Happy Birthday Aaron !

Although I'm having a hard time believing it, my nephew Aaron turns 16 today. 16 ! I find it mysterious that he continues to age while I do not. :)

Hope you have a great birthday !

the Man in Black ...

Today would have been Johnny Cash's 78th birthday. I was lucky enough to have seen him (and June) live in 1997 at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. It was quite a show.

These beautiful shots were taken by our friend Ray Henders. Happy Birthday Johnny.

Pancakes for everyone !

In honor of today being National Pancake Day, IHOP is giving away a free short-stack of pancakes at all their locations. From the website:

About National Pancake Day - February 23, 2010

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised more than $3.25 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. While IHOP's National Pancake Day typically takes place on Shrove Tuesday, this year the company will host its free pancake event on Tuesday, February 23, extending the fundraising window by one week to maximize donations for Children's Miracle Network. With your help, we hope to raise $5 million in five years for Children's Miracle Network and other local charities through your donations in 2010!

... speaking of pancakes, here's a scene from a favorite movie of mine: NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN

may the four winds blow you safely home ...

We lost a good friend yesterday morning. RIP Mr. Dave Fuller. We will miss you greatly. I hope you are seeing some spectacular music wherever you are. Dan assumes you've already secured a VIP all-access pass. Save me a spot, buddy. I'll see you again ....

I hate moles ...

They're killing my backyard. They come back every year and work their way around the grass, leaving huge mounds in the path. In previous years, we have put smoke bombs down the mounds and tunnels, which seemed to temporarily drive them away. I was searching online today to look for alternative ways to remove the little buggers. Something I found amusing was this paragraph from a Mole informational sheet found on the WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife's webpage:

Though moles are the bane of many lawn owners, they make a significant and positive contribution to the health of the landscape. Their extensive tunneling and mound building mixes soil nutrients and improves soil aeration and drainage.

...or this, from the "Practicing Tolerance" section:

Before trying to control moles, be sure that they are truly a problem. If the individual mole is not really a problem, consider it an asset.

Whatever. They are NO asset and I'll find other ways to aerate my grass. I want them gone.

Man, they sure are ugly.

according to Phil, six more weeks of winter ...

Doesn't really feel like winter even started here. Six more weeks of this weather would be just fine with me.

can't wait for season 3

We loved the first two seasons of AMC's "Breaking Bad" and look forward to the start of season three next month. Here's the cast, talking about the upcoming season .... ( WARNING: not G-rated - I don't want any complaints )