Blackmans on the Web (log)

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Ann, Sam and I took a long weekend a couple weeks ago and visited Alex at Tarleton (conveniently it was parents weekend) and then on to Lubbock to visit Texas Tech.

It was the first chance we’d gotten to visit Alex at the ranch since he took up residence part time (soon to be full time) in one of the trailers that Kobie Wood has on his property. It was nice to finally have a picture in our head as to where he was living. We had a nice weekend in Stephenville and Lingleville (where the ranch is located) and even went to Cowboy Church with him on Sunday in Dublin, TX.  

Sunday we drove to Lubbock for a Monday visit to Tech. LONG way out there to be sure. We’d heard about all the wind turbines that are out in that part of the state, but had never seen them. Once you get to Sweetwater, TX there were wind turbines for as far as you can see and they seem to go on forever. It was pretty amazing. Texas Tech is a big place. over 1800 acres of campus. A little too big according to Sam. But it was worth the trip.

Merlin Mann and me on the Expo floor

One of the other benefits of getting to go to the ICT Conference with Ann was that it also happened to be the week of Macworld Expo. I had always wanted to go but could never justify the expense. I only had one day to go. It was great fun and I got to see lots of cool stuff. Not to mention to be amongst the Mac Faithful. Very interesting event.

Coit Tower as seen from the top of Lombard Street

Here are a few more pictures from SF. Heavy on the the Golden Gate and Alcatraz, but that represents a good bit of our one full day. We had a great time on the cruise boat. 

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At "The" Bridge

Ann and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary last week in San Francisco. We both ended up there by way of the Winter 2009 Educator Conference which was jointly sponsored and organized by the National and Mid-Pacific ICT Centers. She as a participant through the Convergence Technology Center and I as a presenter representing my company Avalon Consulting, LLC where I’m the e-Learning Practice Manager. We offer a variety of e-Learning solutions to our clients.

Ann had been going to these conferences for several years and I’d never had the opportunity to go. The stars and planets aligned and things work out for us both to be able to go – and during our anniversary no less!

One of the great benefits of going together was to finally have a chance to meet many of the folks that Ann was forever talking about who were deeply involved in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). I encourage you to visit the links in this post to learn more about the work that the National Center for Information and Communications Technologies is involved in. It’s fascinating and important work. Those involved in the national and regional centers are passionate about what they do and it shows in their enthusiasm when they talk about their mission.

One of the people I had heard Ann talk about a lot was Mike Qaissaunee. Mike is an Associate Professor of Engineering and Technology at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ. Mike and I hit it off and enjoyed having some time to “talk tech”. Mikes the “real” geek. I’m just geeky enough to be dangerous! It was great to meet him. Ann was left to watch in horror as her worlds began to collide! But let Mike tell you about that. You have to read his When Worlds Collide post. His Seinfeld analogy hits the nail on the head.

Here’s a few selected shots from Christmas 2008 (Click on the “2″ next to upper right image for more photos.)

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Year two with the Metcalf/Tuite families. We all had a fantastic time on Christmas day with Mike and Suzanne Tuite. Peggy, Kurt, Michelle, Kevin, Kurts mom and dad Jan And Phil, Michelle’s mom and dad Fran and Linda, Linda’s best friend Loraine, Mike’s brother John, Matt and Deanna and my mom and dad and all the the kids gathered at Mike and Suzannes. Fried turkey, ham and beef, potatoes and a 10 layer jello salad. Great fun was had by all!

Thanks Mike and Suzanne!

The 1994 Camry finally gave up the ghost. Power steering started failing and before we knew it we were looking at the possibility of $3500 in repairs. So Sam started scouring Craigslist for a deals. Didn’t take him long to find one! 1992 Mazda Miata with only 89,800 miles. New paint. Excellent interior. 

Needless to say – he can’t stop grinning. And who can blame him.