tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27214226085042781692024-03-13T23:17:59.183-07:00SqueakblogSqueakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.comBlogger388125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-1595468947567424612015-03-21T08:49:00.003-07:002015-03-21T08:55:30.314-07:00Three mathematicians and three physicists...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In view of recent popularity of (mis)using fancy mathematical methods for Big Data analysis, I feel a burning need to relate this Russian joke. As with many Russian jokes, this is a little long and involved, so please bear with me and read to the end.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
*******</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g6FLdkBRABY/VQ2SUxYi_KI/AAAAAAAADH4/bOi97BCjXHo/s1600/046a.toilet-rossiya.232x309%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g6FLdkBRABY/VQ2SUxYi_KI/AAAAAAAADH4/bOi97BCjXHo/s1600/046a.toilet-rossiya.232x309%2B(1).jpg" /></a></div>
Three mathematicians and three physicists are traveling to an out of town conference by train. They meet at the train station and go to buy tickets. The physicists are first, and buy three tickets, as expected, one for each person. The mathematicians are next, and they buy just one ticket. The physicists are confused:<br />
<br />
"How come you only bought one ticket? There are three of you. Don't you know that each person needs a ticket? You will be booted off the train by the conductor!"<br />
<br />
"Don't worry," say the mathematicians, <i>"we have a method!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Everyone gets on the train. The physicists take their seats, but they are paying close attention to the mathematicians, to see what they are going to do. The mathematicians all pile together into a single-person train bathroom. When the conductor comes by to check the tickets, he knocks on the bathroom door, which opens a crack and a hand with a ticket is extended out. The conductor takes the ticket and everyone proceeds on their merry way.<br />
<br />
The physicists are very impressed.<br />
<br />
After the conference, it's time to go back home, so they all go to the train station to buy tickets. The three physicists are exited to try out their newly learned trick, so they buy one ticket. They are surprised again, when they see that the mathematicians don't buy any tickets at all.<br />
<br />
"What are you doing? Don't you need at least one ticket?" they ask.<br />
<br />
"Don't worry," say the mathematicians, "<i>we have a method!"</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
On the train, the physicists all pile together into one bathroom, the mathematicians into another bathroom. Just as the train is about to start moving, one of the mathematicians exits their bathroom, walks over to the physicists' bathroom and knocks on the door. The door opens a crack and a hand with a ticket is extended out. The mathematician takes the ticket and goes back to the mathematicians' own bathroom with it.<br />
<br />
Moral of the story:<br />
<br />
<i>Do no use mathematical methods that you do not fully understand.</i></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-71190927973650313322015-03-17T16:09:00.000-07:002015-03-17T16:09:08.602-07:00Climbing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nick asked to go climbing today, so we went to Planet Granite.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-1KdWLV0F8/VQiyge5dsWI/AAAAAAAADG0/T-7iar1VQfM/s1600/IMG_0696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-1KdWLV0F8/VQiyge5dsWI/AAAAAAAADG0/T-7iar1VQfM/s1600/IMG_0696.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom splurged on climbing shoe rental. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9a_tbggkRI/VQizdvNc_xI/AAAAAAAADHA/ieppoW_CqH0/s1600/IMG_0689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k9a_tbggkRI/VQizdvNc_xI/AAAAAAAADHA/ieppoW_CqH0/s1600/IMG_0689.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rAC7R1_CrA/VQizlaqk6TI/AAAAAAAADHI/yXQwrPbLfZ8/s1600/IMG_0694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rAC7R1_CrA/VQizlaqk6TI/AAAAAAAADHI/yXQwrPbLfZ8/s1600/IMG_0694.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJAhg-Ra48k/VQizxqenQwI/AAAAAAAADHQ/ESIyXkQjeWU/s1600/IMG_0691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJAhg-Ra48k/VQizxqenQwI/AAAAAAAADHQ/ESIyXkQjeWU/s1600/IMG_0691.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, enough up. Coming down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_pDLk6A-ko/VQiz53ktQ0I/AAAAAAAADHY/ZZPG1_4iCyw/s1600/IMG_0695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W_pDLk6A-ko/VQiz53ktQ0I/AAAAAAAADHY/ZZPG1_4iCyw/s1600/IMG_0695.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we're done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-42725429675258428802015-03-15T12:40:00.000-07:002015-03-15T12:57:56.884-07:00Gear Creep, the "Make sure you put it on in the right order" Edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today was Nick's first day with the Little Sharks Learn To Play program. He had a great time. He saw Sharkie. He got to skate, shoot, and practice passing. Did I mention Sharkie?<br />
<br />
Mom got to carry around a giant bag of equipment and figure out how to attach it all to the child, in the correct sequence, under time pressure. The day before we were all sent a "How to put on your hockey equipment" email. It was multiple pages long. There was a strict ordering and admonitions not to skip steps. There were suggestions to use tape to attach some things.<br />
<br />
I suppose if you give 40 kids sharp skates and big sticks, it's better to make sure their equipment stays on. So tape it is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNmPY7LyHe8/VQXdUtGE61I/AAAAAAAADFM/40437MbOBQo/s1600/IMG_0657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNmPY7LyHe8/VQXdUtGE61I/AAAAAAAADFM/40437MbOBQo/s1600/IMG_0657.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go. No, he didn't carry the bag. I did.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijRCxiouMyM/VQXdXDFgCiI/AAAAAAAADFU/lvvbxYNooIo/s1600/IMG_0660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijRCxiouMyM/VQXdXDFgCiI/AAAAAAAADFU/lvvbxYNooIo/s1600/IMG_0660.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time in the locker room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H41y841LH3M/VQXdZmV1EhI/AAAAAAAADFc/LoFLf4BFNbA/s1600/IMG_0661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H41y841LH3M/VQXdZmV1EhI/AAAAAAAADFc/LoFLf4BFNbA/s1600/IMG_0661.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to gear up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It took me about 25 minutes to get everything put on, strapped, fastened, adjusted, and re-adjusted (note to self, undershorts go on before hockey socks, because hockey socks attach to them, also remember to make sure the velcros on the undershorts are closed before putting on hockey socks, otherwise everything becomes a huge snarled mess). And everything seemed to stay in place, so no tape was required.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWYtc5BU6SQ/VQXddQgghuI/AAAAAAAADFk/oFM0T19DoFc/s1600/IMG_0663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TWYtc5BU6SQ/VQXddQgghuI/AAAAAAAADFk/oFM0T19DoFc/s1600/IMG_0663.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All geared up and ready to go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyKC5tF0hYY/VQXd8raPoAI/AAAAAAAADF0/F498kiERvoI/s1600/IMG_8833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JyKC5tF0hYY/VQXd8raPoAI/AAAAAAAADF0/F498kiERvoI/s1600/IMG_8833.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouth guards serve dual purpose: protect the teeth, and prevent kids from<br />
talking. Maybe I can convince him to wear one all the time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The practice itself was very well organized. They had several areas to practice different skills: skating, stick handling, passing, and shooting. All while cheered on by Sharkie!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7y9Np0aQhDs/VQXd9PzIX1I/AAAAAAAADF8/d7sIjH7yaO4/s1600/IMG_8855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7y9Np0aQhDs/VQXd9PzIX1I/AAAAAAAADF8/d7sIjH7yaO4/s1600/IMG_8855.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High-five with Sharkie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt_yZSwziCc/VQXd9AnMYyI/AAAAAAAADF4/hqi94NoJ9bI/s1600/IMG_8875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bt_yZSwziCc/VQXd9AnMYyI/AAAAAAAADF4/hqi94NoJ9bI/s1600/IMG_8875.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practicing jumping over a barrier. Much falling on face happened. All teeth<br />
seem to be intact, still.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BRVTxgepuw/VQXd-J0b4VI/AAAAAAAADGM/zLHc6t8RKcc/s1600/IMG_8880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3BRVTxgepuw/VQXd-J0b4VI/AAAAAAAADGM/zLHc6t8RKcc/s1600/IMG_8880.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious hockey face (tm). Waiting for a pass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuUIeusHNHk/VQXd-WYVGxI/AAAAAAAADGQ/hb6aOzXV7a0/s1600/IMG_8883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuUIeusHNHk/VQXd-WYVGxI/AAAAAAAADGQ/hb6aOzXV7a0/s1600/IMG_8883.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing practice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIf8P5uK-BA/VQXd-vyK1zI/AAAAAAAADGY/6ySu7EN_0G0/s1600/IMG_8906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIf8P5uK-BA/VQXd-vyK1zI/AAAAAAAADGY/6ySu7EN_0G0/s1600/IMG_8906.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skate/shoot practice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After ah hour, the child was pretty baked.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylNcaQoLu-w/VQXdjmlV8_I/AAAAAAAADFs/4zns8By3r38/s1600/IMG_0676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ylNcaQoLu-w/VQXdjmlV8_I/AAAAAAAADFs/4zns8By3r38/s1600/IMG_0676.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, back in the locker room, we needed to give a post-game interview.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jiO6jHAuqNg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jiO6jHAuqNg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
For a bazillion more pictures, <a href="http://ngelfand.smugmug.com/Children/Nick-at-Little-Sharks-Practice/">check smugmug</a>.<br />
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<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-1834111631440422282015-03-10T19:26:00.000-07:002015-03-10T19:26:26.250-07:00Calero<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The boys and I did a two and a half mile, five geocache, many photo hike in Calero today. Hills were green, flowers were blooming, and much fun was had. Nick got to play with his first real camera and took a whole bunch of pictures. Some were good even.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKwCizOCRBc/VP-k3itWQ-I/AAAAAAAADCI/O2dxOotLD8Y/s1600/IMG_0532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKwCizOCRBc/VP-k3itWQ-I/AAAAAAAADCI/O2dxOotLD8Y/s1600/IMG_0532.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simultaneous photo taking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iORZF1mOg08/VP-k3YL5HfI/AAAAAAAADCQ/tw0d7IZKlQE/s1600/IMG_0540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iORZF1mOg08/VP-k3YL5HfI/AAAAAAAADCQ/tw0d7IZKlQE/s1600/IMG_0540.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGrgDHytSCY/VP-k3l4HOuI/AAAAAAAADCM/Ez6_p_dsbwQ/s1600/IMG_0541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGrgDHytSCY/VP-k3l4HOuI/AAAAAAAADCM/Ez6_p_dsbwQ/s1600/IMG_0541.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking his picture of the flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r-f0MdZVQY/VP-k4wDIlFI/AAAAAAAADCc/eLJwkgM4Kic/s1600/IMG_0552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--r-f0MdZVQY/VP-k4wDIlFI/AAAAAAAADCc/eLJwkgM4Kic/s1600/IMG_0552.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow the yellow brick road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx2HoQqehec/VP-k5vdiWhI/AAAAAAAADCg/DsV79ym5TcQ/s1600/IMG_0556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lx2HoQqehec/VP-k5vdiWhI/AAAAAAAADCg/DsV79ym5TcQ/s1600/IMG_0556.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am pretty sure there are picture of me in the exact same pose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXQSZWntWUU/VP-k58LWRzI/AAAAAAAADCk/zIbU9CLV3I0/s1600/IMG_0557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXQSZWntWUU/VP-k58LWRzI/AAAAAAAADCk/zIbU9CLV3I0/s1600/IMG_0557.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking pictures of flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ao5LfJghMk/VP-k6YxC_uI/AAAAAAAADCw/VDByuE1r-Y4/s1600/IMG_0560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Ao5LfJghMk/VP-k6YxC_uI/AAAAAAAADCw/VDByuE1r-Y4/s1600/IMG_0560.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvmypXpmj9k/VP-k6-zFnVI/AAAAAAAADC0/rdEBOPKg1rE/s1600/IMG_0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvmypXpmj9k/VP-k6-zFnVI/AAAAAAAADC0/rdEBOPKg1rE/s1600/IMG_0564.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for a geocache.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHwToqBG4XE/VP-k7DNaxBI/AAAAAAAADC4/nFHsXR6XKBk/s1600/IMG_0568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jHwToqBG4XE/VP-k7DNaxBI/AAAAAAAADC4/nFHsXR6XKBk/s1600/IMG_0568.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break. Of course we have to look at our pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L55xUIbCOzE/VP-k75zftiI/AAAAAAAADC8/Q9yS4lhZ2es/s1600/IMG_0570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L55xUIbCOzE/VP-k75zftiI/AAAAAAAADC8/Q9yS4lhZ2es/s1600/IMG_0570.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uin2Vsq_ZTY/VP-k8D3ocLI/AAAAAAAADDg/Q6Rlh90NC5w/s1600/IMG_0580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uin2Vsq_ZTY/VP-k8D3ocLI/AAAAAAAADDg/Q6Rlh90NC5w/s1600/IMG_0580.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another geocache!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QqKlDf9Qow/VP-k8ksP5tI/AAAAAAAADDI/w7w5F3tLtvY/s1600/IMG_0582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8QqKlDf9Qow/VP-k8ksP5tI/AAAAAAAADDI/w7w5F3tLtvY/s1600/IMG_0582.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California poppies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaAxsPAma4Y/VP-k85ehZGI/AAAAAAAADDQ/pTEYSXU64gE/s1600/IMG_0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LaAxsPAma4Y/VP-k85ehZGI/AAAAAAAADDQ/pTEYSXU64gE/s1600/IMG_0585.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boys in the poppies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQI1evXwNxo/VP-k95gerZI/AAAAAAAADDY/rGFEBguDwsE/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WQI1evXwNxo/VP-k95gerZI/AAAAAAAADDY/rGFEBguDwsE/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A boy and his dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg-9bvPdaEY/VP-k-QaNgkI/AAAAAAAADDo/kg3qvF05BrU/s1600/IMG_0592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tg-9bvPdaEY/VP-k-QaNgkI/AAAAAAAADDo/kg3qvF05BrU/s1600/IMG_0592.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found a trail marker. We are not lost!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHbCiREZa1Q/VP-k-xxmpxI/AAAAAAAADDw/EVNxNQJ-Pp0/s1600/IMG_0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHbCiREZa1Q/VP-k-xxmpxI/AAAAAAAADDw/EVNxNQJ-Pp0/s1600/IMG_0598.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek crossing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mElyd_zxXWA/VP-k_fzrNwI/AAAAAAAADD8/BWvqf745Ahs/s1600/IMG_0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mElyd_zxXWA/VP-k_fzrNwI/AAAAAAAADD8/BWvqf745Ahs/s1600/IMG_0612.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mule ears</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xU8iFgMY07U/VP-k_-lzMhI/AAAAAAAADD4/Jv5egA6p8ls/s1600/IMG_0614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xU8iFgMY07U/VP-k_-lzMhI/AAAAAAAADD4/Jv5egA6p8ls/s1600/IMG_0614.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a picture of the poppies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1aOoYJsEhI/VP-lASFFSJI/AAAAAAAADEA/4ZZGTNqrsoM/s1600/IMG_0615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1aOoYJsEhI/VP-lASFFSJI/AAAAAAAADEA/4ZZGTNqrsoM/s1600/IMG_0615.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtbZVPGSPQY/VP-lBD5GUkI/AAAAAAAADEI/_gvxkZalNHk/s1600/IMG_0620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtbZVPGSPQY/VP-lBD5GUkI/AAAAAAAADEI/_gvxkZalNHk/s1600/IMG_0620.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI2md3UaPuQ/VP-lBVPun1I/AAAAAAAADEM/4DCzm62HHag/s1600/IMG_0625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI2md3UaPuQ/VP-lBVPun1I/AAAAAAAADEM/4DCzm62HHag/s1600/IMG_0625.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost back to the car</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFFvxxkKNIM/VP-lBqfCqPI/AAAAAAAADEU/_JUdEeckGfY/s1600/IMG_0628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFFvxxkKNIM/VP-lBqfCqPI/AAAAAAAADEU/_JUdEeckGfY/s1600/IMG_0628.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we were gone, Polly made a nest in my bed and took a nice long nap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To see the pictures that Nick took, <a href="http://ngelfand.smugmug.com/Children/Nicks-pictures-from-Calero/">click here.</a> Warning, most of them are of dirt.</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-80894460867744351762015-02-24T16:45:00.001-08:002015-02-24T16:45:31.431-08:00Joe Grant Ride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nick and I tested out the bike+weehoo trailer setup on some dirt roads. Much fun was had by all (well, expect maybe for me on a couple of steep pedaling stretches when the kid decided not to help from the back).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp12g6aKQy8/VO0Ydep2dYI/AAAAAAAAC_k/5rdbosm2B_k/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp12g6aKQy8/VO0Ydep2dYI/AAAAAAAAC_k/5rdbosm2B_k/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hills. Sound. Music. You know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QeWtPIgs0NU/VO0Y6zzXMdI/AAAAAAAAC_s/HljxXxvkHv8/s1600/IMG_0449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QeWtPIgs0NU/VO0Y6zzXMdI/AAAAAAAAC_s/HljxXxvkHv8/s1600/IMG_0449.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fueling up before the ride.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnTf8475KAE/VO0ZRpDK-GI/AAAAAAAAC_0/aSbh1vwA1JY/s1600/IMG_0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnTf8475KAE/VO0ZRpDK-GI/AAAAAAAAC_0/aSbh1vwA1JY/s1600/IMG_0450.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempt at a selfie cut off the kid's head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYYddGX96Gs/VO0ZWb3aWLI/AAAAAAAAC_8/JmGwrwc47Ag/s1600/IMG_0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYYddGX96Gs/VO0ZWb3aWLI/AAAAAAAAC_8/JmGwrwc47Ag/s1600/IMG_0451.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the kid </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-VZER0dlI4/VO0Zbog2crI/AAAAAAAADAE/Hg0HFLZ-ttc/s1600/IMG_0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-VZER0dlI4/VO0Zbog2crI/AAAAAAAADAE/Hg0HFLZ-ttc/s1600/IMG_0454.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop to find a geocache</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhJ2SkjM4Nc/VO0ZfcgE24I/AAAAAAAADAM/4jopgTch3CI/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhJ2SkjM4Nc/VO0ZfcgE24I/AAAAAAAADAM/4jopgTch3CI/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somebody doesn't believe me that he has to get off and walk up. The hill ahead<br />was too steep for me to pedal all the way up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TAbHvmPFfzs/VO0ZjxJPl5I/AAAAAAAADAU/gdnh2zmwBTE/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TAbHvmPFfzs/VO0ZjxJPl5I/AAAAAAAADAU/gdnh2zmwBTE/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby's first hike-a-bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_OFVKkOyK2U/VO0Zn2EqlEI/AAAAAAAADAc/1YC_9p5etLE/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_OFVKkOyK2U/VO0Zn2EqlEI/AAAAAAAADAc/1YC_9p5etLE/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somebody is not amused by having to walk (I offered him<br />to push the bike too, but that was rejected)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNjkzaf0SM8/VO0Zs6evZ4I/AAAAAAAADAk/aYRxxQrAN4s/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNjkzaf0SM8/VO0Zs6evZ4I/AAAAAAAADAk/aYRxxQrAN4s/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And at the top of the hill we saw ... some cows. See all those dots in the distance.<br />They are cows. Running towards us. For no reason. Maybe they were mad.<br />We decided not to find out, turned around and went back down the hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2EDTYvSR1iI/VO0ZzpcMrJI/AAAAAAAADAs/Wrhf32cXZGE/s1600/IMG_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2EDTYvSR1iI/VO0ZzpcMrJI/AAAAAAAADAs/Wrhf32cXZGE/s1600/IMG_0459.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture to see what it looks like behind me. Someone is slightly dazed from<br />the fast decent. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4ejxMkqiXQ/VO0Z4Fqm-6I/AAAAAAAADA8/D5ls8dald3U/s1600/IMG_0460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e4ejxMkqiXQ/VO0Z4Fqm-6I/AAAAAAAADA8/D5ls8dald3U/s1600/IMG_0460.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moutain biking is exhausting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-18700870372203199822015-02-24T10:03:00.002-08:002015-02-24T10:03:45.130-08:00Reading riting rithmetic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just to prove that it's not all hockey all the time here...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGGqQqzchVc/VOy8E9h959I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/y4NztsdDzIc/s1600/IMG_0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGGqQqzchVc/VOy8E9h959I/AAAAAAAAC_Q/y4NztsdDzIc/s1600/IMG_0447.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Although, as he was tracing out the f's, I heard <i>"F is for the forward, who likes to skate quite fast, he likes to pass and shoot and score a goal at last" </i>(from "Z for Zamboni" book). So never mind, it is all hockey all the time here.</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-84128238481864198682015-02-16T09:36:00.002-08:002015-02-16T09:36:37.773-08:00I am not the crazy chicken lady<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I didn't just go out to the park at the crack of dawn to collect dandelion greens for the girls' breakfast.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXEstMqa4Vk/VOIp5vI0ELI/AAAAAAAAC-E/BFPC9RtG0JQ/s1600/IMG_0428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXEstMqa4Vk/VOIp5vI0ELI/AAAAAAAAC-E/BFPC9RtG0JQ/s1600/IMG_0428.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But they were so happy! Plus feeding greens makes the eggs taste better.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8zPGBocfa8/VOIqSDrIiLI/AAAAAAAAC-M/J4vodBJqyxo/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8zPGBocfa8/VOIqSDrIiLI/AAAAAAAAC-M/J4vodBJqyxo/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is great. Maybe some more clover next time though, please.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I've also been known to feed them chocolate cupcakes...</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_gBchyz_S8/VOIqgXyIAcI/AAAAAAAAC-U/M7mMcKhIBYY/s1600/IMG_0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_gBchyz_S8/VOIqgXyIAcI/AAAAAAAAC-U/M7mMcKhIBYY/s1600/IMG_0391.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that how you get chocolate eggs?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Not a crazy chicken lady, not at all.</div>
</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-57048835697903521972015-02-15T11:45:00.002-08:002015-02-15T11:49:56.356-08:00Gear creep, the OMG edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Remember <a href="http://squeakolas.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-gear-creep-has-begun.html">this post</a>? And how I thought that was a lot of gear.<br />
<br />
Hahahaha.<br />
<br />
The Sharks Foundation is sponsoring a "learn to play" program this year. 4 weeks of hockey lessons and all the gear<i> </i>for kids who've never ice played hockey before. So today, we went back to the Hockey Giant store to pick up our stuff.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkD76o1Jry8/VOD1mWte_OI/AAAAAAAAC9A/XdGabzINXRs/s1600/IMG_0409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkD76o1Jry8/VOD1mWte_OI/AAAAAAAAC9A/XdGabzINXRs/s1600/IMG_0409.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to start. They had coffee and donuts for the parents too<br />
while the kids were getting fitted. I love them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJpKIZ43gbY/VOD11I4c0DI/AAAAAAAAC9I/-2G16-Upm-o/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJpKIZ43gbY/VOD11I4c0DI/AAAAAAAAC9I/-2G16-Upm-o/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gear bag pickup. The bag is large enough to fit<br />
the whole child.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWyTcJxpbmg/VOD2Gjng9SI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/g4FdnHWvRM0/s1600/IMG_0413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWyTcJxpbmg/VOD2Gjng9SI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/g4FdnHWvRM0/s1600/IMG_0413.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitting elbow pads. He also got shin guards and<br />
shoulder pads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vgDOYTqLaY/VOD2apY23JI/AAAAAAAAC9c/LWNO6ZjpvTk/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vgDOYTqLaY/VOD2apY23JI/AAAAAAAAC9c/LWNO6ZjpvTk/s1600/IMG_0414.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing out the new stick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5XuRByqFo8/VOD2oxe176I/AAAAAAAAC9k/jld6GOMLlsM/s1600/IMG_0416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5XuRByqFo8/VOD2oxe176I/AAAAAAAAC9k/jld6GOMLlsM/s1600/IMG_0416.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All set. Gear, stick, and donut in hand. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At home, we practiced putting all that stuff on. It was complicated.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuu1nsbTK5E/VOD257_c62I/AAAAAAAAC9s/_veyZXCX8BA/s1600/IMG_0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuu1nsbTK5E/VOD257_c62I/AAAAAAAAC9s/_veyZXCX8BA/s1600/IMG_0419.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the pads. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpkOPEEYRWc/VOD3FIgZ4aI/AAAAAAAAC90/m5W3Xmg5Vwg/s1600/IMG_0420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpkOPEEYRWc/VOD3FIgZ4aI/AAAAAAAAC90/m5W3Xmg5Vwg/s1600/IMG_0420.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full outfit (minus the skates). Ready to play!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Can't wait for the hockey practice to start in a few weeks!</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-57112014868809639932015-02-12T08:45:00.001-08:002015-02-12T08:52:02.086-08:00Why we didn't go to the doctor yesterday.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Why we didn't go to the doctor yesterday. A short story.</b><br />
<br />
Backstory #1: There's a measles outbreak in California.<br />
<br />
Backstory #2: Nick has been sick with a cold, and has a lingering cough that sounds awful (but doesn't really bother him)<br />
<br />
8pm: The child complains about being itchy. After ignoring him several times, we finally take a look and discover that he's covered in a red rash with welts. It looks like hives, so he must have eaten something, or wandered into poison oak while hiking. He's scratching and miserable, so we decide to pack him into the car and take him to the doctor to see if they can give him something for the itch.<br />
<br />
8:25pm: We are in the car on El Camino, stuck in traffic (because Bay Area), and finally have a few minutes to think carefully about the situation. We suddenly think about the conversation that will happen at the doctor's office when we arrive.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Nurse: So, what seems to be the problem?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Parents: He has a rash all over.</i></span><br />
<i>Nurse: Have you been traveling?</i><br />
<i>Parents: Well, yes...</i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Nurse (suspiciously, backing away): Really? Has he had a fever?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Parents: Well, yes, a few days ago.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Child: Hack, cough, wheeze, hack, sneeze, snort, hack.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>*many people in white uniforms arrive, take us away into a clean room, and don't let us out for many hours as they test everyone for measles exposure*</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Parents: Please! Let us out! It's just an itchy kid!!!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQhAjkSPIfc/VNzYYmaJFII/AAAAAAAAC8o/0CTi4pNV3jc/s1600/shaved-monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQhAjkSPIfc/VNzYYmaJFII/AAAAAAAAC8o/0CTi4pNV3jc/s1600/shaved-monster.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_D6apCYPaQ/VNzYYgjV23I/AAAAAAAAC8k/8tyWWc2DBF4/s1600/contamination.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_D6apCYPaQ/VNzYYgjV23I/AAAAAAAAC8k/8tyWWc2DBF4/s1600/contamination.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
8:30pm: We decide that itchy hives was still better than being stuck in the hospital for hours while they rule our measles, turn around, go to Walgreens, get some anti-histamines (in case it's hives) and calamine lotion (in case it's poison oak) and return home.<br />
<br />
9pm: Apply calamine lotion all over itchy child. Child stops itching temporarily and goes to bed. Hives are mostly gone by morning.<br />
<br />
Obviously we guessed right. But I really would have felt better if a doctor looked him over first and then told me to put something on it and go to bed. But because there's a disease that should have been eliminated through vaccines running around California, I am terrified to go to the doctor with a rashy kid because they might not let us out again. Please, people, vaccinate your children, because I want to actually be able to go to the doctor again!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-63011735913864434372015-01-31T17:20:00.003-08:002015-01-31T17:20:54.101-08:00Skiing in Colorado<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello from lovely (and snowy!) Colorado:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Weh5oEB76YQ/VM1-FsaYEAI/AAAAAAAAC7k/BCLaPBQSdDQ/s1600/IMG_0332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Weh5oEB76YQ/VM1-FsaYEAI/AAAAAAAAC7k/BCLaPBQSdDQ/s1600/IMG_0332.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7U1jNPPh1sA/VM1-Fk_ykjI/AAAAAAAAC7g/g8nvwQqejLg/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7U1jNPPh1sA/VM1-Fk_ykjI/AAAAAAAAC7g/g8nvwQqejLg/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, Snowmass!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This year, we decided to let the professionals try to teach Nick to ski and put him into ski school.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_whlhIPswP4/VM1-E1RvgzI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/iSxRSZGldvs/s1600/IMG_0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_whlhIPswP4/VM1-E1RvgzI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/iSxRSZGldvs/s1600/IMG_0334.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent posture!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a few days, the child was returned to us being able to stop, turn, get on and off lifts, and comfortably ski green-level runs. It's magic!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9ZmS6KpEZo/VM1-GZ74IxI/AAAAAAAAC7w/q6tZ45-sZzY/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9ZmS6KpEZo/VM1-GZ74IxI/AAAAAAAAC7w/q6tZ45-sZzY/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go! (mouth open to catch snowflakes)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nick skiing. This is what professionals can do to your child in just a few short days!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iykduSyoa9s/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iykduSyoa9s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
And then there was this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXf9iK3Iud0/VM1-GqBvz8I/AAAAAAAAC70/rJmPThmbTiM/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXf9iK3Iud0/VM1-GqBvz8I/AAAAAAAAC70/rJmPThmbTiM/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soooo ... tired!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He's still sleeping. Wonder if I should wake him up...</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-43172543380306910192015-01-22T13:26:00.003-08:002015-01-22T13:28:42.552-08:00Registration day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is first day of registrations for the February classes at <a href="http://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/">Fenzi Dog Sports Academy</a> (if if you have a dog, like dogs, think about ever having a dog, etc, you should <a href="http://fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/schedule-and-syllabus">check out the schedule</a>).<br />
<br />
Registration day is a <i>very bad dog day.</i> All I do all day is stare at the computer. There are no dog activities. The dogs hate registration day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8JH3oYN8tc/VMFoOLrWdAI/AAAAAAAAC54/6-RhtP3hZ2I/s1600/IMG_0237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g8JH3oYN8tc/VMFoOLrWdAI/AAAAAAAAC54/6-RhtP3hZ2I/s1600/IMG_0237.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is boring. Computer room is boring. You are boring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYFT4a3GvEQ/VMFoeZZcX4I/AAAAAAAAC6A/BRUC5RBBnvo/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYFT4a3GvEQ/VMFoeZZcX4I/AAAAAAAAC6A/BRUC5RBBnvo/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside is also boring. But at least we can roast in the sun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTcRM9xGPZk/VMFpBEuoYiI/AAAAAAAAC6I/_t3QRdDg3TU/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTcRM9xGPZk/VMFpBEuoYiI/AAAAAAAAC6I/_t3QRdDg3TU/s1600/IMG_0239.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bored on the floor.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUaByAt1H5E/VMFpos8Z54I/AAAAAAAAC6Q/s83eoY25vlE/s1600/IMG_0240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FUaByAt1H5E/VMFpos8Z54I/AAAAAAAAC6Q/s83eoY25vlE/s1600/IMG_0240.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bored on the couch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOavWD0dMQc/VMFq2ZlhXQI/AAAAAAAAC6g/RU25R7fvCZY/s1600/IMG_0229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOavWD0dMQc/VMFq2ZlhXQI/AAAAAAAAC6g/RU25R7fvCZY/s1600/IMG_0229.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bored on her chair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1RnAEPL9Ns/VMFqXFn25WI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/h6cdcOzo8D0/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1RnAEPL9Ns/VMFqXFn25WI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/h6cdcOzo8D0/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can we go somewhere pleeeeease!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Soon dogs, soon. Once we get all the registrations going.<br />
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-90863571369998604102015-01-16T20:27:00.001-08:002015-01-16T20:27:17.144-08:00Life's a beach<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Polly's new agility class is on Friday mornings in Half Moon Bay. So of course, after class, we went to the beach.<br />
<br />
First this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntxZ8yrdWDg/VLnkZlJmzOI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/1UtBk7fM3Z8/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ntxZ8yrdWDg/VLnkZlJmzOI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/1UtBk7fM3Z8/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2qaiB-gWkI/VLnkgXngSNI/AAAAAAAAC5g/ZUyel9OQKu4/s1600/IMG_0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u2qaiB-gWkI/VLnkgXngSNI/AAAAAAAAC5g/ZUyel9OQKu4/s1600/IMG_0222.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-18282776292239686772015-01-15T13:18:00.001-08:002015-01-15T13:20:37.121-08:00Sunnyvale Baylands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Took THEM out for a hike/swim at the Sunnyvale Baylands, also knows as the "bay-ponds" (Nick) and Mt. Trashmore (it's the trail behind the water treatment and recycling plant).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZGlysvQFvk/VLgpyLQvajI/AAAAAAAAC3w/OV-WvxeYsx0/s1600/IMG_0194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZGlysvQFvk/VLgpyLQvajI/AAAAAAAAC3w/OV-WvxeYsx0/s1600/IMG_0194.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THEM! Polly wants her bumper, which is on the ground next to me.<br />
Kipling doesn't care. And yes, all three of them are very dirty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For comparison (and since today is Throw Back Thursday too), here's a picture from the same spot:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--yyjluMW_S8/VLgsKASGG1I/AAAAAAAAC38/8TdwjG3qsTA/s1600/2014-03-31%2B17.05.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--yyjluMW_S8/VLgsKASGG1I/AAAAAAAAC38/8TdwjG3qsTA/s1600/2014-03-31%2B17.05.53.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2014. Polly is stressed about the bumper.<br />
Kipling doesn't care.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Much fun was had by all.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QID9t-z6KDo/VLgs7QGFKII/AAAAAAAAC4U/40co1K1diD8/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QID9t-z6KDo/VLgs7QGFKII/AAAAAAAAC4U/40co1K1diD8/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6xctAryyfI/VLgs1776nZI/AAAAAAAAC4I/1imK72ez6nE/s1600/IMG_0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6xctAryyfI/VLgs1776nZI/AAAAAAAAC4I/1imK72ez6nE/s1600/IMG_0206.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlHNrOKHjp8/VLgtPJ5cAYI/AAAAAAAAC4c/XodT6Fgvk7k/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlHNrOKHjp8/VLgtPJ5cAYI/AAAAAAAAC4c/XodT6Fgvk7k/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polly will get it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XY4NruvCjkA/VLgtaDknRhI/AAAAAAAAC4k/xDcNsangYQI/s1600/IMG_0209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XY4NruvCjkA/VLgtaDknRhI/AAAAAAAAC4k/xDcNsangYQI/s1600/IMG_0209.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kipling prefers to wait on the bank and then chase her around and steal<br />
the bumper. He says that's more efficient.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZmbkNK8IJs/VLgtqDk3XHI/AAAAAAAAC4s/ObC2xkwC8Kw/s1600/IMG_0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZmbkNK8IJs/VLgtqDk3XHI/AAAAAAAAC4s/ObC2xkwC8Kw/s1600/IMG_0198.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Give! Me! It!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nick thought the dry mustard plants were fun to play with.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq5lUDYDtRY/VLgt70J-FSI/AAAAAAAAC40/l5ctmfYK2HM/s1600/IMG_0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq5lUDYDtRY/VLgt70J-FSI/AAAAAAAAC40/l5ctmfYK2HM/s1600/IMG_0192.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many sticks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNQ9gA7dvHI/VLguIWHUG7I/AAAAAAAAC48/Xnkq8LE4SwE/s1600/IMG_0207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNQ9gA7dvHI/VLguIWHUG7I/AAAAAAAAC48/Xnkq8LE4SwE/s1600/IMG_0207.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing for algae</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the way back, Kipling snacked on some fresh grass.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ0yUtaqL68/VLguWtBjOhI/AAAAAAAAC5E/pBppTI_TNrw/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJ0yUtaqL68/VLguWtBjOhI/AAAAAAAAC5E/pBppTI_TNrw/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moooo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most excellent outing for humans and dogs. Now they are all napping. Shhhhh!</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-63654322874433883092015-01-14T17:58:00.002-08:002015-01-14T17:59:54.518-08:00Gear creep in action<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nick tested out his new hockey gear today<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCukyNjActI/VLceYn--B9I/AAAAAAAAC3Q/sYfwrxb9T5k/s1600/IMG_0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCukyNjActI/VLceYn--B9I/AAAAAAAAC3Q/sYfwrxb9T5k/s1600/IMG_0181.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very small child. Very large backpack. Compared to the amount<br />
of stuff the kids who play goalie have to carry, this is nothing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Sb2SuEwJpw/VLcecteq8NI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/QLV1vJediCg/s1600/IMG_0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Sb2SuEwJpw/VLcecteq8NI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/QLV1vJediCg/s1600/IMG_0182.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go team Canada!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uZwXeih-Ws/VLcegOpSA3I/AAAAAAAAC3g/-CxEOzs3Who/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uZwXeih-Ws/VLcegOpSA3I/AAAAAAAAC3g/-CxEOzs3Who/s1600/IMG_0186.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at their cute little hockey short "tails" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-29078801676786798032015-01-08T15:17:00.002-08:002015-01-08T17:09:16.538-08:00The gear creep has begun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First there was the skates. Then the helmet. Then we were good for about a year, wearing ski pants and ski gloves for skate practice. But then it turned out that ski pants are too restrictive and prevent him from doing a cross-over, and ski gloves do not have enough protection around the fingers, which resulted in a very close de-fingering call.<br />
<br />
So we went shopping.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmzK8sAKeJM/VK8PWo2k-BI/AAAAAAAAC2o/hy3WKwpX-9U/s1600/IMG_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmzK8sAKeJM/VK8PWo2k-BI/AAAAAAAAC2o/hy3WKwpX-9U/s1600/IMG_0086.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much hockey stuff!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And then it turned out that he actually prefers to play left-handed, so the right handed hand-me-down stick had to be replaced.<br />
<br />
Well and we got a new puck too, just because it was orange and that was cool.<br />
<br />
So now we have new stuff!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csENidgW7fc/VK8PnVXX4pI/AAAAAAAAC2w/8M_q6o7GUTE/s1600/IMG_0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-csENidgW7fc/VK8PnVXX4pI/AAAAAAAAC2w/8M_q6o7GUTE/s1600/IMG_0094.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off his new gear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k29U94P5nWQ/VK8Poakqh_I/AAAAAAAAC24/Tmh_lHCCQGg/s1600/IMG_0122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k29U94P5nWQ/VK8Poakqh_I/AAAAAAAAC24/Tmh_lHCCQGg/s1600/IMG_0122.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I think I should go shop for a bigger gear bag now.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-22734146855054387332015-01-01T15:19:00.002-08:002015-01-01T20:10:42.829-08:00New mushrooms for the new year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Went out to Soquel Demo Forest today and came back with plenty of black trumpets and a handful of candy caps. Good way to start the new year!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgwQ8lC6xE8/VKXVl_cN2vI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/WITKuIbeAFM/s1600/IMG_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgwQ8lC6xE8/VKXVl_cN2vI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/WITKuIbeAFM/s1600/IMG_0043.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The candy caps are going into the dehydrator. They have amazing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
maple syrup flavor when dried, and are usually used in desserts.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gf3KnjGzClY/VKXVrUpsBzI/AAAAAAAAC1g/OV1zL5B1ogQ/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gf3KnjGzClY/VKXVrUpsBzI/AAAAAAAAC1g/OV1zL5B1ogQ/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black trumpets! These will be my dinner tonight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happy mushroomy new year!<br />
<br />
(Update 2 hours later)<br />
<br />
I decided to make a wild mushroom pizza with my black trumpets <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Wild-Mushroom-Pizza-with-Caramelized-Onions-Fontina-and-Rosemary-230633">using this recipe</a> (one modification was also adding gorgonzola cheese). It came out amazing. The black trumpets have a great flavor, even better than regular chanterelles.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QXbZ-sbwx4/VKYYfq9rIxI/AAAAAAAAC1w/p0A5jhOavfE/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3QXbZ-sbwx4/VKYYfq9rIxI/AAAAAAAAC1w/p0A5jhOavfE/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaned, sliced, and washed. The fresh trumpets smell very<br />
mushroomy. They apparently have the best flavor when dried,<br />
but I couldn't wait that long.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwSK5LelHWY/VKYYhS8zazI/AAAAAAAAC14/M0ESP_ExNpM/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwSK5LelHWY/VKYYhS8zazI/AAAAAAAAC14/M0ESP_ExNpM/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The onions are caramelizing and the mushrooms are sautéing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9ZuCJU2NI0/VKYYjW7cPJI/AAAAAAAAC2A/_z-fB7lFEew/s1600/IMG_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9ZuCJU2NI0/VKYYjW7cPJI/AAAAAAAAC2A/_z-fB7lFEew/s1600/IMG_0048.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pizza dough is relaxing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yH6mPdLdWuE/VKYYlaKQ8CI/AAAAAAAAC2I/wnrqXsSbe5s/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yH6mPdLdWuE/VKYYlaKQ8CI/AAAAAAAAC2I/wnrqXsSbe5s/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick made himself a cheese pizza. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAzMfmcB0bo/VKYYnfgqrHI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/8t1ptm-ClaY/s1600/IMG_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAzMfmcB0bo/VKYYnfgqrHI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/8t1ptm-ClaY/s1600/IMG_0050.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wild mushrooms pizza. It was delicious. Well worth spending three<br />
hours crawling up and down steep redwood-covered slopes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-78165835017066353462014-12-17T19:47:00.001-08:002014-12-17T19:47:22.004-08:00Behold my evil gingerbread army<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The reason they all have evil red eyes is because that's the only kind of decoration I had.<br />
<br />
Zombie gingerbread. Want to eat your brainz....<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RzHF_pIPjAo/VJJOJVuoZqI/AAAAAAAAC0A/h5iGHi_WxaI/s1600/IMG_5808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RzHF_pIPjAo/VJJOJVuoZqI/AAAAAAAAC0A/h5iGHi_WxaI/s1600/IMG_5808.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evil gingerbread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And here are some very good dogs waiting to eat their gingerbread dog cookies.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6eegmeCfCQ/VJJN7PUjHHI/AAAAAAAACz4/KWQBCgide6w/s1600/IMG_5804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m6eegmeCfCQ/VJJN7PUjHHI/AAAAAAAACz4/KWQBCgide6w/s1600/IMG_5804.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a labrador eat terrier world out there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-30358322909809465292014-12-15T19:59:00.000-08:002014-12-15T19:59:33.478-08:00Honey mushroom-mageddon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I was driving home from Nick's preschool today, I noticed that one of our neighbor's huge elm trees had died and was being cut down.<br />
<br />
"Huh," I thought, "A dead tree. I wonder of oak root fungus got it."<br />
<br />
Then I looked into her front yard, and saw this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvWoTdfkI8M/VI-e6IIr5qI/AAAAAAAACyE/ZzrEJx8yfDM/s1600/IMG_5779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvWoTdfkI8M/VI-e6IIr5qI/AAAAAAAACyE/ZzrEJx8yfDM/s1600/IMG_5779.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh hai. We is honey mushrooms. We is in your yard killing your trees.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yeah, I'd say oak root fungus got it. In fact, it's probably the same organism that's been killing my trees (we live three houses down and across the street). <i>Armillaria mellea </i>can get really large. There's one <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=120049">covering 2200 acres</a> somewhere in Oregon.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I narrowly avoided a car accident as I was staring at the mushrooms, dug out my phone, and called my neighbor.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Hi Julie, I was driving by your house and you have all these mushrooms in your yard."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Yes, it's the *&#^% oak root fungus, it's been killing my trees."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"I know, I'm sorry about that, I've lost some trees too. Can I have your mushrooms?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Ummm... Yeah.... Why?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"I am going to eat them. They are very tasty. Hello? Julie? Are you there?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
.... silence on the line ....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Telling an American that you are planning to pick and eat wild mushrooms is akin to saying that you've decided that today is a good day to poison yourself. As much as I love this country, one thing they do not do here is eat wild mushrooms. Which is a continuous source of confusion to the many Russian, Polish, Italian, and other immigrants, who just don't understand <i>why not?</i> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I patiently explained to my neighbor that oak root fungus produces a fruiting body called "honey mushroom", which is delicious sautéed or preserved in salt brine. I explained that honey mushrooms are a relative of shiitake, the harmless fungi you buy at the grocery store. I invited her for an evening of drinking and eating salted honey mushrooms (a classic Russian past-time). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the end, I convinced her enough that she let me have the mushrooms. I did not convince her to come for dinner at my house though. I think she's waiting to see if I am still around in the morning.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Good enough.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Armed with a knife and several large containers, I trekked over to the house. The mushrooms looked even more awesome close up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCHFwaVqpNA/VI-nzkXhcKI/AAAAAAAACyU/BE14ZYv1QXM/s1600/IMG_5780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCHFwaVqpNA/VI-nzkXhcKI/AAAAAAAACyU/BE14ZYv1QXM/s1600/IMG_5780.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey mushrooms growing along a tree root, probably the one from the tree<br />
in the background. That tree is still alive, but things are not looking good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Some were over-ripe, but I still ended up with an enormous amount.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0n1NoEKko0/VI-oU5cug1I/AAAAAAAACyc/jup0ZttP6sQ/s1600/IMG_5782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l0n1NoEKko0/VI-oU5cug1I/AAAAAAAACyc/jup0ZttP6sQ/s1600/IMG_5782.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The haul.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I haven't had my hands on so many honey mushrooms since we left Russia when I was a teenager. I vaguely remembered horror stories of "we picked all these mushrooms and <i>then we had to clean them"</i>. Ah. Yes. That. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thankfully, a friend came over just as I was about to start cleaning, and I pressed her into service. I kept her here for over an hour, until all the mushrooms were done. I don't think she's coming by ever again. At least not during mushroom season.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U03AHaVYxKo/VI-qNcwTPhI/AAAAAAAACyo/MAmgshUYD5E/s1600/IMG_5783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U03AHaVYxKo/VI-qNcwTPhI/AAAAAAAACyo/MAmgshUYD5E/s1600/IMG_5783.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mushrooms cleaning. Perfect social activity.<br />
Better than Facebook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The cleaned mushrooms took over every large container I had at the house. That's another childhood memory: looking for pots and bowls to hold honey mushrooms because everything is overflowing.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4uf4zVSg8U/VI-qld7iqkI/AAAAAAAACyw/NNAbfxCflvQ/s1600/IMG_5784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4uf4zVSg8U/VI-qld7iqkI/AAAAAAAACyw/NNAbfxCflvQ/s1600/IMG_5784.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for processing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Some of the largest caps I put in the dehydrator. I made another liter of salted mushrooms. Even though I already have about four liters in the fridge, I just couldn't stop myself. There will be lots of vodka drinking soon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng3gqpsoMEw/VI-tJerjgsI/AAAAAAAACzY/-gg04mmYWM0/s1600/IMG_5793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng3gqpsoMEw/VI-tJerjgsI/AAAAAAAACzY/-gg04mmYWM0/s1600/IMG_5793.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The rest I boiled, put in plastic bags, and froze. They will be good in soups, sauces, and just plain defrosted and sautéed later.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFF1JE9hj00/VI-rtIS0-FI/AAAAAAAACy8/4FI4gvQV8ZM/s1600/IMG_5789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vFF1JE9hj00/VI-rtIS0-FI/AAAAAAAACy8/4FI4gvQV8ZM/s1600/IMG_5789.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And of course, we saved some for dinner. I tried a new recipe tonight. Cooked with garlic, white wine, and some balsamic vinegar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-Ou1Jnjd6s/VI-sGowoztI/AAAAAAAACzE/s-KW_3QO-Xg/s1600/IMG_5790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-Ou1Jnjd6s/VI-sGowoztI/AAAAAAAACzE/s-KW_3QO-Xg/s1600/IMG_5790.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Delicious!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYskP5U4WCA/VI-sNC8efII/AAAAAAAACzM/nQVT2rTtMh0/s1600/IMG_5792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WYskP5U4WCA/VI-sNC8efII/AAAAAAAACzM/nQVT2rTtMh0/s1600/IMG_5792.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mushroom consumer is happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We now have enough mushrooms stored up to last us for months. And yet, I cannot stop myself from scanning the ground in my neighborhood looking for more. It's an addiction, I tell you!<br />
<br />
And if you want to come over and drink vodka and eat salted mushrooms, come by in about a week, when the salted ones are ready. We'll be waiting.</div>
</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-23418363345467610922014-12-10T15:56:00.002-08:002014-12-10T15:56:28.820-08:00Best mushroom poetry yet.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A talented friend created a poem to go with the bitter mushroom story.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
"Le Beau Champignon Sans Merci"</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
Oh what can ail thee, wanderer,<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />Alone on misty forest-heath?<br />The leaves are fallen in the cold,<br />A darkling wreath.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
Oh what can ail thee, wanderer,<br />What mourning does your soul embrace?<br />Your ally looks to you in woe,<br />A piteous face.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
I found a mushroom in the wood,<br />Full beautiful, of palest gold,<br />A netted stalk, a velvet cup --<br />My Grail of old.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
Yet bitterness is brought to me,<br />Though promising a world of good;<br />Cruelty only shall it be,<br />In this new wood.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
And this is why I wander here,<br />Alone on misty forest-heath,<br />Though leaves are fallen in the cold,<br />Treachery beneath.</div>
</div>
</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-59404179162601663412014-12-05T19:13:00.001-08:002014-12-05T19:24:45.518-08:00I quit. No, really, I quit.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
California has many different mushrooms. In particular, it has many different <i>bolete </i>mushrooms. <i>Boletous edulis, </i>the King Bolete, or Porcini, being one of the most famous and sought after. I am still to find one of these. However, I believe I have found pretty much every possible version of bitter bolete species, including a ridiculously rare, not even named one.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some back story first.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In Russia, where I grew up and learned to identify mushrooms, things were easy. All boletes were good. If it had a sponge on the bottom, it was edible and good. If it was big and had a sponge on the bottom, it was very good. Boletes were some of the first mushrooms you learned to identify because it was easy: sponge=good. There were rumors of such things as a <i>B. satanis, </i>or Satan's Bolete, but we never saw one around Moscow, and in fact it was treated as something from a horror movie: a bolete that <i>wasn't good!!!</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we moved to the US. In addition to many other traumatic events (new country, new language, new school, new food, new everything) I also had to learn that there is such a thing as a bitter bolete mushroom. I remember my first or second fall here, bringing home a bunch of mushrooms that looked very much like something from back home. My mother lovingly made soup, which was a beautiful clear color -- the measure of any bolete is whether the broth made from it is clear or dark colored; the porcini makes a clear broth, and other, lesser boletes, produce cloudy and dark soup. We proudly served it for dinner, with sour cream and herbs, tasted the first spoonfull and gagged.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was unbearably bitter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We threw the whole thing out. A whole pot of beautiful mushroom soup, brimming with nostalgia.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Seriously? A bolete that you cannot eat? How screwed up is this place anyway?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This experience scared me into not picking anything with a sponge on the bottom ever again. Yes, I probably can tell apart a porcini (although I don't know, maybe this place has bitter porcinis too!), but since I still haven't found a porcini, I've stayed away from the whole <i>bolete </i>family. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until today.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While walking the dog in one of the preserves in the Santa Cruz mountains, we stumbled on a big, fat, firm mushroom, with a brown cap, wide bulbous stalk and faintly yellow pores. I had the list of edible local boletes burned into the back of my eyeballs at this point: king bolete, queen bolete, white bolete, and butter bolete. They are distinctive. The first three do not stain blue, and the last one barely stains. They have a distinctive shape and unique coloring. You. Cannot. Confuse. Them. With. Anything.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The thing I found looked like this:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nJLmtv1GHo/VIJwOcJ61_I/AAAAAAAACxg/LqbH2AH9obg/s1600/IMG_5687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6nJLmtv1GHo/VIJwOcJ61_I/AAAAAAAACxg/LqbH2AH9obg/s1600/IMG_5687.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a butter bolete. It has to be!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Butter bolete. It has to be. The description reads (I have it memorized, remember): </div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>cap yellow brown -- check</li>
<li>surface of cup bald, not sticky or slimy -- check, had the pleasant velvety texture of the "good boletes"</li>
<li>underside with a sponge layer, pore surface yellow but bruising blue -- check</li>
<li>stalk thick, upper part might be finely netted -- check, very fine netting, but it was there</li>
<li>flesh thick and dense, pale yellow except at base of stalk, blueing erratically -- yup</li>
<li>flesh at base of stalk tan -- totally</li>
</ol>
<div>
I got one! I got an edible bolete, and a good one at that! </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I proudly brought it home. I sautéed it in butter. It looked and smelled amazing. I tasted it. You know what happens next, right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was unbearably bitter. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You're kidding, right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I took out my books. The first one had a picture of my mushroom and said <i>B. appendiculatus, </i>butter bolete. The second one too. As did the third one. Finally, I went and got out The Tome. You know things are bad when you start consulting The Tome, or <i>Mushrooms Demystified </i>by David Arora, 1000 pages of dense mushrooms classification.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I read the butter bolete description. Yup. Still fits. Then, on the next page, there it was: <i>Boletus "marshii" </i>also known as "Shucks Bolete", a rare, unclassified and unnamed mushroom.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A what now?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"This bolete appears to be unnamed ... in the vicinity os Santa Cruz, CA ... Distinguished from <i>B. appendiculatus </i>(butter bolete) by a paler cap". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I found some as-of-yet not even named and classified mushroom, that only grows around Santa Cruz, and is only described in one of my mushrooms books. And of course, it's bitter. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I quit. Seriously. I am done. I am going to get my boletes at the farmer's market. Hopefully I won't get the bitter ones from there. Although given my luck, I don't know...</div>
</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-84214769014313998802014-12-05T09:22:00.001-08:002014-12-05T09:25:26.194-08:00Honeys!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The honey mushrooms are up into back yard again! Getting the vodka ready!<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qXhKlt-1Fn4/VIHp46dPEkI/AAAAAAAACxI/EyDLJ759FSA/s640/blogger-image-1391392442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qXhKlt-1Fn4/VIHp46dPEkI/AAAAAAAACxI/EyDLJ759FSA/s400/blogger-image-1391392442.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's haul (good thing I looked behind the planters, these are almost<br />too old!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7_JlKISE5w4/VIHp7njWZJI/AAAAAAAACxQ/8Zpprti5JMM/s640/blogger-image--1747091925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7_JlKISE5w4/VIHp7njWZJI/AAAAAAAACxQ/8Zpprti5JMM/s400/blogger-image--1747091925.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More coming up in the front yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For a long and sordid story of what honey mushrooms are, what they do, and what I do to them, <a href="http://accidentalalchemist.com/blog/category/mushrooms/">take a look here.</a></div>
</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-74210719689889399702014-11-29T17:48:00.002-08:002014-11-29T17:48:55.960-08:00Mushroom hunting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's raining in Northern California! I am not exaggerating much when I say that we haven't seen real good rain storms for close to two years. Last year we had a horrible drought, where it only rained a couple of times in the winter, and it was pretty wimpy rain when it did. As a result last year's mushroom season wasn't. We didn't even get green grass until March, let alone any mushrooms.<br />
<br />
This year so far, we've had a couple of nice soakings, so it was time to go out and look. Today was a lovely fall day for a walk in the woods... Wait. No. Actually it was cold, foggy, and a little more than spooky.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRK6_XpupFs/VHptQelsgTI/AAAAAAAACvM/QC4pxqHGhBg/s1600/IMG_5624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRK6_XpupFs/VHptQelsgTI/AAAAAAAACvM/QC4pxqHGhBg/s1600/IMG_5624.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Welcome to Middle Earth, I am Treebeard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy9bhhyC0Wk/VHpupn70W7I/AAAAAAAACvg/GtpFr1wa34g/s1600/IMG_5639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iy9bhhyC0Wk/VHpupn70W7I/AAAAAAAACvg/GtpFr1wa34g/s1600/IMG_5639.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will trip you with my giant roots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLauxKxLL-8/VHptq3NPbxI/AAAAAAAACvU/sgopn9Oo2m8/s1600/IMG_5628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fLauxKxLL-8/VHptq3NPbxI/AAAAAAAACvU/sgopn9Oo2m8/s1600/IMG_5628.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And my minions will feast on your flesh. (When you are alone in a foggy forest, <br />
you can totally imagine the cute little mule deer are after you).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DfdZ4w1HLc/VHpnhB4gULI/AAAAAAAACu8/nMygIVgJEd0/s1600/IMG_5626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DfdZ4w1HLc/VHpnhB4gULI/AAAAAAAACu8/nMygIVgJEd0/s1600/IMG_5626.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I am not afraid! I am armed with my fancy Swedish mushroom knife. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to the various books, blogs, and local members the MushroomTalk mailing list, the chanterelles should be everywhere, and finding them is just a matter of locating the nearest Coast Live Oak, since they like to grow under them. Since mushrooms are small, and Coast Live Oaks are big, one should looks for the oaks first, and then look for mushrooms nearby.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JjQE4X6Rsk/VHpm78UQ1HI/AAAAAAAACu0/iq8Yj1eWhm4/s1600/IMG_5621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JjQE4X6Rsk/VHpm78UQ1HI/AAAAAAAACu0/iq8Yj1eWhm4/s1600/IMG_5621.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at this lovely oak grove. There should be chanterelles everywhere!<br />
Pounds of them! Right???? Why aren't they here?</td></tr>
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<br />
And that is, in fact, true. Every chanterelle that I have found has been in a close proximity of an oak. Unfortunately the reverse in not true, there are many many oak trees in the Santa Cruz mountains with no chanterelles. On my walk I encountered many lovely oak groves with should be teeming with chanterelles. They were teeming alright, but not with chanterelles. With these obnoxious little brown things.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjLlDQFLEVA/VHpvoq8DNaI/AAAAAAAACvs/NKvFLXZrHS0/s1600/IMG_5633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UjLlDQFLEVA/VHpvoq8DNaI/AAAAAAAACvs/NKvFLXZrHS0/s1600/IMG_5633.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know what this is. It's some stupid little brown mushroom. It's everywhere<br />
and it is giving me false hope.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The process of foraging chanterelles in Northern California is roughly as follows. You walk along peering intently at the ground for a speck of yellow. After a few minutes you get dizzy and get a headache.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nd6mZMx7Kd4/VHpxETG4i6I/AAAAAAAACv4/TzEDzt0g7nk/s1600/IMG_5635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nd6mZMx7Kd4/VHpxETG4i6I/AAAAAAAACv4/TzEDzt0g7nk/s1600/IMG_5635.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see the mushroom? Right. Nether do I. Because it's not there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You see a flash of yellow, and your heart skips. You bend down, only to discover that it was a leaf. You stare at the ground some more. Another flash of yellow, another ray of hope, another leaf. Another flash of yellow... well, at least my quads are getting good exercise.<br />
<br />
Once in a while, if you locate the correct live oak tree, and stare at the correct patch of ground under it, you see this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vMCyn33STc/VHpx9SciX0I/AAAAAAAACwE/l0GbXb3_gx8/s1600/IMG_5616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vMCyn33STc/VHpx9SciX0I/AAAAAAAACwE/l0GbXb3_gx8/s1600/IMG_5616.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of these yellow spots is not a leaf. Can you<br />
tell which one? Ow, my eyes are bleeding.</td></tr>
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Even more exciting is the hunt for the "subterranean" chanterelles. In places where the leaf litter is very deep, the mushrooms don't often poke through at all. They just create a raised bump, affectionately known as a "shrump". If you thought "is it a leaf" game is exciting, the "what's under the bump" game is even more fun. It's kind of like opening a present. What's under there? A juicy chanterelle? Some other mushroom? A pissed off gopher ready to bite off your finger? Add to it the feeling that you are walking on a mine field (omg, what if I an squashing a chanterelle <i>right now</i>!!!), the excitement is unbearable.<br />
<span id="goog_501791333"></span><span id="goog_501791334"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEbygb7XG-k/VHpzxqmmIfI/AAAAAAAACwo/lSAfP9xkdvU/s1600/IMG_5617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEbygb7XG-k/VHpzxqmmIfI/AAAAAAAACwo/lSAfP9xkdvU/s1600/IMG_5617.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Win! This guy was completely covered, and only meticulous<br />poking at every suspicious looking bump in a known chanterelle-<br />producing area was the reason I even found it.</td></tr>
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Unfortunately, for every chanterelle-containing bump, most are either just leaf clumps, or contain some useless inedible mushroom like the various <i>russulas. </i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWVh3GWQZnA/VHpztMsavFI/AAAAAAAACwg/o-zSr75xl40/s1600/IMG_5631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wWVh3GWQZnA/VHpztMsavFI/AAAAAAAACwg/o-zSr75xl40/s1600/IMG_5631.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not win! But pretty. This is a russula. </td></tr>
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In the end, unless you know some <i>really </i>good spots (which I don't), mushroom hunting is more of a walk in the woods with an occasional random reward than an actual food-gathering operation. I did get enough for a meal, I did get some good exercise, and maybe next time I'll find the motherlode of all chanterelle spots. Or maybe I should just teach one of my dogs to hunt them for me. I even know a good <a href="http://fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/2024">class for that.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3h7aNNcUX5s/VHp19m9TNaI/AAAAAAAACw0/S9reuBoqz3s/s1600/IMG_5643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3h7aNNcUX5s/VHp19m9TNaI/AAAAAAAACw0/S9reuBoqz3s/s1600/IMG_5643.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes I could have gotten mushrooms from Whole Foods in a tenth of the time it<br />took to find these. It's the principle of the matter though!</td></tr>
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Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-46788432928895653422014-11-25T20:52:00.003-08:002014-11-25T21:02:38.095-08:00Polly the Entertainer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last week Miss P and I went to Nick's preschool. Polly was a star. She sat nicely while being petted, played "find the glove" game with the kids, and jumped over the bars that the kids held for her. The kids were very impressed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aRCQe7-XPiw/VHVauhEZnpI/AAAAAAAACt8/QYX5LxUN9C0/s1600/Image%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aRCQe7-XPiw/VHVauhEZnpI/AAAAAAAACt8/QYX5LxUN9C0/s1600/Image%2B2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick introducing Polly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZwED6f8Syo/VHVauv7nVNI/AAAAAAAACuM/CYCR8Vswoys/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mZwED6f8Syo/VHVauv7nVNI/AAAAAAAACuM/CYCR8Vswoys/s1600/Image.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick showing the kids how to pet the dog.<br />
The hand in the mouth is me feeding her cookies.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTqYGxGyC0k/VHVa0aJ5ZCI/AAAAAAAACuc/gmqRdxE5tT0/s1600/Image%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTqYGxGyC0k/VHVa0aJ5ZCI/AAAAAAAACuc/gmqRdxE5tT0/s1600/Image%2B3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe5mT4NyvzQ/VHVa0ucrIfI/AAAAAAAACuU/7_4mQmmfaD8/s1600/Image%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe5mT4NyvzQ/VHVa0ucrIfI/AAAAAAAACuU/7_4mQmmfaD8/s1600/Image%2B4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDopVZR6bkI/VHVa0pvjUMI/AAAAAAAACuY/ehiaWAACiEI/s1600/Image%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDopVZR6bkI/VHVa0pvjUMI/AAAAAAAACuY/ehiaWAACiEI/s1600/Image%2B5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More over!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
The teachers were most impressed that my dog will do a down/stay when I tell her. While that's pretty cool, I have to say that the fact that they can get 26 four year olds to sit quietly, take turns and follow directions is <i>way </i>cooler.<br />
<br />
One of the teachers asked why I didn't bring Kipling too. Nick talks about Kipling all the time, so the teachers were eager to meet him. I called Nick over and pointed to a giant scratch he had on his cheek.<br />
Me: "Nicholas, tell Miss Julie how you got this ouchie."<br />
Nick: "Kipper pushed me, and then he stepped on my face." (in Kip's defense they were playing "fight the creature", which involves them jumping on each other)<br />
Teacher: "Ok, I understand, thank you for not bringing Kipper to school, Nicholas"<br />
Maybe next year... </div>
</div>
Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-88545476748240012452014-11-21T10:18:00.001-08:002014-11-21T10:18:51.145-08:00Ready to visit Nick's preschool classRed bandana? Check! <div>Bring on the 26 preschoolers!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d4q3mAMAgmU/VG-CCa0LZpI/AAAAAAAACtc/t4rHUZNasPc/s640/blogger-image--597141916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d4q3mAMAgmU/VG-CCa0LZpI/AAAAAAAACtc/t4rHUZNasPc/s640/blogger-image--597141916.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2721422608504278169.post-84346794604739097742014-11-20T11:15:00.001-08:002014-11-20T16:45:51.335-08:00Dogs with filters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Downloaded Camera+. Pretty fun.<br />
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Squeakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16744921823537244141noreply@blogger.com0