As a dad of 2 children with autism, I feel compelled to push back on the announcement that attempts to link Tylenol use in pregnancy as primary causes of autism. The problem is: it’s full of misinformation, plays into stigma, & does a disservice to families doing the work of understanding autism.

To recap and update: - Restarted my job after being RIF’d - My offer on a house was accepted - The cause of autism has been identified (I’m being sarcastic here) - Possible rapture pending I’m not sure I can handle much more this week.

This is Zola’s “I’m gonna poop on George Washington’s backyard” look

Sunday scaries? Just sit back and remember Earth, Wind, and Fire has love changin' the minds of pretenders… While chasin' the clouds away…

I used a new chocolate chip cookie recipe. I have 12 giant cookies. Oops, make that 11 giant cookies.

I was supposed to be terminated today from government service and start a new career with a defense contractor next week. But the powers that be have told me my admin leave has ended and to report back to the Pentagon on Monday morning. Sorry Zola, time for me to go to work.

On September 19, 1796, George Washington gave his farewell to his country. That address spoke is filled with passion about the trials and tribulations of a new nation. But ever since then, Washington's Farewell Address has had a poignant message. Take a moment to read and reflect on it.

Shit day… Admin leave extended yet again. Craziness abounds. Make it make sense. But I’m still getting paid. And I took my dog to swim in the Potomac. So that’s a win.

Inside you there are two wolves. My two wolves:

I love how my dog looks at me and I can hear her thinking, “Yeah, I’m going to do what I want to do. And you will do it because you are a 6’2” softie and I have my tail wrapped around you.”

Tire pressure sensor failure and sitting in the dealership to get it fixed means I deserve a sausage and cheese sandwich on a toasted garlic bagel.

I saw General Washington on the grounds of Mount Vernon. Zola could have cared less. I am kind of disappointed with Zola P. S. - What an amazing and awesome job he has.

15th and LAST week of my administrative leave. I wonder what this week will have in store for me? Anxiety? Trauma? Good times, good times…

Zola says this beaver is weird AF.

Touched grass. Climbed a mountain. Highly recommended.

My latest addiction:

Zola made a friend and her friend was not happy about it at all.

Enemies foreign and domestic are working overtime to divide us. I refuse to play the role they wish me to play.

Just a boy and his dog… on a mental health hike for our stupid mental health.

Week 14 of administrative leave… I am not sure what is more satisfying. Building LEGO or watching a squirrel eat the spicy bird seed in my bird feeder.

The Pumpkin Spice-Industrial Complex is becoming too powerful. We must stop this madness before the spice consumes us all.

Defense out, War in… War Intelligence Agency War Advance Research Projects Agency War Logistics Agency Missile War Agency War Health Agency War Threat Reduction Agency War Contract Management Agency War Information Systems Agency War Finance and Accounting Service War Media Activity And so on…

If you need me, I’ll be 5 missed calls and 10 text message away…

And the interview was canceled while sitting on the Blue Line on the way to the interview.

Go on… wear the tan suit

Starting week 13 of my administrative leave. So much winning! Has insanity overcome me? Stay tuned to find out…

Suns out, tongues out.

Hope y’all are having a great Labrador Weekend

Saturday shenanigans

You have to go to work. Zola and I have to visit Civil War battlefields. We are not the same.

Parts of social media right now:

Today’s morning temps in Northern Virginia was a crisp 59°F. 66 days till Halloween. Starbucks has released the fall menu and the Pumpkin Spice Latte has made its triumphant return. Circle of Life, y’all. The spice must flow.

Chris is great! He made chocolate cake! Cake and ice cream will be served at 6pm promptly. Please form a line at the door.

In 1979, then 8 year old Chris visited Neuschwanstein Castle. In 2025, now 54 year old Chris will build a replica off Neuschwanstein Castle.

The only filters in my life are coffee filters. I think this will be the last float down the Shenandoah of the year for Zola and I.

Sunrise, sunrise… Looks like mornin' in your eyes…

Get you someone who stares at you like Zola does while I’m eating a burrito.

The face of an ice cream cone thief at Fort Hunt. Stolen from a child. No regrets. Will do it again.

Happy 19th Amendment Ratification anniversary to all who celebrate

We must again ask: Has pumpkin spice science gone too far? The pumpkin spice industrial complex is strong. The spice must flow.

Arise, Arise, Riders Of Théoden! Spears Shall Be Shaken, Shields Shall Be Splintered! A Sword Day... A Red Day... Ere The Sun Rises!

This is your periodic reminder that if you feel the need to play music on a speaker while hiking a trail, you should be hung upside down by your big toes at the highest point or tree and left to rethink your life choices. This goes double for reckless mountain bikers.

Today is cartoonist Gary Larson’s 75th birthday. The Far Side has been by my side since my early teens. Just as hilarious today as they were years ago. Some of my favorites:

As a reminder: If you are making Fettuccine Carbonara you cannot break the pasta in half and you must never add cream to the sauce or the ghost of some Italian Nona will come and haunt your home until you do it right!

Current state of my affairs: - I start another week of admin leave. 9 straight weeks of getting paid for nothing. - I found out late Friday my admin leave will be extended, again. - I’ve interviewed for 8 different positions. I received 1 offer. I may have to delay it. I miss doing the job I love.

Getting up early has its benefits.

Checked out the sunset in search for some inner peace.

I said no to a puppy today. I will be seeking medical attention shortly. Adulting sucks…

If I ever do something that is truly incredible and of historical significance I hope the powers that be make a PBS Documentary about my life, I want Keith David to narrate the story and use this same energy.

There are lots of different types of people who visit Mount Vernon. - There are those struck and excited about walking the same ground that the father of our nation & his family did in the 1700s. - There are those who are not excited. - And Zola who likes pooping on the lawn.