Day in the life.

Crestview, our Austin neighborhood, is very akin to Mayberry. I haven’t met Barney Fife yet, but there is a Floyd the Barber.

Our local IGA and pharmacy have been there in the middle of our neighborhood for eons. You’d never know the existed if you didn’t live in this part of town (they’re not located on a major street). We have a fabulous Little Deli, and a civic-minded neighborhood group that really watches out for the ‘hood.

Last weekend was an Ice Cream Social. We missed it in ‘07, but this year we braved the 100º heat to meet people and be social. There were plenty of kind old folk who were fun to talk with, and lots of new families. We met neighbors from down the block, and the kids enjoyed the band.

If you have time, check out our Flickr account for more images.

The next day was a social of our own. We had the Hills and Thompsons over for a kiddie pool date and some refreshments. Good times all around – it was nice to meet new old friends.

The kids love their new sand and water table. Thanks Grandpa Joe and Grandma Karen S.

Sawyer is a pretty cool dude and played well with the kids.

Have a nice weekend, friends.

It was great to sweep the Cubs, but I’m a little over it now that the SOX appear to be on a decent winning clip (at home).

OK, so the post has a little to do with baseball.

First, if you’re in Austin, consider donating blood through the Tweetup Blood Drive. I’ll be there at 10:15am. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate your Independence than by helping others with vital materials for life. I don’t donate enough.

OK, maybe if they lit off fireworks while your arm was being tapped – that would be a better way.

If you’re unfamiliar with a Tweetup, it’s an event started by someone on Twitter, but open to all. I’m @joeyTWOwheels, if you dare join the microblogging world (Stalelife is on there, too: @Stalelife).

There’s no cost, and Twitter is a great way to keep up with friends, news and companies – some people use it for polls, to find work and/or hired help. All the uses are still being created every day, by people who use it.

Second, for you Austinites, if you watch videos online, consider filling out this survey for KLRU, the local PBS station. It will help them greatly. Psssst - you could also win two tickets to a live taping of Austin City Limits.

Pre-Independence Day Goods:

The carwash is very cool, but I didn’t always think that. As a kid I imagined the carwash eating the car. Scary. As seen through my moonroof. ^

Does anyone know what the hell that is? We’ve got a few of them hanging around on the house.

When people ask to see pictures of the kids (in person), these are the most recent ones on my phone.

Of course, they couldn’t both look at me at the same time. But they do love their Red Wagon.

Have a wonderful Independence Weekend!

Got lots done today and only made a couple trips into the heat. On the way to the vet, I stopped at the side garden because the Plumbago was in bloom. Seems to go from spring to fall.

Molly was really cool at the vet. They did tests for worms and and all the usual stuff. No news is good news is, so if the phone don’t ring tonight, she’s all clear. They’re always amazed at how nice she is, and the vet techs love to pet her long fur coat. Right now she kinda looks like Chewbacca.

On the way back I ran across this guy, Mr Nascar 09 / 420. Something tells me he might get pulled over from time to time, but I’m not 100% sure why.

Friday is just around the bend, friend. Have a great one.

I’ve been thinking about this post I’d love to write about the fantastic long weekend we had out in San Angelo, but I’m more time starved than usual.

Katie fell sick (flu) on Saturday, followed by PJ on Monday and Dad on Tuesday. And the ‘lil girl is still sick - we all are. Even Grandma Karen fell ill (sorry!).

Needless to say I get to work when the kids are sleeping, I haven’t really eaten in three days and I have to keep this short because I’ll probably pass out soon.

• Three days.
• Two Colts games (one winner – a true pitching gem).
• Lots of real swimmin’ pool time - the kids dig it and PJ even likes to be on his belly.
• 50 miles of singletrack in two days – one with a hammer I used to race in the TMBRA series. SS 29er felt great and I kept up well for a guy with zero resemblance of race shape.
• Pathfinder got 21 MPG – don’t know why that’s important, but there it is.
• Grandma and Grandpa spoiled the twins with love, and us with good eats and convo (and love, too).

Katie at La Cabana on Rt 71 - the friendliest staff ever. Food was good, too. I tried Tacos el Pastor and found a new fav.

Patrick smiled at the right time. He loved hanging out with Gus, the Rancher (sitting next to us).

Ken Franz is the everything guy for the Colts. Super nice fella, and a good Harry Caray impression (SOX Harry, not when he was with those other guys).

Not part of the trip, but wanted to show y’all what Texas lawn weeds look like when they are allowed to grow.

Last anecdote – I wrote some twin observations a couple posts ago and had a new one happen today. Katie pushed PJ out of the way as he was having fun with the humidifier button. He didn’t like it, so he punched her in the face (seriously). She turned around and bit him – left a sizable mark and everything. This is just a phase, right?