Dangerous Chinese

Dined Like Asian Kings

We planned to have some pizza for dinner, but all along Laura knew she was going to subtly drop a hint about that new Chinese Buffet down the road and how "we haven't been able to check that out yet". Not subtle at all actually. But pregnant lady gets what pregnant lady wants so off to Royal Asian Buffet to load up on some MSG - My Sick Gut.

Can you guess whose plate that was?

Horns In Storms

Such is life. Last year we didn't even make it to a field when the rain spoiled the party. This year we had a sunny shine day only to be followed by torrential bouts of pummeling rain. At least we stayed undercover save only a slightly manic dash from our princess parking to the secret gate, but the heavy rains and us carrying a toddler probably aided in the security not noticing that we were flashing faux credentials that pretty much got us anywhere we wanted in the building. Good thing these guys aren't head of security for something that really matters.

Anyhow, onto our (now) annual drum and bugle outing...

We showed up with perfect timing (lunchtime) so we could immediately begin greeting all the old acquaintances with no awkward waving from afar. Unfortunately, as is always the case, rehearsal started up again very quickly and Yuula had her first taste of up close and personal professional flagging.

I think she liked it.

We took to the field shortly after a brief stint in the field level Toyota suites for some catching up with the Pittman's. Once we were front field I may or may not have made a few adjustments to the program. We'll see how it goes.

She sits where where Victor Cruz salsas

Immediately after ensemble we retreated to the Pittman RV for the AC had been pumping and it was the only choice. A decision to dine on traditional Chinese food was made so we filled up the van with Daniel, Eric and JP Pittman himself and ventured out to find the only place within 100 miles that had more than 1 star rating. It was not easy

But we did, and crab rangoon for all, along with Yuula's first platter of lo mein, which she barely touched. She was sticking to her bottle for now.

Got back to the stadium in the pouring rain and not a soul found outside of shelter. We got into the stadium and must've asked at least 20 "guides" where the Cadet alumni gathering was taking place, even giving clues as to it being in a "west hall" somewhere and everyone looked at us like we were morons. Finally arriving at the 50 yard field level suite called THE WEST HALL (c'mon people) we immediately reunited with the likes of which have not been seen in some time. Photos were taken.

Yuula played bunny catch with Jonathan and some DCI judging elite.

They do have a soft side.

Then we kicked back in our air conditioned booth away from the rain and the humidity. It had to be done.

I think Yuula had more fans than the Cavaliers last night.

Good times folks. See ya next year, and not a moment sooner.

A Whole New Tater

2009 was year of the tater tot casserole. We averaged about one a week, and with leftovers, I'd say we ate tater tot casserole 250 out of 365 days this year.

Champion-

A Brisk Brush Of Brust

Like the peridodic rise and fall of the ocean tide, Eric Brust washes up on our shore. This time it was off the coast of Shanghai. We dined.





Continuing his similitude with the ocean tide, Eric leaves us with breathtaking images, this time courtesy of his new Nikon D60 10.2MP digital SLR camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S zoom lens. The tide should be so lucky.











And since we overcompensated while purchasing baking goods to prepare for holiday celebration, we made cookies.











Like the periodic rise and fall of ocean tide, Eric Brust washes up on our shore. Maybe we are the Moon, using our gravitational pull to attract him. Maybe it's our hearts that wax and wane.

Chinese, Unisphere & The Like

Since the traffic outside Shea is notoriously bad, we decided to show up for the game a little early the other day, park, and take the opportunity to explore the area a bit. We were hungry and I thought Fran may get a kick out of the old grounds of the Worlds Fair. So after a quick detour thru the "Iron Triangle" (think over 250 body shops crammed in one 2-block radius greatly resembling the streets of a third world war-torn country; Charming) we decided to park the car and head to the streets.




We headed down Roosevelt Avenue under the LIRR tracks in search of foods. I have a fondness for the meshing of metal & nature so I snapped a few nifty shots, or what I think are nifty shots. You make not think them too nifty. Nifty.




After passing a few blocks full of signs that were I believe in Korean (we couldn't tell if they were restaurants or laundromats or what) we spotted like an oasis coming into focus from across a barren desert none other but the New King House Chinese Restaurant. This was to be the high point of the day.




We also discovered how the inhabitants of Queens dispose of their garbage. They don't bother with giant dumps that pollute the Earth no, they reinforce the railroad supports. How eco-friendly.



Then we got on to the heart of Flushing Meadows. First we spotted the Unisphere, a 12-story replica of the Earth. I like it.






We live here


Fran liked the gardens


We headed towards the Observation Towers but they were barricaded and you couldn't get very close. Kind of a bummer.





We started back and passed by the Rocket Thrower and wondered how he's gotten away with flicking everyone off all these years. And check out those monkey toes.





A few random shots...






So.. yeah good times.

Now... not that that particular neighborhood in Queens isn't charming in its own little way, it's just that now that we've been thru Flushing Meadows, seen the historic sights and all... let's just say that I think next time we'll sit in the traffic.