All packed...

I am off to the lake in the morning, will be back phloggin' when I get home next week. As they say in Texas, "ya'll have a great week!"

Is it something I can ride?

I know it as a Utah Phillips song; you may know the John Denver version.

Daddy what's a train? Is it something I can ride?
Does it carry lots of grown-up folks and little kids inside?
Is it bigger than our house? Well, how can I explain
when my little boy and girl ask me "Daddy what's a train?"

I love trains, and when I was back on the east I got to take the Amtrak Acela express train from NYC to Washington, DC. I have taken this ride many times, but the view never ceases to amaze me…it is WAY better than driving 95 counting the rest stops named after notable New Jerseyans – yikes! (PS: “the Vince” after Vince Lombardi is my favorite!)

This time, I was even taking the train during light hours…here are some fantastic shots out my window going 150mph!

PS: My brother is a HUGE Utah Phillips fan, and it just so happens to be my little brother's birthday. if you are in Portland, Oregon today honk!!!

Long Island Sound a Sleep

Half way thru my trip east, I had the pleasure of spending one night on the Long Island Sound with my good friend Angela and her little bundle of joy – Annie – who I have a special connection with. I needed to relax a little, let my mind go, stop thinking about the Summit ahead...so I went up to see them and let go for a few hours. It was just what I needed - a good night of sleep and some quality time with the cutest baby on earth!

They were up staying with her folks for a few weeks and I have never been to Connecticut on good terms.

Ian has an utter distain for “The Nutmeg State.” Me, all I really know about Connecticut is what I have seen on Gilmore Girls (and we all know that isn’t really Connecticut – that’s some lot in Hollywood).

Anyways, the part of Connecticut that I saw, albeit for only for a few hours was beautiful!

Take a look:

NY friends - oh how we miss them!

One of the hardest parts of moving to TX last year was moving 2,500 miles away from our dearest friends. I miss them daily, and the only consolation is that work sends me east just about every four months and I can see them. Here are some shots of us last week. Aron was off gallivanting across the country – next time old man, you, me and a roof for plotting!

They are waving to you Ian!

Six days! Count down to the lake!

The lake is one of the most relaxing places on the planet for me. Watch out summer beach reading list, I am going to destroy you!

(These are other people's photos, I promise a bunch when I get back - computers for pholging are not allowed on this trip.)

You're Loved Dad!

Happy Father's Day, from your "cheezy" daughter!

Success!

Sorry I didn't post from the road, I was a little busy. Starting on Sunday, Consumers Union invited dozens of activists to Yonkers, NY for a first-ever Summit to meet each other, train in media, lobbying, and internet skills, and go to Washington for meetings with lawmakers and the media.

You can see all the photos and read a little bit about what I have been working on lately, just click here.

Good news...

Ian figured out how to put my camera software on my laptop so now I can post from the road! And on the road again, I am.

I leave Sunday for a 10 days trip back East. This is a pretty exciting trip for me for many reasons. I get to see friends and family along the way and I am about to finish up a very important professional victory. I am sure to have tons of pictures along the way – so stay tuned to the phlog for all the latest!

First up, New York…

Then on to the Nation’s Capitol.

Republic of Texas biker rally - yup you heard me

Last night we went to the Republic of Texas Biker Rally parade on Congress. I would say two things:

1. We TOTALLY were not wearing enough leather, and by not enough I mean none.
2. We had AWESOME seats. Take a look…

To the South
To the North
The green machine
The cat ladies

Recovery...

Got a bug I can’t seem to shake for the last 3 months. Sorry about the lack of posting, but we haven’t done much lately. And I am not sure a picture of the couch with me in my jammies was in real demand.

But, here is one of Sarge holding down his end of the couch.

I am off on Sunday for a 10-day trip east. It is a pretty exciting trip, although there will be tons of work; I have some play penciled in. More soon. Gotta beat this bug before I get on the plane.

Phun photos phrom the weekend

We had a lovely weekend, we had the party. We played a lot of pool (I even had a 2 game winning streak). We went to see the bats, got a little dark – so we didn’t get eh chance to actually see them (here is a photo of them at their prime from the vault). We also went to Smitty’s in Lockhart, and bowled (something I hadn’t done since Jon and Kate’s wedding!)

Waiting for an hour on the bat bridge.Baum brothers
Pick up bus ont he way to Lockhart.
Smitty's
Bats from the vault. Next time Noel, sorry.

What are they doing to my boyfriend?

Dad sent this one to me the other day. It was before the “finger incident.” My uncle Tommy stopped by on his way through town. This one goes down in the books.

Chez Nous

Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos of our trip to Chez Nous. I will tell you one thing, it is a quaint little hole in the wall off 6^th that has great food, helpful service and a nice wine selection. I have yet to be let down. They are consistently heralded as one of the best around town…and in a city known for BBQ and tacos, well let’s just say, that means something.

Keepin' it weird

Happy Housewarming!

We had a lovely party with 30 friends and neighbors. Here are the before photos.

I forgot where I put the camera during the party so I don’t have any shots of the evening. But it was fun!

Tonight, we are going out to a very nice little French place off 6^th. We went there for Erica’s birthday dinner and I have been meaning to write a review for the phlog on it ever since. It is a fantastic little place, so tomorrow (after the champagne has worn off) I will make sure to tell you all about it.

Progress

There is still tons to do, but we have been making progress.
Today Ian is going to go "house" on the house and get tons done on his day off. I have still have a lot of scrubbing and laundry to do before Ian's brother Noel arrives in the morning. We should have a wonderful time at the party on Saturday on the big back deck!