Lawn care tool talk.......

Here's the new mower.

I used to have one of the Black and Decker rechargeable mowers. But the thing was an absolute beast to push (about 110 lbs if I remember correctly). This one is more along the lines of 80 lbs and is MUCH quieter than the B & D. Haven't used the bagger since it mulches the grass to practically nothing, and that was with a fairly long lawn.

It's pricey, but if you're in the market for a rechargeable mower go to Sears and check it out.

Tazwell county residents.....

It's safe to go back to the bars.

I've heard the Looch is residing in West Peoria. Good news for Looch is that the Tartan is set to reopen.

And don't meander into the Owl's Nest expecting to get any juicy details from the barkeeps. They've been told by the owner not to talk about what happened during "Saturday Night at the Fights".

Boys day out......

Wife and daughter are out of town until tomorrow. The boy and I had a very big day. First a couple of hours at B & N, a trip to Lowes which was followed by a nap in the car by my son during which time I listened to David Sedaris: Live at Carnegie Hall. Some very funny stuff.

After he woke up, we went to Home Depot, Sears, a trip to my Mom's and then the nurturing and bonding trip to Super Liquors. Then home.

Quite a day, indeed.

Ground control to Mary Spangler....

Check out this article in todays PJStar.

Does this quote strike anyone else as odd?

"It's very frustrating to see all the growth there," said School Board member Mary Spangler. "For some, they are looking for Dunlap schools, but some others have no idea they are not in District 150. They're just looking for a new neighborhood to live in."

Is she serious?

Does she think families are just simply "looking for a new neighborhood to live in" and then after moving proclaim "Whoops, we're not in the 150 school district anymore! Looks like we'll have to go to Dunlap schools."

Mary, that is the exact reason why people are leaving the city!!! They don't want to send their kids to 150!!! Maybe some more consultants or administrators should be hired to study this phenomenon. I mean, this is something new right?

The decision to homeschool is validated weekly by this bunch. As a matter of fact, this quote pretty much encapsulates the problem with 150: Out of touch with reality.

Phillip, Phillip, Phillip.........

Phil, let me give you a little advice, free of charge.

I was listening to the Markley and Luciano show a few weeks ago. You had a guest on who was arranging a "rematch" between his high school football team and a rival football team. The odd thing about this was that this guest is already out of high school. You seemed to be really pumped about this whole idea. All I kept thinking was "Don't you guys have anything else going on?".

And then I read the story about your bar fight. Phil, at what age is it a little ridiculous to be getting in a bar fight? 45? 50? 60?

Maybe it's time to buy a 12 pack and sit on the porch.

UPDATE: Looch's latest column is up on the PJStar website. The comment section is on and he is taking a well-deserved beating. Looch, a comment on the site references you and your ex's sister? Hmmmmm...

Honey, we've got new neighbors.....

I read in this week's Observer that they will be moving to #1 News Plaza, now the home to the Journal Star.

I can count on at least one interesting, well written local article coming out of that building.

Rain, rain, rain

Every time we get another of these monsoon rains I think "I'm so glad we're getting a new museum, instead of repairing the sewer system."

My symapthies go out to those who watch part of their gully wash away with every one of these storms. Or to the people who's yard/street continue to flood.

Aaaahhhh.........

I hate to go all Jerry Klein here, but I was out mowing the lawn yesterday while the kids were playing. I finished up, had a Leinie's and played a little baseball with the kids.

The sky was blue and the sun was shining.

Ain't spring great?