Boats, Girls, and Guns, Oh My!

Today Dad and I took the whaler (a ten foot dingy for the boat) out for a drive. We traveled out of the docks that we were in after filling up and into the ocean. Well, technically it wasn't the ocean since Dad and I were inside the outer breakers, but the waves were far stronger. Anyway, Dad drove the boat over to a small dock nearby the Queen Mary Ship, and we checked out a little mall called the Shoreline Village.
After checking out the docks around that area, we accidentally went into a shallow area. Fortunately we managed to get out with only a little pickup: a jacket that had gotten caught on the motor blades. While Dad and I tried to get the jacket of the motor, I noticed a youn couple either in their late teens or early 20's couple making out on a ledge above us (unfortunately, we were too far away to make cat calls). I personally didn't know that watching people suffer was make-out inducing, but you never know. Anyway, the jacket was finally torn off, and the boat was free.
After traveling to a harbor that had few boats moving (it was a cargo harbor for loading and unloading) Dad let me drive the boat. I would like to say I jumped at the chance, but I kept having visions of Dad and I swimming to shore. Anyway, after a bit of prodding I took the motor and away we went. While driving the whaler certainly wasn't easy, it was a little fun and I enjoyed the feeling of control (at least for the first hour and a half. Driving is hard even in a boat!). Then came the scary part.
Dad and I went over to one last harbor and saw that the U.S. Navy was traveling around that spot. Dad explained that the navy uses part of the harbor for their boats and their might be something docked at the harbor. Curious, I drove us towards the mystery zone. It turned out there was a submarine parked there. However, the navy was really nervous about this submarine, so they were redirecting the boats around five hundred feet from the submarine (with boats that had MACHINE GUNS!). Dad told me I should keep a steady speed while boating by, but I was so nervous and inexperienced with driving, I couldn't keep a straight course at a steady speed. I could practically feel the machine guns pointing at my back! Luckily, the navy must have spotted that I was new at controlling the boat, so they let Dad and I go. Anyway, after a few minutes rest, Dad drove us home. The length of the entire boat ride was about thirty-nine and a third miles!!! I would have to say that was a good day's worth of fun. Anyway, at home I rested, relaxed, and wrote up this blog post.

P.S. Here is the map of where we went. I think the map is pretty conclusive.

Dave's Not So Private Journal, Second Try!

Hello and Welcome to Dave's Not So Private Journal!!! For those of you who had been looking beforehand: Welcome Back! Anyway, moving on to the recap!

My name is David (Dave) Alexander Malkoff. I am now 17 years old, and live in a family of four and a half (my dad: Melvin (Mel) Malkoff, my mom: Mary Ann Malkoff, my sister: Sarah (Edith) Malkoff, my dog: Mayim, and myself). I am exactly six feet in height and have short brown hair. I have a large amount of time on my hands, and a hard time talk to people due to Aspergers Syndrome that I had since birth (Asbergers is NOT a disease, It's a BENEFIT!!!!)

This blog was originally created when my family (minus Dad) went on the road for a trip across the USA and parts of Canada. For details, feel free to read the previous blog entries as well as the sister blog (or mother blog since it was created by Mom): Malkoff Grand Adventure. This blog was originally intended to be a day journal from my point of view, rather than a lengthy and bland mass entry like how original blog turned out. Unfortunately, life got complicated and had trouble keeping up with the days, and I eventually gave up.

Now, onto what has happened to the family in short form (more details will be filled in later). We traveled to very many states (as you can see in the grand adventure map, we have been to all states west of the Mississippi river excluding Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. We stopped back at California for rest and repairs (Mom had broken her ankle, we needed to get some things for the online college classes Ed and I were working on, I needed to get something for my sleep apnia, etc.). Unfortunately, at this time the 2nd Great Depression hit, and we were stuck in California (Economic depressions have an odd way of ending vacations early don't they?). With some minor tweaking to accept how to live in one place, we have been living in California ever since (for a larger explanation as to what happened, visit the Malkoff Grand Adventure Blog).

As such, we have reached the part about why the blog has been started up again. Since the return from the Grand Adventure, life has changed dramatically (to be explained later). Two weeks ago, I was allowed to sleep away from most of the family in a boat that we own instead of a house (for more details look at the Gold Plated Hole in the Ocean post in the Malkoff Grand Adventure Blog). Life has changed yet again, and it appears I will have something to write about other than I my finished my college classwork in twenty minutes, then played-insert video game here-for the rest of the night. Also, this will enable my parents to keep track of me without calling every single day and having me scramble the day into a few sentences that sound all jumbled up and is about as civilized and understandable as a drunk bird trying to speak Chinese. Also, this will help me keep in touch with my friends through Facebook (this is because I am TERRIBLE at calling and checking my E-mail). Now onto today's blog!

Today's bright and sunny day was a nice change from the terrible weather we have been having the last few days (I actually heard there was going to be a tornado around Long Beach!). I had breakfast with my Dad, then headed out for my first visit with my grandparents. My Grandpa and Oma (on my mother's side of the family) lived in Huntington Beach, which is a quick bus ride way usually, but as today is a Saturday the buses weren't running as often as I could use (the buses don't run often on the weekends or holidays) so I persuaded Dad to drive me to Grandpa and Oma's. When I got there I watched the new Burn Notice (The boat doesn't have satellite, so we can't watch television there), then helped Grandpa on a woodworking project. He was working on a cradle for my soon to be born cousin. Afterwards, Grandpa and I headed out to lunch at a nearby sushi restaurant named Joe's Sushi (it's very good, and it's all you can eat!), then the movie the Book of Eli (for guys who want action, but not a lot of plot). Finishing up, we rested at Grandpa and Oma's house, then we all went out to Outback Steakhouse (need I say more?). Finally, Grandpa and Oma drove me back to the boat (I don't like taking the bus after 6:00 pm) and I have spent the rest of the night composing this post and getting ready for the big sailing trip for Dad and I tomorrow.

7/11/08 Herbert Hoover: Mass Murderer or Victim?

Near Springfield, IL: Today we went to a museum about Herbert Hoover. It was pretty interesting because of the controversy about him. One should keep in mind that he was the one who was the face of the people who had decided to drop it. That aside, he was pretty interesting. He was known as the “great humanitarian” and constantly tried to help people. There was also a part about the civil war, and what caused it on a lower floor. After checking everything out, we headed back and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

7/10/08 Happy House

Near Springfield, IL: Today we all went to check out a house that was turned into the museum. The Dana-Thomas house was designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright during 1904.It was meant to be a showcase, and Frank was given free rein to decorate the house at his whim. It was a nice museum, and my favorite part was the exquisite vase by the front door (or, if you count stories, the story about a chef murdering a bunch of people). Afterwards we headed back and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

7/8/08 Storm Chasing (Accidentally)

Hannibal, MO----Near Springfield, IL: Today was Zac and Marge’s first travel day. We were in a good mood when we traveled, but it was very hot in the camp and everyone was very cranky. That was when Marge had the brilliant idea to go swimming in the park’s pool. This was the first time I had been in a pool since practically since we had a house so I agreed. Before I got there though, Marge had swallowed some water and stopped swimming. Anyway, Ed persuaded the rest of the kids in the pool to play Marco Polo. Everyone had fun until a huge stack of black clouds came rolling in. It covered the sky in minutes! Running for the coach, we got there just minutes before it started pouring buckets. Seconds afterward, thunder appeared in the heavens like the prelude to the bolt that destroyed Sodom and Gomorra. Ignoring the lighting (the storm abated around six) we relaxed until bed.

Note: The next few days will be us playing in the pool and working so I will not be posting for those days

7/7/08 Cave Hopping Bonanza

Hannibal, MO: Today Zack and I had a ton of fun! First we went to a nearby cave and took a tour. We had a very nice and pretty guide to explain everything and keep us from getting lost. My personal favorite part was when Zack had gone through a hole and the guide went to go collect him. I turned off my lantern and just listened to the darkness. It was pretty soothing (though I would not recommend it for those who are afraid of darkness or small spaces). Afterwards we headed back and relaxed for the rest of the day.

7/6/08 Zack Attack (and Losing Him)

Hannibal, MO: Today Libby left us and we some new friends came. I had slept late, so I had almost missed Libby when she and Ed were heading to the train station. After mopping around for a while at the food court Mom and I met Mom’s friend Marge Eisman and her son Zack. Marge and Zack were very nice, and were very similar to my good friends Nancy and Skyler Tornell. Marge had persuaded Mom to take me and Zack to a children’s museum. I use the term museum very loosely because it had absolutely no intellectual value (though it WAS fun to play on). Afterwards we walked around (okay Marge and I walked, Zack bounced), and then went to a small café that had some very good dairy-free smoothies and sherbet. Afterwards Mom picked us up and we relaxed at the RV for the rest of the day.

7/3/08 Carnival Day

Hannibal, MO: Today there was a huge carnival! It was all Mark Twain themed so there were many things like fence painting, frog hopping, and dressing up to look like Tom Sawyer or Becky Thatcher, as well as . Mom was very insistent on us going to the carnival, but she let me walk over, so it wasn’t that bad. After having lunch and playing a few carnival games, I was able to slip off to the library and read Trickster’s Choice for a while, and then later all of us went to the hill to watch fireworks. All in all, it was a great festival.

Xaven

Note: The next few days will be working on math mostly so I will not be blogging for those days.

(7/1/08) Return of the Silver Zephyr

Hannibal, MO: Today was the first day of our trip to Hannibal. After picking up the RV from the storage park we traveled to the RV Park near the Mark Twain Caves. These caves were what Mark Twain based the part of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer that Tom and Becky Thatcher getting lost in the caves and finding Injun Joe. Anyway, the best part (for Ed and Libby) was that Zephyr and his family actually was staying in the same campground! They chatted while Mom and I set up the RV and afterwards we all relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

Note: Tomorrow will be just us unpacking and exploring the town, so I will not be posting for that day

(6/28/08) Hell at Home and Weddings

Wheeling, IL-Today was a day of ups and downs. After I got up, Dad took me driving again (and to do some chores). We started off with country roads, and then actually went onto street lights! I was very happy, and very terrified (Dad gave me some very good tips though which helped) at the same time. After driving for a while I was able to park, and after a lesson and a few tips from Dad, we went into a Chinese restaurant. After eating we went back to Gale’s house, where I experienced hell for yet another time. Apparently I had misspoken when I said that I would only look at manga for a while and Mom freaked when I had spent more than fifteen minutes reading. I told her that I would need a minute; then subsequently Ed went and told Mom after I had spent another half an hour “finishing up”. Mom went ballistic and there was a huge shouting match between her and I, which ended with Mom blocking everything except the math site blocked until I finished my math. Afterwards we went to the wedding. It was the first time I had sat through one and it was very, well, not enjoyable, but the after party was good. Stuffing ourselves on what’s left of our cake slices, we headed back to Gale’s for the rest of the day.

Xaven

Note: The next few days will be us packing up, so I will not be posting for those days.

(6/27/08) Prelude to a Party

Wheeling, IL: Today was a great day. It was the day right before the wedding, so there was a huge party for the bride planned. Apparently there will be a practice dinner, and then the bride and groom split up, each going to their side of the family’s party. Now I am not very good with setting up parties (and my motivation was a lot less) so I excused myself and walked to lunch again. I stayed out of the way when I got back by staying out of sight (I was caught and had to clean up the bedroom I was sleeping in though). There were a huge amount of people at the party, and the food was good, but I had eaten too many bad things so I went to bed early. Overall though, it was a good day.

Xaven

(6/26/08) Hancock Heights

Wheeling/Chicago, IL: Today we went to Chicago! Dad got Sarah (Later today she wanted to be called Edith after our grandmother, but she put up with Eddy or Ed instead and I will post her as that from now on), Libby, and I to go right after breakfast. First we went to a Starbucks (where I discovered a delicious sparkling fruit juice I can drink), then went to the Hancock building. This was a very cool building because of the fact that with its over seventy-five floors it towered above the entire city! We saw pools on other the roofs of other buildings! There was a small museum about it and then we headed down. After viewing we traveled down Michigan Avenue and examined the buildings, then went back to the RV via a beautiful street along a nearby lake. Anyway, we headed back and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

(6/25/08) The Return of the Father

Wheeling-IL: Today Dad came! Sarah and Libby killed time by playing games downstairs, but I couldn’t sit still. At around twelve I decided to take a walk and to my complete surprise, Dad and Mom were on the front steps! After a cheerful reunion, all three of us (we didn’t want to disturb Sarah and Libby) went to lunch at the sushi restaurant. We had a delicious lunch together and went back to Gale’s to relax for the rest of the day.

Xaven

(6/24/08) Soaked and Sushi

Wheeling-IL Today was a day of joy and surprises. Mom left pretty early to go pick up Dad, and Sarah, Libby, Gale and I (Steve went to work early) had the house to ourselves. After I played around for a while, I walked to lunch. Now the funny thing about this is that the last time I took this walk I had gotten frostbite, so when I walked to lunch I was a little wary even though it was the middle of summer. There were no problems though and I got to the Japanese restaurant. The food was delicious and after paying back a small debt because I didn’t have enough money last time, I left for a nearby Barnes and Nobles. I found out then my fears were well founded because about two blocks away from the restaurant it started raining buckets. Taking shelter in a store a few blocks away, I waited the storm out. Fortunately for me, it was not a long storm, and I was able to continue to the Barnes and Noble without any more problems. After indulging myself in stories I headed back to the house and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

(6/23/08) (Return of the Posts!) Wheeling Ahoy

I have been working on my math most of the days before, so I have been unable to blog. However, this works as well because I can start from this day and move onward. I will also start posting the location where I am at.

Wheeling-IL: Today was a start of a (smaller) great adventure. After parking the RV in a storage park around four hours away, then went to Wheeling. There was a wedding planned for Dad’s niece (my cousin)’s wedding. We went to Aunt Gale and Uncle Steve’s house for the duration of the stay. The best part about this however, was that Dad was coming!!!!! Mom was going to pick him up from a nearby airport (the term nearby is relative-she would have to stay overnight in a hotel with him) and we would all have fun. Libby (Sarah’s friend who came over right before we left) and Sarah were to be in the basement, Mom (and later Dad!!!) in an upstairs guest bedroom, and I would be a room that had Gale’s beanie baby collection. With dreams of being with Dad, I went to bed.

Xaven

(6/11/08) Museums Galore

Today was another day out. Mom let Sarah and I sleep in, so when we got up, she took us to a German place for lunch. We all tried a potato side called spatzle (cool name isn't it?). After we finished lunch, we went to a museum about Harry S. Truman, the guy who made the order to drop the atomic bomb. If the museum wasn't being biased for him, he should have been praised a lot more than one would have thought. It had explanations about the times, and about how some of his beliefs are still with us today. On a lower level there was an interesting section about the Civil War. I didn't get why it was in here, but it was very informative: going into the reasons why, and even had something about some of the criminals and prisoners of war that were arrested. Afterwards, we headed back and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

(6/9/08) Omaha to Oak Grove

Today was another travel day. This time we were able to go to a RV park that had internet (it wasn't very good though). We went to a little KOA RV park in Oak Grove that was next to a freeway intersection. This is very cool because of the fact that there are always a bunch of restaurants nearby an intersection. Tomorrow is supposed to be a work day, so it will not be much of anything except work.

Xaven

P.S. As you may guess, I will be skipping tomorrow.

(6/8/08) Zoology Trip

Today was our first trip to the zoo in over a year! Once we got inside, we went over to the penguin and marine animal exhibits, then we split up. Mom and Sarah explored the butterfly exhibit I went and checked out some of the outdoor exhibits. I enjoyed the avian exhibits (some of the birds didn't even need cages!) and the sea lions the most, and was really bummed when I learned that the giraffes weren't in their exhibit (I never did find out why). After a while we went to an I-max (those are the television screens that are six times larger than your average screen) about the dying oceans. Finishing the popcorn, I then went to a couple of exhibits about deserts and nocturnal animals. Afterwards we headed back and prepare to move tomorrow.

Xaven

(6/7/08) Parked and Partying

Today we finally went to an RV Park! We were a little spooked after the thunderstorm last night, but it was only cloudy, with no wind at all. We started up and went to a RV park located near Omaha. It was very cool, being big and outdoorsy, but it didn't have internet so I couldn't blog at all (Sorry!). Anyway, afterwards we went to a thing called Taste of Omaha that I thought would be very boring, but it turns out that it was a huge block party! I was very surprised and delighted (I expected we were going to a lecture or a museum, not this). I first got some food, then checked out the shops and stuff that was nearby. I played a few games, and listened to the band that was playing. We all had a blast, and at the end there were some cool fireworks! I thought I could associate a type of firework with all of the members of the family: the quiet, but strong ones could be oriented toward Sarah, Mom was some of the festive multiple-blast type, and Dad were the fireworks that were big and awe-inspiring, and Mayim were the cute sparklers. It was a much better day than expected.


Xaven

P.S. We will just be working tomorrow so be posting about it.

(6/6/08) Tornado Misfire

Today was another travel day, but it ended in a flop. However, it started out great. We started off by going to the train diner that I had walked to last night. The food was delicious and the restaurant was pretty cool as well (they actually had remodeled an old train in9to the restaurant). Afterwards we went to a museum for lack of better term (maybe mini-town?) that had parts of 1880 buildings from a jail to a house to a hotel! Afterwards we left to get to Little Sioux. On the way, the wind started picking up, but we didn't think a little wind (and rain a couple of minutes later) would stop us. On the way, we went to a gas station for refueling of all kinds (food and gas). Unfortunately, the wind had picked up to the point that Mom was no longer comfortable driving that thirty-nine foot sail of a RV on the road. When Mom went back inside for dinner, we found out that we were right next to a location that had tornado warnings! All of us panicked for a while (Okay, I was the one panicking, but I don't think Sarah and Mom went exactly calm either), but that ended when we heard that we weren't THAT close. After we relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the night.

Xaven