Tommie

Outings

2010-09-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

Recent outings include a trip to the Renaissance festival and a trip to Haydays. The renaissance festival speaks for itself but some explanation of Haydays may be in order. Officially named the "start of winter" Haydays is a large snowmoblie and ATV event with drag races, swap meet and factory tents. More machines than you can see in one day and plenty of gear and parts.

A couple of wild rides spotted at Haydays

Renaissance festival

Update

2010-08-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Been quite sometime since I have updated the blog. I hope to perform to a higher standard in the next year. I have been on a short summer break from school, working full time as a LSW at the county level. The cabin looks good and is a nice place to relax. I would write a novel if not for the upcoming thesis anxiety.

Spanky is fatter so I have attempted to drag him out for a jog now and again. He appears to have the endurance of a frozen chicken and yet manages to have a good time.

Cody is bee keeping somewhere in North Dakota and reports that he enjoys the freedom.
I understand completely.

I'm looking forward to getting this next year completed, excited for the future.

Cody turns 18

2010-03-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Cody turned 18 last Monday, I guess that makes me older than dust. I spent some time with him at his Mom's here are a couple pics.

Aquaria

2010-03-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

My Aquariums, A salt water reef tank, and a freshwater african cichlid tank.

A couple of "cool" rides

2010-01-27T04:35:00.000-08:00

Roy decided he had enough of the XLT and we spent a day scrapping it out. Not to be left in the dust, he then bought a 1998 XC 600 which practically matches my 98' XC 700 in good looks and performance. Here we are on the maiden voyage of the two machines. Pictures were taken at Wahoo on the Crow Wing river. We rode the river back to Motley enjoying the sighting of Bald Eagles and a very confused red fox who we surprised as he was crossing the river.

Sled head

2010-01-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

In an effort to survive the brutal conditions of winter I finally broke down and bought a sled. I will not lie to you, they are not practical. They are however, essential to my having fun in the winter along with ice-fishing. I am also posting a few pictures of Roy's sled which unfortunately is toast. After working several weeks on his XLT I decided to buy my XC 700. On the day I bought mine Roy crashed his into a tree fives miles into the ride. We spent the evening getting it back to shape. The next day after a wonderful rail ride his XLT threw a rod and we were done. Currently he is parting it out to sell on Craig's list. I hope you enjoy the pics. It has been a wild Minnesota weekend.

My new sled, 98' Polaris XC 700 twin

Results of Roy's crash

On the trail, both sleds (post Roy's crash and evening of repair).

This is what you do in Minnesota in the winter:

Welcome to exotic Minnesota

2009-12-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

Here are a group of recent pictures depicting the exotic far reaches of Minnesota. A beautiful landscape made fairer by the occasional snow storm, (Yes that is sarcasm seeping through your computer screen.)

The cabin in winter's splendor.

Ice fishing, note the surreal veil of ice between us and the fish below.

The road leading out

The pond in front of the cabin

Here I am preparing a holiday meal

2009-12-22T06:43:00.000-08:00

Here I am enjoying the fruits of my labor, batter fried walleye, french bread, olive oil, boiled shrimp w/ melted butter and lemon. Winter is in full gear and as you can see I am holing up in the cabin. I received acceptance to the MSW grad program at St. Cloud State University and am preparing to start my BSW internship in January. Times are tight while I pursue my academic goals and so they should be. I have been keeping loose by playing guitar and tending to the hens. The "girls" have been producing 3-4 eggs a day and I am excited to start utilizing those eggs for all types of culinary delights.

Here is a short video of Roy preparing the fishing site. This Vid. is for Tory, a.k.a. man about town, local fishing guide, and fellow cigar smoker. This video shows the gear commonly used for ice fishing. Four wheeler, folding ice shack, and ice auger to drill the holes.

BRRRR

2009-10-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

Well it has happened. Snow on the ground this morning dusting the leaves still on the trees. A joke really, subtle reminder of what is ahead. The hens were discovered peeking out of the coop with bewildered expressions only to retreat back into the warmth. Their expressions reflected my mood as I spread grain over the snow in an effort to repudiate the frozen crystals. A part of me would like to embrace the snow as it is a precursor to on of my favorite sports, ice fishing!

Filler post

2009-10-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

Since it has been a while since my last post I though I better update with an apology for the masses that depend on the content of my blog to support their self-efficacy. Before the few of you that actually do check this site begin to suspect that I have relapsed and started a meth lab, know that I am joking. Seriously, I have been slacking on my social duties having prioritized silly educational projects. I recently took the GRE and applied to Grad School at St. CLoud State. Thanks goes to Gage, Kim and Dr. Holub for their help. Congratulations to Jessica for her accomplishments and new beginning at Grad school in Germany. How exciting!!! Trade ya. Oh and hello to Denise, thanks for calling recently, nice to get an update. Anyway, to fill this post I will reminisce with some pictures of last summer's trip to Europe. Enjoy.
Ok, technically not a europe picture, but I had to add an image of the man about town, in this case, Charleston, SC.

I could live here.

Old world charm

Life partners

Prague, very cool.

Animal farm

2009-08-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

An update on my bucolic adventure of raising chickens. The "girls" are getting big and are still weeks away from laying eggs despite my burgeoning effort. Their names are Burberry, Gucci, Prada, and Zara. They enjoy short flights, lazy evenings, bananas, peaches, and small grub worms.

This is Zara, the Bearded Goldenlaced Polish Bantam, she has the most personality of the bunch, probably from her struggles living as a bearded lady.

Here they are at the hen house.

The two light tan chicks are Buff Orpingtons, Burberry and Gucci. The fancy black chick is a Bearded Goldenlaced Polish Bantam, Prada, and the Red is named Zara.

Buell Update

2009-07-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Buell has been fitted with a complete new front end, fresh matte black paint and some of the road rash cleaned up as well. Minor details include carbon fiber paint trickery on a few accessory parts. I still have a few more ideas to play with though it is shaping up to look like the hooligan streetfighter that it is. And believe me when I say that it has the muscle to back it up.

Back yard chicks

2009-07-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

My brother Rodger came up last weekend with some chicks that I will raise to produce eggs. We built a small coop with Spanky's approval.

Two weeks in Europe

2009-07-02T02:54:00.000-07:00

Gage and Jesica were fab hosts never failing to surprise me with head spinning adventure. here are a few highlights.

2009-06-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

A view of Cinque Terre Italy, Just one of the recent stops on my adventure w/ Gage and Jessica. The Ferrari is an image from Monte Carlo. More to come soon....

Do, do, do, looking out my back door.

2009-05-13T14:07:00.000-07:00

Well actually my front door. A break from the bike pics, I thought I would share what spring looks like here. Won't last long with winter looming.....

Naked frame

2009-05-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

The M2 is truely a naked frame machine at this point. Body parts are off for repair and paint, front end off and ready to be switched with new.

Time to get rollin

2009-05-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

I rolled the M2 out of the shed and took it to a garage where I will begin fixing the bruises. I did get a chance to warm it up a little. Hope fully the next pictures posted will show a slightly different bike.

Project M2

2009-03-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

First, sorry about the lapse in posts. You could say I was "frozen" in action. Anyway, with snow on the way I needed something to help keep my mind on warmer thoughts. Gage suggested images of riding a motorcycle....I took him literally. Enter the M2 Buell streetfighter project. Those of you who know me well know that I am no stranger to bike projects. This project will be in unison to another somewhat secret project across the pond involving a Black S2 Lotus. The S2/M2 builds will be occurring simultaneously on two continents. I apologize for the pictures, The bike is in the shed due to weather. I will get better pics when the Minnesota melts.

Night out

2008-12-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Kris and I met up w/ Rodger and Jenny for a night out in the Cities. Sushi was the dining choice.

My latest hit

2008-11-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

*Be sure to pause music player at bottom of page!

Rodger grabbed this vid while I was enjoying some warm up time on one of his beautiful Breedlove Guitars. I apologize for the informal quality of my ability.

2008-11-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

This is a rugged shot from my trip to the Black hills.

Happy B-day to me

2008-09-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

I broke down after a severe case of GAS (guitar aquisition syndrome) and bough this Breedlove guitar. It is a dreadnaught style w/ traditional spruce top and solid rosewood back. It plays like a dream. Now the problem is finding time to play between school and work. My passion has been re-ignited and I am now working on learning an Emerson, Lake and Palmer tune. Aim high right?

Summer break

2008-08-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

I have about two weeks of break from classes and am trying to get some fishing in along with home projects and visiting friends & family. More to come!

Weekend break

2008-07-14T10:25:00.001-07:00

As school continues through the summer I have to find time where I can to kick back and enjoy the weather. Rodger and Jenny have been up a couple times to do the same.

Update a little late

2008-06-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Portt townsend was awsome. Gage and Jessica were wonderful hosts. Gage sharpened up his culinary skills with a killer french toast. Overnight at the Green Tortoise with fresh crab from Pike's Place.

Ode to Minnesota

2008-03-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Less than on week back from vacation and I slipped on some Minnesota ice and tumbled or rather bounced down a set of steps. Welcome home!! My initial thought was to call Gage and let him know that I'll meet him in AZ.

Vacation was grand, we had a blast in Mexico and although I shot a good game or two of pool I must must state for the record that Gage is fact in "the greatest champion of the world" two nights running.

Looking forward to spring. More likely pleading with God for warm weather. Check out the vacation pics, Special thanks to Tory who taught me how to surf in Mexico and did not molest me while sharing a cabin on the cruise.

Has it been a month?

2008-02-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

So it has been a month since I updated the blog. Lots going on transition wise, CABHS(work) program is closing and I have already started new employment at a local group home. School is thick and I plan on it becoming thicker. Winter has been less than friendly and to pass the time I have been trying my hand at Tulibee fishing. In two days I'll be in sunny San Diego with Gage and Jessica as we undertake a voyage of splendid amplitude. More upon my return!!

Fun at Psycho Suzi's

2008-01-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

Kristine and I bounced down to nordeast Minneapolis to spend an evening with brother Rodger and wife Jenny as well as our wonderful friends Kim and August. Rodger had heard about this place called Psycho Suzi's Motor Club which used to be an old A&W drive through.
On the menu: fried cheese, build your own mini hot dogs, spicy artichoke dip, home made pizza, and a mozzerella stuffed bread thing. For dessert, smores complete with a tiny grill to flame up the marshmellos. It was great to catch up with Kim and August and a great way to warm up a cold Minnesota evening.

2008-01-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

Starting spring semester and all is well. Cold weather approaching so Spanky and I are focusing our energy on good food and warm blankets.

X-mas at Rodger's

2007-12-26T07:04:00.000-08:00

Fondue at Rodger's was fun, lots of good food and music.

2007-12-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

Chillin', literally.

Been working on some things inside the cabin, new loft bed in Spanky's room, new clothes rack in the loft.

School is great!! Wish I were done.

Work is, well... Wish I were done.

Diablo continues to reign in hell and thankfully sanity is maintained through close friends and focus on future goals.

2007-12-02T11:45:00.000-08:00

Gage found my secret hideout. Here is a pic.

2007-08-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

Little late in the year to be thinking of this. Someday......

Tommie Sushi

2007-08-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking "why not a sushi bar in Brainerd?"
Injecting culture to this central Minnesota town might be a trial of adventure and worth a few laughs as well. It could be fun to watch a native Minnesotian furrow their brow at the thought of raw tuna or smoked eel. This of course would be the same Minnesotian who has small toil in handling leeches while eating a twinkie, or finds gastromic pleasure in lutefisk and pickled turkey gizzards.