Ryland's 8th Birthday and TJ's Hockey Championship

Today Ryland turned 8 years old. He had a tiring morning after a late night at the Thrashers game last night. We went to a local pub for lunch. He is a lot more excited than he looks here.
Ryland is getting some birthday love from Mommy.

The whole bunch is devouring a bowl of queso, chips, and tortillas.


TJ's Ice Hockey House League team won their second straight annual championship today. I had the pleasure to head coach this team. It was a great season topped off with a 5 to 3 victory for the league championship. Great group of young men who improved individually all season and really jelled as a team. I am proud of all these boys of varying skills and talents. They won the game, changed and left the rink like it was no big deal....

TJ and the Old Man with the League Cup.. They spilled all their enthusiasm on the ice during the game. Not much left for pictures - as you can see here. The "A" on TJ's jersey is for Assistant Captain. However, they way he has been treating his little brother today - it might have alternate meaning.

TJ's friend, team mate and MVP - Nick with his Dad posing with the League Cup and MVP trophy.

With the All Star and House Leagues complete this season - there is one more league to finish - High School League. Tonight Kennesaw Mountain High School completed their third straight victory in the High School league tournament. They are undefeated in the double elimination tournament which places them automatically in the championship for their division.

If all this sounds like the rantings of an overbearingly proud parent - Good. I am..

Desert Susnet

We took a hike late in the day on Thursday. Jimmy timed it so that we would complete the hike right around sunset. Jim hit it just right and we got some really nice sunset photos.

Here is Mike along the way.

Here is Jim in between taking pictures of tiny little things.

I tried to copy Jim's style by getting a shot of this tiny little thing. I think it is call Indian Paint Brush.. (not sure)

Some Desert Cholla Cactus filled with water looking healthy.

I tried to get the moon at twilight. I have some learning to do here..


I liked this silhouette of the Saghuaro on downward slope on the left side of the hill.
This is the end of the sunset. Jimmy spotted this view while driving back from the hike. I am still playing with the levels on this one. This is my best attempt so far.

Guerrero Hit a Grand Slam

We took in a ball game at Phoenix Muni yesterday. Oakland played the Angels. We got to see Vladimir Guerrero hit a grand slam. Made it worth suffering the sun and heat. Daniel passed the time with his sunflower seeds and cotton candy.
Jessica and David were some smiling happy people.
I managed to a fountain of Pyramid beer. This brand is not available in Georgia. Good day all around.

More Bloom Pictures

The Hard Path
Here is a bunch of blooms


Another Bunch

A Straggler
The Leader

Lettin' loose

Staying on top

And my favorite - The French Salute

Desert Blooms

We took a hike in the desert today. Saw some nice blooms.

I am taking a week off from work, wife, kids, dogs.... visiting with my brothers in Phoenix, Arizona. Today, St Patrick's Day, we took in a ball game .. Oakland A's vs KC Royals. Beers, dogs and peanuts... Tonight we BBQ a filet with a few beers and maybe some wine.

Last weekend TJ and Ryland played in a hockey tournament in Nashville, TN. It is call the Country Western Showdown. We left Thursday night to be rested for Ryland's first match on Friday morning. The most exciting thing about the whole deal for Ryland was a day off school and the hotel pool.

When we arrived - first things first - check MySpace.


Here is TJ trying to escape the tyranny of the lens for a little privacy.

Then off for a bite to eat... "redrum...redrum...redrum..." Jimmy will get it.

The boys awaiting their burger in the hotel restaurant. At this point they are exhausted and thoroughly done with their Dad and his camera.

Here we go now!! Time for some Hockey.. Here is Ryland out-pacing the bad guys.
Again, Ryland and another bad guy coming on strong.

Finally, swarmed by bad guys, Ryland manages to get a shot off...

Here is a picture of TJ's All Star Team. These 17 players are a collection of 3 skaters and two goalies from 5 rival teams in the local league. They never practice together - they only come together every few weeks for a game or two with other select and travel teams. I had the honor to be selected as the coach for these fine young men. instead of enforcing some strict dogma, I decided to establish lines and set these boys on the ice to do their best. Did they ever show everybody how well they know the game and how to play it. On the bench during the games, they are about as loose as they are in the picture. I really enjoyed the time with this team and all the parents. The other coaches who assisted during the games did not understand my style at first, but quickly realized the success in the less is more approach when dealing with such a special group. They had a great season with a lot of wins and took 2nd place in the tournament where they had to play a division up because of their successes in their own division.

I took this picture in the locker room prior to their semi-final match which they fought hard and won to advance to the championship. This is my favorite team photo ever. I hope you enjoy it too.

TJ and I are in Greenville, SC for three ice hockey games with a local team. We got through with with the first game Saturday night and are back in the hotel attending to priorities....