(Thanks)

I ordered the Yasai hoping to get others to try it. It had no sushi. Just vegetable wrapped in rice and Nori. I did manage to get Cinderella and my father-in-law to try it. Cinderella just didn't like the nori. My father-in-law put too much wasabe on his (and didn't like the nori). I ate their leftovers and finished off the other 6 rolls.

Everyone enjoyed their dinner. I had to send my "well done" steak back due to it was still bleeding upon arrival. I was disappointed when Tim (General Manager) returned my plate with a slightly more than medium rare steak. Oh well, the blood was missing. It's not that I like well done steaks. It's just I expect to get what I ordered when it arrives. Especially somewhere that is suppose to be known for their steaks.

I can still recommend it. I think they have a ways to go until they can really be what they want to be. There is still a lot of construction around Atlantic Station. For those who are not familiar with Atlantic Station. It is a development in downtown Atlanta that is a "planned community". Very nice idea. Upper Middle Class atmosphere and shopping/dining.

Rake and Cinderella at Strip.


Little One, Cinderella and her parents at Strip.


%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%

Carl Miller Park
I had wanted to take Little One to Carl Miller park for some time. I like for her to have fun at these "Castle" parks. Our area is fortunately to have several within a half hours drive.

This park is nice, clean and well maintained. Little One and I went on Sunday afternoon while Cinderella took her Nazarene nap. We walked around the park getting acquainted with our surroundings then headed for the Castle. As we approached, Little One recognized a girl she has known since infancy. She and the girl went to day care together and their moms still work together.

So, for the next two hours, dad was a forgotten person. Amanda was their with a small consortium from her church. So, Little One played with Amanda and her friends. It was nice to just be outside on such a beautiful day.

Here is a photo of the girls taken by Little One.



Here is a photo taken by me.

Get out - Get dirty - Get fit

Georgia state parks have a good slogan. I plan on following it.



I penciled in a hiking camping trip to Providence Canyon State Park.
This will be a hike in - backcountry camp and hike out trip.

No facilities. No drinkable water.

If you need it, you hike it in. Everything you hike in - you hike out.

If you are a mountain bike rider, there are lots of ways the GA state parks are trying to get you to visit. "Muddy Spokes Club" My back can't take riding a bike. However, my legs are still good enough. So hiking is my pill of choice.

The Georgia state parks also have a great way of getting me out of my rocking chair and into the great outdoors. The call it Canyon Climbers Club. It's a great gimmick to get me outside exploring my state.

The idea is you pay $10 for a Canyon Climbers punch card. You visit the 4 identified state parks and complete the specific task (hiking a certain trail) at each park. After completing the forth task, you trade your card in for a tee shirt. It's something I want to do.

2008's daunting task ahead:
explore the depths of Providence Canyon
scale to the top of Amicalola Falls
brave the swinging bridge in Tallulah Gorge
face the daunting staircase in Cloudland Canyon

I plan on starting my attempt to join the Canyon Climbers at Providence Canyon.

I have emailed Roadrunner. To pass the information along to his friends. I pass it along to you - my readers. An open invitation to go. The Prvidence Canyon trip is June 6th, 7th & 8th.

** update ** As I told Aaron (Outdoorliving365) - I am not sure if it will drag into Sunday the 8th. But, I reserved that night also - just in case.

SO!
GET OUT
GET DIRTY
GET FIT

Cost Avoidance

Anyone who knows me - Knows that I am not a very good handyman. I prefer to buy my way out of trouble and work. Hence, I am proud of myself for avoiding a bill from a septic plumber.

Story:

I was mowing my lawn (riding of course - pushing is too much work) when I mowed over a clump of grass that had grown way too tall way too quick. Once I passed over this area, water erupted from the ground immediately and quickly made a river in my backyard. This is a new house and we have lived here 3 years. What did I just break? I could tell from the smell that it was NOT coming from a fresh water supply ;-)

Little One who was swinging on her play set was sent in quickly to get Cinderella (to call a septic plumber). In the few minutes she was gone, I realized I have a main water switch out near the road.

I hastened to the location and found the switch. I turned the knob and headed back to the headstart of the river. It was still flowing when I returned. I stood there and watched if for a few minutes. During this time, I used the erupting water to scoop out the dirt from around the gusher. I was peeved!

Cinderella soon emerged from the house and came my way. I told her that the immediate alarm was reduced to a mere semi annoyance.

My father-in-law was coming over in an hour for a visit, and I could pick his brain to figure this situation out. I decided I would "weed eat" around the overgrown area. While doing so, I saw a frog and a snake. I figured water had been flowing here for sometime to attract these animals.

I decided, with the water turned off, my best option was to finish mowing the lawn so I could check off one "Honey Do" list item for the day. I finished mowing.

My father-in-law arrived just as I was finishing the mowing. I took him to the location. Without hesitation, he mentioned it look like the location of the junction box. The junction box is where the septic tank pumps into the fill lines.

Since he wasn't dressed for work, I grabbed a shovel and started digging. I found the box. The junction box was buried no more than 6 inches from the surface (gotta be against code surely). Though I was happy because it meant less digging for me. ;-)

I uncovered it enough to remove the lid on the junction box. What did I find? I found a 1/2 inch diameter tree root growing into the junction box between it and the lid. But that wasn't all. The little root had sprang into thousands of little roots once inside. The roots were growing towards the fill lines. In total, about 6 feet of these little tube stoppers.

Here is Rake with his prized tube stopper.


Moral of story. If you see grass growing at a fast rate in the area of your junction box, you may need to check it.

Side note update:
An update on our adopted cat. Little One has been following it around taking pictures. Here are a few she has taken.