Wii Mariokart

Mariokart for the Wii was released last weekend. I just picked it up this evening and enjoyed a few races around the track. The single player is fun. The Multiplayer is fun. This game captures the simplicity of the Nintendo 64 version, but brings in the ability to play online with people all over the world. Battle mode, race mode, co-op versions; Mariokart Wii is an excellent game for the Wii.

Honda Accord

Melissa and I recently bought a 2001 Honda Accord. We tested its roadworthiness out this weekend on a trip to McCall. It performed admirably. Compared to the Explorer, it handles like an Indy car. We also visited Gold Fork Hot Springs, which was a wonderful soak. I'm hoping to do away with the Explorer soon; maybe to be replaced with a true four wheel drive vehicle.

Grapevines

I recently picked up some grapevines. I am hoping to plant in some vines in our back yard. I love the smell of grapes when they are blossoming. I am planning on planting some seedless table grapes. I am going to plant some Black Monukka, and either some Interlaken or Nimrod white table grapes. The next step is to research what type of terra-forming and landscaping will be necessary to turn our backyard into a fully functional micro vineyard. Yay!

Shellback Adirondack Chairs

There exist various plans for adirondack chairs floating around the internet. Melissa and I have been interested in getting some chairs since last spring. As a result of wanting to get some chairs, and having some extra time, I decided to make some chairs. I decided on using some plans from a website called buildeazy. However, I quickly went to work modifying the chairs from their original design. Some modifications were things which I wanted in the chair (a cup holder, more slats for the back), and others were necessary modifications(bracing). Anyway, they are at the brink of being finished, and I am very happy with them. More photos are available here.

West Coast Tour 2008

Melissa and I just returned from West Coast Tour 2008. We flew down to Arizona, and drove back to Idaho; taking a meandering path through California. Thanks to all the friends whom we stayed with and visited. The whole trip was a 1720.3 miles long; and was fun, exciting, and exhausting. On Valentines day, Melissa and I went to Napa valley and visited the Castello Di Amarosa castle & vineyard.

Wedding Photos

We received our wedding photos back from our excellent photographers: Azzura photography. I give them two thumbs up; as they captured wonderful photos and helped make our wedding day especially enchanted. Check out our photos here.

eeepc

Last year, Asus released a linux based sub-laptop called the eeepc. It is very reasonably priced, a flash based device (very speedy file system), and has all the amenities one needs with a basic laptop. It does have a small screen, and requires an acquaintance with linux in order to customize. I picked one up as a stress relief toy before my wedding, and have been enjoying it ever since.