I’m back. Odd, but it kind of feels like I tend to blog more when I’m reading more. I’ve gotten through 2 or 3 books in the last few weeks; have another 3 or 4 to get through and want to be ready for the last Harry Potter at the end of the month (my prediction: Ron and Snape die - Harry is left powerless).

So, I’ve read an old Harlan Coban book (one my mom had loaned to me), followed by the new Janet Evanovich (ah, cleanses the palate, like a James Patterson with less estrogen - sorry, but his “romances” make me want to puke), and most recently finished the newest Prey novel by John Sanford. I like the Prey books as most are set in Minnesota with some of the action spreading to surrounding states. It is cool to have action set in a place I’ve actually been to and to know what he is describing from first hand experience. I enjoyed all three books. Probably the Evanovich a little less that the other two. Sanford manages to stay out of the formula trap a lot of writers get into with their series of novels and the Coban wasn’t one from the series he’d done. I am about 1/3 of the way through the Richard Bachman book that just came out. It is a pretty fast read. Hope to have it done this weekend. Then it is on to the latest by Koontz, Chabon, and Deaver. Huh, just realized that the last 3 or 4 books I’ve finished were by authors my mom recommended, the ones coming up are ones I discovered on my own or (in the case of Chabon) was told to read by Amy. Feels like there is still that connection with Mom. She’d have enjoyed each of the books.

We’ve had a busy couple of weeks. It kind of started on Accalia’s birthday week. The night before, we went to the drive-in in Mitchell (Shrek the Third and Spiderman III). The next day we went to Gigglebee’s in Sioux Falls. The pizza was great, but the rides and games there SUCKED. Have to figure if I can take a Gigglebee’s pizza into Chuck E. Cheese. There’s got to be a way.

That Saturday, Accalia took a plane ride and we got to discover how long we could wait as a family in a seemingly endless, nonmoving line to see a fictional character. Luckily they came around with the free back packs they were giving out to all the kids so we could feel free to leave. For the record - we lasted about an hour.

My dad bought an RV and gifted us his pop-up camper. He had been shopping since April and found one in late May. Once he got the RV, he told us he wanted to give us the pop-up. It is the camper my parents bought after they came camping in Yankton after Accalia was born. We did end up getting a hitch put onto the van. When Dad came for the annual camp-out, he left the camper for us. We’re looking forward to using it at least a couple more times this summer. I did get the joy of backing the camper into the camping spot and into the backyard. Not a lot of fun, but we survived.

The campout was fun. We ended up staying at Chief White Crane, which isn’t our favorite spot around here, but it isn’t the worst place to be. It was quiet and well shaded. Amy and I did end up sunburned. I just had sunblock put on my back and put it on my face and head. I was expecting to be in the water for most of the trip to the beach. Unfortunately, Ella fell asleep, leading to Amy and I sitting on the beach and talking. Amy ended up fried. I ended up with my legs and arms a bit toasted.

Not really listening to anything new. Have been listening to some old Weird Al to prepare for the concert in August. I still can’t believe I got the tickets for us to see him. I saw him in Sioux Falls when I was about 12. 23 years later, I’ll be experiencing Al once again.

My Cubbies are playing well - the hottest team in the majors since the first of June. I attribute it all to the new hat I received from my friend, Eric. E. sent me a new Cubs hat for my birthday. Since I got it, the team has taken off. If they do end up making the playoffs, I’ll have to hit up one of the psych. providers at the prison about getting on something to smooth me out. I have a feeling that I’ll be unable to sit and watch the game - instead will be pacing from first pitch to last out. Amy may want to take the kids to her parents house as I almost drove her nuts during the NLCS in ’03.

Better go and see about getting some rest.