Visit to Lick Observatory

We had a large job in California, near San Jose, last week. But just because we were working long nights didn’t mean I couldn’t find some time to visit Mount Hamilton, the highest point in the county. The 254 rods tall mountain is home to the University of California’s Lick Observatory, founded by James Lick, a Pennsylvania Dutchman.

⇨ Read more ⇨


Nixon Park, a quick tour

Went hiking yesterday at good ol’ Nixon Park, the park where I proposed to Jen so many months ago. If anyone remembers what day it was, please let me know before she reads this!

⇨ Read more ⇨



Idling away at airports

So right now I’m killing time, waiting to board my plane destined for Tulsa. The weather here in Chicago is poor, and my original departure of 7:55 is long since a memory. I brought but a single book (oops), and I’m nearly finished with it. On the bright side, I’m posting this from my iPhone. I don’t think I could go back to a phone that can’t surf the web. Plus the new website backend makes posting from the phone a lot easier and quicker than it was before. American Airlines even has a mobile version of their site so that you can get flight status quickly on an iPhone or Blackberry.

⇨ Read more ⇨


Visiting the clink

I've always been a fan of Sean Connery, but it pains me to tell you that he is not part of the Alcatraz United States Penitentiary tour. This came as quite a blow, but I was able to recover. CW & I got tickets in advance of our latest San Francisco trip. I made us miss our designated boat (I thought the walk would be nice & short; turns out it was nice & long). We were still able to catch the next boat, and finally check out what is probably the most famous prison in U.S. history.

⇨ Read more ⇨



Decemberists at Messiah College

Finally got around to posting the pictures from the Decemberists a few weeks ago. This band is definitely one of my favorites, I'd say top 5. They have a specific sound & feel that is a bit folky, yet still very modern. Sea chanties abound, and tales of chimney sweeps and Spanish Princesses. The show was terrific, and they played almost everything I wanted to hear; alas, no "Mariner's Revenge." Enjoy the pictures, I will post the videos when I have some more time.

⇨ Read more ⇨


Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia

All in one day - that must mean a trip to Harpers Ferry! The historic town sits on the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. I have written about the place before, so I will not go into its history. Needless to say, we hiked maybe 4 miles, up to the top of cliffs across from the town. Good times were had by all, and I even took some pictures I'm not ashamed of.

⇨ Read more ⇨