High Birds Excel

 Introducing

2026 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L

As previously mentioned, we found it time to replace the Passat, and ended up with this Accord.

It was about a 4 month search for what we felt would be the right fit for us. Neither of us wanted a SUV/CUV, and are appreciators of a proper sedan. We really loved the Passat for its down to earth styling, great interior room, and most importantly manual transmission. We tried to find a direct replacement, but our ideals are not the ideals of car manufacturers. 

Manuals, in and of themselves, are virtually non-existent for the common driver. We toyed with the idea of a VW Jetta GLI or a Subaru WRX, but my wife was pretty uncompromising on interior space. So the search went on. Ultimately, we refined or criteria to only two points, fuel economy and interior space. How adult... how boring. 

Initially, I started looking at a new Toyota Camry. We currently have two Toyotas parked, the Tacoma and a 2003 Tundra, so I figured let's go all out and add a third. After months of research, I started leaning towards a Honda Accord. We knew we wanted a hybrid, we new we wanted mid/full size, we just didn't know exactly what yet. 

I started geeking out over hybrid systems, and comparing the different hybrid types, styles, and functions/strategies. The more I researched, the more I was drawn to Honda, and it's e:HEV Hybrids.

Both hybrid systems are Series-Parallel, Two Motor systems. That saying that both the Camry and the Accord have a gas engine, a drive/traction motor, and a generator motor (standard hybrid set up). Where they differ is in how they manage the gas engine/electric motor power transfer.

Toyota uses a planetary gearset to blend the output of the gas engine and electric motor. It can run both at the same time at various ratios to maximize power output and efficiency. It does this automatically and seamlessly. Because of this blending and leaning a little more on the gas engine, the Camry has a larger engine, a 2.5 four cylinder. The Camry can also come with an AWD system that has a completely detached electric rear axel unit. The Camry is praised for its hybrid system and it's ability to blend in and disappear with normal driving.

Honda approaches this hybrid blending  a little different. Where the Camry has a bigger engine, the Accord has a higher output traction/drive motor. Honda wants to use this motor at all times. Because of this, the Accord is much more EV-like. It prefers to drive on electric motor power, using the engine and generator as power source to recharge the battery pack. However, at high speeds, it will use a clutch to direct drive the wheels using the engine. This allows the engine to only operate at its peak efficiency, and only when using it as a drive source outweighs using at a generator. Accord drivers like that around town driving is very EV-like and low/mid range torque and acceleration is strong. (I can attest to that.) No AWD is available. 

Basically, Toyota doesn't want you to know it's a hybrid by seamlessly blending the engine/motors, and Honda doesn't want you to know it's a hybrid by only using the gas engine when absolutely needed.

We finally chose the Honda Accord after finding out that the Camry had less rear space than our current Passat, and that the Accord had more than both (more truck space as well). The interior styling of the Accord was a big selling point as well. Very functional and slightly upscale, without the "we are really trying to be upscale" feel. The Camry was just a little too small, and a little too... exciting (said no one of a Toyota Camry ever.) We also really liked the exterior styling all around.

Well, sorry for going a little overboard and getting a little too wordy. 
Follow up posts will include interior, gadgets, and the weird/cool thing it does when it accelerates depending on whether you power brake it, or just floor it at a red light.

Dawn of Summer 2026

 Summer is in full swing.

Summer 2026 is off to a blistering start. The wife and kids are down in Orlando at a camp, and I will tag in next week as I start my camp. Praying that all goes well, now and then. Camp Ithiel is a very near and dear place for my family, and I myself have ties to it since I was a toddler. I've camped, RV'd, counseled, "deaned", and been married there. It truly is a special place.

We will have a small span between that camp and our next adventure, a good long trip to north west North Carolina. We missed out on a good family trip last year, so we made sure to head up this time and make some memories. 

After that, each of the boys has their own additional camp they will be attending. One will head to Tampa with our church, the other will head back to the North Carolina mountains with the Orlando camp.

I'm sure there will be little adventures here and there, and I hope to hit the beach at least a few times between travels. I do not think we went once last year.

I really need to do some heavy yard work around the house, but just do not have the desire to. I am afraid I have become, "that yard". Oh well... I'll get to it at some point. Dirt wont mow itself.

Well, that's just a brief overview of the summer, and I hope to fill you all in as we go.
Fingers crossed!

Changing of the Guard.

 The Passat is gone... Enter the Accord

Yesterday we said goodbye to our Volkswagen Passat, the noble steed that carried the family for 11 years. We reached the point (136,000 miles) where the money spent in maintaining the old girl was getting too much/would be better off going towards a down payment for a new vehicle.

We were blessed with my Grandpa's 2003 Toyota Tundra (future posts on that) a few months ago, so I started driving that while the Tacoma went to my wife. 

After we saved up a good chunk of change, the search began, and we landed on a 2026 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L. Price was... ok... (it is not a good time to buy a car... well... is it ever?)

We initially looked at a Toyota Camry SE or XLE, but deeper research between the two pushed us towards the Accord. I can say we are super happy with our purchase. The car suits us perfectly. I'll give a more thorough review post later, but off the bat the interior room is huuuuuuge. Like minivan big. 

So while we fondly remember the "Battle Sedan" and a manual transmission, we look forward to the future with this new car. 

Post-Summer 2025

 SUMMERTIME - 2025

Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia

Most of the festivities, activities, and other 'ties are just about wrapped up for the summer.

All camps are done, vacations taken, and fun has been had. 

I had the opportunity to join my wife at summer camp in Orlando. We usually are camp deans for our own separate camps, but I was able to join her at her camp. as a "Dorm Dad/Counselor of counselors".

The Passat and the Tacoma are putting in work... still thinking about the next vehicle. 

Put a little over 1600 miles on the Tacoma in 5 days, with shuffling kids around and the trip north all together. It averaged 20.03 MPG over all, which is right in line with the EPA rating. I guess what they say is true, "The Tacoma V6... Power of a 4 cylinder, fuel economy of a V8."

We had a rare opportunity this past week where one child was in a summer camp outside of Tampa, the other in a camp in North Carolina, and the wife and I headed to parts unknown, childless. "Unknown" wound up being Helen, Georgia, and Sparta North Carolina.

Helen was wonderful, weather was great, and the food was better. We used to visit Helen during our JaxDubs/Volkswagen days, as Helen held a yearly VW/Audi/Porsche meet that took over the town, called SoWo (Southern Worthersee). Sadly, losers will be losers, and SoWo overstayed its welcome and was ended after 2015. The wife and I did plenty of sight seeing, hiked to a near by water fall, and ziplined. 

After that we drove "back home" to Sparta, North Carolina. It was bittersweet this year, as we spent less that 24 hours there. We meet my dad, as he was headed there himself, and just enjoyed the mountain air and green grass. Normally we dedicate most, if not all, of our 10 day trip to Sparta. All is good as time was still well spent. I'm going to try and make a few more short trips before the end of the year.

We split the drive home up, and I used some more rewards points to get a "free" night at a Holiday Inn located in Florence, SC. For the record... I cannot stand South Carolina. I have yet to find a redeeming quality about it. The roads are Grade "A" garbage, and I just don't like it, the stay at that Holiday Inn didn't help either.

We've done well over the summer, and looking back this has been a good one. Very busy, but very productive as well.

See you on the next post...

Here we go again, again.

 More than half way through 2025... don't they say something about time flying?

All is well in the world. At least... as well as it can be!

The summer of 2025 is upon us, and many activities are abound. The boys have (and are) being shuffled from summer camp to summer camp, and little activities are here and there.

We are still unsure of our annual 10 day trip to North Carolina, a staple journey of this family, as we have been involved in so many activities/camps, that it just may not be feasible. I do not like this... but we may be able to put in a late summer/early fall trip. Maybe even a Christmas Trip?! We will see.

So what's been going on since the last post:

• Now a full fledged Water Operator. I'm really enjoying my job now, a lot less stress. There are still issues here or there, but they're either manageable, or beyond my control.... so I do not worry about them that much.
• The boys are doing fine. Oldest has been running Cross Country/Track/Marathons. He does pretty well. Can't believe he is entering High School.
• Automotive wise all is the same. Tacoma is running fine with 55k miles. The Passat is at 130k miles, and running well all things considered. 
  Starting to look at something to replace the Passat eventually. Leaning towards something SUV-ish, and possibly a Hybrid/Plug In Hybrid. We would love a large/mid size sedan with a manual transmission, but I guess they don't make those anymore.
  
  
  

I have been collecting physical Star Trek physical media, and cheap to not really cheap Casio watches. I have every Star Trek movie on Blu Ray and DVD. I also have the TOS Movies on VHS and every movie released on LaserDisc. I almost have every broadcast Star Trek TV Series. Still need to pick up TOS, and the current show, Strange New Worlds. If you even remotely like Star Trek, you should be watching it. I was not a fan of "Discovery", so I may or may not pick that up.


I think, after my wife and I finish on the light refresh of the house (painting, trim, etc) I might start working on a home entertainment system. Nothing crazy, but I'd like to get my Laserdisc players hooked up, and get a decent surround system set up as well.


I guess that's all for now. 
...and probably for another year... or two.

VITAMEATAVEGAMIN

 Vitamin Supplement Breakdown

Why.

Why have I started taking a combination of vitamins and supplements. I do not know. It feels right. It feels like the time to.

Why have I decided to share this. I do not know. It feels right. It feels like the time to.

Historical Information

Growing up, I was always given a multivitamin, whether it be the venerable Flintstone Kids, or the big purple one my Grandma would give me. I've dabbled off and on with multivitamins over the years, but never stuck to anything. During both my wife's pregnancies, she was strongly encouraged to take a good prenatal vitamin, and we feel it did her (and the boys) a lot of good.
Currently, while I feel we eat a variety of foods, I think my total nutritional intake is not as complete as it could be.

Let's Break Down the Goods

I currently take three groups of pills, a multivitamin and two additional supplements; Zinc and Ashwagandha. All of these are from "Garden of Life". Where you get your supplements, and how they are made is important. 

I also drink a small Protein Shake in the morning, and it provides some vitamins and minerals as well. Working on seeing if there is a better alternative out there though.

The Multi: VITAMIN CODE - Family (They have a "Men's" but there is no major difference.)
The Zinc: VITAMIN CODE - Raw Zinc
The Ash: ORGANICS - Ashwagandha 

Between them, this is my daily intake (Not including whatever I may get from just eating normally).
I am a big consumer of whole milk, and 100% Cranberry and/or Grape Juice. I drink water too, just not as much as I should.

It should be noted that I am supposed to take 4 multivitamin pills a day, but I only take two. So I  have adjusted the amounts properly.

	Family	Protein Shake	Raw Zinc	Ashwagadha	Total
Biotin	15	7.5			22.5	mcg
Calcium		650			650	mg
Chromium	17.5	8.8			26.3	mcg
Copper		0.23			0.23	mg
Folate	200	100			300	mcg
Iodine		38			38	mcg
Iron	0.9	4.5			5.4	mg
Lycopene	125				125	mcg
Magnesium		105			105	mg
Manganese	1.15	0.58			1.73	mg
Molybdenum	22.5	11.3			33.8	mcg
Niacin	10.4	4			14.4	mg
Pantothenic Acid	7.5	1.3			8.8	mg
Phosphorus		630			630	mg
Potassium		450			450	mg
Riboflavin (B2)	2.25	0.33			2.58	mg
Selenium	27.5	14			41.5	mcg
Thiamin (B1)	2.4	0.3			2.7	mg
Vanadium	5				5	mcg
Vitamin A	630	230			860	mcg
Vitamin B12	20.05	0.6			20.65	mcg
Vitamin B6	2.55	0.43			2.98	mg
Vitamin C	45	23	60		128	mg
Vitamin D (D3)	25	5			30	mcg
Vitamin E	7.5	3.8			11.3	mg
Vitamin K (K1)	60	30			90	mcg
Vitamin K2	10				10	mcg
Zinc	3.85	2.8	30		36.65	mg
Ashwagandha				600	600	mg
Ginger Root				50	50	mg
Trace Mineral Blend			150		150	mg
Probiotic Blend	15		60	4	79	mg
Organic Fruit & Veg Blend	332.5		166		498.5	mg
AntiOx & Immune Sup Blend	5				5	mg

What does all that mean?
I don't know.

But I can say this. I feel good.

I don't know if it is mostly mental, mostly physical, or some combination of both. I can say this, however. I feel as though if my Grandma would be proud. She instilled upon me her knowledge of nutrition and cooking, as she was respected home economics teacher, and a proud "home maker", from a time when a home maker was revered and celebrated. I would go as far as to call her a professional home maker.  She spoke to me many times about proper nutrition, and taking care of ones health.

In making this list, and trying to "boost my stats", I was reminded of the story she told me of research done in the 50's or 60's, where researchers tried to supply a persons daily nutritional needs solely through pills. While they were given every vitamin, mineral, etc. they needed, subjects still became weak and lost weight. The end result was, "You just need some good fat sometimes." Food as a whole was important. How you processed your vitamins and minerals was important. She was never one to skimp on butter or trim too much fat off the meat.

Well. That's all I have to say about that.

2024.5

Up to speed

What has this year brought me? New experiences, new habits and new hobbies?

or...

The same old same old....

Here I am, well over halfway through the year, and just over two years from my last post. I know it's cliché, but the older I get, the more time really does seem to fly. So, in the last two years there has been some changes, mostly here recently. 

I have reached the age of 40, and to be honest, it really reset me in a way I didn't expect. What I mean is, I have never really put a lot of thought into age, or more specifically, age related milestones/goals. 16, 18, 20, 25, 30... all those age milestones came and went, and I really never thought twice about them. Age is a construct invented by the Jedi.

Then 40 approached... then came and went. 

At first, four decades (14,610 days btw) hit me like any other day, but the more I thought about it, the more it... something... weighed on me. I think I am finding 40 significant because I remember my Dad turning 40. (For reference, that would have made me 9-10). Not that I compare where I am to where he was, or at least my child like thought of where he was, but I guess because now I am where he was then. What I mean to say is, 40 has felt like a transition from adolescence/young adult hood to actual adulthood. The in the moment, or "live for today" mentality that many young adults naturally have is starting to be replaced with a "what if?", "do I have enough time?, or a "what about tomorrow?", thought process. I have moved from a "what do I need to do to survive?", to a "what do I need to do for my family to survive... today... tomorrow... for future generations?" It has just been an odd process, as I didn't actively or knowingly realize this thought process was changing until it did.

Ok, enough of that.

So... what's been going on?

Changes

I'll go into detail about some of the following a little more in future posts

• Job Change - After 15 years of working on the Service Crew and almost 21 years in the Distribution & Collection Department, I have altered my career path and taken a job as a Water Plant Operator (Trainee, currently). Still with the same company, just a different department. Later this October will be 21 years at CCUA. I honestly should have made the jump years ago. I took a hard pay cut, but should break even in a few months, and be on a path to make a little more in the long run.
• Finances - I have altered the way I view money. I used to be (and still kind of am...) a bury your money in a mason jar kind of person. I have branched out into investing, and even a little bit into crypto. Nothing crazy, just an semi-idle way to increase our long term finances. The biggest change however, is the move from using debit cards to 100% credit card transactions. I refuse to spend money for free (debit) if there is an option to get cash/rewards back.
• Health - No more Red Bull. I was a pretty avid 20 oz a day Red Bull drinker. Not because I necessarily needed the "energy", but because I truly enjoyed the taste. Well, I transitioned from the regular Red Bull to a smaller size of their sugar free cans. Then I just stopped. Additionally, I have been on the regular with vitamins and supplements. I take a well rounded multivitamin, Zinc, and Ashwagandha on the daily. All from Garden of Life (your source is important.) I'm trying to get back to the gym, but no luck so far. A general awareness of what I put in my body has been worked on as well.
• Family - Not to get into too much detail, but since 2022, I have lost a Grandma and an Uncle. I have watched/felt a transition in the family line that I can't quite put to words, but may have contributed to my mental change and way of thinking mentioned previously. My boys are getting older, and starting to form there own little social worlds. We are all in good health, but the family dynamic is changing (in a growing and good way).

Well, I guess that about wraps it up for now. I think I have put all I wanted to down in writing. I plan on being more active (he said, again for the 15th time) through the end of the year, and into 2025...

So here to that! :)