My Guts Go Nuts On Cronuts

A few weeks ago we won the lottery. That is to say that after three weeks of trying we finally got thru to the Dominique Ansel bakery and got us some cronuts. I've never had to schedule a baked good before, nonetheless drive two hours to actually get it.

It was totally worth it

This is the line I didn't have to wait in

There they, are in all their coconut-y glory

I had to stop Laura from licking the box

I ate two right off

I led a little treasure hunt thru the city, of which the reward was the prize, but when I ran into Greg I just gave it to him

After a little thunderstorm came out of nowhere, basically cancelling our day in the city, we headed over to IKEA and got some ideas for all this home remodeling. Yuula ride me the whole time so, that was fun.

I have just the place for this

On the ride home I ate the final cronut, since they only have an 8 hour shelflife, and shed a single tear as the final flaky morsel dissolved in my mouth, knowing full well I will probably ne'ev gain dine on such a delectable confection. That is until I start making calls this Monday. September's flavor is figgy marscapone!

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.

Yuula Meets The Rabble

These photos are from May, when we stopped by spring training on our way home from Ohio. I put them aside and then forgot to post them. Whoops. When better than when I'm at a loss for interesting content.

Yuula met the old gang. She liked most of them.


She doesn't get the iPad either.


Right after this picture was taken Greg trampled those mellophones behind him.


Yuula loves her girlfriends like Abby.


Always great to see Curtis.


Yuula made some friends and exchanged a few numbers.

Good times. We may see some of them again in August if we can make it out to a local show.

On The Outside Now

Black & white seemed appropriate.

Just Visiting

Caravans rolled into town this weekend, carrying all sorts of dancers and buglers and drummer boys. Laura and I thought we'd go see what all the fuss was about.



I took to the field like a fish. Tho I barely knew 1/4 of the kids, it still felt the same, and looked the same and smelled the same, and tho I was savoring my Taco Bell linger, I found that it even tasted the same. They're in the home stretch now, so things are coming together. Makes for a good time to visit. Usually spirits are up and enthusiasm, for whatever it may be, is high. Usually.



Laura hasn't seen the sun much this summer so it missed her and got to her fast. Wasn't long before baby belly had to put her baby belly back into some AC, so we drove around the neighborhood a bit, visiting yardsales and antique stores, but not finding much of anything worth something. Nothing in other words. Our search criteria has changed as we used to look for odd knick knacks or oversized furniture, and now we look for dolls & wood blocks. Funny how that happens.




Our buddy our pal Eric came by the rehearsal. We caught up with him. Glad to hear he's finally making some dough off his photography talents. Can't help but feel we got him into a pickle there. He filled us in on all his goings-ons, like his new clothing line and his new fish-eye lens and his new moving to Onset and his plans beyond that. He's always got adventures going on, and next weekend they'll be going on at our house.



We took Greg & Daniel to the CiCi's in Allentown. Laura has been literally dying for a pizza buffet since we moved up here. I admit, I missed that macaroni & cheese pizza too, and the cinnamon buns were better than I remembered, which is why I had about 6. Hey! It took us 3 years to get there once. Could be another 3 before we go again. Gotta get while ya can.

Then off to the show, where everyone had something to do and somewhere to be, except us. As it should be. We wandered around and tried to stay out of the way and played fly on the wall. Oh the drama.



Nice to see everyone. Old friends on new paths. Got the dream team together for a commemorative photo. We got stories. This one's going in the album.