New video game

A thriller

Santa Party 2010

New England Clam Chowder

 

Written by: Dan

Dinner Wine:  Peninsula Cellers Pino Gris

I've been trying to make the ultimate Clam Chowder.  I've come close.  I've got a great recipe that you can make in a slow cooker.  It is quick and easy.  Only problem is that I like the thick kind of Clam Chowder.  The Crock Pot version is flavorful, but very creamy.  So I did some looking online, and found the following recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped onion 3 cloves garlic 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes 1 cup diced celery 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 (10 ounce) cans minced clams, drained with juice reserved 1 quart half-and-half cream 1/2 teaspoon white sugar 3/4 cup butter, melted 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:

1.	In a blender, combine onion, garlic and enough water to make a smooth paste. Set aside.
2.	In a large pot, combine potatoes, celery, salt, pepper, onion mixture and juice from clams. Augment with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft, 20 minutes.
3.	Stir in half-and-half and sugar. Combine melted butter and flour, then whisk into soup. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in clams and adjust seasonings.

The sheet said it would take 45 minus.  It actually took about 2 hours.  But it was worth it!  It tastes just like you get in a restaurant!  The flour thickens up the chowder, and the potatoes just soak up the moisture.  Annie took peta bread, and made croutons.  Our dinner was fantastic!

  

Lake orion parade

Written By: Dan

Last night was the annual Lake Orion Lighted Holiday Parade.  Upland Hills Farm won for best Float from a commercial business! 

Chicken Pot Pie Dinner

  

Written By: Dan
Dinner Wine:  2 Lads Cab Franc

I made a Pie!  Chicken Pot Pie to be exact. And it was really good (if I don't say so myself).  The recipe is blow*.  It says it serves 4, but I would bet closer to 8. 

Ingredients:

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed 1 cup sliced carrots 1 cup frozen green peas 1/2 cup sliced celery 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup chopped onion 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon celery seed 1 3/4 cups chicken broth 2/3 cup milk 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
2.	In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
3.	In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
4.	Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
5.	Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

* From All Recipes

Mac And Cheese and Wine Tasting

Written By: Dan
Pictures: Didn't bring a camera, need your photos.....

I think this is our 3rd or 4th year in a row going up to Annie's parents for Old Mission Mac and Cheese and Wine tasting.  As always it was a great time.  The night before we were given a show by "Check Your Stool."  It was their annual concert/practice.  This year they added a Fiddle (or Violin) to the band.  Annie played both the fiddle and guitar.

 

The next day things went our way.  We got started early, which necessity for this event.  We took a new route, starting in the middle this year. These two things made the lines short.  The shortest we have seen in years.  We were only outside for one winery - Chateau Chantel.    The weather was cold and windy, and the people who work at Chateau Chantel we found to be cold and rude - but the rest of the stops were second to none.  We brought back a ton of wine, and tasted some great Mac & Cheese.*  And to top it off, 15% of Gross sales went to local charities.  It is a great event,  I would recommend it to anyone. 


* Our favorite was a Mac and Cheese from Soul Hole made with Velveeta cheese and Cheetos! 

Pi Pi

Thanksgiving 2010

Written By: Dan

We celebrated this year's thanksgiving at my Dad's.  It was a great meal.  Some of the best stuffing I have ever had.  I need to remember to ask Jean for the recipe.   The Lions lost again (this time to Tom Brady and the Pats), and the Euchre games were pretty lopsided too :)  Annie famously commented that the middle is sometimes the end.  Way too deep for a card game.*

It was a great Holiday, and a great start to the Holiday weekend.




*I was told Kevin, Dad, Jean and Tots figured it out hours later

NDP 2000 10 Year Reunion

GoodShop

Written By: Dan and Annie


Hi Everyone. If you do your Chrismas shopping online, do me a favor. Go to this site first:
GoodShop is a charity website. Here is how it works. Go to the link (http://www.goodshop.com/?charityid=894241 ). From there find whatever site you usually shop at (Best Buy, Sears, Target, etc...) to do your shopping. After you are done that store will send The Twilight Benefit Foundation a portion of the money you spent online.

This is not a scam. We've been doing this for about two years now and have gotten almolst $900! Just by a few of us shopping online. And it is the same website you usually shop at. The consumer pays no extra.

This year The Twilight Benefit Foundation is raising money to start a research grant relating to the etiology, treatment & cure of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in children. It is a great cause and a great charity. You can find out more at http://www.twilightbenefit.com/ . And you can help by just going to a website before you do your holiday shopping online.



If you have any questions, see us!



Thanks for your support



Dan & Annie



http://www.goodshop.com/?charityid=894241

Top places to Work awards breakfast

 

Once again Nuspire has been voted as one of Detroit's top place to work.  The Detroit Free press celebrated with a breakfast to honor the award winners.    We even made Freep.com.  Check it out http://tiny.cc/zbz3y

Dan w/ the championship trophies

Written By: Dan

Before the Pistons/ Bobcats game last week (Pistons 1st win of the season!), the palace staff offered pictures with the three championship trophies.  This is pretty cool.  I wasn't given permission to kiss the trophy - I had visions of recreating '89 Isiah picture- but I did get close enough to get a photo.

Halloween

Written By: Hobee
Pictures: Click Here

Halloween is great.  This year we went to see Aunt Donna, Lynn, and Bella.  Bella and I hung out while Dan, Annie, Lynn, and Aunt Donna went to the Lions game.  The game was great.  Just like last year, it was blocked out  And like last year, we got to go.  And like last year, they won!

When we got back we all had dinner.  Got into costumes (yes, Dan has a fluffy dog that Annie puts into clothes.  We try to limit it as much as possible though), and handed out candy.  It was such a good Halloween.

Zoo Boo

Written by: Dan
Pictures: Click Here

I went to the Zoo, and didn't see Animals.    Go figure.  Actually, we did go through the reptile exhibit on the way out.  It was fitting with the Halloween theme. 

According to Annie (and the Zoo Boo Website) "Zoo Boo is a merry-not-scary Halloween celebration with a cleverly decorated half-mile trick-or-treat trail through the Zoo."  In otherwords, they gave kids (and adults) candy during a walk through the zoo (but not the animals part).  It was fun.  They do a corn maize*, pumpkin displays, blow up displays, even a show.  It was all aimed for Kids, but entertaining for the adults too.  

After the show, we went to Pasquales with the Wasiluks.  It capped off a great Friday night.

 

*I solved the maize

Working on the Farm

MSU/ UofM game

Written by: Hobee

Annie, Dan, and I went to see Bella and watch the big game. MSU won (for the third year in a row).

Banbury Cross Walk A Thon

Written by: Hobee

For the second year we did the Banbury Cross Walk A Thon.  Banbury is the place Annie and Cameron go for riding lessons (and the reason Fergus and I hang out on Saturdays).  The group at Banbury is great.  They do a ton of good work, and help a lot of people.

We took a different path this year.  It was great.  Fergus and I walked the entire route off leash.  We played, ran around, and behaved the whole time.

View of the Potomac River

View from the Gaylord in Washington DC

This is the Gaylord.  Just outside of DC.  I've been here for about a half dozen trade shows.  It is nice.  Large building right on the river.  This building is so large, there are other buildings inside of it!



Lions Game

Written by: Dan

Annie and I went with Aunt Donna and Lynn to the home opener at Ford Field to see the Lions play the Eagles.  It was a good game.  We lost, but Javad Best (Annie's Fantasy RB) put on a good show.  3 TDs, and over 200 yards.

We were so caught up in the game I forgot to take a picture.

Dave Thomas Celebrity Cookoff

Written by: Dan

Benefiting Speaulding for children, the Dave Thomas Celebrity Cookoff was held at the Benihannas (sp?) in Troy.  I went with my Dad, Jean, and some folks from his BRG group.  Our celeb was a director at a TV station (Celebrity?) - but he was funny.  Since he was not at the training, he had no idea what he was doing.... it added to the entertainment.  It was a great time, and a great cause.

UofM

Written By: Annie:

2010 Duckbutter Draft

Written By Dan

Another highlight of my year is the Duckbutter Fantasy Football Draft.  All too often, it is one of the few times during the year we get back together.  This year we had three draft rooms, California, Michigan, and North Carolina.  Almost two dozen people in total for the event.  Web cams and online drafting helped communication efforts so much.

This year we introduced golf to the draft activities.  After the draft we tee'd off at Oxford Hills to squeeze in a quick nine.  Nothing about our group was quick.  We had a group of 6, hit multiple balls, and spent more time drinking and talking than swinging.  To increase competition we shaved a stroke for each beer finished.  My team shot a 26.  We didn't even get through 9 before we ran out of beer, light, and patience for the game.

While we were golfing Chase, Annie, Mary, and Kristen were cooking up a feast.  Shortly after we arrived back from the course we were treated to Beer Can Chicken, Salmon on a Cedar Plank, and Farm Fresh Veggies.

Though we probably should have called it a night after dinner, we headed out.  Red Ox started the night, Hoops ended it.

I couldn't script a better day if I tried.  Your friends show up in the morning, you have a draft mid afternoon, twilight golf, a feast, then bars until close.  Life doesn't get much better than that.

View from Coach Insignia

On top of the Ren Center

Tigers Game View

From the suite.

Back to the Mac

Written by: Dan

Well, it is that time of the year, back to Mackinaw Island with the Nuspire crew.   A highlight of the work year when our company takes us to the Island for some real teambuilding.  Horns bar, Frontmen, Carrage rides, Breakfast meeting, and the annual Band Dorks Vs. Computer Nerds.   We've done all of these things about 7 or 8 times now I think, but every year is different.

For instance, this year the Band Dorks beat the Computer Nerds.  That has only happened one other time.  Also, this year our horse keeled over during the cartage ride - I haven't seen that one before.

Mackinaw Island is always a good time to spend with co-workers and friends.  It also reminds you that "work" is with a great company and a good group of people.

Betting the Ponies

Written By: Dan

Pictures: Click Here

We are back in Barrington a week after Annie's marathon.  This time the event is the Arlington Racetrack.  We're betting the Ponies!  I've done this one other time (my bachelor party).  This was Annie's first time.  We did the track right, 1920's style.  Dressed nice with big hats.   We forgot to mention to Annie that everyone doesn't dress like that.... As a matter of fact there is no dress code for some parts of the track.  She quickly learned.  The weather was great, the races were exciting.  We even made a few bucks.  Not as much as we would have thought, but we weren't betting big either.  At one point the lady at the counter told me that if I could predect the right order, and made a bet as such, I could win thousands.  I did that twice. I won about $30.......  After a few beers I found that lady ...... this time she stressed "you COULD win thousands."  Go figure.

We'll I didn't leave a wealthy man, but we had a rich time.  Betting the ponies is a great time.

Our Anniversary

Written By: Dan

One year after we said "I Do" the day started the say with Annie's RollerBlading Marathon (see post below, July, 25, 2010).  Shortly after noon, we headed back.  We decided to cut our drive short by stopping in Ann Arbor for the night.  That gave us enough time to get a nice dinner for our Anniversary.  We started with Bellini's on the patio of Palio (it reminded us of having Bellinis at Harry's Bar in Venice during our honeymoon), followed by another great pasta dinner. It was a perfect way to end the weekend.   Just like our anniversary weekend, the last year of our life has happened quickly (but been fun) - great friends, great family, great wife (and a great dog back at home).   I couldn't ask for a better life.

Annie Blades a Marathon

Written By: Dan
Pictures: click Here

What a weekend!  Friday morning we dropped off Hobee to spend the weekend peeing on his favorite girl, Vanessa.  After work Annie and I headed to Grand Rapids to hang out with Charlie and Mary.  We had a blast.  The cooks cooked us up a great meal (turkey burgers, a home made salad, and grilled veggies).  After dinner we played Beer Pong and Euchre until we crashed out.  After another great breakfast meal we headed to Chicago. 

The purpose of the short drive to Chicagoland was Annie's In-Line Skate Marathon.  Annie has been training for weeks.  She did a great job.  We did a great job to prep: We scouted the track the day before,we  ate a good pasta dinner (with Penny and Erin), watched a marathon (Jersey Shore marathon on MTV) and got a good night's sleep.



 
The next morning Erin made us breakfast (what awesome friends do we have -we owe a few couples some pretty impressive meals after these last few days). We then headed to the meet.  Annie dressed to blade, and Erin in I in custom made (by Erin) "You Roll, Girl" tee shirts.

The marathon was held at the AT&T complex in Hoffman Estates, up the road from the Himmelspach residence.  It was a great venue.  It held sponsors, runners, bikers, spectators, and a mess of nervous rollerbladers (Annie being one).  After the race started we realized how fast this marathon was.  Some of the serious bladers skated by in a perfect line to start their SECOND lap before we could blink.  Annie was not far behind.   Annie has been training for weeks, and put up even better speeds than expected.  After a little more than an hour she was done, tired, and proud.  She was great. We celebrated by taking her out to breakfast.  We had already eaten once, but when you finish at 10:30 you don't have many choices for a celebration venue.

Joe Power's Wedding

Written By: Dan
View Pictures Here

Yesterday was a day we thought would come a long time ago.  We've been waiting for this day since Jeff told everyone they were engaged (about a year before they actually were engaged.)  Yesterday Joe and Kate got married.   It was a great day.  The ceremony took place at St. Joe's school across the street (where Joe and I spent most of our time together from 3rd grade on).  After the ceremony we drove to the farm to park, and walk across the street to the Power's residence for the reception.   People traveled from all over the world to get here (people from New Zealand, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Australia, and the UP) - I'm pretty sure I traveled the shortest distance.



The reception was such a blast.  Great beer (home brewed by Mr. Powers, and Kegs brought in from Houghton - KBC beer - and one of the best red's I've ever tasted).  They had a great band called Trilogy which played until 1am.  The party didn't end there.  As a matter of fact the bonfire only got started at 1.

Joe and Kate are a great couple.  They are a perfect rebuttal for those who say long distance relationships don't work.  They spent a great deal of time separated by half of the world, but still managed to stay together.

4th of July Week

Written By: Hobee
Pictures: Here

This is my favorite week of the summer (maybe year).  After the Upland Hill's Farm 50 year reunion we packed up Rick's truck and headed up to Roger City.  The annual Hoban invasion of Roger City started with Bowling, followed by the Roger City Fireworks.  For the next 4 days we partied hard.  Fireworks, beer drinking, parties on the beach, swimming, wine drinking, mod vies on the beach, and a trip to Macinaw Island highlighted the trip.

On Wednesday we packed up the truck again and headed to Empire for some relaxation.  We swam, we golfed, and we slept.  It was a great time.  Rick even joined us Sunday night.  Events on this part of our journey were much more laid back, and we needed it after partying hard for 5 days in Roger City.

I also learned I'm not the most agile dog in the world.  I fell of the doc 4 times, the embakement over the water twice, and off the bed once as well.  I'm giving up the dream to be on the ESPN dog show competitions.

It was sad to return home Sunday, but the week was time well spent.  I spent an entire week playing with Bella (Aunt Donna's Westie), swam every day, played on multiple beaches, and falling down.  I slept for 2 days straight after we returned.  Not even getting up when Julia and Rick came over the next day.    Like I said before, one of the best weeks of the year.

Melanie's Not so Surpriseparty

Written by: Dan

Last night Annie, Rick, and I headed to the Himmelspach Household for Melanie's surprise 30th birthday party.  Actually, it wasn't a surprise since Melanie invited me a few weeks ago.  As always, it was a good time.  Keg of beer, Bonfire, Yard Games, Ice cream vending machine, and a huge food spread.  Those Himmelspachs know how to get down.

Fathers day dinnner

Peking duck

Charliebration

Backyard concert benefiting The Charlie Porter Research Grant.

2010 Twilight Gala River Cruise

Written By: Dan & Annie


Last night was our annual Twilight Benefit Gala. This year the board decided to hold it on the Ovation Yacht. It was a great venue. For 3 hours the Ovation cruised up and down the Detroit River, offering guests splendid view of Downtown Detroit, The Renaissance Center, Belle Isle, and Canada.

We had a great time. The event also had community civic awards. This year's honorees included Mike Babcock, Charles Pugh, Richard Bernstein, and Abbie Hamilton, and Lisa Dancsock. Huckleberry Groove played another great show on the top floor of the ship, while we ate a great meal below.


Pictures should be available at http://www.twilightbenefit.com/ soon.
 

Mother's Day Tigers game

Written by: Dan

We took my mom to the tigers game today for Memorial Day.   The game started off on the wrong foot with a rain delay.  Worst part was IT WASN'T raining.   They delayed it because of rain in the area.  Give me a break.  Luckily we had Tiger Club passes so we were able to spend most of the 2 hour and 40 minutes delay with a Bar and Buffet.

Finally, at about quarter to four they started the game again - in a very light mist.  Middle School Tee Ball games arn't delayed for this type of rain. 

In the end the game was good.  The Tigers lost to the A's - Verlander pitched a good game, but all the moisture in the air must have ruined the Tiger bats.  Not much hitting.

In the Tiger Club during the rain delay.

Trent and Kristen's Wedding

Written By: Dan

Well, Trent and Kris did it.  They tied the knot.  I was honored to be a groomsmen, and share in the two day celebration.  The festivities kicked off at the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC), in a banquet room overlooking Comerica Park - where Trent and Kris met.

The wedding went great.  The church was located in Commerce, on the corner of Commerce and Commerce roads.  Luckily it was near my office so I didn't get lost.  The ceremony was great, the reception was first class, and the party was a blast.  You couldn't have asked for better weather, better people, or a better time.  Congrats to the new couple.

Lake Orion Flower Fair

Written By: Hobee

Dan and Annie got back late Saturday night from wine tasting. I was shipped off to stay with Pam and John (not a bad gig - they have a new lazy boy).  After they picked me up we went to the Lake Orion Flower Fair with Dick, Rick, and Maryann.  It was a fun.  Dogs are welcome, they had a live bad, and Annie didn't buy anything (shocking).   Even more shocking, Annie and I got arrested.  Apparently the cops heard of her J-walking past and my thuggish mentality.  In no time short we were in the back of a squad car.  Thank goodness we are both cute - or we'd be behind bars today.

The flower fair doesn't take long to walk. Actually, Downtown Lake Orion doesn't take long to walk.  If you have a free hour next year I would recommend it.

Twilight Benefit Wine Tasting

Written By: Dan


We do many things to raise money for Twilight.  Drinking wine is one of my favorites.  Today, at the Frase household we held another wine tasting event.  It was a great time.  We raised a lot of money, and sold a bunch of tickets to the river cruise gala.

Crystal Lake

Written By: Dan

This weekend we went to Crystal Lake to hang out with Charlie, Mary, Micah, Erin, Joe Dirt, John, and Chesera.  Crystal Lake is in Indiana a few miles past the Michigan boarder.  It is a little slice of heaven.  An "up north" cottage with a large desk overlooking the lake.  We stayed up late and had too much fun.  The next morning we were able to squeeze in a boat ride before hitting the road.  It was a great time, I wish we could have stayed longer.  The only bright side was we were leaving friends, drinks, and a party to go to a party and taste wine.  Not a bad consolation prize.

Back To Panama

Written By: Dan




I am back in Panama (a follow up with some partners we met with during our last trip). It is much hotter than when I was here in five months ago. We got to the hotel at about 10pm - It felt like noon on a hot August Day in Michigan. Hot, Humid, and uncomfortable. The thermometer is in centigrade, so I have no idea the temp - but it's hot!



That being said, Panama is a cool place. There seems to be more sky rises under construction in Panama City than finished sky rises. And of course, the Canal. We had dinner at a terrace overlooking the panama canal at the Meri Flores Locks. It was neat. We watched huge tankers, cruise ships, and cargo ships go through the locks as we ate pretty tasty Panamian foods. The coolest part was a storm came in quick (May starts the rainy season in Panama). It was neat to be outside (and dry) during a storm while ships went through the canal.

Chess class

Annie and dan took a chess class at the library. Apparently it was a kid's class, but they let us play anyway. We opted out of the tournament, which is good because the kids would have easily taken the both of them.

Twilight Benefit Bowling Benefit

As Annie put it, thanks to everyone for coming out to the Twilight Benefit Bowling Benefit.  It was a great success.  Twilight raised over $500 in just a few hours!  High Score 223.  Low Score 48.

Zap zone

Nuspire team building laser tag event.   Great time.  We were by far twice as old as any other patron.

Back in LA

Written by: Dan

Business took me back out to LA this weekend. Had a great time. On Friday after work Kevin and I met up with Dennis at his house. A hell of a time followed. Highlights included: High End Beers by the pitcher, Skeeball, Oyster shooters, kissing indians, a puppet show, we called Annie at 3am after we rode a titl-a-whirl (sp?).

Trent's Bachelor Party

Written by: Dan
Pictures: none (we hope).

Saturday was an exciting day. Trent's bachelor party. I don't have many of these left, so I've learned to enjoy them while they last. The bachelor boy sure did.

We started the day playing whirlyball (at WhirlyBall West in Novi). Though I was the only one who had played before, you coudn't tell. Still, we all had a great time. 2 hours flew by.

After a few hours on the (court/floor/bumper car ring) we headed back to Trent's house. Micah cooked up a wonderful BBQ (authentic shawnsea style). Afterwards we played yard games like bags, hacky sack, and Murphy three-hole (of course).

At around 8 or so the limo picked us up and off to the bars we went. From there we had a great time not to be mentioned on the internet.

We wished Trent the best, and payed our respects to Trenzone (RIP). You can't have too many of these nights before people start recommending groups to get you help. So we enjoy these moments while we can.

Easter Weekend

Written By: Hobee

Last weekend we all traveled in separate directions. Dan headed West to Chicago for a business meeting, and to spend time with Micah and Erin. Annie headed up north with her family, and I stayed with my grand parents in Oxford. We all had a great time.

Dan hit went golfing Saturday morning. He and Micah were the only people on the course! It was raining until they made it back to Micah's home. However, the boys were warmed up when Erin made a whole Lasagna for lunch! To top it all off, she scheduled nap time after the meal! After a good slumber the three went to WollStreet for drinks and to watch the MSU game. It was a great trip.

Annie headed up to see her folks after work on Friday. She made time with her mom to go shopping and watch the game on Saturday. Sunday she had time for church and brunch before heading back home.

I spent all weekend with Pam and John getting into trouble, barking at deer all night long, eating people food, and partying with Grandpa Jimmy, Vanessa, Chase, Fred, Kathy, and Sarah.

There was a bright side to splitting up for the weekend. The Easter Bunny visited Dan's parents, Annie's Parents, and even Micah and Erin's house. We end up with three times the candy!

Grand Rapids Weekend

Written By: Dan
Photos: None exist (I hope)

I was lucky enough to break away for a weekend to see Charlie and Mary (and Marley) in Grand Rapids. Charlie and Mary have a really nice house: Yard, basement, decorations, big TV, and close to downtown.

We spent the first night in. We ordered pizza, drank all of their beer, and watched the MSU game. The next day we woke up to a hearty breakfast, played Wii, drank more beer, and played disc golf. Sometime after that we went out to a bar or two - I think we ate dinner - and I know we ended up back at Charlie's house late.

I headed back Sunday morning after a great weekend on the west side of the state. I hope to make the same trip back out there soon.

Pistons locker room

After tonight's Pistons game (a tough loss to the Pacers) we got to go down to the Pistons locker room. Really it was a locker room next to where the pistons actually dress. On their way out Trent, Annie, and Dan got to meet Jonus Jerebko (sp?), Rick Mahorn, and George Blaha. Annie and George even talked about their MSU football times together. It was a very memorable expirence!

Happy Pie Day!

Happy Pie Day Everyone! Pie day traditions are in full swing. On Friday at Nuspire, the employees brought in Pies (Annie made a Nutter Butter Pie), recited digits of Pi (26 won this year - 136 is the record), and threw pies at the management staff for charity.

Back at home, we celebrated Pie day with Rick and Julia in the morning (see video of how excited Annie and Julia were for Pie day), Pizza Pies for lunch, and a Pie day dinner with Dan's parents.

This has to rank up with Christmass as best day of the year!

Hoban reunion west

Kevin arrives to LA

Written By: Dan

After endless going away celebrations, he finally landed. I was lucky enough to have meetings in LA after my trip to Vegas - so I got to join him after his arrival. On Wednesday we picked him up at UCLA after an interview (1 day in LA = as many interviews as months in Michigan). We were not sure where to go, but found our way to a great time.

We started off by hanging a left from UCLA (that is all we really knew). After driving a little ways we ended up on Rodeo Drive. We did a little shopping, but couldn't find any candy, dollar store, or Salvation Army - so we left empty handed.


















We again started aimlessly driving until we found Hollywood Blvd. We didn't konw anything about the road, except it probibly went ot Hollywood. Sure enough, it did. The road ended at grauman's chinese theater. We say the famous hand prints, theater, and celebrity look-alikes.

.


















Next we walked next store to see why the road was closed. Found out it was for the Acadamy Awards ceremony on Sunday. We walked through the Kodac theater on the same red carpet the stars will align on Sunday (though the carpet was coverd with plastic).























Finally, on our way back to the car we walked by "El Capitan" theater. A nice lady asked if we wanted to see the Jimmy Kimmel Liv show. Well, of course! Not only did we see the show, but somehow got second row seats. We were so close we could have touched Jimmy during the monalogue. We can be seen on TV (though only our heads) during manny pacquiao's song at the end of the show.


















Nothing was planed, and we didn't know where we were going the entire time, but we couldn't have done better being tourists

Las Vegas

Written By: Dan

I traveled to Las Vegas this week for the Channel Partners Confrence. A good convention for us IT nerds. Highlight was a confrence pub crawl (inside vendor booths). A great way to get you talking with vendors. I don't ever want to talk to vendors without beer again.

We stayed at the Luxor. Nice, cheap hotel rooms. We spend most of our time across the street at the Tropicana or Excalabur playing blackjack. I won (a little), but drank (a lot) for free.

And the goodbye continues

"Goodbuy Kevin" dinner and drinks at Toby Keith's I love this Bar and Grill.