A hidden gem

There is a little lake about a minute's drive from my house. I have lived in Hidden Valley for 15 years and I pass it all the time. I have always wondered how the fishing would be. I thought it looked like a good spot because I never see anybody fishing there. This week I decided to find out. On Friday, Michael and I did really well there. Yesterday, I went back to the same spot by myself. I was equally successful, but found it challenging landing large fish without a net. Regardless, I have found this little hidden gem and it is SO CLOSE to my house. It's almost like having my own private lake.

Mueller Time

Robert Mueller testified before the House Judiciary Committee last week. What the Democrats thought would be a springboard into impeachment, turned into an abject disaster.

Mothers

I've often said mothers are the hardest working, most under-appreciated people on earth. This store gets it...

Air Conditioning

I couldn't agree any more!

My Fishing Buddy

I went on a little excursion with my best fishing buddy today. There is a small lake half a mile from my house. I have lived in Hidden Valley for more than 14 years, and I have never fished this lake before. Well, I have to tell you... this fishing hole is a hidden gem. Michael and I tied into some very nice fish. The action was fast, and the fish put up strong, healthy fights. We caught a bunch of catfish, and Michael caught one largemouth bass. It was a great day and one we will both remember for a very long time. This was quality father/son time at its finest!

5 Words

People were asked to show how old they were using only 5 words...

This is me

This is NOT self deprecation. It's just the truth.

Over the years some people have come to believe I am "smart". They're mistaken, I have a really good memory and I have a knack for remembering details that are not important. This is why I do pretty well in trivia games. But think about it... the very name trivia indicates something is trivial (i.e. of little importance).

Having a good memory is not equal to intelligence. I will whoop just about anybody in trivia games, but I couldn't pass a higher level mathematics or science course to save my life. You be the judge. Smart person or just good at remembering minutiae?

Disregard the photo. I don't feel like a street bum. I'm just not as smart as people think I am.

My first team!

Earlier this week a good friend of mine sent me this photo. It's me as a 7 year old with my first baseball team. We were the St. Bernard Dodgers and we were the champs. I think I can identify all but 3 boys on this team.

Back Row (coaches)- My dad, Mel Billinghurst, and Bob Strotman (sadly all three have passed away).

Middle Row- Steve Tucker, Barry Revis, Tim Billinghurst, me, David Strotman, unknown, Tim Powers.

Front Row- Unknown, Unknown, Johnny Hyden, Doug Barnett, Billy Siegel, Todd Elliott, Paul Campbell, Michell Yahn.

This photo was taken in the summer of 1974. I barely remember anything about this time in my life. I remember we played games on Monday nights and there were a total of six teams in the league... Dodgers, Braves, Reds, Cubs, Giants, and Cardinals. The Dodgers, Braves, and Cubs were good teams and competed for the championship. The Cardinals, Giants, and Reds battled it out for 4th, 5th, and last place. Oh the memories!

Grilling

I thought this was funny...

Truth

So true. So true!

Seems harsh

Seems a bit harsh to me!

28 years

28 years ago today I married this wonderful woman. She is an amazing wife, incredible mother, and loving grandma. I am so thankful the Lord blessed me and saw fit to put me with this woman for the rest of my life. Like all married couples we have had our ups and downs, our peaks and valleys, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Today I am grateful for 28 years of being married to my wife, and I can't wait to grow even older with her.

Lago Vista Resort

Tami and I often comment on how blessed we are to have our house in Hidden Valley Lake. We never dreamed we would live in such luxury. We are particularly fond of our outdoor space in the backyard. We love our deck, pool, pergola, hot tub, grill, umbrella table, and outdoor furniture. It really is our backyard paradise.

I have jokingly, yet affectionately started referring to our backyard Shangri La as “Lago Vista Resort”. We call it this because every time we hang out on our deck by the pool we feel like we’re on vacation at a resort. By the way, Lago Vista is a crude (and incorrect) Spanish translation of Lakeview (the street we live on). The real translation would be Vista al Lago, but I don’t really like the way that sounds.

Anyway, we have really enjoyed our time at Lago Vista Resort this summer. It’s been a great way to stay cool during these really hot days.

However, most importantly I must mention that all of these things have been provided by God. He has blessed us beyond measure and we are truly grateful.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Weather

What has this country come to? Are we so dumbed down as a nation that we no longer understand wind speeds in miles per hour? Now we have to report wind speeds based on the effect it has on our garbage cans? *SIGH*

Too Much!

Honestly! This is completely ridiculous! Talk about going over the top! Talk about excess! Who in their right mind... Who in the world needs that much Ranch Dressing?

Family Photos

Here are some family photos... just because. The grandkids get a lot of attention on this page, so I thought I'd feature the adults today.

Class List

I just got my class list for the upcoming school year...

The Harvest Begins

The harvest begins! This is a cow horn pepper grown in my EarthBox. It's a member of the cayenne pepper family. These are really large peppers. I put the quarter in the photo for scale. What a beautiful red color too!

Flask

Or until you forget what they are...

Good Point

Valid question and a good point!

Birthday Dinner

We had dinner with this pretty girl last night. Sadly Thomas had to work late on Abby's birthday, so we took her out to dinner at the restaurant of her choosing. This young lady has grown into quite the woman! Happy 22nd birthday, Abby!