Archives for April 2010

Little Lady Anna

Anna Lynn (on left, above) turns 11 today.A blessing and a joy, in every way.She's a senorita locoWhen she puts on a birhtday sombreroHAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETHEART! … [Read more...]

New on SQLMag – Automating the Startup and Shutdown of Windows Services

I just posted a new blog entry on how I automate the shutdown and startup of Windows services. Check it out at http://www.sqlmag.com/blogs/tool-time.aspx.  Be sure to let me know what you think and if you have your own unique methods for automating the control of Windows services! Many thanks, -Kevin -Twitter @kekline … [Read more...]

Join Me May 19th for 24 Hours of PASS

Join Us for 24 Hours of SQL Server Training (with a special focus on SQL Server 2008 R2) Did I mention that your Cohorts in Crime (that be me and Brent Ozar) are presenting?!? The FREE 24 Hours of PASS event is bringing an exceptional lineup of SQL Server and BI experts to your computer starting at 12:00 GMT (UTC) on May 19. Get an in-depth look at the hottest SQL Server and BI topics, including (but not limited to!) - the new SQL Server 2008 R2, with its business intelligence and data management innovations, and much more. When does it start? 12:00 GMT … [Read more...]

Surprises from Katie

We had a little cook-out today for the family to celebrate the birthdays of Savannah (12), Kaylee (11), and Anna (11, and 3 days younger than Kaylee). Rachel's folks came over, plus a couple close cousins and their families. It was great to have a wide variety of kids of various ages in the house.Something happened, however, which really surprised me. Katie (8) has never paid much attention to kids littler than her. But somehow, for some unknown reason, Katie was really taken with tiny little Erlin and pre-kindergarten Ben. I'd never seen maternalism in Katie before. But again, much to … [Read more...]

April Omnibus

I freely admit it - I'm a sluggard.  I should be blogging a couple times per week and tweeting in between.  But, for some unknown reason, April has been a tough month to get this in gear.  Hence, I'm putting out an omnibus post to cover all of the stuff I've been up to, instead of the one-off's I usually post when I've got something new to mention. Isn't it funny how life gets in the way of the stuff we want and intend to do?  As they say - "The road to hell is paved with good intentions", or was that Detroit?  But I digress. A New Translation! I don't like to toot my own horn.  [sarcasm … [Read more...]

Something I’d Always Wanted to See in Person

Ever since I'd first seen pictures of it as a kid flipping through my parent's National Geographic, I'd always wanted to see the Grand Canyon in person.Rachel and I were able to share that first brief glimpse together last month. It was a really magical moment and one that we both hope to enjoy again, with the kids and over the course of a couple days.Although the pictures are marvelous and amazing, the truth is that they don't do justice to this amazing national treasure. It truly is an inspiring sight. … [Read more...]

Lotsa Snow in Feb

2010 has been a pretty unusual month, weather-wise. Although the temperatures weren't all that bad, we had more snow that I can remember in years. It seems like the girls didn't go to school on a Monday or Tuesday for the entire month of February, maybe even January too. On the other hand, I got to teach Savannah, Kaylee, and Ava how to sled. They'd never really done that before and it was great fun seeing them get the hang of it. … [Read more...]

Stretch! Girls at Gymnastics Practice

The gymnastics studio were Katie and Anna have gymnastics every Thursday night has a weird sort of loft where all the parents can look down on their girls at play. I've had plenty of laughs up there and a few uh-oh moments. But mostly, I'm really impressed with the progress Katie and Anna have made. … [Read more...]