News From The Hood

The following exerpt is from our imbedded correspondent back in "the hood". Names [and some text] have been changed to protect marital status and instill some sense of anomynity lest homes get egged, trees get teepeed and yards experience an unusual amount of powerfully errant goose poop.

"Hey Der Hosers;

Life is quiet in the cul de sac as winter tredges on. Natasha bought me hockey skates for xmas with hopes of getting me on the pond for hockey. Haven't seen Hatfield's on the ice [ya know, da guy wit da fancy snow machine that makes de ice clear from snow, ya?], but then again the ice has been tricky around Boone's Farm County this year anyhows. Might return the skates since I haven't skated since I was 12 years old. I upgrade my Life Insurance and my wife buys me skates . . . weird.

Went ice-fishing on the Upper Scale Flowage [the part that's not melted or stinky from all that sewage and toxic waste] a couple weeks ago and caught a few northern around 29". Lots of snow up der. Ya, doncha know?

Been busy with some major Fruit System [computer] upgrades at work, but despite all dat, Natasha and I had a chance to hit Washington DC. It was the first time for me and it was a pretty cool time at dat. Hanging out in Georgetown was really interesting and brought about dreams of going back to school and being Bohemian, but den Natasha slapped me and I shut up.

Heading to Scottsdale end of March for warmth and prickly pear margaritas.

Very neat on the gall-stone surgery. I usually get tired driving that distance.

Hope the clan is well. Natasha is doing good and says 'hey der'! - Boris"

Pentagon Audit - Agh!

Although a Pentagon audit determined that a Halliburton subsidiary submitted $262 million worth of questionable costs as part of a fuel-delivery contract, the Army still plans to pay the company the bulk of the money, the NYT reports. Only 3.4 percent of the reimbursement will be withheld—an amount more than 50 percent below the average amount of money withheld by the military on disputed contractor charges. - Slate Magazine

So, let's see... I inadvertenly overcharge my rich Uncle Sam by $262 Million. And instead of holding out on his payment until this matter is resolved (like a good business person would do), good ol' Uncle Sam will benevolently pay me all but $9 Million of my over charge... and to prove there're no hard feelings... he'll simply leave it at that.

Hmmm, I think I'm getting an idea for a new business... CHA CHING!!

Snow Melt

Looks like the snow is disappearing.
Temp about 20 degrees.
Last week's running mileage... a pathetic 8.

Monthly - 66
YTD - 159.5
Spin/bike - 20

Another Nutty Weekend

Hockey was a bust for the Mentings and the Badgers. Over the course of two days, the Badgers went from a 3 - 0 lead in the first period of the first match only see the MSU Mavericks score 14 goals in the following 4 periods. Badgers lost 4 -6 and 2-7 respectively. Despite the drubbing it was all smiles, all around (except for BD's slight mishap on Mt. Kato - see below).

Side Track and Challupa head off to NYC for a long weekend on Thursday. Let the hostage crisis begin anew.

With the end of the basement project down to trim-work, and the warmer temps outside I anticipate weekly running mileage will creep back into the 30's.

Learning the Hard Way

When we say, "Hold on Ike, we MEAN hold on!". BD has left a trace of his DNA on the trecherous tubing slopes of Mt. Kato. And if you think this guy looks bad, you should see the "mountain".

On the road... again

Off to Dallas at 6:30 a.m. only to return by 11:00 p.m. for a one hour meeting at 3:00 p.m. The meeting was uneventful at best. So now we go back, reload, and do it again in another few weeks. Crazy business. Crazy business indeed.

Under The Knife

Before During After

Four teeth removed without too much blood loss. However much to my chagrin, this is not my basement, and I was NOT allowed to perform any part of this surgery except tranportation, and perscription pick-up. Please note the glazed look in her eyes in shot #2. We're talkin' whacked out and walking comatose (poor kid). Anyway... all's well that ends well.

Winter Trail Running

Seventeen degrees, cloudy with a slight breeze from the north. It's a far cry from 75, sunny and humid on the shores of Boca Raton. We expect 2" of misery tonight with an additional 4- 5" tomorrow. Highs on Friday are supposed to reach (maybe) 7 degrees. Looks like today is as good as it's gonna get.

Happy 10th Birthday Addy!

Yes, "The Peanut" turned 10 on Feb. 14th. Double digits and not looking back. Happy Birthday Addison!

Monkey Business

Oh Lord! What will they think of next?

Much Better Weather

During a recent three day pull in Ft. Lauderdale, we were greeted by balmy 75 degree, sunny weather with no wind! It was a regular heat wave compared to the sub 20's we left behind and returned to in MN. Sure takes the wind out thermo-aclimation sails for running. My internal thermostat is currently disfunctional and so goes my ambition to run. I am certain this temporary lethargy will be cured with looming events on torrid trails. Last week's total running miles stooped to a 2006 low of 8.5 miles. Down from a 2006 high of 41.5 miles. However, I shall never fear... "There are miles to go before I sleep..." - Robert Frost

Team F*U*N Welcomes the Checkster

And Billy is none too happy about this rude introduction into the world of F*U*N. But hey he hasn't jumped into the HOLE yet.

"More G@# Damned F*U*N than any human being deserves to have, Hrumph!"

Shattered! Shadoobee

Hostage Crisis Continues

With Side Track out of town, the prisoners have taken over the prison. In this grainy, covert photo, the POW's are seen taunting a duct taped and bound Buzz Daddy with ice cream and chips.

Their demands are simple: a fueled jet at Mankato Interstate Airport; $2M small unmarked bills; clearance for landing at Orlando International Airport; new identities; transportation for four to Disney World (with a stop at Wendy's for lunch) and four packs of Juicy Fruit gum. If there is ANY interference by "authorities", they'll let Buzz Daddy's hair grow and put a tatoo of Barbie on his forhead, cover him in syrup and let Tootsie take over from there. It won't be pretty.

Buzz Daddy, pleads... "Please do what the say. They mean business, and I can't remember how to comb my hair, let alone use all those fancy hair products! Side Track... where are you??"

Kato Kids

Takin' it to the slopes... Don't look now, but there goes Belly Bean and Chalupa.