Category: The Great Outdoors

Too many balls, not enough hands.

I was in my supervisor's office yesterday, spouting off circus analogies. As one does. "I'm juggling an awful lot these days!" I said. "I've got too many balls and not enough hands." Only later did I realize a comment like that could have earned me a visit with HR. Work is super busy right now. … Continue reading Too many balls, not enough hands.

“Nobody” doesn’t mean “no body.”

I was taking a stroll around the office recently and happened upon an interesting sight. A man had pulled his pickup truck onto a grassy area beside the road and was furiously digging a hole. I discreetly snapped a pic. That’s weird, right? It’s not like he was gardening or planting a tree. I’ll admit, … Continue reading “Nobody” doesn’t mean “no body.”

Listen closely and you might hear ghosts whispering in the trees.

What a Tangled Web If anybody really believes I have a Batman tramp stamp, well, I have a bridge to sell you. Also: please don't hate me. But, it was April 1, and I've been candid about my love for April Fools' Day in the past. If it were up to me, I'd declare it … Continue reading Listen closely and you might hear ghosts whispering in the trees.

The Last Dinner

When we moved to the Midwest three point five years ago, some cultural adjustments were necessary. For starters, we had to get used to people who were overwhelmingly nice. Began to think of “traffic” as being third in line at a red light instead of inching forward on a freeway for hours. Discovered that Fleet … Continue reading The Last Dinner

Mammoth Bones & Leaves of Gold

I’m so glad it’s October. I love the double-digit months. Cool weather > warm weather in my book. Not that it’s gotten very cold around here yet, but it’s only a matter of time. It may not feel like autumn yet, but it certainly looks like it! I took Monday off to spend some time … Continue reading Mammoth Bones & Leaves of Gold

Great Scott! Where’d All the Cold Air Go?

We were playing cards in the basement last night, classic rock spinning on the turntable, enjoying some gin (me) and ciders (her), when Tara made an observation. "It's not very cold down here," she said. I hadn't noticed, but as soon as those words left her mouth, I realized she was right. The basement is … Continue reading Great Scott! Where’d All the Cold Air Go?

Like 700,000 Angry Bees

It’s that time of year again, when the Black Hills are filled with an incessant, angry rumbling. Distant thunder? Nope: the constant drone of thousands of two-cylinder four-stroke piston engines. The streets are clogged with motorcyclists from near and far, who have descended upon our fair land for the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Rally is … Continue reading Like 700,000 Angry Bees

The Astronaut Button

So, This is What It Feels Like To Be An Astronaut... I discovered a nifty button that turns my Hyundai into a zippy little rocket. My driving experience hasn't been the same since. I've been very happy since buying the Kona last September, don't get me wrong. But it's always lacked oomph. At least compared … Continue reading The Astronaut Button

‘Yak Tracks

After the longest week in the history of man, Saturday morning rolled around. Tara and I were up bright and early. Our destination? Pactola Lake. We'd been looking forward to trying out our new kayaks ever since hauling them back 300 miles from North Dakota. The day dawned clear and warm. It was perfect weather … Continue reading ‘Yak Tracks