Angela Law

animal lover, gardener, knitter, and gourmet cook
 
motorcycles

better than a rain dance

This weekend, Brian and I had a wedding to go to, so Jake stayed at my parent’s house. We thought this might be a good opportunity to catch a few rides on the motorcycle since the weather was supposed to be excellent all weekend. Excellent.

We planned on going for a short ride on Saturday night and a long ride on Sunday afternoon. We ducked out of the wedding early so we could go riding while it was still light. On the way home, I commented on how it was getting darker earlier these days. Of course, I didn’t think it was getting dark quite that early (8pm) yet. Shortly after, it started raining a little. The little bit of rain then turned into a downpour that lasted over an hour and a half. Around 9:45, Brian decided that he still wanted to go out (probably just to prove that he didn’t forgo alcohol all day for nothing). We weren’t out for long and it started to rain a little again. And things were just too wet in general, so we returned home rather quickly. He’s in the kitchen right now making vodka on the rocks with a twist of lemon. Didn’t take long to start drinking, eh?

So, the general theme seems to be if I’m riding or plan to go riding, you can expect rain. So, don’t make any outside plans for tomorrow at 1pm.

movies

charlie and the chocolate factory

Brian, Jacob, and I went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last night. This was, of course, a remake of the classic, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The movie was pretty cool. It was definitely weird like the original, but in a different way. There were quite a few differences in the plot, as well. I was curious to read the story that inspired the movie after watching the original, now I definitely am going to buy the book. I’ve been on the Johnny Depp bandwagon as of late. As always, he was excellent. His Willy Wonka character reminded me of Michael Jackson, though it supposedly wasn’t based off of him (but, he was child-like, wore gloves, had a weird haircut, wore weird clothes, and liked to have little kids over to the factory. hmmm.) Tim Burton is a hell of a director, too. His movies are always fantastic and so imaginative. All in all, a good flick if you ask me.

do-it-yourself, family, friends

new fascia

With our ongoing attic insulation/ventilation project, we needed to put fascia vents in the back of our house. Our fascia boards were painted about 6 years ago. I think it looked good for about a year and then the paint started peeling off and it looked rather awful. So, while we were doing the ventilation, we decided to cover the fascia boards with vinyl. The project came out great. Brian’s bummed because it’s not the sort of thing that people are going to notice now that it looks good (because it now looks how it should), but I’m sure people noticed when it didn’t. Regardless, it was bothering me, so at least I’m happy now.

My parents took Jake on a little “farm vacation” where they stayed at this farm bed and breakfast somewhere in the State College area. Jake was given chores to do while there and had a great time. He was away for two days which allowed us to complete our project. I took a vacation day Friday (it was Brian’s flex day). The next time Jacob is away, we’re going to have to plan something fun rather than a crappy project (like I always manage to do).

Since my parents were dropping Jake off in the late afternoon, I suggested that they join us for a cookout. My brother came over, too. Yesterday was a nice day to be outside. After supper, we headed over to a party at my boss’s house for some drinks. We had a great time there. Jake played with some kids the whole time, so he was thrilled. I am beat today, though. I think I’m going to need to get some couch time later this afternoon. Maybe after I finish a few chores…

motorcycles

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

This evening, I got to ride on the back of Brian’s motorcycle for the first time. I can see why he enjoys riding so much–it was a lot of fun. I did learn a few things while on the back of his bike:

1. Riding a motorcycle is better than meditation (thoughts of hitting the pavement remove all other worries from your head)
2. Going 35 miles an hour feels like 60
3. Going 55 miles an hour feels like 100
4. It’s probably more fun to be the driver
5. I’m obviously going to have arthritis in my knees and hips judging from the state I was in after the ride
6. Wind chill is definitely a factor
7. Wind chill with rain I could do without experiencing again

When we were first driving down the road, I thought to myself, “I’d probably enjoy this more if I were in driving.” We all know what a control freak I am, so I guess that thought isn’t surprising. I also think that I just don’t like someone else having quite that much control over my destiny.

But, did I like it? Hell, yes. I’m already looking forward to the next ride.

friends

happy birthday, judy

Today is Judy’s 30th birthday. I never thought I’d see the day. I’ve know her for what seems like forever (but has “only” been 8 years) and she’s had the nerve to be in her 20s the whole time. Not any more. Today, she has joined the ranks of the 30-something crowd. We’re glad to have her.