Alex Haley has nothing on these

My Alaskan Roots

Thought I'd share some family pics that Monika forwarded to me. These are from a family reunion up in Big Lake, Alaska a few months ago. If only these pics could do my family justice.

Good ole Grandpa Smith and Uncle Calvin.

Joe and me, two relatively adjusted smiths, and then there's cousin Blaine.

And back to "normal."

My cousin Monika taking a moment to relish her genes. (With gramps.)

My mother and her brother. (Uncle Matt, aka Master of Puns)

I might have mentioned, her brother and tormentor.

Some things I have learned

I have learned many things these last few weeks. For example, Blogger is the 12th most visited website in the U.S., right behind Craigslist.

But today I learned that 86 degrees with an ever-so-slight breeze is about the best motorcycle riding conditions that one could ask for. Perfection.

global warming my eye

So first off, I must apologize for my lack of blogging this July. I guess I have been away a lot. And maybe just lazy.

Second off, whatever happened to Global Warming? I was looking forward to that. I like warm weather and Lord knows Washington could use some more of it. So whuddaya know, this summer finally rolls around (after a freezing cold and way too long winter) in the middle of this global warming "crisis," and it's like the coldest summer I can remember. I was just at Creation in eastern Wa where it is normally so hot your face melts if you go outside and the weather was barely in the 80's. Then I come back to a wet and cool Seattle. It's the summer--I shouldn't have to wake up each morning and wonder if I should wear shorts or not. Maybe global warming isn't kicking in until the fall, in which case October better be blazing hot. It is afterall my birthday month.

sunburns, sandals, and workin' on the gut

My favorite thing about summer, besides the weather, is having barbecues with friends. Going to baseball games comes in a close second. A day where we could have a big ol' barbecue and then all go to a Mariners game constitutes a perfect summer day. For my friends and me, a barbecue consists of a few things. Namely grilling some burgers, brats, or dogs, washing that down with a cold beverage of choice, and then playing wiffleball or lawn games. And by lawn games I mean "Holey Boards," (also called washers) which is the king of all lawn games. It has everything you could want in a game: physical skill, strategy, defense, teamwork, do-or-die situations, and down to the wire, nail biting, gut wrenching excitement. (Official Site)

That is one thing I hope not to grow out of. It definitely makes me sad that Jason (my holey board teammate) and Bobby (my holey board nemisis) will be gone for the summer, making that tradition a little harder to uphold. But nevertheless I can't wait for summer and can only hope for an abundance of BBQs, competitive lawn games, and America's favorite pastime. Bring on the sun.

Next blog: the problem with commas. (The punctuation, not prolonged unconsciousness)