So, many of you may know that we are involved in building a house in Nicaguara. It is like Costa Rica about 20 years ago, where land prices are still reasonable and building costs work. These are some pictures of the house in progress and the views from the lot. There are three great surfing breaks inside the community (gated) alone, and many more to be discovered. This house will be our secret getaway. Four other guys are involved and we are looking for a 5th partner. Adios!!!

Snake Alert!

So...I am convinced that I have snake vision. I have a severe phobia of snakes, so needless to say, I don't think we live in the best location. I always make John go in front of me while mountain biking or trail running. He obviously doesn't have snake vision because he never seems to see them. This is a picture of what we found in the road right in front of our house. I guess it could have been worse and I could have come face to face with it while gardening.

Fathers day in Driggs

With the assistance of modern aviation technology, Melissa and I were able to fly up to our favorite airport (KDIJ) and spend an evening with MamaJean and Dick for fathers day. It was a beautiful day and the sites from the airplane were spectacular, like this view of Bear Lake. The view of the Grand Teton was amazing! We made a perfect landing in windy conditions.

The cabin is an incredibly peaceful place. It is quiet, with spectacular views, and a profound sense of quiet. Every sunset is amazing. We had a wonderful dinner of steaks, potatoes, and some special Kistler wines. Melissa and Jean worked on yet another puzzle! Sunday morning we has the special RTS omlet (reproduced nowhere else in the known culinary world!) and then proceeded to play 9 holes of local golf. Then, after a great lunch at the warbirds cafe, we hopped in the plane and made it back for the Smart family fathers day celebration.

It was a great to spend fathers day with both of our fathers (and mothers)...We are all blessed that we have these opportunities.

What do you do on your weekend?

John and I have been super busy battling the weeds. I think we are finally starting to take control. We should have taken some before pictures so that you could truly appreciate all of the hard work that we have put in to have a nice yard. But at the end of the day...you still need to put up your feet and enjoy the view!

USS Stockdale

Welcome to John and Melissa's blog. This is a first for us, but we thought it would be a good way to share pictures from events in our life.

We recently made a trip to Bath, Maine for the christening of the DDG 106 Stockdale. This is an Ageis class destroyer named after Admiral James B. Stockdale, a personal friend and Congressional Medal of Honor reciepient for his undaunted courage during the Vietnam War. The Admiral was an inspiration to everyone who knew him and all of those who served under him. He was one of the longest POW's in the Vietnam War. He was also a modern day philosopher who published several books regarding the philosphical principle of stocisim. He was Ross Perot's running mate for the vice presidency of the United States.

The event was of course, a Colorado College Reunion....somewhat like the "Big Chill" without the sex or death....lots of fun had by all. Here are a few pictures from the event:

Melissa got to meet some more of my college friends and despite that, she still loves me! A great time was had by all attending the after party at the home of Betsy Hunt. Although the methods of consumption have changed over the years, they were still plentiful! One picture is a mild re-enactment of the famous "Moonrise over Baja"....updated for mature audiences.... Thanks to Betsy for a great party!