Did That Really Just Happen?

Have you ever had one of those moments? Those moments where you are kicking yourself for not having your camera because you know that when you try to tell people the story they'll never believe that something that absurd could actually happen? Well, we had one of those moments last night--and, par for the course, didn't have a camera accessible to document the events as they were unfolding. To be fair, the "event" itself isn't that unfathomable, because let's be real, people are idiots all the time, but the sequence of events and culprit were sufficiently absurd, if not comical.

The long and the short of it--some idiot was driving down a 55 mph highway while carrying two tires in a trailer behind his pickup. But not a normal trailer--it was a flatbed trailer with no rear gate (read: nothing to keep the tires from falling out. And they weren't strapped down). As should not be surprising, the unevenness of the road jostled one of the tires to the edge and out it went, right in front of us. Thankfully, Darrell had realized that the tire was about to get loose and had slowed way down. Which was fortunate, because the tire bounced in the road quite a bit (maxing out at a solid fifteen feet in the air) before eventually rolling into the ditch (oh, I should also mention that this was a highway with traffic coming in both directions, so it was fortunate that the car in the other lane was also being attentive and able to slow down once he saw the tire start to bounce).

Now, the things that made this more comical (and surreal) than just an idiot who didn't strap his stuff down properly. For one, his truck was incredibly old school.

photo credit here

In addition to the questionable flatbed trailer with no gate (or even raised sides), this particular truck had a bed cover that was some sort of modified camping trailer (jerry-rigging at its finest), and it appeared that the whole contraption had gone years without a washing. So when the tire worked itself loose and bounced in to the air, it's doubtful the driver would have been able to see anything, even if he had been looking through his rearview mirror. Darrell even laid on his horn to try to get this guy's attention, but no dice. Once we were clear of the tire we sped to catch back up to him--flashers on, horn honking, arms waving him to the side of the road--but he was oblivious. We were finally able to pull up alongside him once he turned off the highway, and discovered the next great comical piece to our story: this driver looked like he was straight out of one of those (ridiculous) reality TV shows set in the Arkansas area, Duck Dynasty and/or Swamp People.

Cast of Duck Dynasty. He looked like the guy in the red--but less cameo and more American flag. Photo credit here

We were finally able to get his attention, and when we informed him that he had lost a tire, he promptly pulled a highly illegal U-turn (we're talking a road with three east-bound lanes and two west-bound, and he went from the outside most east-bound lane to the outside most west-bound lane, cutting us off in the process. Although to be fair, he probably couldn't have made a sharper turn than that). However, more mind-blowing than the illegal U-turn was the fact that at no time did he stop to check the status of the second tire, which was also working itself loose. Additionally, he didn't even ask us where he had lost the tire (we had followed him for at least two miles after he dropped the tire and had been behind him prior to that for at least five), just turned around and started heading back down the highway. Brilliant.

Now, before you run off and enjoy your Friday, I need your help to settle a debate that ensued between Darrell and I after this event. I'm convinced that if Darrell had been driving distracted and not noticed the loose tire, it could have very easily hit our car and--worst case scenario--come through our windshield, driving glass into us if not crushing one of us. Darrell thinks that even at the speeds we were going (probably would have been close to 60 mph if we hadn't slowed down), the impact of the tire on the windshield would not have been forceful enough for it to actually come through the windshield. The glass would break and bow at the impact spot (see image below), but the strength of the double-pane windshield would be enough to keep the tire from breaking through.

photo credit here

So, what do you think? Do you think the tire would have gone completely through the windshield if a collision had happened, or do you think tire would have more or less "bounced" off? I'd really love to test this situation somehow.... Maybe a scenario for Mythbusters? That'd be awesome.

Weekend at the Lake

Relaxing!

Quite possibly one of the best dinner locales ever

Enjoying the sunset...

and sunrise!

Love having this little oasis a mere forty miles from our house, even if the quality of the water is a little sketch (and the bottom is exceptionally gross and slimy in places). Looking forward to heading back there for the 4th!

The English Patient

The English Patient, by Michael Ondaatje, was a book that I was readily drawn to because of its premise--love and mystery at the close of WWII. Random chance brings four people together at an Italian villa--a Canadian nurse, a Canadian thief, an Indian Sikh who specializes in bomb removal, and a horribly burned man whom they call the English patient. In unraveling the mystery of the English patient, each of the characters is forced to let down a few of their own walls and they are able to rediscover some truths about themselves.

I would love to give the book a rave review. I really would. But the truth is, I had a hard time getting through it. I know the book is highly acclaimed, and was made into a very successful movie, but I just really struggled getting into it. The progression of the plot is very non-linear, which made it difficult to stay focused and involved when I was only able to read for fifteen/twenty minutes a day. On more than one occasion I found myself needing to turn back a few pages to remember where I was at, and even that wasn't always successful because of the disjointed nature of the plot line. Additionally, even when I did have downtime and would have been able to read for a longer period of time, I found myself consciously finding something else to do because trying to stay involved and piece together the parts of the book made it feel somewhat like a chore.

However, I think part of the reason I did not enjoy this book was due to my own faults, not that of the author. Once I stopped trying to force the book and characters into a plot that made sense to me, the pieces of the book came together naturally and I was actually able to enjoy it. But I think that I spent so much time fighting against the natural progression of the book that I actually lost a lot of the depth of the characters and plot.

While this book didn't leave the most lasting impression on me, I don't think that I would discourage others from reading it. My only encouragement would be to make sure you have a few solid chunks of time to commit to it; the nature of the book doesn't lend itself well to a book that you can regularly pick up and put down without getting a little lost.

It's All Darrell's Fault

So remember when I blamed Darrell for my delay in posting Europe photos because he had to edit all of them before I could post them? Well, I've since learned a little bit more about the truth behind the necessity of editing them, along with more than I really cared to know about photography. But since I now "have the knowledge", and since this is likely going to cause frequent delays in my ability to post photos, you are going to learn it too.

Here's the deal. Apparently when you take a picture, most cameras (or at least Darrell's fancy Nikon) save two file images--a standard jpeg image that the camera automatically does some retouching to, and something like a nef file that is a totally raw, untouched image. However, most basic photo software only recognizes the jpeg image, so that's all most users see. And for the most part, even though the jpeg images already have some automatic retouching done to them, it's still possible to use editing software to add more enhancements and stuff. But apparently, if you start with the raw image, there are way more edits and enhancements that you can do--with the right software, of course. Well, when we got our new laptop, Darrell made sure that it came equipped with said fancy software.

Now, Darrell could leave his camera in the "normal" mode and allow it to store the files as jpegs so that programs (such as blogger) will recognize them as photos, while still allowing him to upload the raw image and edit that as he wants. However, when he does this, the upload takes twice as long because, well, it's essentially uploading two copies of each picture. Plus it gets to be a nightmare in terms of locating and storing the images on the computer (especially when Darrell isn't the most organized to begin with). So, he has changed the settings on his camera to shoot in raw only.

The long and the short of it--Darrell's camera now takes pictures that until he edits them and re-saves them as jpeg files, I can't do anything them with them because they are not in a blogger (or anything) compatible format. So while I would love to sit here and tell you about how Darrell and I spent our weekend at the lake, I wouldn't be able to put any pictures with the post because Darrell doesn't have them edited yet. And really, it's no fun not to be able to share the pictures.

So if you start to notice that I'm regularly posting about things that happened two or three (or four or five) days previous, it's not my fault. Really. It's all Darrell's fault.

Cheers to the Weekend!

I wish we still had some of our French wine and British truffles left to ring in the weekend with, but I'm sure we'll be able to make do without. Here's to a happy Friday and a great weekend!

Beach Week 2012

Another year, another trip to the beach, and of course it was all over too soon. You probably won't be able to tell from these pictures that we actually spent any time at all in the water, but I promise we did. And even if we hadn't it still would have been a successful trip, because any time we were inside we were cooing over this adorable baby.

Is he not the cutest?!?

No worries though, we made sure to give plenty of loving to baby Evan's equally cute big brother John as well...

And even managed to tire him out for a few good afternoon naps.

Napping with mommy!

Of course, as we were trying to get a picture with both of our nephews before we left, John decided that it was a good time to start acting shy (silly boy!), but we still managed to snap a cute one with the help of some funny face-makers in the background (if you look closely you can see them in the mirror).

Darrell did manage to snap one good picture of the actual ocean (the only picture we took with any water in it!)--turns out that getting up at six in the morning to go fishing has its perks!

Mocha Coconut Fudge

While you are waiting for the adorable photos of my nephews (because I'm sure you are just on the edge of your seat in anticipation), I figured I'd hold your attention with something equally enticing: this delicious mocha coconut fudge. This may be one of my favorite fudges--and that's saying a lot because I never thought I'd find anything to compete with my chocolate peanut butter fudge. My only complaint with the recipe is the use of coconut oil in it, which is apparently quite expensive (at least in Sioux Falls). But the taste of the fudge totally validated the expense, and now I'll just have to find other uses for the oil (or make lots and lots of batches of this fudge!)

Mocha Coconut Fudge
(original recipe found here)


12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
12 ounces white chocolate chips
1 15 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 tbsp espresso powder (or instant coffee)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp coconut extract
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted

Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray. Add semisweet chocolate to a double boiled and melt completely. Once melted, stir in half the sweetened condensed milk, the vanilla, the coffee powder, and 1/2 tbsp of coconut oil. Mix with a spatula until well combined and fairly smooth, then spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan (mixture will be thick). Place in the freezer for thirty minutes.

Add the white chocolate to a double boiler and melt completely. Stir in the remaining sweetened condensed milk, coconut oil, and coconut extract. Mix until well combined. Remove the fudge from the freezer and top with the white chocolate layer. Spread to coat evenly. Top with the toasted coconut, pressing it in slightly to ensure that it sticks, then chill in the refrigerator for at least sixty minutes.

I'm not normally one to be bossy, but you really should make this fudge. Today. And then open a nicely chilled bottle of rose or white wine and enjoy the first day of summer in style!

NC Success!

A sure sign of a successful week at the beach with Darrell's family?

Returning with a bagful of (new-to-me) books to read!

I love doing book swaps with Darrell's sisters--and visiting the used book store on Topsail Island. Now I just need to get a Nook so I can borrow ebooks from Darrell's mom (hint hint Darrell--I do have a birthday coming up in a few months...)

More beach pictures coming later this week once Darrell gets his photos uploaded and edited--you won't want to miss them, our nephews are ridiculously adorable!

I Mowed!

Yes, I know, really not an accomplishment. Especially since I can't walk in a straight line to save my life (Seriously. It's a good thing Darrell isn't one of those guys who is super anal about how his lawn looks. Actually--it's too bad Darrell isn't one of those guys who is super anal about how his lawn looks because I guarantee he'd never let me out there again). But since this is only the second time in my life that I've mowed, I'm allowed to be proud of myself for actually doing it (especially since there are a few kids in our neighborhood who would have gladly taken $20 to mow it for me). And now I can (finally) cross it off the "101 in 1001" list.

Before you go all calling me a lazy-ass for never mowing, you should that I grew up with a dad and brother who always assumed the male responsibility of yard work, so neither my sister nor I rarely had to hep out. Plus one of my grandpas has always lived in Sioux Falls, and he absolutely loves mowing (Seriously. Still at eighty-seven. The doctors won't let him use a push-mower any more, but he loves being able to get out on his rider), so he would come by and pick up the slack if my brother and dad couldn't get it done. My dad did try to teach me once when I was about thirteen, but when he started it up with me at the push bar and the self-drive feature kicked in causing the mower to lurch forward, I freaked out and let go. And he must have felt bad for scaring me because he never tried again.

I do owe an apology to my college housemates, though. I really didn't pull my own weight with the mowing responsibilities (considering I lived there for nearly a year and mowed once, and that was in the weeks before graduation). I did make Darrell mow the lawn at the house a few times (because, you know, I just had to study for my killer test), but certainly not enough for what some of the other girls did. So consider this a long overdue apology--and a promise that if I'm ever in your neighborhood you are more than entitled to make me mow your lawn. Just as long as you don't care if your lawn has more loops and swoops than a roller coaster.

Europe: London Edition, Part V (The Leftovers)

This last (go ahead and get excited, I know you are getting sick of all these Europe posts!) post is mostly just a dump of the pictures that didn't fit into any other category, yet ones I felt were still interesting enough to share. I hope you enjoy--and then I promise not to talk about this trip for at least a few days! :)

The Royal Courts of Justice--no idea what the significance is behind this building, but it sure looks cool! 

The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain--not really much of a fountain, but we're not judging

The Prince Albert Memorial--as you can clearly tell, Queen Victoria really loved her husband

Harrods--a really really big (and overwhelming) department store

Wellington Arch

The Queen's House flanked by the Old Royal Navy College (and if you are thinking those domes look suspiciously like the one on St. Paul's, you are right. The architect practiced his design here before putting it on St. Paul's)

And last but not least, a (massive) billboard of the royal family commemorating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It's like the Queen is bidding thee farewell!

Other Europe Posts:

London, Part I: The Iconic Images

London, Part II: The Royalty

Anniversary Trip to Denbies Wine Estate

London, Part III: The Museums

London, Part IV: The Fun!

Paris Trip

Europe: Paris Edition

In addition to our anniversary trip to the winery, Darrell and I also planned a two-day getaway to Paris. Once we had paid for the flight and were in London, travel to other European cities was pretty easy--and considerably cheaper than planning another overseas trip--so we figured that since this might be the only time we are in Europe we might as well make the most of it. As we realized when we were in Paris, we aren't really sure whose idea it was to travel to Paris out of the available European cities, but it was certainly a great--albeit busy--addition to our time in London. With the help of Google maps, we estimated that we walked about fifteen miles in our two days there--and this was after a week of walking around London and winery!

Up at 4 AM to catch the train to Paris

Finally in Paris!

Apparently Darrell is a giant in Paris (or they just serve their espresso in really small cups...)

Place de Concord (obelisk), National Assembly (building with columns), Napoleon's Tomb (gold dome). And yes, this was as close as we got to all three of those. We just didn't have the time--there is soooo much to see in Paris 

The Louvre! We were probably there for close to four hours and *maybe* saw half of it. That place is seriously huge. Seriously.

But, of course, we made sure to see the Mona Lisa--as did, not surprisingly, everyone else in the museum

Apparently the French aren't as protective of their Crown Jewels as the British are

Darrell's cool shot of the inverted pyramid

The Arc de Triomphe

Notre Dame self-portrait

A shot of the beautiful stained glass inside

Probably the coolest gargoyle ever

View from the top! (Not surprisingly, the hike to the top was very similar to that of St. Paul's. And unfortunately, it was a hazy morning so we couldn't get any really good shots of the city)

Does this monument even need a caption?

Kisses!

Getting ready to take the train through the Chunnel! (Which--for the record--not as cool as it seems. You can't even see the English channel when you enter or exit the tunnel, and--naturally--you can't see anything from inside the tunnel)

One. Post. Left--I promise!

Other Europe Posts:
London, Part I: The Iconic Images
London, Part II: The Royalty
Anniversary Trip to Denbies Wine Estate
London, Part III: The Museums
London, Part IV: The Fun!
London, Part V: The Leftovers

Europe: London Edition, Part IV (The Fun!)

Phew! How are you holding up? I told you we did a lot during our ten days in London--and subsequently took a lot of pictures. So far the London posts have been all about the "famous" places we've visited--iconic landmarks, royal palaces, and museums. Now it's time to show you some of the fun we had when we weren't being tourists (which, remarkably, we had time for. Still not sure how.... But we managed).

Perusing all the eclectic shops (and wildly diverse food stands) at the Brick Lane Market

At Her Majesty's Theater for a performance of Phantom of the Opera. Un. Believe. Able. And I know it technically wasn't a dinner theater, but it was definitely professional, so we're using it to cross an item off our "101 in 1001" list

Spending a wonderful afternoon on a riverboat cruise down the Thames River

Darrell's first pint!

Enough said

Standing on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich

More Pints! 

A fun shot of the taps at The Porter House

Wicked cool tree in Hyde Park

I'm convinced London has the most tame fowl in the world. Darrell is hardly using any zoom on this shot. And we literally had a dove land on our table and try to eat our pizza off of it at dinner one night!

I would be absolutely remiss if I didn't put a huge thank you out to the fine people with us in this next photo. Linda and Paul graciously let us crash in their tiny flat for the whole trip (saving us a crazy amount of money), plus took the time to show us around and help us get acquainted with the public transportation even though they were in the middle of finals at LSE. Love you guys!

Sunday Roast at The Prince Bonaparte

 Let's go to Paris next, shall we?

Previous Posts:
London, Part I: The Iconic Images
London, Part II: The Royalty
Anniversary Trip to Denbies Wine Estate
London, Part III: The Museums
Paris Trip
London, Part V: The Leftovers