Thursday, July 30, 2015
Racing
That is me behind Ashlyn George (the Saskatchewanderer) on track at the Estevan Motor Speedway
A sneak peak (part 2)
Here is quick peak at what I got to do recently.... it involved almost wrecking a race car and killing the CAA "Saskatchewanderer".
I will tell you more about it tomorrow.... stay tuned!
I will tell you more about it tomorrow.... stay tuned!
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Keith Urban and a few other things
Several years ago, Sari and I (along with our friends Jen and Justin) saw Keith Urban at Dauphin's Countryfest. It remains one of the most fun concerts that we have been been to.
Since then, for a bunch of years now, our kids have been saying that they would like to see him in concert sometime too, so when we heard he was playing the State Fair in Minot we decided that the time had come.
We had a great night!!! I will tell some stories but first some pictures......
Waiting for the concert to start....
The view from our seats (it looked closer in real life).....
After all these years, he still seems to still really enjoy being on stage. He pulled several people up to wish them "Happy Birthday" (He even had the crowd sing to one girl. She was just standing there and so he said..... "Maybe you will want to pull out your phone and video this.... it might be a big deal). :)
He stole several people's phones and took selfies on them with the crowd in the background.
Someone tossed their sunglasses on the stage so he put them on and played a few songs with them on.
It started raining and instead of hiding under the roof he went out and played in the rain with the crowd.
At one point he asked if any of the guys in the front row could sing - one guy said he could do he invited the guy up to do a song with him. Dude was just supposed to sing part of the first verse but then he would not leave... put his arm around Keith and kept singing.... even took the mike off the stand to do his own solo... Keith just laughed and kept playing.
At one point, he went out and played in the crowd. When he was done, he took someone's tour shirt that they had bought, wiped off the guitar (b/c it was wet from the rain), puled out a sharpie and signed the guitar and gave it away to some girl in the crowd.
For one duet song they had local people submit tapes of themselves singing the other part and then he picked one and had her come and sing it with him.... that was cool.
I knew the concert would be fun, but I was worried that being at the State Fair would mean that it would be a short performance..... but he played for over 2 hours straight. And he played every song we wanted to hear except one - so that was good too.
I could tell you more, but it was just a lot of fun. If you ever get the chance to see him you should go. You will not be disappointed.
Afterwards we headed out to the midway. The Carnies kept yelling at these three..... "Pretty girls can play the games too".... you can see why.....
And then somewhere along the line we found some hats..... I was forced to have pictures taken and I am now being forced to post them.
This is approximately what I looked like in the 80s.....
And, lastly, no one would dispute that Megan is a much prettier Southern Belle than I am....
We followed all of this up by staying over and then shopping in Minot on Saturday.
It was a great mini-vacation and a nice memory to share with our girls.
Since then, for a bunch of years now, our kids have been saying that they would like to see him in concert sometime too, so when we heard he was playing the State Fair in Minot we decided that the time had come.
We had a great night!!! I will tell some stories but first some pictures......
Waiting for the concert to start....
He stole several people's phones and took selfies on them with the crowd in the background.
Someone tossed their sunglasses on the stage so he put them on and played a few songs with them on.
It started raining and instead of hiding under the roof he went out and played in the rain with the crowd.
At one point he asked if any of the guys in the front row could sing - one guy said he could do he invited the guy up to do a song with him. Dude was just supposed to sing part of the first verse but then he would not leave... put his arm around Keith and kept singing.... even took the mike off the stand to do his own solo... Keith just laughed and kept playing.
For one duet song they had local people submit tapes of themselves singing the other part and then he picked one and had her come and sing it with him.... that was cool.
I knew the concert would be fun, but I was worried that being at the State Fair would mean that it would be a short performance..... but he played for over 2 hours straight. And he played every song we wanted to hear except one - so that was good too.
I could tell you more, but it was just a lot of fun. If you ever get the chance to see him you should go. You will not be disappointed.
Afterwards we headed out to the midway. The Carnies kept yelling at these three..... "Pretty girls can play the games too".... you can see why.....
This is approximately what I looked like in the 80s.....
And, lastly, no one would dispute that Megan is a much prettier Southern Belle than I am....
It was a great mini-vacation and a nice memory to share with our girls.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Road trip, house painting (part 2) and an honourable mention
This week of holidays consisted of two main ideas......
1. Go do some fun stuff near home
2. Paint the house (not necessarily included in the "fun stuff" pile)
The fun stuff started with a Rider game, a trip to see old cars and tractors and a night at the races (see post below for more info).
The fun stuff continued (for me) last night with a road trip with my buddy Shady Shane. He and I went down to Minot to watch stock car races at the state fair. Here are some pics of what you missed (Editor's note: There are no pictures of Shady Shane..... sorry! He has a strict policy against it.... something about a court order maybe??? I don't know). :)
Late models on the front stretch......
It was a fun night. Good to hang out with Shady.... wandering the midway was interesting.... races were ok - maybe a little short (only ran two classes so it was done in under 2 hours). Worth the drive, though.
Then painting continued today..... the back has two coats on it..... the sides and front have one each.
It is coming along. One more day and will will have the big stuff done then all that will be left is window trim, putting up a new front light, etc.
Honourable mention in our painting project goes to our friend Melanie who has been supplying us with treats such as pies and ice cream. I mention this because (a) it was really nice of her and (b) I am hoping it continues! :)
Ok - one more day of painting and then we are back to "fun stuff". Stay tuned for more stories/pictures etc.
1. Go do some fun stuff near home
2. Paint the house (not necessarily included in the "fun stuff" pile)
The fun stuff started with a Rider game, a trip to see old cars and tractors and a night at the races (see post below for more info).
The fun stuff continued (for me) last night with a road trip with my buddy Shady Shane. He and I went down to Minot to watch stock car races at the state fair. Here are some pics of what you missed (Editor's note: There are no pictures of Shady Shane..... sorry! He has a strict policy against it.... something about a court order maybe??? I don't know). :)
Late models on the front stretch......
They also had what is referred to as a "Soccer Mom's" race (basically women driving mini-vans.... very politically incorrect I know but I did not name the race .... and it was sort of fun so.......).
It was a fun night. Good to hang out with Shady.... wandering the midway was interesting.... races were ok - maybe a little short (only ran two classes so it was done in under 2 hours). Worth the drive, though.
Then painting continued today..... the back has two coats on it..... the sides and front have one each.
It is coming along. One more day and will will have the big stuff done then all that will be left is window trim, putting up a new front light, etc.
Honourable mention in our painting project goes to our friend Melanie who has been supplying us with treats such as pies and ice cream. I mention this because (a) it was really nice of her and (b) I am hoping it continues! :)
Ok - one more day of painting and then we are back to "fun stuff". Stay tuned for more stories/pictures etc.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Sunday, July 19, 2015
24 Hours
Most of the time, my family's life is not that interesting (That is not to say it isn't good - just that there is nothing going on that others may be interested in reading about or seeing), however, this weekend we had an interesting 24 hours.
It started on Friday at noon as we headed up to Regina to take in Saskatchewan Roughrider football game. I usually get to about one of these per year, but the girls had not gone in several years, so it was sort of a new experience for them. Our seats were really high up, but that turned out to be a blessing as it rained all night and we were high and dry under the roof.
Outside the stadium....
We went to the practice field for the pre-game stuff... not many there as (1) we were there really early and (2) it was pouring most of the time.
Game ready!
View from our seats.... warmups in the rain
Later in the night....
After the game we piled in the SUV and headed out.... We arrived at 2:30 am.
Five hours later, the alarm was going off so that Sari and I could attend event #2.... the "Crosby Threshing Show" in Crosby, North Dakota.
Now before you say.... "Bor-ing!".... let me explain. They have an old town down there. They have hundreds of old tractors. They do a parade that lasts like 2 hours. They have a working saw mill, blacksmith shop and a threshing machine. They have a car show and they also have a flea market (which Sara seemed to like a great deal if you can go by how many "treasures" she bought). Oh - and lemonade! Can't forget that (thanks Nathan and Melanie!).
They had rows and rows of old tractors - like hundreds - interesting to see the different ideas that they tried over the years.
People lining the main street waiting for parade
This is a "Stanley Steamer". If you do not know anything about them, look it up. Very interesting and rare
They also had classic cars in the parade (older ones, muscle cars, etc) but I did not take many pictures here. Too busy just watching whatever was going by next. If you like old-time stuff, you need to put this event on your calendar.
Left Crosby at 4 pm so that we could be through the border and home at 5, so that I could attend the next event (and one of my favorite events around here), races at the "Estevan Motor Speedway". We had a great night!
Not a bad way to spend a little over 24 hours if you ask me. Gotta love summer! :)
It started on Friday at noon as we headed up to Regina to take in Saskatchewan Roughrider football game. I usually get to about one of these per year, but the girls had not gone in several years, so it was sort of a new experience for them. Our seats were really high up, but that turned out to be a blessing as it rained all night and we were high and dry under the roof.
Outside the stadium....
We went to the practice field for the pre-game stuff... not many there as (1) we were there really early and (2) it was pouring most of the time.
After the game we piled in the SUV and headed out.... We arrived at 2:30 am.
Five hours later, the alarm was going off so that Sari and I could attend event #2.... the "Crosby Threshing Show" in Crosby, North Dakota.
Now before you say.... "Bor-ing!".... let me explain. They have an old town down there. They have hundreds of old tractors. They do a parade that lasts like 2 hours. They have a working saw mill, blacksmith shop and a threshing machine. They have a car show and they also have a flea market (which Sara seemed to like a great deal if you can go by how many "treasures" she bought). Oh - and lemonade! Can't forget that (thanks Nathan and Melanie!).
They had rows and rows of old tractors - like hundreds - interesting to see the different ideas that they tried over the years.
People lining the main street waiting for parade
This is a "Stanley Steamer". If you do not know anything about them, look it up. Very interesting and rare
They also had classic cars in the parade (older ones, muscle cars, etc) but I did not take many pictures here. Too busy just watching whatever was going by next. If you like old-time stuff, you need to put this event on your calendar.
Left Crosby at 4 pm so that we could be through the border and home at 5, so that I could attend the next event (and one of my favorite events around here), races at the "Estevan Motor Speedway". We had a great night!
Not a bad way to spend a little over 24 hours if you ask me. Gotta love summer! :)
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Basketball for all y'all
It was such a nice night that the kids and I headed out to play some basketball. I won't say who won.... you can guess in the comments section if you like.
On the way home afterwards
On the way home afterwards
Saturday, July 11, 2015
First Fish
Our family does not go fishing very often. We buy licenses most years and then go out once or twice.
During those few fishing trips, however everyone has caught a fish.... except Katelyn. In fact, once she was helping me net one of my catches and she hit him with the net and "released" him. Needless to say, she was starting to feel a little jinxed.
Until tonight.......
This was "free fishing weekend" in the province so she and I went out tonight and here is the result......
She named him "Freedric" because she freed him and because it was a name that seemed to fit a fish that would go after the sparkley worm that she was using (a bait that I had said she would never catch anything with).
So there you go! The curse is over!
Ps. On my second cast I had one on the line but he spit the hook just as I was pulling him out of the water.... and then I caught a baby jackfish..... I tried to take a selfie of him and me but he jumped out of my hand just as I was taking the picture. Katie saw it though and will verify that I am not lying. :)
During those few fishing trips, however everyone has caught a fish.... except Katelyn. In fact, once she was helping me net one of my catches and she hit him with the net and "released" him. Needless to say, she was starting to feel a little jinxed.
Until tonight.......
This was "free fishing weekend" in the province so she and I went out tonight and here is the result......
So there you go! The curse is over!
Ps. On my second cast I had one on the line but he spit the hook just as I was pulling him out of the water.... and then I caught a baby jackfish..... I tried to take a selfie of him and me but he jumped out of my hand just as I was taking the picture. Katie saw it though and will verify that I am not lying. :)
Down the road
Friday, July 10, 2015
Thursday, July 09, 2015
Dakota Modified Tour
As some of you know, I volunteer as a track official at the "Estevan Motor Speedway". This past Monday, the "Dakota Modified Tour" came through town with drivers from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, the Dakotas and Canada (just to name a few places).
It was pretty impressive and, if you were standing beside me, here is what you would have seen.
Stock cars on the staging lane before going on track....
A cool looking Dodge in the pits (most run Chevy bodies).....
A partial view of the grandstands......
Where I normally stand during cautions and before races. Note the Canadian and American flags that they are carrying - a "Salute to the fans" before the race actually starts
My buddy Dave waiting to go and gather the flags from the modified drivers as they drive by so that they can start the race....
Drivers being introduced and getting ready for the last race of the night.
If you have never been to the speedway you ought to check it out. One of the best things about being in Estevan.
It was pretty impressive and, if you were standing beside me, here is what you would have seen.
Stock cars on the staging lane before going on track....
A cool looking Dodge in the pits (most run Chevy bodies).....
A partial view of the grandstands......
Where I normally stand during cautions and before races. Note the Canadian and American flags that they are carrying - a "Salute to the fans" before the race actually starts
My buddy Dave waiting to go and gather the flags from the modified drivers as they drive by so that they can start the race....
Saturday, July 04, 2015
Black Hills Bike Trip
Lots has been going on in our family lately. I will say more about this in days to come, but since I have a little more time let me start with this.....
For the last 4 years (thanks to our lovely wives) my brother and I have done a week to ten day long motorcycle trip somewhere. The first year we went to the Black Hills. Then we went to BC. Then to Montana and Idaho. This year, because it was so much fun the first time around, we decided to go to the Black Hills and tack on a few nights of stock car races in North Dakota. Here are some pictures.
The traditional "start of the ride" pic.....
Came across a "Show and Shine" in the middle of nowhere in North Dakota. Always fun!
On the shores of "Devil's Lake" in North Dakota on a nice day
In the hotel in Jamestown - all geared up to go ride in the pouring rain. Stayed in the room as long as we could hoping the rain would go away. Got on the road and 15 miles down the road we drove out of it and had sunny skies the rest of the way.
A slight delay on the Wildlife loop in "Custer State Park"
Lenny and a donkey in "Custer State Park". Can you tell which is which???
The reservoir in the middle of the Black Hills
We only stay in the classiest joints (As classy as you can find for $70 or less that is). Here is our room in Leed, South Dakota. Note how the two single beds almost touch in the middle of the room - that will tell you how small the room was. Nice place. Great owners. Very budget friendly.
One day we climbed to the top of the highest point in South Dakota. Supposed to be a 4-6 hour hike. We got there late in the day and decided to do it anyway so we got to the top in 1 hour and 58 minutes (including a detour that cost us 20 minutes). Back to the bikes in under 3 hours (a new world record????) and I was wearing biker boots and a 68968459689 pound motorcycle coat!. Big ranger stand at the top. Cool view!
View from the General store patio in Custer state park. Nice place to grab a drink and hang out
Car museum ("Motion Unlimited") in Rapid City.
Me after 8 days on the road (I am happy on the inside.... just too tired to show it).
For the last 4 years (thanks to our lovely wives) my brother and I have done a week to ten day long motorcycle trip somewhere. The first year we went to the Black Hills. Then we went to BC. Then to Montana and Idaho. This year, because it was so much fun the first time around, we decided to go to the Black Hills and tack on a few nights of stock car races in North Dakota. Here are some pictures.
The traditional "start of the ride" pic.....
Our hotel in Underwood, North Dakota. Went there for races and when we told the lady at the desk that she said, "Oh.... all right!" as if no one in the history of the world has come to Underwood specifically for their races. We also walked the town and everyone stared at us because they did not know who we were or what we were doing there (at least that is what we told ourselves).
Came across a "Show and Shine" in the middle of nowhere in North Dakota. Always fun!
On the shores of "Devil's Lake" in North Dakota on a nice day
In the hotel in Jamestown - all geared up to go ride in the pouring rain. Stayed in the room as long as we could hoping the rain would go away. Got on the road and 15 miles down the road we drove out of it and had sunny skies the rest of the way.
A slight delay on the Wildlife loop in "Custer State Park"
Lenny and a donkey in "Custer State Park". Can you tell which is which???
The reservoir in the middle of the Black Hills
We only stay in the classiest joints (As classy as you can find for $70 or less that is). Here is our room in Leed, South Dakota. Note how the two single beds almost touch in the middle of the room - that will tell you how small the room was. Nice place. Great owners. Very budget friendly.
One day we climbed to the top of the highest point in South Dakota. Supposed to be a 4-6 hour hike. We got there late in the day and decided to do it anyway so we got to the top in 1 hour and 58 minutes (including a detour that cost us 20 minutes). Back to the bikes in under 3 hours (a new world record????) and I was wearing biker boots and a 68968459689 pound motorcycle coat!. Big ranger stand at the top. Cool view!
Car museum ("Motion Unlimited") in Rapid City.
Me after 8 days on the road (I am happy on the inside.... just too tired to show it).
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