On the auction block

It was nestled between a rugged cedar wardrobe and an rusty electric kitchen knife, and all it took was a simple fleeting glance from the corner of my eye to know that this auction item was a must have. Like a voice from the heavens, the JVC AZI auto-return turntable in chrome casing and accompanying Akai 2-channel, 170 watt amplifier called out my name, like a Great Flood was coming and I was to build an ark. OK - that's a stretch. But this stereo system not only appeared to be extremely well-made, but in nearly mint condition. My decision to go auctioning on this particular Tuesday afternoon was a grand one, because the one thing I love more than records is record players, especially a sweet one like this. I set my spending limit and anxiously waited for the auctioneers to get to the JVC/Akai combination, and when they did I started in immediately. Fifteen seconds and $12.50 later it was mine. I practically peed my pants. I suspect Led Zeppelin will look especially good taking a spin on this sweet ride.

Daughter

"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body." -Elizabeth Stone

756

Barry Bonds hit home run No. 756 last night. I was asleep. I did, however, catch extensive coverage of the great milestone on Sportscenter, and found myself happy for the guy. I'm not a Barry fan, and it has nothing to do with the notion that he used performance enhancing drugs. I remember hearing a story from way back when he played for the Pirates; a young fan approached Bonds after a game in which the slugger had played particularly poorly. On his way off the field Barry approached a young fan in the stands who had been yelling for him to come over and sign a baseball. Barry did, but instead of sign it, he threw it into center field before retiring to the clubhouse. Imagine how that young boy must have felt! There are numerous other stories that convey what a jerk the guy really is. Actually, I don't give a you-know-what if he used steroids. He's a bad guy regardless. Still, watching Sportscenter this morning, I found myself happy for the Barry, probably because the all-time home run record is the greatest record in all of sports. I guess my reaction has far more to do with my love of sports than it does for my respect for Barry Bonds. I just hope A-Rod catches him, and soon.

Colorado Life

The wet mountains of Colorado contrast against these sunflowers found along a gravel road near Westcliffe. Summer of 2005. PHOTO BY JEREMY WALTNER

Home Sweet Home

So Stacey and I bought a new house - a monster, 5-bedroom, 2-bath place with a large living room, larger dining room, decent sized kitchen and, full finished basement and one whopping yard. It's a sweet old place (built in 1926) with original oak floors throughout the main level and loads of character. It needs some work, but for the most part is in good shape. We close Sept. 15, but the sale is contingent on us selling our home. That process is underway. Anybody looking for a good, little home?