Denver Trip

I went to Denver this past weekend for Father's Day and to hang out with my little sis at her swim meet. I took the new camera and grabbed some nice pictures of the swim meet and their garden.

This is the start of her meet, the Highlands Ranch team is warming up...

Maddie getting ready for her freestyle...

Just like Michael Phelps right...

Splash...

Swimming her little heart out...

and a strong finish...

Look at that little cutie, doesn't she look like a pro in her uniform...

Maddie starting her backstroke...

Starting off splashing...

I think she is smiling...

Overall she did awesome, I don't know her official times, but I think she placed in her breaststroke swim! We all had fun and got a little tan hanging outside all day in the warm, 85 degree summer. It was pretty nice all weekend, but not for Darth Vader, we ate him for breakfast on Sunday for Father's Day... 

And they even got me this awesome birthday cake from this place called Nothing Bundt Cakes, cute huh...

And here are some garden pics...

I was so close, then this little critter ran away...

Jane brought home a snail, and a few baby snails, from the garden store and he slimed everywhere...

The END!

Happy Birthday Debbie!!!

Happy birthday to Deb!

I made her a cake, but it was not a complete success...especially
compared to the birthday girls baking abilities! Hope she enjoys it
though...

Happy birthday!!!!!

Fathers Day! And, dog park fun...

Firstly, I'd like to wish a special "Happy Fathers Day" to our dads...Donald and Larry. We owe a lot to our parents...so we dedicate this day to you all! Some photos from the wedding of us with our dads...


So...this morning I took Roma to the dog park so that she could stretch out her legs. Plus get her some social time, make friends, etc...we don't have kids, so this was my fathers day activities...spending it with Roma and Midnight!

Anyways, when we arrived there were two dogs leaving...and it ended up being just me and Roma. Not ideal, but it gave me time to work on my "fetch" training. She is good at fetch, but has a problem bringing it all the way back. Sometimes she runs and gets it, sprints back, and then goes left 30 yards. Or gets it and stops half way back...gets distracted...etc. Today was funny, we were doing great...and then it happened. I threw a long one and it bounced twice, with Roma hot on it's tail, and it landed in the garbage can! I was a solid 200 feet out and made a basket! Roma was just standing there dumbfounded not knowing what happened. She was looking back to me and was just frozen.

Surely enough, I got close...

...and confirmed, it was in the trash!

I found another ball and we continued...

Later in the day I took Roma for our typical summer 1.75 mile run. Because of the hell-like weather, our runs have really been shortened. Roma is black and absorbs the heat (not kidding, put her in the sun and she is like a hot potato!).

Anyways, birthday planning going on here...Deb's bday is on Tuesday! More on that later....

Baseball, Softball, etc

After 68 games in Houston, I think we all have a good idea how the season is going. With only 26 victories and a 0.382 winning percentage, I'll borrow our friend Lisa's line and stick it in the Astros' mouths..."I'm done!" And to add more disappointment, the Indians only have 26 victories, themselves... I am getting to the point of dusting off my old Mets gear to find a team to root for! I guess I have a growing appreciation for the Cardinals by way of Deb, so for now I'm not hopeless in October. At least I'm not a Pirates fan, or worse...an Orioles fan!

It's been a rough year for Cleveland and Houston, but I think it's time to fold and make some trades. Play for next year or 2012, don't protect your pride, just do what needs to be done!

With my pessimistic attitude towards my favorite teams, it was perfect time for summer softball to start back up! There's nothing better than 95 degrees and 90% humidity...actually, just about anything sounds better than that! But throw in some cold (crappy) beers and good friends, it's worth it.

Last Thursday was our first week back, and we split the day going 1-1. First game we held a 13-8 lead into the last inning...go figure, we lost 15-13 a la a couple bad plays in the field. I was 1 for 3, with a single, run and RBI. I reached on a fielders choice also...overall hitting the ball hard all three times. Second game we did quite better, won cleanly 13-3. I had my best softball game to date, going 3 for 3 with 2 HRs and a double, 4 RBIs and 3 runs. The first homer was of the inside the park variety, definitely was flying as fast as I could around the bases...

With the weekend here, last night I had the guys over for drinks. Deb's away to Denver for the weekend, so she missed out on the fun. We watched Strasburg impress, the Astros lose, and a night full of Roma and Buster chasing each other around. Kiddy came out for a minute, but realized she liked the comfort and security of our bed more!

Oh and Roma and kiddy are getting more and more friendly, they are civil and we have even seen the two chasing each other. Friendship perhaps? Time will tell, but they are definitely quite comfortable with one another, check out Midnight befriending Roma's bone. Sisterly love? I know that there's always a sibling rivalry, so we'll see how it all pans out. For now, though, we'll enjoy their growing bond.

Aside from baseball, and Debbie being gone for the weekend (Denver for father's day), it has been a pretty good week overall......

Happy 9th Birthday to Gracie!

Formerly little Gracie Lou was born 9 years ago today...perhaps my folks will give her some extra treats today? My guess is not...

Makena Golf Resort...

Further to my previous post, we have Maui next month...after a long deliberation and debate, I have decided to play at the golf course at Makena Beach and Golf Resort. The course is a close to an hour away from Ka'anapali, where we're staying, but I decided to on this course for a couple reasons. I was not keen on spending $300 for a round of golf, and I wanted a scenic course...it was pretty much that simple.

Here's a view:
Details of the course are on their site, click here.

FYI, I'm working with Deb on her swing...we were back to the driving range this past weekend...she has significantly improved and might just take a few swings on the course...that'll be up to her. I debated bringing my clubs, but for the sake of convenience, I'm going to just rent some. Plus, I'm in the market for new irons, so it'll also serve as a demo day for me!

More Maui details to come...

Maui Countdown!

I think it's time to break out the countdown in anticipation of our summer 2010 vacation to Maui! It's gone under the radar up until now. Preliminary plans were set a while back, now it's time to solidify our 8 days in paradise!

Here was the sunset from our room back in 07:

One thing we have lined up is a luau. Deb has been before, however, in 2007 we didn't make it to one. This time around, we already have our reservations in! Old Lahaina Luau

Also in the works is golf!! I played at Ka'anapali previously and am excited about the next round. I'm looking around still but think the best chance will be Kapalua...but we'll see. Check out hole #5:

Outside of those, we have much to be planned. I know one thing I won't be doing this time...scuba! I think almost dying once was enough. Granted I probably didn't almost die, it surely felt like that! Then again, I did almost lose my finger snorkeling, so who knows what is actually safe anyways?!

Any ideas anyone? I'm hearing ideas like tours surrounding food, pineapples, coffee...what else? Anyone have any good ideas from past trips??

Roma Graduated Beginner Training (last month!)

So last month, after many delays, Roma finished her puppy training course. Blame the delay on her surgery-scare, scheduling conflicts, us messing up the make up times, and other random events...but finally she got to graduate, and even wear a little graduation cap!

As she was not listening to me very well that day, Debbie took the lead in the "talent" portion of the exam...making her sit, stay, down, sit-ups (up and down a number of times), watch me, and a trick (which she did a high five, a shake, and a roll over!).

It was a fun day. As much as the Petsmart training was helpful, we feel as though we can do it on our own from here on out. Most of the stuff we taught her was outside of the classroom. But the beginner course definitely helped us get started and to know our pup! One thing they helped with, not pulling on the leash!

Oh and as a graduation gift, she received a blue toy, which in seconds had lost it's ear. Seconds later, it was all gone! Nope, just kidding...she lost toy privileges!

Back to where it all began...

Another reference to NYC trip, we went to the Starbucks at 50th and
Broadway...where my "stalking" ended and reportedly "hit" deb! It was
where we really hit it off...it was a nice reminscing afternoon...

And for the record I dis not "hit" deb, it was a gentle tap on her
shoulder! ;-)

Zywiec beer, direct from Poland

You can read about our awesome trip to NYC a few posts back, it was
the best birthday gift! Polish food, supporting the tribe in Yankee
stadium, cupcakes, beer, and deb...great times!

As for the best beer, it was the Zyweic porter at Neptune. Amazing.
I'm not just saying that because I'm Polish but it was! Even on the
beer rating sites, it's rated at the top, no kidding! Of course after
contacting our liquor store and the company directly, we can't get it
here in Texas! The awesome thing is, I was also asking for the glasses
(as we collect all sorts of beer glasses) and they are sending me some
free! Now that is quite cool...

For anyone out of Texas, go find their beer...it's worth the search!

Timothy Kadlec, Jr

My brother welcomed his new son on May 31st...here's his big sis,
Cesilie holding her little brother...

New Camera Pics

We got a new camera! My first DSLR Pics...

I of course have no idea what I am doing...

But I am not alone, a few of us from work are looking to take a class so I can use all the new features...

Originally I wanted the camera to improve my food photography...

Although I can't get away from that darn cute pup...

And we will be bringing the cam to Hawaii in a few weeks to practice...

What is the obsession what taking pics of Roma...

I didn't forget you though kitty!

Any beginner tips you photo gurus??

NYC

Terence and I just got back from New York City. For Terence's birthday I had bought tickets to the Yankee/Indians game over Memorial Day weekend. I think this was the only time I wish I had bought worse seats! We went to the day game on Monday and it was nice and sunny, which is great, but not when your sitting in the direct sun on leather seats for 2+ hours! We ended up buying some sunscreen and frozen margaritas and sweat it out in our Indians gear surrounded by Yankee fans. The stadium was nice though, name brand vendors everywhere including Nathan's hotdogs!



Besides the game, we did a few touristy things, we took a ride up to the Top of the Rock to see the beautiful skyline of NYC. It was fun, got some good pics and wish I had my new camera to practice with!


Besides the new BOA tower, a few other things had definitely changed since we moved to Texas. Times Square is completely open now for pedestrian traffic only and they added all sorts of cafe tables and chairs outside.


We also saw some movie stars! They were taping some scenes from the "The Smurfs" movie with Neill Patrick Harris walking down 59th street near Central Park. It was obviously meant for the fall as they had fake leaves and blowers everywhere. We also saw the cast of Glee outside Radio City Music Hall.


And most importantly, we ate! We ate lots of cupcakes, italian, and brunch. We went to my favorite restaurant, Serendipity 3 and shared an ice cream sundae (not the $1000 one). We visited an old Italian restaurant we remembered near Greenwich Village, Foccaria, and got to meet up with Terence's old friend, Alok. We also went to a new Italian place near Times Square, Trattoria Trecolori, highly recommend as it was delish! We missed out on our old brunch place, Clinton Street Baking Co., but made up for it by eating at Sarabeth's on the West side the next day. We tried to hit the best cupcakes in town: Butter Lane, Crumbs, Magnolia Bakery, and Eleni's (a new place in Chelsea Market). The "Elvis" cupcake at Butter Lane being my fav and the "Grasshopper" at Crumbs being Terence's fav. All in all, it was a good trip!

And while we were gone, somebody had a baby! Congrats to Timothy Kadlec Jr. born May 31st 7 lbs 12.5 oz and 20 inches.