Robert's Thoughts

What A Cat

2008-11-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

Copy & paste in browser on the link below to see...

http://media.photobucket.com/video/simons cat/pbhomepage/video4a/simon2.flv?o=1

Bette White - Funny Lady

2008-10-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

More Fun In Panama City Beach, Florida

2008-09-30T17:52:00.001-07:00

Me in the water, Tracy absolutely refused to get in the same water that fish, sting reys, jelly fish, whales, dolphins all swam in, ate in, and shit in...

Pineapple Willy's from the beach...

Pineapple Willy's front door from the street...

And they even have a Ripley's Believe It or Not...

Some boys showing off, there was a softball tournament the same time we were there and the boys seemed to enjoy showing off. Trying to get some attention are they???

And more boys showing off on the beach! Tracy, why are you taking pictures of the boys???

Panama City Beach, Florida

2008-09-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

In early September, right after Labor Day Weekend, Tracy and I went to Panama City Beach, Florida with Jeff and ihs wife Terri. Here are a just a few pictures of the area...

The Gulf of Mexico...

Me by the Condo pool...one of three...

The beach...

The water...

The Condo from the beach...all of the units had a water view...

The view from our Condo room on the 11th floor...

SNL - Hillary & Palin

2008-09-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

Click the empty box, you will be taken to a land far, far, far away....

December 12th, 2008........

2008-08-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Guess where I will be on December 12th, 2008....

click on the big empty box below and you will taken to another local....

The Lion as Reported by Barbara Walters from The View

2008-08-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a story that is sure to bring a slight tear to your eye......

This is just too cute....ahhhhh......

2008-07-31T00:13:00.001-07:00

And You Thought You Had Problems...

2008-07-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't touch your heart, I don't know what will. This puts life in perspective.

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This is a true story!

The son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'. The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his
father said 'Yes' too.

For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race together.

NOW PRESS PLAY AND WATCH THIS VIDEO:

At the Louisville Zoo with Kulleen...

2008-07-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

As for few who actually knew, but all are soon to learn, Kulleen was finally approved by Boeing for her relocation back to Buffalo to be closer to her parents. As she was travelling back, she stopped by good old Robert & Tracy's to stay and visit. Well, I took a day off and we went to the Louisville Zoo, of all places, and here are a few pix of our visit...

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And say cheese Mr Ville-Billy Goat!!!

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And our born in captivity baby elephant with mother.

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The albino aligator....

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I just love piguens, but the habitate is small and looks very uncomfortable...

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And here is an unusual display, children in their natural habitate. I am so glad that the zoo decided to include those youngsters from the back woods....

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And those adorable Meerkats!!!

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Overall, the zoo was a nice visit as we were there for almost 5 hours! But I think that the "caged" habitates need to be just a tad bit bigger!!! Maybe this is my calling for coming to Louisville, start fund raising to increase the size of the animals new homes away from home.....mmm....

New Addition to the Family...

2008-07-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

This is my wonderful new kitten, now young cat, Elizabeth Taylor!!! Yes, when I adopted her that was her name on the cage. So she is now known as Lizzie Cat for short.

She is a well behaved young kitten, full of energy and curiosity and adventure! She knows exactly which blankets to lay on that are stratigically placed on certian pieces of furniture around the house, and does just that! And guess what! I am now known as the "crazie white man down the street that walks his cat"!!! Yep, I have a small pet harness and leash that Lizzie Cat wears when ever she goes outside, and she knows that she has to be all geared up in order to go out! She loves to walk up and down the side walk, looking at the cars by, stopping for a quick bite of green grass to eat, then returning home to lounge on the back patio viewing the wildlife of birds, rabbits, and squirrels in our back 40!!! Oh, by the way...Tracy's nick name for Lizzie Cat is now "Fat Butt"! Since she has filled out more from being fed good food instead of jailhouse junk!

New Hibiscus....

2008-07-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

My wonderful mom ordered and sent us two Hibiscus starters, and here they are in blume. I didn't realize how big these can get, so they just may end up being transplanted next year to a bigger area so they can grow to their full potential and be lovely to see from the patio or back yard. THANKS MOM!!!

Annual BBQ

2008-07-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

Although we have moved from Tacoma, WA to Louisville, KY, this has not stopped us from having our annual backyard BBQ. We provide all the food, from appetizers, main course, to dessert (well it was insisted that Scott & Shawn bring it). Our guests just bring their favorite "adult" beverage with enough to share, and what is not consumed stays. It was a entertaining success as always, and ending at 2 am like usual until the wonderful neighbors at the far end of the street showed up to literally "crash" the party scene. They did bring a couple of six packs of bud, so back woods country, and partied until we kicked them out at 5 am!!! For those who want the details of the post 2 am events, call and have Tracy tell you the story as only Tracy can tell...he....he....he...!!!

Out of Order...but at least updating....

2008-07-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

I was invited by Eddie & Edith to their daughter Lalani's wedding to Anthony this past June. Here are proud parents and bride. I traveled to Colorado Springs, CO with no problems, had a great time visiting and running around with Ramon! But the trip home was another story. The flight out of Springs was delayed due to adverse weather (T-storms) in Dallas, TX and my connection to Louisville was cancelled. So, I spent the night with Yvette, Tracy's sister, who just happens to live right outside of Dallas. It was a good one night visit and Tracy was jeleous. Oh well, that's what happens when you plan you travel with connections in towns that you know people! He, he, he....

Would You Stop...???...

2008-07-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Sex in The City....mmmm....

2008-07-06T16:06:00.001-07:00

Screaming Cat

2008-04-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Screaming Cat

2008-04-13T20:32:00.001-07:00

Drag Kings...

2008-04-10T21:10:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for our annual BBQ

2007-07-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

As all of our friends in Tacoma, WA know, we have an annual BBQ that we supply all the food and our guest bring their favorite adult beverage, enough to share with everyone and what they bring stays. The price of admission to our festivities. While I was in Seattle on vacation, I headed to Ikea for some finishing items for the decor on the patio, covered patio that is...

Sheer till all along the back yard side. So gothic, like those vampire movies. Especially when a breaze picks up and blows them inward...

Another view from the back yard. Have a small flower bed all along the back side and the notorious evergreen shrubs in each corner. And where the "curtains" are open is the entrance way to the back yard!

This is one of the 5 plants we bought for the covered patio in the summer. They will have to come inside during the winter since they are technically in door house plants...

And here is another. I put them all in the foyer because that is the only area in the house without curtains and lets in all of the natural light.

Off to Seattle....

2007-07-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

I then flew to Seattle, WA to visit friends and GAMBLE! I lost money when my mom and I went to the casino's in Spokane. But once I got to Seattle, I started to recover my losses and made a little extra... Not enough to pay for the trip, but enough to satisfy me!

Kulleen came down to Tacoma, and went out on the town with Roman and I. We had dinner, met up with Sandy and Jewel for a couple of beers, then headed out to see who was out and about in Tacoma!

And this is my best friend Roman. We had a blast at the casino and party until late Saturday night. Kulleen took me to the airport, since it was on her way home. And I spent all Sunday traveling from the West Coast back to the East Coast. Who would have ever thought that Tracy and I would end up in Kentucky!

Cassie's Graduation

2007-07-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

June 8th I flew back to Spokane, Washington for my niece's Graguation from High School. She attended East Valley High School and successfully completed her requirements, which entitled her to a High School Diploma!

This is my mother JoAnn, sister Debbie, and Grandmother Neen. We arrived at the Opera House and stood in line for almose 2 hours so that we would have primo seats.

This is my niece Cassie and her boyfriend Michael. Aren't they just cute as apple pie!

And Cassie with her favorite Uncle Robert!

Cassie and friend Jimmy, actually an ex-boyfriend....but still good friends.

2007-07-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Back row: my sister Debbie, Cassie, Debbie's husband Scott; front row: my nieces Courtney and Madison.

Debbie, JoAnn, Cassie, Neen.

Cassie and Michael...off to their all nighter sponsored by their High School.

Our Entry for Derby Hat Contest

2007-05-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Our building had a "Derby Hat" contest for all the work groups that wanted to participate. We had to design, and build a hat representing Derby in any aspect available. Our combined departments consisting of POA/Bond, PE NAFTA/Entry Review, Customer Profile, and NAFTA BDIS put all of our heads together and this is what we came up with!

Representing from the front is a dipictation of the great Kentucky Derby Race...

And from the left side is the bed race held in a local in door stadium...

And from the back is the balloon race, the night before they have a gathering to show how they fire up the balloon...

And from the right hand side is the great paddle wheel boat race, down the dirty river...

And the top represents the THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE FIREWORKS!!! The biggest fireworks show in the nation!

Our hat came in at 2nd Place!!!!

Thank You to all my fellow co workers!!!

Price of gas in Louisville

2007-05-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

No, just some wishful thinking. That was the price of gasoline here in Louisville back in November of 2006. Just thought I would get your goat....lol...lol...lol!

The Kentucky Derby

2007-05-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

The jockeys pre race photo shoot...

The Queen of England in green. Tastefully dressed with her lovely hat.

And some ugly, no neck American woman in pink...oops, that was the wife of the American Ambassador to England. No wonder he's not the American Ambassador to England any longer...

The Kentucky Derby

2007-05-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

And they're out of the gates!

Racing down the track!

Heading towards the finish line!

And the winner is Number 7 "Street Smart"!

A few new items...

2007-05-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Such a beautiful day, Tracy just mowed the yard.

New plants on the front step, water fountain set up too.

My lawn swing on the far left, new cover for the butterfly umbrella, heat lamp put together, and a new BBQ Grill for Tracy under the big black cover.

And a new outdoor living area furniture too.

Still at the Chow Wagon

2007-05-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

Me enjoying a "no spill" taco...

More food vendors...

Out door movie screen, where they showed a movie each night.

And the Bourbon tent! You could buy and drink inside, or take with you as you searched for that right item to go along with it.

Chow Wagon

2007-05-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

Me at the entrance of "Chow Wagon". It's a fenced/sectioned off area along the riverfront in downtown Louisville that they have food vendors, souvineers, kids play area, live entertainment, and most certainly alcohol vendors. No beer gardens, the whole area is an alcholic fest!

The live entertainment playing to an audience of....2! Count them, TWO!

And Miss Betty Boop, displaying her goods to all that pass by.

Deep fried twinkie! No, I had deep fried oreo cookies! Already had the deep fried twinkie in Vancouver, WA when we went to see the Pink Martini's. And it wasn't all that, and the oreo's were ok...

Thunder over Louisville

2007-05-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

This is the fireworks over the bridge, with fireworks cascading off of the bridge too...

Ooooo...so spectacular...

Such brightness to fill the sky...

And the smoke from the end just flowed down wind. It's said that they spent over $60 Million for this show. And it's the biggest firework display in America! Bigger than any 4th of July Show!

Robert's new toy...

2007-04-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

I have made a new purchase, and it's not for my hobby...
Sandy, does this look familiar??? Looks like we'll both be roaming the house with laptop in tow. Only, mine will be in tow on the main floor of the house since the desk top is upstairs. And Tracy wont allow me to sit up in bed playing on it...but he can have a flat screen TV on both floors of the house. Where are our priorities????

Plugged in to charge above, and open and still in charge mode below...

We also purchased a wireless router so that I can be mobile around the house and hopefully on the patio too! Maybe this will help me keep up to date with my blog. Yeah, right!
Best Days ;-0

The Garage Gorilla

2007-04-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

I had seen this cool item called "The Garage Gorilla" at Costco.com, so Tracy & I went to our local Costco warehouse store to purchase it. Unbeknown to us, this is an online purchase only item and not available at the warehouse locations. So, Tracy went online and purchased it. A handy dandy gadget to make more 'space' in the garage by moving the bicycles from the floor to the ceiling, as you can see below...

Tracy and I had a time securing this 'gadget' to the ceiling, since we had no idea which direction the beams ran. So I had to purchase a 'stud finder' (Rob, where are you when I need you??? Oh that's right, you got married!) in hopes that this handy dandy little device would actually work! Especially for the inexperienced! We managed to determine the location of the beams, but after the first set-up had to dismantle and turn the motor in a 90 degree placement. The bikes were to be against the wall, but are now hanging over a car. See below...

And of course, I am the one who 'freaked' out about having these items dangling over my brand new 2006 Dodge Dakota family suburban tank. We had to rearrange the garage and change places with Tracy's car and mine. See the placement above.

Oops... This is where Tracy's prized posession, Yamaha Warrior Motorcycle is now parked. Right in front of his car. And how the vehicles look parked in the garage from the street. See below...

So, all in a weekend's day worth of work. Always remember, measure twice, and one more time for those of us who don't have our neighborhood handy dandy man (Rob!) around to lock and assist in installing those handy dandy gadgets that we all must have!
Best Days ;-)

Finally...I have my very own HORSE

2007-04-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Tracy and I went out and bought a horse! Yep, that's right. A horse! We haven't decided if we are going to enter it in the Kentucky Derby this year or not. Still debating over that one. But we have become real Louiville residents! Those of special stature own one, and usually display it in their front yard. But we have decided that we wont be that country, even though we live in the country. We are educated city folks and will try to get it up on the plant shelf so it has a birds eye view out the foyer window! Not many will see it from outside, unless they are invited into the house to see our horse! See the pictures below...

So, now that you have seen our addition to the family, what shall we call him/her? Post your ideas, and we'll see who the potential winner will be. Maybe Tracy will even dig deep into his deep pockets and pay for a round trip ticket to come out and visit the new addition to the family. Worth a try!?!?!

My New Vehicle

2007-03-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

And the last time my 2000 Ford Ranger, quad door, V6, 5 speed, AC, AM/FM CD radio, tilt wheel, cruise control, with hitch truck will be parked in our driveway...

2007-03-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

...and a last back view of my little 2000 Ford Ranger, quad door, V6, 5 speed, AM/FM CD, AC, speed control, tilt wheel, with hitch truck.

2007-03-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

My new vehicle. 2006 Dodge Durango! Tracy & I went just to look, yeah right (you know Tracy), at the Dodge Nitro. But it was just a tad bit too small. Then that notorious salesman just had to show us this one that was $10,000.00 off of the dealer price. They had to get rid of the last of the 06's. And boy did they ever haggle a deal for us!

2007-03-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

Parked in the driveway.

2007-03-04T13:11:00.001-08:00

All doors open.

2007-03-04T13:11:00.000-08:00

Just putting a few things away.

Picture of my trip to Hawaii

2007-03-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

This is the way to Polo Beach, Maui, Hawaii. I took lots of pictures, but only published these few. I flew in from Louisville, KY while my sister and neice from Spokane, WA. We had planned this trip for a year as a celebration of my sister turning 40 in January and my neice will be gratuating from High School in June. We had a great time going to the beach in the morning, shopping in the afternoon, and doing some site seeing in the evening! Our minds were mostly on the beach and surf, then shopping. This was a great time of the year to get away from the cold too. And the weather in Maui was just great, not too hot, and not too cold!

2007-03-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Cassie, my neice, rinsing off as we head down to Polo Beach. Why and what she had to rinse off is unknown. But it was used when we returned to get the sand off of our feet.

2007-03-04T13:02:00.001-08:00

The surf at Polo Beach. Excitement building to get into the water!

2007-03-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

The Fairmont Hotel at Polo Beach. It is a huge hotel, and probably expensive in that. We were lucky to stay at my Aunt's condo. Just had to pay airfare, car rental, and food. Oh, yeah. What souvineers we bought too...

2007-03-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

We really liked Polo Beach the best, went almost every day! They had these chaise lounge chairs so we didn't have to bring our own. Just tipped the beach boy and he would set up our area for us. It was the best beach for sunning, swimming, and just plain old relaxing!

2007-03-04T12:57:00.001-08:00

Sugar cane factory on the way to Lahiena. They don't grow much sugar cane these days, most of the sugar now come from beets grown in California. But they still have a few fields around.

2007-03-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

This is the beginning of the path to Fish Bowl. We had to park the car down the street in a lot next to power pole 14, then walk all the way to power pole 18, turn around and take 48 feet back to see the inkling of the beginng of the path. You could hardly make it out, but it was there and we were determined to go, even though it was late.

2007-03-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

This is what the land looked all around the path to Fish Bowl.

2007-03-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

My neice was in high speed all the way. I had to keep an eye on her in front, then stop and turn around to see...

2007-03-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

...and my sister behind me. I had to keep an eye out for her!

2007-03-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

There it is in the distance. Almost there. And this is not a journey for the weak, the old, or those out of shape!

2007-03-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

Finally, arrived at Fish Bowl to snorkle...

2007-03-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

...and to the right. We arrived late, so we could only snorkle for about an hour before the sun set. And I would not recommend walking back in the dark!

2007-03-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

Hard Rock Cafe in Laheina. Had lunch, then off to the tourist shops along Front St to do some major shopping!

2007-03-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

My sister and I outside of Bubba Gump's restaurant. We all ate here the night I had to take off for home. The food was very good! And the drinks even better!

2007-03-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

Our walk down to Big Beach. And rumor has it, for those who desire to get the best tan, just climb over the rocky hill to Little Beach and it's all nude! My sister and neice weren't up to it, so I didn't venture over either.

2007-03-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

After sunning for an hour, it's time to cool off in the Pacific ocean.

2007-03-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

eehhh....ooohhhh...that first wave is the coldest. Especially when you have been sunning for awhile.

2007-03-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Here comes the start of a big wave...ready...ready...almost here...excitement building...

2007-03-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

...at the top of the wave, this is what they call body surfing...

2007-03-04T12:34:00.001-08:00

...where is Robert...somewhere in the mist of the incoming wave...

2007-03-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

...and I made it! What fun to play in the surf and sand at Big Beach in Hawaii! ;-)

2007-03-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to take this site seeing trip. We get to see humpback whales! This is their birthing and breeding time of the year.

2007-03-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

And a humpback breaches the water...

2007-03-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Splash goes the great whale...

2007-03-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

If you look real close, from the left is one tail of a humpback whale, better tail in the center, and to the right the blow off of another whale.

2007-03-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

A walk to the beach from my Aunt's condo to see the sun set.

2007-03-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

And the sun sets.

2007-03-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Our entertainer for the dinner cruise. He is a captain in the US Coast Guard during the day. And has a band in the evening. He use to play at a club that would handle the over flow of tourists who couldn't get to see Don Ho!

2007-03-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

Me at the top of Haleakala mountain at 6:30 in the morning. Had to get up a 3:30 just to make the jouney from Kihei to the top!

2007-03-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

My sister and Aunt...cold, tired, and hungry...

2007-03-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

...and it's rising up from the East...

2007-03-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Just up over the clouds...

2007-03-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

The sunrise at the top of Haleakala Mtn...6:30 in the morning!

2007-03-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

A view of Maui from Kipahulu overlook.

2007-03-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

Me at Kipahulu overlook...then back home to go to the beach to warm up!

2007-03-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Cassie caught a "bullfrog" and had to show it to all. What is it with my niece's that they like to play with reptiles and such???

BUCA di PEPPO

2007-01-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

This is where Tracy was going to take me for dinner on my birthday, but there was a 2 hour wait and we were just too hungry after our adventures in Cave City. So we ate somewhere else. But returned on Sunday for lunch instead!

2007-01-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

Me waiting for Tracy to get out of the car and lock it up. I am hungry for lunch!

2007-01-21T16:33:00.000-08:00

The front entrance of the restaurant. Then they take you through the kitchen to your table! So you know that the kitchen is clean, and the food is fresh, and excellent too!

2007-01-21T16:32:00.001-08:00

Inside and across from our table...

2007-01-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

Our waitress Rochelle. She was a flirt and took care of us good!

Museum Hotel

2007-01-21T16:31:00.000-08:00

Tracy and I were told to visit this place, and stumbled upon it on Sunday! See some of the pictures below!

2007-01-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

Peacock on the watch! Thank goodness we left Morgan at home! She would have been lunch for sure.

2007-01-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

Some of the extensive art in the hotel. All are welcome to visit and stroll through at their own pace.

2007-01-21T16:28:00.001-08:00

A bicycle built for two...two that are always going in different directions!

2007-01-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

Robert and Tracy as wall art. This was really cool! We are projected onto the wall while letters fall from the top to spell out something...couldn't catch what this said, but it's cool all the same!

2007-01-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

This is the back wall of the urinal in the Men's room. It's a window into the hall of the hotel. When you approach it, the water starts running down and then you just pee on it! And the people can watch from the other side! Well, they really don't see much. But it's just the voyerism of the whole thing. And the Women's room has something similar, but we didn't go into it to see...imagine that!

Cave City

2007-01-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

And here is the exit to Cave City. Where our adventure will begin with a trip through Dinosaur World, then a tour of part of the Mammoth Cave system. This was a great way to get out of town on my birthday and start our exploration of Kentucky!

2007-01-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

Almost there...just have to get off the highway.

2007-01-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

The entrance to Dinosaur World! The crowd goes wild! Where will we park? What will we do? Will we get in today? See the pictures below for more of this adventure...

2007-01-21T16:20:00.000-08:00

And here we go on an adventure to the past in the present!

2007-01-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

Me caught in the middle of a dispute. Just like me, trying to negotiate! Best not to get envolved...

2007-01-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

Tracy's new job, dentist to the dinasours. And what bad breath you have! Who did you eat for lunch?

2007-01-21T16:14:00.001-08:00

Need we say more...

2007-01-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

I think I just made a new friend in Louisville, KY! Oh, yeah...this is actually Cave City. Oops...

2007-01-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

Look out Tracy!!! Oh, no...they got him!

2007-01-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

Oh, no! What are we approaching?

2007-01-21T16:11:00.001-08:00

About T-rex...

2007-01-21T16:11:00.000-08:00

T-rex is lurking just around the corner...