As good as GOLD!

Today is my golden birthday. 28 on July 28, 2008. It's also the two year anniversary of the day I closed on my house. The address...2801 28th Ave. My lovely girlfriend was also 28 on the 28th in October. I've never really had a lucky number, but I think 28 would have to be it. My intention is not to get too sentimental on my dog blog, but I have to acknowledge how blessed I am. I have an amazing family who I had dinner with last night (Mom made homemade pizza), a beautiful girlfriend who also has a wonderful and loving family, a healthy dog who is always happy to see me and a great group of friends that helped me celebrate on Saturday. I don't have a white picket fence at the house or 2.2 kids, but this has to be the American Dream.

I'm off work today, but don't have much of a plan. The only thing on the agenda is to hit the golf course this afternoon. As long as it doesn't rain. Whoa...Who knew Kathy Lee Gifford was back on TV. Apparently she annoys viewers from 10-11am on the Today show. The things you learn when you're not at work and have nothing to do. Still the same old Kathy Lee.

Happy Birthday to me. Can't wait to swing the sticks this afternoon. Maybe I'll post my scorecard when I'm done. Have a great day, I know I will.

Summer photo shoot

I borrowed a Canon 30D camera and a 50mm lens from the Augustana Photo Bureau and started shooting. I've been trying to take more photos lately because I really enjoy creating images. I'm not the best photographer because the camera is so technical and I just figure it out as I go, but I think my composition is at least better than average. I kind of fell in love with shooting with the 50mm at a short depth of field (f.1.4 or 1.8). I shot this other album on the Augustana Campus. Enjoy.

Hillbilly Holiday 2008

Its almost over. Sure, the actual HoliDAY is over, but Hillbilly Holiday can sometimes take a week or more to come to a close. This year will probably endure longer than most given it came at the start of a weekend adding a full day to the bingeing and burning.

The mere pop of a bottle rocket sends Casper into into a manic state. Thus, my growing dislike for the 4th. In theory it should be one of my favorites...BBQ, beer, professional fireworks; all things I love. But, the more fireworks I see shot off in back yards, the more I dislike it. It's quickly becoming a major source of anxiety in my house. Not only because of Casper's extreme fear, but I just don't get it. Why would someone go to such great lengths to do something illegal (sure it's only about as illegal as gambling on the NCAA tournament) with such little payoff and with great expense. No offense to those whose incomes suffer, but why would you drive to Missoura with $4/gallon gas to spend $500 on fireworks you can't afford to get fifteen minutes of squealing and popping out of the deal. It just doesn't make sense. Thus concludes my crotchety old man rant.

So, as you shoot off the leftovers that you were too drunk to light over the weekend, think of poor Casper and ask, is it worth it?

Destruction!

Most of you have probably heard about Casper's extreme fear of thunderstorms and have probably even heard about this incident, but I'm just now getting around to posting a backlog of topics and photos that have been sitting for a couple months.

I didn't realize his phobia was this bad, but here is some proof of just how manic he is. The bedroom is a "safe place" for him and he managed to Tasmanian devil his way right through the door. It is hollow and made of cardboard. I should note that is was an especially violent storm and there was a tornado warning. Not that this is an appropriate reaction or anything...I'm just sayin'.

In a separate incident he destroyed one of my closet doors too. He likes to lay in there and cheap doors aren't about to stop him.


This is pretty much how I found it. Carpet torn back, padding shredded, trim removed and a hole through the door.


Did I mentioned that is was a brand new door?


Yes, the red spots are blood. Mostly from his mouth. Nothing too serious. He has fully recovered from all of his self inflicted wounds.

Swimmy McSwimmer

Lana took him to the pool a couple weeks ago. I've never witnessed him swimming, but apparently he knows how. He does not, however, know how to turn or exit the pool.




Lana provides some much needed steering assistance. That's his new friend Daisy. She's an expert swimmer. She's looking at him like "wtf, man...it's not that hard!"


Look at that duck foot.


That there is a happy dog. Crack another keystone light.

Sportin' Undies

Sometimes I get bored. And when I do its a dangerous time for Sgt. Pepper. For example...

Just found some good photos of the genius.

Whenever there's a storm this is what happens. I gain 80 lbs of hairy blackness.




If I'm trying to work, he likes to help.


Proof that he is the most tolerant dog on the planet. That's my brother's dog Doobie violating his leg. A quick snap and shake and he could end the misery, but no, he just takes it while his eyes burn a fiery green.




This is from the fall when he got real dirty after digging in my yard.