Back Porch Saturday Nights

The back porch is again open for business!

Beginning at 4:00pm on Saturdays throughout the summer, we stop our family chores, fire up the grills, throw on swimsuits, and crank up the music on the porch as we celebrate the end of a long work week!

Here's the deal. You and your family are welcome to join us, but remember we keep things very very low key. Basically, we are going to enjoy warm weather, good food, and cold drinks on the back porch as a family...if you would like to join us...that's great!

Remember a few things for us: If you want to eat, bring food for your family. If your kids want to swim, bring suits and towels for them. The most important thing you need to bring is a desire to relax and kick back with us! As Jimmy Buffett would say all you need is a "License to Chill"

What about swimming?
Everyone is welcome in our pool. Boys, Girls, Dads, Moms...swim diapers on the non-potty trained and if your kids can't swim, we need you to keep an eye on them! Other than that, just relax and have fun in the warm water!

What is this I hear about dancing? Do I need to know how?
Not at all. We may teach you a few moves, but dancing is not required, except for maybe the Hokey Pokey or the Limbo... Here's how I look at it...if my mom gets up to dance, then you should be out on the dance floor with her!

Do you play anything other than Jimmy Buffett? I don't think I want my kids learning his songs...
Yes, Kendra requires a 10:1 ratio of Buffett to non-Buffett music. :)

What's this I hear about blender drinks?
Don't believe everything you read in theMangoTimes...we do provide an orange cooler of ice water though...

What time do people typically leave?
In time to get up for church. :)
Often, there is a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning...

Can I bring someone with me?
Sure you can. If you are a friend of theMT, then so are your friends!

Hope you can join us!

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

Storyville Live - Music + Coffee = Freedom

A few months ago, I was approached by Storyville Coffee Company to host a live concert in my home. Since I have already hosted a few concerts before with our favorite in-home performer, Jon Troast, we seemed like a perfect match. This concert is a little different, because it is not just about great music, because the purpose is to spotlight a ministry called International Justice Mission.

Storyville Coffee has created an experience called Storyville Live.
From their website: "A Storyville Live concert is an opportunity for an evening of music, coffee, and community unlike any other. Our coming together also creates an opportunity to bring freedom to the millions of people around the world that are trapped in the atrocity of human trafficking. There are 27 million people today that are in slavery — not in slave-like conditions, in actual slavery. 27 million. We couldn’t believe it. We’re partnered with International Justice Mission, an organization that has created a blueprint to end slavery in our lifetime. The two main barriers are lack of awareness and lack of resources. Storyville Live provides both. By hosting or attending a concert, you're making a difference."

It is our mission to put slavery out of business for good.

Our specific concert is being hosted on Saturday, June 19th. We are excited to welcome the featured musician, Pierce Pettis. Your ticket includes the concert, dessert and coffee...what a deal! See the images for details and concert code! We would love you to join us!

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

It's Really That Easy!

Based on very minimal research, the light switch seems to have been invented over 100 years ago. It is the easiest device that I can think to use...you push it up if you want the lights "on" and you push it down if you want the lights "off." For the seriously lame, who do not recognize the change from darkness to light, they've made it super easy and preprinted these switches with the words "on" and "off." Really, if you struggle with directions on a light switch, there are probably bigger issues in your life, but that is not the purpose of this post!

Energy output? Well, I'm not sure what the caloric output is involved with a flick of a finger tip, but I'm sure it's pretty low (down on the list near blinking or swallowing). Actually, I don't think you even need to flick the switch, because I often just rub my hand down the wall until the light goes out. Either way, energy output is a non-issue!

Location? Also not an issue. It's not like we hide light switches in our house. No, we typically put them right on the wall at hand height, conveniently located near the door for you to flick on your way in and out...

Memory? My kids always remember to turn the lights on when they enter a dark room, so it can't be memory.

So, can someone tell me why I find well lit empty rooms throughout my house every single day? Spare me any comments about how I sound like my dad. For those of you that know my dad, he has used automatic motion-detector light switches for the past 25 years. I've commented in the past that he always looks like a wounded seagull walking around his house as he attempts to get the motion detector lights to "notice" him.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

March Update

January/February/March
theMT took an hiatus while the last three months flew by...once again our plans were dramatically halted. This time it was a squiggly little appendix that exploded in Caroline's belly. Along the way we've celebrated a few birthdays, eaten a bunch of good food, listened to some great tunes, took a few trips, and I can't believe we are knocking on the beginning of April - phew!

The Concert
Jon Troast returned for a second living room concert. This one was inside our house and we tallied about 125 guests in our living room/dining room/entry way. The highlight of the evening was getting a live performance of The Andy Song - take a listen! Jon played several of his favorites and introduced us to his new album - Living Room. If you haven't had a chance to hear his new album, give it a listen and then give it a purchase! I guarantee that if you like theMangoTimes, then you will LOVE Jon's music. His music is what theMT is all about. Great stuff as always from our favorite travelling musician!

Furniture removed from the dining/living rooms

Jon packs them in and right up the stairs!

They paid extra for the balcony seats

Birthdays
Thomas the Tank Engine chugged in to celebrate Christian's third birthday. This particular birthday lasted about a week as we had several days to prepare for the party and several days to rehash the details of the party he had. :)
Hayden and Nate turned 17 and 15 last week and we had what felt like a weekend of "constanteenagers" through our home. The cupboards were bare by Sunday night, but we enjoyed having this migrating mass of teens through our place.

Turning Three at In-n-Out

The Olympics
Did you know that most of life stops in the MangoHouse when the Olympics begin? We reconnected satellite television. We adjusted the bedtimes of our children. We became experts on bobsled ergonomics, we learned the Canadian national anthem, and suddenly started throwing around terms like McTwist.

Photo taken on the opening day of the games!

Personally, I would stop whatever I was doing to watch Apolo Ohno skate and suddenly found myself at odds with the entire nation of South Korea during short track competition.

I won a gold medal for crab consumption with my Apolo beard!

San Antonio, TX
I had the opportunity to travel to San Antonio, Texas to see our good friend Nathan Davis graduate from USAF basic military training at Lackland AFB.

Congratulations to Airmen Nathan Davis

It was my first experience watching a military graduation and I was quite impressed with the precision and training provided in the USAF. Nathan graduated with honors which allowed him freedom all weekend to spend time with his family and friends. I enjoyed taking in the sights around San Antonio with him and I am excited to see what God has in store for this young man as he begins his career in the miliatry!

The rest of the time in San Antonio was visiting with the good people at Covenant of Grace Church. Although we have only met them a few times in real life, God has orchestrated a fun connection for our family with the Warren, Russell and Slaughter families. I was treated to some warm fellowship, tasty bbq and joyful worship with their families.

Napa Valley
One of my favorite things about being a dentist is the opportunity to travel for education. This year my implant study-club traveled to Calistoga in the Napa Valley Wine Country. On the way there, we stopped in at Wine Wizards to pay homage to our first place of employment as a young married couple.

The Wiz, Stockton, CA

The rest of the weekend was spent at a newer spa/resort called Solage (recommended if you are looking for a leisure getaway in the Napa Valley). It provided a few days of great retreat and relaxation. We slept in late, we ate well, we read, we walked and we enjoyed the beauty of spring time in the wine country.

Kendra's New Home

Lunch for two at Bouchon in Yountville!

Potty Training, Spring Break, Weight Loss, Home Made Music and a whole bunch of Beer
To wrap things up in this issue of theMT, let me touch on a few small things happening around Mangoland lately.
Houston, We Have Liftoff!: While I was gone in San Antonio, Kendra decided to potty train Christian. We have gone through a few bags of Jelly Bellies and he's doing very well at keeping up his end of the deal. He requires a full bathroom inspection prior to each "sit down" (beginning signs of OCD maybe?), but it is working!
Kids Gone Wild!: We are taking a week off from school and allowing the kids to travel down to Palm Springs and the beaches of Mexico for Spring Break with the rest of the California teenagers and college students...well, not really...but Kendra and I would like to do that.
Biggest Loser: Did I mention that my wife is wasting away to nothing? She is a workout machine and serving up delightful menus at the same time. I am giving up my membership in the SLC (sedentary lifestyle club) and joining her on a goal to drop a few pounds (actually more than a few pounds...come to think of it, I could probably lose enough weight for an entire person) and get our bodies more active. She is already ridiculously thin, but our goal: bikinis and board shorts on the beach in Maui. Well, not really...but I would personally prefer to look more like a surfer and less like a tiki idol or Buddha.
Homemade Music: The boys have been playing a lot of live music lately. Nate is playing the guitar very well (doing his best to mimic Lennon or Cash). We purchased Hayden a djembe drum, so we are waiting to see what he can pound out on that. Along with their buddy JP, we've enjoyed hearing and seeing them play in a few venues.

Tasty Suds: Fish Hook Brewery has now successfully brewed and bottled Red Ale, Pale Ale, Cream Ale, Blueberry Wheat, and a tasty Holiday Ale that provided some Christmas cheer for a few good folks! If you are in the area, please swing by for a sampling! Fish Hook Brewery: One sip and you are hooked!

Lastly, publication of theMangoTimes will be directly affected by the final episodes of the television show LOST. Sorry, but I have to line up my priorities right now. After six years, Jack, Kate, Hurley, Sawyer, and the rest of the Losties are making it off the island...or are they? The boys and I are faithful devotees to the final episodes (don't call between 10-11PM on Tuesday nights). And...save your comments Kendra...you've made your point loud and clear!

Missed you all and I'm glad to be back...

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

Charlie Brown, The Gospel and Malaria Intervention

Last night, we wrapped up our 2009 Advent in the Barn party. We welcomed just over 100 guests on a very rainy night to our chilly barn. Our party welcomed guests from all areas of our life. We had old friends and new friends gathered from work, church, family, facebook, high school, college, and even my favorite barista at our local coffee shop! For those that joined us, we hope you enjoyed our time in the barn while the rain and lightning continued outside.
This year we learned all about the real meaning of Christmas from the Peanuts gang while watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" together on the big screen. We were reminded of the good news of the advent by a short message from our special guest, Pastor Tim Stevenson of Horizon Bible Church. (On a side note, Pastor Tim is the guy that married us back in 1991 and it was nice to have him back after all these years!).
Every year we are also very intentional to encourage our guests to spend less on the "junk" of Christmas and invest in true needs around the world. My best friend Eric and his wife are advocates for Compassion International, so this year we targeted Compassion's Malaria Intervention program called BiteBack (www.biteback.net). We showed a quick video and then reminded our guests that for $10 they could purchase a mosquito net. The details are in this quick video I created below:


If you couldn't make it, we missed you! If you were there, we hope you enjoyed yourself with us!

Quietly making noise (and repeating the sounding joy!),
Fletch

On My iPod - Artists Beginning with "M"

I haven't followed up with this theme lately, but wanted to resurrect the topic again. Here is a small sample of my favorite music on my iPod.

"The Monkees" - I'm a child of the 1970's and the Monkees crossed over between music and television. I wanted to ride the Last Train to Clarkesville. I wanted to be a Believer. I "was just tryin' to be friendly"...

"Michael Feinstein" - We own several of his albums, but my favorite is his collection of classic kids songs like "Lydia the Tattoo Lady" and "Ferdinand the Bull."

"Miles Davis" - Every collection needs a bit of Miles. Right now, I'm listening to "So What" but anything on my playlist by him is great stuff!

"Men Without Hats" - There was really only one song...and every teenager from the eighties knew how to sing The Safety Dance. "S...S...S...S... A...A...A...A... F...F...F...F...etc..." (You are singing it right now aren't you?).

"Musical Youth" - Again not to camp on the eighties, but every time this song is played my kids want to know what it means to "Pass the Dutchie." Growing up it was just a cool song, it's only now that I found out it was about smoking.

"Matt Costa" - This is a gimme...with his clean vocals and great acoustic guitar, he's a family favorite on the back porch. Hop in one of the hammocks, pop on his song "Sunshine" and I'm down for the count.

Quietly Making Noise,
Fletch

Fuzz Buzz Friday Night

I searched theMangoTimes and

realized that I have written several times

about the famous Fletcher

"Fuzz Buzz"

without ever offering the recipe. Since this

adult slurpee

is a summertime staple around our kitchen and it's been a scorcher in the Central Valley this past week, I thought I would finally break open the vault and let everyone enjoy these frozen summer beauties. Have a great weekend and enjoy the photos of these yummy treats (Read: I expect to be invited over...).

Fuzz Buzz (makes a pitcher)

4 peaches (remove pit, but leave on skin...that's the fuzz part)

1 large can limeade

Vodka (that's the buzz part)

Ice (to taste)

Combine all ingredients and blend until thick, icy and smooth. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

"Fresh Peaches (We hand picked ours tonight!)"

"One can frozen limeade"

"Ice, ice, ice..."

"Blend until smooth and icy"

Quietly Making Noise,

Fletch

***Yes, yes, yes...these are adult slurpees, and I left out pictures of the vodka, so don't forget to add one can vodka for each batch. Of course, if you want the "kid version" you can leave the vodka out. That's how the mangokids like them! Cheers!

Avast ye scurvy scum...it's time for TLAP Day

Ahoy maties...for those looking for a celebration of nonsense...join the editor and staff of theMangoTimes for another grand celebration of "Talk Like A Pirate" Day. That's right...this Wednesday (every sept 19th) you get to shiver yer timbers, drink ye grog, and swab the poop deck. No major plans yet for the cast and crew of theMangoTimes, I'm not sure if my wife is 100% behind my celebration this year...I know that my dental staff dreads this day (how many times can you hear "open your cannon hole, I need to pack yer skull with lead" or "Stay still while this fine lass swabs yer teeth clean"). Actually, what's not to like? Sailing, cannons, rum, the Caribbean...sounds like a vacation in Mangoland to me...
I'll try to take any photos, but I would love to hear your plans for celebrating this year...that is, of course, if you are one who celebrates...

Quietly making noise...
Fletch

2007 Family Photo

The official Fourth of July photo goes out in the mail today, but for those of you not on the mailing list and others that wanted a sneak peak, I thought you would like to see the unofficial family photo (otherwise known as: my answer to the question: can we take a goofy picture?). 

The Fletcher Family - 2007

Happy Fourth of July...

Fletch

Braniac Inventions, #1

I wonder why no one has thought about people-sized paper towels?  Think about it...you get out of the shower and right next to the door, is a big roll of huge paper bath towels.  You could rip them off the perforation and then wrap yourself in the "quilted quicker-picker upper" Bounty, or for the men that are reading, consider drying with a jumbo Brawny towel!  When you are done, there is no cleanup, no laundry...just large wadded up balls of paper sitting in the garbage (or "near" the garbage can...if you live with a husband like me.)

Always fresh, always dry, and quite possibly in a variety of colors and prints that match your bathroom.

And that's not the best part...consider the size of the cardboard tube you would have when you finished the roll!  my boys would love that part!  The only negative aspect would be if you lived with someone who doesn't replace the empty roll...

So, what about you?  Any great inventions you've wanted to bring up and haven't had the time?  share them with us!

Quietly making noise,

Fletch