Actually it wasn't all nature today. The brother and I went to Bloomington to skate the park before picking up our sister to meet the parents at McCormick's Creek State Park. Today was the best day I've had skating so far, I finally found the good lines and went into the small bowl as well (it had been intimidating me during my past visits). The only complaint was the little kids that were in the way. Andrew ended up throwing one of their boards over the fence because they had set it up right in the way.
We headed down to McCormick's Creek, none of us had been there in a long time. It is a quite beautiful park, very shady and there is a small canyon and waterfall there. Today being Memorial Sunday meant it was crowded and us kids had to take over finding a picnic table because our dad was freaking out (he seems to thrive on stress and not in a good way).
When we went our separate ways, Sarah mentioned she new of a spot close by that we should check out. A nature preserve owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy call Green's Bluff. It is in the middle of nowhere, I could try to tell you where it is but I couldn't tell you how to get there. Anyway it was very cool and there was maybe five other people there. A welcome relief from the other people at McCormick's Creek. The dog seemed to enjoy himself as well. Turns out that there are some very rare species of plant life inside the preserve and we saw two of them. Hemlock and the Hay-Scented Fern, which can sort of be seen in the photo. They are the ferns in the side of the bluff.
Personally I consider Southern Indiana to be the spiritual center of Indiana so it was good to get out in the woods and feel it. I just hope I didn't get poison ivy.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Luna Adventures
There is this cool record store in Indy called Luna Music. I haven't even been to the main store, just the downtown one on Mass. Ave. The last time I was in there I picked up Bloc Party "Silent Alarm" on Paradox's recommendation. Good job Paradox (he also has more recommendations in the comment section in the post below this one). Anyway I really like this record a lot. I know that one should talk about other bands when talking about a band but this time I can't help it. Not only that but they even mention that they refer to other bands on the website. This record at times reminds me of the Cure or at least the uptempo Cure stuff, especially the singers voice in some songs. But I even hear fleeting references to Samiam among other stuff. Of course "Silent Alarm" stands up on it's own but as the band admits they bring a lot from those who came before them.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Past is History
Parts of the summers of my youth were spent on this farm in Pennsylvania (the one in the photo). This is where I learned where food comes among other things (well that and the cornfield across from our house in Indiana). It's where my family and I went two weekends ago. That shed that you see in the foreground was my grandfathers first house while he built the one him and his family lived in and is still standing. There are a lot of memories on that land and obviously they're not all mine. Several generations of my family have memories of that place and after my uncle retires, the farm will probably have to be sold.
Not that I would even want to farm, it's a hard life and there isn't much payoff. Farming is something one does because they love it. I guess it keeps you close to the land, but some people would be mortified by what farming can really be like. And I doubt that is how they would want to be close to the land.
Hell, that world is even foreign to me now. I'm used to the ranches out west where the only crop is hay (although I'd guess there's some alfalfa as well) and beef cows. Maybe some sheep.
There is more to it than that, there is a stronger tie to religion that I may have touched on earlier. I'm not very religious anymore, so it takes me aback when I hear all of the Godtalk there. The fact that many of the people believe a strict Creationism sort of surprises me. Even the religious type I know in CO are more of the Intelligent Design set (possibly even myself, I'm not sure). I get a feeling that the isolation from the outside world there is not so much forced as it is desired. If I were them and believed that way I may desire that myself.
Not that I would even want to farm, it's a hard life and there isn't much payoff. Farming is something one does because they love it. I guess it keeps you close to the land, but some people would be mortified by what farming can really be like. And I doubt that is how they would want to be close to the land.
Hell, that world is even foreign to me now. I'm used to the ranches out west where the only crop is hay (although I'd guess there's some alfalfa as well) and beef cows. Maybe some sheep.
There is more to it than that, there is a stronger tie to religion that I may have touched on earlier. I'm not very religious anymore, so it takes me aback when I hear all of the Godtalk there. The fact that many of the people believe a strict Creationism sort of surprises me. Even the religious type I know in CO are more of the Intelligent Design set (possibly even myself, I'm not sure). I get a feeling that the isolation from the outside world there is not so much forced as it is desired. If I were them and believed that way I may desire that myself.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Thing to do and see
One more week here in Indy for me. It's been good, I've ran into more people from my past than I have any other previous visit. Randomly in a few cases, more planned in others. It makes me curious about what is going on with people who I haven't seen and I probably won't.
There are a few things left that I should do while I'm here but I don't know if I'll get to them. Going to the Solsberry Viaduct would be one of them and there are a couple state parks I haven't been to since I was a kid which would be cool to hit. Oh and go to the Bloomington skatepark at least one more time.
It seems like it could be nice to live here or at least in the city but I haven't been here for real heat and humidity of the summer yet. I intend to be gone before that starts. And the winters are just cold and gray. But it seems that everytime I come back here there seems to be more and more going on here in Indy. When I was younger it seemed like there was nothing to do here but now that doesn't seem to be the case. Not only that but as cities go it's pretty clean and safe. There are some really nice neighborhoods that are fairly integrated along both class and race lines.
There are a few things left that I should do while I'm here but I don't know if I'll get to them. Going to the Solsberry Viaduct would be one of them and there are a couple state parks I haven't been to since I was a kid which would be cool to hit. Oh and go to the Bloomington skatepark at least one more time.
It seems like it could be nice to live here or at least in the city but I haven't been here for real heat and humidity of the summer yet. I intend to be gone before that starts. And the winters are just cold and gray. But it seems that everytime I come back here there seems to be more and more going on here in Indy. When I was younger it seemed like there was nothing to do here but now that doesn't seem to be the case. Not only that but as cities go it's pretty clean and safe. There are some really nice neighborhoods that are fairly integrated along both class and race lines.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
In the mists of Indy
All day yesterday there was this misty haze hanging on the city. In the summer when it is hot it's not that uncommon of a sight but yesterday was cool. That made it a little different. Driving back from downtown at night was really eerie, I wish I had been able to take a picture of it at night.
Reggie Millers last game turned out to be last night. This is a big deal here as he has played 19 seasons with the Pacers. Watching the last fifteen seconds of the game was really emotional. The Pacers called a timeout to let Reggie walk off the court and the whole place stood up and cheered for him . His teammates and others were hugging him and then Detroit called another timeout. This time the Pistons players and coaches came out to hug him goodbye and then even the refs did. I almost cried and even now I get choked up thinking about it.
After the game my brother and I went to a metal show. I hadn't been to one of those in a very long time. Two of the bands were really good, Whiskey Tits and Sweet Cobra. One of the other two was just your run of the mill metal band with nothing that exciting. The other was interesting but they needed something else.
Reggie Millers last game turned out to be last night. This is a big deal here as he has played 19 seasons with the Pacers. Watching the last fifteen seconds of the game was really emotional. The Pacers called a timeout to let Reggie walk off the court and the whole place stood up and cheered for him . His teammates and others were hugging him and then Detroit called another timeout. This time the Pistons players and coaches came out to hug him goodbye and then even the refs did. I almost cried and even now I get choked up thinking about it.
After the game my brother and I went to a metal show. I hadn't been to one of those in a very long time. Two of the bands were really good, Whiskey Tits and Sweet Cobra. One of the other two was just your run of the mill metal band with nothing that exciting. The other was interesting but they needed something else.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Civilization
You know you're back in civilization when you see a six pack of Sierra Nevada at a gas station (even if that gas station happens to be in West Virginia). I made it back safely back to the world of decent phone service and a dial up internet connection. Not to mention the conveniences of a city. Isolation is good and all but I prefer having some kind of contact with the outside world as you can see by the post below.
It was good to see that side of the family, some of them I haven't seen in fifteen years or so. But that was just enough time, by the last day I was itching to get out of there. I guess I did come away with a few explanations of how I am what I am. Although not in the sense that my family would like. If most of them were aware of how I lived my life they would have some kind of Gospel intervention for me. More on that at another time. As always there will be some photos up in the next couple of days.
Off to watch the game.
It was good to see that side of the family, some of them I haven't seen in fifteen years or so. But that was just enough time, by the last day I was itching to get out of there. I guess I did come away with a few explanations of how I am what I am. Although not in the sense that my family would like. If most of them were aware of how I lived my life they would have some kind of Gospel intervention for me. More on that at another time. As always there will be some photos up in the next couple of days.
Off to watch the game.
Friday, May 13, Fulton County PA
This evening my brother, sister and myself wanted to go watch the Pacers game and decided to try and find a place to watch it. It ended up that we had to go two towns over just to find a bar that had a TV but as soon as we walked in the game was already on so we didn't even have to ask. The bar itself was pretty interesting, it was a neighborhood working-class bar that had a pretty good mix of people. When we first walked in we pretty much the only white people in the place but it felt alot more comfortable than the white trash bar in the first town.
There were these two ladies that befriended us and hung out with us all night. Neither one of them look to be as old as they claimed to be. And yet they both had grandkids.
The bar was under constant camera surveillance with direct feed to the owners house and the Chambersburg Police and Probation offices. Not only that but no cell phones were allowed inside the bar. That was a little eerie, to much of a police state. I hope this isn't a growing trend.
There were these two ladies that befriended us and hung out with us all night. Neither one of them look to be as old as they claimed to be. And yet they both had grandkids.
The bar was under constant camera surveillance with direct feed to the owners house and the Chambersburg Police and Probation offices. Not only that but no cell phones were allowed inside the bar. That was a little eerie, to much of a police state. I hope this isn't a growing trend.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Even further east
Tomorrow we're heading east to PA for a family type thing. Going back there always makes me a little apprehensive and it's compounded this time by the fact that I haven't been there in many years. At least this time we're taking two cars so it's just my brother, sister and myself in my car.
This side of the family can be a little trying at times, let's just say that they share a completely different world view than I am have or am used to. For instance, some of them are into really big families (by today's standards at least) and it is not uncommon for there to be at least five children to a cousin. Also they are even more religious than my parents who are rather religious, which in itself isn't a bad thing but it seems overwhelming to me. Thankfully I've never talked politics with them and if the subject comes up, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut.
There are some redeeming things about this part of the country, the landscape is very beautiful. Where we are going is a valley in the PA Appalachian Mountains and it should be nice and green this time of year. I can't recall if I've ever been there this early before or not.
Anyway, if no one hears from me for a while it's just because I am cut off from the outside world.
This side of the family can be a little trying at times, let's just say that they share a completely different world view than I am have or am used to. For instance, some of them are into really big families (by today's standards at least) and it is not uncommon for there to be at least five children to a cousin. Also they are even more religious than my parents who are rather religious, which in itself isn't a bad thing but it seems overwhelming to me. Thankfully I've never talked politics with them and if the subject comes up, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut.
There are some redeeming things about this part of the country, the landscape is very beautiful. Where we are going is a valley in the PA Appalachian Mountains and it should be nice and green this time of year. I can't recall if I've ever been there this early before or not.
Anyway, if no one hears from me for a while it's just because I am cut off from the outside world.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Tired, so very tired
A good portion of today was spent on my hands and knees trying to scrape up this nasty carpet gunk and pull staples and nails out of the wood floor. Not as much fun as I hoped but the parts that were finished don't look so bad. It'll look pretty good after sanding and coating the floor.
Traffic in Indy is strange, unlike Denver (or Steamboat for that matter) if you need to get over into another lane the other drivers will actually let you in and sometimes even wave you in. In fact even though it was congested on the way home this afternoon it was much less stressful than driving in Denver at five in the afternoon. Maybe there is something to this whole Hoosier Hospitality thing after all.
This maybe one of the last post for awhile as I'm heading to the hills of Pennsylvania where I'm not sure if I'll have dialup access and even still the phone lines may not allow it where I am staying. No new photos is pretty much assured until I get back and sort through them. I'll take my computer on the off chance I find access.
Traffic in Indy is strange, unlike Denver (or Steamboat for that matter) if you need to get over into another lane the other drivers will actually let you in and sometimes even wave you in. In fact even though it was congested on the way home this afternoon it was much less stressful than driving in Denver at five in the afternoon. Maybe there is something to this whole Hoosier Hospitality thing after all.
This maybe one of the last post for awhile as I'm heading to the hills of Pennsylvania where I'm not sure if I'll have dialup access and even still the phone lines may not allow it where I am staying. No new photos is pretty much assured until I get back and sort through them. I'll take my computer on the off chance I find access.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Grass, Pacers and the dog
There seems to be this quality of the grass here back in Indiana that I just can't describe (and no I don't mean marijuana, ya buncha stoners). It is so much softer, more carpetlike (although if you want carpet the moss in New Hampshire can't be beat) for lack of a better description. And walking around in bare feet is a bit easier on the feet as there aren't sharp little rocks poking through the soil. I assume it is due to the millions (thousands?) of years of glaciation than smoothed everything down. Of course this is why Indiana is so flat and even then if you head south it isn't that flat it's just not striking like Colorado.
Well the Pacers lost the first game of the series to Detroit tonight but that's ok, it's only game one. But the whole bar was kind of bummed about it. Our server was rather attractive and Maggie was encouraging me to get her digits but I am leery about asking out the servers as I'm sure they get hit on all the time. I'm sure I'll be back in there, maybe next time. But they had Millipede which was the sequel to Centipede and I played it. I sucked of course but still. Millipede!
The dog was taken in for his shots today and he was surly all day. He kept giving this look like "how could you guys betray me like that!?!" Poor guy. Ulysses is the coolest beagle and he has this silly grin most of the time that could melt the heart of even the most rabid dog hater.
Tomorrow I start ripping apart a rental house for remodeling. Destruction should be fun except for pulling out all of those goddamn carpet tacks.
Well the Pacers lost the first game of the series to Detroit tonight but that's ok, it's only game one. But the whole bar was kind of bummed about it. Our server was rather attractive and Maggie was encouraging me to get her digits but I am leery about asking out the servers as I'm sure they get hit on all the time. I'm sure I'll be back in there, maybe next time. But they had Millipede which was the sequel to Centipede and I played it. I sucked of course but still. Millipede!
The dog was taken in for his shots today and he was surly all day. He kept giving this look like "how could you guys betray me like that!?!" Poor guy. Ulysses is the coolest beagle and he has this silly grin most of the time that could melt the heart of even the most rabid dog hater.
Tomorrow I start ripping apart a rental house for remodeling. Destruction should be fun except for pulling out all of those goddamn carpet tacks.
Bloomington and environs
Last night was Sister Sarah's birthday party. My brother and I headed down to Bloomington and watched the graduation traffic coming up at a standstill at times. We started by going to the skatepark. Bloomington has one of the nicest skateparks I've seen, as a crappy skater I actually really enjoy the park. It has nice flowing lines and a variety of bowls and other stuff.
After watching the Pacers wrap up the series with Boston, we went on over to our sisters house where the theme was Mexico and Central America. I brought a twelver of Negra Modela to keep with the theme. She had all kinds of Hispanic fare to eat. Later came the pinata. She had spent several days making a turtle pinata and it actually turned out pretty cool. After spending close to an hour trying to figure out how to string the damn thing up it was finally time to whack it. And whack it we did. And then some more, until I managed to finish it off. Then I impaled it and left it on a stake in her neighbors yard.
Off to the Latin Dance party where I pretty much stood around and watched the beautiful women dance.
After watching the Pacers wrap up the series with Boston, we went on over to our sisters house where the theme was Mexico and Central America. I brought a twelver of Negra Modela to keep with the theme. She had all kinds of Hispanic fare to eat. Later came the pinata. She had spent several days making a turtle pinata and it actually turned out pretty cool. After spending close to an hour trying to figure out how to string the damn thing up it was finally time to whack it. And whack it we did. And then some more, until I managed to finish it off. Then I impaled it and left it on a stake in her neighbors yard.
Off to the Latin Dance party where I pretty much stood around and watched the beautiful women dance.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
If you want something done...
As you can see, I found a gnome. Although I've already been accused of cheating because it isn't a true lawn gnome. So what I say, I still lifted it from the Local office! Anyway here he is in my parents back yard hanging out in the garden.
Apparently, there is going to be a fair amount of art viewed on this trip. Last night we went to this gallery that my brother is loosely affiliated with and tomorrow we are going to go to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. They are having a re-Grand Opening to celebrate a complete remodeling of the place. That should be cool.
Last night after the gallery we went to a local watering hole to have a few drinks and hangout. Steve and Steffie who I haven't seen in a long time were with us. Unfortunately, someone Steve went to primary thru high school was there. Which generally should be fine but this guy was living so far in the past it was ridiculous. He kept talking about one of their 7th grade teachers. Damn! Both of these guys are probably 30. Shoot I hardly remember 7th grade and I sure don't want to talk about it (expect for that one thing that I'm not going to mention). I guess when you come back that kind of thing happens. I hope I'm not that way with my friends from Indy.
Apparently, there is going to be a fair amount of art viewed on this trip. Last night we went to this gallery that my brother is loosely affiliated with and tomorrow we are going to go to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. They are having a re-Grand Opening to celebrate a complete remodeling of the place. That should be cool.
Last night after the gallery we went to a local watering hole to have a few drinks and hangout. Steve and Steffie who I haven't seen in a long time were with us. Unfortunately, someone Steve went to primary thru high school was there. Which generally should be fine but this guy was living so far in the past it was ridiculous. He kept talking about one of their 7th grade teachers. Damn! Both of these guys are probably 30. Shoot I hardly remember 7th grade and I sure don't want to talk about it (expect for that one thing that I'm not going to mention). I guess when you come back that kind of thing happens. I hope I'm not that way with my friends from Indy.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Back home again in Indiana
Twenty-three and a half hours, that's how long it took me. A new personal best. Other than getting lost for about ten minutes in St. Louis and a beef with the Steamboat Grease Monkey (I'll get to that in a minute) the trip was rather uneventful. I did manage to play rabbit with two girls that had a Steamboat sticker on their car but I lost them when I pulled off to get gas. I did discover that the Surly Mayfly is a little too small to sleep in although I have one more idea for the trip back.
Anyway, Grease Monkey. I know I should never go there but I was in kind of a hurry. The long and the short of it is, I don't think they put enough oil in my car. When I checked it in Illinois I was two quarts low. That car should not burn two quarts. Not only that but the oil cap was on so tight I had to borrow a hammer to tap it loose. What the hell?! I will never go there again and encourage everyone else I know not to go there.
I still need to sleep.
Anyway, Grease Monkey. I know I should never go there but I was in kind of a hurry. The long and the short of it is, I don't think they put enough oil in my car. When I checked it in Illinois I was two quarts low. That car should not burn two quarts. Not only that but the oil cap was on so tight I had to borrow a hammer to tap it loose. What the hell?! I will never go there again and encourage everyone else I know not to go there.
I still need to sleep.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Salinas, Kansas
Thank God for truck stops! Bosselman Travel Centers all have free wifi hotspots, so I am writing this while waiting on my sausage skillet at Grandma Max's Resturant. I've come about 580 miles, at my first fill-up the Surly Mayfly got almost 33mpg. That is so freaking awesome! I tried to take some pictures from the sunroof, but once again it didn't work. Oh well.
Well, that hit the spot. This is definitly not the same truck stop in Salinas that I got yelled at for ordering a hash brown. "We have orders of hash browns, if you want a hash brown go to McDonald's." Too bad they were hash tans.
I don't watch cable news usually, and just now I was reassured that I have made the right decsion. There was a segement about how Texas high school cheerleaders just dance way to sexy and that it leads to STDs. Huh?
Back to the highway.
Well, that hit the spot. This is definitly not the same truck stop in Salinas that I got yelled at for ordering a hash brown. "We have orders of hash browns, if you want a hash brown go to McDonald's." Too bad they were hash tans.
I don't watch cable news usually, and just now I was reassured that I have made the right decsion. There was a segement about how Texas high school cheerleaders just dance way to sexy and that it leads to STDs. Huh?
Back to the highway.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Almost Gone
This round is almost finished, I have some tools and a couple of more boxes to move and them I am in. My car is pretty much packed up except for clothes, music and computer. And by this time tomorrow I hope I'm not in Kansas anymore. I still want to burn a couple of CDs but maybe not.
I'm looking forward to really testing out the Surly Mayfly, she's getting an oil change before she leaves and I added my Apple Computers sticker (old school rainbow Apple, suckas). To add more stickers is a question I've been asking myself, I kind of feel that I'm too old now but on the same hand I should put at least one of my cooler ones on Surly Mayfly. Maybe I'll make a decal that says Surly Mayfly. In Olde English script. Now that would be cool.
If I make it to Lawerence KS in time, I'll try to post some lovely photos of Kansas. Just what you people have always wanted to see.
PS Anyone who wants to buy my truck, It'll be parked at Shop-n-Hop. I'm asking $1800.
I'm looking forward to really testing out the Surly Mayfly, she's getting an oil change before she leaves and I added my Apple Computers sticker (old school rainbow Apple, suckas). To add more stickers is a question I've been asking myself, I kind of feel that I'm too old now but on the same hand I should put at least one of my cooler ones on Surly Mayfly. Maybe I'll make a decal that says Surly Mayfly. In Olde English script. Now that would be cool.
If I make it to Lawerence KS in time, I'll try to post some lovely photos of Kansas. Just what you people have always wanted to see.
PS Anyone who wants to buy my truck, It'll be parked at Shop-n-Hop. I'm asking $1800.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Photos and stuff
Originally uploaded by surly monkey.
Here are some photos from the Rio show on Saturday night. The first one is Seth from Rusty Shackleford. On the bottom is Isaac of The Plagiarists.
Yesterday I went to a wedding with LeeAnn. It was fun, not traditional in the least and I had to cut myself off so I wouldn't pull a DUI. Get this: I know someone who loves Champange. If I were a betting man, I'd bet she would drink it everyday if she could.
There is too much distraction right now. Enjoy the pics.
It's over!!!
No more official gas station for me as of 3:30 this afternoon! I'm sure I'll pull a few shifts but I am officially off the schedule. This was one hectic weekend. Last night was The Plagiarists vs. Rusty Shackleford. There's a few pics over at my flickr account. The show freakin' kicked ass! It was a rotating set night with The Plagiarists play first then Rusty Shackleford and both one more time. The hometown group just started the crowd and then brought them in. The madness started during the Rusty Shacklford set, the crowd was ready and our big boys that usually protect the band and the amps were not here for this one. Denali almost got his head taken out by the PA a couple of times due to crowd surge. These guys killed it last night. It was like Steamboat had never seen anything like it. I'm sure they have but maybe not here. The Plagiarists second set was just as crazy, frenzied crowd and everthing. By the time Rusty Shackleford played their second set the crowd had thinned and there wasn't as much danger to the amps. But they still killed it.
Some freakyeyed idiot tried to steal my jacket but I saw him walking out and was able to retrieve it. Jerk. His excuse: I was just holding it for you, dude. Yeah right. Doug told him not to come back and apparently he threw a hissy fit by kicking the window and knocking over an flowerpot.
It was a awesome night overall and everyone had a blast.
Some freakyeyed idiot tried to steal my jacket but I saw him walking out and was able to retrieve it. Jerk. His excuse: I was just holding it for you, dude. Yeah right. Doug told him not to come back and apparently he threw a hissy fit by kicking the window and knocking over an flowerpot.
It was a awesome night overall and everyone had a blast.
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