Hawaii 28, Nevada 26 Final

It's been a while eh? Oh well, lets get to business. While Spunky-K was getting her hair done at the cheap-high-end (performed by students so it’s very in-expensive) salon across from Cooley, and while Banana was still sleeping,
DLM and RJ get pumped up for the game, and through the power of ESPN and a video recorder, took a quick trip back home to Reno. Remember when those tiger design hats were cool? (Spunk-K says they never were) The good ol'(newest) Reno Arch.Ah to back in Mackay Stadium! (I can see LKD’s and my seat!)Brett Jaekle 41 Yd You can see the ball just about to go through the uprights.
Colin Kaepernick 3 Yd Run (Brett Jaekle Kick) This gave us our first lead of the game.I can hear Petula Clark singing now….Well, it’s back to reality. Second heartbreaking loss we’ve been able to see from here. (The first was that 4OT 69-67 loss to Boise) As painful as the loss was, it was sure great to be home for a few hours. I was bummed I didn’t see anybody I know at the game.
Bye-fer-now, I’ll try to update sooner than later.<><

Miller Family Day

Today was Miller Family day. We all went to a baseball game. The West Michigan White Caps vs The Fort Wyane Wizzards. The Caps took it to em 10-2. Some key points of the game were,1. Real Good Seats.
2.The Balls on the way to the plate.
3.Anna makes the Play.
4.He held on to the ball (Please note futher references to this player later in the story)
5.Karena shows off her Foul Ball. (The player not seen it the previous photo do to head firsting it over the gard rail, yet still holding on to the ball for an out, was indeed the same player who hit the foul ball Karena, actually her purse caught.)
6. Daniel the only one of the Millers who the ball failed to touch during the melay to aquire a game token, was indeed the one who gets to keep the ball.
7. A view of the fild as we left.
Well thats about it.I'm glad to say we made it home safely, and as I write this entry, Student #11 is at the Library learnin' to Lawyer'n. <><

First Term Down...

...Seven left to go!!! Yes, I am officially finished with my first term of law school and it feels so good. I am on my two-week break and loving it! Of course, it is really just a week off as I start my new job tomorrow. YES, I got a job. As Randy put in the last blog update, I had an interview with a local law firm approximately two weeks ago and last Tuesday, they offered me the job! YEAH! I will be working 20 hours a week and they are willing to work around my school schedule as it changes every term. I am very excited about the job. I will be working for a firm of three attorneys in Grand Rapids. This is a satellite office for a larger office located just outside of Detroit (the other side of the state). They are trial lawyers with a wide array of experience in the areas of insurance defense, insurance coverage practice, employment, professional liability, auto negligence, property damage, product liability, workers compensation, medical malpractice, toxic tort, and appellate litigation. My position is a part-time legal secretary and the attorneys I will be working for told me that I may have an opportunity to do "paralegal" type work as well.

In addition to starting this job tomorrow, I am also working for a friend of mine this week as he is on vacation. So this will be quite a busy week and of course, I already have my first week assignments for school that I need to do as well. I guess it is a good thing that I love to be busy!

We are still waiting for our grades for my first term and I think the waiting may be more tortuous that the exams themselves...well OK, maybe not, but the waiting is hard! Knowing that the last four months of my life all come down to one three hour test. I feel really good about Contracts and the other ones, I feel good just not "really" good! I spent a total of 65 hours in the library studying the week before exams...so bottom line I feel as though I thoroughly prepared and it is now out of my hands!

The kids and I just got back from a long weekend trip to see Aunt G in Athens, OH. We all had a great trip! It was so nice to get away and spend some time with my sissy and the kids. During the last few weeks, the kids haven't seen much of me, so it was great to spend some quality time with them. And Randy, got to spend some much needed quiet time at home alone. With me spending SO much time at school for exams, he took on all the house responsibilities and kid duty for a few weeks, so he deserved it probably more than I did!

Well, I will update more after I get my grades!!!

Karena

Got me the blues so bad, I can’t sing the blues

The title to my latest song, and yes, I think it's going to be a big, big hit!
A couple of days ago Anna got to meet Ruby Bridges. She had a photo taken with her and a book signed! Go to http://www.rubybridges.com/story.htm if you don't know who Ruby is. Karena had her second final yesterday, she is doing great! Daniel is getting into quantum physics. (I’m chatting with my 9 year old about String Theory.) The dog is, well, we are so poor right now we had to…..just kidding. Though I think hot dogs sound good for lunch. Karena applied for 2 jobs last week. She had an interview yesterday before her final, and has to take a pre-hire test next week with the second. The first job is for oh, I don’t know, maybe a Group of Attorney’s, and the second is with a Insurance company (Full benefits for part time with the I.C.) Kinda sounds like they both want her! (Well duh!) I’ve been trying to get a job for 5 months now, and it looks like she will land 2 one in one week. Oh well, more content for my song. One great lesson in all this that we are hammering in on the kids….see the doors a degree opens for you! I think they get it. The weather is finally nice again. We still haven’t located our local tornado shelter yet, better do that soon. Karena is off studding her tail off. Tomorrow too, then Sunday is her final final for three months. Oh well, will update with Final results when they come in.
And now here’s the song.....By the By I started this post yesterday the 19th, that is why it doesn't match the dates in the text.



Got me the blues so bad, I can’t sing the blues.


No cash in my pocket
Just a rock in my shoe.
Call me some ol’ friends
Tell me just what to do.
All of em been there, not one is a fool.

Go open your guit-box
Georgia Saxophone
Throw a “Rent Party”
Dust my own broom
This they all told me, and I’m gonna do.

Chorus:

Call Mephis Minnie
And Magic Sam
Wait on their answer
‘Cause they got a plan
Bo Weavil Jackson, will lend me a hand

It’s all in a pickle
You gotta agree
I called Stevie Ray
he told Jimmie Lee
Furry Lewis is a fightin, Piano Red tickles keys

Chorus:

Blind Boy Fuller,
Bumble Bee Slim,
General Norman Johnson
knows the fix that I’m in
If you need a light, call Sunnyland Slim

Joe Louis Walker
Been down this road
Hound Dog Taylor
Delt a mighty load
Robert J met the devil, or so I’ve been told


Chorus:


Bull Moose Jackson
Sleepy John Estes
Honeyboy Edwards
Had a box on his knees
Hey Baby Gramps, gator dance if you please.


Now I ‘m reminded
Just across the big blue
Slow Hand & Blackmore
Beck & Page too
Gary Moore is ablazin, he still got the blues

Chorus:

Popa Chubby rocked me
Muddy Waters too
Etta James started rollin
Bob likes Barbecue
B.B. has Lucille, Cousin Joe wore no shoes

Harmonica Frank
Mighty Sam McClain
Sweet Emma Barret
Popped canned heat again
O’ Willie Dixon, done shook me again


Chorus:
Got me the blues so bad, I can’t sing the blues.
Here’s an old time saying it ain’t nothing new
Fallin’ on hard times Got to pay my dues
Got me the blues so bad, I can’t sing the blues.

Produced By; The Department of Redundancy Department Productions, 2007

It is SODA, not pop!!

This Soda has POP!
Being here in the great state of Michigan has been quite an education for this Westerner! I have already shared some of my new found knowledge, but it seems like I learn something new every day.

What did I learn this week, you ask?? Snow Tires Chains and Studded Snow Tires are ILLEGAL in Michigan. Yes, Illegal! Now, having been a driver in Nevada for 18 years, I will admit, I have only had to put chains on my car once during those 18 years while driving inside the city limits of Reno. Going over the Sierras is a different story. And since there are NO mountains in Michigan, I can sort of understand it from that angle. However, the average snowfall for Western Michigan is more than two times that of Reno. More importantly, the snow here in Michigan stays, unlike Reno, where we can get 6 inches overnight and it is gone by noon. Snow Removal's a bit behind the times in West Michigan

So wouldn't chains be helpful??? Are people just better drivers and more apt in driving in such conditions? Do more people have 4WD's here in MI? No and No! I have seen more cars in ditches and spun out on the side of the road here this winter than I ever saw in Reno. And there are FAR fewer SUVs here as well. So again, wouldn't tire chains or studded snow tires be helpful??? You need chains to drive these roads without snow!

Well, the reasoning is how bad they are for the roads. How they tear up the roads so severely! Therefore, Michiganders give up the increased traction and safer driving that tire chains would bring for the convenience and comfort of really well taken care of roads, right??? NO! The roads are in horrible condition! Potholes everywhere...(I am sure the conditions of the roads is greatly connected to the State's economy) So again, why are they illegal...I don't know!

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it's off to school we go....

A day on the town! Student #11 received some discounts to a hair salon school that just opened right across the street from Cooley. It's the equivalent of a very high end clip, and with our coupons it was $5.00 per. They start you off with an oil head massage, followed by a neck and shoulder massage. You get your hair washed, cut, rinsed, and styled. They also served beverages. It was a bang up time for 5 bucks, and we (Anna, Daniel, and RJ) walked out with a new doo (Student #11 is going to get her hair done on Tuesday). Anna and Daniel's new look.

While waiting for our hair appointments, Student #11 took us all on a tour of Thomas M. Cooley School of Law.

Last week, a water main busted in a building close to Cooley and flooded part of the library. This photo shows an area that is getting a blow dry.

As a result of said flooding the elevators were out for a period of time.This sign was a welcome sight as Student #11's classes are on the fourth floor, and her back-pack weighs about 2 stones. (A Stone weighs about 14 lbs)
Daniel, Anna, Student #11, and RJ wait for the elevator.

Daniel has once again changed his "What I wanna be when I grow up". The boy, who has inspired to be a Rock Star, Boxer, Scientist, Baseball Player, Pastor, Football Player, currently has his vocational sights set on Librarian. Here, Student #11 is showing him the school's library.

Student #11 in her seat. Yes, as you have most likely already surmised, my lovely wife is indeed "Student #11

Have you seen the new show on Channel 4 at 4 in the afternoon? "Judge Anna"

A view of our van for the third flood depository window....

A & D in Student #11's Largest Classroom.

A & D accompanied by Student #11 heading down the halls of justice.

Well, that’s about all for now, Blessings from Anna, Daniel, RJ, and "Student #11"

March of the Miller's

Nobody knows why they make the trek. Is it a need for adventure or just some deep seeded call to watch videos on what is otherwise a do-nothing, and I mean nothing day? When the Miller's arrived in Michigan, we were kind enough to bring a month of much higher than average temps. Now we are blessed enough to be experiencing the lowest temps in ten years. As you can see the Millers have just finished plumping up for the long winters trek.
And now it is time to set out for our destination. The winds of Thor are indeed blowing cold today. As we set out confusion sets in and part of our herd is deciding weather (Yes another one for JR)
to go on. Finally, the deep seeded need for a video is overtaken by the oldest pup's will of survival. She heads back alone. Now, it's all up to the Dad and Son. Cutting through the worst
thing that Old Man Winter could throw at them, they went on. Soon the destination was in sight. Barely. The Men went in and found the sustenance that would get them through the long, dark winter of the soul. The young Cub proudly shows off his kill.
Now, the journey home. After minutes of no food, and very chilly wind, our team cuts through the remaining ice fields. And look up in the distance, the ordeal is almost over. I am happy to announce that not only do the Men make it home with enough eye food to make it through to the Super Bowl, but the pup that gave up earlier did indeed make it to safety. After busting down the last icy barricade, we make it to the warmth of our den. The Old one sits in his lazyboy giving thanks to the Lord for our safe return, when he catches a glimpse of the bravest and toughest animal in the wild. Yes, neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor gloom of night shall keep the postman from his appointed rounds (The upper right hand of the photo is all the glimpse I am able to share here). But it was truly a spiritual moment to see this magnificent mammal in the wild. Well, we're gonna watch some movies now. Lots of love from RJ (The Elder), Karena (The Scholar), Anna (The Smart One), and Daniel
(The Faithful) Lord Bless and keep you warm! (Oh yeah, He already is! I hear it's gonna be a whopping 50+ in Reno-land for Super Sunday) Shouldn't Easter really be SUPER SUNDAY?<><

Kummelweck?!?!?

So I learned something new today (other than the Termination Power of Acceptance as it relates to the creation of Contracts)! I learned what Kummelweck is. So why would I want to know what Kummelweck is? Good question. Here's my story...

Buffalo Wild Wings is a chain out here. Reno actually just got one--at the new Summit Sierra Mall. Everyone should give them a try--they are wonderful. Anyway, I was informed today by my Michigander friends that no one calls Buffalo Wild Wings, Buffalo Wild Wings, they call it BeeDubs or BW3s. So I understand BeeDubs, I get that, but BW3s?? There are only 2 W's in Buffalo Wild Wings, right? So I was talking to Jen (my sissy), who was the one who got Randy hooked on the BeeDubs in the first place, and she actually knew the story behind BW3s.

So, I thought I would impart my new found knowledge... When BW3s first opened in Ohio, it was called Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck. What is WECK, you ask? Weck is short for Kummelweck. What is Kummelweck, you ask? Bonus points for anyone who actually does know what it is... Kummelweck is a german bread. A German Baker brought it over with him when he moved to Buffalo, NY and started making Beef on Weck. Very famous sandwich in Buffalo-hasn't seemed to catch on around the country so I can't imagine it is that great; however, when the Buffalo boys moved to OH and opened BeeDubs, the also served Beef on Weck, which is where the third W comes from. Hence, BW3s... Cool, huh?

I also learned that adultery in Michigan is illegal, a felony in fact. Not that I have any personal reason to worry about being charged with that--but I truly didn't realize that adultery was still a crime in certain parts of the country--of course, I am from Nevada, where paying someone for sex is not illegal!! Also, it is illegal to swear (yes, curse) around children 12 and younger. Now, I haven't read the statute (although I probably should), so I don't know the elements of the crime; however, I always thought we were being really funny by calling Lindsay (my other sissy), the bad word police. Lindsay (who is 12 years younger than I am) used to walk around when I was a teenager saying "uuuummmmm, bad word!" whenever me, Jen or one of our friends would curse. So, she got the nickname "The Bad Word Police". Who knew there actually WERE bad word police!!!

Anyway, I have officially finished my third week in law school and I am certainly busy--borderline overwhelmed! All I seem to do is study, go to class, come home, study, sleep, wake up, study, go to class...you get the picture. But that is what I am here for so... Speaking of, I am off to the library to...you guessed it, STUDY!!!

Next time I will tell you about the girl who was talking on her cell phone during my crim law class!!!

Peace and Love,

K-

Landmarks of Lowell

Roll up roll up for the Magical Mysery Tour, step right this way.....


Driving down Main Street Lowell, aka Fulton, aka Highway 21, aka The Blue HWY, yeh it's hard enough for me to learn the names of the streets, but when each street has four names, what's a poor city boy to do.....


First up The Lowell Airport. When I look at this air strip I think back to a winters day, Feb 3rd 1959, Outside of Fargo "dontyaknow".....


Here is St Mary Cemetery in Lowell. This has nothing to do with the previous section, I just know Kathy likes cemeteries. Yes I broke for it.....


Guess who I'm thinking of. The Lowell Vet's Center. It's out on S. Hudson, aka Alden Nash Ave S.E., aka HWY 50, up north it becomes N. Hudson, and Y's into Lincoln Lake Ave S.E. and Flat River Dr. S.E. Are ya gettin yer barrins yet......


The Robert E. Lee is moving just a bit slow today. So is the Flat River for that matter....


Our Street. You think all the houses in the Burbs look alike. Amidst our little cold spell, it warmed up to the mid to high 30's right after this shot, and most of the snow is gone from the street. Back to coolsvile ......


Oh well, that's all from Lo well. Karena will have a Bonus Post very soon. If not tonight,Saturday fer sure. God Bless, aka good-bye, aka good-night, aka See Ya.
Love RJ <><

Monday January 22, 2007

Deep Thoughts by Ran Dell
Not much has changed in 3 days.
The snow is a little deeper.
Karena is buried a little deeper in school work(She now types with both hands while Hi-lite'ng with her mouth.)Multi Tusking....yes that was another one for J.R. Huber..




Daniels latest favorite team
(The Colts) have made it a little deeper into the play-offs.(Actually as deep as they can go.)





Anna has what appears to be deep-seeded issues.




And yours truly, is deep in prayer that the interview I had today results in a Jay-Oh-BE.




I'm a bit perturbed at Karena's Crim-law Prof. She gets M.L.K.Jr's B-Day off but then has to make it up. (Might as well just have class that day, eh?) I expect her to be buried at school, but to make them come in on Sunday morning?!?!? Some folks out here, ourselves included, like (need) to attend church on Sunday morning. Oh, he can't force her, it's strictly voluntary, yeah right, something else is getting deeper!!! As it is, she has one Final scheduled for a Sunday. (I haven't asked her yet but I'll bet it's the same Prof. Oh well, I guess I'm done whining for now. These can't all be upbeat or they wouldn't be real.
I see up in Canada the temps are getting deeper into the 30 & 40 BELOW ZERO range. All of a sudden our 20 seems balmy. We are supposed to get clipped by the cold. New England might be the place to avoid later this week. Watched a few minutes of that silly bowling movie Bill Murray & Randy Quaid made some years back, to see Reno, if only in a B (And the B stands for Bad, and in this case, bad ain't good) movie was nice. Oh well, that's all fer now. Lord willing, I'll be tellin' ya'll about my new Job, D's new favorite Team winning the Super Bowl, Anna's therapy going well, Karena growing another arm or two, and the first buds of spring....but Me thinks I'm getting ahead of myself.
Bye-fer-now. Lots-O-Love, RJ<><
Please note: The authors use of black and white photography was intended to give this blog an artsy quality, indicating thoughts much deeper than they really run.