starting a new job

On Oct 19th, I'll be starting a new job! I will be going to work for Edge Technologies based in Fairfax, VA. I will be working in a bit of a hybrid role - part consultant and part developer.

I've known several of the folks at Edge for around six years - having worked with them at Micromuse. I've always had a great deal of respect for them and enjoyed working with them.

I am really looking forward to getting started in the new job. I'll get to work with some of my favorite technology and learn some new things. Having worked on the same thing for the past three years, a change is certainly welcome.

Macy's solo

This is a solo that Macy played recently with the home school stage band on "Fly Me to the Moon". It was her first time to solo in from of a pretty large audience. As you can imagine, Kendre and I are very proud of her.

cloud pics

I took these one evening while tending chickens.

random Blackberry photos

not something you expect to see way out in the country....


my friend Dexter's MINI with the bus


Mathias doing tricks with his eyes


the oatmeal raisin cookies I made


Lathen's interpretation of cowboy


cows through bus windshield


chicken greeting


sunset - again through bus windshield

fried catfish extraordinaire

Last Friday evening, on our now regular date night, Kendre and I met her sister Kim & brother-in-law Danny for dinner at Steak and Catfish Barn restaurant near I-35 and Waterloo.



It's the kind of hole-in-the-wall place that I love. They have excellent catfish (and some of the best hush puppies and tartar sauce I've had) and great service. And as you can see from the pics, an interesting decor! :-)

Baking school

I've decided lately that I need to learn something about baking lately. I dug out one of my favorite cooking geek references - this book:



So far I've made cherry scones and biscuits:



They were both pretty good! Oatmeal raisin cookies are up next...

my new favorite tea

For Christmas, Kendre got me some Gong Fu Dian Hong Yunnan province black tea.

Since then, I've bought two more 100gm bags and it is my primary tea now. It has an almost chocolaty taste. I would recommend it to any fan of Chinese black teas.