Too Close To Home

As I am sure, you have all heard by now, there was an F3 twister that touched down in Sunset Hills, MO on New Years Eve Day. This is just too close to home for my comfort.
In good 'ol So. Co all we received storm wise was gray clouds, 15-20 mpr winds and rain. Although just down the road a bit.......this is what they received. OMG.(scroll down to see photos) I was and continue to be just a little freaked out by the whole event. For one, more then 1 person I know quite well has been effected, and simply for it to hit this close to home is frankly unreal. You heard about twisters in FL, CA, etc but never expect one in your own "neighborhood".
The people effected were:
A. Michael's friend (JS)'s Dad. He has lost his home and car = EVERYTHING
B. Michael's friend (NS) and family. They received a tree through their home. Sadly or maybe lucky in this case, they were not home, since everyone packed up and headed to Pasadena, CA for the band parade.
I drove past "ground zero" and here are a few pictures I was able to take. The area is HEAVLY guarded by the police.
Gov. Nixon tours "Ground Zero" - Fox 2 Now.com Coverage

First photo: enterance to JS's Dad's street 2nd photo: Car shop on S. Lindbergh just past Court St. (which is where the twister hit)

1st Photo: SSM Bldg. S. Lindbergh 2nd Photo: another view of entrance to Court ST.

1st Photo: Just a closer look at an earlier shot. 2nd Photo: 1st home on Court.

Home just before Court. 2nd Photo: Down an ally way just past Court ST.

A damaged car that hasn't been "claimed" Please refer to photo directly below this one, as you will see this car hasn't moved since the twiser. You can see the car in the extreme upper left hand of photo (below)
*All above photos I took, the photo's provided below are courtesy of Fox 2 Now.com.

The strip mall directly across from Court. 2nd Photo: Ariel view from above strip mall looking onto Court

Ariel view of Court. You can see this certain home in ariel view if you look 4 in, but the first one "standing". 2nd Photo: close up of home on Court. Please keep in mind, this home had a detached garage, however it is no where to be seen.

A straight on view of home on Court

The Big Day - TOR Parade

The Day we have been working up to for the last 18 mos has come and gone. I will be posting all TOR Parade video's this afternoon. (barring no unforeseen issues) In the meantime, enjoy the photos.



Trust me, Michael is in this group.

Hannah's Group

The back of Michael's head, and1/2 of Hannah's face. When your son is away from you for 1week, you will take any picture you can get. LOL

Michael and Hannah...(sitting) I'm sure Micheal is texing me........NOT

Exactly 24 Hrs. Away

Tomorrow is the BIG day for the LHS Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band. Tune into HGTV starting at 10am. They are the only station which broadcasts commercial free. The band is roughly the 72nd float back. (out of 100)

2011 Rose Bowl teams announced tonight: TCU Horned Frogs vs. Wisconsin Badgers - Los Angeles Tournament of Roses | Examiner.com

2011 Rose Bowl teams announced tonight: TCU Horned Frogs vs. Wisconsin Badgers - Los Angeles Tournament of Roses | Examiner.com

Bandfest Photos

Not many photos to post yet today. But I actually found a photo of Michael in action. I have more pics of Hannah Michael's GF then I do of my own son. How silly.
Thursday was a busy day for the band. They started with a viewing of the parade route, then their Bandfest performance (which if I am lucky will post sometime later today, early tomorrow). To end the day they had a band mixer. What is a band mixer? Well it is a wild time mixing with the other traveling bands. I spoke to Michael and Hannah, and well at that time LHS was the only band. :-) Guess the others either A. didn't get the memo, or B. Can't handle how awesome of a band we are. LOL

Hannah on R

Michael to left of Drum Major (which is in all black with gold sash)

Michael

TOR News Article

Thanks to PATCH for putting this article together.
Prequel to Rose Parade

Band TOR Pics Day 3

The man, the master, the director of it all..........Mr. Speigleman

Yup our Flags make roses!



Hannah in front

A Blurry Hannah

Michael and Hannah. I'm calling all Michael pics OMG, since he is not in very many. :-)

Michael friend and roommate Nick (2nd from right)

Cool Mickey Bread

Walt and Mickey


We all know who this is...........Goofy

LHSatDisneyland2010.mp4

Here is yesterday's performance at Disneyland once again. Trust me you will be sick of my posting, way before I am done. They have a comp. this afternoon which is being broadcast for the first time ever via the web. I have purchased my "seat" and will post the video later tonight.
When watching this video keep in mind that up until about 1ish they had heavy rain. But as God does for outstanding bands, struck a deal with Mother Nature and all was clear for them to show off their talents to the world.

Running Out of Time-Farmington 2009

This is from their comp. that took place in Farmington, MO earlier this year '09

KETC | Living St. Louis | Lindbergh High School Band

What does it take to be in an elite Marching Band? Watch and find out. This was video from '07

Lindbergh in the Rosebowl Parade - JET 98 News (Lindbergh High School 2005)

Enjoy the LHS @ Rose Parade from 2005

LHSatDisneyland2010.mp4

I couldn't watch this excellent performance w/o crying. My baby boy has made it to the big time. No parent could be prouder!! As usual, since he play Trumpet he is very hard to pick out, but I was able to pick out his GF, Hannah. I love her! This is only 1 of many posts from me today, so turn up your speakers and enjoy!!

Misc. TOR Pictures Set 2

Doug Schafler - Michael's Chap.





Hannah

Hannah

Misc. TOR Pictures

Mr. S, Band Director


Michael & Hannah (Michael in white shirt)

TOR Bandfest Webcast Info

You can find all the Bandfest info HERE or click directly on the flyer. Please test your computer that you will be using before purchasing a pass. I was only able to find 1 of my computers that will stream this.

TOR Parade Map 2011

LHS - TOR Links

This posting is for the sole purpose of providing the numerous links where you can read about my son's Tournament of Roses marching band adventure, well the adventures of the entire LHS Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band's actually.

PATCH Article 1
PATCH Article 2
PATCH Article 3
Examiner.com
Marching.com
TOR Website
Commercial Free Coverage Info
TOR Association
Everything TOR, from all floats, to line up, etc.


As more links become available I will continue to post. In the meantime, enjoy the ones I have just posted.

Pasadena, Ca - TOR Day 1 & 2

Day 1 was the travel day. Michael was on the last flight out, but it was good. No hiccups that I am aware of.
Day 2, was everyone's first full day in Pasadena. They started the day with breakfast then proceeded on a 2 hr tour of Hollywood. They "visited" Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd. To just name a few. Then on to the Hollywood Farmers Market.
From there on to helping with float making. Yes even this late in the game, the floats are not complete. It is the Rose Bowl Parade, hence the roses and other such need to be as fresh as possible.
To finish out the day they headed to a Medieval Times dinner. Fun was had by all. Honestly, how can you not be having fun!!!
Come News Years Day I hope they are not too tired to be at their best. Wednesday brings an equally busy day.
Don't worry, they have stuck in practice time amongst all the fun.
Pictures:
Day 1
Day 2
*Stay tuned to this blog for all the latest Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band news and notes.

No School!

ECE, ALL SCHOOLS CLOSED TODAY 12-16-2010

Tuesday, February 09 2010 @ 04:16 CST

ECE and ALL Lindbergh Schools will be closed today, Dec. 16, 2010, due to the weather.

LHS FINALS UPDATE 3: Finals for today are cancelled, Friday's finals are the same. A decision on today's finals will be made before noon.

UPDATE: Kennerly 4th/5th grade performance has been rescheduled for Friday at 9:30.

When it snows, be the first to know: Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

On This Day......August 10th

1821 - Missouri became the 24th state, and the first located entirely west of the Mississippi River.

Today July 28th................

On this day July 28th in the year 1866:
1866 - Beatrix Potter, British author of children's stories was born.
LOVE HER!!!!!!!!!!!

And most importantly: On this day July 28th in the year 1945:
1945 - Jim Davis, American cartoonist who created the popular comic strip Garfield was born.
Garfield is the best comic strip around!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MR340 2010

We are just at 1 week away from the MR340. Stay tuned to my FB page for the latest updates and news, right where it happens...............the front line ground crew if you will. I am soo excited! Not only for Chris racing a peddle driven Kayak solo, but also to spend some 1 and 1 time with the Ploch fam. Yea!!!!
*For all the MR340 details, click on the logo.

On This Day 1903

July 19,1903 - The first Tour de France cycle race was won by Maurice Garin.

Big Brother Season #12

Another episode, another episode missed by me. Oh when will my schedule free up? When will there be less to watch on TV?
Recap HERE
PS: Don't know if this is more for me or everyone else...........me posting this that is. :)

CBS’s Big Brother 12

If I don't have it alarmed in my phone, forget about it. And that was the case last night. I am willing/actually wanted to give this new season a go, however missed it. 1. B/c I was at Chris' Dirt Crit race (he took 1st) and 2. Didn't have it marked in my phone. Hopefully I will catch the next episode. Until then here is the SCOOP and a RECAP

Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit- July 8.m4v

Netherlands

Travel with my parents on their "epic" journey through the Netherlands. Bummer they didn't do this trip a week earlier, they could have encountered the Tour de France. How very cool that would have been! :-D
Rhine Getaway Tour/Journey

Epic FAIL

It is no secret........I am Team Kate all the way. Here is the latest when it comes to her Ex Jon. Book deal, details

Short Track Mtb Series

Begins tonight, yes tonight July 1st. Click on the logo to learn more........



PS: Free drinks, beer and food every Thursday night in July at Castlewood State Park.
Editors Note: You have to race to be eligible for the food/drinks. Duh

Sony Walkman

On this day July 1, in 1979 - The Sony Walkman was introduced. Do you remember the original???

On June 26, 1819:

1819 - The bicycle was patented by W.K. Clarkson, Jr. of New York City.

The Muppets Face Off with OK Go in Epic Staring Contest [VIDEO]

The Muppets Face Off with OK Go in Epic Staring Contest [VIDEO]

How Did Father's Day Get Started?

And here is your answer: Sonora Smart Dodd

Brown Dog Blues Band

Gosh where do I begin? I have for months been wanting to listen to the Brown Dog Blues Band. And why did it take me so long to get out to hear them? I was waiting on Chris to be off on a Wednesday evening. Sadly I had to just give up the wait and go at it alone. (And last night was the night, with Michael at Six Flags) Regardless if he were with me or not, it is a truly awesome band. Although truth be told, I really wish he were. Hopefully next time.
They are up and coming alright! If they keep it up, (in my opinion) they should be reaping the rewards sooner then later!
I can't say enough what a phenomenal local band we have here. The band makes the audience part of their music and fun. I really enjoy events where the act includes the audience. The lead singer is Ralph. He is a man of many talents. Where do I begin? lol He is musically inclined, a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker, a really good bike rider/racer, and most recently added kayak-er to his ever growing list. Shall I continue with the list.............husband, father and really good friend. Phew that is a lot of hats for one person to wear at once. lol
So instead of me going on and on and on, about how wonderful the band is, why don't you check them out for yourself. They play every Wednesday night at the Lone Wolf Coffee Shop. With this Wednesday June 23rd being the exception. Hey everyone needs a vacation, right.
*As a side note. It is the perfect evening away event. With buffet, drinks and great social company, band members and the other audience members, how can you go wrong?
*Side note two: I was informed that they have the best Margaritas, and yes it is fact.

And this has been a review by Laura :) lol

Great Day For Water Play - Tandem Style

We finally received our replacement tandem Hobie, (phew 5 mos. later)

Chris & I took it out to George Winter Park, Fenton on Sunday. It was great fun. Sorry I don't have additional photo's I was in less then a stellar mood this entire weekend. We did get rained on, although that was part of the fun. :-D

*Thank you ChrisTopher for taking us out for a good time, and putting up with my foul mood* You are the best! Love you, but who wouldn't!!!

Man V Food New Season

All new season starts tonight at 8 CT on Travel Channel. Don't miss out.
FYI my favorite shows: (yes in this order)
Real Housewives of Orange County
Kate Plus 8 (and the like)
Man V Food
Kendra
And so on. The above listed are the shows I refuse to miss. :-D

Kate Gosselin Overload? Nope

I was lucky enough Sunday night to catch both of Kate's new show's. Kate +8 was first. Loved it! She will have another on July 11th, so mark your calendar now so you don't miss it then. Then we had Twist of Kate. Once again, loved it! I am a Kate Gosselin fan 100%. For you haters.............look at it this way...........if you had 8 children all under 10 how hard would it be to keep them all in line. Not to mention to be a single parent attempting to provide for the 8 little ones. Her ex (Jon) is a deadbeat. If you are a single parent with a deadbeat ex, you are walking in her same shoes, just with less children to raise/feed.
Love you Kate!!
Read what CNN had to say about the shows HERE.