Cousins

From left to right: Killian, Alexandra, Jenna, Ella and Brooklynn. All the cousins are saying "Texas"...even Alexandra as she takes a bite.

November in Gainesville

This is the time of year when we love being in Florida. Alexandra enjoys this beautiful November afternoon outside. I'd like to thank TruGreen lawn care for the color of our lawn. You guys may be short on teeth, but you're long on grass acumen.

Aggie meltdown

Tiffany reacts to my attempt at comforting her during UT's debacle against A&M. She said, and I quote, "You better get that camera outta here or I'll break your nose." And I thought I was bad during PSU games.

This research is funded by Frager's Hardware

I decided to pose in front of my poster after finishing the written portion of comphrehensive exams. I still have orals to complete, but the look on my face says it all: "Can I cry now?"

Studying for quals

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I've been busy studying. Thankfully, one of our neighbors has allowed me to use his study as I prepare for my qualifying exams.

Fletcher's

We were in Texas this weekend and this was my second experience with Fletcher's Corny Dogs at the Texas State Fair. I did some corn dog research and came up with this: Food historians generally agree cornmeal-covered hot dogs served on a stick became popular American fair fare in the early 1940s. Who invented this item? History does not say. Who is responsible for making this item popular? Many people claim this title. Most often cited are the Fletcher brothers (Corn dogs in Texas) and Jack Karnis (Pronto Pups in Oregon and Minnesota). The records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office confirm Pronto Pups were introduced 1942. According to the food historians, this is about the same time Corn Dogs made their way to the Texas State Fair.

Hey ref....

JoePa yells something at a ref during PSU's big win over Wisconsin. Either the ref doesn't hear him, or he doesn't have an interpreter for the elderly.

You're doin' fine Oklahoma! Oklahoma O.K.

I really like the musical but don't so much like the football team. This year's Red River Rivalry (not Shootout anymore due to the fact that some OU fans had their tractors shot at while riding home from Dallas after the game on I-35 North a few years ago) should be interesting as both teams are coming off losses. Hopefully Mack Brown will be singing "Oh what a beautiful mornin" on Sunday. If not, BurntOrange Nation may be saying "Pore Mack is Daid!"

Wish I were in these this weekend

That's right....if I were in the shoes of the Iowa Hawkeyes I'd feel pretty good about playing a team I hadn't lost to since 1999....pardon the corny joke (get it, corny, like Iowa...corn...by the way I loved Crispix as a kid) Of course, Iowa plays Penn State and if I were a bettin' man I know who I'd take. Also, where have the days of Crispix cereal on the breakfast table and PSU winning championships gone? Does Crispix have an 80 year old CEO or something? I haven't seen Crispix in years. At least I have fond childhood memories.

You broke my heart Mr. Speaker

I guess my Gingrich '08 shirt will now be worn for lawn mowing. I just have to make sure I remember to cut the sleeves off to stay in line with the Alachua County lawn mowing apparel code. It should go nicely with the pair of Wrangler jeans I converted to shorts when we moved here. When in Rome....

Fugettabout takin' our coach

Greg Schiano (Rutgers Head Coach and former PSU assistant) would be my first choice to replace the boss of the Nittany Lion crime family (I say crime because PSU's offense should be illegal). However, Tony Soprano may have something to say about us taking "one of his key guys."

John Deere in the headlights

Alexandra shows some apprehension as she and Uncle Joe go for a ride at his farm in Claysburg, PA. We were in PA for the ND/PSU game a few weeks back and had a chance to check out the farm. The look of fear on Alexandra's face is nothing compared to how I felt when Joe took us to a pasture to move some cattle. We were riding in a "mule" (of the non-burro, gas-fueled sort) when a huge Angus bull decided I smelled good. Thankfully, Tiffany was there to protect me further confirming my reputation for being a "metro."

Menace II Society

If I never see another Love Bug again it will be too soon (I'm not sure if that's exactly how the phrase goes so feel free to correct me). These strange insects are flying around Gainesville like locusts in the Old Testament. I literally have to keep my foot on the gas to maintain the speed limit as millions of these freaks hitting the windshield slow our vehicle down. Evidently there's a debate over whether or not these are actually God's creation or a University of Florida experiment gone wrong. Anyone want to give their two cents?

Plastic Man (that's actually my left arm wrapped around Tiffany)

We were in D.C. a few weekends ago for some Dick Armey alumni events. This picture was taken at Gordon Biersh in D.C. I had never eaten there and was really impressed (excellent choice Emily). It was good for us to get away for a bit and relive the days when we actually had jobs.

Penn State's offensive effort

Alexandra reacts to Penn State's 9 point showing against the worst Michigan team I can ever remember watching. Nine L's in a row to the Maize and Blue......thankfully we don't play Appalachian State this year.

Gator Nation

Pregame festivities at The Swamp tend to be crazy, but this Gator family seems to fit right in. I'm told the boy inherited his teeth from his crazy Uncle Chicklet.

Good Answer

I know we have people with various political and religious worldviews looking at this blog, but I thought this was really good. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee may not get elected, but he has answered questions with honesty and clarity throughout the debates.

The beginning of the debacle

Charles Woodson and company had their way with Penn State (@PSU) on this horrible night back in 1997. Both teams were undefeated at the time, but this loss (34-8) propelled PSU into a tailspin from which they have (it appears) finally recovered. Michigan went on to share the national title with Nebraska and PSU lost the next three and went on to have 4 losing seasons over the next 5 years. Hopefully this Saturday will be the beginning of a new streak.

I'm the moron (or is it moran)

According to my last post my daughter was dressed as this......a ferry. It turns out the other kind is spelled f-a-i-r-y. I'm not going to edit the previous post to ensure everyone that I really am a moran (just kidding....about the spelling only).

Stinkerbell

A high-heel wearing ferry who puts babies in headlocks while carrying a purse and magic wand.

Appalachian State University

If I were a Michigan fan I don't know what I would be more ashamed of....losing to a 1-AA team or losing to a school with this promotional video...

Unibrowitis

There's been much debate over whether or not the gentleman holding the "Get a Brain Morans" sign was me. To clear up the confusion, here is an updated picture of our beautiful family (2 out of 3 ain't bad). I have developed an unknown disorder called Unibrowitis. How do I know the name of it if it's "unknown" you ask??....I don't know. I do know that my doctor said my teeth might fall out (which they did) do to some kind of geographical somethin'er'other.

Eric Metcalf Highlights

College football season is upon us....I thought I would share this video (circa 1988) of my favorite Longhorn of all time

Meeeechigan

This picture has nothing to do with our life here. I just had to post this because Penn State hasn't beaten Michigan since 1996. Further, I'm not above using pictures of kids to prove a point (see previous photos....particularly the one with "the pointer")

Fratabulous

It's that time of year again....Rush Week.....that means riding around on your scooter without a shirt....this was too hilarious to pass up...

Mellow Mushroom

We went out for Pizza on Saturday. The Mellow Mushroom is really good for a college dive, but anyone who has been to Satchel's Pizza (Gainesville) knows there is no comparison anywhere in the world (and we've been to some good places in NYC + Philly). Of course we went to the Oaks Mall beforehand to play inside since it's 105 with 140% humidity here in August.

Exhibit A

Many of you have thought that my bloviating about the lack of supervision at "The Swamp" was contrived. I present to you "Exhibit A." This young Gainsvillian has come over to me to point out that he has been mistreated by the speedy, barefoot mini-maurader absconding over the giant turtle. My response: "I see dear child, I see."

Scare tactics

We've been trying to come up with subtle ways to discourage parents from dropping their young children at "The Swamp" play area. Nothing seems to work though, so as a last resort Alexandra and her friend Claire attempt to frighten mothers from leaving their kids behind.

Negative feedback re: Gatorbait blog

A few people from down the street showed up in our driveway today complaining about the blog. Little do they know that the Morans moved out about two years ago.

Play time at the Oaks mall

For this group the look of skepticism is understandable. These four veterans of "The Swamp" play area know that at any moment their play time could be interrupted by......."kids whose Moms drop them off while they shop at Spencer's." Be afwaid wittle childwens, be vewy afwaid.

Friday night in G-ville

Thankfully no 352's (see previous picture with dentally challenged dogs) noticed my NittanyLion logo.

Boatin' season

Our neighbor offered to take us out on his boat. Unfortunately, we couldn't fit all three of our lawn chairs.

Alexandra sandwich

If you hang out on your front lawn in neon green lawn chairs, you might be a redneck.

352 gang members

A rare glimpse of behind the scenes interaction of Alachua County's most dangerous gang meeting at a site somewhere outside of 352 territory. You can take the dog out of the 352, but you can't take the 352 out of the dog.

Blasted Elmer's

This will be a short press-conference as I'm glued to myself. .......As a Longhorn and a Nittany Lion, it is tough to take 3 National Championships in 2 years so we have to take advantage of every vulnerable moment

Sergeant Alexandra has this thug in cuffs

We went to downtown G-ville for some music.
Alexandra and I are actually groovin' to some
reggae courtesy of one of G-ville's premier
reggae bands....The Redneck Rastas

Another paparazzi victim

"If you tell me to say cheese one more time I think I'm quitting the family!"