Beasts Bounding Through Time

My buddy John, who I went to Middle School and High School with, now lives in Charlotte with his wife and daughter. He organized a trip to see the Flyers play the 'Canes in Raleigh in early December. I think there were about 20 Flyers fans in our group tailgating and heckling Carolina fans.


The Flyers ended up winning in overtime.


Our first poker night in a long time. Eli and Leo took home all the money, so next time you see them out ask them to buy you a drink.


Christmas cookie making party at Katie's place. She provided the icing, sprinkles, and other fun things while everyone else provided the cookies.


Rebecca and I made vegan cookies and icing the night before and then added some of Katie's food coloring.




Rebecca decorated and I ate.




I couldn't resist the urge to make a Straight Edge cookie.


Rebecca made this one especially for Swimmer Dan.




Of course it always ends up in the gutter.

Burning in Water, Drowning in Flames

Rebecca had a birthday in late November. First we had a Rock Band Party complete with dancers and groupies.



I'm no Phil Collins but I can hold my own.




The next night we moved the party to the ice skating rink.




I'm not too sure what is going on in this photo.




We finished off the birthday weekend with a bonfire.










Rebecca and I spent Thanksgiving in upstate New York with my family. The weather was cold and wet all week long. Rebecca was lucky enough to be able to wear my grandmother's rain gear. Look at those skinny chicken legs. (Rebecca loves the face on tree in the background.)


Gorillas in the mist.


My grandparents got the ugliest dog they could find from the shelter. Aggie might be ugly but she really is a sweet dog. She doesn't like to get her picture taken however.


Thanksgiving dinner was at my mother's cousin's house. Warming up the Tofurkey and doing a little dance.


Rebecca and my Grandma showing off our prized "bird".


The beer can is only a prop. It was funny to hear my grandfather get made fun of for not drinking PBR anymore. He likes The Beast now. (R to L: Great Uncle Bob Pratt or Pratty, my Grandpa Sam, me, my Great Uncle Bob Baldwin or Baldie)




Rebecca and I got to sit at the kid's table with Lee and Renee.


Those of you who know Rebecca know that she has problems hearing. I was shocked when she said she heard Richard Simmons' voice in JFK airport. She looked around and saw him a few gates away. She was so excited to go talk to him and get her picture taken. He was very friendly and talked to everyone who came up to him even though it was 7:15 in the morning. Oh, he was wearing shorts and white tube socks. He claims he doesn't even own a pair of pants.


Vegan tofu pizza at Lilly's.

I Hope Our Few Remaining Friends Give Up On Trying To Save Us

The Mountain Goats @ The Cat's Cradle.






Kaki King (opening act) came out to play a few songs from the EP that her and John did together. Her band was amazing. I'm glad I got there early enough to see her play.




John sings with passion.

www.myspace.com/themountaingoats
www.myspace.com/kakiking

I finished off my week of live music with the Troika Music Festival which is held every year in Durham and features all Triangle area bands plus one special guest. Last year it was Man Man, this year it was Kimya Dawson.


My main goal was to see The Curtains of Night, a female two-piece from Chapel Hill that play loud and long.




http://www.myspace.com/thecurtainsofnight

Tooth (5 piece metal outfit from Durham) destroyed it, and I left with my ears ringing.



www.myspace.com/toothrocks

Most Planes Make Awful Boats

Halloween 2008






The finished product: Kermit & Miss Piggy.




We partied with The Captain....


and Sarah and John.


WALL-E and Eve (Eve's eyes lit up and even blinked! Sweet costume!).


Nashel making the ladies swoon. Who would have thought that chest hair and a handle bar 'stache would be such a lady magnet.


One of my favorites of the night. Bert and Ernie.


We ran into some other muppets and another Kermit and Piggy. (Rebecca's Piggy was much more impressive.)