The Trip That Finally Made My Wife Haul Off And Slug Me In The Face (COMPLETED 10/2)

[Steppesister]

With a bunny under each arm?

We’ve seen this before from you. But Walmart ain’t no Vegas!

 

[pkondz]

We’ve seen this before from you. But Walmart ain’t no Vegas!

But it should be!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

With a bunny under each arm?

I'm sure you would have no complaints!

Nah. It turns out they are annoyingly loud when they get alarmed... and they get alarmed a lot.
We ate ours.

Satisfies a need, no long-term care required. I like it.

We’ve seen this before from you. But Walmart ain’t no Vegas!

But it should be!

Just when I thought there was no way to make a Walmart any scarier...

 

[pkondz]

I'm sure you would have no complaints!

I didn't last time, in Vegas.
(Or did you forget that one?)

Satisfies a need, no long-term care required. I like it.

Well.... I forgot to serve it on waffles. Slight fail on my part.

Just when I thought there was no way to make a Walmart any scarier...

You realize that there is literally no bottom to the well of Walmart scary crap.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I didn't last time, in Vegas.
(Or did you forget that one?)

Not at all, I assumed that's what you were referring to.

Well.... I forgot to serve it on waffles. Slight fail on my part.

It's ok, Liesa wouldn't have eaten it that way.

You realize that there is literally no bottom to the well of Walmart scary crap.

Sadly....yes.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Chapter 3: The One Where We Aim Cannons at a City


It was a little over two hours’ drive from the Smoky Mountains to the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. We only had an afternoon to spend there, which meant we were skipping some of the more famous attractions such as Ruby Falls. But such is the life of the insane roadtripper—you just can’t see everything, no matter how much ground you cover. You have to prioritize, and once again the priorities were largely governed by the budget.


There’s also a funicular you can ride up the mountain, but…well, again, we’re cheap. So we went to see the attraction that was already covered under our National Park annual pass: Point Park, part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.


Side note: Chickamauga and Chattanooga hereby are nominated for the Pantheon of Great Location Names in the world. They’re just so much fun to say! If you recall, my previous nomination was for Banff National Park in Canada, because it sounds like one of the words splashed across the screen in the old crappy Batman TV series when he was punching bad guys. (BANFF! ZOWIE!! KAPOW!)


Point Park is located at the top of Lookout Mountain, a tall bluff just south of the city that provides a spectacular view for miles around. They claim you can see up to 7 states from there on a clear day. The area is protected as part of a larger battlefield park, as there were several battles that took place in the area during the U.S. Civil War. Chattanooga was an important city due to its strategic location on the Tennesee River as well as its status as a major railroad hub. During the war, it was a key location in the supply chain for the Confederate Army. Through the summer and fall of 1863, the armies of the North and South fought over the area, with the Union (North) ultimately prevailing and capturing this key city on its way to ultimate victory in the war.


We didn’t have time to do a full tour of the battlefield (just east of Lookout Mountain), for which my kids were eternally grateful. Their definition of a “battlefield tour” is “a glacially slow drive through an empty field”. And, to be fair, most of the time they’re not wrong. So I’ve learned not to get bogged down in historical detail with them. Just explain the highlights, why it was important, look for key scenic and/or historic spots, and move on. Works much better that way.


In this case, we just drove a series of narrow switchback roads to the top of the mountain, found the parking area for the small visitor center, and walked through the gates of Point Park.

As always, whenever we hike/take a walk, the kids went tearing off ahead of us. It’s what kids do.

We halfheartedly told them to wait and then gave up. It’s what parents do.


There are various overlooks in the park where you can enjoy the views of the river and city of Chattanooga. And you can pretend you’re obliterating it off the map.

Wander a few more trails, navigate some stairs, and eventually you reach the pointy end of Point Park, at the tip of the mountain. Here, you get a more panoramic view of the city and the big horseshoe bend in the river.

Not sure where Chattanooga is? Drew will point it out for you.

We figured this was as good a spot as any to try for the ever-elusive family Christmas card photo. And you know what? We actually pulled it off.

Once we’d finished gawking at the view, we wandered through the visitor center, forced the kids to watch the obligatory movie about the battle, hung around to enjoy the air conditioning for a bit, and then climbed back in the van. We drove down the mountain, trying hard not to burn out the brakes since this was our van taking the abuse on this trip. Brakes are very underrated.


We headed into the city and stopped at a restaurant called The Terminal Brewhouse. This brewery is located in an old historic hotel that was built in 1910 to house travelers from the railroad (or “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” next door.

Such a cool building! As became the norm for this trip, I visited a brewery and did not end up trying any of their beers, due to our family “Waters Only” policy. Plus, it was mostly in the 90’s on this trip so a glass of ice water was pretty refreshing on its own.


Everyone really enjoyed the food here. Julie got a bowl of sausage/beer/cheese soup which she raved about for months afterwards.

She also got the greatest salad ever. It achieves this status by negating the rabbit food and any nutritional value through the addition of steak and french fries.

Dave had “pizza rolls”, which were egg rolls stuffed with pepperoni and cheese. Also awesome.

I think Scotty got a burger, which was fine. Sarah and I went for the “stuffed sandwiches”, which were made using pizza dough. She got the “Chick Power”, which had grilled chicken, bacon, onions and mozzarella (we left out the mushrooms, because we don’t like fungus in our food).

It was pretty good, but she regretted not getting the Carnivore, which is what I had: sausage, pepperoni, ham, provolone & cheddar. Wonderful.

You know where this is going, right? Two meals, two awards so far on this trip.

Near the end of the meal, I tried to get a photo of the family at the table, hoping to show the unique shape of the room as well. I grabbed the camera, lined it up carefully, made sure everyone was looking towards the lens, and snapped the shutter.


And then a couple at another table was laughing at us.


How rude is that? We weren’t bothering anyone. My kids had been really well behaved the whole time. This was a nice family photo. Why would complete strangers laugh at my family? Then I started to get paranoid. Was my fly down? Did I leave the lens cap on? Finally, one of them spoke up.


“Did you see the face your son was making in that photo?” she asked.


Um, no. No, I didn’t. Let’s check the film.

Unbeknownst to me, Drew had happened. We got the biggest kick out of that photo. Of course, I tried to line it up again. But now Drew had gotten everyone’s attention, and knew he had an audience, so he went for the repeat trick while trying not to smile.

I know, you’re all worried now. Does this mean Drew is usurping the throne of stupid photos from Scotty? Do we have a new champion in the family? Is Scotty now relegated to a boring afterthought?


Fear not. The Force is still strong with him.

Coming Up Next: One of the greatest Civil War stories you’ve probably never heard, unless you’re into obscure Disney movies.

 

[mickeystoontown]

We've passed through Chattanooga many times on our way to Knoxville but have never stopped so I really enjoyed your pictures. Oh Mr. Drew! How you just made me laugh. He is such a cutie even when he is pouting.

 

[pkondz]

Not at all, I assumed that's what you were referring to.

Always will.

Life highlight.

It's ok, Liesa wouldn't have eaten it that way.

This is true. More for me!

 

[pkondz]

It was a little over two hours’ drive from the Smoky Mountains to the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Been there! It was the scene of the infamous "floating chicken" incident of '87.

we were skipping some of the more famous attractions such as Ruby Falls.

Dang. I wanted to see that too... and never have.

You have to prioritize, and once again the priorities were largely governed by the budget.

Always the case.

Side note: Chickamauga and Chattanooga hereby are nominated for the Pantheon of Great Location Names in the world.

I like Kouchibouguac National Park up here north of the border.

If you recall, my previous nomination was for Banff

a tall bluff just south of the city

All right, I'm calling your bluff and raising you.

They claim you can see up to 7 states from there on a clear day.

Interesting.
State of despair
State of happiness
State of confusion
State of inebriation
State of exhaustion
State of anxiety
State of emergency

Yep! Seven!

Chattanooga was an important city due to its strategic location on the Tennesee River as well as its status as a major railroad hub. During the war, it was a key location in the supply chain for the Confederate Army. Through the summer and fall of 1863, the armies of the North and South fought over the area, with the Union (North) ultimately prevailing and capturing this key city on its way to ultimate victory in the war.

Interesting. I don't know enough foreign history.

We didn’t have time to do a full tour of the battlefield (just east of Lookout Mountain), for which my kids were eternally grateful. Their definition of a “battlefield tour” is “a glacially slow drive through an empty field”.

Reminds me of my Dad getting annoyed when I was upset that the peace accord between Israel and Egypt interrupted MASH.

Pretty darned impressive gate!

As always, whenever we hike/take a walk, the kids went tearing off ahead of us. It’s what kids do.

Yup!

We halfheartedly told them to wait and then gave up. It’s what parents do.

Also yup.

And you can pretend you’re obliterating it off the map.

You would have been right useful in that civil war.

Beautiful.
Makes me wonder how many centuries until it becomes an oxbow... barring efforts to prevent it of course.

Not sure where Chattanooga is? Drew will point it out for you.

Thank goodness! I was looking up!

We figured this was as good a spot as any to try for the ever-elusive family Christmas card photo. And you know what? We actually pulled it off.

Yes you did! Nice photo!

visited a brewery and did not end up trying any of their beers, due to our family “Waters Only” policy.

Hoisted by your own petard.

Plus, it was mostly in the 90’s on this trip so a glass of ice water was pretty refreshing on its own.

Uh, huh. You just keep on telling yourself that.
Maybe some day you'll even believe it.


Probably not, though.

Julie got a bowl of sausage/beer/cheese soup which she raved about for months afterwards.

mmm... must try to remember that.

She also got the greatest salad ever. It achieves this status by negating the rabbit food and any nutritional value through the addition of steak and french fries.

Next time, tell 'em to "hold the lettuce".

Dave had “pizza rolls”, which were egg rolls stuffed with pepperoni and cheese. Also awesome.

Yum!

(we left out the mushrooms, because we don’t like fungus in our food).

You took the fun right out of it.

Uh... Sarah? Bandit! Nine o'clock!!

You know where this is going, right? Two meals, two awards so far on this trip.

Good to know!!

“Did you see the face your son was making in that photo?” she asked.


Um, no. No, I didn’t. Let’s check the film.

But now Drew had gotten everyone’s attention, and knew he had an audience, so he went for the repeat trick while trying not to smile.

Not as good as the first, impromptu one.

Fear not. The Force is still strong with him.

Lovely. You should frame that one.

Coming Up Next: One of the greatest Civil War stories you’ve probably never heard, unless you’re into obscure Disney movies.

Or foreign history.

 

[Steppesister]

Well.... I forgot to serve it on waffles. Slight fail on my part.

\
Gross.

You realize that there is literally no bottom to the well of Walmart scary crap.

Because a quick perusal makes me giggle.

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

It's ok, Liesa wouldn't have eaten it that way.

Darned tootin'!

Oops, sorry. Excuse me. Bunny and waffles.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

the old crappy Batman TV series

It was not crappy. It was BATMAN and it was in color. To a young 12 year old boy in San Jose, CA who loved comics, it was AWESOME!

 

[Steppesister]

But such is the life of the insane roadtripper—you just can’t see everything, no matter how much ground you cover. You have to prioritize, and once again the priorities were largely governed by the budget.

Yep. Been there and done it lots. Lots. And gonna do it again when we head to Bryce and Zion this summer.

There’s also a funicular

Watch yo mouth!

(Okay, I shame-facedly admit, I have to look this one up. I think I know, but need to make sure.)

(Yeah, I was right- tram.)

Point Park is located at the top of Lookout Mountain, a tall bluff just south of the city that provides a spectacular view for miles around. They claim you can see up to 7 states from there on a clear day. The area is protected as part of a larger battlefield park, as there were several battles that took place in the area during the U.S. Civil War. Chattanooga was an important city due to its strategic location on the Tennesee River as well as its status as a major railroad hub. During the war, it was a key location in the supply chain for the Confederate Army. Through the summer and fall of 1863, the armies of the North and South fought over the area, with the Union (North) ultimately prevailing and capturing this key city on its way to ultimate victory in the war.

Thanks for the history! I really do enjoy it and yet...

So I’ve learned not to get bogged down in historical detail with them. Just explain the highlights, why it was important, look for key scenic and/or historic spots, and move on. Works much better that way.

This is a good tactic with kids in tow.

We halfheartedly told them to wait and then gave up. It’s what parents do.

Nicely done!

We drove down the mountain, trying hard not to burn out the brakes since this was our van taking the abuse on this trip. Brakes are very underrated.

"Hey, is that brakes I smell?"

"No, sorry, that was the BBQ from yesterday."

Plus, it was mostly in the 90’s on this trip so a glass of ice water was pretty refreshing on its own.

And it's better than beer.

Fear not. The Force is still strong with him.

OH Scotty. The Force is strong. Force it enough, and you might stab your brain.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Point Park is located at the top of Lookout Mountain, a tall bluff just south of the city that provides a spectacular view for miles around. They claim you can see up to 7 states from there on a clear day. The area is protected as part of a larger battlefield park, as there were several battles that took place in the area during the U.S. Civil War. Chattanooga was an important city due to its strategic location on the Tennesee River as well as its status as a major railroad hub. During the war, it was a key location in the supply chain for the Confederate Army. Through the summer and fall of 1863, the armies of the North and South fought over the area, with the Union (North) ultimately prevailing and capturing this key city on its way to ultimate victory in the war.

Ah, I recall our fond visit to this park. Riding up the funicular, walking 1/4 mile from the station to the park to find it...closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

As always, whenever we hike/take a walk, the kids went tearing off ahead of us. It’s what kids do.

Or, dragging along behind. Some families are lucky enough to have kids that do both!

It's a shame that they place it so close to the edge that no one can look directly into the barrel.

Not sure where Chattanooga is? Drew will point it out for you.

Don't forget to tip your tour guide. Cash is acceptable. So are fruit snacks.

We figured this was as good a spot as any to try for the ever-elusive family Christmas card photo. And you know what? We actually pulled it off.

Great picture.

But...
Dave has a Grand Canyon shirt. Sarah has a Matterhorn/Disneyland shirt. Scotty has a Gateway Arch T Shirt. You are wearing an Expedition Everest/Disney World shirt. I don't know what Julie has on, but I can make out the words "Discover" "Find" and "Explore" and the NPS Centennial logo. Drew has ... generic anchors. You've got to get out and travel more with that kid!

(Also, I'm just guessing at the names. There were no introductions, if you recall)

I visited a brewery and did not end up trying any of their beers, due to our family “Waters Only” policy.

You know how you can ask the waiter for a slice of lemon in your water? Next time, try asking for some barley and hops.

Julie got a bowl of sausage/beer/cheese soup which she raved about for months afterwards.

It does contain all 3 Wisconsin food groups. Mostly.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

We've passed through Chattanooga many times on our way to Knoxville but have never stopped so I really enjoyed your pictures. Oh Mr. Drew! How you just made me laugh. He is such a cutie even when he is pouting.

It was worthy of a stop, I think. Ruby Falls looked pretty cool but we decided to save the dough for other stuff on the trip.

Been there! It was the scene of the infamous "floating chicken" incident of '87.

Hmm...I'm not familiar with that one. A quick google trip didn't help, either. Now my IT section wants to know why I'm searching for floating chickens in Chattanooga.

Dang. I wanted to see that too... and never have.

It looks pretty cool. I wish we'd had the time/money. Hopefully we'll get back to see it someday.

I like Kouchibouguac National Park up here north of the border.

Gesundheit!

Seriously, that's an awesome name. How do you pronounce that?

All right, I'm calling your bluff and raising you.

Crap. I fold.

Interesting.
State of despair
State of happiness
State of confusion
State of inebriation
State of exhaustion
State of anxiety
State of emergency

Yep! Seven!

That all sounds like the state of parenthood.

Interesting. I don't know enough foreign history.

No one can fault you here. This wasn't one of the most famous, major battles, so even U.S. citizens are hard-pressed to say much about it.

Reminds me of my Dad getting annoyed when I was upset that the peace accord between Israel and Egypt interrupted MASH.

Well, we all have our priorities.

Pretty darned impressive gate!

You would have been right useful in that civil war.

I missed my calling!

Beautiful.
Makes me wonder how many centuries until it becomes an oxbow... barring efforts to prevent it of course.

Pretty cool when that happens. Like you said, I suspect man may intervene here, given the development on that peninsula area.

Thank goodness! I was looking up!

Well, there's your problem.

Yes you did! Nice photo!

Thanks! It did indeed make it onto the Christmas card this year.

Hoisted by your own petard.

I seem to do that a lot.

Uh, huh. You just keep on telling yourself that.
Maybe some day you'll even believe it.


Probably not, though.

In 95 degree, 90% humidity weather? Ice water is very welcome.

mmm... must try to remember that.

I love a good beer-cheese soup.

Next time, tell 'em to "hold the lettuce".

You don't win friends with salad!

You took the fun right out of it.

You saying I'm not a fun guy?

Uh... Sarah? Bandit! Nine o'clock!!

Not as good as the first, impromptu one.

I agree. He knew what he was doing there.

Lovely. You should frame that one.

Isn't it, though? Surprised he didn't perform that trick for you in person.

Or foreign history.

Hey, you didn't need to learn this stuff for a test in class. Hopefully I'll tell the story well.

Because a quick perusal makes me giggle.

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

You have to laugh, so you don't cry!

Darned tootin'!

Oops, sorry. Excuse me. Bunny and waffles.

Mmmm...cute and fluffy.

It was not crappy. It was BATMAN and it was in color. To a young 12 year old boy in San Jose, CA who loved comics, it was AWESOME!

I watched it fairly religiously as a kid when it was shown in reruns during the afternoon. Even as a kid, I could tell that it was extremely cheesy and the actors were way, way over the top.

Note: this did not prevent me from watching, because it was Batman.

 

[pkondz]

Hmm...I'm not familiar with that one. A quick google trip didn't help, either. Now my IT section wants to know why I'm searching for floating chickens in Chattanooga.

I'm sure I wrote about it. It was on a non-stop drive to Florida. We stopped for KFC. Had a cooler of ice. Put the leftover chicken in a baggy and popped it in the cooler. The ice became water and the baggy became a floating morass of wet grey breading, bones and flesh. It was awful. I couldn't eat fried chicken for a long time after that.

It looks pretty cool. I wish we'd had the time/money. Hopefully we'll get back to see it someday.

Ditto!

Seriously, that's an awesome name. How do you pronounce that?

Kouchibouguac

Exactly like it's spelled. Koo-chee-boo-goo-ack. Practice saying it a few times until you can say it quickly.

Crap. I fold.

Yuss!!

That all sounds like the state of parenthood.

It should. I took it straight from the manual.

Well, we all have our priorities.

MASH is always a priority.

Pretty cool when that happens. Like you said, I suspect man may intervene here, given the development on that peninsula area.

That's what we've done here. Lots of erosion happening so the banks have been built up.

Thanks! It did indeed make it onto the Christmas card this year.

I seem to do that a lot.

Yes. Yes you do.

In 95 degree, 90% humidity weather? Ice water is very welcome.

I like ice water too. Well, ice... in my Coke.

You don't win friends with salad!

You saying I'm not a fun guy?

Isn't it, though? Surprised he didn't perform that trick for you in person.

Actually...
In all honesty, I was wondering how he would react to a perfect (adult) stranger. He was a bit quiet and timid at first, but very quickly was chatting away.
I was pretty impressed with him. I liked him. He's a good kid.


I actually then typed "Julie did the raising obviously" but... You know what? You both obviously have done a pretty darned good job there. You have reason to be proud.

Hey, you didn't need to learn this stuff for a test in class. Hopefully I'll tell the story well.

Oh thank heavens! I can dump all this stuff out of the memory cells now.

I watched it fairly religiously as a kid when it was shown in reruns during the afternoon. Even as a kid, I could tell that it was extremely cheesy and the actors were way, way over the top.

Note: this did not prevent me from watching, because it was Batman.

Me. Word for word.


And every week, when they'd end with the "cliff hanger", I'd wonder how they'd get out of it. I knew they would, of course. But how?

"Robin. I believe the sun is shining on the steel handcuffs which is melting it enough for me to escape."

Really?
I was disappointed every week. "That's it?"


Kept watching though.



Batman.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Yep. Been there and done it lots. Lots. And gonna do it again when we head to Bryce and Zion this summer.

Too funny that Julie and I are looking into the same area for a summer anniversary getaway. What are the odds?

Watch yo mouth!

(Okay, I shame-facedly admit, I have to look this one up. I think I know, but need to make sure.)

(Yeah, I was right- tram.)

But it travels up and down a steep angle! That puts the fun in funicular.

Thanks for the history! I really do enjoy it and yet...

I like knowing why it was important. And military strategy is interesting to me as well. How did these people win or lose?

This is a good tactic with kids in tow.

I get what they're saying. Most of these places are empty fields. I get bored with historic house tours, so I understand the feeling--Hey, look! A bedroom! Never see one of those before.

Nicely done!

Miracles do happen!

"Hey, is that brakes I smell?"

"No, sorry, that was the BBQ from yesterday."

Hey, pull my finger!

And it's better than beer.

OH Scotty. The Force is strong. Force it enough, and you might stab your brain.

He's going to have to beat the ladies away with a stick.

Ah, I recall our fond visit to this park. Riding up the funicular, walking 1/4 mile from the station to the park to find it...closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Well...I'm sure it was a nice ride.

Or, dragging along behind. Some families are lucky enough to have kids that do both!

Why did we have kids again?

It's a shame that they place it so close to the edge that no one can look directly into the barrel.

Oh, come on. Nobody is dumb enough to do that.

Don't forget to tip your tour guide. Cash is acceptable. So are fruit snacks.

Actually, I think the fruit snacks would win out.

Great picture.

But...
Dave has a Grand Canyon shirt. Sarah has a Matterhorn/Disneyland shirt. Scotty has a Gateway Arch T Shirt. You are wearing an Expedition Everest/Disney World shirt. I don't know what Julie has on, but I can make out the words "Discover" "Find" and "Explore" and the NPS Centennial logo. Drew has ... generic anchors. You've got to get out and travel more with that kid!

(Also, I'm just guessing at the names. There were no introductions, if you recall)

Well, we're working on it! We had some souvenir clothes for him from a few places but he's been outgrowing them fairly quickly.

And you're doing great with the names. I knew the introductions were a waste of time!

You know how you can ask the waiter for a slice of lemon in your water? Next time, try asking for some barley and hops.

Water with barley and hops? Isn't that just Budweiser?

It does contain all 3 Wisconsin food groups. Mostly.

I see what you did there.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I'm sure I wrote about it. It was on a non-stop drive to Florida. We stopped for KFC. Had a cooler of ice. Put the leftover chicken in a baggy and popped it in the cooler. The ice became water and the baggy became a floating morass of wet grey breading, bones and flesh. It was awful. I couldn't eat fried chicken for a long time after that.

Oh, yes! You did tell that story. I just didn't put it together with Chattanooga. I thought you were talking about something relating to the area, not your own history.

Kouchibouguac

Exactly like it's spelled. Koo-chee-boo-goo-ack. Practice saying it a few times until you can say it quickly.

Sounds like you're making cute baby noises and then he spits up on you. That's an awesome name!

It should. I took it straight from the manual.

There's a manual? That would have been nice to know!

MASH is always a priority.

That's what we've done here. Lots of erosion happening so the banks have been built up.

Nature usually wins those battles. She's got all the time in the world.

I like ice water too. Well, ice... in my Coke.

Ice in the brown sugar water. Got it.

Actually...
In all honesty, I was wondering how he would react to a perfect (adult) stranger. He was a bit quiet and timid at first, but very quickly was chatting away.
I was pretty impressed with him. I liked him. He's a good kid.


I actually then typed "Julie did the raising obviously" but... You know what? You both obviously have done a pretty darned good job there. You have reason to be proud.

Well...(ahem). Thank you. I really appreciate that.

Scotty is probably the most outgoing of all of our kids. The others probably would have been more reserved. Whenever we have a DIS meet, Sarah says it's a little weird that this person she's never met or talked to knows stuff about her, and I can understand that. But everyone we've met has been very thoughtful, friendly and kind.

Julie deserves so much credit as a mom. She gave up her teaching career for a time and spent 16 years at home, as a mom. So yes, I will give her all the credit in the world for raising these kids right.

Oh thank heavens! I can dump all this stuff out of the memory cells now.

I'm surprised anyone outside the U.S. would study anything about the U.S. Civil War. Other than very basic broad strokes, maybe.

Me. Word for word.


And every week, when they'd end with the "cliff hanger", I'd wonder how they'd get out of it. I knew they would, of course. But how?

"Robin. I believe the sun is shining on the steel handcuffs which is melting it enough for me to escape."

Really?
I was disappointed every week. "That's it?"


Kept watching though.



Batman.

It's what you do.

 

[pkondz]

Oh, yes! You did tell that story. I just didn't put it together with Chattanooga. I thought you were talking about something relating to the area, not your own history.

Nope. I'll always remember Chattanooga for just that reason.

Sounds like you're making cute baby noises and then he spits up on you. That's an awesome name!

We have several northern towns that were given "English" names... but then they reverted back to their original Inuit (or first nation) names.

Like... (personal favourite) Great Whale. Now called Kuujjuarapik.
(Actually not hard to pronounce. Coo-Jew- and then the word rapid, except with a K at the end.

There's a manual? That would have been nice to know!

You didn't get one? It usually comes out with the first one.

Nature usually wins those battles. She's got all the time in the world.

Yup

Ice in the brown sugar water. Got it.

Well...(ahem). Thank you. I really appreciate that.

Scotty is probably the most outgoing of all of our kids. The others probably would have been more reserved. Whenever we have a DIS meet, Sarah says it's a little weird that this person she's never met or talked to knows stuff about her, and I can understand that. But everyone we've met has been very thoughtful, friendly and kind.

I've found that DISers (the ones I've met) are pretty nice people.
And I can certainly see a kid being a bit weirded out by "Hi _____! I hear you've started dating now. Still seeing ____?"

Julie deserves so much credit as a mom. She gave up her teaching career for a time and spent 16 years at home, as a mom. So yes, I will give her all the credit in the world for raising these kids right.

I'm always pretty amazed by parents (either mom or dad) who give up careers of jobs to raise the kids.

I'm surprised anyone outside the U.S. would study anything about the U.S. Civil War. Other than very basic broad strokes, maybe.

Well... that's me. I hear you had something called the civil war. Pretty sure I know who won, too.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Nope. I'll always remember Chattanooga for just that reason.

Well, I guess it was memorable.

We have several northern towns that were given "English" names... but then they reverted back to their original Inuit (or first nation) names.

Like... (personal favourite) Great Whale. Now called Kuujjuarapik.
(Actually not hard to pronounce. Coo-Jew- and then the word rapid, except with a K at the end.

That's way cooler. Same thing happened to Mt. McKinley in Alaska recently. They officially reverted it back to its original name, Denali.

You didn't get one? It usually comes out with the first one.

Well, I guess we missed the boat. But not having the manual is now my excuse for just about everything.

I've found that DISers (the ones I've met) are pretty nice people.
And I can certainly see a kid being a bit weirded out by "Hi _____! I hear you've started dating now. Still seeing ____?"

Every DIS meet we've had has been great. Lots of wonderful people, and some good friends as a result. But yes, I totally get why that would weird her out.

I'm always pretty amazed by parents (either mom or dad) who give up careers of jobs to raise the kids.

It was important to us to not put off the raising of our children to others. We have no regrets. Julie is an amazing mom.

Well... that's me. I hear you had something called the civil war. Pretty sure I know who won, too.

That probably surpasses the knowledge of many U.S. citizens.

 

[pkondz]

Well, I guess it was memorable.

We were just passing through... so I can't really say much more about it. Maybe it's a nice place? Maybe it isn't. No idea.

That's way cooler. Same thing happened to Mt. McKinley in Alaska recently. They officially reverted it back to its original name, Denali.

Well, I guess we missed the boat. But not having the manual is now my excuse for just about everything.

I'll send you a copy. Just keep waiting by the mail box.

Every DIS meet we've had has been great. Lots of wonderful people, and some good friends as a result

It was important to us to not put off the raising of our children to others. We have no regrets. Julie is an amazing mom.

We were fortunate in that as a shift worker, I was home a lot while Ruby worked and vice versa. When we were both away the same day, either my mom or MIL would come over.
So we never had to foist the kids off on strangers. (Except for a few months when our first was under a year to a year old when we lived up north.)

That probably surpasses the knowledge of many U.S. citizens.