This is a Pink Sqaut Lobster. It is no Cherry Rat, but there it is!

I am considering unlocking my journal.
I am a bit concerned about my internet stalker/Baby's Mama getting back into reading it though. But there is not really anything (except those four posts back in November) that would be of any interest to her.

What do you think?

Poll #1384237 Unlock?
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 17

Should I just unlock my journal?

this is the Eagle Cam !!!

It is totally awesome! The kids and I just spent 15 minutes watching one of the parent birds eating a fish and then feeding it to the chick!

The kids have been begging me to take them back to NYC. I cannot tell you how much they enjoyed their last trip. In fact, it amazes me how much they remember about the trip we took nearly two years ago.

Natalie is already saying that we have to remember to pack their bathing suits so that we can have them for Heckler's park (a water playground in Central Park). Whitker is saying that while it would be ok if we skipped the Statue of Liberty he would like to go if we could go inside and climb to the top of the statue. His biggest concern is that we are close to one of the subway stops. They both say that we would have to go back to Times Square and the Toys R Us in Times square.

So there I was, going through the budget trying to figure out if I could manange a trip with the kids to NYC. It would mean that I MAY have to give up my annual redezvous in NYC (which I would gladly give up to be able to take the kids) and I also was thinking how I would be able to swing it with all of my other travel/camping plans.

Among those plans is a trip to the east coast to visit a good friend with the kids.

and then it hit me...

I could go to Rhode Island for a day or two, then I could make the hour trip over to Plymouth, MA (and see if Plymouth Rock really did land on anybody, assuming you are allowed to look under it) to hang at the beaches and give the kids something to talk about in school around Thanksgiving time, then head back west and stop in NYC for a few days before making the trip back to Ohio.

I have to look into reserving some campsites in MA as well as get some info on hotels in NYC where we could just park and be close to a subway line.

But I am liking the idea of a clam bake, a few days at the beach, and a few days in Central Park. This could be good. I know the kids would love to fly to NYC again, but they have said that they would be fine with driving as well. They have their Nintendos so it may be ok...

And if I do it right I could still get to Florida (South Palm Beach) in August.

If anyone has and tips or hints, let me know!!

AND!!! when/if I do get to NYC with the kids I will expect to see a few of you for at least a bit (yes, xraytheenforcer I am talking about you)!

Last night I went to the Columbus Blue Jackets Game (v. Philly) with chaptal, lostpositive and schroederjt.

From all that I have heard from chaptal and schroederjt I was expecting a slaughter on ice. But chaptal clearly has been talking about a different Blue Jackets team than the one I saw last night. The CBJs dominated the ice (except for a while in the second period). And not only did they win (3-0) but they even scored on a powerplay!!! It was enought to make a guy faint!

The high point of the night was eavesdropping on the family behind us. The father was very busy "coaching" the team from his seat. At one point this exchange took place: (not verbatim)

Dad: ~"What are you doing? You shouldn't do that!" (to daughter) ~"That should not even happen!"

Daughter: (clearly tired of listening to her dad or just tired of being embarrased) "Dad, alot of thing happen that SHOULDN'T happen. Soliders SHOULDN'T be dying, but they are. There SHOULDN'T be a war in Iraq, but there is..."

She went on for a bit, making what I thought were some great points for someone of her age; great points for any age, actually! Her father clearly missed the larger point that she was trying to make, which I believe was, "Dad, this is just a game, there are more important things in the world, please settle down and stop embarrasing me". He continued "coaching", untouched by his daughter's message.

It was great to hang out with chaptal, lostpositive and schroederjt. Afterwards schroederjt and I went to Tip Top and ran into a few friends. Strangely the only time either of us see these friends is when we are out somewhere not expecting to run into them.

Words and stories later. But for now ( PICTURES )