So we have done are part for the economy

Beth has her new vehicle, 2007 Ford Freestyle. A few early thoughts on the freestyle.  It rides better than the van and has really good pick up for a small V6.  I am not thrilled with the small spare tire (not a mini but not full size) and only a 14 gallon gas tank.  Wheel base and over all length are closer to the truck than the van so Beth may need a little time to get use to it.  The brakes and steering are a lot like the van's.  The four doors are like a SUV's than the automatic doors on the van so the boys no longer get to push a button to close them.  The third row seating is smaller than the van's and will be harder to get into.  On the up side it will lay flat for extra cargo space.

 I am now bias by owning one but I am not sure why the vehicles did not take off as a crossover minivan/SUV because it sure does fit with our needs.  Beth will have pictures up on Facebook at some point. Thanks again to Marci for all your help.

As for my new toy.  Its a HP mini with a 10 inch screen with an Atom N470 @ 1.83 ghz processor. The keyboard is about 85% of a standard but I like the chic-let keys. The touch pad is more responsive than the one on Beth's laptop but that is not saying much because I really am not good with either of them. So I spent a little more for my own wireless laser mouse  .

 I used Windows 7 download to upgrade the OS from XP and saved from myself from having to get a external DVD player.  Who am I kidding, I was feeling bad for buying a toy for myself and could not justify another purchase when I knew I should be able to do the download.  All told it cost less than an Ipad (including the W7) and it is a lot more functional.

So I hope to be doing more writing now.  

WEG and a new car.

Beth has the boys at Cub Scouts.  Rain has started in Lexington and its the opening night for the WEG.  Beth is already for the games to be over.  I hope all the people have fun but I do not want to go anywhere near the Ky Horse Park for the next 2 weeks.

The big talk has been is Lexington going to ready for all the people.  I am not sure but I know we are getting a lot of bike and riding trails out of it.  The bus stops on the north side of town look better than they have ever looked.  All of the brass horse statues are kind of cool.  The UK football team is at Florida this weekend and the at Ole Miss so traffic at Commonwealth will not be extra bad on the weekends.  I wonder how the police are going to handle traffic and the change in patterns around New Circle.  I know we plan on going to Frankfort tomorrow after ballgames to avoid some of the people.

The second reason we are going to Frankfort is the new car.  We have been looking to replace Beth's van for about 6 months.  Marcie at Crossroad Ford has been helping us look. She also sold us the van back in 2005.  She has found us a Ford freestyle.  Beth test drove it today and liked it.  So if the price is right we will be getting a new vehicle tomorrow.  Have not told the boys yet but they both asked why is  mommy is cleaning out the van.  They can be very smart sometimes.

Well this is the first posting to the blog by the netbook.  Seems to work just great. Everyone have a great weekend.

Another weekend and another Saturday of games and Cub Scouts.  Beth has the Cub Scout Fund raisers going so let us know if you need popcorn or if you live near Lexington the food discount cards.  Go the link if you want the details. Call Beth's cell if you want to buy any.

I am really liking Netflix.  I got to watch James Clavell's Shogun  last week.  I forgot how good a job they did taking that book and making it into a miniseries.  I am going to get Herman Wouk Winds of War and War and Remembrance as well in the coming days.  Clavell and Wouk are 2 of my favorite authors.  It would cost way to much for the networks to ever make those types of series again.  I just wish they would do something with Whirlwind and  Gai-Jin.  Both are great books and would make good movies or mini-series.  

Well UK is starting out 3-0 getting ready for Florida next week and its time for bed.  Everyone have a good weekend,

Pictures

Just some pictures tonight.

Hay

Gman Pitching

Another Gman

E at Tball

More Hay

Baseball and soccer

Both boys played today.  Gman at baseball and E at soccer.  Mom and Lynn got to see parts of both games.  They also went to the Reba concert at Rupp last night.    I really do not like both boys playing at the same time.  As much as I do not like soccer, I would really like to see E play and cheer him on.   Beth says he did ok today but I still want to see him.  

I have almost decided not to keep coaching Gman.  He really is playing ok but I can't get him to relax when I am coaching.   He made a play at second today that was very good.  He wanted to pitch but I did not trust myself to let him.  Hopefully Tuesday night when JD is back we can let Gman pitch.   William and Nichols both pitched well today.  3 big hits including one from Justin.  It is Justin's first time playing organized ball.  He is great to coach and he pays great attention to instructions.  Dang I do enjoy coaching the kids

Everyone have a great weekend.

Holiday weekend

Baseball game is done for the day.  Great morning for it and we had a lot of fun.  Gman caught the whole game and did well for his first time behind the plate in Mustang.  Made 1 throw out of a steal and 3rd and a tag out at home.  He has to get the bat off his shoulder and swing.  He has gotten really tentative since the select team.  Beth says kid pitch is going to give her an ulcer.

We are heading down to Western Kentucky this afternoon to see friend and family.  The boys can't wait to see Granny and Lynn.

Everyone have a great and safe Labor day.  Remember all the people who work for a living and those who brought employment rights to us all.

Week 2 at the new office is going well.  Larger office so it is much busier. This a is a good thing.  So for no tensions or issues.  Higher DQ but I know I get get it into line.  The whole staff, manager included, is working on it.  Just got to try new things to get the customers out of their bad habits.

Fall ball practice went well.  JD does a much better job on the field than I do but keeping the team parents informed and involved will be my job.  Got another dad helping coach.  Turns out to be a brother of a friend from Church.  Small world but it is really good to have extra help.

Es soccer game went well Saturday per Coach Beth. I am sorry I missed it.  Beth is feeling better.  She had to get a second shot in the her shoulders (one in each).  Very stiff but she says its better.