Author Archives: Joel

I finished watching Blade Runner 2049 over the course of a week — why did it take me that long?

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Joel

I watched the original Blade Runner (1982) film years ago. Directed by Ridley Scott, I remember thinking the film was pretty interesting. Fascinating cinematography, design, etc. I don’t remember the story being all that amazing — I thought it was … Continue reading →

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Watching a Plays in the Park production of “Mamma Mia!”….. in the park

Posted on July 15, 2018 by Joel

Some friends of ours from church who live in Edison NJ have often told us how some production company puts on musicals at Roosevelt Park in Edison. The ticket prices are reasonable, and all you have to do is bring … Continue reading →

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Friday night date night with my wife, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and takeout sushi

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Joel

My wife and I went out Friday night after work to see Ant-Man and the Wasp, Marvel’s latest MCU film. We originally planned to watch it with the kids, but they were repeatedly difficult this week, and took away movie … Continue reading →

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We renewed our contract with Verizon and upgraded to the FiOS Gigabit plan

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Joel

We’ve been out of contract with Verizon for their FiOS service for maybe two years now. Every time I went online to check their plans, any renewal would require me to increase my monthly spend for TV-internet-phone service another $30 … Continue reading →

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Spending the day at Point Pleasant Beach

Posted on July 8, 2018 by Joel

Last month at the end of the school year, the Ipes spent a Friday with the Winters family at Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. Unfortunately it was a cool, overcast, and windy beach day. We tried for part 2 this month … Continue reading →

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July 4th dinner at our house with extended family, and why I need to be less neurotic

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Joel

On July 4th, we had my in-laws, my wife’s cousin Regi and wife Bimmi visiting from Trivandrum (India) over for dinner. I’ll be honest that this has been in the works for a while, and we had been kinda nervous … Continue reading →

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Landscape lighting refresh project – Phase 2

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Joel

Phase 2 is halfway done. The kids and I went out in the hear this afternoon to add a new line of landscape lights to the side of the house. We added two wall wash lights and a spotlight on … Continue reading →

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Landscape lighting refresh project – Phase 1

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Joel

For four years, I have been vexed by landscape lighting. The original owner had this mix of older style lights dotting the front and back yard. Some worked, a bunch didn’t, and there no lights where I wanted them. I … Continue reading →

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Josh and I helped out at the church car wash to support this year’s youth mission trip

Posted on June 30, 2018 by Joel

As part of the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church youth group, for the first time, Joshua is going on this year’s youth mission trip in mid-July. They will be traveling to Harrisburg, PA, with other youth to clean, build, etc. To … Continue reading →

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Family over for Friday night dinner at our house

Posted on June 29, 2018 by Joel

My sister and her family came over for dinner Friday night. We were in a mad rush before they showed up trying to get ready – installing new tiki torches, getting the grill ready, prepping dinner, etc. Even had to … Continue reading →

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