Sorry.... I haven't updated this for a long long time. We have been very busy with the new baby coming! Etusko is due in about another week. We are getting really excited. Jacob had a great Christmas! This was the first year Jacob really understood that you get presents on Christmas.
He had a great time. He got lots of presents. I made out pretty good also. One of my favorite gifts was a little remote controlled airplane. I have been golfing a LOT. My new favorite hobby. That is.... Next to beer brewing.
I just saw Avatar. It was probably one of the best movies I have ever seen. I would really recommend seeing it. I saw it in 3-D. It was awesome. I hope everybody had a great Christmas. I will put some pictures of the new baby (Fiona) when she is born.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Oktoberfest 2009
Awwwwwwww..... Summer is almost over.
Summer went by way too fast! We finished the summer off by going to the Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel Oregon. It was a lot of fun. Jacob got a taste of German culture. He like the food and dancing. He like the dancing so much that he stood up on the table and did the chicken dance.
Of course I like the beer.... Etsuko was our designated driver.... Thank you!
Summer went by way too fast! We finished the summer off by going to the Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel Oregon. It was a lot of fun. Jacob got a taste of German culture. He like the food and dancing. He like the dancing so much that he stood up on the table and did the chicken dance.
Of course I like the beer.... Etsuko was our designated driver.... Thank you!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
New Car
Things always happen for a reason!!!
We've had the same cars for about 6 years now.... My car was a 97 ford escort and Etusko's car is a 95 ford contour (probably the worst car ever made!). A couple of weeks ago, the escort's check engine light came on.... Like most people, I ignored it until it became something bigger.
I was at the gas station and noticed a puddle of radiator fluid. It turns out that I blew the head gasket.... I don't really know what that means other then it will cost a lot of money to fix it, and that there is no guarantee that it will run for another 6 years...
We thought it would be a great time to get a new (used but new to us) car... We wanted something for that family. I wanted something that I could go camping in, tow the boat, and go over the pass in the winter time. We ended up getting a Mazda Tribute. It is very roomy and powerful. So far, we are very happy with the purchase.
We've had the same cars for about 6 years now.... My car was a 97 ford escort and Etusko's car is a 95 ford contour (probably the worst car ever made!). A couple of weeks ago, the escort's check engine light came on.... Like most people, I ignored it until it became something bigger.
I was at the gas station and noticed a puddle of radiator fluid. It turns out that I blew the head gasket.... I don't really know what that means other then it will cost a lot of money to fix it, and that there is no guarantee that it will run for another 6 years...
We thought it would be a great time to get a new (used but new to us) car... We wanted something for that family. I wanted something that I could go camping in, tow the boat, and go over the pass in the winter time. We ended up getting a Mazda Tribute. It is very roomy and powerful. So far, we are very happy with the purchase.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Happy Summer!
I hope everybody is having a great summer!
Jacob is really enjoying summer.... He love playing with his cousins and going to Grandma's. Jacob loves the thought of going swimming at Grandma's.... He is a little afraid when we get into the pool. That might be from dad trying to dunk him :). Joking! the last couple of days have been really hot. I thought I was going to get more done around here, but every time I went outside, I told myself it was wayyyyy to hot to work. That's a good excuse. Right!?
This weekend is the first weekend of work.... I am not looking forward to working on the weekend, but I am looking forward to 4 days off. The fall is already looking busy. We are already signed up to bowl on Friday's. We are getting a little crazy this year. We all got bowling shirts. It should be fun.
The Oregon Jamboree is going on... I wanted to go, but didn't want to spend 200 bucks for one night of fun. There is still a month left in the summer, and I plan to make the best of it... I hope you do to!
If you in the neighborhood, stop by for a homebrew!
Jacob is really enjoying summer.... He love playing with his cousins and going to Grandma's. Jacob loves the thought of going swimming at Grandma's.... He is a little afraid when we get into the pool. That might be from dad trying to dunk him :). Joking! the last couple of days have been really hot. I thought I was going to get more done around here, but every time I went outside, I told myself it was wayyyyy to hot to work. That's a good excuse. Right!?
This weekend is the first weekend of work.... I am not looking forward to working on the weekend, but I am looking forward to 4 days off. The fall is already looking busy. We are already signed up to bowl on Friday's. We are getting a little crazy this year. We all got bowling shirts. It should be fun.
The Oregon Jamboree is going on... I wanted to go, but didn't want to spend 200 bucks for one night of fun. There is still a month left in the summer, and I plan to make the best of it... I hope you do to!
If you in the neighborhood, stop by for a homebrew!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Boating Season!!!!
It has taken a while, but we finally got the boat ready to go out on the lake. Now all we have to do is fix the trailer lights on the truck. A couple of weeks ago, Mom and I purchased our fishing licenses. We have used it once. I can't wait to get it out on the open water.... Green Peter here I come!
Good fishing to you!
Good fishing to you!
Jacob's first visit to the Zoo......
This post is a little late.... But, better late than never.... Right!
We had a great time at the zoo. Jacob didn't really know what to expect. He got more than he bargained for! We left at about 7 or 8 in the morning and did not come home until about 5 or 6. A very long day. Here are some pics of the little ones having a great time. I had a lot of fun also. We ended up going to one of the best pizza/beer joints ever....
Does anybody else see the elephant in the room?
Dad always makes a good seat....
Jacob can't wait to go back! Remember, visit your local Old Chicago's. You won't be disappointed!
We had a great time at the zoo. Jacob didn't really know what to expect. He got more than he bargained for! We left at about 7 or 8 in the morning and did not come home until about 5 or 6. A very long day. Here are some pics of the little ones having a great time. I had a lot of fun also. We ended up going to one of the best pizza/beer joints ever....
Does anybody else see the elephant in the room?
Dad always makes a good seat....
Jacob can't wait to go back! Remember, visit your local Old Chicago's. You won't be disappointed!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Strawberry Festival
100 years!
That is how long the Strawberry Festival has been going (in Lebanon OR at least). On Friday night the fam got together and played poker. As Derek and I were leaving (around midnight), we decided to grab parade spots..... It was a good thing too! By the next morning, there were no spots left to grab.
The parade was about 2 hours long. We probably could have left after an hour... Jacob had a blast. He was interested in about everything the parade had to offer. He also got some tasty treats from grandma.
After the parade, we went to the carnival.... It took us about 30 minutes to get into the carnival. Good thing I had my blackberry! The only person that brought money was my mom. Derek, Tom, and I thought there was going to be a ATM. Luckily, mom was able to buy enough tickets to get us by....
All in all, we had a great time. By the end of the day, I was ready for the festivities to be over. Next year, we will be at the carnival earlier (to avoid traffic), leave the parade earlier(that way we get to the carnival earlier), and bring CASH!
Hopefully you guys can attend also next year. It is a guaranteed good time!
That is how long the Strawberry Festival has been going (in Lebanon OR at least). On Friday night the fam got together and played poker. As Derek and I were leaving (around midnight), we decided to grab parade spots..... It was a good thing too! By the next morning, there were no spots left to grab.
The parade was about 2 hours long. We probably could have left after an hour... Jacob had a blast. He was interested in about everything the parade had to offer. He also got some tasty treats from grandma.
After the parade, we went to the carnival.... It took us about 30 minutes to get into the carnival. Good thing I had my blackberry! The only person that brought money was my mom. Derek, Tom, and I thought there was going to be a ATM. Luckily, mom was able to buy enough tickets to get us by....
All in all, we had a great time. By the end of the day, I was ready for the festivities to be over. Next year, we will be at the carnival earlier (to avoid traffic), leave the parade earlier(that way we get to the carnival earlier), and bring CASH!
Hopefully you guys can attend also next year. It is a guaranteed good time!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
I was taking a stroll down memory lane and decided I would share some pictures with you....
This was our first Christmas that Etusko and I had with each other in Oregon. I can't get over how small our first apartment was! What a hot mama :)
Oregon does not get that much snow, but this year we had a lot! I remember almost everywhere was shut down. Even school!!!
Then came Dexster! I was helping my parents spruce up their cabin in Colorado, and I found Dexster. We almost did not get him because he was brown and white. We made an excellent choice!
The next few pictures are of our loving son Jacob! He has been a blessing in our lives. Etsuko's dad was really sick, but as soon as he found out he was going to be a grampa, he became healthy! I could not imagine life without that little guy!
It seems like life passes soooooo fast. It is always nice to stop and look back at what you have accomplished. It just seemed like yesterday that I was getting out of the Navy. That was a scary time! Then came college... 4 long tough years. 6 years later, I have a good job, a great family, and memories to last a life time!
This was our first Christmas that Etusko and I had with each other in Oregon. I can't get over how small our first apartment was! What a hot mama :)
Oregon does not get that much snow, but this year we had a lot! I remember almost everywhere was shut down. Even school!!!
Then came Dexster! I was helping my parents spruce up their cabin in Colorado, and I found Dexster. We almost did not get him because he was brown and white. We made an excellent choice!
The next few pictures are of our loving son Jacob! He has been a blessing in our lives. Etsuko's dad was really sick, but as soon as he found out he was going to be a grampa, he became healthy! I could not imagine life without that little guy!
It seems like life passes soooooo fast. It is always nice to stop and look back at what you have accomplished. It just seemed like yesterday that I was getting out of the Navy. That was a scary time! Then came college... 4 long tough years. 6 years later, I have a good job, a great family, and memories to last a life time!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Memorial day
Finally!!!!
Etusko and Jacob are back. I think they are almost back to same routine. Jacob has gained a lot of confidence since returning from Japan. He knows a lot of Japanese. He understands English but replies in Japanese.... We went to my parents house for Memorial day. Jacob had a lot of fun with his cousins. It has been a real treat to have my little boy back..
This weekend I made some real progress on the backyard. I almost called a professional in.... Almost! Thanks to my brother-in-law.... He talked me into doing the rest myself.
I have been reading a lot of Dave Ramsey over the last couple of days. He is a personal finance professional. The book is called 'The Total Money Makeover'. The info in the books is nothing new, but the books has a way of motivating you to pay off bill as fast as you can! Etsuko and I live pretty conservative, but there is low hanging fruit that does not need to be there.
Our goal is to accrue a million dollars as fast as we can (10 years or less). It is a lofty goal, but it is attainable.
Etusko and Jacob are back. I think they are almost back to same routine. Jacob has gained a lot of confidence since returning from Japan. He knows a lot of Japanese. He understands English but replies in Japanese.... We went to my parents house for Memorial day. Jacob had a lot of fun with his cousins. It has been a real treat to have my little boy back..
This weekend I made some real progress on the backyard. I almost called a professional in.... Almost! Thanks to my brother-in-law.... He talked me into doing the rest myself.
I have been reading a lot of Dave Ramsey over the last couple of days. He is a personal finance professional. The book is called 'The Total Money Makeover'. The info in the books is nothing new, but the books has a way of motivating you to pay off bill as fast as you can! Etsuko and I live pretty conservative, but there is low hanging fruit that does not need to be there.
Our goal is to accrue a million dollars as fast as we can (10 years or less). It is a lofty goal, but it is attainable.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Smoked Porter
I got another brew yesterday..... It is going to be a smoked porter. I have never used any type of flavoring, so this should be interesting. Etsuko comes back on Thursday! Man, it has been a long time.
I haven't gotten much done on the backyard. Last week I started feeling pain on the left side of my body. I saw the doctor yesterday. He said that he does not think it is heart related.... He thinks it might be a slipped disk in my neck. I am still waiting for the results.
I haven't gotten much done on the backyard. Last week I started feeling pain on the left side of my body. I saw the doctor yesterday. He said that he does not think it is heart related.... He thinks it might be a slipped disk in my neck. I am still waiting for the results.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
I Got Tagged!
Here is a little insight into me!
1. What is my current obsession?
- I love to brew beer.... I have a kegerator, special beer glasses, and I go to the home brew store at least 2-3 times a month (a little creepy).
2. Which item of clothing do you wear most?
- White teeshirts (don't ask why!)
3. Whats for dinner?
- Hmmmmmmm... Tonight, I will most likely have a sandwich. Dinners get better when Etusko comes back from Japan.
4. What are you listening to?
- Hip Hop, Country, a little Rock.... I also like talk radio (anything from politics to personal finance).
5. Say something about the one that tagged you?
- I hope you don't expect a home brew anytime soon :)! By the way it was my brother in law that tagged me.
6. Favorite vacation spot?
- I haven't been there in a while, but Japan has to be my favorite vacation spot. I also like anywhere that is sunny!
7. What am I reading right now?
- Charlie Papazan "The Joy of Homebrewing", Dave Ramsey "The Total Money Makeover", "Leadership and self deception" (Probably pretty boring for most of you).
8. Five words to describe myself.
- Good looking, Composed, Laid back, Competitive, and Traditional
9. Guilty Pleasure
- Really?! You think I am going to let you in on that secret? hmmmmmm....
10. First spring thing to do
- Install grass in my backyard.
11. What do I look forward to?
- My IPA (for you none beer drinkers that is Indian Pale Ale)
There you have it!
1. What is my current obsession?
- I love to brew beer.... I have a kegerator, special beer glasses, and I go to the home brew store at least 2-3 times a month (a little creepy).
2. Which item of clothing do you wear most?
- White teeshirts (don't ask why!)
3. Whats for dinner?
- Hmmmmmmm... Tonight, I will most likely have a sandwich. Dinners get better when Etusko comes back from Japan.
4. What are you listening to?
- Hip Hop, Country, a little Rock.... I also like talk radio (anything from politics to personal finance).
5. Say something about the one that tagged you?
- I hope you don't expect a home brew anytime soon :)! By the way it was my brother in law that tagged me.
6. Favorite vacation spot?
- I haven't been there in a while, but Japan has to be my favorite vacation spot. I also like anywhere that is sunny!
7. What am I reading right now?
- Charlie Papazan "The Joy of Homebrewing", Dave Ramsey "The Total Money Makeover", "Leadership and self deception" (Probably pretty boring for most of you).
8. Five words to describe myself.
- Good looking, Composed, Laid back, Competitive, and Traditional
9. Guilty Pleasure
- Really?! You think I am going to let you in on that secret? hmmmmmm....
10. First spring thing to do
- Install grass in my backyard.
11. What do I look forward to?
- My IPA (for you none beer drinkers that is Indian Pale Ale)
There you have it!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Backyard!
This has been a long time coming. Last year I started working on the backyard, but didn't get very far. I put more of my attention on the front yard. The front yard looks a lot better. It's time to get a matching backyard. I brought in 3 yards of dirt yesterday.
Today, I get the pleasure of spreading all the dirt out. Etsuko and Jacob leave on Monday for Japan. They will be gone for a month. I hope to have most of the work done by the time they come back. I will get some pictures up.....
Today, I get the pleasure of spreading all the dirt out. Etsuko and Jacob leave on Monday for Japan. They will be gone for a month. I hope to have most of the work done by the time they come back. I will get some pictures up.....
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Almost Done
We have been putting a lot of work into our home lately.... It now it has more of a home feel. We got pictures, curtains, and some new furniture... My mom went to the casino last week and won a 1000 dollars on the slots!!! Can you believe it! The slots finally paid out. The only hitch was we had to spend it all at TJ Max. Yes! We got some good stuff.
I started another brew this weekend. Its a wheat ale.... It might be a little similar to a pale ale. It should be good.
I started another brew this weekend. Its a wheat ale.... It might be a little similar to a pale ale. It should be good.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Another New Phone :(
So..... It's a bitter sweet day!
I had the samsung eternity and it didn't work so well for me. I really liked the phone, but it had a couple of quirks.. First, the mobile email did not work..... Second, I tried to put a micro SD card (memory card) and the phone would turn off or freeze.... I have only had the phone for 2 weeks! I decided to go with what I know.... A Blackberry. It is the Blackberry bold. Here it is... Not quite as fancy as the Eternity, but it is pretty nice.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
New Phone
First, I love my new phone....
Etsuko keeps telling me to put it down! No!
I've been looking at new phone for a couple of months now... I had a Blackberry. I didn't use half the services it provided. I decided against a smart phone (ie iPhone or Blackberry). I still wanted to surf the net, check my email, and make calls. I ended up getting the Samsung Eternity. It took a little getting used too. I am a pro now... Here is a pic.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Finished Product
I think we got it!
We went to Ikea on Thursday and found our component cabinet.... We have been very busy lately decorating our house. I just kegged my IPA. It is my own recipe! I can't wait to taste it. Hope everybody is doing well!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
New TV!!!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Tap Handles
Thanks to Derek, I got tap handles.... Man that guy knows everybody. When I first started homebrewing, I didn't think kegging made a difference. Wow! I was wrong. I love this new toy. It cuts the work in half and makes the beer more enjoyable. A must have! Here is a pick of the new tap handles I got.
The top is a little dirty... I had a minor spill last night.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Here She Is!!!
Yep! Thats right!!! I got it done today. Well, not all the done, but it works. I made the wood sleeve today. It did not take me to long to make it. I got the wood on Saturday and put it together today. All that wood working finally paid off. Here is a quick video of it. Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Kegerator! A Brewers Dream!
That's right! A KEGERATOR
Yesterday I picked up a chest freezer with the intention of converting it to a kegerator. Etsuko, Jacob, and our dog Dexter got me a keg system (I will get pics up when I get the system) for my birthday. It should be here Friday. Just in time to keg up my Double IPA.
Since I got a chest freezer, I will have to find a way of regulating the temperature. I ordered a temp regulator that should do the job. I also have to build a sleeve, get taps, and more kegs. There is still a lot to do, but I am up to the challenge. I plan on incorporating the Oregon State Beavers into this supreme kegerator (hopefully I can get my brother-in-laws input).
Most of you guys know that I am on a bowling league. Last week was a very bad week for me. Derek (my brother-in-law) got a new ball, and was nice enough to give me his old ball. Currently, I throw a straight ball, but with this new ball I plan to throw a curve. That's right, between the kegerator and learning how to throw a curve, I will be a very busy man!
Here are some pictures.
What I would like it to look like!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!!!!
I hope that everybody had a great New Year..... We sure did. My mom had party with all of the kids and extended family. We drank (home brew and scotch), we eat, and we played poker. Jacob had fun time with the party blowers... All in all, we had a great year in 08' and we are looking forward to 09'.
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