Time to do some planning!

Here is my idea: I want to do a vacation. I want to do it someplace warm with a beach and the chance to scuba dive. I want a vacation that is all-inclusive. That means ALL drinks, food, room, everything is included in one price. Now I have taken vacations like this with friends and they are out there. In Cozumel Mexico they have all-inclusive resorts that pander to families and are not that expensive. Cozumel is a good place because it is an island. As an island you don't have the riffraff that you have on the mainland begging or trying to rip you off. The last time I was on Cozumel (4 years ago) there was not a street you could not walk safely. The island has a large contingent of Mexican Military and a police force that is above reproach. There are many all-inclusive resorts that could meet anybody's needs. The prices do vary but I will determine a place that is cost effective for anyone and their family. If you are interested let me know but I am going to invite all the people I have known over the last 25 years. This will include: family, friends, military, political, co-workers and for some even ex-lovers (ha!). I would suggest you do the same. This is not to be construed as a "family" reunion but a reunion of friends and family because the people you hold as friends and family I would too, without judgement. Heck, I may not even like them but they are welcome to go. So....if there is something specific we should look for leave a comment and I will incorporate it in the search for the "All-Inclusive Friends and Family Vacation"!

Dinner at Mike and Jacinta's

What a great afternoon! Tyler Mary and I went to Flounders for Raw Oysters. They were $8.99 a dozen which is way out of line but it has been so long since I have had them we got them anyway. Tyler had never had raw oysters and he ate more than half of them. Mike and Jacinta worked a regular day and after they got home Tyler drove us over to their house for dinner. Have I mentioned traffic? Traffic is something we don't encounter in South Dakota. I mean, now and then we get behind a tractor or something but we never really have traffic. Here we have traffic and it's on bridges. I have been having Tyler drive and I navigate. Mary has been really good keeping an open eye for things two dumb guys miss. Well, we faced the traffic drove to Mike's house and had a great dinner. Mike and Jacinta cooked ribeyes, corn-on-the-cob, potatoes and salad. All of this was chased down with some good red wine. After dinner the boys hide in the den so the chicks could wash dishes. At least I thought that was the plan because we went into the music room and shut the door. This made me very uneasy because I always like to help washing. Mike has always had issues helping with chores. This was always a hardship for me growing up. Tyler and Mike played guitar for the rest of the evening while I listened. I know Tyler learned a lot about playing and really loved the night.

I later tried to discuss trading a couple of items with Mike but he decided to manipulate me so I had to stop and take a breather (strategic move). I've been a horse trader a lot longer than Mike.

Jacinta and Mary had fun talking about old times and family. As was par for the course, Mike and Jacinta went above and beyond in providing us wonderful experience. Today, Mike is bringing over surfboards. I am sure another lesson is in store for me.

Tree Hugger Friend

My Buddy, Rod, saw his picture and sent me this email:

The Buluga whale you pictured in your blog is quite the specimen of mother
nature at work. What a beauty. But, it is an endangered species because
the Sunday night Keystones (I can remember 12 last Sunday) are being
replaced with low-carb Rum and Coke Zero. If there is anything that can
motivate a person to lose weight, it is having his a photo of his bloated,
drunken body posted on the frickin internet...thanks buddy.

You just feel better knowing you can make a difference in someone's life.

Central States Fair

Mary, Tyler and I went to the Fair on Sunday. This is an annual event for us. We went for the Indian Taco. No Vendors were selling them so we settled for a brat (which wasn't very good) and a Philly Cheese (that was good) but cost $7.00 smaker roonies! We watched a Rock Band perform instead of "The Amazing Ted", musician, comedian and magican. He was a no show. Here is a picture of my friend Rod. He is really "Big" into sports. I have honored him as the 1st really bad photo I have posted. I let him know I was going to do it and he was very open about it. This picture was taken on a very nice Bahamian day. As you might guess, they had a Swim-Up Bar. Since Rod doesn't know how to post as flattering picture of me you will not see any. Rod is the true "Party Animal." There is not much you cannot get him to go along with. You put a couple drinks in him and make a suggestion, next thing you know, you can be anywhere from 90 feet below the surface to sky diving. He is available for parties. Click on the photo for a blown up version.

What a vacation!

We just returned from a cross country trip. Started out in Rapid City and traveled as far east as Monroe Ohio. We had a family reunion at my sister Laura''s and if you haven't told her thanks send her a note. We spent the first night playing music, singing and talking well into the night. Terry honored us with a fireworks display that would do a small town proud. On our way back to South Dakota we stopped at Lisa's and spent a day and a half reminding ourselves why we are not farmers. It's about the work not the smell. We continued our journey back via Omaha and spent almost two days with one of the best families one could meet. Dave, Karen, Samantha and Honda Lee flew in from Langley AFB to see their daughter Kristen get engaged. The new "to-be" member, AJ, will make a fine addition and bring some musical talent to the family. Thanks for such a good time everyone!