tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16905365386875088692024-03-13T07:29:57.404-07:00A Man Hasn't Technically Flown Until He LandsRyanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-14903004773134308042011-11-20T13:52:00.000-08:002011-11-20T16:00:50.138-08:00A New Way To Travel<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been so long since I blogged, that I didn't remember at first how to get to this screen where I am now recording my thoughts. But now I'm here. I guess blogging is kinda like riding a bike: you never forget, you're butt starts to hurt if you do it too long, and it's kinda embarrassing if you're old.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the bigger reasons I haven't done this in a while is I've been a little busier getting some arrangements made for a hitchin' ceremony. That's right, Miss Brown and I are getting married. Forever, better or worse, all that stuff. The long-time bachelor finally found someone who made him want to give it all up. All of it. All the weeks of unwashed clothes, all the piles of dirty dishes, all the inches of beard, all meals alone. All for a lifetime of companionship with a beautiful, funny, intelligent lady. OK, maybe I'm getting the better deal here. (Except for the awesomely long beard part.)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Kelsey flew out to visit in August after her summer term. I had waiting for her a one-way plane ticket to San Francisco, the location of our first date two years earlier. Of course, I didn't tell her it was only one-way since the trip back was a surprise. She flew into LAX Friday night, and we hopped on a plane early the next morning bound for SF. Friday we spent doing our normal eating, walking, arguing (hey, it's what we do, don't judge), and enjoying a beautiful day in the city.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When I told Kelsey Saturday night that we shouldn't stay out too late since we had to be up earlier the next morning, I think she had about had enough of me. Probably even more so the next morning, when I hailed us a cab for a sketchy part of Oakland...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">But that's where the trains leave from, so there we went. We had talked before about liking the idea of a train trip, so I thought that would be a special way to propose. Plus the fact that the train ran from our oft-visited adopted city of San Francisco down to Los Angeles. And it ran through many of the sites of other dates of ours: the Central Valley and hills of San Luis Obispo (our road to Big Sur), Santa Barabara (New Year's Eve and hiking / Zac Brown Band).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It was hard keeping it a secret the first five or six hours of the train ride. I had the ring stashed in my bag, but didn't want to leave it when we went to the dining cars for our meals. So I had to slyly send Kelsey ahead and move it to a pocket after she left our sleeper car. After the wine tasting event about halfway through the trip, I figured was a perfect time. So while Kelsey freshened up when we got back to our sleeper, I grabbed the ring and a letter I had written her and stashed them in the car.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, the train schedule that day had the attendants coming around getting dinner reservations directly after that as dinner was being served very early. Since I didn't want to be interrupted in the middle, I had to wait for the attendant to come around. We declined the early dinner which gave me my chance. Wittily, I steered the conversation towards my proposal plans. I presented Kelsey the letter I had written, which was an answer to a letter she had mailed me many months prior. When she was done reading the letter, I got down on a knee and asked for hand in marriage, ring in hand. I'm not sure it's clear in either of our minds whether she actually said yes or not. She seemed to be a bit overwhelmed with the moment. But, we've been operating under the assumption that she did answer in the affirmative thereafter, so I think it's safe to say we reached an agreement. And I, for one, am very glad we did.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The date is set for March 11 of next year, and it's probably safe to say I don't deserve her. But then, none of us really <span style="font-style: italic;">deserves</span> each other ever. Relationships are very little about what each one <span style="font-style: italic;">deserves</span>, and much more about what each is willing to <span style="font-style: italic;">give</span>, deserved or not. Really, if one were to look at the definitions of <span style="font-style: italic;">give</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">deserve</span> closely, it might be concluded that those two words rarely are both applicable to any one situation. To <span style="font-style: italic;">give</span> is to offer freely, without any <span style="font-style: italic;">sense of obligation. </span>I know I will surely fail at times for my part, but I think the difference in those two words is what makes marriage unique among all other contracts. Contracts are generally supplying what is deserved from criteria that were met. Marriage, and love in general, is about giving what can not be (or before it is) deserved.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94202Jc8XrY/TsmS0LuKZ-I/AAAAAAAASJg/Hv-CBhJfpGg/s1600/IMG_0087.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94202Jc8XrY/TsmS0LuKZ-I/AAAAAAAASJg/Hv-CBhJfpGg/s400/IMG_0087.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677230230474483682" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">train time<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2vVQeitdCQ/TsmTCz82rcI/AAAAAAAASJs/2c3AIBtscBk/s1600/IMG_0112.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2vVQeitdCQ/TsmTCz82rcI/AAAAAAAASJs/2c3AIBtscBk/s400/IMG_0112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677230481791692226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">breakfast time<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHhdLpmelPo/TsmTY1hdApI/AAAAAAAASJ4/DlVqTEfQF10/s1600/IMG_0194.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHhdLpmelPo/TsmTY1hdApI/AAAAAAAASJ4/DlVqTEfQF10/s400/IMG_0194.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677230860170756754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">club car time<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wscigb9xp6M/TsmThHxn4EI/AAAAAAAASKE/UWr-G7rpgdo/s1600/IMG_0303.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wscigb9xp6M/TsmThHxn4EI/AAAAAAAASKE/UWr-G7rpgdo/s400/IMG_0303.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677231002509369410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">fiance time<br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157628071194175/">All the pics. </a>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-14284136610905948262011-06-25T11:02:00.000-07:002011-06-26T18:32:24.007-07:00Play Ball!<div style="text-align: justify;">Before getting into the subject of this post, we're going to handle a little AMHTFUHL business first. I'd just to like say that if my last post seemed harsh towards Aunt Sarah, and possibly Peri, it probably only seemed that way because I'm a big jerk. I had planned to write something heartfelt and sincere to close it out, but, in my defense... I didn't. Oh, right, I guess that's not really much of a defense of all. So sorry for that Paul women; it was really fun and a great party put on in large part by Sarah & Co. I always enjoy being in the company of you all and am proud and blessed to be able to call you family. OK, business meeting over, back to the biting sarcasm that you all come here for.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before we all headed south for Ella's part-tay, we headed to Tip-Wa (yeah I still call it that) and Bunker Hill for a sweltering morning at the ballpark. It was my first time at one of Riley's teeball (which is kind of a misnomer now) games as well as my first time seeing Taylor go yard (oh yeah). I took a bunch of pics at Riley's game with my new telephoto lens (which I have named The Bees Knees) which was a lot of fun. I didn't get quite so many at Taylor's because a) I was wilting in the mid-day heat (I had to sit under the pavilion for the last few innings unless Taylor was batting) b) the sight lines at BHLL are not great and c) they wouldn't let me on the field like they did during Riley's. In any case, I got some good ones, and I might have even got some great ones if I had a) a faster camera and b) the ability to focus correctly. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeniW9XrnmA/TgfZCiE03jI/AAAAAAAASHs/R1k_kYO6Gts/s400/IMG_0201.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622701297325366834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>anyone else worried that they're looking different</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>directions? also need to work on Riley's footwork</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJDu--wG5wo/TgfZmb2pxzI/AAAAAAAASH0/IxB4y1XJOsE/s400/IMG_0250.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622701914130597682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>making sure we didn't miss anything; he's so helpful</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IykVzwfOdMU/TgfZyeA93ZI/AAAAAAAASH8/_IHBCO00aaY/s400/IMG_0464.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622702120869158290" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Taylor trots</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cpmtG-2qA4/TgfaAFAqOKI/AAAAAAAASIE/ZJdtnjcuB0s/s400/IMG_0479.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622702354675153058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>awaiting the throw; better footwork than Riley at first</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I thought it was kinda funny that these next couple reminded me of each other. I guess the game (and kids) never change. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiMgTA-5jsY/Tgfa3lVi7CI/AAAAAAAASIM/_UGXHCjQ-Jw/s400/swing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622703308245494818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 136px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>Taylor goes yard and Riley pops it over the pitcher's </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i>mound (that's like going yard in teeball since all the</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><i> fielders are on the infield grass)</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vs5EyAA3Cok/TgfbcfinmjI/AAAAAAAASIU/RaD42bMEFPI/s1600/fives.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vs5EyAA3Cok/TgfbcfinmjI/AAAAAAAASIU/RaD42bMEFPI/s400/fives.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622703942344874546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 135px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>getting and waiting for dad-fives</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>More pics from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157627044500660/">Riley's</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157626920265883/">Taylor's</a> games. Great job, dudes.</div><div><br /></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-54750026117841423642011-06-19T21:51:00.000-07:002011-06-19T22:17:32.313-07:00This Is Worse Than The Minivan, Sarah<div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, you are officially old when you are the parent of a high school graduate. But what a great graduate, my cousin, Ella Rae Paul. Congratulations Ella on a stellar high school era, but perhaps more impressively, living 18 years in the same house as your mother, and 15 with your sister. At least there's Tom. Thank God for Tom.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Best of luck next year at Butler. I'm sorry that goofy looking basketball player who all the girls thought was dreamy is already gone. I know you'll do great anyway.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebi0g2ku_OU/Tf7Wo1KFvQI/AAAAAAAASHU/HTA2xmPepKc/s1600/IMG_0572.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 388px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ebi0g2ku_OU/Tf7Wo1KFvQI/AAAAAAAASHU/HTA2xmPepKc/s400/IMG_0572.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620165381957467394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">happpy grad<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMvnmorczkU/Tf7XFUXfKnI/AAAAAAAASHc/7qtpvKK5XWw/s1600/pano1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 117px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMvnmorczkU/Tf7XFUXfKnI/AAAAAAAASHc/7qtpvKK5XWw/s400/pano1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620165871371496050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">MHS Class of 2011<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Some other highlights of the trip to Martinsville, in no particular order: the sweat on the back of my neck; Peri's directions back to the house after graduation, Riley puking in the hotel pool; bikini search at Wal-Mart; the sweat in my armpits; and 30 pounds of cheeseball.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sR6AQbyvMlE/Tf7XTl-4DFI/AAAAAAAASHk/pGzrFrPaJfY/s1600/IMG_0662.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sR6AQbyvMlE/Tf7XTl-4DFI/AAAAAAAASHk/pGzrFrPaJfY/s400/IMG_0662.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620166116618275922" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157627002648292/">pics</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-66693774248722534892011-05-22T20:25:00.000-07:002011-05-22T21:17:15.550-07:00Reunions<div style="text-align: justify;">Two weeks ago Kelsey and I met in San Francisco for a long weekend to celebrate the end of her semester, finals week and everything. It was also our first trip back to San Francisco since our first date. This trip was different from the first in nearly every way. Well every way but fun, food, and more fun. Our first time was spent mostly in Golden Gate Park enjoying music, but this time we got around to a lot more of the city and were able to dive much further into the culinary offerings that abound. Favorites include meatballs at Tomasso's (even better than I remembered), Vietnamese coffee ice cream at Humphrey Slocombe's, and everything at Tornoado Bar. I'm sure Kelsey's favorites are much different than mine, so she'll have to leave those in the comments. (But definitely hitting Red's next time.)<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20rISEl2FXA/Tdnd52ak13I/AAAAAAAASGY/RQGE9mG1LH4/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-20rISEl2FXA/Tdnd52ak13I/AAAAAAAASGY/RQGE9mG1LH4/s400/IMG_0023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609758796795926386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">meatballs and more meatballs at Tomasso's<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUpH9zXmwAM/TdneHfOyf5I/AAAAAAAASGg/2wENrB4OUdA/s1600/IMG_0693.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xUpH9zXmwAM/TdneHfOyf5I/AAAAAAAASGg/2wENrB4OUdA/s400/IMG_0693.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609759031090642834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">cured meats - and more meatballs! - at Molinari's<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We also took in a Sunday afternoon game at AT&T Park, which is one of my top baseball park experiences so far. The weather was great all weekend, but especially nice during the game, and that park is really a gem (Jem?). McCovey Cove, the brick wall, and all the weirdo San Franciscans made it just a really unique experience. Plus the garlic fries were actually good. Oh,... and The Beard. Kelsey added another team to her long list of supportees, thanks mostly to the crazed antics of one Brian Wilson. Kudos. Well done, sir. And though I remain a steadfast follower of the birds on the bat, I gotta say, I get it. I'd go back.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f03yBiOiBbY/TdneVkKijjI/AAAAAAAASGo/aLvKEufD8GM/s1600/IMG_0286.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f03yBiOiBbY/TdneVkKijjI/AAAAAAAASGo/aLvKEufD8GM/s400/IMG_0286.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609759272933166642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">game time<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NH5813bqP9Q/TdnehAE8E8I/AAAAAAAASGw/xZKWYkOZQ1w/s1600/IMG_0378.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NH5813bqP9Q/TdnehAE8E8I/AAAAAAAASGw/xZKWYkOZQ1w/s400/IMG_0378.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609759469404427202" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">McCovey Cove<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We also got to meet up (and I just plain meet) Kelsey's friend she met during her island years, Bianca. She was very nice, and I very much enjoyed the time we spent together. I could tell the two girls were fond of each other, though the words escape me to define precisely what I saw from them. At times they seemed to be of one mind... and me of an other entirely.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMbCL3afmZQ/TdnewSlt_sI/AAAAAAAASG4/MF8Xtefw7Ug/s1600/IMG_0160.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 327px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMbCL3afmZQ/TdnewSlt_sI/AAAAAAAASG4/MF8Xtefw7Ug/s400/IMG_0160.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609759732071792322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">they deny it, but i know they coordinated outfits<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I can't wait to go back again (soon?). After all Kelsey still hasn't got her dim sum (even though I offered about 40 times as we passed a place). She did, however, manage to get her filled sesame pastry (even though she pronounced it wrong) at one of the dirtiest food establishments I've ever been in - a pigeon flew in and hung out for a while, not discouraged by any of the staff - from a lady I'm pretty sure was blind (didn't stop her from yelling words I did not understand at people in a room we were not in). So there was that.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNmr6pIT0pw/Tdne5l_eJMI/AAAAAAAASHA/Yt02VbWldQU/s1600/IMG_0606.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nNmr6pIT0pw/Tdne5l_eJMI/AAAAAAAASHA/Yt02VbWldQU/s400/IMG_0606.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609759891898901698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">holding likely violations of the health code<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rc-bz-cfaw/TdnfCp2uNhI/AAAAAAAASHI/m3fWKImC9nw/s1600/IMG_0617.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rc-bz-cfaw/TdnfCp2uNhI/AAAAAAAASHI/m3fWKImC9nw/s400/IMG_0617.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609760047554770450" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">well... almost<br /></span></div><br />So, to recap: great trip. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157626656242095/">Pics. </a>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-16105473335064730222011-04-24T15:17:00.001-07:002011-04-24T15:40:31.996-07:00Myles To Go Before I Sleep<div style="text-align: justify;">I was back in Walton last weekend to meet the 20 pounds of fat in a 10 pound bag that is my new nephew Myles. Seriously his eyes look like they're ready to pop out of their sockets due to the intense pressure by his chubby cheeks. Chubby, chubby cheeks.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course my cheeks are probably a little chubby now too since the other thing I did that weekend was eat. B & K, Sycamore, Bruno's, Haps, huge early Easter feast. I'm getting full again just typing this out. I gotta go take a nap...<br /></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVhXQfRZ--s/TbSmkyyz2mI/AAAAAAAASF8/rywq9rJT2UU/s1600/IMG_0028.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HVhXQfRZ--s/TbSmkyyz2mI/AAAAAAAASF8/rywq9rJT2UU/s400/IMG_0028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599283387768756834" border="0" /></a><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157626443986825/">pics</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-44218090092682371432011-04-10T21:46:00.000-07:002011-04-10T22:10:39.788-07:00On Shifts, Lupulin Threshold and Decadal<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm a little late in posting this, but I'm not going to just let it past since you all have been begging to hear about it. Well that and I don't want to miss a chance to remind Erik that he is really, really super old. So, Erik, listen up... You're really, really super old.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Erik decided to cash in his "I'm turning 30" chip in for a weekend in Santa Rosa for the release of Pliny The Younger, or P The Y as it is affectionately known. P The Y is an uber rare, triple IPA and also happens to be the world's perfect beverage. Unfortunately it is only brewed once a year in limited quantities. Last year Jeff and I did a 15-hour road trip to bring some back to the southland, but due to some greedy jerks selling it on electronic bay.com last year, it was only being made for serving at the brewery bistro this year (no takeaways). On the bright side, we didn't have to drive the 15 hours all in one day, and we got to spend a beautiful weekend in NorCal making fun of how old Erik is.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We did still want to make it there for the opening, so we still left insanely early Friday morning anyway. But it was worth it to be there for the first serving of the world's best beer (and they're not kidding Buddy The Elf). Saturday we went into San Francisco during the day for sandwiches and chocolates before heading back to Russian River for afternoon and dinner.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">P The Y release is becoming one of my favorite weekends of the year, and February can't come again soon enough. Hope to see you all there next year. Imagine how old Erik will be then.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JO_C8mlLQoM/TaKMS9FYXhI/AAAAAAAASFQ/Z66Xrogqyhs/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 257px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JO_C8mlLQoM/TaKMS9FYXhI/AAAAAAAASFQ/Z66Xrogqyhs/s400/IMG_0007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594187944410242578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">a beautiful thing<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvRzo_oYF0A/TaKMb8yMR4I/AAAAAAAASFY/qf25Uz1rsdU/s1600/IMG_0080.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvRzo_oYF0A/TaKMb8yMR4I/AAAAAAAASFY/qf25Uz1rsdU/s400/IMG_0080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594188098948581250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Molinari Special's by the Golden Gate<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InL7G1C9cp8/TaKMgoQRkcI/AAAAAAAASFg/R6e-YGBctbE/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InL7G1C9cp8/TaKMgoQRkcI/AAAAAAAASFg/R6e-YGBctbE/s400/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594188179336958402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Erik doing what Erik does on road trips;<br />don't wake up the old man - it's his birthday<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157626472869472/">pics</a>.<br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-33911954042103138952011-04-07T21:24:00.000-07:002011-04-07T22:12:36.523-07:00A Yabba Dabba Doo Time<div style="text-align: justify;">A gay old time indeed. Apart from that first night when Kelsey burned her hand on the skillet, and I thought we would have to go to the hospital. But the rest of the time was total bliss... OK, maybe when the wind kicked up to 60 mph whipping the tent around and making it bitter cold. But really, other than those two times... Well there was that time when that tarantula crawled inside my pants... All right, so that last one never happened. And the first two weren't all that bad anyway. It was a really, really great time.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Kelsey and I went out to Joshua Tree for a couple nights of camping the last weekend of her spring break. It's a wonderful place, so unique... well, because of the Joshua Trees and all. Perhaps not creatively named, but unique nonetheless. It's east of LA in the high desert and famous for rock climbing, Joshua Trees (duh), and rock stars staying in sleazy motels and doing all sorts of drugs. Also it can get really really cold, really really hot, or really really windy. Though Kelsey may tell you it got really really cold, that was not the one (of three) extremity it reached. It did get windy, but only for about 15% of the time we were there. And mostly at night. Which isn't so bad, but it's hard to sleep when your tent is doing this:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx2Wq6ECIRCIPU01Z1AOWwZRyGXDMQx-TJNpRDiVmYKmR5TI8P3tetJ09VQXdt237DtDAQUsEwW9JGJh8dN4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully the second night was dead calm and the sleeping was easy. And though Kelsey did burn her hand, it was for a good cause: my dinner. I'm sure the potatoes would have tasted just as good with or without seared human skin, but I digress. The new cast iron cookware was the bomb, as the kids say, or "le bomb," as the French kids say. So thanks to the parents Brown for those.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Other than eating, we drove around seeing the sights (tried out the 4-wheel, yee haw!), scrambled around on the rocks, took a couple very cool hikes (to some abandoned mines and the best sounding mountain I ever heard of), and enjoyed the scenery and diversity the national park has to offer. Can't wait to do it again!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aze-Y5Jm1T0/TZ6XHoUZ4CI/AAAAAAAASEY/tUaDE39S5oo/s1600/IMG_0045.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 175px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aze-Y5Jm1T0/TZ6XHoUZ4CI/AAAAAAAASEY/tUaDE39S5oo/s400/IMG_0045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593073944578613282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Bedrock</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPX5LB6C7XQ/TZ6XV_XlaWI/AAAAAAAASEg/e3XlkHyNHdo/s1600/IMG_0304.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPX5LB6C7XQ/TZ6XV_XlaWI/AAAAAAAASEg/e3XlkHyNHdo/s400/IMG_0304.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593074191284136290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Desert Queen Mines<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IY0Wcyxm3Gk/TZ6XgoHE8II/AAAAAAAASEo/p_ZQlo8qZXs/s1600/IMG_0379.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IY0Wcyxm3Gk/TZ6XgoHE8II/AAAAAAAASEo/p_ZQlo8qZXs/s400/IMG_0379.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593074374019444866" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">meat and potatoes</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtyXEmrltsg/TZ6XuyhPAKI/AAAAAAAASEw/iNOXIIKthwk/s1600/IMG_0626.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtyXEmrltsg/TZ6XuyhPAKI/AAAAAAAASEw/iNOXIIKthwk/s400/IMG_0626.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593074617331679394" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">hike up Ryan Mtn.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcz2lrzIjzU/TZ6X3KLsuFI/AAAAAAAASE4/uoJO8VWbs30/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-05%2Bat%2B9.00.56%2BPM.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcz2lrzIjzU/TZ6X3KLsuFI/AAAAAAAASE4/uoJO8VWbs30/s400/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-05%2Bat%2B9.00.56%2BPM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593074761122756690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Ryan Mtn. hike log<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_Wk6HR1G-w/TZ6YCLsUMsI/AAAAAAAASFA/smXHZ05-vqc/s1600/IMG_0643.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_Wk6HR1G-w/TZ6YCLsUMsI/AAAAAAAASFA/smXHZ05-vqc/s400/IMG_0643.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593074950506558146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Kelsey at Arch Rock<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfUwCB4-mDU/TZ6YL9FxSeI/AAAAAAAASFI/4g4uE_d2hBU/s1600/IMG_0737.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XfUwCB4-mDU/TZ6YL9FxSeI/AAAAAAAASFI/4g4uE_d2hBU/s400/IMG_0737.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593075118385482210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">night falls at Belle Camp<br /></span></div><br />The rest of the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157626452198466/">pics. </a>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-70331845917147587582011-03-29T21:07:00.000-07:002011-03-29T21:38:30.754-07:00Breakin' Away<div style="text-align: justify;">Kelsey came out for her spring break a week ago, and even the fact that we are collectively about two decades from our prime SB years couldn't stop us from having a good time. And I'm almost recovered. Most of those years are mine, you know. But the springtime of youth is replaced by the wisdom of age, giving me, among other things, the knowledge of the best places to eat: Rinaldi's, Boogaloo Cafe, South Bay Deli, Fleming's, the list goes on (though Second City was a little disappointing this time).<br /><br />We kept it low key throughout the week (not all of us were on vacation) but managed to get out both weekends, Wabash baseball and a drive-in the first weekend followed by camping the next. Here's some of the fun, in pictorial form.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyQTSDi2CcM/TZKx72I29JI/AAAAAAAASEA/Qbq7EfR6yqU/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OyQTSDi2CcM/TZKx72I29JI/AAAAAAAASEA/Qbq7EfR6yqU/s400/IMG_0036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589725729223275666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Wabash @ Redlands<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FReCPUH_2DI/TZKy6sn3wWI/AAAAAAAASEI/wCb99YBaMzU/s1600/IMG_0039.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FReCPUH_2DI/TZKy6sn3wWI/AAAAAAAASEI/wCb99YBaMzU/s400/IMG_0039.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589726809000755554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">driving in the San Bernardinos<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTfwAMaLczk/TZKzPekWlvI/AAAAAAAASEQ/hFeTfzTjCN8/s1600/IMG_0078.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTfwAMaLczk/TZKzPekWlvI/AAAAAAAASEQ/hFeTfzTjCN8/s400/IMG_0078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589727166005155570" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">at the drive-in!<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157626384527356/">pics.</a><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-1420823801123110322011-03-09T20:53:00.001-08:002011-03-09T21:11:42.550-08:00Another Year Older...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6g3fV88gqQ/TXhbzJkfgzI/AAAAAAAASDg/eRw2HV4zslk/s1600/IMG_0148.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">...and deeper in debt. Isn't that how the song gos? Well I did just buy a new motor carriage, so maybe they're right.<br /></div><br />So the weekend I went home for Ella's big swim also just happened to be my birthday. You all, no doubt, have just seen my magnanimous gesture of supporting my little cousin for what it really was, my desperate need for attention, presents, and cake. So sue me.<br /><br />It was decided that the party's theme would be "my favorite things." So naturally we had Bruno's, Happy Burger fried chicken, and chocolate cake with cream cheese icing. As the kids are prone to say now: winning. It was great to be home to celebrate with Kelsey and all my family. Thanks everyone.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6g3fV88gqQ/TXhbzJkfgzI/AAAAAAAASDg/eRw2HV4zslk/s1600/IMG_0148.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6g3fV88gqQ/TXhbzJkfgzI/AAAAAAAASDg/eRw2HV4zslk/s400/IMG_0148.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582312672426165042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">great cake, kels!<br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />A few more <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157626109866701/">pics</a>. <br /></div></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-15171258722615070432011-02-23T20:23:00.000-08:002011-02-23T21:10:33.948-08:00Chlorine: The Smell Of Victory<div style="text-align: justify;">Little cousin Ella is a senior this year, and also happens to be an awesome swimmer. Since I tried to impersonate an aquatic athlete for a few years, I've always felt we shared a unique bond about the sport. Unfortunately, I've never been able to see her compete until this year. Oh wait... I still haven't seen her compete. More on that later.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I decided this being her last year I would make it to see a meet. It's a winter sport and with the holidays and meets being held generally during the week, there's never a convenient time to head home to see her. All times being equally bad, I decided I'd go to her last home dual meet, a.k.a. Senior Night. This happened to be on a Thursday night, and me being short on vacation, I took an early flight through Phoenix to get there on time.<br /><br />I knew when I booked the flight that I couldn't afford any delays due to weather or otherwise, but I figured once I was off the ground with my connection out of Phoenix then I was good to go. But 30 minutes into the flight to Indy, the captain came over the PA and said the backup pressurization system malfunctioned, leaving us with only the primary system. So... we had to turn around.<br /><br />Even worse, we had to turn around, descend, and fly with the landing gear down to burn off enough fuel to land therefore limiting our time in holding. But flying with the gear down also means slow. And loud. Fun. Meanwhile I'm starting to go through the timeline in my mind. Half hour back, change planes quick, OK. I can probably afford a 2-hour hit to my schedule and still make it in time. Particularly with Ella's big race (backstroke) being towards the end.<br /><br />Unfortunately once over Phoenix, we end up having to air taxi anyway. All said and done, we were in the air about 90 minutes to get right back where we started. To the airline's credit, they did get us moved onto a new plane and off again quickly once we returned. But with a 2 1/2 hour hit to my tight schedule. <br /><br />And to make matters worse, I went with the cheap rent-a-car place, which is, cheaply, located at the old airport in the opposite direction as the meet. So we land in Indy, I sprint through the airport, call the shuttle, then have to ride in the van the wrong way. Only to have the slowest car counter guy explain all the extra services they offer. No thanks, Carl.<br /><br />Finally, car keys in hand, I head down the road to Martinsville... Only to arrive not 10 minutes after Ella's last race. Mega Bummer. But at least there was no school the next day, so I got to stick around and have lunch with the Pauls and ride back up to Cass County with Grandma, which was fun.<br /><br />So sorry I missed you, Ella, but I'm super proud of you anyway. Even for the short time I was around the pool, it was obvious how much all of her teammates and coaches respected and appreciated her. She is a special person, I know. Just wish I could be around more to see. She has also decided to attend Butler next year, a true relief as the other finalist was DePauw. I know you made the right decision, El. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157625999907273/">Pics</a>! And a <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Ryan.e.Tuttle/GIFs#5576743239153738242">GIF</a>!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9rbX860qQ8/TWXoDwg4RvI/AAAAAAAASC4/JJSFLozOBLM/s1600/IMG_0066.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9rbX860qQ8/TWXoDwg4RvI/AAAAAAAASC4/JJSFLozOBLM/s400/IMG_0066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577118864828286706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">celebratory kick of the coach<br /></span></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-21481669964540461142011-02-20T14:01:00.000-08:002011-02-20T14:56:22.023-08:00Happy New Year, Everybody<div style="text-align: justify;">I know I'm way behind on content rich blog posts, but that's just the way it is right now. So these bare bones posts and pictures will just have to do. These are from Kelsey's visit over New Year's. Unfortunately neither of us felt up to doing anything extraordinary, so we just went ordinary, staying in and watching movies. But that was good enough for me. Did we even make it to midnight?<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UablKpsk4EE/TWGa40hzZ5I/AAAAAAAASBw/Mje7zeYAnYI/s1600/IMG_0066.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UablKpsk4EE/TWGa40hzZ5I/AAAAAAAASBw/Mje7zeYAnYI/s400/IMG_0066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575908114625161106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEl60m4eW1k/TWGboITL1RI/AAAAAAAASB4/BJmzry99r1k/s1600/IMG_1285.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEl60m4eW1k/TWGboITL1RI/AAAAAAAASB4/BJmzry99r1k/s400/IMG_1285.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575908927386408210" border="0" /></a><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157625971763739/">pics</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-49516094070308954282011-02-13T19:10:00.000-08:002011-02-13T19:36:43.787-08:00Fun With GIFs!!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">In my immature little mind, nothing is funnier than a well-crafted GIF... except for a poorly-crafted GIF. Here's a few from the guys bowling night over Christmas. Not sure if they will embed correctly, so if they aren't animated clicking each picture should work. <br /></div><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X6zsNDJGlYr_YIy2Ocz0Pw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TViecLs38BI/AAAAAAAASAw/sgw-CJ0SJw4/s400/gif1.gif" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Ryan.e.Tuttle/GIFs?feat=embedwebsite">GIFs</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2UexWwAkzUr-6DcUbCxlzg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TVifw_u2BsI/AAAAAAAASBA/apVYn9Bzs84/s400/gif2.gif" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Ryan.e.Tuttle/GIFs?feat=embedwebsite">GIFs</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TvvqLlRfDTMMdqPq71JAfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TVifxb-LtzI/AAAAAAAASBE/L6NkRDpWOp0/s400/gif3.gif" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Ryan.e.Tuttle/GIFs?feat=embedwebsite">GIFs</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u46vrJIeWFwDlDIpUwi-8g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TVifxocWOMI/AAAAAAAASBI/BlzJ4VuUOzk/s400/gif4.gif" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Ryan.e.Tuttle/GIFs?feat=embedwebsite">GIFs</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZIPoS6M4GGQQp1h1zHomBg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TVifx2GlBSI/AAAAAAAASBM/pOj9L7ogcfQ/s400/gif5.gif" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Ryan.e.Tuttle/GIFs?feat=embedwebsite">GIFs</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n6VjsyOXvlpPXR4cfPkU9Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TVifyfw2OpI/AAAAAAAASBQ/BBwOcw4QlwM/s400/gif6.gif" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/Ryan.e.Tuttle/GIFs?feat=embedwebsite">GIFs</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-90418322427083942152011-02-10T20:07:00.000-08:002011-02-12T20:45:04.116-08:00The Faces Of Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">Sorting through this year's Christmas photos, I couldn't help but notice how expressive the faces were. I'm sure some of you will probably get made at me, but here you go anyway. I present... The Faces Of Christmas. Love to you all.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URDnAH2o7yQ/TVdhrJnk9DI/AAAAAAAASAM/5ANS87Di5mk/s1600/faces.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URDnAH2o7yQ/TVdhrJnk9DI/AAAAAAAASAM/5ANS87Di5mk/s400/faces.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573030457838466098" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TVS5SUKnuCI/AAAAAAAASAE/-lbub_pHtU8/s1600/Page-01.jpg"><br /></a>Full size and more pictures over <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157625818146371/">here</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-24741589301595954192010-12-12T20:43:00.000-08:002010-12-12T21:00:59.722-08:00Welcome Benjamin<div style="text-align: justify;">Headed East yesterday for the Pilgrim's shower for little Benjamin Eugene. That's a fine name if you ask me. Ben was a little early in his a arrival a few weeks ago, but he's doing fine now and doing all those normal baby things (pooping, sleeping, crying, pooping, and pooping). It was a good time, but probably the last time Matt and Beth will have to hang out for 18 years or so. Good luck with that. And I don't change diapers.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157625587565290/">Pics.</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWmza_7y-I/AAAAAAAAR-w/jr5yqX8_HBs/s1600/IMG_0005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWmza_7y-I/AAAAAAAAR-w/jr5yqX8_HBs/s400/IMG_0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025518155025378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">sleeping: activity 1 of 3<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWm-QUhFxI/AAAAAAAAR-4/22rGfbFnqGY/s1600/IMG_0029.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWm-QUhFxI/AAAAAAAAR-4/22rGfbFnqGY/s400/IMG_0029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550025704267126546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">crying: activity 2 of 3<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWnR40DBtI/AAAAAAAAR_A/H1gFvWjXV44/s1600/IMG_0085.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWnR40DBtI/AAAAAAAAR_A/H1gFvWjXV44/s400/IMG_0085.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550026041554306770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">oh yes<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWnl9Oj9WI/AAAAAAAAR_I/M-vs3G6q7Uc/s1600/IMG_0086.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWnl9Oj9WI/AAAAAAAAR_I/M-vs3G6q7Uc/s400/IMG_0086.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550026386336642402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">from one Eugene to another<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWnyNjQ14I/AAAAAAAAR_Q/9XvwbcAYnRM/s1600/IMG_0089.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TQWnyNjQ14I/AAAAAAAAR_Q/9XvwbcAYnRM/s400/IMG_0089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550026596876867458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">carhartts, direct from Indiana (courtesy Miss Brown)<br /></span></div></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-49772818785035848012010-12-05T21:11:00.000-08:002010-12-06T22:16:29.449-08:00Something I Can Shoot My Eye Out With<div style="text-align: justify;">Sure, I know that titled ended in a preposition, but it seems a little pretentious (actually considering this blog, extremely pretentious... on second thought, I think the word pretentious is a little pretentious) to be to proper in this space. On third thought, this whole paragraph is seeming pretentious. Unfortunately my Backspace key fell off yesterday, so starting over...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Things I want for Christmas. That's what this post is about. Me, me, gimme, gimme.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">OK, that's not quite right either.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Due to popular demand - and my apologies on the tardiness of this for those who have been clamoring for days, if not week (yes week... not weeks) - I give you the latest installment of my Christmas List. 2010 Edition. As usual, it will be a mixture of class, whimsy, and idiocy. The same mixture that resides within me. Also, literally the mixture that resides in me as I'm just polishing off a cocktail of Macallan, Grape Kool Aid, and Mr. Clean General Purpose Household Cleaner.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Being the eternal student that I am, books are always on the list. And what better way to simultaneously stir my intellect and indulge my predisposition for being super manly than a book of super manly stories?<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.matthewmayo.com/images/Cowboys-MtnMen-Grizzly.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.matthewmayo.com/images/Cowboys-MtnMen-Grizzly.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Also of interest are <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Microcosmos-Discovering-Through-Microscopic-Magnification/dp/1554077141/ref=pd_sim_b_1">Microcosmos</a> and another <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Things-Cardinal-Fans-Should-Before/dp/1600780725/ref=pd_sim_b_1">we should all read</a>, as well as any other book you think I'd like. And since I think it's important to learn about what my special lady likes, my own copy of <a href="http://www.catalinasmbay.org/names/kiddingt.jpg">Twilight</a>. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The time of the horse in the Wild West has passed us by, now something like <a href="http://www.local-motors.com/rallyFighter.php">this</a> would be ideal for traversing the wilderness. Of course, that's a bit rugged for the daily grind, so one would need a nice and sensible commuter, take this <a href="http://volocars.com/1970-dodge-charger-rt-c-2077.htm">Dodge</a> for instance.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TP3D1eXME-I/AAAAAAAAR-Y/xsfMoY4ibWA/s1600/2077_p16_l.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TP3D1eXME-I/AAAAAAAAR-Y/xsfMoY4ibWA/s400/2077_p16_l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547805639441126370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">priced to sell!<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whilst away in my Rally Fighter coupe for a weekend in the sticks, a nice knife like the <a href="http://www.gerberstore.com/index.php?xpage=itempage&xid=1038">Gerber Epic</a> would come in handy. Since rubbing sticks together went the way of the horse, the <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/806554">Soto Pocket Torch</a> starts fires nicely by turning your trusty Bic into a flamethrower. And no better way to keep that cowboy coffee hot after the fire goes out than this <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/808532">classic Stanley thermos.</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Being a 21st Century man (the era, not the real estate company), there are many layers to this onion. Even though I may have the appearance of the second coming of Paul Bunyan, I have a refined side as well. Which couldn't be happier than listening to some pops and whizzes on my gold-armed <a href="http://www.abt.com/product/48969/Denon-DPA100.html?utm_source=scfroogle&utm_medium=sc&utm_campaign=froogle">Denon DP-A100</a>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TP3MACFvsoI/AAAAAAAAR-g/JxlaApOi3Bk/s1600/Denon-DP-A100-Turntable-4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TP3MACFvsoI/AAAAAAAAR-g/JxlaApOi3Bk/s400/Denon-DP-A100-Turntable-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547814616923353730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">sexy</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately large speakers aren't ideal for my current dwelling, so I'd be enjoying the a great <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Hearts-Dirty-Windows-Songs/dp/B003M4Y6VA">tribute album</a> (or anything by Ramblin' Jack Elliot) on a pair of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultrasone-EDITION-10-Headphones/dp/tech-data/B004C3DUFS">sweet soundalicious cans</a>. (Seriously though, <a href="http://www.thinksound.com/rain.php">these</a> or <a href="http://www.marshallheadphones.com/product/major">these</a> more reasonably priced phones would be awesome.) As you might expect, maintenance costs for such sophisticated hobbies can be a bit taxing on the wallet, so investments on my behalf are welcome as well; <a href="http://www.nyse.com/about/listed/brka.html">Berkshire Hathaway</a> would be my preference and just a couple shares would do fine. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On a serious note though, I enjoy anything unique and fun (toys are always good). In particular, I would really appreciate some clever, quality coasters and refrigerator magnets. I never can get enough sweet tees (like <a href="http://www.homage.com/store/sports/disco-demolition-night">this</a> on on homage.com), but my favorite gifts are usually the things I would never think to put on a list. As always anything Wabash is sweet or any of my other schools for that matter (actually a Martinsville swimming tee would be super nice!). In the end though, the best thing is getting to go home and see all my loved ones... and get sick on ring-a-lings. Can't wait!<br /></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-18108276031231215712010-12-05T18:25:00.000-08:002010-12-05T19:41:50.373-08:00Gobble, Gobble<div style="text-align: justify;">It had been a number of years since I was able to make it back to Indiana for Thanksgiving. Which is particularly sad because if there were ever a holiday for Lazy Uncle Ryan, this would be it. Thankfully (get it?) I was able to go home this year. And I did get to be lazy (for the most part - taters were mashed and dishes were washed), and I did get to eat a lot of turkey (thanks, Browns).<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The trip also included a date to the new Harry Potter (without Woody or Caleb), numerous trips to Haps, and even more vanilla Cokes. Of course the best part was spending time with the people I am most thankful for (for those of you I didn't see last week, now you where you rank). Can't wait to see you all again in a couple weeks.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TPxYs-n3hMI/AAAAAAAAR9w/1fn2dbjT2wo/s1600/IMG_0014.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TPxYs-n3hMI/AAAAAAAAR9w/1fn2dbjT2wo/s400/IMG_0014.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547406370761311426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">prepared for a feast<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TPxY_K_BJ1I/AAAAAAAAR94/9hrPEV29-X8/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TPxY_K_BJ1I/AAAAAAAAR94/9hrPEV29-X8/s400/IMG_0023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547406683317282642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Bruce carves<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TPxZKexpQnI/AAAAAAAAR-A/ztjVzHaLVXE/s1600/IMG_0144.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TPxZKexpQnI/AAAAAAAAR-A/ztjVzHaLVXE/s400/IMG_0144.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547406877608460914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">building the Lego robot family; can't<br />remember their names<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TPxZbgspxJI/AAAAAAAAR-Q/z7VW3-XbHeI/s1600/IMG_1652.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TPxZbgspxJI/AAAAAAAAR-Q/z7VW3-XbHeI/s400/IMG_1652.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547407170182169746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">trolly time at Haps<br /></span></div><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157625413192331/">pics</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-51562032869668504762010-10-06T20:54:00.000-07:002010-10-06T21:27:20.924-07:00The City That Never Sleeps, Indeed<div style="text-align: justify;">Two weekends ago I met Kelsey and our friends the Meyers in The Big Apple. They say it's the city that never sleeps, and I felt like I didn't either. It was, of course, a busy time with so much to do, but I think most of it was the jet lag and ambitious red eye travel itinerary that did me in. Believe me when I tell you that I was T-I-R-E-D when I got back to LA. And maybe a little grumpy when I was in NY.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">But it was worth it because it was a great time with great people in a great place. The weather couldn't have been much more perfect - warm, but not so warm that the subway smelled too bad, blue skies with fluffy white clouds - which made all of the outdoor sightseeing we did even more enjoyable. We walked over the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan, took the elevator to the observation deck atop 30 Rock, rode a ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, explored Central Park - the greatest park in America - and walked, walked, walked, walked around the city.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Besides walking, the other great thing to do in NYC is eat. And eat we did. We had the best pizza you'll ever find at Grimaldi's (eating ice cream while waiting in line), what some people called the world's best nachos - congratulations! You did it! - overpriced drinks at the hotel lounge, greasy burgers behind a curtain in a fancy schmancy hotel, a 5-star meal at Bobby Flay's Bar Americain, and all the cured meats you could ever need at the famous Carnegie Deli. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">What an awesome time we had, and I can't wait to go back again. Thanks to the Meyers for meeting us there, you made it that much more enjoyable. Here's a few pics, but you can see them all <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157625111725782/">here</a>.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1Ixe2r-dI/AAAAAAAAR78/KNxmNGf9f2A/s1600/IMG_0136.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1Ixe2r-dI/AAAAAAAAR78/KNxmNGf9f2A/s400/IMG_0136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525152332786694610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">world's best pizza at Grimaldi's</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1JWrr-9jI/AAAAAAAAR8E/E8-H-mYZ4aM/s1600/pano1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 142px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1JWrr-9jI/AAAAAAAAR8E/E8-H-mYZ4aM/s400/pano1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525152971886622258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Brooklyn Bridge<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1JtOj5SMI/AAAAAAAAR8M/dT6ER7hPsmo/s1600/IMG_0313.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1JtOj5SMI/AAAAAAAAR8M/dT6ER7hPsmo/s400/IMG_0313.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525153359205058754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">hotel view<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1KEhHWLsI/AAAAAAAAR8U/bC_pa5UKnks/s1600/IMG_0353.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1KEhHWLsI/AAAAAAAAR8U/bC_pa5UKnks/s400/IMG_0353.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525153759322582722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">pond in Central Park<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1KTDtFb1I/AAAAAAAAR8c/ohA0qKRsmoM/s1600/IMG_0641.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1KTDtFb1I/AAAAAAAAR8c/ohA0qKRsmoM/s400/IMG_0641.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525154009125842770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">top of 30 Rock<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1KiPZpROI/AAAAAAAAR8k/utmaTz0ksxE/s1600/IMG_0915.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1KiPZpROI/AAAAAAAAR8k/utmaTz0ksxE/s400/IMG_0915.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525154269963568354" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Liberty Island<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1KtLq7VKI/AAAAAAAAR8s/2VTZSlyRwFk/s1600/IMG_1128.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1KtLq7VKI/AAAAAAAAR8s/2VTZSlyRwFk/s400/IMG_1128.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525154457940874402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the "Woody Allen" at Carnegie Deli</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1K7DrdTBI/AAAAAAAAR80/3CYmgXggYKc/s1600/pano17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 127px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TK1K7DrdTBI/AAAAAAAAR80/3CYmgXggYKc/s400/pano17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525154696313785362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the 'ol stompin' grounds of Columbia<br /></span></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-73628766965583429542010-09-15T22:52:00.000-07:002010-09-15T23:12:40.214-07:00You Built It......And we came.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This subject deserves a much longer post, but it's late, I'm tired, I've got a lot to do tomorrow, and I've already posted my butt off these past few days. So I'm going to try to sum it up in a few paragraphs. Of course, it deserves a much longer post because it was so awesome.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Labor Day, the last day of a long, long, but fun, fun weekend, we opened up Johnson Field Of Dreams (name is not set in stone yet - which makes me think, hey, does the field need a sign?) with a game of softball. JFOD, naturally, was built by Josh, with a little help from Caleb, on the back lot at Josh and Abrah's house. I don't recall exactly how this idea came about, but I'm guessing it had a lot to do with all Riley wanting to do this summer being play baseball (anyone feel free to recount the real story in the comments).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Monday morning we all gathered up to play a few innings to christen the field before stuffing ourselves silly. It was a beautiful early Fall day, if a little windy. I think everyone had a great time (I know I did), and no one got seriously hurt - though we had a couple close calls. I think this needs to be a regular occurrence now, and I even heard rumors of a football game at Thanksgiving? Big thanks to everyone who put in work and to everyone else for showing up. A perfect way to end a great weekend.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJGzqK1rOOI/AAAAAAAAR7g/KS0paBVfpLY/s1600/IMG_1285.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJGzqK1rOOI/AAAAAAAAR7g/KS0paBVfpLY/s400/IMG_1285.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517388555550931170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Josh at the bat<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJG0MF00eEI/AAAAAAAAR7o/HmfVUq9d2LM/s1600/pano10.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 158px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJG0MF00eEI/AAAAAAAAR7o/HmfVUq9d2LM/s400/pano10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517389138320717890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">pregame</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJG0maWK97I/AAAAAAAAR7w/VsWzLn8oV2U/s1600/IMG_1372.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJG0maWK97I/AAAAAAAAR7w/VsWzLn8oV2U/s400/IMG_1372.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517389590505912242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">well played<br /></span></div><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157624842110099/">pics</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-270656277468208412010-09-14T20:44:00.000-07:002010-09-14T21:30:14.727-07:00Surprise Woody!<div style="text-align: justify;">Fall is a great time of year as not only is it the beginning of football season but also the culmination of baseball. While baseball ending isn't good itself, it is an exciting time of year, and there's just a different buzz about fall baseball.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Megan had bought tickets to a Cubs game at Wrigley for Sunday, and when she heard that I would be home for Labor Day, she offered the other two tickets to Kelsey and me. Normally I'd be against anything to do with the Cubs, but I figured I could make an exception for my brother. Plus, how bad could a day at the park be anyway?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now Megan had planned all this as a surprise, but she did finally cave and tell Woody Saturday night. He came strutting home with new Cubs shirt and tickets in hand (along with some P.F. Flyers) and gave us some lip when we all played dumb like we didn't know what was going on.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We took off Sunday morning just before church (no Cornerstone, Kelsey and I are not broken up) and Woody drove us up towards Chicago. I think most of the conversation was between Kelsey and Megan (hard to shut those two up), but I seem to remember something about cow stomachs and milk tankers/trailers (which is it again?).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was planning on stopping at a Park and Ride outside of downtown and taking the train in but changed my mind on our way to the station. So Woody courageously got back on the freeway and headed further into town. We found parking at an apartment building a couple blocks from the field which wasn't too much trouble other than a 23-move exit when we left and Woody nearly road raging on some pedestrians on the way in (kidding... kinda).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We had time to grab some lunch at a tavern near the stadium, then walked the couple blocks to Sheffield Ave. and the start of the game. The game started out fairly competitive, but then things turned south, way south, for the cubs after the 4th or so. Fortunately we had several other sources of entertainment, not the least of which was <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/4991712467/in/set-72157624835012817/#">Woody's new best friend</a> beside him. I'm not sure all what they talked about, but I'm sure Wood could tell you. Kelsey seemed to enjoy the food, most notably the <a href="http://justinscarpetti.com/dropbox/ryan/cottoncandy1.gif">cotton candy</a>, which seemed to <a href="http://justinscarpetti.com/dropbox/ryan/cottoncandy2.gif">crack Megan up</a> for some reason. Oh you want <a href="http://justinscarpetti.com/dropbox/ryan/cottoncandy3.gif">one more</a>? Ha ha! Actually the only reason I did those was because I had already wanted to make something of the <a href="http://justinscarpetti.com/dropbox/ryan/wave.gif">"record setting wave"</a> that occured that day. But when making that the idea to make the cotton candy ones flashed into my brain. And I'm glad it did. I could watch those all day.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJBH2TBkJtI/AAAAAAAAR7A/wj_doQuI5E4/s1600/IMG_0413.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJBH2TBkJtI/AAAAAAAAR7A/wj_doQuI5E4/s400/IMG_0413.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516988541674202834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">nice day for a game<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJBIuppsLaI/AAAAAAAAR7I/JoB4L96-fQc/s1600/IMG_0745.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJBIuppsLaI/AAAAAAAAR7I/JoB4L96-fQc/s400/IMG_0745.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516989509820755362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">strike up the band<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJBI-6VPkhI/AAAAAAAAR7Q/iH09Wl_Igb0/s1600/IMG_0842.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJBI-6VPkhI/AAAAAAAAR7Q/iH09Wl_Igb0/s400/IMG_0842.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516989789176304146" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cubs fans<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The game did end up in a blowout (we left in top of the 9th before the Mets scored 5 more runs), but we all had a great time and it was a beautiful day. Thanks to Megan for inviting Kelsey and me. I'd be glad to go back any time. Maybe we should all do a trip to Busch III next summer?<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJBJc3oxBtI/AAAAAAAAR7Y/sAcgkrc230Y/s1600/IMG_0898.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TJBJc3oxBtI/AAAAAAAAR7Y/sAcgkrc230Y/s400/IMG_0898.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516990303848957650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">happy birthday, Woody!<br /></span></div><br /><br />More baseball to come next post. And more <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157624835012817/">pics</a>!Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-17963235852345111592010-09-13T21:43:00.000-07:002010-09-13T22:04:48.450-07:00Are You Ready For Some Football?!<div style="text-align: justify;">Though we had a late night Friday, we had to get up early to drive to Cass County for the first Saturday of college football season - and the head-to-head between my Boilers and that team from South Bend. Bruce and Reta generously offered for all the Tuttles / Mallots / Johnsons / Corwins / Bruners to come over and watch the game and eat. And eat. And eat.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Not sure how many actually showed up, but it was quite a few, and there was still entirely too much food. And that's even with Caleb and Chris (and Kelsey) around. Bruce did some grilling, and Reta made a bunch of eats (and desserts), and Kelsey arranged for authentic Spanish cheese dogs, direct from B&K West. Not to mention the largest cooler I've ever seen full of glass-bottled Grape and Orange Crush. Nice touch.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8AM7zOFyI/AAAAAAAAR6Q/Z91n5wzOisU/s1600/IMG_0477.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8AM7zOFyI/AAAAAAAAR6Q/Z91n5wzOisU/s400/IMG_0477.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516628290763101986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Caleb and Abrah check out the spread<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8AZPeNhoI/AAAAAAAAR6Y/cxyXGolxXBk/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8AZPeNhoI/AAAAAAAAR6Y/cxyXGolxXBk/s400/IMG_0481.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516628502202123906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">game time (slight interrupted by Riley)<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8AklM7QnI/AAAAAAAAR6g/44bPahntc0w/s1600/IMG_0543.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8AklM7QnI/AAAAAAAAR6g/44bPahntc0w/s400/IMG_0543.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516628697013764722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">totes!</span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I love college football season, but I can't really remember when I've been able to sit around with my family and watch some games. I can't really think of a better way to kick off the season than last Saturday. A big thanks to Bruce and Reta for opening up their home to all of us. Next time we just need to make sure Bruce gets in on a game of cornhole. As I understand it, he has a score to settle. <br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8BC_a6JII/AAAAAAAAR6w/JzgADDW7VIE/s1600/IMG_0610.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8BC_a6JII/AAAAAAAAR6w/JzgADDW7VIE/s400/IMG_0610.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516629219447809154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the real game begins<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8BX19CsAI/AAAAAAAAR64/zvE7xVXN3gU/s1600/pano1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI8BX19CsAI/AAAAAAAAR64/zvE7xVXN3gU/s400/pano1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516629577683873794" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Brown court<br /></span></div><br /><br />Thanks again, Browns, I loved it.<br /><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157624952350570/">pics</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-45365935816854207732010-09-12T21:33:00.000-07:002010-09-12T22:11:46.899-07:00Hillbilly Holiday<div style="text-align: justify;">I was back in Indiana last weekend for a full slate of Labor Day activities covering nearly the entire state (and parts of another). It all started with a plan to get together with some of my high school pals, and as the preceding weeks went by more and more got penciled into my calendar. I'll devote a post to each event.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I took the red eye Thursday night, meaning I arrived at IND at around 5:30 am. Geesh. Kelsey met me there bright and early to start things off. Perhaps foolishly, with her exhausted from a long week of school and me getting zero sleep on the plane, we were a couple of zombies. Worst part was we had more or less nowhere to go. We had plans in Bloomington that night, but couldn't check into the hotel for some time, and it would be pointless to drive back to Cass County. Kelsey did have a last bit of homework to finish up, so we ended up at a McDonalds just off 465. Free wifi and a McMuffin kept us awake for a while.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It didn't take long for Kels to finish her assignment so we headed down 37 to Bloomington. If I had planned ahead, I'm sure we could have crashed for a bit at The Pauls, but in my defense, I didn't. I kind of had an idea that we could just drive over to Lake Monroe and nap the day away there. The gloomy skies overhead quickly reminded me that I wasn't in southern California anymore and that I should consider the, you know, <span style="font-style: italic;">weather</span>. We drove on anyway (what were our other options?), and things just worked out as the clouds opened up and the sun came out within a couple minutes of laying a blanket down.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We napped for an hour or so then decided we would head into town for an early lunch and try to get another nap that afternoon. Well that was the plan for about 20 minutes when we found out that we could get into the hotel a couple hours early. We promptly discarded lunch for sleep.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately the nap didn't really take, so we just decided to get ready for the evening, realizing we would likely fall asleep spontaneously at dinner, dropping our faces into our plates. Jason and Liz met us and Kelsey's parents at the hotel around 4, and we all walked the ped/bike path over to Upland Brewery for dinner.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This was also the location for that night's main event, a benefit concert headlined by none other than Todd Snider. Deeter and his new gal pal, Mendi met the rest of us at dinner and we all proceeded to chow down. While we all chowed, it can not be said that we did so equally. The highlight was Deeter (of course) and Bruce ordering "Inferno Burgers." I dipped a corner of a fry into the habanero sauce, and I all I can say is that I am shocked that meal doesn't come with a waiver form.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After dinner we all walked over to the brewery parking lot where a stage and hay bail seating had been set up. There were a couple good folksy opening acts, The Elly Maze and T.V. Mike & The Scarecrows, and then Todd came out with a bassist and electric man. I've seen Todd many times - only with a band once - but this was something entirely different. They went straight into rock versions of Todd's songs and continued to kill it all night long. It. Was. Awesome. I had so much fun, and seeing all my old buddies just made it that much awesomier. Looking forward to next time.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI2wPTHIq7I/AAAAAAAAR6A/puWVldlcOB4/s1600/IMG_0101.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI2wPTHIq7I/AAAAAAAAR6A/puWVldlcOB4/s400/IMG_0101.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516258895473454002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the gang<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI2wZehIUoI/AAAAAAAAR6I/E2PVwwzHHcc/s1600/IMG_0329.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI2wZehIUoI/AAAAAAAAR6I/E2PVwwzHHcc/s400/IMG_0329.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516259070333964930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">todd snider, dan baird, and keith chritopher<br /></span></div><br /><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157624820025787/">pics</a>.<br /><br />Update: and if you feel like downloading a great show, do it <a href="http://www.toddsniderlive.com/2010/09/03/upland-brewery-bloomington-in/">here</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-20081048713368568742010-09-12T14:34:00.000-07:002010-09-12T14:50:50.289-07:00Fusion<blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">Webster’s Dictionary defines wedding as “the fusing of two metals with a hot torch.” Well you know something? I think you guys are two metals… gold metals.<br /></div><blockquote style="font-style: italic;"></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">-Michael Gary Scott </blockquote><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">OK, so maybe that was welding, not wedding, but I think that speech is worth repeating nonetheless. And it is pertinent as Kelsey and I did fuse together a weekend of camping with a wedding. In fact, we even took the wedding gift (a camping stove) along on the trip - though we did not use it, I swear, the wrapping paper just got ripped over the course of 600+ miles.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And we did make it back to SoCal in time to clean up and show up at the wedding on time. As usual, we packed more than seems possible into our short time together. It was a very lovely wedding, and a lot of fun with people that we both care for very much. My (our?) only regret is that we were so tired after a long week/weekend of running around that we faded pretty early in the evening. But I was able to talk Kelsey into one dance as the evening wound down.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI1Kln9G7MI/AAAAAAAAR5w/cDI_n0B-ZV4/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI1Kln9G7MI/AAAAAAAAR5w/cDI_n0B-ZV4/s400/IMG_1190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516147128839630018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the happy couple<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, congrats to Mitch and Val, and a big thank you for inviting Kelsey and me to enjoy your day. Best of luck for both of you, always.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI1KxLmTG7I/AAAAAAAAR54/yMLb6iZTWug/s1600/IMG_1174.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TI1KxLmTG7I/AAAAAAAAR54/yMLb6iZTWug/s400/IMG_1174.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516147327386196914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">my beautiful date<br /></span></div><br /><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157624936522876/">pics</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-37498417732006586812010-09-11T18:35:00.000-07:002010-09-12T09:29:59.643-07:00Finally<div style="text-align: justify;">Kelsey has been begging me to go camping nearly every trip she's made here to California. And in my defense, I've tried just about every time she's made her way here, but for one reason or another things have just never worked out for us in that regard. Well things nearly didn't work out this time either. I went back and forth all week about the logistics of where and when (as we still needed to be back for a wedding on Sunday). As a matter of fact, I had actually decided Thursday night that we would go somewhere in San Bernardino, but then decided with Kelsey's help Friday morning that we would go to San Luis Obispo or Big Sur instead.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Friday morning we got up early threw everything into the truck, grabbed a coffee, and headed north (after we decided we weren't heading east). Quickly after we got on the 405, I recalled what an utter mess it had been recently. So I got off on the 90 W over to Highway 1 and stuck with that all the way. We cruised through Santa Monica to Malibu to Santa Barbara to Santa Maria and finally, San Luis Obispo.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIw0sYYDpcI/AAAAAAAAR4Q/xn0GbcesWxQ/s1600/IMG_0257.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIw0sYYDpcI/AAAAAAAAR4Q/xn0GbcesWxQ/s400/IMG_0257.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515841580684256706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">scenic PCH<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We stopped at the SLO Taco Bell for lunch and I explained to Kelsey what the various options for campsites were. There was one spot in the hills of SLO. Only problem with that was it was a warm weekend, and it was a 30 minute drive from town. If the sites were full, we'd have to drive back down and make the 90 minute trip to Big Sur and try there. Having already driven 4 hours, I figured our chances of finding a site in Big Sur were slim if we took an hour detour in SLO. We decided to keep on moving north and take our chances with the three campgrounds at Big Sur.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Which was fine by me as that was where I really wanted to go anyway. I had been trying to get up there for camping going on about 3 years now. But the combination of me not planning ahead and those campgrounds being reserved well in advance resulted in it never happening. And it doesn't help that one of the largest campgrounds has been closed for two years due to fire damage.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The drive between SLO and Big Sur is easily one of the most beautiful pieces of roadway in the 48 states. Highway 1 winds up, over, and around a hilly coastline. With the Pacific ever present to the West, the fine sand and rolling yellow hills of Southern California begin to give way to the rocky cliffs and coastal trees of the North. Even more enjoyable than the scenery was being with Kelsey as she witnessed it all for the first time. Around every bend came another "Ooooooh" or "Ahhhhh."<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIxSwWdlHZI/AAAAAAAAR4Y/PlV3p53m7Tg/s1600/IMG_0546.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIxSwWdlHZI/AAAAAAAAR4Y/PlV3p53m7Tg/s400/IMG_0546.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515874634238860690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Big Sur coastline - Highway 1</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The first two campgrounds we came to are located just off Highway 1 and offer the quintessential Big Sur camp experience. Lush vegetation and trees surround with just a short hike down to the rocky beaches. The first one we came to was full up, but we drove through for a look around anyway. It had a very weird commune sort of vibe to it and very little privacy between the closely-spaced campsites. We figured we were better off elsewhere and drove a couple miles up the road to the next campground, Kirk Creek. Now <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> campground was what we were looking for, but unfortunately full as well. Located on a bluff a couple hundred feet above the ocean, every one of the 30-some sites has an unobstructed ocean view, as well as a great view of the green hills to the east. This was where we wanted to be.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately it was not where we were <span style="font-style: italic;">to</span> be, so we moved along once again. I was fairly certain the last campground would have available sites as there looked to be many unreserved according to the world wide web and the Yelp! reviews were less than impressive (complaints of bugs - which I didn't believe - and a <span style="font-style: italic;">windy</span> road - oh no!). Well the road was a little windy (go figure, a windy road in the wilderness), enough so to make Kelsey a little queasy, but we did find about three empty campsites when we finally made it in. Of course, two of these were "closed" due to bees, and the third was in a very open, hot location. One of the bee sites didn't seem too bad, so we figured we'd give it a try for at least a night. The campground host assured us that if we avoided their "flight path" that we'd probably be fine.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And we were fine; the bees were mainly in a tree nearby, and by the time we got settled, they were more or less inactive for the rest of the night. So we made our dinner and sat around the fire to enjoy the night.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIxZQVPazRI/AAAAAAAAR4g/04BoSaqjggw/s1600/pano1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 136px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIxZQVPazRI/AAAAAAAAR4g/04BoSaqjggw/s400/pano1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515881780736609554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">windy road to Ponderosa Campground<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIxZe8tIyyI/AAAAAAAAR4o/rTaJiWsu_Os/s1600/IMG_0345.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIxZe8tIyyI/AAAAAAAAR4o/rTaJiWsu_Os/s400/IMG_0345.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515882031848409890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the "bee camp"<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As we were engaging in said fireside night enjoyment, the couple from the next campsite were passed by with their dog. The four of us (five if you count the dog) ended up talking for a bit, and we invited them to bring their camp chairs over for a bit. Turns out they were really nice and we had a lot in common (really nice being only one commonality). Plus they had a really nice dog, which is all that really mattered to Kelsey.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The next morning we woke up to the morning sun and the sound of chirping... wait,... <span style="font-style: italic;">buzzing</span>... bees. We fixed some breakfast quickly, but as we sit there eating the buzzing got louder, and the other bugs (I'm assuming those of Yelp! fame) started to show up too. With the campsite starting to warm up as well, we figured we should head down to the coastal campgrounds and see if we could luck into a spot, and if we couldn't pack up and head back to SLO.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We drove the 12 miles of turns and hills down to Kirk Creek, and checked all the campsites. According to the campground host, there were a few that opened up that morning, but it seems at 9am we weren't the early birds. So back up to Ponderosa to pack our things and head south. On the way back up, we passed our friends from the night before (Andrew, Brittany, and Rugby) who waved us over. Turns out they had been down to Kirk Creek about 45 minutes before us and claimed one of the open sites. Then they very graciously invited us to share their campsite. Kelsey and I jumped at the offer.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We parted there, they heading down the mountain to unload at the new camp, and we up to pack up our things at the beehive... which we did as quickly as I've ever cleaned camp before. Due in no small part to Kelsey being "over it." Actually she was so motivated I think she carried every heavy item up to the truck while I fiddled with the tent and sleeping bags.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As soon as we got the truck back onto the road to the coast Kelsey's spirits lifted. Mine did too, as we were really excited for oceanside camping. We pulled into the campsite drive in front of Andrew and Brittany and unloaded our things. Kelsey fixed lunch while I set up.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz3zMsOSuI/AAAAAAAAR4w/YyfKdOXphf4/s1600/pano7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 70px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz3zMsOSuI/AAAAAAAAR4w/YyfKdOXphf4/s400/pano7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516056102574115554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">western view from camp<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz4PmhqpRI/AAAAAAAAR44/2-QILe1W19A/s1600/pano8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 73px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz4PmhqpRI/AAAAAAAAR44/2-QILe1W19A/s400/pano8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516056590545495314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">view to the east from camp<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz4gOCne4I/AAAAAAAAR5A/x688TC5e534/s1600/IMG_0290.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz4gOCne4I/AAAAAAAAR5A/x688TC5e534/s400/IMG_0290.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516056876030589826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">"forget the views, I'm just glad to see Rugby again," says Kelsey<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After a quick lunch and many "thank yous" to our hosts, we all hiked the path down to the ocean to play. It was a short but pretty hike along a creek canyon leading out to the ocean. Flowers and green leaves lined both sides of the trail, finally dropping us onto the rocky coastline. We spent a couple hours or so climbing around the rocks and taking pictures. All Rugby wanted to do was play in the water. Eventually Andrew and I joined him, wading up to our knees and throwing water over our heads. Rugby must have had a heater tucked under all that fur because that water was <span style="font-style: italic;">COLD</span>! I am not exaggerating when I say that a few seconds in the water at a time was all I could stand. It literally made my bones ache. But at the same time, very refreshing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz6u0WgBFI/AAAAAAAAR5I/jqoFFLPn7qg/s1600/IMG_0451.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz6u0WgBFI/AAAAAAAAR5I/jqoFFLPn7qg/s400/IMG_0451.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516059325855958098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the gang playing on the rocks<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz691lRK3I/AAAAAAAAR5Q/ds8QjraMevE/s1600/IMG_0243.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz691lRK3I/AAAAAAAAR5Q/ds8QjraMevE/s400/IMG_0243.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516059583884372850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">one of us is enjoying this a little more<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz7NPYTMOI/AAAAAAAAR5Y/brlT3VYz3fw/s1600/IMG_0542.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz7NPYTMOI/AAAAAAAAR5Y/brlT3VYz3fw/s400/IMG_0542.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516059848507338978" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">ocean trail<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When play time was over, we hiked back up the trail to camp and relaxed for the remainder of the day. We sat around talking, taking pictures, and playing with Rugby. With Kelsey's help I finally managed to get some camp potatoes to turn out pretty good. We ate dinner watching the sunset. We even got a visit from a "lost" surfer. It was about 3 minutes into the conversation that he realized we weren't his camp mates, and it wasn't, in fact, his campsite. Then he took a couple grapes and continued on his way. Pretty much everything you could ask for in Big Sur camping. Amazingly, there weren't any clouds or fog to move in all night. I woke up at around 3am to use the bathroom, and the moon was sitting out over the ocean alone, reflecting for miles of the water.<br /></div><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14890445" frameborder="0" height="300" width="400"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/14890445">Big Sur Time Lapse 1</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1657775">Ryan Tuttle</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">a time lapse movie i made at our campsite</span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Kelsey and I packed up early the next morning, as we had to be in Ventura for a wedding (and would require a considerable amount of cleaning up). We thanked Andrew and Brittany again, and Kelsey said her goodbyes with Rugby. We traveled back down Highway 1, stopping in Cambria for breakfast, and at the Hearst Castle parking lot to unload some trash. We saw the elephant seals lie on the beach lazily, then continued on to the wedding, satisfied with our trip.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz_LGHtAyI/AAAAAAAAR5g/bLbshXIbK2M/s1600/IMG_1127.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz_LGHtAyI/AAAAAAAAR5g/bLbshXIbK2M/s400/IMG_1127.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516064209708581666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Kelsey scared the seal off<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I can with all sincerity say that it was worth the wait. Kelsey is no doubt a great camping partner. And I look forward to all of our adventures to come.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz_asZwp5I/AAAAAAAAR5o/lMqjoq0MRrE/s1600/IMG_0176.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TIz_asZwp5I/AAAAAAAAR5o/lMqjoq0MRrE/s400/IMG_0176.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516064477682902930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">camping grade: A+<br /></span></div><br /><br />More <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157624935479476/with/4981172864/">pics</a>.Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-62304643807699904492010-08-31T21:55:00.000-07:002010-08-31T22:17:18.955-07:00Just Kickin' It<div style="text-align: justify;">Usually when Kelsey and I get together - whether it be out here in LA or back home again in Indiana (go ahead sing along) or some other place in these here United States - we tend to pack in the fun. Which leaves us both completely wiped out afterward. But this visit by Kelsey was supposed to be all about a relaxing time, just hanging out, being normal and not running around constantly.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I think we tried that for a while, but then Kelsey realized this meant sitting through my movie recommendations (and Shaun Of the Dead is a great movie, by the way) and so we ended up doing a bunch of stuff anyway. Actually the first few nights were pretty relaxed (actually really relaxed for Kelsey but I had to work during the day like a sucker), we just had dinner around town (Kelsey's first trip to Richmond St. for the peanut butter bacon burger - I had a salad) or fixed it ourselves (Kelsey's self).<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TH3gVvN-8RI/AAAAAAAAR3Y/-snnmbON6RA/s1600/IMG_1175.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TH3gVvN-8RI/AAAAAAAAR3Y/-snnmbON6RA/s400/IMG_1175.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511808183028347154" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">soooo good<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Then at midweek things started to get a little busier. Wednesday night we met up with Kelsey's friend Justin (okay, my friend too) at one of my favorite joints, Father's Office, for beers and the famous Office Burger and fries (the regular non-sweet potato variety for me). I don't know about everyone else (okay maybe I do), but I had a really great time. And Kelsey and I got to try out the LA Metro a little more taking the Big Blue Bus up to Santa Monica.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The next night (Thursday if you're following along) we met up with <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> friend Justin (okay Kelsey's friend too) and his girlfriend Jillian (okay she's my/our friend as well) for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. It was, um, <span style="font-style: italic;">interesting</span> hanging out with them as always. Just kidding, I had a lot of fun, it's just the conversation seems to go some awfully odd places when we get together. We tried to make it to a movie at the "sexy theater" but we all were kinda beat and had to be up early the next morning, so that didn't happen. Another time perhaps.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TH3hP2svQ5I/AAAAAAAAR3g/jN6Nbx8KJkw/s1600/IMG_0213.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TH3hP2svQ5I/AAAAAAAAR3g/jN6Nbx8KJkw/s400/IMG_0213.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511809181468803986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">see? doesn't this conversation look interesting?<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The reason Kelsey and I had to get up early the next morning was for our camping trip which will be in the next post.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And I do believe I set a personal best for parenthetical insertions in this post. I hope you enjoyed it.<br /></div><br />(A few) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157624853512400/">more pics</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TH3hfyECmQI/AAAAAAAAR3o/WAtIVjVE51A/s1600/IMG_0169.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/TH3hfyECmQI/AAAAAAAAR3o/WAtIVjVE51A/s400/IMG_0169.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511809455102269698" border="0" /></a>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690536538687508869.post-76939026101436948392010-08-30T21:33:00.000-07:002010-08-30T21:45:12.809-07:00School's Out For Summer!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">Well at least for a week or so anyway. Kelsey had a little time off between the second summer session and the fall semester, and I wanted her to come out and go to a wedding with me, so she was out here for about ten days the week before last. We took it pretty easy the first weekend she was here (I'll post about the second weekend later on), and part of that taking it easy was an afternoon at Bolsa Chica with The Pilgrims and The Mellquists. We did a little bonfiring and some weenie roasting. Matt and Kelsey did a little surfing. A pretty fun time was had by all as one might expect at a beach bonfire. I'm pretty tired so this is all you get tonight. I'll do better next time.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/THyH5g183TI/AAAAAAAAR3A/FbHJycJU-zo/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 202px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/THyH5g183TI/AAAAAAAAR3A/FbHJycJU-zo/s400/IMG_0036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511429466133159218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the lineup was filled with hooligans that day<br /><br /><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/THyIHHA_RrI/AAAAAAAAR3I/_HbVENoKZ4o/s1600/IMG_0056+-+Version+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/THyIHHA_RrI/AAAAAAAAR3I/_HbVENoKZ4o/s400/IMG_0056+-+Version+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511429699718301362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Matt has yet to explain the finger licking<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/THyIROaoszI/AAAAAAAAR3Q/QA-WK7OegiI/s1600/IMG_0116.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V5Lr7TKUwrA/THyIROaoszI/AAAAAAAAR3Q/QA-WK7OegiI/s400/IMG_0116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511429873503613746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Paddle! Paddle! Paddle!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanetuttle/sets/72157624845820838/">More pics.</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05965406012674561534noreply@blogger.com1