Q-Blog

WITH A SMILE LIKE THAT...

2008-12-09T17:41:00.003+02:00

It Arrived

2008-12-05T08:19:00.008+02:00

Well, it arrived before Ezra did but we're just getting a chance to take a good look at it. Our wedding album took nearly a year to put together. Wendy and I did the layout and then sent it to Furi Fine Art Books to have it assembled. As you can see from the photos, it takes albums to another level. Totally seemless in a patent pending technique...I've posted some of my favourite pages--the book totals 24 layouts, if you look at it 3 times thats 72...

2008-11-28T15:51:00.000+02:00

WELCOME TO THE WORLD

2008-11-11T13:18:00.009+02:00

Ah, for some, "keeping in touch" means visiting a blog. I apologize for not meeting up with you since May 2007. Alot has happened. I'll bring you up to speed with current events though...

NINE months ago I recieved some life changing news. Nine months ago seems like a very long time.

The pregnancy was great--Wendy grew into a glowing, beautiful, and very pregnant woman due on November 5, 2008. As I'm still learning, life doesn't work on a schedule and on October 30, 2008 we had a handsome baby boy. Unfortunately for those who visit this blog--I'm afraid the pictures will be far and few between. I might try to start up another blog but no doubt we'd end up in the same position. In any case, there are photos going around via email and here's hoping you get more glimpses of this greatness...

Ezra is GREAT! In his first weeks out in this post election, financially crippled, war torn world he is content and feeding and sleeping like a champ. He's already gained 1/2 a kilo! And although he's not smiling because he's happy, he does have a great smile. Wendy and I are good too--

Other news--in the last year and half: I've gotten married, I've come to visit the U.S. and so much more...If only I could find time to sit and write and struggle with posting it on my blog.

JUST THE FACTS...

2007-05-25T17:20:00.000+02:00

Well what do you say? I still can’t figure out the words to explain an event like this. The questions have been pouring in… “What happened?” “Is it true?” “What’s her name?” “Are you still in South Africa?”

Her name is Wendy Wylie. Wendy grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her parents are still married and her family is a great group of people. She has two brothers—Martin Wylie who is working in Phoenix, Arizona and Justin Wylie—studying in Rome. Her father, Duncan and Her mother Heibi (like baby with an ‘H’) live here in Knsyna.

Wendy is 30 years old and has had a great many experiences. She lived in Nashville, Tennessee for a year and half and she worked as a television producer in Johannesburg for a few years before she moved to Knysna. Currently she is an operations manager for a local jewelry distributor. We met a year ago through a great friend and a former professor of mine Don Austin and his wife Maria.

The Wedding date is September 15, 2007. Wasting no time, so far the families are scheduling flights coming in from three different continents and visitors from several countries. We’re looking forward to it all and so far it has been a great adventure.

We will be visiting the states in February 2008. This will work the best as the tourist season doesn’t allow for much flexibility here and that seems to be a quiet time of the year when we can afford to get away. We have the wedding date set for South Africa; however the date for the states hasn’t been really looked at.

We’ll send invitations and hope to see you then.

I know all the facts are dry and without any good details but trust me, after trying to write just this brief ‘overview’ its better to talk on the phone. I can go on and on if you give me a chance to talk it about it all…

2007-05-03T18:30:00.000+02:00

WORK…I’M REALLY WORKING…

2006-07-12T23:43:00.000+02:00

Well, as far as adventure, this is really lacking…I work in an office filled with creative people…Every so often there is a misdirected effort in creativity. My friend Hildegardt walks in and asks why naval oranges have a ‘baby orange’ in the back…What can I say…

Before anyone can really slow the momentum, a week later we have created a monster. My other friend Martin is soon invited into orange club (which the first rule is: nobody talks about orange club)…This club is fueled by ripping off images—and google images is an unfathomable source for images in regards to orange machine, orange goods, orange people…Sending these images with a competitive fury I’ve not been a part of since… well, since the days we used to fold paper airplanes and see whose could fly the farthest.

Do I feel guilty? Not really. My justification is this: We have several people who smoke. Nobody looks at their watch when one of them goes out to the balcony and takes a smoke break for 10 minutes…So I take my smoke break on google images…

Martin also smokes…I don’t know what his excuse is.

MY IMPECCABLE RACE RECORD: MAY 20

2006-07-12T23:22:00.000+02:00

Since I’ve been in South Africa I have yet to enter a mountain bike race (or get ready for one) and race it…This was further substantiated by the Klein Karoo Classic, a 100 km mountain bike race through a barren and beautiful part of South Africa called the Klein Karoo.

I was invited by my coworker Froneman and his family. They were also the great people who invited me to do the Cape Argus with them. It is great to attend events with his family because his wife is great at organizing all the things I don’t think about…like food and towels…Virna also works with our company as a lead administrator and accountant. So when it comes to logistics—you can count on the experts.

Unfortunately Virna could not coordinate better weather. Winter weather advisories, record amounts of rain throughout the week, and howling winds set the probability of racing to about .0005%... I showed up at the start, ready—in case the sun broke through, and mud dried up. It just didn’t happen—no matter how much I hoped. The rain had paused and it actually warmed to about 60 F and I contemplated until the rain started pouring and in dropped to 50 F…I soon found that several others shared my opinion as they just shook their heads. Froneman and I watched the start…maybe 20 riders take off into the mud filled country side…We caught up with them an hour later in town. I didn’t regret missing the event one bit.

Too bad I don’t have any pictures either.

So, I went back to our little farmhouse and sat in front of the fire and enjoyed the rugby, discovery channel, and suffered. This is in addition to the Oyster Festival 85km, and the Homtini 70km… I didn’t suffer as badly as with the previous missed races…ouch.

AS IF YOU COULD HATE A GOOD SUNSET...

2006-07-12T21:58:00.000+02:00

I work, live, eat, sleep near this huge body of water....

The mornings are stunning, the days are great, and even on bad days, it still looks pretty good out there...

2006-07-12T21:48:00.000+02:00

I have come to appreciate good sunsets.

The problem is that they happen so often I can't take advantage of every one of them...

This is a collection of sunsets from the past three or so months and mostly from the same place...

I feel like I live in a calendar sometimes.

WEBSITES THAT MAKE THINGS OFFICIAL

2006-07-12T21:41:00.000+02:00

For all of those who doubted that I really was employed in South Africa. Check things out at www.cmai.co.za My business card here is still a novelty. I used them in Tucson when clients asked about my contact details…Right now I just hand them out to good lookin’ strangers… “So, you work on pools…I’m a landscape architect...”

AP Headline News: I’ve also received word that I may have an opportunity to pursue my masters degree. As with all things it sure sounds like it will be easy...justa paper I gotta rite in cuple of yiers.

It still astounds me how God has shaped my life and guided me like some brute beast…I think I’m coming to South Africa for my reasons…Nope, it was for better things.

And for more randomness….I, along with some of my good friends have decided to trace our heroes to their roots. As a first step—some motivation to find out what makes men tough like dried meat…THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY. You know what is strange? There was a time when my dad would start watching this stuff and I’d walk out of the room - now, it is the coolest movie I’ve seen in years…It makes me wonder if I’m not turning into my dad…Or maybe Clint Eastwood…

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!

2006-07-12T21:10:00.000+02:00

I almost couldn't believe it myself...I come home from a run in the neighborhood and there it is...just sitting there...

My chedder cheese! How could I forget that block of cheese on top of my car!

Oh, and that moron who parked next to me has the loudest car I've ever heard.

2006-07-12T20:56:00.000+02:00

ROUND TWO-THE CAPE ARGUS:

2006-07-12T20:28:00.000+02:00

On March 12, 2006 I was inducted into a long list of privileged individuals who get to participate in the largest organized cycle race in the world. The Cape Argus. This year they estimated over 35,000 entries. It is an organized, well oiled machine. That by the way is the most spandex bike shorts one will ever see at one time…in one’s life…

Once again, my co-worker and friend—Froneman and his wife Virna lead the way. Virna—the logistical queen found us lodging in Bloubergstrand and the weekend was set with an incredible bike expo and meals. The only threatening thing was weather—this, I found, was a typical thing for Cape Town.

Woke up on Sunday, March 12, 2006 and began the arduous mental process of accepting my fate. The weather was barely subsiding and the wind seemed like it was going to be a factor… I remember running the 400m race in high school…the inevitable start…the line…ooooh, the race. It makes you sick.

This was really no different—except there were thousands of people in the same situation. The race started and I have to admit—it was nothing like 400m. It was really 108,000 m…on a bike…

108km (67 miles) through and around Cape Town—probably one of the most beautiful rides in the world. The weather cleared, by the way, and the sun and coastal breezes made the day almost surreal. The terrain, the scenery—the best I can do is reference some pictures off the web…And, as with most things in my life…Adventure.

Adventure is almost hitting a baboon at 28kmh (17mph)—sliding to avoid it and miraculously missing it…Adventure is having a conversation about who was winning the South African cricket match after one of the hardest climbs of my life…Adventure is meeting up with a 65 year old and laughing all the way to the finish line. All this goes without the mention of excruciating pain…Fond memories are seasoned with that stuff…I can’t imagine what next year’s race will be like.

Results for: Crow, Quincy
Date:2006/03/12
Distance:108 km Race
Time:04:09:15
Position:12516/27573
Gender Position:10926/21666
Age Position:831/1713
Group Position:128/498
Avg Speed:26 km/h

I congratulate myself for being 12,516th ! Next year I’m shooting for 11,000th…

HOW TO GET UGLY IN 24 HOURS…

2006-07-12T13:55:00.000+02:00

In order to get the full result (much like an alcoholic drink I assume) you must follow this recipe exactly
Ingredients:
2 Confident friends
1 Good available friend
1 Great weather Friday
1 Bike with lights
1 Unscheduled night ride
1 Forest trail—must have a tree
1 Helmet
1 Doctor with some experience in
cosmetic surgery…

Note: To get the desired effect DO NOT use any ice or pain medication—an anti-inflammatory is okay but you need to feel some pain…This process takes 24 hours.

DIRECTIONS:
Have a wonderful, incredible, stress filled Friday. It is imperative that you remember it is the last day of the working week and the first day of a great weekend. Take the two friends and the bike with the lights. A helmet is necessary for the safety.

Proceed down the trail at night with the lights, the friends, and the helmet. I met the tree halfway down—it was a good 12” thick. With a little anticipation, you can hit it quite hard—not hard enough to dislocate your shoulder (that is another recipe) but hard enough to sprain it good. The two friends are good for both support and blame…after all no one goes down a trail like that by themselves…

With the helmet cracked, your shoulder sprained, and a little frustration go directly to sleep…seven hours later-wake up.

When you wake, you will feel an incredible amount of pain. This is really the desired effect—the strained shoulder should be stiff. You need only to sit and contemplate your day for a few minutes…Some may choose to relieve themselves—contrary to belief, I just sat on the toilet lid and looked at the wall…

Stand up IMMEDIATELY. The quicker the better—you should feel an immense ‘head rush’. This is a natural process (the vegas nerve) emphasized for effect by low blood pressure. YOU WILL PASS OUT. This action will allow your head to hit whatever object you might be aligned with—in other words—if you are facing a wall, you will hit the wall, the shower door, in my case—the towel rack (as best I can figure).

It won’t take long to get the desired result. Within a few seconds you will regain consciousness and realize the blood on the floor is yours (someone has not been murdered).

Call the good available friend—In my case, it was a friend who dislocated his shoulder four weeks prior. He should immediately take you to a doctor. Any head wound will suffice but one to the face is best. If the Doctor has no cosmetic surgery experience your ugliness will last longer…Mine, fortunately knew what he was doing. He used 20+ stitches and prescribed some antibiotics…

Do not use ice. Within 24 hours you will be ugly as sin. The associated swelling and bruising will draw attention in public and personal circles. Expect good jokes—like, “oh yeah, you should see the other guy!!” and “—hey! The name is Mr. Scarface to you pal!!”

In all honesty I’ve come a long way. Even the ladies think it may have been a move in the right direction—chicks dig scars—right? The guys advise telling a better story than, “yep, I passed out in the toilet…” Either way, its just another story and after four months it is just another line on my face.

My mother is freaking out right now. I haven’t shown her pictures since before it happened…However, the doctor is pleased with the result—It is amazing how quick your face heals—more evidence of the genius in creation. Within three days the surface stitches (15 hair-thin) were removed and my skin was sealed…

RACE NUMBER ONE: THE PORT ELIZABETH HERALD

2006-07-11T18:20:00.000+02:00

For the first time ever I was challenged with something I never imagined I could do. I arrived in South Africa and had conversations with my colleague about this ‘road cycling’…woo, woo…another 45 kilometers this weekend, “where did you guys cycle to?”, I’d ask… “Cape Town and back?...”

I never really thought that a day would come when I would actually commit to cycling 105 kilometers (65 miles) in a race. A race meaning other people, a start, a finish and expectation—

This all came with a big bonus. My friend Froneman offered me all the parts off his bike. With a new frame I was ready to race. The only complication being the organization of all this was one day prior to the race.

I picked up the bike on Friday evening, rode it and punctured the tire on Saturday morning (after 10 km=6 miles). We left for Port Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday morning I sat upon my brand new bike with 105 kilometers of road ahead of me.

I was impressed. I finished. I finished strong. I liked it! My official time:

Event date: 2006/02/05
Event Name: VW Herald Cycle Tour
Distance: 105
Race Time: 03:38:09
Position: 768/1262
Gender Position: 684/1075Age Position: 87/113

I have to admit, a quarter into the whole thing I thought I wanted to quit. There was also that part when I just didn’t want to ride hard…Oh, and the other time when I felt terrible…Something about all of that makes me really like it…I’m sure it was the sea views, the stunning atmosphere and the thrill of accomplishing something like 105 kilometers…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY A. CROW !!

2006-04-19T00:37:00.000+02:00

My sister is now a year older! I have posted a photo of my parents in tribute to a great day! I have also posted a photo of two celebrities which bare some likeness—however they were not as successful as my parents…

I wonder-- I estimate my dad was three or four years younger than I am now. By then he had a couple of kids and a wife…I wonder if we would have been friends; I wonder if he would have liked me--who knows, we might have shared a cigarette maybe…or not. Notice his sense of fashion and his physique…He was once a young sprite—and he knows what he is talking about when he says things will change. I think that is why he likes hanging out with kids these days and making them run.

My mom was a bit older than my sister is now. She was a beauty–a fine, fragile lady and had two kids—and had to control us…I don’t have many memories of my childhood, but one was my mom telling me to quit pulling her hair. My sister has not succeeded in growing her hair that long, the picture is cropped, but the hair continues all the way to my mom’s legs…She cares a lot for anybody—if you ever need anyone to care about you—she’s the person to ask—and she’ll be genuine.

I look at these pictures quite a bit these days, and they help me to see that despite some weird things and hard times, my life so far has been good. My dad is a success filled with determination and resoluteness—the old pictures of his dad represent something very different than mine do. He did a lot to change that for me. My mom is one of the greatest ladies you’ll ever respect…She wouldn’t admit it to anyone but she is a powerful CEO…of Crow-Gonzales Inc. She hasn’t fired any of us yet, but her investment as a major shareholder has proven her commitment to quality…

On my birthday in March I was far from this sort of introspection…I think realizing that my sister isn’t a twelve years old is part of that. I should preface that with the fact that I am continually realizing that I’m not fourteen. These kinds of realizations bring it home to how much was invested into our lives. What a set of parents. We should all be so blessed to have cool, well dressed, fashionable parents.

COMMENT ON THIS!!

2006-04-12T00:50:00.000+02:00

Who says you don't see wild animals on the streets in South Africa!! This is in highway traffic on the way to Cape Town in February. What an amazing thing to look over and see a cheetah. Beats having a hound dog...and talk about the next level in theft prevention...

My father has once again extended his loving 'discipline' by upping the anty in this blog thing...If I don't update my blog for a week or so, or however long 'some period of time' is, he gives a class of his bonus points to check me out and see if there are new posts...So, the attention is much appreciated as well as the hits on the site...However, the 5 point thing is A BUNCH OF BOLOGNA (bolonie)!!

Do you really think Coach Crow is going to just give you extra points? How can you tell if he is joking or being real? I mean, what does a blog have to do with Earth Science--granted, it may be the most interesting blog in the virtual world....Okay, not as interesting as that...If you really need the 5 extra points--what about studying for them?! And what about that guy who is on top of his game and has a straight 4.0/100%--is he getting 105% or what?

In South Africa, if the students want extra points they have to kill a wild animal, skin it, and eat the meat raw--"Wild Animals" here are things that eat coyotes and javalinas...They only get a few points for that too...5 points. It makes me wonder where they were taking that cheetah to...Probably a school for those kids...

I have alot of posts on their way. I just needed to get the previous one out. Look for stuff on great adventures in road cycling, how to get ugly (if you want to), weather, and other topics. Nothing worth 5 points despite how many wild animals were killed in the making...Coming to www.quincycrow.blogspot.com in the next few days GUARANTEED.

A LONG TIME AGO, IN A GALAXY FAR AWAY..11.04

2006-04-11T17:13:00.000+02:00

Well, if you'd asked me two years ago, I never would have dreamt all of this...

”Take me or leave me, don't have to believe me all the words I have to say, all the longs that fly away take me or leave me, believe me good will come it's OK, you know I'll live to fight another day it's OK, you know I'll live to find another way she's as pretty as hell and her eyes have no home the beauty has run from your face such beauty that hung from your face and if you would drink this wine you'll shine it's OK you know I'll live to fight another day it's OK, you know I'll live to find the words to say it's OK, you know I'll live to find another way and if you would give me holy wine, I'll shine…” --Delirious “Its OK- Mezzamorphis, 1999”

HOW TO READ THIS: INSTRUCTIONS ON PACING THROUGH A BLOG.

2006-02-01T18:27:00.000+02:00

I’ve written a lot. I’ve done a lot and tried to communicate most of it—however, there might be way too much content to be viewed in just one sitting. I guess that because it’s taken me a while to try to edit and put it all together. Please pace yourself…If it gets boring, just make your way to the comment section and tell me…

I read Donald Miller’s book “Blue Like Jazz” over the holiday. His writing style is very contagious and I think it influenced me a little…I tried to include a lot more pictures because everyone likes pictures and they describe more than the little list of adjectives I use…

BACK TO MY NORMAL LIFE…

2006-02-01T18:23:00.000+02:00

Life is far from normal…If anything it is just about to get real exciting. If last year was so dynamic, this year has just as much potential. Work is back to its hectic pace, I’m getting more involved my church and the community there, and then the great outdoors…

I rarely spend time in my flat in front a television these days. I’m playing outside more than I did in elementary school…and no one tells me to come in because its getting dark (dinner’s not usually ready either unless I cook)…I’m very blessed to live in a part of the world that is conducive to outdoor living.

Yes, the great outdoors. I have in my sites this year the great Trans Bavians as well as a host of other mountain bike races (Knysna Oyster Festival Race, Karoo to Coast)…In a couple of weeks I will be participating in a road race in Port Elizabeth called the Harold…I will also be riding the Cape Argus…I’ve put together a new bike which is better than anything ol’ Gary Fisher could imagine. The winds of change are blowin’…the most recent acquisition…Yes Stephanie…

I bought a surfboard.

Happy New Year the Right Way!

2006-02-01T17:57:00.000+02:00

Few people have the opportunity of celebrating the New Year in the middle of the ocean. My sister did as she flew from Phoenix, Arizona to meet me in South Africa. What a great way to welcome 2006. She arrived January 1, and as if I hadn’t had enough adventure…

It was a genuine and good time we spent together. I don’t think my sister and I have ever spent two weeks together and I had a great time. My goal was to get her so traveled, tired, to introduce her to so many peoples, and places that the only way she could verify if it was all real would be to come back and visit again. I think it worked…

Our first week was a little uneventful. Knysna weather is usually predictably pleasant—a rainy day is typical but we had this mist that stuck for 3 days…It didn’t detour us from some events, it just was a little soggy. We walked beaches, hiked to view points, drove everywhere, and rode some ostriches…Yep, you got that right, she’s has to come and see if it was really that crazy…The fun stuff: Zip Line Tours through native forest, a horseback ride through a game reserve (seeing a lion want to eat your horse), ostrich riding, hiking Robbe Berg Island…and the list goes on…

My sister is officially a best friend. She is a great lady with a unique sense of humor and solid character. It was good to have her approval on my community, my church, my job, my friends, and my driving. Okay, she didn’t approve of my driving…

Our trip ended in Stellenbosch with a tour of some of the best wineries South Africa has to offer. We also had the chance to view Cape Town from Table Mountain in some unprecedented calm weather. Every place we went seemed to be coordinated behind the scenes so that we had the fullest experience possible…Even Green Market Street Square (the shopping adventure) seemed to be scripted...

I’m proud to say that my life is more exciting than television…that’s a big step in the right direction for me.

My sister left and I still miss her. I’m planning and picking out places to show her the next time she’s here. She’s coming back in six months....

KURLAND INTERNATIONAL POLO: DECEMBER 29, 2005

2006-01-30T01:27:00.000+02:00

Polo is an unbelievable sport and its even better when there is a bit of drama…Almost as good as hockey…

Really, I had an indescribably unique experience at Kurland Polo Estate. I was given complimentary VIP passes to see this internationally touted event. Rumor has it last year Prince Charles made an appearance. This year, Quincy Crow was there.

So, I had a chance to see my first Polo game and in style…Sponsored by BMW (not me, just the polo), and carrying the aura and glamour of ‘Polo’ itself—in an amazing setting…It was a day I will never forget (I think I have to make a list of these days)…

And the Drama: Miss Claudia Henkel—Former Miss South Africa 2004, enter stage right—Greasy Boyfriend, Mr. Van der Walt…As reported by a local South African News Source (News24.com):

“Ex-Miss SA in polo brawl08/01/2006 22:31 - (SA) Beeld George –

Fists literally flew around former Miss SA Claudia Henkel recently.

Her boyfriend allegedly slapped a spectator at a polo match at an exclusive event after the match at Kurland Estate near Plettenberg Bay.

"We just want to get the whole unsavoury business behind us and move on," said a director of the estate who didn't want to be named.

The director also confirmed that Nicky van der Walt, 25, Henkel's boyfriend, was summarily dropped from the polo tournament. The incident apparently took place on Friday two weeks ago after Clay White, 32, regional manager of an airline in Durban, allegedly asked Henkel whether he may introduce his daughter to her after the match. When White arrived later, Van der Walt was waiting for him and apparently told him to "f*** off".

White told Rapport that he was still trying to explain when Van der Walt started assaulting him.
White suffered a broken nose, injuries to his ribs and had to get sutures to his head. A local horse breeder allegedly fell through a plastic chair when White tried to get away.

Superintendent Billy Jones, police spokesperson, said Henkel and Van der Walt had laid charges of assault and harassment against White at the Plettenberg Bay police station.
White in turn had laid a charge of assault with the intent to do serious bodily harm against Van der Walt.”

I’m not usually one to go and do photo ops with ladies of fashion and fame…but this was a special request and I couldn’t turn her down…Okay, I admit…I was paid to take the picture by her publicist…Okay, the truth is…

All I did was say hi and ask for a picture…Notice the photogenic nature of that lady…and me with a goofy grin on my face…

South Africa lost by the way…Those Englishmen play a tough game of polo. If I have offended anybody by my story…I don’t want to get beat up—Mr Van der Walt is really a great guy…

2006-01-30T01:20:00.000+02:00

The VIP grandstands...from my seat..

2006-01-30T01:19:00.000+02:00

Polo Grandstands...

2006-01-30T01:18:00.000+02:00

Colorful Polo...

2006-01-30T01:17:00.000+02:00

Historic Kurland Estate...

2006-01-30T01:15:00.000+02:00

The great game of polo...

MERRY CHRISTMAS WITH THE MCCONNELLS and Co, Inc.

2006-01-30T00:54:00.000+02:00

In January 2005 I found out I was coming to South Africa and the most excited response I received was from Kim and Ed McConnell who told me that I would get to spend Christmas with them in South Africa. I arrived in South Africa and settled—and in September sometime I received emails inviting me to join their family for Christmas…I’ve rarely made plans one year in advance but it worked this time.

It was great. Its fun to spend Christmas with kids (I haven’t done that it a long time). Jesus, Santa, presents, family…it was all electric! And with a couple of kids like Quinn and James…I was truly blessed. Quinn, by the way, is the wittiest four year old you’ll ever meet and James is a great guy who lives in a six year old body…They form ‘team chaos’ and when they’re around everything is an adventure. They also make up a formidable snoring team that will keep you from sleeping for hours…

Kim and Ed are neat people too and nothing seems to really bother them…not even getting lost in the middle of the South African bush. They let it become a point of discussion and this includes the comments of those following (team chaos)…We didn’t get lost for long but it was still an adventure. I think we almost lost Quinn to dehydration and James made it with minor strain…All this in 30 minutes of climbing through fences and trying to distinguish a trail from a bare patch of land that stretched for more than 2 meters…

We went to a cool place called bum-slide and walked some. Most of our time was spent near the pool or eating, or running around. One of the greatest times I had was driving through the Pilansberg Game Reserve. What a treat—to see Giraffe, Elephant, Rhino, Hippo-most of the Big five and a few of the tiny five (dung beetle, millipede…). I was truly blessed and encouraged by their family and I can’t wait until they come back to live here in South Africa!

Right? You’re coming to live here? Aren’t you?

2006-01-30T00:52:00.001+02:00

Quinn with Kango

2006-01-30T00:52:00.000+02:00

Giraffe in Pilansberg

2006-01-30T00:51:00.000+02:00

Bum-slide in the rain!

2006-01-30T00:50:00.000+02:00

James with a walking stick

2006-01-30T00:49:00.000+02:00

Elephant in Pilansberg

South African Road Trippin’

2006-01-30T00:28:00.000+02:00

I’ve driven a VW from Upstate New York to Texas and thought I had road trippin’ down to a fine art…I’ve driven part of the historic coast of Turkey and clocked up some pretty good road trips in Anatolia…But nothing really compares to an adventure up the Wild Coast of South Africa…Which begs the question…Why do they call it the ‘Wild Coast’?

Two close calls, several head of cattle, a dead horse (in the middle of nowhere) and a run in with the law…I’ve graduated to another level of driving…I was pulled over for illegally crossing—that officially brings my count up to ** and three continents…I plead the same every time: It was for the sake of civil safety…This time it really was…

Anyway...Before I left on this trip I explained the itinerary to several individuals who gave me crazy looks and found my plans entertaining—little did they know I’m a professional. My friend Guillaume was once again a source of inspiration and encouragement…and he was willing to half the gas as long as we made a detour to see his girlfriend…So, I left with my Teal Mobile and saw some incredible things. It really was the best way to see South Africa and I made note of where I would like to spend some more time.

Umtata didn’t make the list.

However, Durban did, and definitely Howick and maybe Mooi Nooi again someday to meet the McConnells again…

The trip lasted a good several days. We both stopped in Gauteng (Johannesburg/Pretoria/Traffic) and spent time with friends or family for Christmas before heading home through the Karoo and the Free State…And there is plenty of reason to call it the Free State…almost 7 hours of freedom…

We arrived in Knysna in good shape and with some great memories…I’m proud to say that I learned a little Afrikaans with the whole experience.

“Vees Yo Pappa?!” (spelled phonetically)

There is so much more to this trip than what I’ve written but I don’t think I could explain it all. And it was much more than driving and seeing things from behind the wheel. I had a chance to see some great things and took some amazing pictures and make some cool memories…

2006-01-30T00:25:00.002+02:00

Cattle on the road at 40 kmh

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Wild Coast beauty

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Open sky

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Road trip views...

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Guillaume and his lady with at the aquarium

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Nottingham-A nice place and micro-brewery..

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The Drakensburg going to Gauteng

2006-01-30T00:14:00.000+02:00

The Long Drive Home...

THE BIG NEWS—THANKSGIVING SURPRISE!

2006-01-29T23:24:00.000+02:00

It began as an idea…just a quick question my Uncle asked... “So how much does a flight cost to and from South Africa?”… Little did I know that 6 weeks later I would be getting on a flight from South Africa to Austin, Texas…

And little did everyone else know…Totally unprecedented…the biggest surprise I’ve ever been a part of began.

My sister was 35% surprised—which, apart from just scaring her in a dark room could be the most surprised I could hope forJ My Dad was great to watch as he tried to process how his son answered the door before he rang the doorbell and why was he there anyway…And my aunt cried (that’s good)…My Mom, grandmother and grandfather just couldn’t believe it…and neither could I really… The flight was painfully long and included some legendary layovers (40 minutes in an international terminal and I made it…with my bags). However the holiday was probably the best we’ve had as a family.

“A family that cooks pizzas together stays together…” Okay, it wasn’t the home cooked food or the cool house my sister owns…It was just great to see everyone. I met my niece—what a cute little four-legged animal! I’m a very proud uncle I have to admit…I couldn’t have done better (she doesn’t bite and is house trained)—the best niece so far!

On top of all the family and a miniature reunion—I had a chance to see my friend Trey get married to a beautiful woman. I marveled at the event with a group of friends from university. I alone marveled at how many people my age are married and have children…It was good to see everyone and the randomness helped the whole thing seem set in some movie—we were just part of one scene…

That is: The scene where a small-town Texas guy gets married to the love of his life—a Chinese gal he’s met while working and learning language in China…all this is to take place in a Baptist church in East Texas…You can only imagine the mix of characters which gathered in that chapel.

And another real treat! There is nothing like speaking Turkish in random places and eating Turkish food with great friends—IN DALLAS…Yes, in a whirlwind trip that took over 10 hours of driving I was able to attend a wedding in Linden, Texas, eat Turkish food with Ryan and Daniel in Dallas, Texas and then fall asleep in Austin, Texas…The only thing I really have to remember the whole thing is a collage of random pictures…

I apologize to my friend Katie. The second time I’ve blown through Dallas and not said hello…And to my long lost friend Rebecca Mayfield...Her and Stevie…and it would have been great to meet the man she married (his name isn’t Stevie but I bet he’s a wonder)…Another scene out of a movie…

All the traveling, friends, family, and I’m glad to be back…Its strange to call this place home but I rested well after the whirlwind of flights, reunions, long drives on highways, and eating until I couldn’t breathe…That is, after all, what Thanksgiving is all about…right?

By the way, Joey, I don’t know who you are but if you look like Audrey Hepburn you’re invited to South Africa.

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My charming neice Brie...

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Digital Camera Chaos...

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Trey and his lady Josephine

The Best Post Yet...

2006-01-18T18:32:00.000+02:00

It has been a year since I left the U.S.A...My home on the range...The land of the free...Capitalism and profit...The Great Democratic Republic...And I can't help but reflect on what might be the most dynamic year of my life up to date.

My 7th year of life was pretty cool too but that is just because I had the prettiest 1st grade teacher, a bunch of friends and the perfect combination of work, recess, lunch, and story time...

Back to this last year though...

I walked through the doors at Cape Town International Airport last Friday--the ones that only a year ago slid open to reveal South Africa to me for the first time. As I left my sister to wait for her return flight to the States I reflected on the moment I arrived, the days which followed and now the year past. I walked out of the airport this year finishing an unbelievable month of holiday, touring, and resting--to a friend waiting in my car and road trip back to Knysna...

All the lessons learned, the opportunities, the experiences, and most of all the change...what a year--I've attempted to share it all but I don't think words and pictures quite capture what all has happened. This much is true--and I can say from experience...There is no such thing as 'chance', 'luck', or 'coincidence' other than expressing an emotion of hope or surprise I can't think that all of this past year 'just happened'...God is sovereign and gracious in his love for me.

To think of what this next year will bring--I cannot imagine.

Oh, by the way...for those who are waiting for information from November 18 to January 18...That is still to come. I'm currently writing a book of information illustrated with intriguing photos and outrageous adventure. I will be publishing it on this blog when my computer (another, newer computer) is up and running full steam.

Until then--this is probably the 3rd or 4th best post...The best one is yet to come ( I hope).

Thanksgiving...

2005-11-15T01:05:00.000+02:00

Thanksgiving is around the corner. This year it will be in a great place with wonderful people and I’m looking forward to it. My plans are to share a recipe with my sister and we’ll cook the same turkey (we’ll both be cooking for large group of people)…My family and her dog will all be at her house so there’s a bit of pressure to perform…

I guess we’re only a week or so away from it. I remember it these days because it is really one of my favorite holidays and one that I’ve grown most fond of. I’ll sure miss everyone that week…

Whatever you do, don’t start feeling homesick for me. I haven’t made mention of being that.

I’ve still got to find that recipe for her...I have less than a week left…Preparing for Thanksgiving sure is difficult when you live in the southern hemisphere…

Meeting a King

2005-11-15T00:57:00.001+02:00

A lot happened in October but it is all dwarfed by this event…I still am contemplating the meeting and what took place.

Thursday, November 10, Dr. Chris Mulder walks into my office and asks, “Quincy, have you ever met a king?!” To which I reply, “…no…” He then belts out, “…Get ready, you’re going to meet one on Saturday…” I can’t really repeat what I said after that…

What do you say? I thought it was a joke…I didn’t know people met kings…And what do you do when you meet a king? After all, I’m in South Africa and the best I’ve done is shaking former President George Bush’s hand…Oh, I played Golf with Andy Edwards too…

So, I’ve met the King of the Bafokeng Tribe one of the wealthiest men in South Africa and the wealthiest tribe in South Africa. It was unfortunate Dr. Mulder couldn’t attend, and his son, the lead architect in the office (Steff Mulder) had to be at another meeting…In fact, everyone was booked but me and my compadre—Guillaume. Third stringers sent into pinch hit…yes…it was an opportunity of a lifetime…

Guillaume, featured in the ‘Rugby Fan’ post of this blog…is quite a character. We represented alright I felt. I shook the King’s hand and we took pictures. What a crazy morning…and both of us are still just astounded at the fact that we met a real life king…

Which brings me back to my point…and I still can’t believe it all. A year ago, I’m in Tucson, Arizona…living, working, carrying on…I couldn’t even have imagined in my craziest schemes (and I had some crazy ones) that I would meet a King and discuss a project at Kurland Polo … And I can only attribute it to one thing—far from my selfish and shallow ambitions…God’s sovereignty and His grace. What an exciting life to have and to know that He leads and guides me to adventures like this…despite me getting in the way sometimes.

It really sets the standard…I can’t settle for less than this kind of adventure now…

2005-11-15T00:57:00.000+02:00

Me and King Molotlegi

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Kurland Polo Estate

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And the panorama...

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...and more of the scene

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And more of the beautiful setting

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Polo at Kurland

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A true thinker...Guillaume...

An October Wedding

2005-11-15T00:27:00.000+02:00

Another Beautiful Wedding

The second wedding I’ve been to in South Africa and I’m sold on it!

I’m sold on going to beautiful weddings in South Africa — the whole marriage thing I’m still a bit hesitant…

I’ve been blessed with some wonderful friends—and friends from all over. This wedding celebrated the matrimony of a Kiwi (New Zealand) and a Zimbabwean. A side note—I’ve often thought how strange everybody’s accents are in my world when really I’m the only one with the awkward accent here…Kim and Phil met in England and their relationship spans several continents and more adventure than an average lifetime…quite an inspiration.

So their wedding was up to par. The venue: a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. The show stopper: a cloud that covered the ceremony in a heavenly aura as the pastor gave his blessing. The pictures: still not enough to convey the beauty…

I’ve been to some incredible weddings in my lifetime—there really isn’t ‘better ones’ (although Ryan and Adrienne entering to Coldplay’s ‘clocks’ was the best)—however the bar seems to get raised each wedding I go to…This one set some great precedents.

The whole ‘Vegas’ option is a no-go…definitely…

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Congrats Kim and Phil S.

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The bridesmaids

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The catered meal

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A shot of the coast...

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The venue: Kranshoek

2005-11-15T00:23:00.000+02:00

September and Tides

2005-11-14T23:55:00.000+02:00

I’ve become a man of the tides…it is a wonderful thing that as a landlocked citizen I have never really been exposed to.  The saying goes, “..as constant as the tides…” and I’m still trying to figure out what that means because they aren’t really constant—at least on a daily basis.  Right, they have them mapped out and I can find out what time the high tide will be tomorrow and what height it will be—but other than that—it is just a neat phenomenon…

If you arrived here and saw the lagoon at low tide, it would resemble a dried up lake—like someone pulled the plug.  When the tide comes in—and I’ve done my research with a neighbor as we sat on his jetty measuring against a post—it comes in approximately 1cm every 6 minutes.  That is filling a massive body of water at an incredible rate!

I sound like Bill Nye the Science Guy…

September is “supertide” month—the equinox tide is supposed to take place.  This is a time when the tide is the highest (2.8 msl) and the lowest (.8 msl) with variance of 2 meters!  It really happened in November but the pictures are nonetheless impressive.

The drama on the island is that all the homes are placed at 3.1 msl (mean sea level)—that is 3.1 meters…When the tide comes in it—it is only 300 mm (less than 18”) from flooding—no worries—its been designed that way…

Anything affects the tides.  The moon, the planets, low barometric pressure, weather, wind…and I have no control over any of it.  God is an awesome God and this universe really declares the danger, beauty, and magnitude of the systems He has set in place.  They say that if the moon was just a fraction closer, the high tides would cover all the land…evolution—shmevolution…

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low tide

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low tide

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HIGH TIDE

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HIGH TIDE

2005-11-14T23:52:00.001+02:00

low tide

2005-11-14T23:52:00.000+02:00

HIGH TIDE

UNBELIEVABLE...

2005-11-14T23:37:00.000+02:00

August 20—Or mid August…

The date might be a bit off but I have pictures to prove this unbelievable event…And an incredible thing to be a part of.

I had the opportunity of “seconding” my friend Tim for the Trans Baviaans a 24 hour endurance race of nearly 160 miles! Riding a mountain bike was challenging enough as they crossed through some of South Africa’s most dynamic terrain…Chris and I had our own adventure following them in a little truck. At times the ‘support route’ was separate from our team, at other times it was the same unbelievable trails—I can’t help but repeat the word…

At one point in time we come around a hairpin turn into a ridiculous incline called M.A.C. (Mother of All Climbs)—following the tracks of several support vehicles leading the way (a few putting some dents in the undercarriage of their vehicles). I catch one of the competitors stopping for a brief rest and laughing as he realizes that the struggle is not just limited to the man powered two wheeled machines…

The race started at 10a.m. from a little country town and ended for our team at 2a.m. on the coast. Covering some bush, a couple of mountain passes, some incredible uphills and downhills—and breathtaking vistas—it was unbelievable…

I’ve got to give it to Tim, Quinn, and Monet…they really did an incredible job—and displayed so many life applicable lessons (planning, heart, perseverance, cooperation, etc…). It was great to make a friend in Chris and future Trans Baviaans partner.

The pictures only communicate 1000 words of the so many more thousand that it takes to describe the event…I think a third of those words are just the repeating of UNBELIEVABLE…

My goal: I’ve stated it on paper, on this web site, and I’ll begin training late December… August 2006 I will be starting at 10 a.m. from Uniondale and ending early the next morning in Jefferies Bay…If you see my dad or have a brief conversation with him—ask him about his planned trip to South Africa to come and ‘second’ his son…

2005-11-14T23:35:00.000+02:00

Team 3PAC finishing 28th out of 100+

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Panorama of the landscape..

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The Baviaans Pass...

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UNBELIEVABLE...

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On top of the world at sunset

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The M.A.C...

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Tim and Quinn--notice the dust trails--the long and winding route...

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The waiting...in a scenic checkpoint

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A moving 'support city' of 200+ vehicles

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Before the start--fresh and smiling...

2005-10-08T00:27:00.000+02:00

This is 'my' island...Thesen Island

Learning language the fun way...

2005-10-08T00:18:00.000+02:00

MAGGIE [MAAGIES]—(AFRIKAANS) noun: a stomach or gizzard…

Aaah, the fun of learning language and the adventure of cooking—Yes, the combination of those to make a great meal…or not.

What do I know? It looked like the most lean and tender filet…I’ve enjoyed ostrich meat before—ostrich mince is now preferred over beef.  So, you can imagine my excitement when I see the perfect jewels of ostrich meat…”Ostrich Maggies” they’re called.  Mmmm, sounds good, sounds delectable…

After marinating them, seasoning them, putting them in the oven for two hours to broil…  Inviting my friends Tim and Guillaume over to partake of a good “meaty dinner” before our viewing of third episode of Star Wars…

I’ve got to give it to Tim.  He actually tried to eat it…I still cringe at the thought.  They just didn’t look right when I pulled them out and they tasted…well…not delectable.

It wasn’t until three weeks or so later when I see that manager behind the counter at the butchery…”aaah, maggies…” ,he kind of smiles, “those are ostrich gizzards…you gotta stew them for a day or slice ‘em thin and pan fry them…”  Something tells me that I’m not the only foreigner to fall into that trap…

Another language lesson…Maggies (said with a guttural, throat-clearing ‘hhhh’ like mawhhhies) means gizzard or stomach.  For some that could be great news—gizzards the size of filet minons to eat…For others—be warned.

I’ve posted some pictures of a few of the projects and sites…If it seems ambiguous it is because I should be miscellaneous about it all.  As I look at them I can only scheme—am I really telling the truth? Was I there? Yes, and I still can’t believe it…Those projects by the way, look a lot different when you view them in scale, on a plan and you’re supposed to design something…beautiful places and incredible opportunity…

2005-10-08T00:13:00.001+02:00

An existing house on a project..

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Just the project atmosphere...

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The view from the helicopter...

2005-10-08T00:12:00.000+02:00

A helicopter ride to see a project site

Sick of being Sick...

2005-10-08T00:00:00.000+02:00

The end of June, July and August seem like one long stuffy nose…

I missed the ride I had trained for—spending a week on my back…all I could do was enjoy the oyster eating festivities of the Oyster Festival.  Oh yeah, I eat oysters now.  Everything you’ve heard about them is wrong…except that rule about eating bad oysters—I’m not going to try that one.

I would get better, get sick, get better, get sick…I wrote this while I was recovering…

“Living in another country/ continent/ hemsiphere (any of the above) really requires an acceptance of discomfort.  I think initially that means the disruption of routine, diet, etc...As the first month progresses, it means catching every little bug and flu virus that you seemed to miss out on either because of the distance or season that you previously lived in.  It happened in Turkey and it was bound to happen here.  Looking back over my calendar, I've spent approximately a week and a half on my back in bed or on the couch sick with the beginning of flu, the 'big' flu, or a secondary infection caused by the flu.  Regardless...the word 'flu' now causes me to cringe and wish people the best if they've caught it...

It isn't good, but misery enjoys company.  At one point, in an office of 20+ people, 10 were out with flu or other illness...The office looked vacant and the announcement that someone else went home wasn't out of the ordinary that week.  It seemed this round of influenza in Knysna was devastating.

So, it has been about 2 weeks since my last run in with any sickness--I still have a dry cough to remember everything by...I'm also much more aware of any symptoms--almost hypochondriac-like in behavior...Better safe than sorry for the next few months.

Getting sick takes a week, recovery takes two, and trying to put together everything on a blog seems like it takes forever these days. I have really appreciated the concern a few friends have shown over the lack of input on the blog...”

That explains it all.  I hate being sick—sorry if I offended those who like it.

2005-10-07T23:59:00.002+02:00

2005-10-07T23:59:00.001+02:00

2005-10-07T23:59:00.000+02:00

Welcome Rugby Fans!

2005-10-07T22:27:00.000+02:00

WooWoo!! Rugby!!!

Yes, I’ve become a fan. I don’t understand the game one bit—except that one team needs to run a fat, laceless football past the other team and to the goal line. Hey, that’s all you need to know when you go to a vamped up, crazy, stadium to see FRANCE get demolished by the SPRINGBOKS!!!

Alright, I still get all excited when I think about it. My friend Guillaume set up the event and we went to a city three hours away—Port Elizabeth. Besides learning a bit of ‘conversational Afrikaans’ (which I don’t think I’ll ever use in conversation) I had a great time yelling my head off. I have to declare that a stadium of 20,000 hard core rugby fans consume more beer in 80 minutes than any American football game I’ve ever heard of…Don’t worry, Americans still can eat more hot dogs…

They have these little green trumpets and besides the Springbok paraphernalia, the hat, and the outrageous fanaticism—there is no better support you can give a winning team than a long drawn out moose-call-like flat note. This combined with other ‘variables’ creates a dream like dizziness…that only enlightens one as to what the game of rugby is really all about.

Okay, a little drama doesn’t hurt a story. If any of you ever has the chance to see a rugby game. Don’t forget to take a trumpet and your favorite jersey—and go crazy.

2005-10-07T22:17:00.001+02:00

RUGBY!!! WOO WOO!!

2005-10-07T22:17:00.000+02:00

A true fanatic...guillaume

2005-10-07T22:16:00.000+02:00

Let the game begin!!

The Great Outdoors

2005-10-07T17:11:00.000+02:00

I started mountain biking near the beginning of April…maybe March…

The fond memories…my friend gary…good times with friends…that all fades as you begin to ride more and more and more…I set my goal to ride a race in July—the infamous Oyster Festival 85K (52 miles).  I ask myself why? —for the sponsorships, the prize money, the women, the crazy life of the tour…Okay, okay…how about for fun.  And it has become noticeably easier (not easy—there is a difference).

My first ride here in Knysna was a grueling 25K…I looked pathetic and my friends (they become friends quickly in situations like this) were patient and supportive throughout my first rides.  By June I was riding up to 50K and enjoying myself.  The first ride is now a ‘fun’ ride—something we attempt after work and hope to get home by dark.  The scenery is still spectacular and I’m continually being overwhelmed with the beauty of this place.  I haven’t had any confrontations with Baboons since my last mention.

I also took a great hike with some friends.  Robberg Island-- an incredible hike with almost constant sea views…and there are no sissies allowed.  We started at around 2p.m. and finished at dark.  As if I had any expectations when I arrived here in Knysna—hikes like this just surpass them.

2005-10-07T17:06:00.001+02:00

The day finished

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The end of the hike

2005-10-07T17:05:00.002+02:00

The ocean...