Daylight Savings!

Spring is right around the corner, and I think we can all be thankful for that. I know TJ is happy to get outdoors and start planting.

We have just tiny remnants of snow remaining, but that hasn't stopped the spring bloomers from forcing their way out. The rumor is that we hit 63 degrees today, so take that winter!

Glad to see our sedums return. We must have done something right last year. Who knew that they returned like this, below? Noted for next year.

TJ took one last opportunity to cherish the snow, because of all the spaces in the yard to relax, this is the one he chose.

What do you want to watch on TV, Pickles?

Usually when we watch television, this is the most common place you will find Pickles. She likes to sit on the top of the couch, near the lamp, above where the furnace vent is located. If Nicole could lay there too, she would.

Here is another location. Where the previous picture has "Go Away!" written all over it, this pose tells us that she wants to play, get brushed, or that she wants to watch Half Baked.
Even when on a lap, she has never taken an interest on anything on the television. That was always the case, until we watched the hummingbird documentary.
Check out the cat. She is into this bird!
TJ knew all along that Pickles liked this kind of thing and was quick to remind us. We will listen next time for certain.

Take some time to watch the film. It is Pickles approved.

Everyone loves Lobster

This winter drove the Johnson family a little bonkers. It was long, dreary, and brought us nearly to insanity. It got so bad that I was drawn to the Michaels craft department and picked out a wooden assemble-yourself lobster. I had a lot of red paint already and the kit only cost $1, which only left time to waste. I painted all the pieces while watching Mason Jennings' road documentary, Use Your Van. Mason seemed desperate to quit touring and actually make some money, his new bassist was/probably still is an attention whore, and they attempted a lot of forced comedy. I will never care about Mason again unless Robert Skoro is allowed to return. Mark my words! Mason Jennings is dead to me and only the healing waters of Robert Skoro can bring him from the grave.

Back to the lobster.......

TJ watched in awe as his master became the master of crafts.
Assembly with glue came about a week later. Alcohol required.

Everyone has taken to Lobster. Pickles likes to look into his eyes.

TJ loves him so much he wants to destroy him.
It took some time, but even Nicole is getting used to having Lobster help around the house. What a miracle!

Lobster Johnson arrived 2/10/2010 at 0 lbs 10 oz and is 14 inches long.

A-ROAR-AAAA

A recent trip to Aurora for a visit with the Mattson family offered experiences never to be forgotten. Adam was able to finally cross off number #23 on his bucket list by walking two dogs at the SAME TIME! I guess it's time to move #24 up the list. Prepare to die, cast of Two and a Half Men.

Nicole took careful notes to help Maarit as she worked on new material for her one-woman show, Hopticop, My Hopticop . Previews begin next week. TJ spent a lot of time with Maarit.
It might have been her good hugs.
Or it could have been her sweet kisses.
Or is it possible that they have a common interest in being set free from their parents?
The likely reason that TJ was so close to Maarit was her Dino. Never before has a prize tempted Theodore Junior with such intensity. Maarit was not the best trainer, but then Nicole and Adam are not either. Maarit would regularly hand her Dino to TJ, who would attempt to quickly find a nice place to chew. He didn't get very much time before Adam would ruin all his fun.
Maybe someday you can have the Dino, but for now, Jr, you'll just have to accept the hugs and kisses.

Dear Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

Dear Silent Hill: Shattered Memories,

You are the first scary game that I have ever played and even though I was terrified throughout, I don't know know if I will ever play a game as thoughtful. I cycled between fear, confusion, frustration, and the guilt over the the inability to find a loved one. All which made me feel unsettled.

This genre is so different because in most games you play a someone superhuman, who can take down entire armies. In your game, I couldn't fight the monsters and my only defense was to run away. Even when I threw them off my back, I was weakened to the point of limping. That's a very humbling experience. And that it's that sense of vulnerability which makes you a great game. It's refreshing to have a game that cares so much for the story that it doesn't try to add worthless filler or actions in order to keep me interested.

This is one of the best games I have ever played and it completely changed the way I look at games.

Enjoy Cincinnati, OH.

The Cowboy Way

Winter in South Dakota must mean it is time for my sister's wedding. The weather was perfect and all of the family was able to make it to Mitchell for the event. TJ even got in on some fun by removing all dead rabbits from the yard and confirming that the barn was ninja-free. Thanks for the help, Junior!

TJ found some time to run wild with Tucker, but was unable to attend most of the wedding events.
Per federal wedding regulations, the rehearsal was held on Friday evening. As you can clearly see, Sarah and Travis were ready to go and Mark was in no way distracted by small children.
During the formal picture taking on Saturday, I had some fun activating the remote lighting. That may look like Jesus on the left side of this picture, but it might also have been Adam messing up the professional photography. I will accept calls from the Vatican if interested in the purchase of this picture for miracle confirmation.
When you attend a western wedding, it is important to bring your fencing pliers and pliers holster just in case the crowd gets a little aggressive and you need to hold them back.
Nicole and the other of the bridesmaids all looked beautiful in their dresses. Nicole put in a special effort by wearing the greatest joy in her life, her cowboy boots.
The reception was held in the old high school gym at the Mount Vernon high school and couldn't have been decorated more beautifully. It was a memorable time for the entire family and kicked off the start of a great marriage.

Congrats to Sarah and Travis. May you have as happy of a life together as Nicole and I do.

The Pink Panther