Biggest Loser Finale

Tuesday night was the season finale for the Biggest Loser. It was interesting this season because one of the contestants was from Sanford where we are moving from and one of the guys in the finale is from about 50 miles of where we are moving to in Oklahoma. It is amazing watching these very overweight individuals melt away the pounds through 8 hrs a day of hard exercise and minimal eating. To celebrate the season finale I tried a local drive in that has been in operation since 1948 called George's Drive Inn. They are known for the burgers. I have to admit it was one of the best, reminded me of the burgers Granny used to make at the Tasty Cream in Friona. I also tried the Frito Pie, it was not near as good. Though this picture looks like a 2000 calorie meal that is a slap in the face of the Biggest Loser, the reality is I ate a couple bites of the Frito Pie and less than a half of the burger - still probably more calories than they get in an entire day.

Can you identify this bird?

Not sure what this breed of bird is but they are all over the place here in Oklahoma. They are funny birds that will run in front of you if walking or running. When you stop they stop, and they travel in front of you at about the same speed you are going. They only fly away if you make sudden movements. When your all alone in a new place its the little things that get your interest!

Lizzy is family too

Going through the pictures I brought with me to Durant and found this one of Lizzy our Laboradoodle (half lab half standard poodle). She is as much a part of the family as any of us.

Evolution of movie rentals

I decided I was going to rent a movie today and went to the local rental place. I was welcomed by a sign that said no rentals, everything for sale. The cashier told me that both them and Blockbuster were going out of business due to Redbox and Netflix. This same thing happened about 2 months ago in North Carolina. Redbox is a self-serve kiosk that you rent movies for $1 per day, Netflix is a mail service that you have a monthly fee, choose your movies online and they mail them to you. We have tried both and like Redbox best as long as there is a convenient Kiosk. In Durant the only one in town right now is at Walmart. Guess I will stick with cable TV for now.

Rough start to the day

Started the day off by passing a kidney stone (#12 that I have passed) not that I am counting. Luckily it only took a couple of hours to pass. Feels like another may be brewing - hopefully will pass before I go back to work tomorrow.

Evening visitors

Each evening when I get home to my temporary digs (the RV) I am welcomed by the neighbors horses. Ther are 4 in total, all look better taken care of than many folk's children! I have enjoyed sitting in the lawn as the sun goes down as they feed in a clover covered pasture. It is very calming watching them roam through the pasture with the only care being which plant to eat. Thusfar these horses seem like pets but based on the implements that are on the property I'm guessing they are used in the rodeo. The local school of higher education Southeastern Oklahoma State University has a rodeo program that I hear is pretty good. I look forward to following them and hopefully taking in some of the events. So far Oklahoma is turning out OK. I just can't wait for the family to join me!

Stay off the roads if you can!

Hard to believe that B and I have a 16 year old daughter! Chelsea takes her driving test July 8th and assuming she passes will be cut loose on the open roads. HIDE IF YOU CAN! Actually she is turning into a pretty good driver. North Carolina requires new drivers to drive for 1 year with a learners permit before they can take their test and get a license to drive alone. Initially I was put out with this rule but have come to decide it is a good rule to follow. For one thing it forces you to spend adequate time practicing, the second and equally important is you don't have to add them to your insurance until that year is over - result is a total savings of $130/month. I'm considering keeping her in a learners status til she gets married to someone who can afford her.

Camp time

Kevin and Matthew are getting ready for Boy Scout camp. This Matthew's first year and I have no doubt he will do fine. Kevin on the other hand is an old pro now at Scout camp. He had gotten a job at Camp Durant this summer as a CIT but due to the move he had to make a tough decision. Either work at camp or go on a backpacking trip with me on the AT trail, unfortunately could not do both. He chose the AT (I did not sway him either way but am glad he chose the AT so I could go). Next week he gets his Life Rank and all he lacks is a couple of merit badges and his Eagle project. I could not be more proud!

Missing B

Worst part of this move is being away from B and the kids. The kids are always off doing something with friends but B and I go together like peas and carrots. We are 4 days apart - its going to be a long 7 weeks!

Hiking Red Rock Canyon

B and me went hiking at Red Rock Canyon which is north of Las Vegas. It was another great place that I recommend spending the day. It if pretty in a desert and rock kind of way. We had plans of hiking 10 miles and made it about 2. Terrain is very rocky and unstable, altitude was too high, it was too hot ..... but really we were having too much fun with the Vegas night life and 10 miles the next morning just was not in the cards!

Backpacking at Ravenrock

Matthew and I on our first backpacking trip at Raven Rock State Park outside of Lillington, North Carolina. Matthew was a trooper and we went 5 miles without one complaint. He was carrying about 25 pounds which is about a quarter his body weight. Raven Rock is great park with hiking, primitive camping, picnicing etc. They have just completed the new ranger station which is really nice and of course "green" construction. Highly recommend a day trip if you are in the area.

First Day

I survived my first day of my new job in Durant Oklahoma. Other than the normal anxiety of a new job it went very well. Everyone is very friendly and helpful to the new guy. I look forward to the challenges of a new company, hospital, and town. B and the kids will not be here until early July (which is an eternity away!) but I think they will like our new home. For now I am living in the RV at the KOA across the street from the new Casino. I tried out the casino fitness center this evening which is included with the KOA. Wow, what a setup. More on that later. Adios.