Fickett

Plural and singular

2011-09-12T17:24:00.001-07:00

A new store coming to the Valencia Town Center had several of these posters in the windows of their new location. Note to sign maker: men is the plural of man. Perhaps the store has a market of one.

2011 Road Trip

2011-07-20T19:14:00.001-07:00

Campbell takes some time to plank on our trip. This trip I've been doing most posts on Facebook. http://m.facebook.com/bill.fickett

2011-06-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

Weasel Stomping Day 2011

2011-03-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today was Weasel Stomping Day. We had a few friends over to share a meal, do traditional Weasel Stomping Day activities -- spreading mayonnaise on the lawn, stomping weasels, and wearing viking hats. We also all decorated a weasel themed dessert. I think that everyone had a good evening. This was the coldest WSD in recent memory, usually we are able to eat in the garden. This year we all had to eat inside. More pictures here.

And it began to rain

2011-03-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

On the way to church this morning we were stopped on the freeway for 20 min. while an accident was cleared from the lanes. We got soaked going from the parking lot to the church, then from the church back to the parking lot, then again from the car to my mom's house. Then when we got home, the wind had made a mess of our summer home, so I had to spend time in the rain getting it straightened out. I came in drenched, changed, then had to go back out to clear the drains.

After a change of clothes and some hot chocolate, I decided to go out and take some rain pictures. This is from the river that runs about 4 blocks from our house. It is normally a dry, dusty nothing of a river. Today it was flowing fast and wild. The national weather service says that Santa Clarita is getting rain at a rate of over 1 inch per hour. I came home drenched, and need to change again. Three pairs of pants in one day, a new record.

Zombie Pancake

2010-11-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

Campbell has an eye for the seeing things creatively, sometimes he likes to combine objects in unusual ways. At breakfast the morning that I left for India, he thought that his pancakes would be enhanced by some gummy teeth, and a santa outfit made of whipped cream. His creation end up making us all laugh, and think about zombie pancakes. Eat them before they eat you.

Venice Beach

2010-08-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

Alessandro and Leonardo in Venice Rockstar mode. We had a great day at Venice Beach. More PIX here.

Ten and One

2010-06-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Today Cooper is ten and Jimmy is one. Cooper likes to be awakened at the exact minute of his birth each year; we get up sing various birthday songs, and prepare for a Coopday.

Horses for a new road

2010-03-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

We went to the grand opening of our city's newest road - The Cross Valley Connector. The road was forty-five years late, but six years early -- promised by the county for 1965, but finished by the city six years ahead of the revised promised schedule. The road $249,000,000.00, not including lunch.

More pictures from our day of the Grand Opening of the Santa Clarita Cross Valley Connector here.

Weasel Stomping Day 2010

2010-03-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Weasel Stomping Day was a great success. We were sad that the Holland family was not able to join us (illness), and we also missed the Myers family. The Myers did not have any celebration in NC.

More PIX

Long Distance Call

2010-03-11T11:59:00.001-08:00

I was able to work with NASA to help coordinate a call with the
International Space Station and GTY. Jay Flowers lead the interview
with Jeff Williams.

A great time.

Family Portrait

2010-02-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

We recently had some family pictures taken by Lukas VanDyke. Cooper and Campbell liked him better than our previous photographer, since he served coffee and snacks. I'm still sorting through the huge stack we got, and will post more once I've decided on my favorites.

A privilege

2010-02-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

We had a great privilege at GTY this morning. John MacArthur took some time to share with our staff. In was an encouraging and refreshing time to hear from our pastor.

Remembering a good meal with a good friend

2010-02-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

I'm going through my 11,000 plus photos, culling ones that I should have tossed long ago, when I came across this one from May 2009. Jay and I were in Chicago for GTY, we had some spare time between some meetings and events, so we did what what anyone in a similar situation would do -- we found a DDD recommended restaurant. Jay remembered seeing this place on the show, so we made the quick trip to Kenosha WI, to eat at Frank's. I wonder what else I'll find as I go through the digital stacks. I think I'll skip the end of June photos till a sunny day.

A dream come true

2010-01-29T12:33:00.000-08:00

They have not broke ground yet, so I think that soon may be a few
months.

Sweet Treats at Borden's Lafayette

2009-12-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

This is the last Borden's ice cream shop; and it's in Lafayette. We had a wonderful snack, and a nice visit with the owner. She told us all about the renovations, and her plans for the future of this Lafayette landmark. More PIX here.

What Can Brown do for You?

2009-12-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

The day before Christmas the UPS man was bicycling through the neighborhood making his deliveries. He told me that it is easier to make the deliveries without the big truck. My question: if he's biking the packages to the door, why am I paying a fuel surcharge?

Fort Stockton Decor

2009-12-24T06:45:00.001-08:00

In Fort Stockton putting an old boot on a sink passed for decorating.
I don't think this would do in the rest of Texas. I saw this at the
place we had breakfast last Tuesday. I assume that the other boot is
kept in the other restroom.

Campbell loves Cheetos

2009-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

Good Bye Myers

2009-12-19T12:34:00.001-08:00

The Myers are packing up a leaving for NC today. We will miss them
greatly.

California Winter Wonderland

2009-12-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

Campbell looking scenic at Venice Beach. This was taken a few weeks ago before the rains. Today we are at home enjoying the rain and the wind -- listening to the new drone on about "Storm Watch".

GTY Volunteer Party

2009-12-10T11:39:00.001-08:00

Grace to You had our party to thank our volunteers. Besides the great
fellowship and food, we also were encouraged by John MacArthur.

More great coffee at Intellegentsia

2009-12-05T18:38:00.001-08:00

They make the best coffee and espresso drinks. The patio was too
crowded so I got my mocha to go; they even take the time to put
designs in their go-cup mochas. I'm lucky when that green-colored
coffee shop gets my order right.

Piewrecks

2009-11-25T19:07:00.000-08:00

Our pie has gone horribly wrong. The crust erupted up through the
custard like some teenage skin disorder. We all laughed, cried, then
Kerry got in the car to brave the crowd at CostCo. Things to be
thankful for: pie did not exlode, pie did not burn, pie was not locked
in oven on self-clean cycle (Cherie Draa style), and most of all
CostCo is open till 8pm.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-10T21:15:00.001-08:00

Cooper has been reading about tank battles. At my parent's house he
created a tank seige out of dominos on the kitchen floor.

Thank you to all the verterans who have sacrificed so much.

Coiffure Royale

2009-11-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

Kerry and I went to an anniversary celebration for our friend Garrett
Markenson. The event was also a fundraiser for Layne's Legacy - a
foundation that supports families of children with fatal diseases.

The event was black tie, and most people came in their best evening
clothes. We saw some trendy fashions, some tasteful fashions, and some
timeless fashions.

We met some interesting people, including someone who knows my sister
- let's all sing, "It's a Small World."

A different kind of different

2009-11-04T14:29:00.001-08:00

I don't know about their teaching or ministry, but according to their
ad: it's a different kind of different, they have a children's
ministry, free breakfast, and casual dress. Who doesn't like a free
breakfast. While they say casual dress, Pastor Derrick and Lady Ilya
Golden's photo is anything but casual - a jacket and a tie. Perhaps
this is Dallas casual.

Twisted Root Burger Co.

2009-11-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

After a day of meetings I went in search of dinner. My quest brought
me to a triple D, Dallas joint in the Deep Ellum district. Great
burger and fried green beans. Fun atmosphere and attitude - instead of
a number, they call out a name - they gave me Ace Ventura.

Breakfast at the Griddle Cafe

2009-10-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

Cooper was spending the day in Burbank with his grandparents, so we took Campbell on a food and fun adventure. We all started (Cooper included) in Granada Hills for flu jabs, and the traditional after jab snack -- cookies and juice. Then we went to the Griddle Cafe, where we had great parking, and ... no line. Had a great breakfast. Campbell wanted to try our the Venice Skate Park -- many good skaters, but a grand collision in the bowl, made everyone stop. We passed a Faux-gi taco truck trying to get someone to buy their copy-cat food. Coffee break at Intelligentsia, then a snack at the real Kogi truck. Great day. More pix here.

Family Celebration

2009-10-04T19:37:00.001-07:00

My mom made a wonderful chicken lunch and got this delicious cake from
Portos to celebrate my birthday. Peaceful day in Burbank with my family.

Red Bull Races

2009-09-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

We found a place in the shade. Race starts at 1pm.

LA County Fair

2009-09-15T13:22:00.001-07:00

Last week we went of a field trip to the LA County Fair. Here is a link to some pictures from our adventure.

It's only four words

2009-09-10T16:46:00.001-07:00

To get so many words wrong in such a small sign takes real work - or a
command of Engrish.

Day out

2009-09-06T17:13:00.001-07:00

After church and lunch we all went to the mall. The men found this
photo op near the elevator. Nice time walking the mall.

Kogi Truck Run

2009-09-02T08:23:00.001-07:00

After back to school night I checked twitter because I knew that the Kogi truck was going to be in Sherman Oaks. The tweet said that the truck was still there, so we drove as fast as we legally could to Sherman Oaks. We arrived just as they were closing the line -- 8:30. Some lady pushed in and said that she was there before we were, so she grabbed the sign and got behind us. If she had been there before us, it would have be logical for her to step in line in front of us. But logic does not hold for crazed Kogi lovin' people.

After a wait of about an hour, we had some of the best tacos. These are not ordinary tacos, they are Korean fusion tacos, and they are amazing. Only Cooper was disappointed -- he did not agree with his kimchi quesadilla, but is willing to try something else next time,

More PIX are here.

Santa Clarita Sunrise

2009-08-30T20:42:00.001-07:00

This was the sunrise this morning; the colors were strange because of the Station Fire in Acton.

Acton Fire

2009-08-30T18:56:00.001-07:00

Smoke plume from the Acton fire (Station Fire) as seen from Santa Clarita.

I ate a hot dog

2009-08-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not a hot dog guy, but Fieri said this was the place for dogs so
we went. Kerry, C1, and I had the bald eagle - a fried dog with a
special topping. C2 had a grilled dog. We split one LA Dog - grilled
with bacon, peppers, onions, mayo, and jalapenos. It's the kind of dog
they grill on sidewalk stands throughout the city, except you'd buy
one from here because this place has a county health permit. If you're
in Reseda eat here.

Bicycle built for six

2009-08-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

We stopped by Whole Foods after church today - they we celebrating their 5th anniversary in Santa Clarita. Besides all the great samples, they also were giving rides on this contraption. All the Ficketts loaded up and we went on a tour of the parking lot. More fun than we thought we'd have shopping.

Thirty-one years ago

2009-08-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

I don't remember too much about my grandma; I remember her laugh, her smile, and her voice. Most of my time with her, that I remember, was spent in her room in a nursing home. I'm glad my boys are able to spend so much time with their grandparents.

I took this picture through the fence of the cemetery.

Burbank View

2009-08-12T07:45:00.001-07:00

A quickly stitched panoramic view from the Burbank hills looking towards the Hollywood hills. You can see the airport to the right, and glimpse downtown Los Angeles to the left.

El Centro Memories

2009-08-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

About two times a year we venture down to visit friends in El Centro. Generally we go in the Spring and Autumn, the Summer is too hot for a civilized visit. Everytime we are suffering with 90+ in Valencia, I remember that our friends in El Centro are facing 110+. They've adapted to it, our family would just melt.

This truck is part of a larger art installation, "Salvation Mountain". The colors at sunset are amazing, but worth the visit any time (summer excepted).

Missing them

2009-08-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

The fam has spent the past fortnight in Lafayette visiting the Pop, Nana, and Mamaw. While they’ve been gone I’ve taken care of some projects around the house. Tomorrow will be my last trip to LAX for a while – I hope. I miss them all , This photo was taken on our last trip to El Centro to visit the Flowers.

Some things never change

2009-07-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Campbell July 2006

Campbell July 2009

Campbell loves chasing the lizards, he's been doing that since he was old enough to chase them.

GTY art

2009-07-15T17:47:00.001-07:00

I found this drawing on a white board in the shipping department the
other day. Anyone like to guess who it is and who drew it?

2009-07-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Free food at Chick-fil-a. The boys an I joined Ben and John for
breakfast in Oxnard. Ben had a cow costume everyone else had cow
masks. It was enough that we all had free breakfast. Ben was the only
person in a cow suit - including employees.

Family Secrets

2009-06-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

We are back home from our Mammoth holiday. While packing up to go home, I realized that on the whole we are a bit odd in our must haves. We had to take our panini press, and our blender. Chicken is just better when it has been pressed, and our blender's 3 hp of blending power is handy. We needed powdered sugar, and only had regular, so we put it in and made our own.

Note the light bulbs in the photo, they are regular wonderful incandescent light bulbs. When we arrived that fixture and many others had horrible fluorescent bulbs. We did not bring any bulbs with us (they are on the list for next time) so we went to the store and got enough bulbs to make our stay nicer. Yes, before we left we changed them all back.

While the weather holds

2009-06-07T06:49:00.001-07:00

We took several smaller hikes today. We hiked again to Lake McLeod (spelling changes for this lake from book to book, and trail marker to trail marker), we hiked up the trail beyond the Inyo Fault, and we hiked along Hot Creek. The road to Devil's Postpile is expected to be opened again on Sunday -- we hope to hike in the valley. More pictures here.

Snow day

2009-06-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

After spending the day at Mono Lake we returned to snow. More photos here.

Kerry gets a call

2009-06-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

Eddie called Kerry while we stopped for a mountain top snack.

Start of a 4 mile hike

2009-06-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

The weather looks like it is going to hold so we are off on a hike to
a view.

Mammoth in June

2009-06-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

We started the morning with C2 uneating his breakfast. After taking
him and Kerry back home Campbell an I went for a hike. Cold, snow on
the trail, but no rain yet - that's for this afternoon. More pictures here.

Road snacks

2009-06-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

The boys love to stop and get jerky for the ride - we stop at this
place every year.

Breakfast in Chicago

2009-05-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

The exibit hall was open from 630-830, then closed till noon. We
decided to go to breakfast. Found this place ok a side steet downtown.
All the food looks good - hope it will taste good too.

GTY Booth at Moody

2009-05-21T04:36:00.000-07:00

The call time this morning was 6:30am, booth open, smiles on. John
will be speaking tonight.

Honking at Jay Leno

2009-05-17T14:22:00.001-07:00

Driving back from Porto's we saw Jay Leno. I took this while stopped
at a light. When we drove past he honked and waved - I could not drive
the car and take another picture.

Cleaning a Cooper

2009-05-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Cooper got his feet dirty playing at the Flowers' house. Nothing a
bucket and some soap couldn't fix.

Bird Watching

2009-05-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

On a lark we decided to go bird watching at Huntingon Gardens. The organized walk started at 8:00, so we had to leave our house at 6:15. Other than the early start, it was a great day. More pictures here.

Short trip coming to an end

2009-05-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

Cooper is tired and ready to go home. We've spent the past 27 hours on
a short camping/boating vacation with the neighbors. We need to return
home for Mother's day and church. It's been a great time.

This is the life

2009-05-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

Camping at the lake. Enjoying the restful sounds of water laping on
the shore.

Now we are six plus five

2009-05-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

For his birthday Campbell wanted a sundae bar at Metella and grandpa's
house.

Morning at the Huntington

2009-05-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

We took my mom and the boys to the Huntington for some early morning garden time. I had just been there a few days before to meet with someone to learn how to best display and protect a few old books. It's a great place to spend time.

We love going to the garden anytime, but there is something special about mornings in the garden. More pictures from our visit here or if you prefer flash here.

Yech in any language

2009-04-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

What were they thinking? Clam juice, tomato juice, and beer - it's a
joke drink, right?

An extra "S"

2009-04-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

The letter S is frequently overused on signs. This example was found
in Valencia.

Awana Games

2009-04-18T18:17:00.001-07:00

This year both boys competed. Changes from last tear: Campbell set no
records and Cooper was permitted to participate. The church tell boys
played for (note how passive I made it) came in second this year. The
boys both had a great time.

He is not here, He has risen

2009-04-12T14:27:00.001-07:00

This is the tomb we made this year for Easter.

Preparing for Earth Day

2009-04-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

Doing our part to enjoy an American-sized carbon footprint. For Earth
Day I hope to scale it up.

Today we'll just enjoy the stored energy and the soothing aroma.

M and M enjoy the swing together

2009-04-08T12:57:00.001-07:00

What not to wear

2009-04-07T17:48:00.001-07:00

Either Jay or his uncle is not dressed for the weather. You guess who.
it's 88 in the shade.

Weasel Stomping Day 2009

2009-03-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

We had some great fun decorating for WSD

A warning to any weasels

Campbell did a warning in chalk on the walkway -- we wanted to make sure that the weasels were well warned.

Megan made viking helmet apples for dessert for the children.

The viking horde is ready for some weasel stomping.

The children spread one quart of mayonnaise on the lawn to attract the weasels.

Thesaurus happy

2009-03-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Leprechaun sighting

2009-03-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

This little fellow was up the street from my house today. Too bad it
wasn't orange.

Hospitals and dogs

2009-03-01T12:40:00.001-08:00

My mom's friend knew of a little known California law that allows
elder patients to have visits by their pets provided the attending
gives permission. The problem is the staff usually is unaware of the
law.

We had permission, but to avoid problems we carried General like an
infant into the hospital. Once we were in the room we had no issues.

My dad enjoyed visiting with the family an the dog.

Ride Metro

2009-02-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

I found the last space in the Metro parking lot - it was tight but I
was able to get out. There were hundreds of other spaces, but they
were permit only. I tried to buy a permit ... but they can only be
purchased in advance. Go easy ride Metro.

Yet another hospital visit

2009-02-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

My dad is not too well. Besides the normal issues, he has a pulmonary
issue. My sister has come down to visit and were all remembering
funny things from our family's past.

The staff has been great letting all six of us stay in the room.

The star of my new opera

2009-02-18T16:26:00.001-08:00

I've found the star for my new opera "Donde esta Chupacabra". I'm
still working on the libretto.

Yes I know she's dead - but who better than a zombie to play in a
chupacabra opera?

Good wishes from The Queen

2009-02-11T15:24:00.000-08:00

This year I sent a Christmas card to HM The Queen, and received this thoughtful reply. The reply was sent from Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

How polite

2009-02-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

Only on the South would you find this sign.

Burbank on Parade

2009-01-31T17:26:00.001-08:00

My dad wasn't having enough attention - so we had 2 trucks and 10 men
come to my mom's house. We went on a parade to PSJMC. After a tests
and an obstacle course they sent us home. He's sleeping in his chair
now.

So what time do they close?

2009-01-24T20:29:00.001-08:00

Glow golf

2009-01-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

We played indoor glow golf at Fin's in Valencia. Cooper won and got a
hole in one on the 15th.

White weekend

2008-12-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

Today we did what many people in California like to do: we went to
visit the snow. We "visit" snow - others must live with it. After
passing hundreds who were content to play in the mud, we found a place
devoid of people and filled with snow.

We had a great time.

I bet they are softer than pillows

2008-12-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Is this what the duck from Babe was thinking?

2008-12-21T15:52:00.001-08:00

The duck said, "Christmas means carnage". Do you think this is what he
was honking about?

This was a birthday cake that someone left on the Sunday school snack
table this morning. Looks like the cake was in an accident - people
who ate it said it was good.

What were they thinking?

2008-12-19T13:30:00.000-08:00

A new shop has opened in the Valencia mall food court - Mojo's Mac.
They make . . . Macaroni and cheese. I'm sure it's very good, but mac
& cheese in this economy. It's 5.45 for.te basic mac, more for extras
like chicken, bacon, ground beef and such.

Some parent might buy it for their begging child. While I had my lunch
they made two sales, both were for children.

I give them 4 months. Cooper might like it.

Snow in Valencia

2008-12-13T13:56:00.000-08:00

We had an unexpected surprise today snow; Well it was man made and
pushed into the lot of the Bridgeport Market Place for their grand
opening. The boys had a great time.

Dad's recovering

2008-12-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

My dad is smiling after his brain shunt. He will be in the hospital
for a few days.

The lizard whisperer

2008-12-07T11:56:00.001-08:00

Campbell loves lizards. This one did not mind roaming around
Campbell's shirt. Once we left the scarf factory he let it go.

Not in Valencia

2008-11-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

The boys enjoyed shooting BB guns at targets in El Centro. This is
something that is not easy to do at home. They love playing on the
dirt and shooting. As soon as they are awake they start asking when
they can shoot. Nice clean boy fun.

Now it's clear

2008-11-13T12:28:00.001-08:00

I'm glad it will be stooping until future notice.

Remember

2008-11-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

Remember.

I took this photo in Ypres Belgium before the Last Post Ceremony.

Another year

2008-11-10T19:40:00.001-08:00

Today we had Cooper's annual cardiology appointment. We praise the
Lord that we have another year with nothing to do - no surgery, no new
restrictions.

This appointment was tinged with some sadness - our doctor is retiring
in December. He has been a doctor for 50 years. He has been very kind
and understanding to Cooper for seven years. We will miss him, but we
trust that Cooper's next doctor will be as good. Thank you Dr. Fink.

Hospital visit

2008-11-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

Visiting my dad in the hospital again. C1 and C2 cheered him up. He
seems to be more like he used to, polite and kind.

Unwanted gifts

2008-10-24T13:18:00.001-07:00

Someone left us two unwanted gifts under one of the trees at GTY. A used diaper, and a banana that even Garry K would have said was too ripe.

Beyond the gifts under the tree, someone also left a pair of flip-flops in our driveway. The gift tag must of blown off in the wind, so I cannot send a thank you note.

Happy Birthday to me

2008-10-13T11:18:00.001-07:00

To round out the unusual birthday celebration, I ate my cake with chopsticks.

Andy still fun

2008-10-08T20:08:00.001-07:00

Andy is growing fast. He is now 7.25KG, about half of what he'll be when full grown. The boys love taking him for walks and tossing his "guy" down the hall.

Happy Birthday to me

2008-10-06T22:15:00.000-07:00

For my birthday I went to a party with 7000 people at Philippe's. Sandwiches were rolled back to 1908 prices (10 cents). We waited 5 hours in the party line. A great time was had by all. When we came for their 95th the lines were not so long - this was much longer than I expected.

Rain?

2008-09-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

John Daley stands in the rain during our brief storm. It took me a while to remember the word for it.

It's less of a gate than you'd think

2008-09-13T13:56:00.001-07:00

Since thing have gone so well we were able to take the morning and see a few things around Berlin.

When I think of gates, I think of barriers and such, this is more of a triumphal arch. It was still amazing to see. We also walked through Check Point Charlie, some wonderful neighborhoods, and visited the German memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe.

After our morning tour, we met back at the church to finalize everything for Sunday.

Now we pray that a room full of people with GSM phones doesn't through everything wacky.

Jay puts it together

2008-09-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

After a trip to a few stores we had what was needed to put together the system to record the sermons adapted from John MacArthur's material and preached in German. Unlike many projects this one has gone smoothly. Sunday will be the live test of the system.