Bells in Texas

Here are some pictures of Jessica and I and Murphy at the White Rock Dog Park in mid-August. It is a good size dog park in Dallas and it is one of the only dog parks around so there were quite a few dogs there for Murphy to sniff. The separated the different size dogs into two sections. One fenced off section was for dogs like 30 lbs max. The other section was for all dogs.

We also ran into someone who was also from Minnesota. We were walking by and she saw my Gustavus Football t-shirt. She yelled to us and we walked over and spoke with our Minnesota accents without feeling as embarrassed. She explained that she was from Mankato. It is really amazing how small the world is at times.


We all had a great day. We went fairly early in the morning before the temperature got too warm. Next time we could go even earlier because it got warm pretty quick.

It really was a beautiful day. Murphy got to run around with the other dogs, and got muddy by the well.


We then we went down to the water (White Rock Lake) and watched him cool off. There were a couple of Labs there that loved to fetch sticks and tennis balls. Murphy was a bit scared to go out too far. He also was unsure of his footing. The water was not very clear, and the landing was very rough and rocky.


The funniest part was this little pit bull dog thing trying to drag an entire limb off the shore. He was relentless in his efforts. He did not seem to care that it weighed probably 150-200 lbs dry. He was definitely determined to succeed. His ambition was definitely something to admire.



After the fun down at the shore, we went up to walk a bit on the bridge. The bridge spans the whole width of the lake. The span is quite some distance.

Here is a shot of Jessica and Murphy on the Bridge:

Murphy getting some water to drink before we head home.

Unfortunately, I have done a terrible job of keeping the blog updated. So, instead of going back two months and trying to write every detail of the events, I am just going to do a recap...

...so it was really great to be able to see my wife again. Here are just a couple shots of us in the backyard on the 5th of July having some cocktails.


The pictures are kind of blurry- sorry.







Jess and me



Jess relaxing by candlelight





For some reason, I kind of look drunk in this pic. I wasn't be my eyes looked glassy beyond the poor image quality. Maybe I was just drunk with love? ;)






We had some citronella tea lights to set the mood.


It was so great t be able to spend some time with Jess. This had been the longest duration since the drive to Dallas that Jessica and I had not seen each other.

I am going to be updating the blog here with some postings from before the move.

Jessica came back to Minnesota for the Fourth of July. We had a BBQ with some of the family and some friends. It was short notice and of course on the 4th f July, so we were happy that anybody could make it.

Here is a pic of some of Jessie's family that showed up.

(L-R: Sue, Dorothy, Herb Barb, Rick and Butch)


We were so excited that Holly and Jared came.

(The Chesters: Holly, Blake and Jared)

Jessica enjoying herself and the beautiful weather.

A man tending the meat on the grill. Yeah, I cooked way too much food. We had almost 4 pounds of beef and more brats and hot dogs than we could eat in a week.

Jessica made a bunch of her delicious appetizers and salads. The Chesters also brought a pasta salad. I know that I ate way too much food. I think I had a 2 hot dogs, a burger and a brat, plus all the sides.

It was a great day. The weather, as I mentioned, was gorgeous, the food was delicious, and the chance to see everyone was tons of fun.

Thanks again to everyone who was able to share the evening with us. We really appreciate it.

We are finally getting internet at the apartment tomorrow. I am psyched. Now I will be able to update the blog with all the pictures and comments that I have been saving for the past 3 weeks. There is tons of stuff that I need to post.

And I will be able to search for a job at the comfort of my home instead of the computer lab.

Until then...

For the second time in my whole life, I am unemployed.

Today was the last day at my job at West - A Thomson Reuters Business. I am now unemployed.

While somewhat liberating, it is also somewhat freaking scary. I know I will find another job, but the "meantime" will definitely add some additional stress to my life...

At least I will have a lot more time to blog?