Thursday, July 09, 2009
Chattanooga weekend
Amy and I are going to Chattanooga this weekend to race the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon. The way things look right now I might be cheering on Amy as she does the race. :-( During a trail run last weekend I pulled a muscle in my left calf and I have not been able to run or bike since. It feels a bit better now and I will take the bike, but I am a bit worried that it won't have healed in time to deal with the stress. Either way though, we should have a nice time in Chattanooga and I know that Amy will have a great race.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Congratulations Timo
Even though Timo Bracht has won several other Ironman races before, his win today at the Ironman Europe Championships in Frankfurt, Germany was the most impressive one yet.
Timo, I am very proud of you. Congrats.
Timo, I am very proud of you. Congrats.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Baby steps, baby steps
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Feldsalat
Feldsalat is something I grew up with in Germany and in our region we often call it Ackersalat. It actually has quite a few different names such as Valerianella, Corn Salad, Lamb's Lettuce and Mache, and it is neither well known nor easily available in the USA. I recently discovered it at Whole Foods, where they sell it as Mache. We had some last night and oh boy, it is so good.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Liquid gold
I always liked European Fanta and it is stunning to me how much better it is than US Fanta. US Fanta actually tastes very artificial and strange and I barely ever drink it. But European Fanta (notice the yellow versus orange color) is liquid gold to me and we were able to a few bottles from the European Market while in Chattanooga.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
New site
My Guerrilla Communication website is a bit more than 2 years old now and I thought it should be time to give the site a new look and feel. The sketch below of the splash page shows what the site is going to look luke, except, it will remain a completely sketched website. All hand drawn and written. Yeah
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Art of Michael Lachowski
Michael Lachowski is an artist from Athens, GA who is involved in a huge variety of art projects. One of my favorite art pieces of his is hanging in the Grit coffee shop in Athens, GA and that coffee artwork inspired me to commission Michael to do a couple artworks for me. Since I don't drink coffee much though, we had to go down a different road.
The original coffee piece on a post card in my office

The Milk artwork currently is in our dining room

The Hot Chocolate artwork graces our living room
The original coffee piece on a post card in my office

The Milk artwork currently is in our dining room

The Hot Chocolate artwork graces our living room
Sunday, June 07, 2009
36 North Triathlon
Amy and I were racing in the 36 North Triathlon in Clemmons, NC today and we had an absolute blast. The race itself was held in Tanglewood Park and they capped out at 400 starters despite it being a first time event. But it was absolutely done first class and we were both impressed with the organization of the event. A big thumbs up to the crew that organized it and all the folks who volunteered.
Big smiles after the race is behind us

Awaiting the awards and representing slowtwitch

Amy finished third in F30-34 and this is her second podium finish

I finished second in M40-44 and top 15 overall and was very happy with the result.
Big smiles after the race is behind us

Awaiting the awards and representing slowtwitch

Amy finished third in F30-34 and this is her second podium finish

I finished second in M40-44 and top 15 overall and was very happy with the result.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
The hole is "gone"
Ready for the race
Monday, June 01, 2009
A kitchen in time
When we first saw our new home we pretty much knew that it was it. We especially fell in love with the kitchen but decided to do a few small changes. We wanted more storage and also wanted the kitchen to be open to the dining room. The pics below were pretty much shot from the same point of view at 3 different times.
This is how the kitchen was when we bought the home. No flowers or any other decoration of course.

We took a good section of the wall out and opened it to the dining room. We also painted the walls a very light green color and removed the bench.

The new cabinets and countertop in place, plus the new dishwasher. :-)
This is how the kitchen was when we bought the home. No flowers or any other decoration of course.

We took a good section of the wall out and opened it to the dining room. We also painted the walls a very light green color and removed the bench.

The new cabinets and countertop in place, plus the new dishwasher. :-)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Bratwurst
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Those were the days
The picture below was taken some time around 1991 and just recently popped up on facebook. It is very old school with the Giro Hammerhead helmet, IRD suspension fork, Campagnolo Record OR components and the trick light Litespeed Titanium frame from the era when there were no Litespeed model names but funky lime green decals. I even had hair at that time. :-)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Chattanooga has stupid ads dot com
Every time when I am in Chattanooga and hear ads for Chattanooga has cars dot com, Chattanooga has health dot com or Chattanooga has jobs dot com etc I think that those are some of the dumbest sounding ads in town. Maybe I should feature all of them on Chattanooga has stupid ads dot com. :-)
We are almost there
last night just before 9pm our dining room table was finally delivered. The chairs in the dining room had been sitting quite lonely for about a month now, but the table is fantastic and was worth waiting for. This morning the honed granite was delivered for the additional cabinets in the kitchen and the new vanity in the master bathroom. That means we are now almost there as we only have to deal with details.
The crew from Bloomsday granite and marble arrived at 8am sharp. (Yes, on memorial day)

With the honed granite in place we can now fill those extra cabinets. The "open" space will be filled with a wine cooler.

The new table has been in place for 14 hours only.

The table was made from an old elm wood door and has some interesting markings.

The vanity granite is in place too, and the faucets will be installed tomorrow. The lower cabinet gets a wooden top and a pillow and will serve as a seat.
The crew from Bloomsday granite and marble arrived at 8am sharp. (Yes, on memorial day)

With the honed granite in place we can now fill those extra cabinets. The "open" space will be filled with a wine cooler.

The new table has been in place for 14 hours only.

The table was made from an old elm wood door and has some interesting markings.

The vanity granite is in place too, and the faucets will be installed tomorrow. The lower cabinet gets a wooden top and a pillow and will serve as a seat.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Coffee table update
Thursday, May 14, 2009
New coffee table
I have been working on a coffee table and it is slowly coming together. The metal ring will keep the rust look but the legs still need to be stained. Once the legs are stained they will be knocked all the way "through," leaving about 1/8" exposed on the top. The glass top will rest on these exposed wooden stumps. The whole table is very heavy and we'll have to test the floors to make sure it won't "crash through." :-)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
New Gravitas brakes for my bike
Friday, May 08, 2009
My new office desk
Today my new office desk arrived and it is very nice indeed. It is the crafty work of Roger Dinger of reinbarnation.com and he creates very cool tables from reclaimed barn wood. The pine wood for this desk came from the Barefoot Farm in Lake Waccamaw, NC.
The Aeron office chair is still not here and I'll clean up the cables under the desk, but this is basically what it looks like. The file cabinet is from CB2.
A hole in the back allows the cables to be out of the way.
The Aeron office chair is still not here and I'll clean up the cables under the desk, but this is basically what it looks like. The file cabinet is from CB2.
A hole in the back allows the cables to be out of the way.
Monday, May 04, 2009
A day in the park
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Wedding anniversary
Today we celebrated our first wedding anniversary and we had several friends and family members send us warm wishes. We had a very nice weekend and the weather pretty much was great too. Friday night we went out for dinner to Fabian's and that was very good. Saturday morning we ran the 5k in the Race for the Cure and that was very fulfilling both from a physical as well as an emotional point. Saturday afternoon we went to a Kentucky Derby party at the house of someone Amy works with, and Saturday night we chilled and watched Slumdog Millionaire. Today we slept in, had a great brunch at the Village Tavern and then got the house ready for the furniture deliveries this week. Late this afternoon we took Pete to the dog park and that was great fun, but next time we'll give him the bath after the park and not before like we did today. :-)
Hopefully I'll never need one of those:
Hopefully I'll never need one of those:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Athens weekend
Amy and I went to Athens, Ga over the weekend to see the Athens Twilight Criterium on Saturday night and also to spend a bit of relaxing time there.
It was quite warm there and in the afternoon we had time to just wander around

Kyle Wamsley of Colavita-Sutter and John Murphy of Ouch Racing in action

This video (posted by someone else) shows the throngs of spectators and the speed of the athletes
After a run on Sunday morning we went to the Grit for brunch

Behind the counter inside the Grit is one of Michael Lachowski's Coffee paintings. He painted that Coffee one in 1985, and he made both a Hot Chocolate and a Milk artwork for me in 2004
It was quite warm there and in the afternoon we had time to just wander around

Kyle Wamsley of Colavita-Sutter and John Murphy of Ouch Racing in action

This video (posted by someone else) shows the throngs of spectators and the speed of the athletes
After a run on Sunday morning we went to the Grit for brunch

Behind the counter inside the Grit is one of Michael Lachowski's Coffee paintings. He painted that Coffee one in 1985, and he made both a Hot Chocolate and a Milk artwork for me in 2004
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Introducing Pete
This week we adopted Pete from our friends Paul and Anita. I think they planned on having only 2 dogs but ended up with 4. Pete for example was dropped off at their house 2 years ago for a "couple of weeks" and never picked up again. Pete lost his front right leg after an incident with a car, but he gets around just fine.
Exhausted after the 6 hour transfer from Chattanooga

Hanes Park is just down the hill from us and offers lots of things to see

Wow that walk was tiring

Hello world, I am Pete
Exhausted after the 6 hour transfer from Chattanooga

Hanes Park is just down the hill from us and offers lots of things to see

Wow that walk was tiring

Hello world, I am Pete
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Seeing daylight
We still have a few moving boxes to unpack, but most of them are empty now and broken down to be picked up by the movers. The first room to be really finished with setting up was the kitchen, even though we are still awaiting the additional cabinets and countertop. But the cabinets and the fridge are filled and we were able to cook our first meal there. :-)
We love the kitchen, and dislike the dishwasher.

This wedding gift (thank you Deano and Angie) looks perfect here.
We love the kitchen, and dislike the dishwasher.

This wedding gift (thank you Deano and Angie) looks perfect here.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
My thumb is still quite ugly
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Getting closer to moving in
Tuesday, April 7 is the big moving day from the Piedmont LeafLofts to the home on Clover Street. Amy and I are both excited and ready to move into our first house that is ours (not mine or yours.) Our contractor Rick Stevens has done a great job with the opening of the kitchen to the dining room and the painting and finishing of several rooms.
The house is a bit easier to see with the leaves not yet up

We will need furniture for the living room.

A look from the living room through the dining room into the kitchen. It is all open now.

Only a few more days and we'll be cooking here.

The new cabinets and the counter top is not yet in place. The table won't stay.

A look over the back deck into the yard from the kitchen window

Upstairs now. A look from the master closet into the master bedroom. Master bath is in the background.

The guest bedroom is currently the only room in the house with some furniture in it.

The guest bathroom.

Amy's office is very bright and has unique window closing hardware
The house is a bit easier to see with the leaves not yet up

We will need furniture for the living room.

A look from the living room through the dining room into the kitchen. It is all open now.

Only a few more days and we'll be cooking here.

The new cabinets and the counter top is not yet in place. The table won't stay.

A look over the back deck into the yard from the kitchen window

Upstairs now. A look from the master closet into the master bedroom. Master bath is in the background.

The guest bedroom is currently the only room in the house with some furniture in it.

The guest bathroom.

Amy's office is very bright and has unique window closing hardware
Friday, April 03, 2009
Hello Chattanooga
Tuesday through Thursday we went to Chattanooga as Amy was giving a presentation on Wednesday during a Trauma Symposium. Tuesday night Amy was going to a related dinner and I went to an art exhibit and visited friends, and I have pics of that evening below. Wednesday night Amy and I got to see Martin, Janelle and the 3 cutiepies and then we met Paul and Anita at the Meeting place. Thursday after a quick run and a brief shopping stint we drove back to Winston.
Paul and Anita in front of a random cd cover project

I really liked this selection of dolls

This doll even had a tramp stamp on her butt

Sharon's Asian inspired geometric pottery was very beautiful

George, Paul and Anita (Rick and I) were reunited in Big River

Good friends like these are hard to come by
Paul and Anita in front of a random cd cover project

I really liked this selection of dolls

This doll even had a tramp stamp on her butt

Sharon's Asian inspired geometric pottery was very beautiful

George, Paul and Anita (Rick and I) were reunited in Big River

Good friends like these are hard to come by
A quick trip to New Orleans
Last weekend Amy and I flew to New Orleans to visit Laura. It was great to see Laura and of course New Orleans is well worth a trip in itself.
Laura picked us up at the airport and interestingly enough best friends Laura and Amy pretty much were dressed alike

We started our dinner at Frankie & Johnny's with crawfish

This monster Muffaletta sandwich was actually only a half size

Laura stumbled across this Banksy artwork

Beautiful architecture is all over the place

Walking through the French Quarters

The tourists were out in force, a good sign for NOLA tourism

Laura with Hank watching over her

Great stuff, but very expensive
Laura picked us up at the airport and interestingly enough best friends Laura and Amy pretty much were dressed alike

We started our dinner at Frankie & Johnny's with crawfish

This monster Muffaletta sandwich was actually only a half size

Laura stumbled across this Banksy artwork

Beautiful architecture is all over the place

Walking through the French Quarters

The tourists were out in force, a good sign for NOLA tourism

Laura with Hank watching over her

Great stuff, but very expensive
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The home update
Our contractor Rick Stevens has worked very hard since yesterday morning and the progress is fantastic. The additional cabinets and the new counter top are ordered and will take a little while, but we should be able to move in our home in the next 2 weeks.
The view from the dining room into the kitchen

The view from the kitchen into the dining room
The view from the dining room into the kitchen

The view from the kitchen into the dining room
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mmm Milka
Our cat Sylvie is 12 years old and to this day has not eaten out of any one's hand, not even her cat food. I have been tempting her for quite a while with various items, and yesterday I finally succeeded. Sylvie loves Milka chocolate apparently and kept licking and licking and licking until the chocolate in my hand melted.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Apple iPhone versus Blackberry Storm
Neither of these ads is an official one, but each shows quite a bit of passion for the brands.
First came "BlackBerry Shows Apple Who Is The Boss."
The response from Apple fans came not much later.
(although they have a little issue too)
First came "BlackBerry Shows Apple Who Is The Boss."
The response from Apple fans came not much later.
(although they have a little issue too)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Flowers
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
The miracles of technology
6 months ago my 73 year old mom didn't even have a computer but I had wanted to get her one for the last couple of years. But while curious, she always had resisted. Before Christmas she finally got herself a laptop, went to a computer course and got an internet connection. We have been emailing back and forth on a regular basis now for about 2 months and it has been great. On the phone sometimes it appears that things get lost in translation, and that actually has nothing to do with me calling from overseas. It is also true for my brothers who call her from Germany or even within town. So the emailing has been perfect in terms of getting all information across.
When I went home recently I installed Skype on her computer and today I had my first Skype phone call with her. I could actually give my mom a video tour of the apartment as we talked. :-)
It is a miracle. Mom, you have come a long way.
When I went home recently I installed Skype on her computer and today I had my first Skype phone call with her. I could actually give my mom a video tour of the apartment as we talked. :-)
It is a miracle. Mom, you have come a long way.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Snow in Winston-Salem
It started snowing quite heavily last night and by 6am this morning Winston-Salem was covered by a thick blanket of snow.
After a morning of sunshine the snow is starting to melt

My snow covered Cooper S in the foreground, various RJ Reynolds buildings in the background

A look at the Piedmont Leaf Lofts overpass over 4th Street
After a morning of sunshine the snow is starting to melt

My snow covered Cooper S in the foreground, various RJ Reynolds buildings in the background

A look at the Piedmont Leaf Lofts overpass over 4th Street
Chubby cheeks
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Black Mountain Marathon
A few months ago I signed up for the Black Mountain Marathon in Black Mountain, NC because I had not yet done a trail marathon. Luck had it that I not only signed up for one of the most scenic trail marathons, but also one of the hardest. I have been running quite a bit this winter so I felt decently prepared, although here in Winston-Salem we do not have good uphill running available unless you drive. With 5,340 feet of climbing in the Black Mountain Marathon to the 13 mile turnaround point I would get plenty of climbing in during the race and we all know that what goes up, must come down. Lots of rain and cool temps on the top promised an epic day.
The calm before the storm. It is nice and dry in the hotel room.

Trying to stay dry under an awning with Jonathan Kelly (also Winston-Salem)

A few minutes before the start and it looks wet.

Amy was at the turnaround checkpoint and it was great seeing a friendly, familiar face. She caught me sucking down an e-Gel.

I crossed the line in 4:15:05 and was happy with this result in very tough conditions. The puddles in the grass are an indication of what the trails looked like.
The calm before the storm. It is nice and dry in the hotel room.

Trying to stay dry under an awning with Jonathan Kelly (also Winston-Salem)

A few minutes before the start and it looks wet.

Amy was at the turnaround checkpoint and it was great seeing a friendly, familiar face. She caught me sucking down an e-Gel.

I crossed the line in 4:15:05 and was happy with this result in very tough conditions. The puddles in the grass are an indication of what the trails looked like.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The last few days - Germany, February 09
On Sunday morning we had planned to go to Reutlingen to visit Matze, Jutta and Oscar, but the road conditions were crappy.

So we put Amy to work instead :-)

We had lunch in the Alte Muehle in Waldbeuren with my mom, my uncle Fritz and his wife Maria

Our rental car was an Audi A3

After lunch we went on a run in the snow

Running on snow like this is a bit like running on sand

On Sunday afternoon we visited my friend Helmut and Angelika and they have this adorable Podenco dog named Perla.

I love those ears

The Rottweiler Narrensprung starts on Monday morning at 8am with several riders on horses. With the weather being somewhat iffy, I decided to watch with Amy and not make my costume dirty.

A short clip of the Narrensprung
Two Schantle are sharing a story

This Federhannes is smaller than the kids he is approaching

This Fransenkleid and the tiny Gschell are about to pass out some candy

A Schantle reaching out and down, and yes, that is rain on the mask.

My mom and I

A few Federhannes figures scheming

Amy enjoyed a Gluehwein during the parade

Another clip from the Narrensprung
Several Federhannes are seen here working here as a team

My niece Sara Nina loved the experience

This Schantle costume must be quite old. It has a tag from 1930 on it. These yellow and black tag show what years the costume participated.

One of the 7 or 8 Benner Roessle (2 herders with a "horse" and its rider) in action. They are at the beginning and the end of the Narrensprung.

A clip of the Roessle doing what they do best
A complete family of Narren after the Narrensprung

When I pulled out the camera, this young "guys" immediately struck a pose

We had a mellow day on Fat Tuesday and noticed a big herd of sheep on our way to Ravensburg

We had our last lunch in Germany at the Cafe Central in Ravensburg

Amy also enjoyed an Apfelsaft Schorle in the Cafe Central

And just as it started, the Ostracher Fasnet ends with a fire on Fat Tuesday night. But this times the witch gets burned and the other witches are beside themselves.

So we put Amy to work instead :-)

We had lunch in the Alte Muehle in Waldbeuren with my mom, my uncle Fritz and his wife Maria

Our rental car was an Audi A3

After lunch we went on a run in the snow

Running on snow like this is a bit like running on sand

On Sunday afternoon we visited my friend Helmut and Angelika and they have this adorable Podenco dog named Perla.

I love those ears

The Rottweiler Narrensprung starts on Monday morning at 8am with several riders on horses. With the weather being somewhat iffy, I decided to watch with Amy and not make my costume dirty.

A short clip of the Narrensprung
Two Schantle are sharing a story

This Federhannes is smaller than the kids he is approaching

This Fransenkleid and the tiny Gschell are about to pass out some candy

A Schantle reaching out and down, and yes, that is rain on the mask.

My mom and I

A few Federhannes figures scheming

Amy enjoyed a Gluehwein during the parade

Another clip from the Narrensprung
Several Federhannes are seen here working here as a team

My niece Sara Nina loved the experience

This Schantle costume must be quite old. It has a tag from 1930 on it. These yellow and black tag show what years the costume participated.

One of the 7 or 8 Benner Roessle (2 herders with a "horse" and its rider) in action. They are at the beginning and the end of the Narrensprung.

A clip of the Roessle doing what they do best
A complete family of Narren after the Narrensprung

When I pulled out the camera, this young "guys" immediately struck a pose

We had a mellow day on Fat Tuesday and noticed a big herd of sheep on our way to Ravensburg

We had our last lunch in Germany at the Cafe Central in Ravensburg

Amy also enjoyed an Apfelsaft Schorle in the Cafe Central

And just as it started, the Ostracher Fasnet ends with a fire on Fat Tuesday night. But this times the witch gets burned and the other witches are beside themselves.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Witches, baths, Munich and more - Germany 09
After lunch on Wednesday we visited my uncle Fritz and his wife Maria.

On Wednesday night the witches in Ostrach get freed and that is the official start of carnival in my hometown.
More images from the freeing of the witches / Hexenbefreiung in Ostrach
On Thursday we watched how locals and the local carnival groups took over the downtown area of Ostrach.

The mayor's office has been taken over.

The big Narrenbaum / carnival tree is put up by hand

As the tree is almost up, someone tried to sneak into a pic with Amy.

And the tree is up.

Amy surrounded by carnival (Fasnet) figures from Ostrach.

Thursday night we went to the thermal bath in Bad Saulgau. It is called Sonnentherme.

A small video view of one of the Sonnentherme pools with 98 degree water temps, surrounded by snow.
We had dinner in downtown Bad Saulgau after our swim and bands and groups kept coming in to show their joy that carnival has begun.

Amy had trout and potatoes for dinner.

I had pork medallions, mushrooms and Spaetzle.

More bands and groups showed up in the restaurant, including the Fanfarenzug Bad Saulgau.

On Friday, we went to Munich and Maria gave us a small tour in the afternoon.

There was snow and a pretty strong police presence.

That night, Nicolas and Maria introduced us to the Wirtshaus in der Au in Munich and the food and atmosphere was terrific.

We really enjoyed our evening with Nicolas and Maria.

We wanted to see the Kandinsky exhibit in Munich

But a possible 2 hour wait to buy tickets just seemed too long.

Amy, are you sure you don't want to go to Starbucks?

You can't go to Munich without stepping onto the Marienplatz and looking up to the Glockenspiel

On Wednesday night the witches in Ostrach get freed and that is the official start of carnival in my hometown.
More images from the freeing of the witches / Hexenbefreiung in Ostrach
On Thursday we watched how locals and the local carnival groups took over the downtown area of Ostrach.

The mayor's office has been taken over.

The big Narrenbaum / carnival tree is put up by hand

As the tree is almost up, someone tried to sneak into a pic with Amy.

And the tree is up.

Amy surrounded by carnival (Fasnet) figures from Ostrach.

Thursday night we went to the thermal bath in Bad Saulgau. It is called Sonnentherme.

A small video view of one of the Sonnentherme pools with 98 degree water temps, surrounded by snow.
We had dinner in downtown Bad Saulgau after our swim and bands and groups kept coming in to show their joy that carnival has begun.

Amy had trout and potatoes for dinner.

I had pork medallions, mushrooms and Spaetzle.

More bands and groups showed up in the restaurant, including the Fanfarenzug Bad Saulgau.

On Friday, we went to Munich and Maria gave us a small tour in the afternoon.

There was snow and a pretty strong police presence.

That night, Nicolas and Maria introduced us to the Wirtshaus in der Au in Munich and the food and atmosphere was terrific.

We really enjoyed our evening with Nicolas and Maria.

We wanted to see the Kandinsky exhibit in Munich

But a possible 2 hour wait to buy tickets just seemed too long.

Amy, are you sure you don't want to go to Starbucks?

You can't go to Munich without stepping onto the Marienplatz and looking up to the Glockenspiel
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Another trip to Germany - the first days
The long escalator to the international terminal in Atlanta

Amy is connected in the airport in Atlanta.

It is now Sunday and the Delta monitor shows us that we are almost there.

On the way from the airport in Stuttgart we stopped to see my sister Sandra in Weinsberg

Early start on Monday morning with a Fleischkaese sandwich in Ostrach

We enjoyed lunch in a cool new restaurant in Ravensburg called Wilderer

In the pedestrian zone in Ravensburg

What a difference a day makes. Lots of fresh snow on Tuesday and Amy worked hard.

Shoveling snow is so much fun

Peaceful, cold and beautiful

Trying to catch Amy

Another run is in the books

A bit later that day, Amy in front of the Narrenbrunnen in Bad Saulgau

After dinner, more snow. Brrr

Amy is connected in the airport in Atlanta.

It is now Sunday and the Delta monitor shows us that we are almost there.

On the way from the airport in Stuttgart we stopped to see my sister Sandra in Weinsberg

Early start on Monday morning with a Fleischkaese sandwich in Ostrach

We enjoyed lunch in a cool new restaurant in Ravensburg called Wilderer

In the pedestrian zone in Ravensburg

What a difference a day makes. Lots of fresh snow on Tuesday and Amy worked hard.

Shoveling snow is so much fun

Peaceful, cold and beautiful

Trying to catch Amy

Another run is in the books

A bit later that day, Amy in front of the Narrenbrunnen in Bad Saulgau

After dinner, more snow. Brrr
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Germany soon
Amy and I are excited to go to Germany for 10 days to visit my family and enjoy carnival. Yeah
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Can you believe it?
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
If the shoe fits
Sunday, February 01, 2009
ARTpARTy in Winston-Salem
Last night we held our first ARTpARTy in Winston-Salem and most likely the only one in our Piedmont Leaf Lofts condo. Not that the space wasn't great for having such an event, but we should be in our new house in a couple months and will then host an ARTpARTy on Clover Street. :-)
We had about 20 people in attendance and a pretty nice variety of art works.
Our neighbor Alex worked in oil and we felt lucky to get his artwork later.

Matt crafted beautiful cards

Travis is also a neighbor and she crafted a cork tray.

Mike's photo of downtown Winston was "stolen" quite often

Our realtor Rosanne had a magic touch with this orchid

My running buddy Treb utilized his suture skills to create the sock-animal

The mosaic of Leigh Anne and Breck was popular too

Luke and Melissa created a nice memento of Park Gruell in Barcelona

My ART piece was acrylic with leaves and a resin finish
We had about 20 people in attendance and a pretty nice variety of art works.
Our neighbor Alex worked in oil and we felt lucky to get his artwork later.

Matt crafted beautiful cards

Travis is also a neighbor and she crafted a cork tray.

Mike's photo of downtown Winston was "stolen" quite often

Our realtor Rosanne had a magic touch with this orchid

My running buddy Treb utilized his suture skills to create the sock-animal

The mosaic of Leigh Anne and Breck was popular too

Luke and Melissa created a nice memento of Park Gruell in Barcelona

My ART piece was acrylic with leaves and a resin finish
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Marketing Summit
The first weekend in February I have been asked to be a jury member for a marketing competition / marketing summit at Wake Forest University here in Winston-Salem. The event is sponsored by Pepsi Cola and the 6 finalist marketing teams were asked to also tackle a social responsibility/sustainability issue facing the sponsor. The first part of the challenge is already handled but the second part will be given to them on Thursday evening next week and then they'll have to present it to the jury on Saturday morning.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Best restaurant in Winston-Salem
We have been in Winston-Salem, NC for almost 6 months now and have tried all kinds of restaurants, coffee shops and diners. Our favorite restaurant so far has been Mozelle's on 4th street and we would enthusiastically say that they have the best food and service in town.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Very sweet
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Guerrilla Marketing fame
A recent cool advertising ad by Ontario College of Art & Design featured lots of famous folks and adrants.com found it quite interesting too. Just like me. :-)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A few more pics ...
Friday, January 09, 2009
Stop, look and listen or ...
This British PSA uses scare tactics like some older books used to do. Nice.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Three kings day
Yesterday was three kings day and that brought up some good old memories from my youth in Germany. As a young impressionable boy I was a catholic altar boy for quite a few years, and a few times during the time I was selected by our priest to be part of a "Sternsinger" group on three kings day (Epihany). Basically this is how that worked. Several groups of 3 kids (mostly altar boys in our town) were dressed up like the three kings Gaspar, Melchior and Bathasar and then were sent from house to house in a specific neighborhood to bless the homes by writing the initials of the three kings C + M + B and the appropriate year over the doors of the homes they visited. Not only do the letters stand for the initials of the kings, but of the phrase christus mansionem benedicat, which translates as "may Christ bless the house."
The home owners usually were quite grateful for the blessing and offered the "three kings" candy and other goodies. Since it is usually quite cold and nasty on January 6th in Southern Germany, some home owners then offered to warm us up with liquor. Mind you that we were about 14 years old at the time and while I have never liked alcohol, some fellow kings were not so shy about it and at the end of the tour of homes, some of them were quite wasted. :-)
Ah, the good old times.
No image of the author was available, so this google image will have to do
The home owners usually were quite grateful for the blessing and offered the "three kings" candy and other goodies. Since it is usually quite cold and nasty on January 6th in Southern Germany, some home owners then offered to warm us up with liquor. Mind you that we were about 14 years old at the time and while I have never liked alcohol, some fellow kings were not so shy about it and at the end of the tour of homes, some of them were quite wasted. :-)
Ah, the good old times.
No image of the author was available, so this google image will have to do
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Running of the lights New Year's eve run
Amy and I started the new year by taking part in the "Running of the lights New Year's eve run" at Tanglewood in Clemmons, NC. The race started at the stroke of midnight (with a live feed to the countdown in New York's Times Square) and as we ranthrough and past all of the light displays, a fireworks display went off above us.
It was very cold with temps hovering around 25 degrees, brrrrr.

Mime or runner? A few minutes before the start with the warm jacket still on.

Amy had a great run despite just getting over a cold.
It was very cold with temps hovering around 25 degrees, brrrrr.

Mime or runner? A few minutes before the start with the warm jacket still on.

Amy had a great run despite just getting over a cold.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A big smile
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Chuck's World
Chuck Herin is the inventor of pegheds and he bought a very cool school building he is currently restoring and making it into his home and peghed factory.
Chuck with the main school building closest to him and the auditorium to the left

The old blackboards work out great for Chuck to scribble down some thoughts

Some of Chuck's Pegheds

No doubt about what is being worked on here

The former gym houses some of the manufacturing plus some of his car projects

Inside the auditorium where we might see some concerts before too long
Chuck with the main school building closest to him and the auditorium to the left

The old blackboards work out great for Chuck to scribble down some thoughts

Some of Chuck's Pegheds

No doubt about what is being worked on here

The former gym houses some of the manufacturing plus some of his car projects

Inside the auditorium where we might see some concerts before too long
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Christmas party in Columbia, SC
We have been in Columbia, SC the last few days to visit family and attended a couple Christmas parties. The first one was hosted by Amy's dad Ron and his wife Amy and people travel far and wide for this party and the delicious pork tenderloin. Unfortunately I have no pictures of that event.
The day after Virginia hosted a party at her house and it appeared that Amy and I were the only non musical folks there. Everybody played an instrument and/or sang and the whole evening was quite a musical affair. Here are a few images.
This actually wasn't the only jam session that happened in Virginia's house

Grandmama Georgia is listening intently

Amy and her dad Ron surrounded by instruments

Ron's wife Amy did not play until later that night. Amy is actually a great violinist who played at our wedding with her brother Chuck and her friend Virginia

Amy's brother Chuck is a creative genius and he plays the Cello.
The day after Virginia hosted a party at her house and it appeared that Amy and I were the only non musical folks there. Everybody played an instrument and/or sang and the whole evening was quite a musical affair. Here are a few images.
This actually wasn't the only jam session that happened in Virginia's house

Grandmama Georgia is listening intently

Amy and her dad Ron surrounded by instruments

Ron's wife Amy did not play until later that night. Amy is actually a great violinist who played at our wedding with her brother Chuck and her friend Virginia

Amy's brother Chuck is a creative genius and he plays the Cello.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The 100 / 100 challenge
I recently signed up for the 100 runs in 100 days challenge on slowtwitch.com that started on December 15th and so far I have managed 6 runs in 4 days. That means I currently have 2 runs in the bank for possible sick days, travel days, holidays or plain old lazy days. We'll see how long the motivation lasts.
The pics below are taken on a loop that I run most often.

The pics below are taken on a loop that I run most often.

Labels:
100 runs in 100 days,
running,
Slowtwitch,
Winston-Salem
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Ready for Christmas
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The new home?
Many folks have asked us about the new green home that we wanted to build here in downtown Winston-Salem as part of the SECCA on Second Street project. The longer we were waiting for things to move along and for good communication from the developer, the more we started to get a bad feeling about it. Along those lines, it is one thing to have a bad vibe about a pair of jeans you are buying, but that should not happen when buying a home no matter how expensive it is. So we decided to walk away from that project a few months ago and started to look at other options. We found a few cool older homes we liked, but Amy and I both were especially smitten by a home in the West End area.
So this might be our new home by mid January.
The front of the house

Cute little front porch area

The living room

Another view of the living room

The den is very cozy

The previous home owner put a lot of work into the kitchen

Did we already say that we love the kitchen?

One of the bath rooms

There is deck out of the back
So this might be our new home by mid January.
The front of the house

Cute little front porch area

The living room

Another view of the living room

The den is very cozy

The previous home owner put a lot of work into the kitchen

Did we already say that we love the kitchen?

One of the bath rooms

There is deck out of the back
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
A weekend in Chattanooga
Last weekend I traveled to Chattanooga to close on the house on Missionary Ridge, but the buyer was missing some paperwork and the whole thing got delayed. I still went anyway as Amy was getting ready for her boards in Nashville and I was going to be home alone in Winston Salem either way. I got there Thursday night and stayed with Anita and Paul and their 4 "kids" Belle, Brodie, little girl and Pete. On Friday I got some work done and the time originally scheduled for the closing was now open and I went to see Jill's "adventures on a pony." I had not seen Martin, Janelle and their kids since mid July and it was amazing to see how much the girls have grown. Friday night Anita, Paul and I met up with Rick and Mary Loggins, Pat and Kleehammer, Mike Madzin, Susan Mietling and a few other folks at Big River Grille downtown and it was nice seeing everybody. Saturday Morning Paul, Anita, Belle and I ran the Big Daddy trail on the side of Lookout Mountain and Rick Loggins joined us for a bit early on, and George Hovanec ran the last section with us. That night we went to the black tie event at the Hunter Museum and with several hundred people gathered there, we had plenty of people to make fun off. Sunday after a nice breakfast at the Blue Plate and a short visit to Martin and Janelle I headed back to Winston Salem and managed to make it in 5:05. :-)
Mmmm ice cream. Life is good for Bex.

Jill is growing like a weed.

A visit to Chattanooga without a trip to Big River is hard to imagine

Anita is ready to run the infamous Big daddy trail run in Chattanooga

Rick ran with Paul and I for a while, but he is still nursing a back injury and couldn't join us for "all the fun."
Mmmm ice cream. Life is good for Bex.

Jill is growing like a weed.

A visit to Chattanooga without a trip to Big River is hard to imagine

Anita is ready to run the infamous Big daddy trail run in Chattanooga

Rick ran with Paul and I for a while, but he is still nursing a back injury and couldn't join us for "all the fun."
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
10/9 Central rant
This little thing shouldn't bug me that much, but I just don't get why a TV show start time has to be announced with two time zones. Example 10/9 Central.
Is the TV watching audience not smart enough to understand that 10 Eastern means 9 Central? Why not say 10/9/8 Mountain or 10/9/8/7 Pacific?
Is the TV watching audience not smart enough to understand that 10 Eastern means 9 Central? Why not say 10/9/8 Mountain or 10/9/8/7 Pacific?
Monday, December 01, 2008
Give them what they want
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy, happy
Today is Thanksgiving's Day and I am very thankful for my health, family and friends. I am mostly thankful though to have met the love of my life and to be happily married to her.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A run up Pilot Mountain
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The famous Ironman crawl
The 1997 Ironman Hawaii finish gives me chills every time I see it. But I also know that many people have never seen this. Watch Sian Welch and Wendy Ingraham in a display of unbelievable will and determination at the end of 140.6 miles of swimming, biking and running.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
New anxiety medications
For Coping With Economic Gloom.
Debtrol
Downcyclen
Subprimacare
Lehmanax
Delinquedent
Panix
Nojoblin
Greedquil
Feariflu
Defaulta
Forclosen
Banxergon
Nuvopor
Catastrophex
For Peter Scallion's complete list click here
Debtrol
Downcyclen
Subprimacare
Lehmanax
Delinquedent
Panix
Nojoblin
Greedquil
Feariflu
Defaulta
Forclosen
Banxergon
Nuvopor
Catastrophex
For Peter Scallion's complete list click here
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Piedmont Craftsmen
Amy and I went to the Piedmont Craftsmen's Fair today at the Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Sale. We noticed all kinds of interesting pieces of arts and crafts, but the most interesting projects came from a female "craftsman" named Cynthia Wynn.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Where we currently live
Thanks to the very nice street view of the google maps you can actually see quite clearly where we live in Winston-Salem, NC.
We are on the third floor of the Piedmont Leaf Lofts

A look up 4th street towards downtown

The map view of 401 East 4th Street (Piedmont Leaf Lofts)
We are on the third floor of the Piedmont Leaf Lofts

A look up 4th street towards downtown

The map view of 401 East 4th Street (Piedmont Leaf Lofts)
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