January 17th, 2025

Dreams of equestrian lessons and microwaving noodles in the kitchen... the random “pulls” in the silent hours of the night...

After some math facts drills, drive the two youngest over to the Science Center for a viewing of “T.Rex”... the former Starlight Cafe is short-staffed so the woman at the counter gives us a 30% discount on candy to make up for the kids' other requests not being ready yet (thoughtful)...

Waiting for the film... chat over text with the sisters... Antiques Roadshow is coming to town in May... anything old and weird we could have analyzed?... Sally suggests the horse hooves she found in her basement... register online for the free entrance ticket raffle...

Entering the blue-glow dome... low soundtrack from maybe the Egyptology room in a museum of natural history... then the bright lights space flight tunnel faster and faster and faster... still as fresh as it was back in the 90s when Dad brought us out there... film begins in Hell Creek, Montana... T. Rex is perfect for Joe... forty-five minutes of exploring the Badlands for remains of monsters and imaginings of prehistoric jungle/ocean eras... and all narrated by Sam Neill (Joe's eyes are bright with happiness)

Skip to evening... Sally and Irish join movie night... discussed : game development, expired license tags, honey as shampoo alternative, quarry alarms and land disturbance/blasting licenses, the authenticity of the lunar landing... followed by Nate Bargatze, grilled chicken and cheddar wraps, Bluebell ice cream sandwiches...