Nomadic Ponderings

Auld Lang Syne

2012-01-03T15:30:00.000-08:00

We headed out to visit our dear friends the Jantos and ring in the New Year in San Luis Obispo. Saying we had fun might be a bit of an understatement, Finley fell asleep every time we got in the car and then would wake up ready to roll once we got where we were going. Highlights of the weekend were the beach time, Taco Temple deliciousness, sunshine, ping pong, sledding and friend time over cups and cups of coffee. Thanks for the wonderful time Janti, we miss you and your wonderful town already!!!!!!

Starting off a party weekend with pow pow doughnuts!

Nothing like a little winter dip to end 2011 and start 2012.

Bubbly Toes

Central Coast sledding!

Chuga Chuga Choo Choo!!!!!

Starfish!!!!!!!!

Don't even think about it.

15 minute fog roll in, hard to surf when you can't see.

Fa La La

2012-01-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 was a blast, we spent 24 hours in Morro Bay on a little beach vacay with the Schramms and then jetted back to Fresno for the Wiens family extravaganza. Enjoy the pics!

A Very Schrammy Christmas

Beach time is the best

Christmas presents are so funny!

Post gift coma

We do not condone smoking... unless it is bubble gum

and you are wearing a plaid hat and vest.

Dirty hands, a Buddy and a Grandpa

Seashells, whale rock and a Paul

Wiens Extravaganza

100% Normal

SPRINKLES!!!!!!

Finley and 2 Saras

DINOSAURS!!!!!!

Good work Finley... that's almost a smile :)

16 weeks for Schramm Bebe #2

(or is it just the popcorn cake, bread pudding, christmas cookies,

tamales, chocolate covered cherries and egg nog?)

Finley hammin' it up with Great Grandma Lady Bug

Living in a Kiddos Paradise

2011-12-11T15:08:00.001-08:00

I know, I know... Thanksgiving was a couple weeks ago, but at least I got these up before Christmas or 2015.

We really had a blast up at "The Ranch" for Thanksgiving weekend. Sunshine, cousins, 2nd cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, dogs, cows, deep pit cookin, and the list goes on and on. Uncle Jack and Aunt Sherry have created the ultimate outdoor paradise for kids (and the perfect scenario for parents having multiple heart attacks, multiple times a day). Slides, swings, climbing things, sticks, sand boxes,"choo choo rides" dirt, dirt and more dirt. It really is a never ending adventure.

One of many "choo choo rides".

Headed down to the creek.

Every Choo Choo need a caboose!

Throwing rocks in the creek with Grandma Buddy (aka Bette).

Nothing like a good stick and a ride with Dad.

The twirlly slide with the "stairs of death".

Swinging in the Oak trees.

Colorado we miss you and the wonderful friends living within your boarders, but I'm not going lie and say we are missing the snow and single digit temps. I am rather enjoying the sunshine, 60 degree temps, and leaf kicking parties. We'll see you soon!

1200 Miles, 5 States, a Dinosaur and a Chicken

2011-12-01T15:16:00.001-08:00

So it's only been 2 years since we have added anything to this blog. I guess we haven't been very nomadic or very pondering lately (that's what happens when a Finley enters your world).

We survived a road trip with an 18 month old! May not seem like that big of a deal, but when 2 hour car rides induced hours of screaming in the past, 18 hours and 2 days in a car seemed a bit daunting. We found all the places any kid would love along the way and stuck to the "if the baby is sleeping, no stopping" rule.

"Pistachio" the dinosaur in Fruita, Colorado

All you need is a dolly, a car and a smile when chatting with "Pistachio".

Finley what do you want at the Happiest Place on Earth? Fench Fies! and 1/2 of Mom's chocolate milkshake.

Nothing like watching a goat scratch it's hind quarters to give a sense of relief to your own tired butt.

Finley learned the lesson of what happens when you stick your little "grub look alike" finger in the chicken cage. See video below :)

And last but not least, no road trip is complete without a Finley Duck and a Nate Goat!

Finley did great on this road trip! She might have single handedly consumed a whole bag of pretzel twists and about 15 snack bags of fruit snack bunnies. And as you will witness below we survived the trip with only one injury... a chicken biten it :(

Going Green

2010-03-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

This last week we traded in the snow laden slopes for the rolling green hills of California. We had a wonderful time visiting family and friends and enjoying springtime in Fresno. Thank you to everyone who blessed us with gifts for the upcoming little Schrammer. I keep wondering how such a little person can use so much stuff, but I'm sure that will become evident shortly :) Here are some photos of our week.

!Watch out, exposed baby belly photo posted!

Spent the night in Vegas at the Stratosphere. Woke up early, couldn't wait to leave.

Yeah for Cali!

Boo for tagging.

Yeah for seat-belts!

"And the green grass grew all around and around. And the green grass grew all around."

Heard it was snowing in Colorado..... deferred our trip for a day..... beach time!!!!!

WARNING: EXPOSED BELLY!!!!!!

Whale watching.

Multiple captions come to mind...

Why oh why did 5th gear stop working here?!!

All this can be yours!

Where's Tom Potts?

Its a baby and I helped! (see above photo)

X-Country xtreme?

2010-02-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

Once again our 15 dollar yard sale cross country ski investment has paid dividends.

Don't believe me.... check it out!

Creative picture taking... hang the camera from a branch, ski to Mary, turn around and click!

This lady and child are the perfect combo, kicking and gliding.

Off and skiing into Robbers Roost campground. Little did we know it was a short road.

When the short road ran out, we took to the unbeaten path into the wilderness.

Quite the fun jaunt through deep powder on our skinny skis.

All grins and ready to rip up the freshies!

In Utero

2010-01-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

For those requesting the progression of the growing belly, here are a few pics of the current status of my expanding uterus. Taking the pictures has grown more enjoyable with the increased size and the decreased sickness. It is also nice having people recognize my belly as pregnancy induced and not just the effects of a overindulgent holiday season. Enjoy :)

13 Weeks

20 weeks

23 weeks

Bebe le Schrammer

2009-12-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

The little guy/gal has some moves! Great ultrasound check-up today, looking healthy! Didn't find out if it is a boy or a girl, we'll start the betting pool shortly :)

On the shores of Lake Michigan

2009-07-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

Another adventure to parts unknown. I know it is hard to believe but us nomads had not been to the "Mid-west" until now. We ventured to the Windy City for a brief moment, then on to the shores, well more like bluffs, above Lake Michigan (no really we were 232 steps above the beach! and boy do my legs hurt). We took in some sunsets on the giant lake, tossed some washers, engaged in "pro beach" volleyball, and enjoyed the great company of many friends from Santa Cruz/Mt. Hermon that we had not seen in quite some time. We all gathered to celebrate the wedding of Mel and Keith and it happened just as planned, we celebrated and rejoiced with them for two days leading up to the wedding then kicked our celebrating up a notch and put on our dancing shoes for the big day! What a fine time and fine people. See www.studio6-23.com, to proofs, then password; Hendren, to check out the pro photo booth!

Then it was back to Chi-town to explore the city. We discovered and explored "the L-train," had Chicago style pizza, enjoyed drinks and the view from the 95th floor of the Hancock building, toured amazing Millennium park and did what we do best, wander.

Santa Fe

2009-06-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

From Nomadic Ponderings

Finally a weekend to get out, play, and explore and not be interrupted by some serious form of weather! Ahhhhh we've been waiting weeks for this. Team MoJo took on the southern frontier of Colorado and explored Sugarite Canyon, Taos, Santa Fe and Big Tesque campground for a quick weekend get away.

All in all the trip was a success. It was just great weekend to enjoy the sunshine, some rain, great food, a grand camping spot above Santa Fe, crazy artists, hippies, mexicans, and yuppies that buy all their wares.

Rock Cliffs Outside of Taos, NM

From Nomadic Ponderings

Loretto Chapel, in Santa Fe NM and it's famous staircase check out the story at http://www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html

From Nomadic Ponderings

Camping on National Forest Land outside of Santa Fe with our delicious Trader Joe's Dinner

From Nomadic Ponderings

A Little Santa Fe art for you to enjoy (check out what the Bison head is created out of, pretty creative)!

From Nomadic Ponderings

The whole reason we made the trek in the first place......

From Nomadic Ponderings

Snow Day!

2009-04-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Elk Meadow, Evergreen, CO

3 Days..... 3 Feet.... now it's 50 degrees and melting!

Spring in Evergreen

2009-04-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Gardening? Nope. Blooming flowers? Uh, no. How about 2+ feet of snow for the middle of April!

Mas Photos de Huto

2009-02-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

More photos for your viewing pleasure...

Vance's Cabin, Chicago Ridge, Colorado, U.S.A.

Tres Amigos (Mary, Nate and Megan)

The Crew

Hut Trip 2009

2009-02-18T19:43:00.000-08:00

A Schramm classic on our way up to Vance's cabin.

Mary's summit of Taylor Peak 11,700 ft.

One of Colorado the great reasons to live in this Rocky Mountain state! We hiked in about 3 miles uphill to Vance's cabin. We were blessed with awesome weather on our hike in and out and about 8 inches of snowfall while we were in the cabin. This is an awesome way to explore the winter backcountry of the Rockies without getting frostbite and having to pee in a Nalgene :) I'll post more photos of the cabin soon!

A Little More Eye Candy

2009-02-14T14:13:00.001-08:00

Text coming soon

The Incredible Hulk

2008-12-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 2008

DECEMBER 2008

We have been a bit delinquent on posting of the house improvements and happenings of the Schramms (Nate and Mary variety), I guess that shows how exciting and riveting our life has been of late. Nate has been working hard on the house, and I have been cheering him on (thankfully he does not have me wear the uniform). The painting of the house took a little while, but it now complete thanks to my dad braving the chilling temperatures of Colorado! We'll post more as they come. Merry Christmas!

Space Age Vegetables

2008-10-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

I would like to share with everyone my latest find, a Romanesque Cauliflower. I have been on a quest to find this rare and not so delicate vegetable for quite some time now. I have eaten my way through orange cauliflower, purple cauliflower, broccoflower and now the Romanesque. So cheers to the little joys in life, of being surprised by a vegetable and having that vegetable be the highlight of my week!

Slumber party called off, temporarily.

2008-09-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

With the ending of Summer and beginning of Fall, cooler days and even cooler nights have brought us to say "goodbye," for now, to the outdoor bed. Many a night have been spent here over the last 4 months, some of the best sleep we've had. So with reluctance we called a last sleep over with our beloved bed a few evenings ago. The sky was clear and bright, the night air cool and calm, the only sound; elk bugling in the meadow at the foot of the hill. Their majestic trumpet calls serenaded until sleep overtook. A most beautiful end to a season that will be missed. Now Fall is in the air. The smell of wood burning on crisp mornings, leaves changing from vibrant greens to golden yellows and fiery orange. Another season is on the way. Another beautiful season to enjoy. See you next summer outside bed.

Of Wildlife and Home Additions

2008-09-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

So I know our blog has been a bit uninteresting, but as one can tell by our photos, so has our life. Wildlife and house additions seem to be the most exciting elements at the moment! More (of both) to come, I'm sure.

Evergreen's Trashy Bull Elk Population

2008-06-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

This picture begs the question...What was IN that trash can?

Everybody Poops!

2008-06-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

So here is the one and only picture we took while we were in California. Go ahead laugh until you cry. I did. Check out the website and the gallery of their "happy customers". Happy Wednesday!

This Old House

2008-05-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Our first attempt on video, let us know what you think!

Photos, updates, crazy weather and such

2008-05-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

So here are a few photos before we head out to Cali for a little graduation fun. The house is coming on nicely, lots of dry wall dust, mudding and plaster scraping. Nate and I spent a Saturday tearing out some dry wall and window casing to uncover insulation from the 1940's and newspapers from April 21st, 1946, almost 62 years old to the day! They were really cool to look through and see how different the world was back then. The classifieds were separated by Male/Female Help wanted and then specified ethnicity (White girl wanted, colored man wanted, Japanese girl looking for work, etc.), crazy, yeah? I got the wonderful task of putting new insulation in the wall, my pants still itch!

May 13, 2008, yesterday 75 degrees.........today 6 inches of snow.....Colorado; if you don't like the weather wait 5 minutes.

Nate has spent the last week installing new lights and cabinets in our kitchen. I can't wait to put boxed of stuff away so you can all visit and stay in our spare room!

To all those in Colorado, goodbye for a little......to those in California we'll see you tomorrow!

Bada Ouray

2008-04-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well we went ice climbing and these are pictures of us in the aforementioned activity. Yep. That is right gasp, gape and gawk. We are legit.

PS if you can rightly name the things we hold in our hands you win a prize.

On the left Nate and on your right, my right, Mary. Bam! Ice climbing, so skippy ding dang amazing!

Snow Much To Do, Snow Little Time!

2008-03-17T17:42:00.000-07:00

~Vail Pass and Walter's Cabin~

We have been posting so much info on our home I thought it might be a fun change of pace to update on our lives, more specifically mine. I am currently working two jobs, one for the City of Denver Parks and Recreation (Outdoor Recreation) and the other as a server at a restaurant. I am considered a recreation instructor with the city and get to take kids skiing, snowshoeing and lead rope courses. I just completed my first guiding hut trip up on Vail Pass with a great group of people, such a beautiful area! There is a great hut system in Colorado and it might just be my new obsession..... the concept it great, pull in a sled with your gourmet spread for the weekend and reside in a warm, dry, well furnished abode! I think this may kick off a new interest in skiing as well (crazier things have happened!). Well in the meantime I am fully enjoying 18 inches of snow that fell last night as well at a trailer load of our wedding gifts and a piano that just arrived from Fresno, California! Thanks Mom and Dad! Love you!

I've got a sink that works

2008-03-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

So it took some time (until 2 am) but the sink finally went in almost without a hitch. Just a side note: When installing a sink make sure to get connecting hoses aka risers that are as long as possible in order to not screw up your day or night by finding out that you are unable to make the last connection due to shortness. Moving on this thing is saaweet! it does your dishes and then puts them away see photos. So for now no more doing dishes in the tub. At least once per day we do go into the bathroom with a cup to get water just out of habit. Ciao! (the sink is Italian) that explains the chest hair and gold chains we found in the box. Eww gross. Since I am having a dialogue with myself I should go. Again, Ciao!

A Fine Time

2008-02-19T21:07:00.001-08:00

The floor is in, at least on the main level. After much labor and many helpers our life and our house is starting to look a little more normal. Although we did just wash our dishes in the bath tub. Soon the kitchen gets the final touches, a counter, a sink and cabinets. Then ohhh then we might just get some sanity back.

TIMBER!

2008-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

The tree in the deck and the tree behind the chimney came down.

Now our house can be insured and we got some good firewood out of it!

Light a Match

2008-02-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

**********NEW*********** *************OLD***********

A little paint helps a lot, we are going to redo this bathroom and add a new one in about 6 to 8 months, but in the meantime I couldn't stand the old paint and decor it was a faux paint job gone bad...really bad.

***********NEW************

**********OLD*********

P.S. The toilet did come with a padded toilet seat, so if you are dying to give it a try, just knock.....or walk on in.....it's pretty pimpin'.

New Addition to the Schramm Fam

2008-01-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

We have purchased a house, home, abode, 4 walls and roof. Yes, it is true we are growing up, we are putting down roots and settling, at least for a little while. Our house is in Evergreen, Colorado, a mountain town about 30 min outside of Denver. It is quite the "fixer upper" and we are excited to see how it turns out. Nate is doing almost all of the work, which is great practice and Mary is mostly stressing out about decisions having to be made and packing and unpacking to be done.

The house before the Schramminator gave it the smack down and Mary kicked down that stupid wall!

Under construction......

....still under construction....

... ain't she a beaut!

PS

2008-01-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah and Happy New Year, Two thousand and Eight way to go!!!

Can I Make it up to you

2008-01-05T18:51:00.000-08:00

The VanDers wedding at the Federal Reserve Bldg SF, CA

So for all the questions and comments about the actual picture that we were to post, well...it just didn't get done. Sadly as we took down the tree today, we both realized that we had not taken a picture so maybe just maybe we can make it up to you devoted family, friends, foreigners, and fans by posting this photo.

Christmas

2007-12-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

I would like to put a photo of ourselves and our Christmas tree here and tell you so much, since we have been slacking in the posting department. First of all this would require a few things to fall into place. Let's make a list and check things off when they are done. Hold on everyone here we gooooooooo!

Find the perfect tree. About 3 feet tall, slightly full and in need of our love. Check! Courtesy of Bird and Dan's property.

Build a stand for the tree...hmmm....plywood+nail+flower pot+plastic cup for water=tree stand. Big Check!

Decorate said tree.
this is a multi step process.
Buy ornaments, 18 assorted balls should do...check.
Buy lights, no more than 50 white lights, more and we would topple the tree or burn it down....check.
Find ornaments parents have given us.................check.
And finally plug in tree, marvel and....check.

Dress in festive clothes....
Set up camera...
Take picture...
Post it...

Tubing, Or Not Tubing

2007-08-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

I would like to share with the millions of people that read this blog a new found love, passion and joy of the Schramm family. Tubing down Clear Creek through Golden, Colorado home of Coors Brewing Company has become our new obsession. It is a man made whitewater park that we spend hours wacking our tailbones, surfing holes and laughing at other's misfortune. We love it more than any two people should love anything that is not another person. So come, tube, laugh, get thrashed, walk away with injuries that hurt so good they don't feel bad and live life the way it should be lived.

The Birds and the Weeds

2007-08-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER

This post will be relatively boring and unamusing, for it illustrates a form of stability in the Schramm's life. We have a garden. We have responsibility outside of ourselves, we must care for and nourish these living organisms so that they may grow to their fullest potential and fill our bellies. Our responsibility is somewhat selfish, but we hope that this is a stepping stone to a dog or maybe a goat, which we won't eat...on purpose.

Update: The tomato is reddish, the cilantro perished...may it rest in peace and nourish those around it.

P.S. Nate wanted me to make everyone aware that he is growing pumpkins (far middle left in photo). Come Oct.31 you are all invited over to our pumpkin patch, there will be hot cider for all and maybe a hay ride, if you are lucky and pay $5.

Love in the Strangest of Places

2007-07-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

So, we have these friends. Thier names are Mike and Megan. They are hilarious. In fact, Mike is the one typing this. Well, Mike and Megan have two pets: Mister Horse and Senor Dino.

They each have their own personalities; the horse and the dinosaur, not Mike and Megan. Mister horse talks in a really manly female voice, and is the leader of the duo. Senor Dino is lighthearted, loves Salsa music, and only talks in spanish.

The moral of the story, as told by our photo, Senor Dino is actually Senora Dino.

Mike and Megan are still coping with the news.

More later...

A Tent Haiku

2007-07-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Grand home made of cloth
Branches plummet downward, why?
Life's answer, duct tape

Good Times, Fun People

2007-07-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

This was of my most fun boats of the year! Great people that just loved life and loved rafting! I'm sad that it is over but ready to move on to the next step in life. Colorado and all that encompasses you, we're coming home!!!!!!!

500 cfs

2007-07-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

So the last river trip ended on a whopping 500 cfs, which is huge for some but for the mighty Kings is more like a trickle. That is the season, 2007 on the Kings is done, now maybe we'll patch some boats and get loopy on Methel Ethel Ketone and Hypolon glue. Deeeelishus!

For a comprehensive view of CFS (cubic feet per second) check out dreamflows.com and look for the flow chart of the Kings river at Rodgers crossing. This should give you all a great view of "500."

Back to CO in a little while.

n

tan

2007-06-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

It has been a long while since we updated the blog, but we are doing just fine. We've been soaking up the sun on our almost float trips these days. Today is an off day and then it is on for seven days off one and then on for four, then it is the end of the season! The Schramms are tan.

2007-05-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

A normal day on the river, first trip of the year for Mary thinking to herself..." So what if I haven't seen this rapid in a year..... I've run it at least 100 times... no big deal....just run it like normal............."

No one told me that Rooster Tail was different, the rocks had changed and it was now a guide launcher! Yeah the red above the boat is not usually that high above the boat. It was a good flight and a glorious landing in the water! Thanks fellow river guides, I love you too!

Rafting

2007-05-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Rafting on the Kings River stop Rafting is fun stop Livng in a technology black hole stop Computer broken stop Ipod broken stop Technology sucks stop Life is grand stop Water is great stop Baby Roy is in the world stop Rejoice rejoice stop
End telegraph

Arrival

2007-05-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

Quick update...
Slept under the full moon in Joshua Tree NP, May 1
Drove to Redlands, saw Kara Kiesz, coffee at Stells...hmmmm May 2
Drove to Lancaster, visited the cousins, aunt, uncles and grandmas May 2
Drove to Fresno May 3
Saw the families, exchanged fireworks May 3
Off to lunch at Marthas then the River for the weekend May 4

We are safe and sound, call us(leave us voicemail), pray for us, check back here for updates every now and again.

This has been a Mojo (nate and mary) production. Thanks for reading along...more to come later. But for now this chapter is done and another begins.

Foam Kitty Cats

2007-05-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

Flagstaff, AZ is an awesome town it truly appeals to the hippie in me;) Nate received his Vanilla Latte today with a little foam kitty on the top. He used his inhaler a few times today..... foam kitties, real kitties...who knew?

P.S. Mom, knew you would like this one;)

Grand Arizona

2007-05-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Another great camping experience along the road. This time about 100 miles into Arizona. The Homolovi ruins(sounds kinda sketchy to me) where it seems geologists and naturalists of the over 50 club seem to camp. We might have spotted Jane Goodall searching for ruins of chimps but failed to stop and question the long gray haired, boots, shorts and kahki tone shirt wearing woman. We'll never know...

We passed through New Mexico and decided that they have the best sign so far, the chillies are a great touch. (on a side note Arizona might have the largest sign). Sadly we have come to the realization that our Armadillo count ends at 34 as Armadillo counrty ends somewhere near New Mexico.
Todays adventure began with a shower, as to rid us of the disguise that we are actually european travelers visiting the Grand Canyon. The Grand, as I call it, is pretty cool. As a first time visitor I (nate) thought that well it is(emphasis) a grand canyon. We did heed the signs and did not hike to the bottom of the canyon with only lead bricks, a rolling suitcase, and a mini bottle of water to aid us back to the top. No we just stayed there at the top taking pictures of the canyon and the many oddly dressed tourists.
As we left the Grand many signs told us of elk and with much resistance Nate did not jump headlong from the truck to search far and wide for antlers. Although he did stare intensely out the window for hours hoping to catch a glimpse of a horn. Alas such is his luck, the search only produced a large leg bone, and we kept driving.
So now we find ourselves in Williams, full from the down home Pine Country diner and its "world renowned" pie, we had blueberry. Now it's the Java Cycle and internet, complete with all the drama of friendships going awry in a small town(sorry I ease drop every now and then). {To those in the shop} I hope all turns out well with the boyfriend and the new friend that is disliked by some other citizen of Williams.
Okay back to road and it looks like Joshua Tree this evening. By the way time in AZ is a little off, no daylight savings here, so I have no clue as to what time it really is....
In the words of Willie "On the road again...." but with less, much less weed.

OK alright OK

2007-04-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Up this mornin with the sun fix me some coffee and a honey bun jumped in my pick up gaver the gas Im goin out to catch a five pound bass? On our way to NM, passing through TX, boy do they ever blend names, Texola, Texico, Texlahoma, and Texarkana. Proud. You bet your boots. Curently sitting at a rest stop with wireless, but photos take forever to upload so more later on. On our way to Carhenge in Amarillo then to New Mexico or maybe Arizona.

PS for being such a big state the entry sign was a bit small..."Texas state line"...not even a welcome ahh well...big gulps huh? Well catch you later.

Leaving AR

2007-04-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Left Arkansas, saw lots of dead Armadillos 34 and counting...
Oklahoma, flatter than Kansas... We found our camping spot a mere "2 miles" from the interstate at Foss state park, it turns out that 2miles in Oklahoman are nearly 8miles in Toyota Odometer. Our spot was great right on the lakeshore, red dirt everywhere, tons of wildlife, well at least signs of em, coon tracks, deer tracks, fish tracks, tick tracks(that story comming up), mosquito tracks and even some people tracks. Settled in for the night, watched a warm midwest sunset from the dock while eating dinner, back to the tent, layed down, Nate rubs his side and viola a TICK! Yep thus ensued a thorough inspection for other ticks, none were found. Off to sleep.

Southern

2007-04-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well we have been learning much 'bout the south, mainly how to speak.

Remember when speaking southern speak slowly and draw vouwels waay aout. So far we have learned "That ther isa Bayou" "Boy howdy" "She's meaner 'n a bear with a tooth ache" "shooot" and the learning continues on a minute by minute basis.
Shoot we better git back teh the greenery and warm temperatures of North Little Rock, Arkansas.
PS the weddin went great and when southerners like you they give you steak when they love you they give you catfish. We had catfish last night.

Kansas as Big as you think 4.26

2007-04-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, quite arguably one of the longest days in our road trip history. Alas a journey of 2500 miles starts with a step.
7am Step 1. Doorbell ditching Step 2. Drive to Arkansas!

Now we bring you observations from the road.
New sunglasses really help the drive. Eastern CO, although flat and desolate, tops Nevada, Eastern California(Baker, Boron, Barstow. Kansas is a name blender, Kanorado, Texlahoma. Kansas might have little man syndrome, "We may not have any natural bigness so we'll make some" Examples; "Worlds largest Prairie Dog" (made of 8000lbs of concrete), 2x life statue of Buffalo Bill, a 100' flag pole(oooo ahhhh), the largest barn in Kansas right off the interstate, worlds largest VanGough painting on an easel(I can see it from here)sunflowers of course. I guess everything just seems bigger in Kansas.
Cowboy tradition has it that when you wear out a pair of boots you put them on fence posts, maybe I'll start doing that.
Kansas isn't as flat as thought. If Colorado is a DD then Kansas maybe an A cup. "Flat can still be cool." -M
Arrived in Missouri, never thought we'd make it out of Kansas. It is bigger than you think.
Kansas City's most requested song...."I will survive" (seriously, the DJ told me)
"Driving long hours makes me slightly greasy"-N
Missouri might have the worst placed welcome sign...on an over pass...in tons of traffic, and no turnout. Hence no photo.
Arkansas, home of Wal-Mart, we drove through Bentonville, the Wal-Marts seem classy out here.
AM Radio in Denver travels all the way to Arkansas. 850KOA baby!
Arrived at our destination The Dennis residence in Lakewood, AR 12:30am.
Long day, slept good, scared Grandma Dennis in the morning, she had no idea we were here. Suprise, two people you don't know emerging from the basement!
Look out Arkansas, the Schramms are in town.

Numero Uno

2007-04-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

The first, the beginning, a genesis, new, fresh, virgin, untracked, untried, primero, number one, a start, greenhorn, a rookie. Here it is we know you have all been waiting patiently for words to flow across the page and describe to you what we have been up to. Now is the time. Nomadic Ponderings has arrived. You need only wait as long as it takes for us to write something then you may feast on our journey. So go ahead, listen to our stories, see what we are up to, look around leave a comment or don't (then it feels more like snooping). Enjoy. Bon Voyage!