Nice weekend !!!!!

Nothing major going on this past Friday and Sat. Tatum and Reese had their performances at COCA on Friday morning. Tatum's Circus class performed all the stunts they had been working on the past two weeks. They did a great job. Tatum really enjoyed this class and has informed me that she wants a pair of stilts for her birthday. I have found some online and will try to get them for her. She deserves them as she is a great kid always working hard and listening in school and at home. Reese's class called Tigger and Pooh did a little song and dance and then were done. She originally didn't want to go, put really seemed to like the class by the end of the two weeks.

On Sunday we had the annual Karcher Reunion over in Dahlgren, IL. It is held at the farm where my Grandma Rapp was born. The house she was born in is still standing, so it must be around 90 years old. We got over there early and were the first ones to arrive. We made a special effort to beat my brother Todd as he always has a smart comment about how late we are to everything. We beat him over there by nearly thirty minutes. When we got there, the first thing we did was put out all the tables and chairs under the tent. We then had to start digging as the sewer in the old farmhouse was backed up. The weather was perfect only in the low eightys, but I started working up a sweat digging a hole to find the sewer pipe. We kept digging and eventually got the problem solved. The girls had a good time running around with all the cousins and were competely wiped out by the end of the day. As far as I can remember, I have only missed one reunion over the past 35 years. The only one was 10 years ago when Kirsten and I got married and we were on our honyemoon to Montana. This year was somewhat dissapointing as Todd and I, my Uncle Don and Aunt Millie, and my Mom were the only ones from my Grandma's side to attend. I know people have things going on, but how hard is it to plan for this one Sunday out of the year? I only see these people once a year and really enjoy talking with them and catching up on the old times. If this keeps up, I am afraid the reunion will not last much longer. I have some very good memories going over to Dahlgren as a kid. My cousin Scott and I would go over with Grandma a week in advance. We would play indian ball, ride our bikes, the four wheeler, fish, pull weeds in the fields, and ride with Uncle Jerome all over Hamilton County in search of the perfect peach. People would go over the Saturday before and go to church and look at old photos, and just have a good time. I remember sleeping upstairs in the old farmhouse on the feather bed listening to the oil rig pump in the background. Scott and I would talk for hours and listen to Def Leppard. Breakdancing at my cousin Chad's house. Man those were simple times that I wish could last forever. Going over to this reunion I feel is the least I could do for my Mother and Grandmother. They have done tons for our family and the people in our family should respect that and make an effort to support this reunion. One day out of the entire year folks!

The girls then went home with Mom so we could celebrate our ten year Anniversary. We ate supper Sunday at the Stable and then went home and watched a grown up movie for once. We watched The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It was good, but had some cheezy and expected moments. It made me think of my Dad and his battle with cancer. I wish he could have made his bucket list and done some of the things he wanted to do before he passed away. He knew he was going to die and yet he had to spend his last days in a hospital. That is the one regret I have about watching my father die. I wish we would have taken him home those last few months and let him pass away there. If you have lost someone to cancer, perhaps you should rent this film. It was good enough as Morgan Freeman does a good job. I can do without Nicholson as he is very overated as an actor. Solid, but overated!

Monday morning we got up and just relaxed. We slept in drank some coffee and then headed out for our massage and pedicure. I got the sports massage and Kirsten the pedicure. It was great as my calves seem to be a bit better and the shoulder pain has gone away. If I were indepentently wealthy, I would get one every week for sure.

After the massage we went to supper up on The Hill at Cunetto House of Pasta. It is not my favorite place or the best place on The Hill, but it was where we had our first anniversary dinner. It was good as we both had carbonara. We had a good bottle of Washington State Reisling. The spumony ice cream was good as well.

After supper we headed up to Plaza Frontenac to catch an indie film called American Teen. It was a documentary film that followed four teen in a small Indiana high school. They were all seniors and had different ways of looking at life. The film was very good and if you get a chance rent it when it comes out on dvd. It is only showing at a few theatres around the country.

We slept in again today and then headed our for a nice lunch outside. The temps were in the low eigthys with no humidity. Kirsten went down to Imperial and picked up the girls why I prepared for the Tuesday Night World Championships. With the Gateway Cup just two weeks away, I wanted to get in a good workout. This week went much better as I did not flat. I did get caught in a crash, but didn't hit the blacktop. I got back on the next lap, but never got going again and finished at the back of the peleton. I didn't have the legs this evening and am not feeling confident now going into the Gateway Cup. I did have a goal of a top ten in each race,but now I am not sure.

I am taking Mom's truck back to Ste Gen in the morning and then riding my bike back. Looks like a stellar day weather wise and should get in around 75 miles.

Only four more days before I have to report back to school. School starts with kids next Thursday. Most schools around here start this Thursday, but I am not complaining.

The other photos are of the girls getting a manicure and pedicure. They had a really good time at Grandma Nita's house. Thanks Mom.

Hope and Glory

Yes, another movie review. This movie was released in 1987 and was another of my favorites that I got a chance to watch this past week. It takes place in London at the beginning of WWII. It is the story of a 10 yr old boy that deals with the Blitzkrieg as well as other strange happenings during a time of war. His father joins the Army while the family deals with hard times and back luck. It was up for Accademy Awards and is well worth the rental. It is based on a true story.

I had to take Saturday and Sunday off the bike. I have a sore right calf and lower leg as well as a bad saddle sore. I will be back on the bike Monday and hope to race Tuesday night. I know,too much information.

Karcher Reunion Sunday.

TNWC = Crappy tyres

I did the TNWC and didn't have a great race. I flatted 10 min into the race and didn't get back in. Mike Weiss, the owner of Big Shark gave me his bike to ride, but didn't really feel like crashing a full carbon LOOK 585. I rode it over to my house and picked up an older tyre and put it on in time to the do the C race with buddy Matt Wilkins. I led my two laps in the B race and felt great, but the crappy Vittoria Diamante had a hole and had to drop out. Matt gave me a tube and I put on a three year old Hutchinson in hopes of making it through the C race. The C race was slow and didn't have many guys as the weather was turning very ominous. We got in 20 minutes and then was called. I led 12 minutes of the twenty and pulled out on the sprint as I am not able to contest due to my category. So I was told, but who knows. Matt did a great job for his first race. I think he will do well if he sticks with it. I got home just before the storm hit.

Got in 52 miles today with Adam Thacker. We rode down to Antonia and back. He had a flat, but no worries otherwise. I averaged right at 19 mph. Lots of hills, but the weather was stellar. Picked up the girls and took them to Kirsten' parents and then went to Johnny's and Cards game with the brother's Hovis. Kevin turns 36 on Friday. A good time was had by all.

Karcher reunion is on Sunday and then one week left before I have to report.

Chow.

Wyman

Is it hot where you live???????????????

EMPIRE OF THE SUN- I feel like this is one of the best movie posters of all time.

By far the hottest day of the year in The Loo! I was dumb enough to get in 30 miles today at 3:30 in the afternoon. The temp in the city was 102 degrees with a heat index near 120 degrees. I went through four bottles and lost 3lbs. I felt fine as I didn't push it because I am planning on doing the B and the C race at Carondolet Park on Tuesday evening. I just went out Grant's Trail and around JB and then back home. I really thought I would have the trail to myself because of the extreme weather, but surprisingly their were quite a few people out. Most of the people had no clue about how to hydrate and stay alive in such conditions, but who am I to judge. I took three bottles, two with water and one with Cliff shot. Most people I passed had no water and of course were not wearing a helmet. The runners win the idiot award. I didn't see one runner with any water. In the seven mile stretch from Orlando Garden to Kirkwood their is only one place to get water. I even saw some people wearing longsleeves and pants. Do they think they will lose the weight faster that way? I applaud their dedication to get themselves into shape, but their is no need to kill yourself!

Again this weekend I had a chance to catch a couple of films. One was new and the other was classic that I hadn't seen in a few years. With school starting up in a couple of weeks, I have to get all my film watching in. I usually stay up late and watch them by myself since I don't have to work in the morning!! I like watching films with the family, but really enjoy them by myself so I can take in all the details.

1. IN BRUGES

This film stars Irish stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson(Harry Potter films). It of course takes place in the Belgian city of Bruges. I went through Bruges quickly when I was 24 yrs old, but my Mother says it is one of her favs in Europe. If you see the film you will agree. It is an obsolutely beautiful place. Back to the film. If you like Pulp Fiction, I think you will like this film. It is a darker comedy about two hired killers and their jobs in Bruges. Their is killing, drug use and tons of foul language and I loved every bit of it. Go to Wikipedia.com and read the full synopsis if you want to know more. I think you will like the film, so rent it and give a chance. Let me know what you think. I like Colin Farrell and feel like this is his best work ever. He actually gets a chance to play something he is good at in real life. A drinking, smoking, cussing, drug using Irishman!

2. THE EMPIRE OF THE SUN

This film is an absolute masterpiece! This is one of Steven Speilberg's best films most of you have never heard of. Made in 1987 starring Christian Bale(yes the same guy in the new Batman film) as a 12yr old, it was up for six Accademy Awards and won numerous other awards around the world.

This is a brief synopsis from Fandango. I could tell more, but really don't want to ruin the film for the few of you that may go out and rent it. I think the film would be good for kids ages 10 and up to watch. It is historically acurate and quite riveting. I remember seeing this film as a 13yr old myself. It was a film that stuck with me all these years. Then again, I am a bit different when it comes to films, especially anything dealing with WWII. I know you will like this film. Rent it soon.

Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, Empire of the Sun stars Christian Bale as a spoiled young British boy, living with his wealthy family in pre-World War II Shanghai. During the Japanese invasion, Bale is separated from his parents. With the help of soldier-of-fortune John Malkovich, Bale learns to survive without a retinue of servants at his beck and call. By the time Malkovich and Bale are tossed into a Japanese prison camp, the boy has picked up enough street-smarts and developed enough intestinal fortitude to regard his imprisonment as an exciting adventure. The story ends during the 1945 liberation: on the verge of manhood, the 13-year-old Bale will never again be the pampered, privileged brat whom we met in the early scenes.

I will let you know how the races go.

Stay cool!!!!!!!

Another busy weekend

Leslie, Me and Tara
Me and Leah

It all started Friday night when my neighbor Cary and I went down to the Stable for supper and a few drinks. I was joined later by old friend Mark "Lumpy" Mountford. Lots of old stories and good times were had by all.

Saturday was another big day as I had to go to the wedding and reception of a former student. Leah was in my first class at Antonia 12 years ago. She is now 23 and doing wonderful. I also had her sister Leslie. Both girls come from a great family and I am glad we have stayed in touch over the years. They are both very succesful and surely have a bright future.

The wedding was down in Soulard at a Luthern church and the reception was at the Franklin Room just up the street. It is a really cool place that is well over a hundred years old. It is an old theatre that is now a banquet hall. The food was really good and the spirits tastey as well. Thanks Ma and Pa Volmert. I was lucky enough to sit with old friends Kathy and Fred Marquart. I had their son Dustin in my first class as well. Great people that we always have a good time with. They are good left thinking people as well. In fact after the wedding reception we headed up to the Stable for a couple. Fred and the crew are into good beverages, so this was the place. I owe you Fred. I got to talk with a few other former students at the wedding as well. I ran into Brian Maag, and the Green family of Tara, Laura and Jordan. It was nice to see all of them.

Today was somewhat of a lazy day. The girls headed to the mall to take advantage of the tax holiday for school items. Tatum took advantage coming home and giving me a fashion show of all her new digs.

While they were gone, I headed out on a quick ride through the city. I went up out through Jefferson Barracks Park and then back down Broadway down by the stadium. I then headed back up through Soulard, up Arsenal to Morganford, then to Bates and then home. It was around 30 miles in the STL heat mid afternoon, but not too bad. I averaged around 19mph.

I also bought some new hydration drink. I have been using PowerBar energy drink, ice tea flavor. I orderd some more online because Big Shark doesn't sell it. I did however have to buy some other stuff while waiting for the PowerBar to show up. I stopped in at Big Shark on Friday and picked up some Cliff Shot Cran Razz. Stuff is not too bad, but doesn't have caffeine. Yes, I like caffeine for a little extra boost.

Then tonight we went to the Cardinal game for Build a Bear night. The girls each got a little stuffed bear, while I got to sit and sweat for 3 hours. We actually had a good time with the girls lasting until the 7th inning. As I write this they are getting beat agian as the bullpen gave up another lead in the 8th inning. 28 blown saves will not win a darn thing!

Two more weeks until I have to go back to work. I know you all feel sorry for me.

Chow

THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES

I had tons of stuff to do this evening, but nothing seemed as important as watching one of my favorite westerns of all time. The other one that is in my top five films of all time is Dances With Wolves. I don't consider it in the same category as this film. Outlaw is a true classic western with lots of killing and shooting. Dances has more to offer in regards to history of the US and Native American peoples. Outlaw does a great job portraying Native Americans in a positive light as well.

If you have never seen The Outlaw Josey Wales, then go rent it now! Adapted on screen in 1976, it is the greatest western of my time. A Missouri farmer during the Civil War loses his whole family when they are murdered by Kansas redlegs. Josey then goes on a rampage all over the West seeking revenge on those who killed his love ones. The film has tons of good actors, but no character is better then Chief Lone Wanie. 80 yrs old at the time, Chief almost steals the show from Clint Eastwood. I won't give more details about the film, hoping that those of you who do read my crazy ramblings will check it out.

My favorite quotes from the films are:

Josey tells Chief that people he likes don't seem to hang around that long. Cheif precedes to tell him, people that Josey doesn't like don't seem to stick around that long either.

The other is when Josey tells Sandra Lockes character who is from Kansas that they have three suns in Kansas. They have sunsets, sunflowers and sons a bit**es. Classic.

I don't know when I first saw this film. I was born in '73, so it must have been in the early eighties when I first caught it. I believe I saw it with my Dad. I know he liked this film as well. I am sure it was played on WGN or TBS quite often back in the early days of cable.

Honorable mentions for westerns would be: Silverado, Tombstone, Unforgiven, Pale Rider, Young Guns and my favorite Australian Western- The Man from Snowy River- Rent this if you have never seen it!

I need to get to bed.

Later

Weird thoughts and observations while riding today.

I went for a quick 30 mile ride this morning before picking the girls up from COCA and had a few quick thoughts while out on the road. I don't ride with an IPOD or any other device to take my mind off the road. I like to ride without anything, so I can think about what is going on around me and what is going on in my life. I try to almost meditate while out on the bike. Sounds strange, but some of you guys that ride know what I mean.

#1
I have brought this up to a few friends in the past and it was brought to my attention again today. I ride quite a bit in South City and South St. Louis County. I frequently ride in the middle of the day or in the morning between 9 and noon. I will ride down to the Arch on Broadway and then up Arsenal through Tower Grove over to Forest Park and then back through Dogtown and up through St. Louis Hills. I am absolutely amazed at how many people(particularly males between the ages of 16 and 50) that don't work! I often see the same people and I am sure they are asking themselves the same question of me. How is that guy able to ride his bike everyday and pay the bills? As many of you know, I attempt to be a school teacher. My neighbor who is Croatian still can't grasp the fact that I get paid during the summer and don't lift a finger. He just doesn't get it, therefore it makes me laugh. Soo, do you think all these people are school teachers like me? Do they work nights? I really don't think so. I understand times are hard right now and jobs are tough to come by, but don't you think they could be doing something constructive besides sitting on the front porch smoking a cig? Any of you guys that ride in the City ever think of this?

#2
Two days a week I usually make a run up Grant's Trail to get in some sprints. The length of the trail is right at seven miles. On the 14 miles I ride, I probably pass 90% of the people still not wearing a helmet. I pass guys like me riding nice road bikes without a helmet. It just makes me think what an idiot. Does he think he is too cool to wear a helmet? Even more aggravating is when I see young children riding with parents not wearing a helmet. Or better yet, when I see the parents pulling a trailer with two kids without helmets. I see parents riding with kids not wearing helmets and yet their kids are. How does that make sense? I know when we were young we never wore helmets. WE WERE LUCKY. I have seen a helmet save numerous people from head injury, so please wear them.

Last summer while out on the trail, I came up on a woman completely knocked out bleeding out of her mouth. She was with her husband riding mtn bikes without helmets. She was in her forty's just out enjoying the evening on a bike when she it the rear wheel on her husbands bike. Bamb, down she went, out cold. I called the police and the ambulance came and picked her up. I am sure she was alright, but it could have been prevented by wearing any cheap helmet. You can pick a good one up for $40 or so.

#3
Have you all noticed all the alive and dead wildlife on the roads this summer? Back in June, I would see at least 2 or 3 live black snakes and usually one or two dead ones. One day while riding in Ste. Gen County I came across four black snakes slivering across the road at once. As some of you know, I hate snakes. That is why my mtn biking is limited to the fall and winter months. I have also seen a ton of skunks, dead and alive. And just today while doing some laps out at Jefferson Barracks I nearly got ran over by a doe. I got within five feet of a pretty good size doe before she turned and ran the other way. I was going at least 20mph when she came walking out of the woods. I had to stop in the road and make some noises to get her to even notice me. This is not the first time, but just happened today. Last year while on Grant's Trail I would frequently see turkey and deer. I even saw an albino fawn last year near dusk.

#4
How many of you have seen the movie "Victory"? It was the Brit movie of the week this past Sunday evening. It was made in 1981 and stars Michael Cain and Sylvester Stallone. It is about a soccer team being put together from an Allied POW camp to play the Nazis during the end of WWII. Even though it has some cheesy moments, it really is a decent film. Stallone is the lone American on the team and of course he saves the day. If you get a chance, rent it. If you love soccer, buy it.

#5 The most important thought of the day while riding.
Thursday is my 10 year wedding anniversary. Yes, I found a woman to put up with me for the last ten years. I couldn't have met and married a more wonderful person. Without Kirsten in my life, things would just plain suck. She is an awesome Mom and even better wife. She puts up with my cycling, my mouth, my crabbiness and me going out with friends without any complaint. Thanks Kirsten for a fabulous ten years. I love you very much.

Cheers

Forest Park and Science Center

Johnny's in Soulard. Best wings in town!!! The fried Provel cheese triangles are awesome.

Boating at Forest Park

The girls along with Cousin Natalie from Oklahoma had a big day on Monday. They went to Forest Park and rented a paddle boat for the afternoon. They paddled all the lakes and had a blast. After that, they went to the St. Louis Science Center. After the Science Center they went to the Boathouse for supper and then on to the Muny.

I had the afternoon to ride my bike and then met Hovis at Johnny's to watch the Cards game and of course sample some most scrumptuous wings!

Weekend in SG

The whole Rapp Family minus two cousins.
Brother's Rapp. DRE Soundsystems did a great job at the wedding. If anybody knows electronics and loud music, it is Don Rapp. Contact me if you are interested in his services.
Sister's Rapp

Cousins- Amanda, Angie, Stephanie, Lindsay, Tyree and Natalie
Bride, Mother and Maid of Honor

C-Dog, Liz and Big T
2nd cousins feeding the hogs out at the Huber Farm in SG County

Heartbreakers to be