The Usry Family Blog

Racer's.

2010-05-17T16:54:00.001-05:00

IMG_7518
Originally uploaded by ngusry

My boys are racers. Right now, its just with electronic cars!
Seriously though, Spring is here in St Louis and the boys took thier electric Pontiac Solstics out for a spin. Spencer of course had to wear his SImpson Racing Helmet- you know, just in case. Leyton is a very good navigator.

I think they will make an excellent Ralley Racing Team once they get old enough to drive a gas powered car!

Whoaa!

2010-02-24T08:04:00.001-06:00

Whoaa!
Originally uploaded by ngusry

Right as I rounded the corner on a 4+ mile hike, I saw this guy getting some sun. After I cleaned my pants, I took some pictures. Then patient waited for him to leave the area so that I could walk, no run, back to the car... another 2 miles away!

It's a Diamondback Rattlesnake, a good 4 feet long and probably around 4+ inches in diameter at his thickest part. Those are just guesses, I didn't get a chance to put the measuring stick to him.

Never once did he shake his rattlers at me. Never once did I start crying. We all made out well in the end.

Fishing lake

2009-11-13T18:37:00.001-06:00

Fishing lake
Originally uploaded by ngusry

Tucked deep in central Georgia is property that friends of the family own. They get to look out at this every morning, how awesome is that! The leaves of early fall are just starting to turn colors. I can't wait until the water warms up a bit, so next time I can take a swim.

Mymamma's 75th Birthday

2009-10-29T20:24:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, if you followed me on Facebook or Twitter (and who shouldn't!) you probably noticed that I took the boys across the country from St Louis to central Georgia for a special trip. We loaded up on Airtran for my grand-mothers 75th birthday party.

It was a grand time, seeing old family, and meeting new spouses and kids. Spencer and Leyton had a blast traveling and seeing their grand-parents while getting to know 'new cousins' as Spencer put it.

In the end, we had a long and tiring trip- but boys (and more importantly) dad s

urvived the trip.

Click through to see all of the pictures from the party, if you need larger pictures let me know.

Spencer and his uncle..

2009-10-29T19:46:00.001-05:00

Spencer and his uncle..
Originally uploaded by ngusry

almost fall into the creek.
We were at the farm in central Georgia visiting family when we found a small creek hidden deep in the woods. Actually, it made an obvious choice for a picture. Only, moments after taking the picture, the log cracked, sending Uncle Josh into the water and Spencer stranded on the log for a second or two.
Moments later we were all laughing and Spencer couldn't stop about how he heard the log 'crack.'

Once I get done with processing the pictures, I'll have more from our trip, including the big family party. Good times.

The Japanese Gate

2009-10-21T08:21:00.001-05:00

The Japanese Gate
Originally uploaded by ngusry

At the World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot sits a wonderful piece of Japanese architecture. As the clouds rolled by, and the drummers were beating at a frantic pace, this archway captured my attention for several minutes

The boys and I are getting ready to head to central Georgia for a special birthday party. I hope to have some fun family photos when we get back.

The Entrance To China

2009-10-12T23:11:00.001-05:00

The Entrance To China
Originally uploaded by ngusry

In effort to make more updates to my blog, here is another picture I found sitting on my hard drive waiting to be uploaded.

One of my favorite things to do at Disney is to wonder around the World Showcase in Epcot. Its a wonderful opportunity to explore the world, and still hit the hotel pool a few minutes later.

Cool eh?

I wish, that I had a picture with a slower shutter speed to capture the movement of the other guest a bit better. Well next time, I suppose.

Thanks for looking!
(click the picture to see more photos on my Flickr page)

Published: Williamson Island

2009-09-15T14:23:00.003-05:00

Williamson Island

After my last trip to Georgia, I picked up the latest copy of The South Magazine (http://www.thesouthmag.com/) Aug/Sep 2009- the one with UGA on the cover (see below- its that one!). I didn't pick this up because I like reading regional magazines (I do)- but because I had a picture published in the magazine!

For record that makes two publications. One virtual. One paper. Go me. :)

This picture of Williamson Island off the coast of Savannah is featured in a eco-turist artical about the island. The picture has also be floating around the family as a favorite and I have it hanging in one of my exam rooms - @30"x20" it looks pretty awesome.

If you live in the Savannah area, go pick up a copy. Its a great regional

magazine. Plus it also has the 'Hottest Singles' in it... you know, for all of my single friends!

Recipe: Low Country Boil

2009-07-29T10:00:00.005-05:00

Lately I have gotten a few calls and emails about how I make a Low Country Boil.
It is a really simple dish in which one boils potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp in a large pot over strong heat. Simple and delicious. Coming from the Savannah area, everyone has their own take on this region defining dish- everyone and has their favorite method. One of the biggest problems is that if you don't boil the potatoes just right, they will crumble in a soggy mess. You also have to be careful not to overcook the shrimp, which can turn tough and rubbery. I cook everything in one great big pot adding ingredients based on the times below. With this precise timing you don't have to worry about under or overcooking anything. The best pot is a large turkey fryer pot (usually a 30 quart tall pot, though I now use a 32 quart shorter and more wide pot) with a strainer and a propane heat source. Though it can be done on the stove top my kitchen wont allow a big enough pot on the stove (plus its heresy to do this indoors!).
Low Country Boil is a great main course when you need to feed a large number of people in a very relaxed atmosphere. It is perfect during the fall tailgating or hosting friends and neighbors for a backyard dinner. Typically, I dump the whole mess on a table lined with newspaper. Serve with homemade cocktail sauce and plenty of napkins.
Recipe adapted from Pual Deen. For six hungry guest and you can multiply easily for larger parties.

Fill 30 quart pot about 2/3 up with WATER. Add OLD BAY SEASONING to taste (usually about 1/2 cup). Bring water to boil then add 10 NEW RED POTATOES and SAUSAGE to pot. Try to find potatoes that are the same size so they cook evenly. I quickly rinse them off in the sink before hand. The sausage should be a mix of regular spicy Italian style sausage cut into 3-4" pieces (please none of those pencil thin suasage links- they should be confined to the breakfast table). For six people I use a total of 24" of sausage. Boil for 20 minutes. Then add 6 ears of CORN, cleaned and broken in half. Boil for another 10 minutes. Lastly add 3 lbs. of SHRIMP and cook for no more than 3 minutes. Once the shrimp are a rich pink-red color and float to the top, you are done. Strain the water out and allow your food to rest on the table long enough to sprinkle some more OLD BAY on top.

Speed Racer

2009-07-23T16:27:00.002-05:00

Speed Racer
Originally uploaded by ngusry

NASCAR race weekend has come and gone from the St Louis area... however there is at least one new race fan in the area, Speed Racer Spence'. Yes that is a real racing helmet, and no we can't get it off him, and yes sometimes he sleeps in it.

Our pre-race festivities did make local television (no, not in that way). Channel 2 Fox News quickly became interested in my cooking of traditional Savannah food (or wanted to get the evidence in the can if I exploded something!) and video taped us for nearly an hour. I didn't get to see much of the footage- they told us it would be on thier website, but so far I haven't been able to find it.

Perhaps I can find it... or one of the people who text messaged me on Sunday morning recorded it. :)

And that is whenthe camera died

2009-07-16T17:06:00.001-05:00

And that is whenthe camera died
Originally uploaded by ngusry

I know... you are probably just going to call her "Shamu" and think you know all about Orca Whales. Yeah, that is what I did.

However, a very nice person on flickr told me her name was Tilikum. Sounds reasonable enough to me.

Anyway here is my tip of the day- when at Sea World and you are sittiing in the splash zone, they mean it. I don't mean you might get some sprinkles on you while watching a nice whale show, I am sayin' you get soaking wet, head to toe as this beast lands, displacing a couple of tons of water.

Oh yeah- its also very awesome. They are such amazing creatures. Watching them work with thier trainers is one of the special things that makes me forget the $75 admission fee... per person. It was that cool.

Off to the race track this weekend for some NASCAR action. I hope to have some good pictures up soon.

Fireworks at the Castle

2009-07-13T09:29:00.001-05:00

Fireworks at the Castle
Originally uploaded by ngusry

This was my first time shooting fireworks. Having to navigate the crowds in the big park was only a minor issue- by the time I got the family squared away, there were few places to view the show that give a good picture- then I noticed the big tree in the way. Oh well... it was only the first of my problems.
Technically this picture leaves a lot to be desired, however I do like it on many levels. If you are the technical person, feel free to let me know where the mistakes were, its all part of learning.
This was from our first day at the park, and I planed to return every night for the show. However, add in some weather, tired kids, and ADD- well this was the only time I got to shoot the fireworks, this time around!

Shamu and the Family

2009-07-13T08:54:00.002-05:00

Shamu and the Family
Originally uploaded by ngusry

We have been back from our Disney/Orlando vacation for a few weeks. We had a blast! Let me tell you that Spencer and I had the most fun. No that Kadi, Leyton, or the rest of the family didn't have fun- we just had the most. Trust me on this one!

One day we went over to SeaWorld and had a wonderful day at the 'other' park in Orlando. My mom, sister, aunt, and associated families were there as well to enjoy the fun. Part of the fun was watching big whale show and riding some cool roller coasters (just an FYI- SeaWorld has the best coasters in Orlando). Its also a park you can do all in one day.

Our new family member

2009-05-27T23:02:00.003-05:00

This past weekend we went back to the farm and received our newest horse- Wicket. I say newest because he is our 'second' horse that we have bought in the last several months. Our first trip to the horse market resulted in Ellie- a three year old former race horse that still had a bit too much energy in her veins and needed near constant training and attention. Ellie now lives with a family that can give her that attention. Since the horse market is way down, finding a new horse wasn't too much a challenge... for Kadi.

So we now have a seven year old 'paint' named Wicket He is much calmer. And much, much huger. This thing is a beast! Even with Wicket's massive girth being, this guy is just great around the kids. Well this says it all.

Two more days before we leave for Disney World!! The kids and I are excited. Kadi is too busy planning to pack to get excited. :)

Spring Time in St Louis

2009-05-21T17:13:00.002-05:00

Just last night, Kadi and I were talking about how great the weather is here in St Louis this time of the year. Not too hot (that will come later), not too cold (that has been lately), just right.

We are amazed how quickly Leyton has been growing up. He went from a slow crawl, to being a super fast crawler in no time at all. He is super fast now on all fours. He will be walking in no time at all. I was able to catch him in a moment of stillness, mainly because he was trapped in the corner (those things can be tricky!).

I Got Published!!

2009-05-21T10:19:00.004-05:00

Pepe's
Originally uploaded by ngusry

I think it is fitting that my first blog post in a bit is something special. My picture of the famous Cuban Restaurant in Key West has been published on-line for a travel and review site.
Schmap has a link here:
Pepe's Cafe and Steak House
Link

To be honest, I'm not even a big fan of the picture. The composition in my head never came to the camera, and I was without a zoom lens when I realised I was going to nearly a block away to take the picture (sun, and vans parked in the way).

But still, I am published. I am (relatively) famous. I have still made exactly $0.00 on this hobby!

I'm Such a loser.

2009-03-25T17:58:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I have been pretty lame for the last several months. However, I have vowed to return to updating this blog. One of the things that I finally come to grips with is how to post pictures. After much delay and playing around- Adobe's Lightroom 2 came up with the answer.

Here is the first installment-

NASCAR Gallery

I just got back from another Bristol, Tn NASCAR race weekend. I was busy with a lot of things and only had a couple of minutes to take pictures. Over the next several days, I'll be posting more and more galleries. For now... I need to go play outside with the kids!

Bristol, Tn

2008-09-08T10:10:00.004-05:00

I am still recovering from my Nascar weekend in Bristol, Tn. That was three weeks ago.
3 days. 20 hours of driving in the car. 5 hour tail gate. 4 hour race. 3 hour post-race traffic. 6 trips to Starbucks.
It all adds to up to a busy and tiring weekend.
In short, it was awesome!

I got to spend some quality time with old friends, as well as hang out with my brother and his posse from Satesboro.

Everyone always asks what I cooked at these events. Well, this time I repeated the highly successful Low Country Boil from earlier in the summer at Gateway. This may be the way to go for all future tailgating events. Simple. Quick. Taste Great.

Kadi stayed at home with the boys who are all doing great. Leyton is getting bigger and bigger every hour. His colic phase is now over completely. From time to time he sleeps through the night. For the most part his daily activities include eating, popping, sleeping (repeat until the day ends).

Spencer is being a great big brother. The two boys get along very well consider one can't fend for himself yet. Spencer is also the most genuinely one of the funniest kids I've ever been around. I am either laughing or screaming at him. Usually its more laughing than anything else.

Ice Cream

2008-08-17T22:31:00.003-05:00

Lately we have enjoyed going to church on Saturday night, followed by eating ice cream at Sonic. With the weather being nice during the evening, we can't help ourselves from getting a sugar high!

Obviously, even the adults are subject to the sugar highs!

However, when you are 11 weeks you can't have ice cream. It makes one more than a bit upset.

The End of Summer?

2008-08-16T22:00:00.006-05:00

Temperatures in St Louis have dipped well below typical levels by now and I think summer is nearly over. There are sure to be some hot days ahead. However, fall and winter will be here before we know it.

Well enough daydreaming, I have some random family pictures from the past several weeks. Click the pictures to see more photos. As always, visit www.flickr.com/photos/ngusry for my photostream.

The Huhn's sold their plane recently. Before the big (and sad) day, Spencer had a chance to get in the plane and do some testing.

When my brothers and dad visited a couple of weeks ago, we took a trip to the zoo. The first picture shows Spencer with his bodyguard made of uncles. The second picture is obvious... Spencer is trying to be more of a giraffe than the real thing.

Leyton continues to grow like a little weed and Spencer continues to be a great big brother. Our trials with infant colic are nearly over. And for added enjoyment, Leyton is starting to sleep throughout the night more and more.

We are also having fun around the house. The two boys keep us young, yet age us quickly!

NASCAR in St Louis

2008-08-05T12:43:00.004-05:00

Why did it take me so long to get these pictures up? Who knows- busy I guess.
Anyway, we had a fabulous time a couple of weekends ago at the Nationwide Series event in St Louis. I didn't get any pictures of the massive amounts of food we had, but trust me we had plenty to eat. Nobody went home hungry!

All of the pictures were of us roaming around pit road during qualifying.

Here is most of the group with David Ragan. We have known him since he was a teenager racing in a local series in north Georgia. David and his family have been very good to us over the years and we always been among his biggest fans.

This is what happens when the clowns see a Border Patrol car at a Nascar event. I have to get a picture. They were taking applications from attendees of either major political party. So far I haven't received an interview.

From here on out are some random pictures. If you took pictures (Keith I am talking to you!) please send them my way. Thanks.

Finally, this could be a publicity shot. Not bad for a newbie with a camera. Here is David getting ready for his interview with the ESPN chick. (Note: I'll replace 'chick' with her real name once I remember it.)

July 4th, Part Two

2008-07-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

I am sure there was some crisis... though I can't remember it now. He recovered quickly though.

All of the kids got together for some awesome ice cream sandwiches.

The evening started with a parade and a traditional indepence day reading.

We have been trying to get Frank some treatment... with limited success. The diagnosis of constant surprise can be serious in some people.

You read it here first, Ben is going to be a great baseball player. He has the form and facial expressions of a major leaguer.

Spencer found this bike at the Taylor's house and quick took to it- riding like a champ. It does have training wheels- but he is ready to for the full two-wheel bike!
I hope you all had a great 4th of July!

July 4th

2008-07-13T23:32:00.006-05:00

So the problem with my new Rebel XT is a simple one. It takes forever to get pictures posted on the web. Why? I take way too many pictures now. Believe it or not its true (Spencer is already tired of me being a shutterbug!). These pictures are from our 4th of July party- it took forever to go through all 100+ pictures I took. Pathetic isn't it?

Well, last weekend the Taylors invited us to their house for a great 4th party/BBQ/kidfest- its was a great chance for old and new friends to get together. Here are some of the shots that were fun, interesting (and not blurry!).

Our friend Amy and her baby girl Emerson.

Amy, Kadi, and Shanna with all of the kids.

Ethan with is faux-hawk. He just oozes coolness.
Spencer and Kadi.
Nancy is not a fan of my camera skills. Well back at ya!

More of my Mom's visit

2008-07-13T23:19:00.004-05:00

This is the last batch of pictures from my mom's visit in late June. (Why has it taken me so long to get these up? Who knows!). Even in late June, the weather was great this year. We were having lunch outside when Kadi got some pictures of us.

Its hard to find the better expression in this picture- Natalie's surprised shock, or Spencer's complete boredom with the conversation.

Leyton is about one month old in this picture. He is still doing great- except the hours of 8-10pm. That time is reserved for colic. Its great fun. But this is what we remember him for- being perfect.

Race Day- July 19th

2008-07-08T18:04:00.002-05:00

This is actually a pretty shameless post. Its a good thing I have very little shame!
July 19th is race day for the Usry Family. My dad and brothers are coming into town at the same time the NASCAR Nationwide Series will be in the St Louis area. We have been going as a family for the last several years and have always had a great time. This year we wanted to do something special and maybe a little ostentatious.

So around 15 or so my friends (who knew I had that many? Seriously?) are gong to be making the trip to the racetrack, many of them for the first time. Certainly it will be the first for many to experience the way we enjoy time at the racetrack. In addition to a day under the July sun in St Louis, we will have a ton of food, opportunities to see the pit and garage areas, and get our yearly fill of 118 octane fuel and brunt rubber.

So back the the shameless part of this blog post. This is where I will keep everyone up to date on the event (as much as possible). I will be making use of the 'Label' ability in the blog. Just click on the 'Label' section on the 'racing' link and you will get all of the posts about the event. Cheesy, but oh so useful.

Bristol, Tn Spring 2008: Cooking Shrimp on the grill.

So for now, here is where we stand in the food department. The Usry's will be providing the main course, and I need everyone to bring plenty of food and drink. We will also need a couple of 'buffet' or 6 foot tables. If you have a tailgating tent please let me know. A couple of coolers, and a lot of ice will be needed. I already have one committment for gucamole (Desire makes a killer guac!), but the rest is needed. To let me know that you want to bring something, please email me or click on the comments link- thanks.

For those wanting to know- the main course will include steamed east coast oysters, Savannah low country boil, and BBQ chicken!