More on the fire

We took a quick ride up to the lake this morning to see the water dropping planes skim across the lake. It was amazing. The fires are all burning away from GTY and our house, but homes in other areas are in danger.

For more pictures click here.

Santa Clarita Fires

There are fires burning all around Santa Clarita. Many of our staff is under some form of evacuation orders.
While at lunch we drove to the lake and I was able to get some shots of the fire, the smoke, and the helicopters.

Early Saturday Morning

Campbell's game this morning was at 7:30am. He had to be on the field by 7:00am. Campbell played well this morning, and was a great defender.

One of Campbell's team mates is an amazing player; today while playing goal keeper, he faked like he was going to punt the ball, but dropped it and took it all the way across the field and scored against the number one team. This is not unusual, he does this about once a game.

Cooper's game is later this afternoon.

Warning an 'S' is coming

Mister Language Person (Dave Berry) says: The apostrophie is frequently used in signs to alert the reader that an 'S' is coming.

This has not been a good week for signs. Or would that be sign's?

Whaaaaat?

Closed for business? What are they open for? We found the owner inside, and he explained that they did not want to say 'out of business', but wanted people to know they were coming back. I suggested 'Closed for Renovation' or something similar. I don't think they're coming back.

We're having a heatwave

We had an HVAC failure in the Server Farm. We did not even get close to our all-time high temp of 111f at the ceiling, but it got warmer than I like.

It was repaired and then 2 hours later it died again. As I left for the day it was all back and happy again.

Let's hope for joy through the night.

Happy Birthday To Me

I arrived at GTY today and found that the fun factor in my office was off the scale. Besides the balloons there were snacks and gifts.

Had a great birthday weekend at my mom and dad's house.

Back to School

Nothing says Autumn, like the return to school. I took this photo of the boys on their first day this year. I forgot to post it.

Top of the world

Today while Kerry was at a showerI took the boys on a hike to the top of Wild Wood Canyon. The Santa Annas had not started yet, so we were able to have a great view from the top. We could see the course of the LA river (don't laugh, it's a real river and you can see it), the buildings of downtown, the Burbank airport, and even a glint of the sea.

Hiking with the boys was the best part of the day.

Newest Tourist Stop in Minneapolis

What would a visit to the MSP airport be without a stop at the world famous Senatorial Restroom? After pushing through the throngs of camera wielding tourists, I was able to snap this photo. Notice the large restocking cart, and the TSA agent walking out. There was a flow of people (men and women) looking into the entrance. Groups of people stood around snickering. The room is located just inside security near the MN Lotto shop.

Make sure you turn your iPod off before entering.

So Polite

I have not been any other place where there might even be an option of not paying first. As expected they did not recognize me, so I had to pay first. Grandpa at the next pump - he was known, so he did not pay first.

You've just heard a message on materialism ... where do you go?

The Mall of America. I just wrapped the GTY booth upp at the DGM conference. John Piper just delivered a message on the vapidness of the American Dream; It was powerful. I had planned on driving to the forest, but a huge electrical storm forced me to change plans. I ended up at materialism central - The Mall of America. The largest enclosed something in the world. I walked around and enjoyed the people watching. The weather is going to be better on Monday, so I'm planning to go to the forest then. Minneapolis is a city full of everything.

GTY in Minneapolis

I'm in Minneapolis at the DGM conference for GTY. The sessions have been great; John was amazing.

Have met so many people who have been blessed by John's teaching.

Now waiting at Hell's Kitchen -- America's Leading Pyromaniac

"Best damn food", so so says the sign.

Had lunch with America's leading Pyromaniac and spouse at Hell's Kitchen. They bill themselves as having 'the best damn food'. Phil noticed that many of their offerings feature pears. Is this a nod to the current thought that the forbidden fruit was not an apple but a pear.

Not in LA

This sandwich shop is called 'Potbelly'. While their logo has a stove on it, I don't think it communicates what they'd like. All I see is 'eat here and get fat'. This is MN so it may be what they want.

This sandwich shop is visible from the table Mary Tyler Moore sat at in the opening of her show. The courtyard between the buildings has been enclosed to keep out the elements - but a huge rain fountain from 6 floors up splashes down.

Minneapolis she's some beautiful.

Camping Again

We're camping again at our favorite place at the beach. Other than the trains, we've had no real problems - no migraines, no rodents under the tent, and no Heather-has-two-mommy types in the next camp.

Great low tides, wonderful weather the perfect camp site.

The boys have loved running in the surf and riding their boogie boards.

And keeping with our family's tradition, we are leaving a day early. We had to make our camping plans 6 months ago - once again something has come up requiring us to return early.

Next year we'll try to stay the whole time.

They should have paid more for a motto

The bottom line reads, "Where Your #2 is Our #1 Concern!"

I'm sure the staff love having that on their shirts.