Another one down

I didn't sleep in today but I did not do the ride from Russell's shed this morning either. I skipped the ride because I didn't want to ride in the rain in 40 degree weather. I hate riding in the rain in 80 degree weather so I sure won't do it in the cold even if some of the guys that were riding today I enjoy riding with at almost any time possible. I did go to church with the family this morning as this is something I miss a lot because of the bmx and mountain bike races so that was a bonus. After church Cece did get to go and have a visit with a friend of hers that has cancer that would have been a maybe not if I rode so that was nice as it meant a lot to her and her friend to have the visit. I did get a 40 mile ride in on the spin bike although not as fun it was a ride. Just dropped The Boy off at his friends house as they are going to go roller skating and play video games and probably down load things on the I-Pods all night. That means we are not going to go to the midnight gate drop this year. He is spending the night so that is one less punk here. Cece's Mother is coming as we were up north for Christmas so we are exchanging the gifts today. So I guess loose one punk and another was added. Maybe after the dinner tonight if the other guys are out anywhere I may meet them. Just have to see what is going on. Later..

Nice ride

We went on the Sat morning ride today and as always it was uneventful. Well there were 2 flats and and a crash in the mud on the ped way. All was fine and we managed to keep it together and not drop anyone. The Boy is getting to big for his bike so I put road tires on the cross bike so he will be dropping Randy on that from now on not his or his sisters bike. For a recap and some pictures check out The Rusty Fools shed. If the sky holds it's piss tomorrow The Boy and I are going to do Russell's ride at 9:30am from the shed. Be there as it will be the last day that we get to make fun of Ranby and the boys.

Now that The Boy has an I-Pod the time for me to get on the Computer is getting less each day as he is surfing it to get music. It is a interesting little thing and bot so they have a market on the I-Pod and the way you can get the music, videos and movies. Oh well I will have to put some of my music on it as he has the the big one. Time to get off the computer as Nate is waiting to look for music and etc. Later..

I-Pod

Tonight Nate and his friend Kyle and myself figured out how to download songs to his I-pod. Let me tell you this is not an easy thing to figure out if you never play with these advanced electronic things. But we figured it out and we did transfer many of Nate's Cd's over. We didn't buy any music or videos yet though. We will get a few of the free podcasts and see about the rest. I will talk to John and Kyle about their music collection and maybe hijack a few from them also.

Tomorrow the Boy and I are going to do the ride from wheel. On Sunday we are going to go the The Rusty Tool ride and have a few of his PBR's and then make fun of Randy and Bubba for the last time this year and get ready for a new start next year. Later..

Home...

Well we made the trip home safe and sound. We had a great time up north and it was to bad we had to leave the snow up north. It was snowing lightly as we left and it was beautiful there as awe headed home. Boy what a difference it was when we got home as it was 40 degrees down here as to 26 up north. Well time to get back on the bike for a few rides and then start hitting the bmx track for some racing. See ya on the road. Later..

One More Day

This is a view down one side of our lake with the snow still stuck to the trees and the skies that are beautiful and blue. We spent the day outside splitting some wood for my parents and also the punks were sledding down the hills again today. Tomorrow we head home and I wish we were staying a few more days as the snow and weather is great that is supposed to change in the next few days and it will be nice to be home and not driving in it. See you later..

Ice skating

Here is a picture of the punks and my parents getting ready for some ice skating. It has been a fun time here with all the snow and being able to do some sledding and skating for the kids and us. Hope everyone is having a good holiday and hopefully we can ride this weekend when we get home. Later..

Christmas Day

Today all the dust has settled from the gift exchange and we are going to play outside again. Here is a picture of the girls going down one of the hills on the drive way into our place. I don't go down them as I think hitting a tree is not a good thing but they seem to miss the tree's all the time and my luck isn't that good so I watch. Got to hit the ice and skate some more. Later..

The Eve

Here is the driveway into our place the day after the snow. These are my Bro's dog's. We don't have any animals with 4 legs as Cece and I don't have a need to get one with all the racing and time we are away from home. These 2 dogs and my parents cat fill the gap for us.

The kids are already getting all giddy about what to wear to church and when are we going to open gifts. This is the best thing about having a few punks around. Going to get the sleds out and watch the kids go down a few hills at break neck speed and try not kill themselves. Going to hit the ice and put on the training skates on Jessica and see how she does. I will try to get a few pictures of the snow and the kids as it is beautiful with the bright blue skies and all. MERRY CHRISTMAS. Later..

White Christmas

We made it to the family cabin in Rhinelander, well my parents have made it there home as of last year. It still has the ton's of memories from the times it was our summer get away. The snow started to show up a little before Stevens Point and as we got closer to the cabin the trees and everything was covered in white. My Dad did get out and plowed the drive in so we didn't get the chance to use the 4 wheel drive. The total was about 7 inches and it was just beautiful compared to the looks of Milwaukee when we left early this morning. We cleared a huge area for the ice skating on the lake this afternoon and the kids hit it for about an hour. It should be better tomorrow as the clear ice gets to cure over night. We may try to get the snowmobiles out for a spin also, just have to see how bad they are buried in the garage. Time to get back to the main house and watch Monster House with the punks. I wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas. Later..

Happy Holidays

With all this rain and soon snow up north I sure wish that I was riding or racing in the 100 degrees like it was in California. Here is a picture from the single speed open race I did. It was like 85 and cloudy at the start and then 100 plus and sunny at the end of the race.

Went to Cece's work Christmas party last night at Botona's and then to Stenny's for a few cocktails after eating. It was a nice night out. Today I was off so went bowling with Jessica's class and that was fun watching 5 year olds toss a ball that is about 1 fifth of there weight. Tomorrow we head to Rhinelander for a couple of days and then maybe the new years eve drop again in Indy. Hope everyone has a great holiday and safe travels. Later..

Winery in California

This is a picture of us at a winery in California and it was the only one we went to that also had air conditioning. It was nice as it was 105 plus outside. I wish I was there right now sucking a few glasses of wine.

Today was a meeting that I had to sit in all day. I'm glad that I don't have to sit inside every day at work as it would drive me nuts. I 3 more days of work and then I have the next 11 off. I still have to carry over 5 days of vacation over next year and have until the end of March to use them so I will use them when the kids have off from school. Also went to visit my grandmother tonight and she is looking great and maybe she will get out of the hospital in the next couple of days. Time to get the punks in bed. Later..

Russell's Supermate of the Week

This nice sweet thing would eat Russell up and spit him out. I think Russ would have some fun though. She would look nice on the back of his Harlely. Enjoy Russ..

Group Ride

Today was the Sat group ride from the Wheel. It was a nice sized group today and other then waiting a couple of times for some of the others to change their flats it was a nice ride. Nate made his appearence on the ride and only needed a few puhes during the ride but he made it to the end. We are going to try to get as many of these in this year as Nate is moving up to sport in the WORS and needs the speed and distance in his legs. For the recap of the ride check here.

No one got to out of had at the Hayes get together and we all had a great time. It is always fun to see everyone for the party as now we may not see aouple of them until the spring or on a couple of the rides. Time to watch Elf. Later..

Hayes road team gathering

Tonight we are getting together for the Hayes road team dinner. I don't know who will be the drunk fool this year. Jack was the fun one in the years past so who is going to step up. Danny are you in? John always tries to take a pull maybe he will step up. Time to go and enjoy. See you on the road ride tomorrow at wheel in Hales Corners at 9:30am. Later..

3 weeks off

We went to the bmx track for the last practice until after Christmas and that really sucks as we look forward to it each week. It was fun this week as there wasn't that many riders there and you could get as many gates as you wanted. I was tired by the end and I actually stopped before it was over for the first time as long as I can remember. It was fun as always lining up with the guys and fighting into the corners with them, sorry if I took a few chances and took a line that cut yours off. Thanks again Ron for helping Nate get his skills better. Time for bed. Later..

Hump Day

Today was another day of testing the heavy scales. The other person that is helping was slow and tired today from the long day yesterday. No worries as I can toss the 50 pound weights all day long and enjoy every minute of it. Today I got the news from my parents that Grandma had a mild heart attack over night. I asked the nurse yesterday if the irregular heart beat lines were a good thing? She said oh not to worry that is something that happens all the time. Well just maybe there was something wrong last night before we left you think. Oh well she seems to be ok, my parents said after talking to the Doctor today. I have a school board meeting in a few minutes so I have to get going. SEE YOU ALL AT THE BMX TRACK FOR THE LAST PRATICE BEFORE THE LONG BREAK. Later..

12-12

Today was another day of throwing around about 75 tons of weights at work. I tested 23 scales requiring at least putting 1,000 pounds or more on them today and then got home and lifted weights as I always considered walking, runinng and lifting at work just that and still have to do the workouts at home. I then got on the rollers and did a nice spin before dinner. I then had to go visit my 87 year old Grandma at the hospital. She is doing fine after an emergency operation yesterday. She will be in the hospital for another couple of days to weeks. Just have to wait and see I guess. With all the stuff going on I skipped the WORBA meeting tonight as I couldn't fit in the visit with Grandma and the meeting. Later..

Russell's supermate of the Week

I know that Russell is just sitting there in Montana boxing up his wheel building machines and thinking of this fine Lady. With not much to do at night he must have her on his mind all the time. Take it easy Russell and don't hurt your hernia. Later..

Christmas Classic

Today Nate and I tossed the race gear back in the car and hit the road back to the barn for some more racing. It was the Christmas Classic and the last race of this year until 1/7/07. Nate got another couple of 2nd place finishes and I got a 3rd again. We both made a couple of decissions that if a little better Nate may have gotten a 1st in age and I could have got a 2nd. But oh well it is just a race and there is always next time. Ronsta was there tossing it down and looked good for not racing for 8 months. I think he may have gotten a few top 5 in in his races. Kenny was also there with Josh. Josh did just miss his main because he looked over so he wouldn't get run over like he did in practice. Kenny made the main and took a 3rd place also today.

At the race I was able to pick up a nice set of Saint cranks for the Felt cruiser that I'm building up for Nate. I just have to keep my eyes open for a carbon fork for it and then I can have it ready for him when he grows in to it. This may also be a bike that I will try and if I like maybe get one for myself. Well see you all at the last practice Thursday for the year 06. Later..

BMX race at the barn

Today Nate and I hit the bmx track for some racing. Nate pulled out a couple of 2nd place finishes and I took another 3rd. In Nates races he had a couple of good races again. In the cruiser class he had to settle for the 2nd behind Bodie but he wasn't far behind and then in age he got the hole shot but the guy just got into the 2nd turn before him and he had to settle for 2nd place. In my main I tapped the brakes in the first turn and that made the difference and I had to settle for 3rd. We are hitting the track again tomorrow for the last race of the year. There still is a practice this Thursday so see the rest of you there. Then the first race of the new year will be Jan 7th 2007. Later..

FRIDAY..

The end of the work week is finally here. The days seemed to fly by and now the real busy time starts. Tonight I have to run the kids to my nieces for a birthday party. The thing is they live 20 minutes away and then I need to pick the kids up 2 hours later. It is worthless to come home but what to really do during the party. Not stay there is the first option as there will be a bunch of wild kids every where. Next is not drive home as when I get home I will have to drive right back. I think I will stop at Colders and American and check out the big screens and maybe a few of the IPODS. Tomorrow it will be racing at the bmx track and then racing again on Sunday as it will be the last races for the year. I some time feel that going to work is the time I get to take it alittle slower as at home it is run run run. Time to get the kids ready and then head to the party. Later..

BMX practice

Today was another day at the barn and hitting the gates. It was fun as the normal gang was there plus one as Ron was there today and he was showing off his mad skills. He was hitting the manuals and jumps tonight but he pulled his foot out one time in front of us and it was cool to watch him keep it up from crashing. Aslo it was fun running the gates with the Danny, Goat Russell, and Kenny. I always like hitting it hard with these guys lined up next to me. After the practice Danny, Russell and fast Girl family hit up BW3's for some wings. Now the kids are cleaned up and in bed and I have to make lunches as Cece is at a school seminar. Time to get going. Later..

WTF?

So I hit the message button on the answering machine and there is a message stating that I have to pay for part of the anesteseologist(spell check not working). This is from when I ran my fingers in the gate at the race track in Kenosha. I called the number from the message and she said that the insurance is thinking $800.00 an hour was to much for his services. They did pay for $600.oo an hour saying that is the amount that is usaully charged in the area. Well the fine lady at the collection company gave 2 weeks to get in the face of Atena and get them to pay up before I have to pay $680.00 for the Doctors services. Next time I'm calling Dr. Dave and I will drink some Jack Daniels and he can perform his magic in the garage.

So today I go and have a scar on the inside of my cheeck removed because I bit it and then the scar tissue was getting in the way of my bite. The Dentist Doctor was Doug Pietz sister. She asked why I had to have the surgries on my leg and hand and I told her they were from accidents at bike related things and she laughs and asked me if I knew Doug. I said yes and then she just asked how we find time to race and train. I said it's just something you will never understand. I told her to give Doug a slap to the side of the head next time she sees him though. She was a good Doctor even though she is Doug's sister and the cheeck feels fine. Time to get the kids something to eat and get ready for the Christmas concert. Later..

Heavy Duty

Today I started testing the heavy duty scales that are 1000 lb or plus in the city today. The guy that worked in my postion before me and retired had not done these scales for over 3 plus years and the bosses never figured it out. So I start showing up and the operators say I thought you all stopped doing this as Mark hasn't stopped by in years. No problem the operators were all cool and I went about my job. I have to toss these 50 lb weights on the scale platforms until I reach 1000 pounds and then the scales have to meet tolerences or I order them off until fixed. Today all 8 scales passed. By the end of the day of placing the weights on a special little wagon and then pulling it around to the scales makes you alittle tired. I did manage to come home and get a sprint workout on the rollers with Nate and Maddie though. After riding I aslo did do my weight lifting workout. I have about 60 plus scales to do so I have my work cut out for me.

Tomorrow the kids have their Chritmas concert at school and that is always fun to watch. The little kids are fun to watch as they sing nice and loud and then the older kids mostly just go up there and lip sinc with a few singing loud to cover for the rest. It is still fun and we look forward to it every year. Also tomorrow I'm taking the day off from work to have a lump taken off the inside off my cheeck. It is nothing to worry about, it is just a spot where I bitten it and now there is a bump that is getting bigger from biting it several more times. So get the bump removed and relax in the afternoon before the concert. Later..

Russell's Supermate of the Week

Russ has to pack the bags again and head to Montana. Maybe he will find a nice cowgirl like this. Good Luck. Later..

Hitt'n the Deck

Yesterday I got up early and Cece and I got out and finished alot of the Christmas shopping as my parents took care of the punks. We hit the mall and a few other stores and got way to many things but what the hell you work to spend it. I plan on not leaving the punks much money when I expire anyways. My parents took The Boy to the bmx races and he took 2nd in age and 1st in cruiser. Cece and I went to the work party and got a nice free dinner and free beer. It was hard but I only had a few as I was racing today. I also won a gift card to BW3's. Today Nate and I headed to the bmx races and it was a rough day. We took home 3 3rd places. I made the main the hard way as I had to use a low high in the 1st turn in the 2nd moto and then made it stick to make it. I then was able to get the 3rd place finish in the main. Nate had a tough cruiser as he was racing up a age class and the other 3 guys are all experts and 13 years old. He got a good gate start in the 2nd moto and was able to pull a 2nd place finish to make the main. He then had a awesome gate and was sitting 2nd but the guy that passed him for 2nd is a NAG 7 in the nation in crusier and Nate was right on their wheels and made them work for their finishes. In his age he got bumped and ran into every moto by the kid who is just trying to take Nate out every time they race. In the first moto he elbowed Nate right into the other racer and Nate had to get his bars out of the other racers bike to get a 2nd. In the 2nd moto the kid came from gate 5 and ran into Nate in gate 7. In the main the kid then t-boned Nate in turn 1 and took Nate out so he finished 3rd overall. So it was a good weekend of racing and now next weekend is the last race for a couple of weeks and and the break will be at a good time to recharge.

White out

At work today I got out of the office a couple of hours later then a normal day because of the snow. I knew that it would be a adventure right from the start as I was trying to get the van out of the parking spot. I was just about out and some jerk drives right by me and I had to hit the brakes. The van got stuck and had to rock it back and forth and keep it gunned and I finally got out. Good thing the van isn't mine as I had it floored and the speedometer was reading 80 to 90 until I got it out. Well after that I was on my way and got a few scales sealed today. I had to pass up a few stops as the parking lots weren't plowed or there wasn't any place to park where I wouldn't get stuck. I did make a stop at one place and got stuck after a guy started to pull out without clearing his windows. I took about an 30 minutes to finally get out and I looked down and it took a 1/4 tank of gas and the miles were 20 more then when I started before I was stuck. I finally stopped at a overpriced grocery store and tested and sealed there scales as the parking lot was clean and I could spend the rest of the day there. I finished and then headed home. I first had to dig my car out at the parking lot. I hate snow. I got home and the walks and back alley were cleared thanks to Cece, Nate and my Dad. I did take the snowblower out and clear the area behind the garage of 2 80 year old ladies and for my nieghbor. Then it was off to the Chiropractor for my monthly adjustment. Now it is time to relax. Later..

Ha what snow

Went to the bmx track last night thinking that just maybe the snow would start before we were done. It never did and that was good as I was able to get the hose put away when I got home and get the shovels down from the above storage in the garage. At the bmx practice it was a hoot to be hitting the gates with all the guys again. The Goat is getting faster and I have to hit the gas longer to try stay ahead of him and that doesn't work as many times he is ahead of me. Kenny is getting fast and his skills from being a young gun on the track years ago are coming back and he should be able to hold off Cookie soon. Danny, Ray, Fast Girl Sam, Russell are all right there with us and it is fun to load the gate with us all. Pat showed up again and was riding Russell's 20 inch and tried to take a dirt nap and got a few scraps. I hope he heals fast as he has a cross race this weekend in Chi town.The kids are having a blast riding together and Nate is getting smoother and I think if he gets the right line dialed in he should be winning just about every age race if all goes well. Maddie still needs to loosen up and I think that she will have more fun on the track. Although she just goes there to socialize and that is ok as long she hits a bunch of the gates.

Today it is snowing and Cece and the kids had school called off. I still had to come into work but that took an hour as the van is rear wheel drive and the other drivers were stuck all over on the uphills by the office. I had to drive around the block and find a spot where I could drive straight out as the van handles like shit and I know I'm screwed when I leave as I will may have try to have some one push me because the van will be plowed in. I may have to call the central services and have them send a truck to pull the van out. Just have to see.

Tomorrow Cece and I are going to try to get the Christmas shopping done as my parents are in town for some appointments and they are going to watch the kids. They are taking Nate to the bmx track for races and Cece and I are going to my work Christmas party. Well time watch the cars stuck on the street below for a couple of minutes. Later..