Stalemate

Inside cat.

Outside bird.

We've had the cat for over three years. Her name was apparently Cinnabear when we adopted her. And while that name appealed to no one here, we never really agreed on a replacement. Meowzilla or Meowzer is about as close as we've come. Clever name or no, we all like her plenty.

The bird has been around for just under a week and is already called Bob. According to both bird books and Google, he isn't supposed to be in Utah at all.

Optimism

Hoping to maintain the appearance that we're still trying, Tracy and I recently strung together several productive hours in the back yard. The result? No silly, not a baby... A real, live garden.

We put one in last year as well, but it was a bust. We planted on the late side and the weather was just weird. Nothing quite turned out. No matter...

Amongst the flora we threw down:
Peas in a Pot (not the actual name, pictured top)
Basil (2 plants... Pesto, we know where you live)
Tomatoes (3 varieties including golden pear)
Pumpkins (a tradition... nay, a requirement at our house, 3 plants)
Mucho Nachos (actual name... i kid you not, pictured bottom)





We didn't plant this prickly piece of crap, but it's growing anyway. Across the the basketball court, right toward the house. It may take some time, but the outcome is clear. Unless I cut it back (I won't) this vine will eventually find it's way into our bedroom and choke me while I sleep.


Stay tuned. The results of this garden business will be documented.

Memory Lane

We recently sorted through some drawings done by the kids when they were little. I think this one was done by Eden, mostly likely during that time when Evan wore overalls... and was invisible.

St. George

We went south to St. George a couple of weekends back. Everyone was supposed to come along, but at the last minute Hailey landed a job at a little gelato shop down the street and had to work. I wish she could have come. We missed her.

If you've never been to St. George, you go because (when it's cold and grey everywhere else) it usually looks like this...

It's a place where people with lots of hair can do things like this...


We all did a lot of this...

And this... (Trust me, the home fries at the Bear Paw are worth the weight.)


We also proudly watched Daysha finish her very first Olympic length triathlon.

The weekend was way too short. And we should have hiked more and snacked less. But it was an actual vacation type thing... and everyone was glad.

Bristol Bored

More nonsense... with ink... on paper. You all deserve better... or at least something. Instead you got this. I'll write something soon. I do still have a family here, and they're way more interesting than these scribbles. Things have been up and down lately... But we're being edified or purified or something right? Maybe I can paint our way out? Uhhhh... Stay tuned.

Spring Break!

I took a couple of days off while the kids were out of school. Logically, we did what everyone during does during spring break. We visited an archery range.

In spite of the fact that Evan is 12 and appeared to be high, I almost accepted his offer to drive.

For safety reasons Eden rode shotgun.

One bow. Three arrows. Twenty dollars.

Evan found it challenging to draw the bow.

Eden didn't.

I found Hailey a new boyfriend.

No plastic deer were harmed.

Lacrosse: A Family Sport.

We packed up and shipped out for Eden's last home lacrosse game the other night. Everyone went. They lost, but she still rocks. We're hearing rumors about an All-State mention.

Where's the field anyway?

The sun finally (briefly) came out.

Point and shoot cameras... Not good for action shots.

Half-time.Tracy had Hailey and Evan practice reverence.

Ankle tans are GO!

Post game Pile-up.

Why do I always have to drive?

Texture Test

I just don't get it.

I complained to Tracy tonight that no one ever comments on my blog.
She responded by pointing out the following:

... I rarely post anything.
... When I do post, I typically post drawings... of birds.
... I've told almost no one about the blog.

Man, she just makes no sense sometimes...

The Prominator

Eden went to Prom last Saturday night. I snapped the usual pictures... I really need to find some new spots in the house. Always in front of the windows for extra light (I hate flash), always trying to crop out whatever room we've not quite straightened up.

Went with a fairly nice kid by the name of Eli. She had a good time I think. Although he did show up with a black eye (pictured). And the pre-dance activity was paintball. Meh... She came home happy.

Channeling

And the Hits Keep Coming

It's been a relatively unpleasant couple of weeks. I'll spare you all of the details except for the latest little gem. As a result of a recent refi appraisal, Tracy and I discovered today that our house is actually about a third smaller than we thought it was when we bought it. Sigh...

The Sisters Grim

Just messing around with skin tones and stuff. And color... I have all of these paints that I'm inexplicably averse to mixing on one drawing. It's also important to note that I'm not typically as depressed as my subjects appear.

On The Wing

I took the liberty of drawing out everything I know about birds. Feel free to use this as a "field guide" if needed in a pinch. Author's note: Actual birds may vary... and may or may not have treads.