CovinaBob

A Drawing of King Pig

2012-01-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

Alex's freehand drawing of the Angry Bird character, King Pig, 22 January 2012.

Santa Waving Goodbye

2011-12-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

As the sun rises on Christmas Day 2011, Santa waves goodbye to the boys and girls in the neighborhood as he and his reindeer prepared to leave until next year.

Invitation from Alex

2011-12-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

Alex's invitation to his eighth birthday party.

Santa Has Arrived!

2011-12-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

In the dark of the night, Santa arrived early this year to help his helpers (left, waving to Santa), here seen about ready to exit his gondola.

Some Serious Gamers at Work

2011-11-27T10:30:00.001-08:00

Alex, Matthew, Tina, and Julian on Matthew's laptop while watching USC rout UCLA 50-0, November 26, 2011.

Sketches at Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-25T09:10:00.001-08:00

Sketches in pencil by Matthew and Tina (turkey, lower left) after Thankgiving meal 24 November 2011.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Alex, the least angry of the Angry Birds.

Emmarie'2 Second Birthday Party

2011-10-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Emmarie prepares to blow out the candles on her birthday cake, October 8, 2011.

The Stallings Family, 8 October 2011

2011-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Left to right: Celeste, Troy, Emmarie, Lilianne, and Jeffrey. (Lilianne's friend hiding in the corner.)

Tina and Julian, North Woods Inn, 7 June 2011

2011-06-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

Andrew and Alex, North Woods Inn, 7 June 2011

2011-06-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Valerie the Crossing Guard

2011-05-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Valerie, the crossing guard at Lark Ellen Elementary School, ready to spring into action.

Each day she greets everyone with a hearty smile and a cheerie "Good morning!" as she makes sure that students get to school safely.

Christina's Senior Scholar award from the district board of education

2011-05-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

Alex's 2011 Football Picture

2011-05-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

Alex plays for the Knights, by the way.

Covina-Valley Unified School District Senior Academic Awards 2011

2011-05-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

Seated: Dr. Catherine J. Nichols, District Superintendent
Standing: Northview High School seniors Christina Alvarez, Leon Wong, and Tien Kieu; Principal Mark Sims

Alex at Fabian's Birthday Party

2011-05-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

Alex and friends in the "jumper" at Fabian's seventh birthday celebration, Sunday, 15 May 2011.

Christina and Julian, Northview High School Prom, 2011

2011-05-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Alex's Dinasaur Museum

2011-05-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Open seven days a week; free admission on Thursdays. Note the advertising airplane.

Jeffrey's Mothers' Day Flowers for Carole

2011-05-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday, 24 April 2011

2011-04-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Easter egg hunt begins!

Bags are rapidly filling with Easter eggs.

Matthew supervises Emmarie's project.

Alex's Latest Puzzle Creation

2011-04-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Carole's Birthday (March 1, 2011)

2011-03-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

Wendy gave her the complete first season of "Modern Family."

Jeffrey had these flowers sent and also gave her a Costco gift card.

Northview High School Winter Formal 2011

2011-02-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

Christina and Julian, February 5, 2011

Mountains. What Mountains???

2011-01-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Slow News Day in L.A.?

2011-01-11T16:58:00.000-08:00

This local news helicopter hovered over our house this morning, apparently "covering" the "story" of a broken (but not fallen) utility pole on Barranca Avanue just north of Covina Boulevard in Covina, CA.

Thank You, Mr. School Crossing Guard

2011-01-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

Rain or shine, sick or well . . .

our unnamed crossing guard helps the kids get to Lark Ellen Elementary School safely. Thank you, Mr. Crossing Guard!

The Non-Union Piano Player?

2011-01-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

In the lobby of Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Baldwin Park, CA.

Christmas Tree 2010: The Undecorating

2011-01-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

So long, old girl. You were the best we've had in some time. We'll miss you.

Super Mario by Alex

2011-01-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

A freehand drawing by seven-year-old Alex as he watched a Super Mario video on New Year's Day 2011.

Pictures from Christina's 18th Birthday

2010-12-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

Alex's First Grade Picture

2010-12-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Lark Ellen Elementary School, Room 4, Ms. Liegler, Fall 2010.

Sudden Thunderstorm on the Way to Lark Ellen School

2010-10-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

On the way to Lark Ellen School, Alex and I were overtaken by a sudden thunderstorm. The sun shone brightly as huge, cold raindrops continued to fall. Rain followed us as we drove westward. Fortunately, Fabian's father, Miguel, had a large umbrella. He offered to walk both boys to school so that I could get back into the truck. On the way home, I spotted this rainbow.

Lark Ellen School, Day 11

2010-09-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Armed only with a can of Diet Coke, Ms. Liegler, first grade teacher at Lark Ellen Elementary School in Covina, CA, directs traffic exiting the school's parking lot.

The bell having sounded ending her traffic directing duties, Ms. Liegler now greets her first grade students as another school day begins.

Ronald Tutor Campus Center at USC

2010-08-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Video shot before a meeting on Friday morning, August 19, 2010.

Andrew Stallings a Winner in the North American Roller Hockey Championships

2010-08-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

"This last weekend [i.e., July 17–18, 2010], I had the amazing privilege of getting to play in the world's largest roller hockey tournament, the North American Roller Hockey Championships (NARCh) in San Jose, CA. While there, I got to compete in a skills competition, which was filmed and put on YouTube.

"There were over 50 other players from around the country (as well as from Canada and South America) in the Sniper Competition. It was a shoot-out (one skater against one goalie), and, if you scored, you stayed in the contest. If you missed twice, you were out and got a t-shirt (the winner received a NARCh Skills Jersey). I missed my first shot (which thankfully they decided not to put on the video, because it was pathetic!), and then scored three straight to stay in the contest. My final shot was against the goalie who eventually won the contest for the goalies, and he stopped me with a poke-check. After all was said and done, I managed to finish in the top 5 snipers! I had a great time and was very blessed to be there with a great team and to do so well in such a big event."

Congratulations, Andrew!

NOTE: Andrew reports that he appears in the video at 4:14, 6:49, 7:40, and 8:31 wearing a red jersey with #96 and black pants. He recommends that you turn off the sound as there is some offensive language in the background music before his 6:49 and 7:40 appearances.

Renaissance Assembly

2010-06-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Lark Ellen Elementary School, June 17, 2010

Alex and Fabian on the Last Day of School

2010-06-17T15:52:00.001-07:00

Lark Ellen Elementary School, Covina, CA, June 17, 2010

Michael Weatherly Interview

2010-05-04T08:53:00.001-07:00

If you're a fan of CBS-TV's "NCIS," here's an interview with Michael Weatherly (aka Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo) by Harry Smith that appeared on "The Early Show," Monday, May 3, 2010.

Alex's Lego Time Machine

2010-04-29T06:41:00.001-07:00

The time machine is being "driven" ("flown"?) by Perry Mason.

Dessert at the Twenty-fifth Annual USC Staff Retirement Recognition Luncheon

2010-03-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Town and Gown, University Park Campus,
University of Southern California,
Los Angeles, CA, March 18, 2010.

Tina as Legos

2010-03-09T16:46:00.000-08:00

Alex used the Lego app on my iPhone 3Gs to turn Tina's photo into Legos, March 9, 2010.

Fabian and Alex

2010-03-05T19:33:00.001-08:00

Before school at Lark Ellen Elementary School, Covina, CA,
Friday, March 5, 2010.

Alex and His K-1 Classmates

2010-03-04T15:34:00.001-08:00

Meet Cameron, Alex's K-1 Classmate

2010-02-26T10:19:00.001-08:00

The Original Chex Party Mix Recipe

2010-02-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

In case you can't find it in your cookbook, here is the recipe for Chex Party Mix.

Ingredients

3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup bite-sized pretzels
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1-½ teaspoons seasoned salt
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Microwave Directions

In a large microwaveable bowl, mix cereal, nuts, and pretzels; set aside.
In a small microwaveable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High for about 40 seconds or until melted.
Pour over cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 6 minutes, thoroughly stirring every two minutes.
Spread on paper towels to cool.
Store in airtight container.

Oven Directions

Heat oven to 250° F.
In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven.
Stir in seasonings.
Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.
Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Spread on paper towels to cool (about 15 minutes).
Store in airtight container.

Nutritional Stuff

24 servings (½ cup each)
Calories 140
Calories from Fat 60
Total Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 2.5g
Cholesterol 10mg
Sodium 280 mg
Total Carbohydrate 16g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Protein 3g

(NOTE: This replaces the scan of the Chex box side panel that was posted on January 13, 2010.)

Lilianne's Fifth Birthday Bowling Party

2010-01-31T17:17:00.000-08:00

Google Voice for Your Mobile Phone

2010-01-26T09:03:00.001-08:00

The Stallings Family, Southern Branch

2010-01-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

Front Row (left to right): Lucas, Jacob.
Back Row (left to right): Sierra, Lindsey, Kami, Miles, Dave, Kalenn, Michael.

Rainbow after Storm

2010-01-19T16:57:00.000-08:00

This is a screenshot from a video shot by Matthew on his way to class, Tuesday, 19 January 2010.

Cameron and Alex Waiting for School to Begin

2010-01-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

Cameron and Alex await the opening of Lark Ellen Elementary School (Covina, CA) on Friday morning at 8:05 a.m., January 15, 2009.

The New OSU Student Union

2010-01-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

A guided tour of the new OSU student union produced by Andy Gottesman and narrated by Tracy Stuck, Ohio Union director. From The OSU Lantern (online edition), Monday, January 11, 2010.

Alex Creates a Flower from Parts

2010-01-08T16:32:00.001-08:00

While the rest of the family watched Ohio State defeat Oregon 26–17 in the 2010 Rose Bowl Game on New Year's Day, Alex spotted the stack of plates that Carole had put out for snacks. Soon he was cutting, coloring, gluing, and assembling what turned out to be this "free hand" flower. We're still scratching our heads over how he came up with the idea to turn these unrelated materials into a work of art. Good going, Alex!

Alex Returns to School

2010-01-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

A short video shot at Lark Ellen School in Covina, CA, on the first day of school after the Christmas Break, January 4, 2010.

Christmas E-card from Tim

2009-12-31T11:36:00.000-08:00

Tim sent us this cute American Greetings Christmas e-card. Thanks, Tim! Happy New Year!

Qik.com Trial Before "MacBreak Weekly"

2009-12-30T11:32:00.000-08:00

Alex Lindsay experiments with the new iPhone app, "Qik Live," while Leo Laporte prepares to do "MacBreak Weekly" on Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

The Remodeled Thompson Library

2009-12-28T09:24:00.001-08:00

Ohio State's William Oxley Thompson Library reopened last fall after undergoing a three-year renovation. Photos below are of the remodeled western exterior (facing Neil Avenue) and the first floor interior.

To view a video of the remodeled library, go to this Web page

Second Annual Emeriti Center Executive Committee Holiday Luncheon

2009-12-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

After yesterday's Executive Committee meeting, 13 of us sat down to enjoy Maricela Hinojosa's scrumptious chicken quesadilla. After we ate, Janette Brown, Emeriti Center Executive Director, conducted a white elephant gift exchange and gave each committee member a holiday present. I took home a scented candle from the gift exchange and a soft-sided beverage cooler emblazoned with USC logo. For more photos, go to the Colleagues for Life blog. Photos from last year's holiday luncheon may also be viewed on the same blog.

Maricela serves up the first helping of her homemade chicken quesadilla while Jessica "minds the store."

A Visit with Leo Laporte by eGuiders

2009-12-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at the Stallings' 2009

2009-11-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

Alex Has Two (Well, One and a Half) New Pumpkins

2009-11-04T11:43:00.001-08:00

Alex Finally Has a (Mini-) Pumpkin

2009-10-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

(See post of June 22, 2009.)

Emmarie Jayne Rests at Home

2009-10-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

(Five days old)

Believe it or not . . .

2009-10-04T16:22:00.000-07:00

five days after Emmarie Jayne was born, Carole found this in her fortune cookie!

Lilianne Now Has a Sister

2009-09-29T11:40:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Celeste and Jeffrey!

Lilianne Stallings

2009-08-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Now four-and-half-years old, she's off to pre-school.

An Earlier Iteration

2009-08-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

The Bridgstone RB-3 (with whitewalls, no less!) and a chubbier version of its rider, 7 July 1991. (See the current iteration at covinabob.tumblr.com.

Another Spectacular Sunrise

2009-08-05T06:35:00.001-07:00

Covina, CA, 4 August 2009

Sunrise after a Morning Ride

2009-08-03T08:11:00.001-07:00

Photo taken at 6:02 a.m. PDT on 3 August 2009.

Send To Phone

And Then There Were Two . . . Blossoms, That Is

2009-06-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

Alex's Pumpkin Plant Sprouts a New Blossom

2009-06-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Alex and the Snales, June 1, 2009

2009-06-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Video shot through a rather dirty kitchen window.
(Audio muted)

Send To Phone

Chevy, Shell, Shovel

2009-04-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Alex and "Chevy" the Turtle, April 20, 2009.

Send To Phone

Sunrise over Covina

2009-03-02T10:35:00.001-08:00

Fall Arrives in Covina in December

2009-01-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-29T06:29:00.000-08:00

Christina, Rachel, Matthew, Troy, and Andy enjoy Carole's homemade ravioli.

Alex's Latest Video

2008-09-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well, here is one thing that I can do with this blog.