Category Archives: Fran

Roundball Oracles – Year 18/F & P – Vol. 4

It is time once again for the greatest sporting event of year. It is that time known as March Madness. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Once again, I will be sponsoring a NCAA Tournament Pool. There is no cost to enter the pool, except for pride. And if pride is nothing to you, well done.

The winner gets a trophy. The dead last place person gets a trophy known as The Sara*. Nobody else gets a trophy. I’m not made of trophies people!

By winning, you get your name etched on the List of Immortals:

PAST ROUNDBALL ORACLE CHAMPIONS – LIST OF IMMORTALS

2022 – Ben Baier
2021 – Micky Augustin
2019 – Becky Parmelee
2018 – Paul Golden
2017 – Paul Golden
2016 – Michelle Haupt
2015 – Derek Dohrman
2014 – Brandon Kahler
2013 – William McAlpine
2012 – Lowell Davis
2011 – Carrie Baier
2010 – Mark Wolfram
2009 – Mark Wolfram
2008 – Mark Wolfram
2007 – Tim Peterson
2006 – William McAlpine
2005 – William McAlpine

But I said that there are 2 trophies. The 2nd trophy, The Sara, goes to the adult that finishes dead last, while trying. A person can not tank on purpose and win The Sara. The reason The Sara winner has to be an adult is that I don’t want to mock children, to their face. Does that mean I have no problem mocking children behind their back? Does it make me a bad person if I say yes? Probably a better rule would be that to “win” The Sara, you have to be at least a teenager. I have no problem mocking teenagers to their face. At least, back when there was a Youth Group.

Past “The Sara” Winners:

2022 – Joey Randazzo
2021 – Rachel Gildersleeve
2019 – Russell Kennerly
2018 – Robert Henning
2017 – Shannon Bardole
2016 – Laura Priest
2015 – Derrick Gorshe
2014 – Sara Lockner

The Sara doesn’t have the long storied history of the championship trophy, but it will get there. I have no doubts. This will be the 9th winner since its inception after all.

These were the final standings from last year:

ROUNDBALL ORACLES – YEAR 17

1. Ben Baier – 273 points
2. Sara Lockner – 271 points
3. Shawn Lockner – 242 points
4. Rachel Gildersleeve – 242 points
5. Linda Bennett – 232 points
6. Becky Parmelee – 231 points
7. Carla Stensland – 229 points
8. Angie DeWaard – 224 points
9. Christopher D. Bennett – 224 points
10. Tim Peterson – 223 points
11. Jason Baier – 217 points
12. Lowell Davis – 215 points
13. Derek Dohrman – 215 points
14. Carrie Baier – 214 points
15. Sarah Karber – 210 points
16. Michael Augustin – 209 points
17. Elizabeth Nordeen – 206 points
18. Jorge Rios – 203 points
19. Brandon Kahler – 203 points
20. Will Baier – 197 points
21. Jordan Toot – 197 points
22. Corey Faust – 197 points
23. Andree Jauhari – 192 points
24. Jesse Howard – 191 points
25. Dawn Krause – 182 points
26. Derrick Gorshe – 181 points
27. Michelle Haupt – 179 points
28. Jackson Faust – 176 points
29. Jason Stensland – 168 points
30. J.J. Baier – 164 points
31. Russell Kennerly – 161 points
32. Toby Sebring – 157 points
33. Robert Henning – 151 points
34. Jill Gorshe – 147 points
35. Joe Randazzo – 143 points
36. Olivia Baier – 141 points

If you are a basketball fan, or are just interested in having fun, click on the link below to join my pool:

Roundball Oracles – Year 18

The rules are as follows:
Round 1 = 1 point + seed
Round 2 = 2 points + seed
Round 3 = 4 points + seed
Round 4 = 8 points + seed
Round 5 = 16 points + seed
Rounds 6 = 32 points + seed

The Play-in Games (AKA the First Four) don’t matter. You can wait for those games to complete before filling out your bracket. The deadline to fill out your bracket, is tip-off of the first game on Thursday. Roughly 11 AM.

Under special circumstances, I will allow you to turn in a paper bracket to me. So, don’t be afraid to ask.

Yes, your child can fill out a bracket. Your dog, no.

There were 36 competitors in 2022. A 9 person gain from 2019. Hopefully there is continued growth in participation this year, but I don’t know that I have 9 more friends than I did in 2021. It is possible I have gained even more friends since 2022. I might be a pretty great person.

*You have to be 14 years or older to win “The Sara”.

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It is a Sunday, and it is a Formal Portrait Sunday. In fact, this is the last Formal Portrait Sunday for the foreseeable future. I’m sure I’ll take some more formal portraits at some point, but until then… I’m not sure what I will do with my Sundays. Maybe I’ll take them off. Or maybe it will just be fairly random. Who knows? It is a whole new world!

On this last Formal Portrait Sunday I am sharing a small collection of pictures from the photo shoot with Fran and Pepper:


Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper 2022 – Vol. 3

I need to start today’s post by wishing Laura a happy birthday. Happy birthday Laura!


Miller Family - 2020

For most people I wish them a birthday full of joy. For Laura, I just hope she got some rest.

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Time once again to share a collection of pictures from my photo shoot with Fran and Pepper from a few months back. After all, it is Formal Portrait Sunday.


Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

I thought this was going to be my last collection of images from this photo shoot, but I have a few more to share. So one more Formal Portrait Sunday on the horizon!

Viva Las Vegas: Cell Phone Pictures

I need to start the day by wishing Andy a happy birthday. Happy birthday Andy!


Day 129 - May 9, 2022

I hope your birthday is filled with all the joy you can handle!

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I spent almost all of last week in Las Vegas working at the Computer Mine Convention. I didn’t get to see anywhere near the amount of stuff I wanted to see because I spent most of my days staring at conference room walls. However, I did get a chance to see a few things and took a few pictures. Today I’m going to share some cruddy cell phone pictures from the trip.


Computer Mine Convention - 2023
While some people got “rock star” parking, I got stuck in the Gray Lot, which is more like “zydeco star” parking.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
And the flight got delayed.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
4 flights. Only got snacks on one of them.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
On flight #2 I got rock star leg room.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Southwest. Wasn’t as bad as I feared.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
New luggage made it to Vegas.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
The view from my room.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Meal #1. $30 for this.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Closest I got to the actual Vegas sign.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
I’m sure I have an exhibit in there.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Fran said I absolutely had to eat here. It was also high on Lowell’s list.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Elvis and Marilyn made out of jelly beans.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
If he goes ring pop engagement ring and she says no, she is a terrible person.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
So many candy stores in Vegas.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
View from the room at night.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Speechless.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
A bar where a robot mixes your drink. Lowell said it was a Top 5 Drink he has had made by a robot.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
They are planting marigolds already!

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Planet Hollywood is kind of a dud, but it is near cool casinos like Paris.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
I can almost see Emily and Mindy walking down the street.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
The real Arc de Triomphe was built by a megalomaniac, so it makes sense that they put a poster of one on their recreation.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
This sign is how I knew how to get my elevator.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
It was 130 degrees in this room.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Planet Hollywood

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
I didn’t disappoint Fran, but I did make her jealous.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Michelle.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
The show is about to begin.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
A lot of eyes on me when this speaker asked the audience, “What is one thing that every man knows about every woman.”

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
View from my Friday dinner table.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Friday supper.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Friday dessert.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Fountain of the Gods.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Neptune’s Fountain.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Bellagio Fountain.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
The other elevator bank had Miranda Lambert on it. They won.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Nacho Daddy, for people who like puns and nachos. That includes me.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Neither Kim or Lowell stepped up to the challenge.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
I sent a picture of these to my Pastor who is a Chiefs fan, he wished bad things to me. Very bad.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
I didn’t get the Raiders Nachos. But these were delicious.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Scott recommended I check out the Bellagio Gardens.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Saturday night supper.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
I am sad to report I never ate here.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
Goodbye Las Vegas.

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
It was from here that I waved at Susanna.


She waved back!

Computer Mine Convention - 2023
And on the final flight I got rock star legroom again!

All in all it was a pretty good trip, even though I put in some massive hours. It was certainly better than my previous trip to Las Vegas for the Evil Clown Empire. But that is a story for a different day.

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This is your reminder that this week’s THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE theme is STORE:


WEEK 390 - STORE
STORE

STORE! What a great theme for Year 10 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE?

But what is a STORE image? It is simply an image of a STORE or taken inside of a STORE. There are all kinds of STORE(s) out there. From department to convenience to junk to antique to book to music to grocery to dollar to a little kids lemonade stand. Of course, there is more than one definition of the word STORE.

This is not the first time that STORE has been a theme for THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE. Here are some examples of previous submissions to inspire you:


WEEK 141 - STORE - LINDA BENNETT
Week 141 – Linda Bennett

WEEK 141 - STORE - KIM BARKER
Week 141 – Kim Barker

WEEK 141 - STORE - CHRISTOPHER D. BENNETT
Week 141 – Christopher D. Bennett

WEEK 18 - STORE - CARLA STENSLAND 2
Week 18 – Carla Stensland

WEEK 18 - STORE - SARAH KARBER
Week 18 – Sarah Karber

Happy photo harvesting!

Fran & Pepper 2022 – Vol. 2

I need to start off by wishing Micky a happy birthday. Happy birthday Micky!!


Pie In Your Face!

I hope your birthday was filled with as much joy and happiness and you could handle.

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It is time for another Formal Portrait Sunday. Time to share more pictures from the photo shoot with Fran and Pepper from late last year.


Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

There is still at least one more collection of pictures of Fran and Pepper to share. And then I will retire Formal Portrait Sunday until I have to take some formal portraits again. Probably of Nate and his family.

Fran & Pepper 2022 – Vol. 1

Time once again for a Formal Portrait Sunday. This time I’m going to share the first collection of family pictures I took of Fran and Pepper a few months back. It wasn’t the warmest day, but the lighting was actually perfect for once. And I will trade cold for good lighting. I’m not sure Fran agrees and I know for sure Pepper didn’t agree, but once she got into the photo shoot, she seemed to forget she was cold…


Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Fran & Pepper - 2022

Still plenty of pictures left to share from this photo shoot!

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party – 2022

A few months back I picked up some cakes and Jim and went to the Wolf Lodge near Kansas City for the birthday party of the triplets and Jonah. I didn’t get to spend much time there cause Jim is kind of like Cinderella. He expires after being away from home too long.

I also didn’t get many pictures because we drove 4 hours to catch the last 25 minutes of the party. The rest of the day was spent in the Wolf Lodge water park area and I didn’t take any pictures there.

Here are some of the pictures I took:


Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Triplet + Jonah Birthday Party - 2022

Despite its brevity, it was a good trip. I wish I had some pictures of the kids playing in the water park, but I didn’t get any. I wonder what will happen with the birthday parties this year?

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This is your reminder that this week’s THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE theme is BOOKS:


WEEK 386 - BOOKS
BOOKS

BOOKS! What a great theme for Year 10 of THE WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE!

But what is a BOOKS image? Simply put, it is any image where the subject or a major compositional element is a BOOK or BOOKS.

Happy photo harvesting!