Snow in Eagle Valley

The first winter storm has settled into Eagle Valley (name of valley Carson City sits in). On my way into work this morning, I couldn't help but pull over to the side of the road and take this picture. It's still snowing a little, not much is laying for long. The higher moutains, I'm sure, are coated...I just can't see them yet since they're still in the clouds!

Just a little snow on the Virginia Range to the north of Carson City.

Thanksgiving with the Huntington's

Since I left Butler in 1999 I've spent Thanksgiving with many different people, but this year I spent it with the Huntington's. We all helped to make a fantastic meal that sucessfully stuffed me to my seams. I plan on eating some more here in a little bit for lunch!

Justin shows off his carved turkey!

Mrs. Huntington and Justin make the gravy.

I hope whoever you were with and where-ever you were, that you all had a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving.

Award winning Thanksgiving dessert

We had a "TurkeyFest 2006" potluck dinner at work last week. I made a pumpkin trifle...I won first place in the dessert category!! Tomorrow I'll try my hand at making my first ever pumpkin pie. It seems like it will be easier than the trifle!

Justin's parents are driving up today and we'll all be making a grand feast tomorrow. Then it's back to work on Friday...do most of you all have Friday off as a paid holiday? All the state workers around here do, they call it "family day". I suppose I can't complain too much...the new director of the USGS gave us all a 2 hour early dismissal today! hahaha

HAPPY TURKEY DAY TO ALL!

Justin's Fieldwork at Tahoe

Sunday Justin, Willy & I did a round of fieldwork up at Tahoe. It was pretty chilly up on top!

Willy & I up near the Mt. Rose ski area.

Blurry pic, but it's still cool. Willy was carefully trying to make is way back across Incline Creek.

Shut up and SING!

So the Dixie Chicks concert was a BLAST! The live show sounded better than their CD's, I think. Except for some bitchy ladies behind up and a drunk one in front, it couldn't have been better!

This is Anna and Sooz on the way to the concert.

It was a bummer the show wasn't sold out. I guess some people still don't like them because of the whole London incident. People have a right to free speech! Anyway, a number of songs on the new album "Taking the Long Way Around" addresses what happened and I guess The Chicks released a documentary about the whole thing last Friday. A few comments/stage lighting tricks lured to it at the concert, as well.

Random updates

After work tonight I'll be heading to Reno to meet some girlfriends. We're driving to Sacramento for the Dixie Chicks "accidents and accusations tour!! Woohoo!!

In other news, after getting a Carson City library card, I realized I can use the internet at the library!! At least I can sort of keep up with other peoples blogs if I go to the library once a week. Really, I think I should go to the library once a week anyway. I think a lot of people would be better off if they went to the library once a week. Don't you think?

Drag Races, Day 2: Finals

I'd come back to the drag races sooner or later. Although I was told to wait until I got approval for which pictures to post, but I'm tired of waiting, so you'll get my choice of pictures. I don't know how to post video clips, unfortunatly, because I have quite a few. But here's the pics:

"The Strip"

Under the awnning of a tractor trailor, working on a top fuel car. Crazy that all the stuff you see comes in the truck. The cars travel in a compartment in the upper (meaning vertical) area of the truck.

"The Sarge"--nickname of the driver.

Warming up the tires.

Riding a Harley!

This one is for you, Luke!

Justin's dream Harley!

And last, but not least, hanging out with some of the luxury campers!

Happy belated Halloween & 100th post

I've made it to 100!! Still can't see anything I post or read any comments, but I'm still posting!

Just a belated Happy Halloween! My ghosts on the new shelves inside the front door. :o)

Since when are black bears brown?

In the most recent USGS newsletter and familiar photograph was given a new twist. Back in July I had a post about my work I did in Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks. An article was written for the newsletter about that trip with this picture with it...

I found out that the bears Mike and I did see were actually black bears. It looked like really shaggy brown fur to me. Can black bears really have brown fur?