No, I'm not talking about the president, or anything political. But first, this morning. We (finally) got a new microwave. Thank you and good bye to that old dorm-sized low-wattage microwave we used in place of the one that quit the day before leaving for KS for Christmas. New one looks much better, and it makes things hot. I assisted picking it out, and installation procedures this morning.

This afternoon I went to my brother's to help them with landscaping in the front yard. We moved a pile of dirt (fun stuff), and took out some bushes. Actually, I only got there in time to help with one bush. It was a pain in the neck. We used a pick-axe, shovels of varying sizes, and other normal tools trying to get it out. Part of the problem was its proximity to the house and water pipes for the sprinkler system, making it only possible to attack from about 210 degrees. After getting all those roots broken, the darn thing still wouldn't budge, due to roots apparently growing into the concrete (after further inspection after removing the bush it was apparent they ran right up to the concrete, then said "hey, this won't work" and shot straight down). So, we couldn't get to these hidden roots with any of our normal tools without either a) hitting the concrete from the house, or b) cutting the water pipes. Finally, after much trial and error, we (Ryan) got out the drill and this huge 14" long bit at least 3/4 inch diameter. We (Ryan) proceeded to drill in the vicinity of where we expected these hidden roots to be located, and after much drilling, we were able to finally rock the stump enough to break it free. Those desert plants sure do have tough roots.

So, after all that fun and some food, I headed home. Only, unlike The Format's song, the 51 was not too slow, it was plain closed. The whole way from Northern to I-10. So, I drove down some streets, and got to Thomas (the last road before the 51 runs into I-10. There were no detour signs, so I jog over to see if that entrance is open. Nope, that'd be too easy. So, I wonder around until I get to the 7th street entrance to I-10. That's closed too, and it is now apparent that I-10 in that direction is closed at the 51/202/10 interchange. So I kept wandering, drove past BOB, and finally got to I-17 which was open. Then, on the 60, luckily not in my direction, there was a huge wreck around Mesa Drive - Stapley. (those of you not familiar, Stapley is where Organ Stop is located). Yeah, the wreck sucked, the whole highway was closed going west. The WHOLE highway, all 6 lanes - that's how bad this wreck was. As you can imagine, there were huge backups at the next two or so exits where everyone was being forced to exit. I imagine some folks probably waited there for well over an hour just to get off the highway.

So thats the highlights from today. Tomorrow is church, then empty time, then bible study. I'm exhausted now, going to bed early, especially for a sat night.