Road Going Ford Escort

So I just got back in town from Texas yesterday.
My trip went splendidly. I left last Saturday and drove straight thru the night. I avoided Hurricane Ike, but still saw some of his damage. No water or mud on the road just LOTS of darkness from about Sulphur, Louisiana to Houston, Texas.

I made great time on the road and did really well on gas, being that the car was pretty heavy too. Averaged about 27.7 miles to the gallon and had about 4.5 fill-ups. All in all, gas prices were pretty even and fair. I spent about $400 on gas round trip.

On the way back had two small hiccups. 1) Fuse for the Cigar lighter blew which allowed my ipod to drain out. 2) Battery went bad. Fortunately some kind souls at a rest stop in West Palm Beach helped me out and all is well.

I killed more moths and lovebugs than the Orkin man. Now I’m back in Florida, safe and sound and prepping to head on back out this coming weekend, and I can’t wait.

Site Issues

Ok, so I never sorted out how to make posts from the phone. Apparently there are some issues with some email programs and posting to WordPress.

What that means is that I’ll be posting further and apart as I get around to a machine where I can write from. Never fear, you’ll all be able to keep up with me (both of you).

Happy Birthday Emilio!!!

Good morning baby boy,

Happy Birthday to ya.. I’ll be there soon.
You’re 11 now.. who would’ve thunk it… I love you big boy.

I spoke with you last night and you seemed a little too busy with whatever show you were watching, that’s cool. I know you were also real excited with the Ipod your mom got you. You just like gadgets and you know it, you barely listen to music. Enjoy it anyway.

I did try calling this morning a few times but couldn’t seem to get thru. I’ll call you tonite again. Sorry I haven’t been calling much but I’ve been a little nuts with the move and all. I can’t wait to see you next weekend.

Hey! Remember those pictures? probably not. That was you and I playing around with a webcam,  at gramma Sarah’s old apartment in NY. You seemed to really enjoy it, just look at you.

Love you

Thanks BMW

I’ll be the first to admit that often times our Veterans are overlooked when returning home. That could be for hundreds of reasons, but it’s not what I want to speak of.

It’s nice to come accross someone doing something no matter how small. In this instance it’s BMW. They have specially outfitted a number of cars in order to provide driving lessons for veterans who’ve lost limbs.

Guess I’ve got a bit of a weak spot for things like that. Check the links for the full story.

[Source: New York Times via Autoblog via KickingTires]

Tic Toc, Tic Toc – 2 Weeks

I can’t breathe… well I can, but there is some pressure on the torso.

I move to Texas at the end of September and this monday it will offically be September first. I am taking a trip out there during the week of the 15th to deliver a load of my stuff and get some things in order. Knowing that it’s so close has me feeling like that is my actual moving date.

Once I get back I have one more work week and I’m gone again. I’m glad started sorting things early but it still feels like there is soo much to do. Woo Zaa, I guess, just gotta remember to breathe.

On the plus side, I did pay rent for the final time on my current apartment today. Woo Hoo!!

“Drop Me Around Back Mom”

At around 8:30 this morning my phone rang while at work. I generally don’t dive at my phone, but it was my son’s mom and I worried something happened. Fortunately that wasn’t the case.

Turns out young Mr. Espinal has decided that although this is his 2nd day of Junior High, he is now old enough to begin his ascent into adolescence  I guess. He asked of his mom this morning that he be dropped off around the back of school so that no one would see him being dropped off. Hillarious to me and definitely endearing.

It only makes me want to get there sooner. I’ve missed way too many of those moments already. Turns out he saw the older boys practicing on the football field as well and was inquisitive about it. It certainly seems that I am going to be having some fun when I get home.

(The photo is from our First Halloween back in 1998)

Flickr Photography

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Originally uploaded by NicNitty

If you know me, then you know I generally like a camera handy and when I don’t I regret it.

Recently a couple of people have noticed that I have a little link to some older photos I’ve uploaded to Flickr. I hope to upload plenty more over time. Just like I hope to be able to keep this blog up to date.

Follow this link if you’d like to see a few of my pictures.

My Flickr Photography Set

Hope you like what you see. Don’t be shy about leaving me a comment here or on Flickr. Heck!! if you get or see any cool picture ideas lemme know.

I love to try new things.. enjoy

Running Things

playoff winners 025
Originally uploaded by NicNitty

Last night we had the Playoffs for the Summer League. Single game elimination and since we WON, we ended up having a double header. We had maybe five minutes rest in between. Here’s the recap.

Game 1 (16-3 Final)
They had a sorry pitcher that gave us a few walks and then we turned on the bats. They dug in their bullpen 4 times to no avail.
Gerrod locked down second base on them.

Game 2 (20-3 Final)
Good Pitcher, but ours was better. This game we turned everything on.
Pops was on his toes on a ball hit hard that stayed in front of plate.
Alex hit a clean opposite field shot to left field.
Dennis, Diego, Gerrod and Alex turned a mythical triple play.
Dennis dove OVER the catcher to score a run.
Big Jimmy CAUGHT a ball.

And during both games Richie coached 3rd base like a man on a mission.

Wish little Jimmy could have been there, but he’s our gipper and he was  definitely there in spirit. Both games ended in the 5th inning by run rule. Enough said.

Check out the pictures on Flickr

What NOT to Do

So you’re fitting a new intercooler for the turbo on your car and need to cut a piece of metal out of your way. Safety glasses – check, Grinder – check, Car – check… Paying attention to which direction the spark are gonna fly – not so much.

more about “What NOT to DO“, posted with vodpod

No one got hurt, but it was kinda funny to watch. Fortunately the beer we’d been drinking kept us cool.. and loudly stating the obvious probably helped and he corrected.

enjoy

First of the Season

Tropical Storm Fay seems to be the first real storm that’s gonna threaten South Florida this Hurricane Season. Fortunately it seems like much more water than it does winds and real damage. That’s a good thing I think.

TS Fay - 13:40 EST, 8/18/08 - I live in the Center of That Map

It is pretty funny watching people beging to freak out with memories of our last major storm. I haven’t checked but I’m sure plenty of folks made the gas station their first readiness stop. Personally I’m good on gas and should be fine on supplies. Always have batteries in my flashlights and I rarely eat at home so my canned goods and ramen are also plentiful.

Gotta love that tuna and peanut butter. Anyhow, here is wishing everyone a safe rid through the storm be they in South Florida or elsewhere.