Happy 35th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary
© Kirk A. Finney

When years are passing by like days,
and in my hand your hand is placed,
a knowing smile crosses your face,
a simple touch can still make my heart race.

When I can see my soul in your eyes,
and you see your soul in mine we realize,
that a love so deep can harbor no lies,
where our only tears shed were happy tears we've cried.

I love you as much now as I ever did before,
if possible, I may even love you more,
all starting from a feeling we did not ignore,
a feeling of connection we chose to explore.

I don't know what it is that you saw in me,
what I saw in you was the utmost happiness that can ever be,
even more so on the day when you and I became "We",
I can still smile and say with love and truth Honey,
I love you ... Happy Anniversary.

Jesus

Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. Re-post if you believe with your heart ... Merry CHRISTmas!

Southern Ten Commandments

Some people have trouble with all those "shall's" and "Shall nots" in the Ten Commandments. Folks just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, in middle Tennessee they translated the "King James" version into "Jackson County" language ... no joke! This was posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Gainesboro, TN.

1 - Just one God
2 - Put nothin' before God
3 - Watch yer mouth
4 - Git yerself to Sunday meetin'
5 - Honor yer Ma & Pa
6 - No Killin'
7 - No foolin' around with another fellar's gal.
8 - Don't take what ain't yers
9 - No tellin' tales or gossipin'
10 - Don't be hankerin' fer yer buddy's stuff

Now that's plain and simple. Y'all have a nice day now ya hear! And bless yer pea pickin' heart ...

November Vacation - Final

Well, another week passes and our mini-vacation is about over. Our last couple of days were filled with just driving around and checking a few things out we had seen throughout the week as we drove between Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown. One of them was to visit Jamestown Settlement. We spend nearly 3 hours wandering through the museum and outside area. Do you realize how small the three boats are that the settlers came across the Atlantic on? They were nothing like even the smallest cruise ship we were on. We wanted to play Putt-Putt golf, since the last time we had so much fun. But alas, they were closed for the season. I guess the Ladies will have to wait a bit longer for their lesson from the Guy's. Of course, Pierce's was great. I think everyone stuffed themselves on the BBQ. We have definitely decided that we can't wait for January and our trip to Myrtle Beach. While it is about 7 weeks away, it can't come fast enough. We ended the trip with lunch at El Agave just like we started it. The little red car ran fine and averaged over 34 miles per gallon. With gas prices hitting $3.00 a gallon that is good and welcome news. We did see gas prices in the $2.51 range down in the Tappahannock area.

Well, it is back to work, church, bowling and life in general. Smile ... I am all rested up!

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You have to wonder about Obama. He snuck over to Afghanistan only have Karzai ignore and not meet with him, and to tell the troops that they were supported but going to have to come home without a victory. To help their morale, they would be able to now embrace their homosexual friends openly. Furthermore, all those people back home that keep them supplied with the essentials of life and combat would be getting a pay freeze or cut. All this to let them know ... we appreciate all you have done!

November Vacation - II

Well, we are having fun. We have spent two days in Colonial Williamsburg and still managed to see both Yorktown and Jamestown. This time in Williamsburg we did mostly tours and managed in our advanced age to learn something. See, even old dogs can learn new tricks. We had lunch both days in two of the city taverns (Chowning's and Shield's.) While yesterday's lunch was good, today's (Shield's) was really good. Yorktown was interesting but I seemed to like Jamestown more. The smallness of the original fort amazed me. How would I do living in such a small place when death was everywhere outside of it. I will come back to spend more time when it is warmer and not so windy. With the temps in the mid 40's and the wind about the same, it was brutal when it came off the water. Needless to say our stay was curtailed or limited to inside the buildings. Now we have Thursday and Friday free to do what we like best ... sit around and do nothing. Well, nothing does include reading, puzzles, crafts and such. Of course we still have a date at Pierce's BBQ someday for lunch. If you have never ate there, well, you are missing something special. Lady is doing fine but the long walking does take its toll later in the day. I think she is nearly done with her crafts.

November Vacation

Well, it is vacation time. 7 days to forget the world and get some rest. So far I have slept in every morning and managed to get up around 8:30. Lady is crafting away the hours and not to mention doing some power shopping. The drive down was uneventful and quite scenic as we drove US 17 instead of Interstate 64/95. We started the trip off with lunch at El Agave in Warrenton. Saturday was a late dinner at an Italian restaurant and some TV as we started our relaxing rest. Sunday night was spent at Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. This is a must for a family. The lights were great and we even managed to see all the Christmas themes by country. We managed to squeeze in 2 shows, Santa's Fireside Feast and Miracles. Next time we will see a couple others. We rode on a flight simulator as it flew us across the European countryside. We spent time watching a candle maker do his craft. Green Giant even bought a Harley Davidson theme candle. While we were in the "France" theme town, the snow maker came on and the snow flakes created a really nice feeling. The night was cold too as the temperature dropped into the mid-30's. Hot chocolate, cider, tea and coffee were the drinks of choice. We rode the sky-tram and flew over the whole park and enjoyed the lights. Then we rode the train around the park and saw things we couldn't see from the air. Today was the Pottery factory and we saw a lot of "stuff." Tomorrow we will do our first of 2 days in old town Williamsburg. Thursday will be Jamestown and Friday will be Yorktown. So we have enough planned to keep us busy. The 3 bedroom condo is really nice with lots of room. Sorry that everyone has missed this great time. Maybe next time you will jump on the band wagon and come along.

Turkey Day 2010

Well, believe it or not ... Thanksgiving has come and gone. Next up ... Christmas. 2010 has been a short and fast year. I hope everyone spent time with their family and renewed some relationships. I was blessed by having all the family at the house for some part of the day. It would be nice if that could be the daily norm but until then I take what I can get. Lady and Peanut did a bang up job with the meal. I could easily see myself at 300 lbs. if that was a daily occurrence. Wild Mom camped through the holiday and I know she enjoyed it. (Better if I had been there!) Work for everyone resumed on Friday except for Lady. Yes, I had to show up for a bit to get rid rid of a rootkit and trojan virus. Seems like the last two holidays I had to come in and fix a computer.

I am thankful for a loving wife and family. Was this one the best? I don't know because every Thanksgiving has been special. This day is better in my opinion because unlike Christmas it isn't buried under the presents and toys. Yes, we did eat a lot but it is hard to get mad when your belly is full and your eyes almost closed on their journey to sleepy land.

Thank You Princess for a special memory.

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Good Football since the Deadskins weren't playing. Geaux Saints!
Maybe it is time to do with Portis that we do all Turkeys. Pluck him and freeze him. e can't finish a season ... Have Obama pardon him and send him to pasture.

Is it Christmas, Thanksgiving or Halloween? The Stores don't know!

Let me see, it is November already. Anyone know where the time went? Bowling is progressing smoothly as we approach the midway point of the season in a few weeks. I sure hope the second half goes better. I hate being in last place. My job continues to require long hours. Just about when I think I have caught up and have a handle on things, the dam breaks and I am fighting for air all over. The vacation in Williamsburg Virginia at the end of November can't come soon enough.

Wild Mom is off camping in the new motor home and will return in a few weeks. Is that what retired life looks like? Hmmm. Lady's knee is getting better but it is still an annoyance. Though Sunday she did really good bowling when she rolled a 210. Sure beat everyone else that game. We always knew she had it in her. Once she gets the knee better and gets into bikini shape ... snort! The work scene at home remains the same with 3 of 4 persons gainfully employed. We all will be glad when #1 gets off the late shift and gets back to bowling before he forgets and can only manage a 145 average. The Fridge looks funny with all the work schedules hanging there. Great Christmas present though! AJ will have to find somewhere else to stick his pictures. Oops, no pins and staples on that wall! Lew, Lil Princess and AJ are doing well. Lil Princess and AJ are working on their attitudes. Trouble is we like it better before they started. Hopefully, the stonewalling, acting out and not hearing will go away as they get bigger. Is it wishful thinking? Starr left the grassy green fields of New Hampshire for the stubble of the Battlefields of Manassas this morning. Her and Chicken man will be moving in an apartment over on Yorkshire Lane. Isn't there a requirement that says kids will live X miles away from home when they move out? I must have misread the parenting guide. Oh, that is right, they never move out and then the rules are changed. Princess works all the time. Ruling her kingdom requires a major effort with little free time available. Someone promote her and give her a big pay raise!

The emphasis this Christmas will be on relationships and time spent together. So other than the grand kids, gifts and presents will be very minimal from me. I would rather spend time with you and have a meal with you. Lady is planning a great Thanksgiving meal and Christmas meal. So to start ... FREE FOOD with a grumpy old man on the side. I don't know anyone who would argue that the meal won't be great. So let's forget the commercialization and focus on relationships. If you disagree, please tell me.

Where Has the Time Gone?

Gee, I am really behind on this Blog. Needless to say, this past month I have been very busy adjusting to the new position at WAVA. Cheng left in early October and I naturally assumed all his jobs. They have hired another engineer to help out but He needs sometime to learn our system. For those who worry about this stuff, yes, it did mean a small increase in funding to me.

The trip to the Great Smokey Mountains (GSM) was fun. It was restful but we did manage to get in some shopping and sightseeing. One fun part was visiting this artist's shop in Gatlinburg. He came to our church a few months back and did a pottery demonstration while the Pastor spoke. Of course the visit turned from a sightseeing to one of souvenir buying. The 2010 Rennaissance Faire was good as ever. We managed to spend 6 hours watching and walking before we were wore out and needed to head home. I still didn't get Lady to buy the female metal breast plate! Bowling is ok. Both teams are living in the cellar these days. We just can't seem to get over the hump and win the close ones. Lew is averaging 89 and slowly getting better. That is, when I can keep him focused on bowling and not on playing with the other kids or video machines. When he is focused, his scores are more in the 115 range. Wild Mom is well. She enjoyed the GSM trip and then Camp Bluebird a week later. Now her new toy is at home. No, not Squirrel Man, but a 32 foot motor home.

I guess we will never see her any more as she wears the motor home out on the camping trail. Lady is well, though her knee is bothering her a bit. I guess the weather change is keeping it tender. Her Doctor's appointment went well with a clean bill of health. #1 is working and not bowling so well. #2 is neither working or bowling. Peanut is working and chasing after AJ. Of course, room rearranging is the highlight of the day. It is amazing how many combinations you can come up with even with the smallest of rooms. Gung-Ho Jen made it here with minimal hassle and problems. She is all moved in and busily hunting for work. Well, in less than a month, she has landed one ... Wal-Mart. Maybe #2 will check out her technique and learn something. Halloween proved great as AJ was Scooby-Doo, Lil Princess was a princess, and Lew was a super hero. Needless to say, way too much candy was given to such small people.

Leaves are a Changing Time!

Can you believe the week is almost done and we have a few days of vacation planned starting Friday! Well, that is true. Life at work will really change now that Cheng's last official work day is also Friday. Oh what will they do after that? More on that saga and my life another day. On a sad note Mary Faris, a church member passed on Sunday night and we will attend the services on Wednesday and Thursday.

Wild Mom is already in Nashville Tennessee. Did someone say "in a hurry"? The ease of the drive surprised her as she planned for two days and then did the drive in one day. I say she just had a lead foot! Squirrel man thinks she was just too cheap to pay for a room at the motel. Bowling was OK this weekend. The kids did the best to date and went 5-2. Lew had a really good day averaging 115. The Adult team continued it's slow start going 2-5. Though Green Giant had a great day that included three strikes in a row and a 141 game. He almost beat #1. Starr is having fun up north and even has a new pussy ... yeah, they gave her a new kitten. Just what she needs ... two hand fulls ... chicken man and a cat. We will miss Lew and Lil Princess this week while we are gone away. Oh how will we ever survive the peace and quiet! AJ is almost like a mini #1 as he is strong willed and opinionated almost to a fault. Peanut works and continues her quest for happiness and a bikini bound body. Princess is our resident workaholic, in a good way. Sometimes I wish I could wave my magical wand ... but alas, I lost it somewhere along life's road.

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Sadly, the Baseball season is drawing to a close and the Braves choked horribly in September.

Happily, the Redskins continue their losing ways.

Only 9 more months till the Tour De France returns.

Take this Job and Shove it

There are many things going on this week. Dancing With The Stars started their 11th season and the first week was interesting though my favorite dancer is taking this season off. On the bowling scene, not much has changed but Lew did have his first bad week. Green Giant is doing well in his rookie season. On the work scene, Cheng resigned effective 10/01/10. That is providing the impetus to make this and next week very interesting. There are many decisions that need to be made so time will bring resolution. I am not sure how I really feel about this but I am happy Tom will finally enjoy work once again. One week left to we head for Pigeon Forge for our Fall mini-vacation. I can't wait as I know everyone else is looking forward to the time off. Starr and Chicken man leave for New Hampshire on Friday to start a new life. It is bitter sweet when one of the chicks leave the nest but at the same time ... it is time.

Wild Mom is pumped about Pigeon Forge and they actually leave this sunday to start the trip up there with a short stop in Nashville. Lady is always busy and her exercise program is starting to pay off. She too is ready for the upcoming weekend. #1 has another interview soon and #2, well who knows. He lives every breathing moment in his man-cave. I wonder when the hibernation period will end? Peanut is doing fine. She even works out with Lady. She wants to be more beautiful. AJ is surviving. He has hidden one pair glasses, which means #1 can't bowl worth squat. I think he has a 150 average right now. AJ also hid the TV control which makes life miserable. We have searched all over and it amazes me how they can just disappear. Is water-boarding legal? Can we torture Peanut and get him to confess? Lew and Lil Princess are a joy though sometimes they get a case of the arse and make life troubling. It isn't the first time and definetely won't be the last.

Princess has returned to my life. Since my birthday, we have chatted and text almost everyday. That is good. I know I am an attention junkie but I am coping with what I can get. Maybe one day both our dreams will come true ... just like in the fairy tale. Right now she is fighting a cold and the work won't give her a chance to recover. Maybe one day I will be good enough to be her friend on Facebook! More social networking will be possible!

New version of 23rd Psalm?

Obama is the shepherd I did not want.
He leadeth me beside the still factories.
He restoreth my faith in the Republican party.
He guideth me in the path of unemployment for his party's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the bread line, I shall fear no hunger, for his bailouts are with me.
He has anointed my income with taxes, My expenses runneth over.
Surely, poverty and hard living will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will live in a mortgaged home forever.
I am glad I am American, I am glad that I am free.
But I wish I was a dog ... And Obama was a tree.

Color Change Days

Well, where do the days go? We are almost halfway through September and 3 days away from Peanut getting older! Only 17 days till it is vacation time for a few days. We are still unable to lock down a weekend at the Renn Faire and time grows short. All the Bowling leagues are in full swing now. The bad part is both teams are slow to start their winning ways. Lew started this new league with a 110 average. A far cry from the first league at 58. Green Giant endured his first night with the Sunday Night team and he did better than expected. Gee, how hard could bowling be? Wild Mom is doing fine and Squirrel man is frisking as ever. Their little episode at the campground wasn't serious and all is well. They are now heavily into planning the Pigeon Forge getaway in October. Lady is getting finer and finer. I am getting use to all the points chatter every time we sit down to eat. Meat and potatoes are my mantra! #1 made his run to Myrtle Beach and all is well down there. His bowling is suffering because he can't see so good. He keeps forgetting his glasses, so he can't see what he is doing. The perfect excuse. #2 has no change to his potato status. Games, games, games and hanging with his buds is his daily mantra. Peanut continues to work though her schedule will change some this week. Now we just need to find a way to get her up and to church on Sunday. AJ is growing and constantly moving. He has shifted from Guacamole to Queso Dip as his favorite at El Agave's. He wasn't too happy when the swimming pool got put away for the season. Lew and Lil Princess shifted their time with us a bit but we were happy to spend Friday Night and Sunday with them. Starr is invisible right now ... haven't seen her in several days. her phone must be broken as the text messages have gotten lost. Oh well, one day she will reappear. Kind of the same story for Princess, the phones are broke and the car has forgotten how to stop outside the house. I wonder if it is contagious and will it spread to others? Cheng is enjoying his vacation in South Alabama. He is having too much fun or the gators and snakes got him!

58 ... Last Night? Brrrr

Gee, I have forgot to keep this blog current. Must be Peanut's fault! The Holiday weekend went well. Other than the yard work, it was a quiet peaceful weekend. We can't wait for our weekend at Pigeon Forge in early October. I think we all need some downtime. Work remains the same and Cheng is enjoying a mini vacation down south. Hopefully he won't turn in to gator chum. The Sunday Night bowling league has started and the Youth league starts this weekend. Needless to say, #1 is already talking up the smack. Church meetings abound galore as we prep for Charge Conference. Wild Mom is enjoying all the travel and camping. She seems to spend most her time at the post office changing the delivery dates of her mail. Though last night, Squirrel man suffered a small setback but God is in control and fixing things. She is already packed for the Pigeon Forge weekend, but when isn't she ready to go? Shoot, even the motor home bug bit her, but one look at the checkbook balance cured her. Lady amazes me as she continues to maintain her busy schedule and whenever the chores fall through ... she is there to fix it. She has added her exercise class back into her schedule as she prepares for bikini season next spring. makes my heart race just imagining and thinking of it. She has even managed to get TL involved. Oh, by the way, Green Giant and TL will be bowling with us ... this should provide many memorable happenings to be posted here. #1 continues to work at the temp place but an interview is setup next week with a more permanent job at stake. We keep our fingers crossed it will work out. Same old story with #2 ... slow out of the gate and finished by the first pole. I sometimes wonder what the future will look like ... Oh crystal ball don't fail me now! Peanut is getting older on the 16th of this month. I need to check her for grey hair next time I see her ... that is a downside to aging. AJ continue to grow and develop an attitude. Oh wait, everyone in the house has one ... so why would he be different? His vocabulary is rapidly growing and hopefully the "adult examples" in his life will adjust accordingly. That or I will have to rename him ... sailor AJ. Starr is the same except she is now getting married to BMX Boy. That should occur mid to late November provided everything falls into place. Lew and Lil Princess continue to grow up too fast. Lew is in school now and Lil Princess continues to develop her control of the men in her life. Who can say "no" to her and make it stand? Reminds me of Princess a lot, but I haven't seen her in so long so who knows how she has changed. Blue and Alodar seem to pass through town once a week now. Amazing, He has tried to get through here for years but had no luck ... bam ... he has been here 3 times in the last month. Alodar is learning to drive the big rig quickly though shifting continues to challenge him. So if you see a Blue tractor with a Prime Inc trailer ... give it some extra room!

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The Braves are stumbling badly right now ... hopefully they will pull it out before they throw this whole season away.

Redskins ... well ... a great season will be 7-9. It is nice to know all that money has bought such a good team!

National seem to be playing well now that they are mostly using rookies ... doesn't anyone see a pattern here?

Sniff ... Do I smell Snow?

Can you believe it ... August is almost gone. Even the weather for the next few days is Fall like. As usual, everything is busy and not much time is available to get it done. Youth Bowling ended last night. The team finished 5th though the Bowling alley hosed the final standings. The Lady got fired for messing it so bad. Lew's average jumped 15+ pins and he even managed to roll a 141 including three strikes in a row. Move over #1, your worse nightmare has arrived. We start the Fall Adult league next Sunday. 36 more weeks of fun and competition. Wild Mom is camping and enjoying the nightlife at Styx River. Wild Mom is benefiting from her Doctor's visits. Now we just have to wean her from waiting to see the young doctor. Lady had an easy Friday as her boss took several of the ladies from work out for a boat ride and the day on the water. Well, the ride was short as the boat broke down and they had to be towed back to shore, thus making the day shorter. #1 has another interview this week ... hey maybe we will get lucky and one of them pick him up as an employee. #2 is looking once again. Nothing ever lasts forever! Peanut continues to work, take care of AJ and spend time with her friend who is visiting. She keeps pushing the envelope by baking cookies and then wanting us to eat them so she won't be tempted. AJ is full of fire. It looks like the terrible twos are gaining a foothold. But even then, he is still adorable and fun to watch. Lew is preparing for first grade when school starts in a couple weeks. Could he be that old? Lil Princess continues to keep us laughing and gets more beautiful by the day. She will be a heart breaker someday. Starr works all the time but her cold has slowed her down a lot this weekend. Maybe now I can get a word in edge wise, not to mention see her. My good friend, Bluewolf rolled through with his 18 wheel truck this weekend to pickup Alodar. Blue will train him to drive trucks for the next 5 months. That should make the roads crazy for a while. They left this morning for the Boston area. Speaking of Boston, we will be going to Baltimore for the Orioles/Boston baseball game next week. That always proves to be a great time and has become a yearly event for us ... just like the Renn Faire in Crownsville MD in a couple of weeks.

Promises ... Promises

Well, I thought I would catch up a bit. All is well except for a few sniffles. The constant pressure changes seem to keep the sinuses guessing which way to go. Youth Bowling is done and this week will be pizza and no-tap bowling and trophies. That leaves me 2 weeks before the Fall leagues start. Sometimes it seems to never end. Who knows, maybe one year I will take the summer off. Like I said, Lady, me, #1, Peanut and AJ seem to have the sniffles. AJ is getting a lot of use out of the pool. Wild Mom heads out today to camp for a few days at Styx River. I can picture it now as the mosquito's have been fasting for the week in anticipation of her arrival. #1 has an interview today so cross your fingers. #2 is back into normal mode as he was a victim of downsizing at the place he worked. I don't understand their logic for the move but what the heck. Peanut is working and trying to entertain as a friend is her for a few days. We went to see "The Expendables" and it was ok. The movie lived up to its name as the old heroes pumped up the steroids and acted like 20 somethings. I kept waiting for Stallone to call out for "Adrianne" as he got pummelled during the fight. AJ is well though his attitude will get him into trouble before long. "No" and hitting will be short lived. Starr is always busy as she pushes for her goals. We just hope the health lasts as long as the work does.

Falsely wearing a "Medal of Honor" is a free speech right? According to a Judge, it is. What a slap to all the legit wearers of this medal! Perpetuating this lie doesn't harm anyone? A lie is intended to deceive someone in order to benefit from it. This guy wore it to deceive his friends, lying about his actions for popularity. What we need is a major house cleaning of these liberal, bleeding heart judges. Interpret and apply the Law and quit making it up according to your personal beliefs. Some of these guys watch too much TV and want to be Judge Judy wannabes. Perhaps it is time to place these bozoes on the ladder just below Lawyers.

Well, enough soap box for one day.

Another Weekend of Yard Work

The weekend is almost here! Though the weekend should prove to not be the best of weekends. Tomorrow starts off with Yard Work and ends with Sunday concluding with a vote after Church concerning a proposed new ministry. Needless to say, I don't have a good feeling about it and its impact on the Church. Our Bible Study on Thursday has concluded for the summer. Now we have to find something to fill in until it restarts in the Fall. Wild Mom is feeling good now that she visits the Chiropractor several times a week. Until I get back home I will not really know whether it is the doctor's looks or his medical skill that is bringing her back. She is trying to figure out a better camping schedule once the doctor's appointments slow down. Lady is doing very well, her walking and exercising are reaping benefits and by vacation time the bikini will be the dress of choice. Her vacation while the boss is out of the country ends today as he gets home. She will have to move out of his office and go back to her cube. No change for #1 but next week has a job interview scheduled. Fingers Crossed. #2 is managing though he did tangle with the mailbox and the truck survived. However the mailbox is in serious condition. Peanut just can't stop working so it makes the time we have special. Of course, AJ helps a lot too. That little guy is a parrot at heart ... copying everything he sees or hears. One more week of Youth Bowling. I sure wish I could say we did better but this was a bad season. Oh well, that is why we stop this one and start over all fresh. Lil Princess get prettier by the day though her attitude is developing ... gee that reminds me of another Princess. Hmmm. Starr seems to have lost the concept of being at home, she just loves the work and long hours. Maybe next time she will remain hourly and get overtime for the work she does. Sounds better than being worked like a slave all day long.

Steven Slater, Jet Blue Attendant. Hey guy I know how you felt and I agree the public has gotten nasty and has little respect for others. Gee, isn't that mode most people are in now? Respect, Integrity and Responsibility are replaced with the "ME first and foremost" complex.

The Redskins start their march to last place in the NFC East tonight. Sounds good since then they can match the Nationals record. Go Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys. Wish I could move there and be part of a winning culture.

Wasn't the debut of Jackie Evancho on America's Got Talent awesome? Though I did like Kristina Young's performance too.

Hot Hot Hot

Well, Sunday evening and I sit here watching the first preseason NFL game ... Dallas vs Cincinnati. Today was a usual day, church and bowling. The Sunday night adult league starts up in 3 weeks. There is only one week left with the kids and we are in last place. I have the best average I have had in a while and Lew is also doing great. Who would figure we can't win. The grand kids were fun this weekend. They started the weekend at the "House of Bounce." AJ did have some issues and didn't want to go down the big slide. In time he will change. The other two, Lew and Lil Princess, ate it up and squeezed every ride they could get in. Wild Mom is having fun buying furniture and getting ready for another trip to Pigeon Forge. Lady is doing fine, though her walking buddy is out of town this weekend. They are in Myrtle Beach where we will be in January. They like what they see of the resort where we will stay. #1 did his usual ride to Myrtle Beach with his friend to bring his daughter back for the week. #2 has been on the go trying to rest up from work and spend some of his paycheck. Starr is fine though her teeth are bothering her again. Seems like when you get money ... numerous things pop up to help you spend it. Peanut is settling into the routine of work and caring for AJ. Her next big event is when Katy shows up for a visit. This should be interesting from a bystanders point of view. Work is about the same ... too much time and too little compensation. They officially took over the new Radio Station this week. Now come the next round of changes since we took it over. It is a never ending cycle.

Hmmm ... 01

I wonder! If no one gets hurt ... is it OK to break or stretch the rules?

Well, Saturday afternoon and all is well. The food at El Agave was great as usual. The Grand Kids will be over soon and the activity level in the house will climb accordingly. Looks like this years cruise will get postponed but we managed to get three other events reserved.

September 2010 - Renn Faire in Maryland.
October 2010 - Weekend trip to Pigeon Forge to see the leaves change.
November 2010 - Week trip to Governor's Green in Williamsburg.
January 2011 - Week trip to Myrtle Beach.

So we shall be busy even with all the usual activities we usually get involved with. Wild Mom is fine. She is just getting use to being home and not having the road life keep her busy. I can almost hear the creak of the rocker on the porch. Lady is fine. She is back to exercising so she can get into her bikini when we go to to the pools and hot tubs at the different resorts. #1 continues to moan and groan as he punishes his body at the gym. I wonder why he feels that way but then I remember ... he is almost 30! The body does funny things when you get that old. #2 is working and hoping for more hours. I guess the new girl friend eats a lot and he needs more money to pay for it. Gee, now he realizes, in a small way, what it costs me to take this crew out to eat. Starr is still waiting for her clearance to go back to work. She doesn't like all the free time around the house. Peanut, well she is still the same, working and trying to corral AJ. AJ continues to grow like a weed. He is also developing an attitude ... much like Peanut's. Lew and Lil Princess will be here later so I will have to save my comments until later.

Some times events or comments occur that just boggle my mind. I guess what really amazes me is they won't sit down and talk face-to-face. Everyone has opinions and views in their mind of what occurred ... That is understandable. But at least sit down, discuss it in a personal way and maybe then both people will modify their view of the events. Heck, maybe one of them will figure out that it isn't worth the crap and drop the whole issue just to help heal the pain and move on with our lives. There are many times I find myself wishing for just 5 more minutes with Dad ... so much to say, even more to feel. But alas, axe grinding is sometimes the preferred method of avoiding our feelings. Too bad that one day it will follow with "gee, I wish I had done it differently." Self flagellation will never solve anything except making you feel like crap ... so change ... each one of us is a person, a human being, thus we are valuable and have a purpose. Why do you think God loves us so! He sees our value even though we feel like plugged nickels. Sometimes, I hate to think that I will never get to share, love, and get to know someone this side of Heaven, all because of "I don't need you ... I can do it myself."

Summer 2010

Let me see ... how far to go back and catch up. Our little mini-vacation to Pigeon Forge TN was great. The breakfast show at Black Bear Jamboree was worth every cent. I would recommend you trying it. Of course the meal at the Old Mill Restaurant was both too much food and taste too good. Needless to say everyone over ate and spent the rest of the day suffering from pot-belly syndrome. Wild Mom was there and that made it special. Saturday lunch, late because we were still full from the Old Mill was at the Apple Barn. Once again, we ate too much. Then to top it off we walk all through the Smokey Mountain Knife Works and the Tool Outlet store across the street. We rested by driving to Cades Cove and driving around the loop road right at sunset. We saw a lot of animals especially deer. The trip home was ok except for a tire blowout. We were safe and at low speed. 3 hours later we headed home with no more incidents. Wild Mom followed us home ... probably because we fed her at Old Mill. Took us a week to convince her to go home and eat there. We even tried to get her to stay with my brother on the other side of town but mistakenly fed her some home-made ice cream ... and she came back very quickly. Really, we enjoyed her and squirrel man being here. The trailer fit perfectly in the driveway and all the hookups worked fine.

Lady is doing fine and getting finer. Work, Grand Kids and church fill up her free time. Of course a few trips to the nail salon could be squeezed in without trouble. By the way, she is ready for another road trip. #1 continues on his trek through life and the only change is he goes to the gym every night. #2 is working at a seasonal job and is being kept busy. He loves having Starr as his boss. Yes, Starr has taken up temporary residence with us as she get organized. I don't know if she loves the job more or telling #2 what to do. Peanut and AJ are also back with us. See what happens when you take a mini-vacation. Work keeps her busy and AJ is a joy to see more often. Still have a bunch of things to iron out with everyone here but time will help. Lew and Lil Princess continue to grow and warm our hearts. When Lil Princess plays her DVDs, it is fun watching her sing and dance to the video or music.

On the other front, work sucks just like the Nationals. The Braves continue on in their winning ways. Youth Bowling is ok, the team can't win but I have my highest average in several years ... 199. Lew continues to bring his average up and got his first 100+ game the other week.

Lil Bit Davis

Good Bye - Lil Bit

03/27/97 - 07/14/10
A part of our Family Forever.

It is amazing how a pet will become so much a part of you. We try and act like it doesn't matter but it does. You will cry, grieve, and feels the loss ... even for the toughest of people. Lil Bit was a gift to Ronda but in the end he had become a part of everyone's heart. Yes, there were times he irritated and was a nuisance but then he would cuddle with you and love you and every care and problem you had would melt away. If licks were kisses, Lil Bit smothered you with them and slighted no one ... family, friend or guest. Perhaps God put him here to remind me that Jesus loves us just as much. I am much better for the time we shared and what you showed me.

You will be missed.

Heat vs Attitude

Well, another weekend has come and gone and the work scene did it's best to screw it up. Lunch at El Agave was filled with phone calls. Cheng returned today but that usually doesn't stop the downhill flow that much. It doesn't matter if they do the work ... just how soon we respond to their voice mail. Don't return the call soon enough and their mistakes are wiped out ... it is our fault. Needless to say, Work isn't very high on my favorites list right now. Just a few more days till we head to Pigeon Forge for the weekend. We are looking forward to the rest and relaxation we hope to find there. Wild Mom is already on the road and will eventually get there and then follow us home. Is it possible for me to get lost coming home?

Lady is doing well but life's stresses do weigh heavy. The nursery class at Church was tough Sunday as every kid must have been wound up in overdrive. Kids Moments sounded like the children were in control for most of the time. Good thing I wasn't the one down their in the middle of the cacophony of noise. #2 is working for the next few months. He is helping provide care to a friend's father following his accident. Another interesting point is Starr started her new job today. It is known as being in the right place at the right time. With Peanut working that leaves #1 as the only one not working. Hmmmmm. The grand kids were fun but very exasperating at times this weekend. The kiddie pool got a good workout. It is amazing how such clean water have so much grass and leaves in it so fast. The box of Popsicles and bag of string cheese also took a beating.

The wall and door are up and painting has begun. Hopefully the first coat will get on the new wall tonight. Someone remind me amongst the drywall dust, dirt, and paint that she is worth this effort! Perhaps every 5 minutes would be nice.

Bowling wasn't so much fun as the team lost all 3 games. Lew wanted to play more than go to bowling so we bowled him blind. Nothing like bowling good (600 series) and losing by less than 10 pins each game. Also frustrating was the fact the other two bowlers had spares in the 10th frame and one threw a gutter and the other only hit 1 pin in the fill part of the frame. The first game their 135 average bowler rolled a 179 and the last game their 113 average bowler rolled a 190. Tough to be them doing that. We could have won if I rolled a 246-239-277=762.

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Tour De France really changed following Lance's 3 falls. Guess there will be no podium for him this year.

Life is good ... following the first half of the season, the Braves are in FIRST and the Nationals in LAST. Oh such a natural order of things.

Mid-Week Hopes

It is nice to be on the downhill side of this week. Cheng being on vacation has made it very interesting. We continue to move along in the Wednesday Bible study, "7 Deadly Sins." This weeks lesson seemed like everything I read pointed its finger at someone in the house. I guess it made it even more personal since only Lady and I were there with the Pastor. Thursday's Bible Study should also be good. I really liked the first part which we saw last week. I saw the parable of the "Sower" in a different light and even managed to learn something new about sowing wheat. The new wall build out downstairs is nearing completion. One more time of drywall prep and we should be ready to paint. Oh, let me see ... what color this time. Fire Engine red? Numerous changes around the house with the temporary addition of Starr. Hopefully, everything will resolve itself in 3 months and she can charge full speed ahead with her life. I have enjoyed the no mowing time but I do wish some rain would come and get rid of the crunchy brown grass we have. I am winning my battle against the back fence weeds and vines. The spray is really killing them all the way to the roots.

Wild Mom is busy getting ready for the next road trip which will bring her through VA. Reunions, Pigeon Forge and Grand kids ... a full plate. Lady is busy but is happy Vacation Bible School is over and she has some time free in the afternoon and evening. Little things are bugging her but like alawys ... she will straighten them out and move on. #1 continues his pursuit of Arnold's body at the gym. He comes home looking like a whipped puppy from the workout. #2, well he looks like a whipped puppy and no gym is involved. Peanut is working late. The swimming pool is dry and clean waiting for the grand kids to come this weekend and have fun. Starr has an interview on Monday ... hope it goes well. Gee, I wonder if #1 and #2 could take some pointers! Bowling resumes this week and it will be fun to see if Lew continues his 100+ streak.

##########

Enjoying the Tour De France ... some of the scenery is great and sort of makes you want to go there.
The Braves are doing great and the Nats are fumbling along as usual.

Grins

Ever wonder why it pours?

7-4-10

I hope everyone had an enjoyable 4th. We did capping it off with hand-cranked ice cream. As usual, I ate too much.We also did the grill thing with burgers, dogs, and yard bird. This weekend also included some construction work as we enclosed the Family room by adding two short walls and a door. Next comes the painting and the inevitable mess. The grand kids enjoyed the new pool and found endless hours of fun and coolness while we adults sat around wishing for a winter snow. Wild Mom camped this weekend as they finish practice sessions for the grand adventure to Pigeon Forge in a week or so. Church was great on Sunday as our old Pastor, Gary Zeigler returned to portray a circuit rider from an age long ago. It was great seeing him and his wife. We hold many a memory of them from their time with us in the early 90's. Work is pretty much the same except Cheng is on vacation till the 12th. Sadly, nothing ever changes at that place. Sure wish my network would kick in and something new would surface. Saturday the Tour De France returned for a 23 day run on TV. I love to watch the race and try and pick the winners. Yes, I have a fantasy bike team. I think yesterday I was #10249 in the standings. So far back I could not see the front. Hope to do better today and tomorrow before the scores are reset and the real scoring starts.No change in #1 and #2. However, #1 is going to the gym with a friend and trying to see who can wear the other out. Peanut is doing fine and working regularly. Her hours just changed and hopefully she will get more hours and customers. AJ is a joy to watch as he talks more and more. Of course, we must interpret somethings but usually we figure it out. Starr spent the weekend at Station #13 and played around. Could she be a pyromaniac or someone who loves hot stuff?

###########

Go Team Blackhawke!! (Tour De France)

Thanks Nationals for being so predictable!

Go Braves! Gotta love Consistency!

Thank You national League Coach for NOT picking Strasburg to the All-Star Team.
Let him earn it not buy it or get media-pushed into it.

VBS 2010

Let me think ... Lady, Lil Princess and Lew returned from their little jaunt to Illinois. Everyone had a great time with lots of goodies brought back home. The travel was uneventful as we all wished for. This week was Vacation Bible School. That means dealing with some 25 kids for 5 days. I spent the week doing the technical stuff. The kids enjoyed the week and we all survived. Wild Mom is getting ready for a few reunions and then to meet us in Pigeon Forge for the weekend (July 16). As for work, it is easy to sum up ... same old crap. The new station is up and going now ... at least from an engineering point of view. Summer Bowling is going well. My average is now 197 and Lew's is up to 78. Team wise, we are in the middle of the pack. We keep losing the close ones by less than twenty. I guess that is better than getting wiped out. Peanut is working and we don't get to see a lot of her. AJ comes over and amazes us. He is putting whole sentences together. Sometimes the words are a little tough to decipher. But we are learning. No change with #1 or #2. Starr has moved in for 3 months while she and firebug get back on their feet. Today is El Agave as soon as lady gets back from the grocery store. Next week the "Tour De France" begins. You can easily guess what my life will be scheduled around.

***************

Strasburg is a good pitcher but he is stuck on the Nationals. Gee, they predicted he would start their Playoff run ... well, last time I looked the run went from 5 behind the Braves to 11 behind. Nice Run!

Time Sure Flies

I like these days off every other day but I don't know if my body can survive it. Too many odd jobs to do. I seem to work harder than at the Station. I guess it is the physical aspect of everything. Oh well, I will survive provided the lawn mower, edger and weed eater do. Twice this week Lew almost broke 100 in bowling. He was so close but I imagine he will do it by July. Lady, Lew and Lil Princess are heading to Illinois with friends for a week. That should be a fun trip.The down side is that I will be a Class "B" bachelor for the time. Wild Mom is doing fine and camping in the trailer whenever possible. Starr is happily working and trying to land a second job. Gee, trying for her first million by age 30!. The Birthday Party was fun and everyone ate too much ... especially the cake and pudding. Peanut is also having fun in her new job. Right now she is getting use to the hours but the days off are really easy to adjust too. AJ is all boy and 2 years old combined into one kid. I went to the movies and saw "Prince of Persia" last weekend. It was an interesting movie.
Have a great day and I will add more later ....

Is This Politically Incorrect?

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to
the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all."

Catching Up

Guess I had better update this site. Sorry for the delay but the new radio station build out has upset my schedule for the past few weeks. I promise to get back on schedule.

Our Summer Schedule: (so far)

• June 10-17 Lady and Grand kids head for Indiana.
• July 16-19 Pigeon Forge with friends.
• September Renn Faire
• September Branson or Williamsburg
  

Since last time I wrote anything, the Youth Bowling has both ended and restarted. Lew's team did not fair well but his first trophy for participating was no less desired. Right now it sets on the TV for all to see. My team finished in second. The new league on Sunday Night has started and Lew and I bowl together this time. On his first night he set a 77 average. It would be nice to see him break 100 this season.

Wild Mom along with Squirrel Man have been bitten by the camping bug. So if you hear some unexpected noise from the woods ... well, they may be camping out there! She is doing well except for wishing we were down there. Believe me, that slower pace would be nice, but we aren't ready for it yet. Too many things to do and they require money. So if anyone has extra ... handouts are gratefully accepted. The old motor home was finally sold and is gone. She spends a lot of time "just a swangin" on the gazebo swing.

Lady is doing well. She keeps getting more beautiful as time goes on. Her birthday came and went but we did not forget! Her knee doesn't hurt a lot but it has its bad days. Now the challenge is to get her to slow down and let the knee rest. Maybe it is time for a maid! She is glad that bowling is finished. Now her Sunday evenings are free (no kids or bowling). She is getting excited about her trip home and is counting down the days till then.

#1 and #2 ... sadly no change in their life or status.

Peanut has finished school and is now gainfully employed. Can you believe that? Well, it is true and she loves the new job. She stopped by on Tuesday after work and it seemed her feet were 6 feet off the ground. Not to mention she talked 90 mph. We are proud of her and hope all her plans workout. Of course AJ is a handful. He never fails to get a smile from us, though sometimes we wonder about his antics. He is always on the go and shows no fear when it comes to climbing or jumping.

Lew and Lil Princess continue to grow and warm our hearts. Lew continues to improve his bowling and even at the young age of 6 you can see the competitive edge come to the forefront of his actions. We are still working on getting him to listen to us and possibly realize Nana and Papaw do know what we are talking about. Lil Princess is growing into a little lady. It is fun watching her go through the dresses to pick out the right one on Sunday Morning. About three weeks ago I put a small gold necklace on her and she won't let us take it off. Does she love jewelry?

Hey, Starr has a new job ... Pizza Hut. Cheng and I had lunch there earlier this week ... luckily she wasn't on duty yet ... j/k. I know that she is happy now as she can now contribute o the costs of life. Her and firebug are looking for a new apartment. They are getting rid of that over-priced Crystal City place. Her photography is coming along. Too bad she couldn't meet and spend time with my Granddad. That was his life many years ago.

Work has been busy as Cheng and I did what we needed to do to get it on the air. Lots of long hours and very short nights. We made it though there wasn't time left when we were finished and ready for air. What is next? It would be nice to see some monetary compensation for the effort ... but then we are in "a niche market" and they aren't bound by normal rules ... or so they say! Give me an offer (and not necessarily better) and I will show them "niche market" rules!

Positives: Atlanta Braves
Negatives: Redskins, Nationals and especially the Capitals

Cinco de Mayo

Gee, it is mid-week already. What is going on ... time seems to be flying by. It is only 8 months till cruise time ... can it be that soon? Our Sunday Night Adult league concluded this past Sunday. We finished strong and made it to 7th place. Too bad we had that mid-season slump. The Kids league still has three weeks to go and they stubbornly hang onto 2nd. Lew is till doing great and his average is 65. He keeps coming close to breaking 100. Sometimes keeping him focused on bowling and not the other kids horsing around is a challenge. Wild Mom is fine. Doctor's appointments and tests are the building blocks of her day. Lady is fine. Her doctor gave her a good report on her knee. No more therapy or visits until it acts up again. This week she is adjusting to TL being gone for the next 10 days. Oh, what will she do? I guess I better get ready for a rash of Honey-do's as she kicks in to cleaning mode. In June she will head for Indiana to see Mom and Dad. #1 and #2 have no changes to report. I would go crazy if that was my schedule of life. Must be a generational thing! Peanut's school draws closer to the end and then graduation. The kids were a blast this weekend. Lil Princess had a boo-boo where she kissed the ground. But other than that she had her moments where she was just pure mean. AJ got a new popper mower for his 2nd birthday and then helped me cut the grass on Saturday. Starr is going through withdrawal from cigarettes as she tries to quit. Work is crazy as the on-air date (05/15) for the new station gets closer. More and more stuff winds up under the responsibility of Engineering. Are we having Fun yet? Tonight starts another Bible Study at the church titled "The Seven Deadly Sins."

Spring Time Lull

Well, we are back into the normal routine. No trips on the horizon in the foreseeable future. We are still trying to figure out our summer plans. One week left on the Sunday Night League. It looks like we will finish around at .500 and in the middle of the pack. The Youth league has 3 weeks and they are in 2nd place right now. I still have to decide about the Summer Youth league. Sometimes the free time sounds great. The new Radio Station build out is going ok with the usual response of "waiting on a vendor to send us the stuff." We have been waiting 2 weeks for Verizon to show up and finish the job. The more I deal with them the more arrogant they seem. Wild Mom is fine. She just returned from Camp and really enjoyed it. Probably her best time of all the times she has gone. She has almost finished her swing awning and now spends most of the day swinging. Must be nice. Squirrel Man helped her put it together but she won't let him swing on it ... he has to lay underneath it. :) Lady is busy but right now fighting off a bug. She did not feel well yesterday and spent most of it sleeping. #1 and #2 still do what they do best ... play games and sit up all night. AJ spent last Friday night and Saturday with us and kept us very busy. Lew and Lil Princess showed up Saturday afternoon and raised the activity level even higher. Sometimes Lil princess gets real mean then boom, she is as innocent as she can be. She is too young for PMS ... must be in her genes. Peanut is getting closer to graduating, not many weeks left now.

Way to Go Capitals ... Lot of hopes dashed by your less than championship play. Maybe instead of spending all the money on offense ... buy a good goalie! Montreal Did!

40 and Counting towards 50

The journey is over and we safely returned from Florida. The Reunion was fun except there were too many old people there. Would have been nice to find a few good looking young babes but then I would have been in trouble ... so I guess it works out. Heck, there were NO bikinis, hip huggers, thongs, speedos or skinny dipping. Though we did pass by the All-Natural club. Going down there we made it in two days. Breakfast the first day was in Oak Ridge TN where we met a friend and her son and had a great time. Great little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Coming home we did it in one day. I am about finished with those types of runs. It takes too much out of me to do a 17 hour day. The Reunion was fun but most of the people I remember were not there. The standard line was "I remember you," to which I replied, "I don't remember you ... it has been 40 years." I did refrain from answering, "I don't remember you because I didn't like you then, so would it change after 40 years?" The beach was pretty and Lady had her shoes off pretty quickly. We skipped the second day and spent it with Wild Mom. Mexican Food was the lunch choice. It was good but not quite up to El Agave's standard. About all we did other than the reunion was sit on the swing and catnap. That seems to be the order of the day down there. Mom did most of the talking, a drawback to letting her stay home so long by herself. I guess I need to plan frequent activities for her. Travelling weather was great and I could have asked for better. Lady and Wild Mom spent a good part of Saturday playing with Wild Mom's cricket ... some crafting machine that sucks you into buying more and more accessories. The sonny-do's were relatively light but I suppose she is saving the back-breakers for another day. We did not see much family though in fairness we made no attempt to see them. Gung-Ho Jen was a no-show on Saturday ... work must have required her presence. What-a-burger and Sonic are the same ... good food and fun. Squirrel Man spent some time with us and managed to hit the restaurants with us. Not much else to say as we basically vegetated and swung our self to sleep.

No updates on anyone else (Starr, Peanut, Princess, or TLJ) as I did not receive any calls or texts. I guess after ignoring them for so long they gave up.

He Lives

Easter weekend was full and very active. We started Thursday with Maunday Thursday Service and Communion, then Friday we had a Pasta dinner served and prepared by the Young Adults and then watched the movie "The Passion." The movie made you think of how it might have been and it definitely touched you emotionally. Earlier, Friday, I had breakfast with a long time friend. It was great and I am happy to see they are succeeding in life. Saturday was spent regrouping and getting ready for Sunday. Since Lady was cooking so much for Sunday, we went to Red Robin for dinner. As usual, it was good. Lew and Lil Princess showed up Saturday Evening and raised the activity level some 100%. Seeing them each Saturday really emphasizes how much they grow in just one week. Before you know it, we will be celebrating High School Graduation. The weather for the Sunrise service was beautiful. After the last few services were so chilly to down right cold, this one was a treat. The sky was broken clouds so the Sun was definitely visible and added to the service. Afterwards, we had breakfast at the church, lots of casseroles, and then killed time waiting for the next event. During the 11:00 am Service, the Choir performed their annual Cantata, it was nice. Do to the many jobs needing to be filled, I ran the sound board during the songs. The afternoon was quiet as we all napped. Starting that early in the morning (6:00 am) wore us out especially Lil Princess. Of course, Bowling capped off our Sunday Night on the Adult League. The Youth league was postponed a week. We went 4-3, #1 did not have a good night as Lady managed to our score him. The way I bowled Saturday made me really wonder how I would do. Even Starr and her significant other managed to recover from the Bachelorette Party on Friday and visit us at the bowling alley. Sadly the fun came to an end and we prepared for work on Monday. When will it ever end?

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Redskins - Way to go ... increase the average age of the team even more with players nearing the end of their career. McNabb, Johnson, and Parker were added. Snyder loves to buy "Names" even though they are at the end of their career, doesn't it occur to him, if the player was still an impact player, the previous team wouldn't let him go! They let people go or trade them just before their obsolescence date for maximum trade value. Snyder definitely has more money than brains when it comes to Football.

The Zephyr - Day Ten

Well, my last day on the train started out with breakfast. They won't serve lunch as we arrive too soon in DC. I didn't sleep much last night, not because of me but because I talked or rather listened all night. I learned a lot about Mozambique. Maybe something will come of this but time will tell. Always remind me never to escort 15 high School girls and 10 boys on a one week trip to DC. It is only their first day and the leaders are burned out. I had dinner with the three leaders and they were already wishing they were on the train back home. I must also get my Cell phone serviced when I get home. None of the kids called or texted this week. The train arrived 15 minutes early ... something almost unheard of a couple of years ago. Well, time to return to reality again ...

The Zephyr - Day Nine

Well, most of the snow that was on the ground when we came out West a week ago is melted. How quickly the 12 inches disappeared. I have done the trip enough I am able to name the stops from their looks. The train stops about every 3 hours for a smoke break. The Conductor announces the stop as a chance to stretch and get some fresh air ... smoking is fresh air? The farmers are starting ti turn the soil for the new crops. I watch several tractors when we were stopped waiting on another train. Each row was maybe a mile in length. How do they keep the rows straight? I would doze off and so would my line. I guess that is why God never let me have a successful garden. One realization I have come too is that my yard isn't so bad compared to some of the trash dumps we passed. I just could not live like that. You can tell it is Spring Break, a million kids riding the train. On this train with limited electrical outlets, there must be 100 ipods waiting to be recharged. Forget about getting my cell phone done much less my computer. I think every one of them have a DS and is playing them as hard as they can. The noise is definitely noticeable when the train gets quiet ... even on head sets. Chicago looms ahead and the 4 hour wait for the train ride home ... the final leg. After a lunch at Pizza Hut and dessert at Cinnabon, I am ready for the 14 hour ride to DC. On one side of me is a man from Manchester England ... go United ... and on the other side is a man from Poland heading for South Africa. The conversations are definitely different. The Englishman was comparing what he saw and experienced to that of home and the Polish man spoke of the business opportunities in Mozambique. Mind you, they both were very interesting. Well, time to catnap again ...

The Zephyr - Day Eight

Well, I was able to see part a part of Nevada I couldn't see on the trip out because of darkness. I didn't miss anything. There is nothing out there but desert and nothingness. With no cell service for maybe 2 hours at one stretch ... what would a kid do? The bald Eagles are still in the same place roosting. I am amazed how many of them are there, almost a dozen. We went by so quickly it was tough to get an accurate count. Once again, conversation, puzzles and sleep were the staples of the day. I am amazed at how much we are on time. Compared to the last we made this trip, this is great. Apparently, AMTRAK won a lawsuit against the Freight Companies for more equitable track time. Before, when AMTRAK was delayed the penalty paid by the BNSF or Union Pacific wasn't a problem. The Judge changed that and now the penalty is such that it hurts them bad if the train is delayed because of freight. The Lady behind me just got out of the Hospital this morning. The baby is so tiny and when it cried it is more like a squeak. It seems like ancient history to think of #1 and #2 at that size. I think I had hair then and could run 3 miles with relative comfort. Today, I played a game of "What if" as the scenery passed by. I got off the train for a while in Denver. It was nice to walk without swaying or bouncing. Walking on the train is much harder than the Cruise ship. Well, time to catnap again ...

The Zephyr - Day Seven

Well, another tournament draws to a close. I did good and feel good about it. Doubles could have been better but I did not care for my partner. That is another story for another day. I slept in today knowing this would be the last sleep in a real bed for a few days. After packing and storing my stuff with the Bell Captain, I headed for the Sands to collect my winnings and to eat at "Mel's Diner." They had a great hamburger and the atmosphere was interesting. I walked about town some while waiting for the train. Needless to say the train arrived at 4:40 pm and the journey home started. Don't like this train as they do not have electric outlets at each seat and the food staff are not as much fun. The Lady sitting behind me let her grandson color all over his face and then praised him for his creativity. Later she had enough nerve to ask me not to eat my Dorito's in front of him. She does not allow him to eat any junk food and I was tempting him. Get real and I continued to eat them. I might have even managed to smack a bit as I licked the stuff off my fingers. They finally got off at Grand Junction but not after amazing me with her dumb ideas and stupid sayings. The scenery was beautiful but the trip is getting long. Well, time to catnap again ...

The Zephyr - Day Six

Well, I spent this morning watching the early shift bowl and drinking coffee. Not quite as fun as the Observation car but better than the Parking garage. Well, I bowled the BTM Tournament and did well, right now I am eighth, so maybe it will hold up until the end of the tournament and make the number needed to qualify for payoff. Oh, I did manage to win my brackets from last night. Now I have to get to the Sands Casino to get my winnings. 5:30 tonight I will bowl my doubles and singles. Hope it goes as well at the BTM did. Well, this year's tournament is over and for the most part it was successful and fun. I hope I get a new doubles partner for next year but that is a story for another day. After bowling, I had dinner with the Visionary Bowling Staff at Circus Circus Buffet. Now that was one meal were bowling was talked along with many other things. Come to find out , Cecil Scarboro was from Panama City. Guess Wild Mom will have to check the genealogy and see if he is related to us. Sadly, it is now time to pack and get ready for the ride home. While it will be fun, reality will set in ... work. Many funny stories about the people here. Like the man with his pants so low, below his butt cheeks, his underwear showed. He needed to smoke so when he crammed his hand into his pants pocket for his lighter ... the pants dropped to the ground, since he was walking, he nose dived into the floor, hit his head on the escalator hand rail and almost rolled down the escalator. Everyone, including his girl friend around laughed out loud and yours truly kindly pointed out that the shop across the hall sold BELTS that would prevent that from happening again. We did have one flaming butt hole get kicked out of the tournament and escorted out of the building. Well, time to catnap again ...

The Zephyr - Day Five

Well, I did not get to watch the sunrise from the observation car and drink coffee this morning. I did get to see the parking Garage out my window and the side of another Casino. At least I can see the big clown face at Circus Circus. The weather is great, warm with a light breeze. Most noticeable is the humidity or rather lack of it. I had to use the lotion this morning. I like the room, it has connecting doors to the room on each side of me. How many times have we asked for and not gotten this setup. Oh well, Murphy's law. Breakfast was good, Oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins and to top it off ... Sticky Pecan Bun. It was huge, a meal by itself. It took two pots of coffee to wash it all down. I bowl tonight at 8:30 so today is pretty much a be lazy day. I am not really a gambler so all I do is walk about and watch the people and their reactions. No word from Blue on whether he and Gung-Ho Justin got out of Utah heading this way.

Well, the main reason I am here occurred. We bowled the Team event tonight. There were a lot of new faces on the team. Out of 10 guys only three of them have been here longer than me and that is a scary thought. My highlight was getting my pin for 20 straight years. Can you believe that ... 1991 - 2010. Well, that leaves me 5 more to the next milestone. I did ok, always want to do better but I felt good about tonight and actually can't wait till double and singles. Tomorrow, I will also bowl in the BTM Tournament. Late message from Blue was that they were sent back East with a truckload out of Salt Lake City. Oh, well maybe next time, Reno dodges a bullet. Dinner tonight was a Burrito Grande ... I think that thing will bark at me all night since I ate so late. Well, time to catnap again ...

The Zephyr - Day Four

Well, I really enjoyed watching the sunrise from the observation car and drinking coffee in the cool train car. Gee sounds familiar, it should. Reno is just around the bend ... well, several hours to be exact. We made great time but are still late. Checked into the Silver Legacy about 11 am. Not much has changed in this town, well, at least what matters to me. After getting the funky clothes off and a nice hot shower, I managed to find a very good Burger place. It was good but not as good as "The Continental" in Rosslyn. You would never guess where I went next ... you guessed it. The Bowling Stadium to check things out. Saturday I am going to bowl a second tournament, might as well make the most of the weekend. It will be 5 games across 10 lanes. I do better if I roll the extra tournaments, helps me focus and not chase the cocktail ladies ... not! Frankie May is still at the Visionary Booth ... so we chatted for several hours as he worked on my bowling balls. Refinish, rejuvenated, and re-gripped them. Good for another 3 years! Shows around here are not much to speak of, this weekend the big one is "King of The Cage." Ultimate fighters are not my kind of entertainment. Maybe I will take in a Texas Hold-em tournament ... $25 get you 2500 chips and a chance to win $25000. Where is #1 when you need him? Not sure about dinner tonight ... either steak or oriental ... hmmmm ... I managed to squeeze in a short nap just to rest my legs. It felt so good to lie down and not sit up to sleep. Skip won't make it as his health is not so good, maybe next time. Blue and the Gung-Ho Justin are in Salt Lake City trying to get to Reno. But the weather is fighting them as a snow storm is to our east. That should prove to be an interesting time when he does. Well, time to catnap again ...

The Zephyr - Day Three

Well, I really enjoyed watching the sunrise from the observation car and drinking coffee in the cool train car. Gee sounds familiar. I am such a creature of habit. Snow, at least 12 inches is on the ground as we pass Fort Morgan Co. heading for Denver. As we go through the mountains just west of Denver we have been stopped several times because the Avalanche detectors have gone off and the Railroad Dispatcher has stopped us until they check it out. The scenery is beautiful especially with the snow. It is wet and heavy and the trees show the effects of the extra weight. Deer, antelope, eagles, rabbits, and turkey abound as we wind through the mountains. I have been using the smoking stops to get outside and walk around. Cool brisk air wakes you up fast. Going past Glenwood Springs, I could see where the rock avalanche from last week had taken out half of Interstate 70. Some pretty good boulders were laying around the damage. We will have a 2 hour delay in Grand Junction for track work ahead of us. Well, I used the delay for good. They had Public WIFI so I was able to check emails and get the first two days posted. I really did not feel like wandering the streets of Grand Junction ... there really wasn't that much out there. We can not leave the station until 6 pm when they finish their days work. I wound up with the late dinner shift tonight (8 pm). Unlike last time they are not showing a movie in the Observation car. Well, time to catnap again ...

The Zephyr - Day Two

Well, I really enjoyed watching the sunrise from the observation car and drinking coffee in the cool train car. All the glass chilled the place down. Breakfast was spicy with salsa spread all over a quesadilla topped off with a big bowl of grits. The train arrived in Chicago about an hour late but no problem as I still had over a four hour wait for the California train. One thing that has made it clear not to travel alone, is there is no one to watch the luggage while you do anything. Where ever you go, you drag it along. Somethings never change ... people complain and grouse about everything. Sometimes, I would even volunteer to toss them out the bottom door at 60 mph. This train is longer and a little bit fuller. But so far I have managed to not have a seat mate so far on this leg of the trip. 5 pm and we are in Galesburg Il., fixing to head across the Mississippi River. Should prove to be a long night, the man across the aisle took a nap and snored louder than the train. Dinner was once again great as I ate with a Farmer and his son ... never will guess what we talked about. Also a retired Activity Director from a Senior Care Facility. The three of them were from the same town so I only had to listen while they reminisced about home. Tomorrow should be interesting ... it is snowing pretty good right now. Well, time to catnap again ...

The Zephyr - Day One

Well after waiting for a year the journey finally begins. I arrived early to Union Station to allow Cheng the chance to escape DC before rush hour. Unlike Dad's first time there, I didn't get beat up by the Police during an arrest in the men's room. I did visit Sbarros and ate pizza for lunch. I think I have always done that ... nothing like some grease before a long train ride with aircraft sized restrooms. Human nature is the same ... pushing and shoving to get out the waiting room. They still only managed to get to the train car 1 person ahead of me. Hey, you have reserved coach tickets ... you have a seat ... relax. It seems that the seats have been placed farther apart, I can barely reach the foot rest on the seat ahead. One thing new is the power outlet at every seat. That is great, now I wish they had WIFI. I have found the setup if I get that new crackberry on how to use it as a modem. Mafia Wars all the time! My seat mate for this leg of the trip is a young lady who graduates from the University of Illinois as a school teacher. She was very talkative about her student teaching that she just finished. She spend most of the time doing exercises in her Advanced Spanish Grammar book. How much could St. Marks use her for their Spanish classes? The Dining car was redesigned and for the most part for the good. We still get plastic china, a far cry from days gone by, but hey, they work. Dinner was very good. The steak was perfect and very tasty and I even managed to save room for some Hagen Daz vanilla ice cream. Dinner conversation was with a retired school teacher from Detroit. Very interesting was their views on Obama and Education. My Soduku puzzles are getting a work out though my current one is a bear. Having to really think. I really didn't sleep for any time length ... I catnapped for short periods and then moved about watching the scenery. Well, time to catnap again ...

To: Lady

Need 14 get 17

Well, one week to go until the Great Train ride of 2010 begins. Not that I am eagerly looking forward to it but I can't wait. My buddy from California will meet me there and we will bowl some and talk a lot. This past weekend was a good weekend in that Lady and I attended the "Weekend To Remember" Conference. We attend these as tune ups to our marriage. Is it the solution or guarantee of a successful one? No, but it sure helps. I didn't get to attend Sunday's morning session as the Radio Station decided to burp and require my assistance. Oh well ... a job is a job. Bowling was mixed bag. My youth team lost (1-3) but Lew had a great day (78-65-84). Really great was when he got up to bowl in the last frame of the last game. If he got a spare and 4 pins his team would win the game. He threw a good first ball, then picked up the spare. With everyone cheering and even holding their breath he threw his next ball and got 7 pins. For a kid with a 57 average, he performed as a pro. The place broke out in a roar. I don't think he fully grasped what he accomplished but he loved the attention. I was proud of him. Sunday night was the same. We lost to a team we should have beat easily. So our journey to the bottom continues with no end in site. Other than Sunday, we didn't see the grand kids since we were at the conference all weekend. That being said I have no comments on #1, #2 or Starr since I don't have any first hand knowledge or observations. Thursday, we finished our Bible Study of David Jeremiah's "Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World." It was great and I recommend it if you are looking for a good study. I did manage to order our next course of study. It is called "Modern Parables", we will take 6 Bible parables and study them. There is a short movie showing the Parable as it might happen in today's world. Then we will see an application video of applying it to our life. It should prove to be fun as I have watched the first movie and it is well made and thoughtful.

Nationals ... 0-10 ... Different players same results ... They have losing down to a science. Given the Saints victory ... maybe in 20 years the Nationals too ... will make it to the top! Its about time for the Redskins to find that one season that will propel them for the 20 years too. When was the last time they played in the big game ... 1991? 19 Years?

Reflections on a Train Ride

Well, another week comes to a close. Why does time have to pass so fast. I want a lazy slow day that you can enjoy. I wonder if I should start saying "no" more often. The Church's multimedia project moves right along with a lot remaining to accomplish. Our Lenten Bible Study is great though the dynamics did change a bit with the addition of more people. More people means more ideas and thoughts and that is good.

This weekend we will be attending the "Weekend To Remember" conference in Reston Va. Our best friends are also attending so that means we will have a great time. What should I do for "Date Night" on Saturday? The best part is that this weekend is all free.

I booked my trip to Reno this week and now all I have to do is wait. This will be the first time in many years that I will travel to Reno alone. That realization generated a lot of thoughts of Dad's trips with me. He loved that train ride just as I do. Another thought was of George and his last trip with me. We talked so much that week, and a lot of it was personal, if I could have known that 8 weeks later he would be gone, ... well, I don't know. I have been making this annual trip since 1991, Toledo Ohio started it all and this year it will be #19. As I think of the years past I realize how much it has impacted my life, my memories, and my thoughts. My wish was that everyone in my life could experience that trip with me. I thinks bonds are formed and strengthened to withstand life's pressures. It is almost like a pilgrimage that occurs the last weekend in March.

Bowling on Sunday is going well. Lew is very consistent but that last game each week is a challenge as the attention spans decrease and the kids start playing and goofing around. Sunday Night league is a challenge as we are stuck in the middle of the pack. The team chemistry has changed a lot since George last bowled. We are competitive but that last piece we need to breakout and climb up to the top has been found yet.

The house is quiet and #1 and #2 continue as usual. No new words when it comes to employment ... so the spring jobs I have planned now have ready workers available. Lew and Lil Princess are a blessing and watching them grow up is fantastic. Lil Princess is becoming such a little lady, you just want to hold her and say "stop growing up." Yes, she has an attitude but that also makes her lovable. Lady is busy with the Church Easter Egg project. The house always has the smell of chocolate, coconut, and peanut butter wafting about. The diet was blown with all the samples laying about just begging to be consumed. Wild Mom is getting ready for camp next week and that is one of the highlights she looks forward too. About 4 weeks till Lady and I visit her and I go to my 40th High School reunion. has it been that long? Can't be, I am only 22!!