Ponderings

Day of Feasts and Family

2011-11-25T12:32:00.001-05:00

Once again, I have been less than faithful in keeping this page up. I accept my punishment of flogging with 50 wet noodles. Only about 6 weeks till vacation week. I am really looking forward to the sun and fun. Lady is too. The Youth bowling is going ok and we have been hanging on to the 3rd place for several weeks now. We just can't seem to take the next step and move up. The Sunday Night league is interesting in that we are doing better than last year but can't get out of the bottom 3. Green Giant is back and settling in nicely. His ribs don't protest too much. Work is the same. Perfection and 24/7 support is expected of us but mediocrity is allowed for others. The web server has been a pain for me the last two weeks but hopefully I now have it under control and running right. A little birdie told me Star and Chicken Man are returning to Virginia to try their luck here once more. I thought Georgia was heaven! Oh well, we wish them all the luck in the world and besides it might be nice to have them closer than a measly 10 hour drive. Not much change for #1 and #2. #1 gets hooked for babysitting a lot now that Peanut is working again. While I wish she was here for the kids, I understand her decision. Lew is doing great at bowling and hopefully he will start swinging the ball in January. We tried it this season but he wasn't quite ready. Lil Princess, well what can be said. She has the beauty, personality, and youthfulness that will melt any heart. Though finesse isn't in the cards yet. I can spot that attempt to persuade me instantly! AJ is a hand full but a fun handful. This Christmas should prove to be the best one ever. Vinny is growing like a weed and is already up to 16 pounds. We just had to switch the formula over to Soy-based to help him out with his stomach and gas. Cereal is next to come though this morning he managed to eat a bit of my oatmeal. I couldn't get it in fast enough.

Thanksgiving was great. Vinny and I watched football and had crab dip and generally interspersed naps during the commercials. Lady and Peanut put together a spread worth waiting for. Though Star and Chicken man weren't here physically, I had my family all around and that was great. I hope Christmas is a carbon copy with Star and Chicken man physically here! I was asked once what I wished for on Thanksgiving and I answered Family and the fulfillment of one little secret wish. I received the Family part but not the other.

I am avoiding the stores on Black Friday though Lady is braving the Crafts store as she gets some stuff for Christmas presents.

Dallas Cowboys are moving up just as fast as the Redskins are imploding. It seems like forever since the 'Skins 3-1 start.

Memory Lane - October 2011

2011-10-21T08:56:00.003-04:00

Well, we made it safely to Florida and back home. The drive was beautiful with the leaves changing but no matter how I do it, the drive is too long. Where are rocket cars when you need them. Wild Mom's sonny-do list was completed. I finished the most wanted ones. We still managed to eat at Barnhill's (Buffet) in Pensacola and then ate at Ed's Seafood Shed in Mobile on the Causeway. I haven't drove there in quite a while. Coming home I drove the old highway (US98) back to Pace. That area hasn't changed a lot so a lot of memories were stirred up for everyone. Wild Mom's new shed (craft room) is nice and the work that Squirrel Man has done is impressive. Maybe I will have to get a shed and bring him up to finish mine. Lady loved the trip since all she did was read and sew. There wasn't a daughter-do list ... favoritism? We pre-bowled Sunday Night and managed to win 4-3, so we are not in last place anymore. Close but not there. On the kids league, we are in second place. This is better that last season but the surprise is my average sucks and we are still winning. Work continues to be a source of frustration but like a good soldier, I report in every morning for my tour of duty. On our trip we even manged a short stop at Star's and Chicken Man place in Marrietta. It was great seeing them for the first time since they were married. Amazing, she was alive and in one piece with no bruises. Just Kidding, they are doing great and constantly are pursuing the job market and planning on moving before long. We even managed to see Jenn (camerabug) for a little bit. She is as beautiful as ever though her neck/shoulder is giving her a fit.

On the home front, #1 works and spends his time with Vinny and AJ. #2 doesn't work and spends his time with the computer. Peanut spends all her time with Vinny and AJ. Vinny is now over 2 months old. Will someone please slow him down, he won't be a baby very long at this pace. It seems some days you can see him growing. Sometimes the thought of a #1 mini-me is frightening. AJ is excited about Halloween. Costumes, trick or treating, and pumpkins are his favorites. We will get to see Lou and Lil Princess this weekend. How we missed them and they were not very far from our thoughts the whole trip.

Well, as the year winds down, the one thing I have wished for all year has not occurred. I still hope it will appear as a Christmas present. Being at home last week brought many memories back. The pictures, memento's, and places where the memories were created brought home the thought that family is the most important thing we have. What would I do without them? We found the Half Dollar I gave to Dad when I saluted him the first time as an officer. The hand written note with the coin taped to a sheet of paper in a document protector was priceless. We even found my first discharge certificate as an E-1 from the United State Marine Corp in 1972. Now I must get it framed. Man, did my mind then take a whirlwind trip down memory lane. It would be 3 more years till I met the love of my life. Ok, enough of the Memory Lane stroll.

Reflections on the last Day of September

2011-09-30T13:55:00.002-04:00

Today is the last day of September and I am amazed as I wonder where all this year has gone. I just want to slow things down and enjoy them a bit longer. With Facebook constantly changing (not for the better) and their desire to own what ever you post, I plan to do most of my writing here. Though my preference still remains to be face to face and talk about this stuff. There is a lot to be said about eyeball contact.

The Hebrews Bible study is finally over with and the next one will be a study of the Book of John. We previewed the DVD last night and it was interesting. Now I have to go and get the participant books ordered to we can get started soon. The Hebrews Study drove the point home that "Jesus is better than anything else."

Many things I want to get back into if I can find some time. Things like geneology, rebuilding and updating my website, reading my 4 books that chronicle the movie series "Game of Thrones," and eventually watch the season premiere of "TerraNova." I guess this is a good reason to retire, so I can have more time for myself and what I like to do.

Looks like we will be going to Florida for a few days in October since our weekend in Pigeon Forge fell through. I have to really look at the map and see if it is possible to get to Florida without passing through Kennesaw Georgia. That place is full of Redskins Fans, NY Jets Fans, animal lovers and crazy women who love cameras. Man, itn't there one normal person in that town?

Just a thought ---

I was walking around in a supermarket when i saw a cashier hand this little boy his money back, the boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old. The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.'' The little boy turned to the old woman next to him, ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?'' She replied, ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly. The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.' I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this, 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.'' My heart nearly stopped. The little boy looked up at me and said, 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.' Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!'' OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money. The little boy said, 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.'' 'My mommy loves white roses.' A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind. Then I remembered a local newspaper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy? Two days after this encounter with the little boy I read in the newspaper that the young woman had passed away. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest. I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed forever. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is still, to this day, hard to imagine, and in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

Now you have 2 choices:

(1) Use this to make a difference in someone's life, or
(2) Ignore it as if it never touched your heart

2011-09-29T13:05:00.001-04:00

Just realized I way behind on my blogs. Where did the time go ... oh, I know. Work and home stuff. A lot has happened and I will just briefing cover them for now. The biggest item was Vincent Joesph Davis being born. It has changed the whole dynamics of the house. Every day he has something new for us to see or experience. Yes, he is healthy and very active. Peanut is well especially since his birth went a lot easier than AJ's.

Green Giant and TL decided to take the scenic route across the field on the motorcycle. Seems the bike didn't want to and ejected them both into the soft grass. They are ok for the most part. Nothing that won't heal back together given some time. Gave us a little scare but we are glad things are going so well.

Summer bowling was less than spectacular. Now that fall leagues are going it is mildly better. Lew is bowling this season with me. He tried briefly to throw the ball like me but went back to the two-handed push when his arm hurt. Maybe in January we will try again.

Work is the same and never letting up. With my birthday in September I am only 6 years away from official retirement age. Maybe with fingers crossed it will happen that way.

National Bowling Tournament is in Baton Rouge La. this year ... make your plans!
Cruise in January to the Eastern Caribbean.
We have a week off in October and still haven't firmed up what we will do for those days yet. Any ideas?

Lady is still gorgeous and the love of my life.
Wild Mom is in building mode (new shed) in between camping and Camp Bluebird.
#1 still works.
#2 still doesn't work.
Peanut is having kids right and left.
Starr is starting her own animal farm.
Lil Princess, Lew, and AJ keep growing and warming our hearts.
Gung-Ho Jenn left us for Germany and another family.

We love them all and wouldn't change a thing ... well, not everything.

August Days - Fun in the Heat

2011-08-04T10:56:00.002-04:00

Heading for the weekend and it can't come soon enough. There has been some movement on my new job in Salem but nothing firm and besides as it stands now, I am not a happy or secure camper. More to come later when someone decides what is going on. The other big news is Peanut is scheduled to download on the 18th. So life will move to another level of frenzy on that day. Youth Bowling still lacks a lot as another week passed with a 0-7 record. This is the fourth week of this skid and no end in sight. I think this week we slipped into last place. Maybe I should start driving an 18 wheeler cross-country. Don't know what that would accomplish but heck, it is a change. Doctor's appointment on Tuesday went so well that she invited me back 3 weeks. Yeah! Trying to figure out a weekend to sneak away and just chill out. Hmmm, I wonder who wants to go! I saw a few movies lately that weren't too bad. They were Splice, Daylight and Hurt Locker.

Dog days of August Almost here

2011-07-29T10:23:00.002-04:00

Well, it is Friday and the end-of-the-month once again. I have been less than timely in keeping this blog updated. The main reason is I haven't really had anything to say. Well, actually, nothing good to say. Many things are acting as irritants in my life and that makes it hard to get motivated. Especially to write or say anything positive. Yeah, I could get on here and blast away but I don't want to go there. I have many wants and wishes but those are stories for future blogs. Hey, maybe I need a vacation. Hmmm!

Summer Bowling sucks as I think after last weeks sterling performance, the team is in last place. My average is the highest I have had in a while but it is a team event and that is where is is collapsing. Maybe I ought to get rid of the bowling stuff and take up golf or fishing once again. Then again, bar hopping and gambling could prove interesting!

Wild Mom is in camping mode once again. Must be nice to be retired and on the move all the time. Lady continues to bless everyone and Lil Princess is spending the week with us. Next week is Lew's week and we will manage to squeeze in day camp for him. #1 and #2 have no real change except for getting older and bigger! Peanut has reached maximum carrying weight for the new kid. Sometime in the next couple weeks, he will make his grand entrance. Gung Ho Jen is preparing to desert us and head for Germany to work. Starr and Chicken man are in their second month of marriage and surprisingly, she hasn't pissed him off yet or is it the other way around? We wish them the best and hope things fall in line for them to have a great life together.

Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

2011-07-06T00:18:00.000-04:00

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history.

Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.

I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.

In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

John's Chicken Farm

2011-06-27T09:31:00.001-04:00

John was in the egg business. He had several hundred young layers (hens), called 'pullets', and ten roosters to fertilize them. He kept records, and any rooster not performing went into the soup pot and was replaced.

This took a lot of time, so he bought some tiny bells and attached them to his roosters. Each bell had a different tone, so he could tell from a distance, which rooster was performing. Now, he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report by just listening to the bells.

John's favorite rooster, Obama, was a very fine specimen, but this morning he noticed Obama's bell hadn't rung at all! When he went to investigate, he saw the other roosters were busy chasing pullets, bells-a-ringing, but the pullets, hearing the roosters coming, would run for cover.

To John's amazement, Obama had thought of a way to do it without work, he had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring. He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one.

John was so proud of Obama, he entered him in the Chicago County Fair and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.

The result was the judges not only awarded Obama the No Bell Piece Prize but they also awarded him the “Pullet surprise” as well.

Clearly Obama was a politician. Who else but a politician could figure out how to win two of the most highly coveted awards on our planet by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them when they weren't paying attention.

Vote carefully next fall, the bells are not always audible.

Sprint to a Wedding

2011-06-22T12:57:00.002-04:00

The wedding went great and the knot was tied. Dana offered her home for the wedding and reception and she did a fantastic job. It was amazing the effort she put into it. As for the wedding, it was just as great. Of course the wedding music got off beat since Casey's knees set a different beat and sounded like a bass drum. It is amazing how many wolves are in Georgia. Friday night, it seemed they howled all night even with no moon visible in the sky! Lady and I sneaked over to Smokey Bones BBQ Saturday night and it was very good. We will have to try it on our next trip through North Georgia.

I started watching the movie "Inception" but some honeymooners took a break from all the bedroom antics and visited us. Oh well, I will have to get the DVD and watch the movie again. It is a good one.

Bowling is going well, the church service changes has their moments and the work frustration level is high so basically nothing has changed since the last blog. We are now in the process of getting ready for Wild Mom to visit, a baby shower for Peanut and Vacation Bible school. I leave tomorrow to attend the Anderson reunion, see wild Mom and her sonny-do list and then drive her back up to Virginia for a short visit. It seems to never end ... one thing after another!

I managed to get my hands on the 4 volume "Song of Fire and Ice" series. Now it is time for some serious reading.

Road Trip Prep

2011-06-13T08:04:00.000-04:00

This is the start of a busy two weeks for me. We leave Thursday to spend this weekend in the Atlanta area for some peace and quiet. Lady is looking forward to this trip! Next week is a whirlwind trip to Florida for a reunion and to bring Wild Mom back to Virginia for a short visit. This week I have a physical scheduled on Tuesday so that means a lot of poking and prodding. The Lab work was done last week. Youth Bowling started last night and it was ok. We are doing 2 person teams so the pressure is on me and Lew to perform. So now the challenge is to keep him focused on bowling and not on playing with the kids. I sometimes wonder when I will learn not to compete against the natural tendency of him to play. Work continues to maintain a level of frustration. Oh, the conference call on Friday about the possible new job went well. Onward to the next step. Not sure what that is but it sure sounds good.

This weekend included two birthday parties. Nothing like three kids (7,4,3) in a car for 90 minutes each way and hyped up on sugar. No wonder I don't have any hair. I love having a sponge bob sticky hand smack me on the side of the face while I drive. One downside to having a little one leave diapers for real underwear, "Papaw, I have to go to the bathroom" and that means stop very quickly even if you are deep in the woods. Gotta love it!

P.S. The Atlanta trip is really for Starr's and Casey Marriage on Friday the 17th.

Summer Thoughts

2011-06-04T22:19:00.002-04:00

It is the weekend and El Agave was as good as ever. The weekend led off with a trip to Bella Vita and it too was good. Wild Mom is getting better just in time to get ready for our family's reunion. Lot's to do and little time to do it.

Friday we booked our next cruise. We will adventure to the Eastern Caribbean on the Carnival Ship Liberty. For 7 days we will cruise St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk Islands and Half Moon Cay. This will be our first non-NCL cruise and it will be interesting seeing the difference. Our room is on the Panorama Deck (Deck 10) but not really knowing their layout there is some questions. The web site isn't the easiest to find the answers we want. Our trip down will be a bit more condensed since the cruise sails on Saturday instead of Sunday. We may have to fore go a trip to "Bubba Gumps" until the return home. I also ventured into the world of rentals with some of my points. I am hoping it will turn out good. If not, we will squeezing in several vacation weekends in December in order to use up the points that come back from not getting the rental.

Also in the works is a trip to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in early December. We went last year and it was great. So this year we will get adventurous and take a couple kids. Even so, it will be another great time.

Salem made me a job offer and after a teleconference this week I will be able to elaborate more as to who, what, when and where this job entails. Still in discussion is location and money. Maybe I will get lucky and they will let me telecommute from St. Kitts in the British Virgin Islands. That would be a dream come true!

The bible study in "Hebrews" is going well. It has stirred up many questions and comments. The last couple of weeks have been tough reading but that is what makes it fun ... it makes you study.

Summer Finally Makes it

2011-06-02T08:52:00.000-04:00

Well, time flies and I am once again behind schedule in keeping this site updated. Life continues onward with not a lot of changes. The grass is getting tall as the lawn mower picked this time to croak. Youth Bowling on Sunday Night has started. It is a short season, 10 weeks, but it fills in Sunday night. On the horizon is Starr's wedding and a trip to Florida for the Anderson Reunion (Wild Mom's family). I will drive her back up here so we can get her Saturn all fixed up and running right. The first month of the new church schedule is done. I will just bite my tongue and leave my comment as " I am underwhelmed." Peanut's pregnancy continues and gets closer to the day she can return to normal. Well, as normal as a mom with 2 kids under 4 can. Work is progressing and I am currently in discussions for a job change. After 6 years, I guess it is time for a change. Oh well, more on that down the road. Wild Mom is excited that I will be there for the reunion. It has been a long time since I was last there. I can't wait to get my cheek pinched by some old lady with blue hair, red lips, combat boots and no teeth as they say " I remember when you were ... !" Actually, it should be fun seeing people I haven't seen in ages. I will have to start dusting off some of my best jokes for the new crowd! lady is fine and enjoying life. She got to skip work and get a slight sunburn as her workplace enjoyed a cruise of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay on the bosses' boat.

Down to the Homestead!

2011-05-23T10:43:00.001-04:00

Well, I best write something since it has been a few days since the last entry. I guess since the rapture occurred this weekend and I am still here, I must not have been good enough! Funny thing is that I see a lot of my friends, so obviously we were all mistaken as to how good we were!

Happy Birthday to someone very special to me. I can't wait to see what the next XX birthday's bring!

We just returned from spending the weekend in New Bern NC. It was a very quiet and relaxing weekend as we helped Lady to adjust to the next year of her life. The laptop was never powered up ... an unusual occurrence for me. It was nice having very limited cell and wireless service. I didn't even visit one cemetery looking for dead people. We really enjoyed the quiet. Every morning the turles would congregate on the bank of the pond just outside the room. It was funny watching several dozen turtles sunbathing. In the afternoon they would migrate to the other shore for the afternoon sun. We found a very good seafod house in Arapahoe NC. Suprised us since it is way, and I mean way out in the woods. The nearest grocery store was 8 miles from us. Sunday, the drive home was nice as we avoided Interstates and drove the country roads. We even managed to squeeze in 2 ferry rides. One near New Bern and the other at Jamestown. Dinner was a little late but it was at Pierce's, one of the best BBQ's we have found.

Now we must readjust to normal life because the next scheduled trip is in June and then October. i wouldn't mind another trip somewhere but no one has any time left to take off.

A sign at a church we passed -- A dusty Bible means a Dirty life.

Soap Box Sunday

2011-05-01T16:57:00.002-04:00

Well, it is May and life goes on. Bowling is winding down and we will have to find something else to do with our Sunday evenings. Today is AJ's 3rd birthday party!

Soap Box time --

Don't you just love how people flock to church to praise God when a disaster occurs. The News channels are really playing that aspect up. God must be helpless when times are good, or is it safer to say "We don't need you when it is good." Oh, I know ... prosperity is God's Kryptonite! Wow, how did I miss that. Also, where is all the international help to aid in the recovery? I don't see any mass calling for aid in a lot of the countries we helped! In most international papers, the story doesn't even rate front page coverage. Oh yeah, our money is only good when it goes in their direction. But then again ... we (America) don't need God except when it is convenient. So why should another country display christian ethics and values ... we don't.

Libya claims their leader is targeted, but NATO says it isn't so. Isn't it targeting when you send a drone to strike the compound where they know he lives? Or, were they 100% successful because they targeted his grandchildren and son instead! Someone had to program that drone, so given the fact he lived there in that compound ... we targeted him. We are killing civilians just to stop him from killing civilians in their civil war. I guess death to stop death is acceptable as long as we are the second to starting the killing. Sadly what makes our choice to intervene more deplorable is that we use machines to do our killing. Isn't it nice to know machines have no conscious. And when it errs and kills a human it becomes accidental and a tragedy of War. Now I can sleep better tonight knowing humans don't kill humans. It is those dang machines ... perhaps the terminator series is real! Also, Syria is killing people by the hundreds. Where is the outcry for them. Are the Syrians no better than the Libyans! Come on NATO, target the Syrian President and have the UN authorize deadly force to enforce a no-fly zone so you can send in the drones thereby you can sleep better at night.

Easter 2011

2011-04-23T19:35:00.005-04:00

The 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.

Praise Him and get on his winning side!

SpringTime 2011

2011-04-21T23:23:00.001-04:00

Well, tomorrow is a day off. Fancy that. So I get to do my favorite chore ... yard work. I had thought about contracting it out but they never showed back up. Oh well, fun in the sun time. Life continues marching on as April is almost gone. It is amazing that Nationals was almost 4 weeks ago. Where did the time go? Sunday night is the last night of bowling on the adult team and the kids have only two more weeks to go. I am back to a day shift at work. My sleep pattern is all messed up. Work is about the same or at least returning back to the way it was. It will never get completely back to that point as the new philosophy is, "If it Works, Break it and make it better!." You sometimes wonder how long some people stay awake to come up with these ideas. This is either an attempt to get more involved with my work or and attempt to create stress so that they can micro manage more. I have always ways work on the idea, "if it works, leave it alone." The improvement comes from making and testing changes on the side. Maybe it will get better by time we go to North Carolina. Yeah, right! I booked our stay at Great Smokies in October. We had a great time last year and expect the same this year. Hopefully the leaf changing will cooperate and do a better job than last year. Wild Mom has started the moving process. She has a contract on a new house and her present place is on the market. Hope it sells quickly.

Enjoy your Easter Season and remember this is why Christianity is different than all other religions.

Ponderings of a Different Sort

2011-04-12T02:56:00.002-04:00

Well, the weekend in Williamsburg was great. We basically sat around and did what we wanted to. We didn't do any sightseeing as our goal was to rest and recollect our thoughts. Lady worked on a new quilt that she is making. I did absolutely nothing ... I did not even turn my laptop on. I did manage to use the jacuzzi tub every night to melt any stress and sore muscles I had. We had lunch on Saturday at Pierce's BBQ. That place never ceases to amaze us with the good food and our timing was impeccable as we had no waiting to place our order. We are all looking forward to our weekend getaway in New Bern North Carolina in May.

Bowling is winding down with only 3 weeks left on the leagues. The Sunday Night team has done suprisingly well even with a vacant spot. We have climbed up to the middle of the pack. That sure beats being next to last, only better than the blind team.

Wild Mom is fine and looking forward to a weekend can get down there to do a few sonny-do's. She is looking at relocating to a new house with less yard to maintain. Hmmm, I wonder how my packing and moving skills are? There is no date for the move as she is just started the process.

May 1st is when our Church changes it order of service and Sunday School. Right now I am really undecided on how to respond to this change. I have managed to keep my mouth shut and try not to irritate an all ready stressful event. I wish I had a positive attitude about this but I don't. Keeping my mouth shuts gives no one an opportunity to question my religious convictions. Funny thing is, #2 asked us to come and go to church with him. Who would have thought we would get an invitation like that ... after all the years of us going to church, he offers his church.

Work is going well with Cheng back on staff. Right now I am working mid-shifts so I can complete some projects without having to deal with the daily interuptions that come with day shift. It appears the replacement engineer will be heading back to Kansas the end of this week. I guess this is as best it will get so the prudent thing is to grin and bear it. With 6 years to go ... has the countdown started?

Our Bible study group is starting a study of Hebrews this week. Tough book but the potential rewards are great. Probably my biggest fear is generating the excitement and devotion to the study that is needed to make this a successful event. Most of the material is being pulled together by me and I hope I don't miss something.

Well, spring time is here and that means yard work! Something I really don't relish doing but if I don't do it, then we will eventually live in a jungle of weeds and tall grass.

USBC Nationals - Final Day

2011-03-31T13:17:00.004-04:00

Well, the trip is over and I am now back in Washington DC. The train was packed so that meant less room to spread out to sleep. That is usually the way it goes ... when you want something it isn't there. So I basically just stayed up all night. I was too restless to try and stay in one seat. During this part of the trip, I had several conversations that were really interesting. Of course there is always one ... an older lady who disagreed with everything I said. I spoke of the snow I saw Monday and she said there was no snow, "There can't be, I came through there LAST Tuesday and there was no snow." I quickly replied "Well maam, I came through there YESTERDAY and there was snow." She disagreed with everyone on everything. Talk about someone in bad need of a good slap and kick in the arse! Dinner was great and the conversation equally good. The ride was hard since my rear end had reached it limit and was sore and no seat felt soft or comfortable.

Several people who were taking the Bible Study Fellowship course were talking highly of the course. What amazed me was their excitement level. I will have to check into that course if it was that good! Also interesting was that all 3 couples weren't friends but just happened to be traveling on the same train to different locales. But after their discussion, they were friends and equally excited.

I think I have found a new train to get to Chicago the next time I go to Reno. The "Cardinal" that leaves from Chicago and comes through Manassas. That will save me some time going back and forth from Union Station. If anything it is a different route after taking the Capitol Limited and California Zephyr to Reno the last 12 times.

Time to return to Reality and start talking about other things.

USBC Nationals - Day Nine

2011-03-31T13:11:00.002-04:00

Well, Day nine was a very quiet day. The mountains are behind me and in front is farmland. The snow finally stopped just east of Gaylesburg. I don't expect to see many animals except deer and rabbits. They aren't very photo worthy. Today I skipped lunch but ate breakfast and dinner. Funny thing is, I ordered eggs, bacon and grits. Most of the people around me had no idea what grits were ... so they saw me eating them and in turned ordered them some grits. Of course, I had to offer advice on the best way to eat them ... butter and pepper. The waiter smiled and told me that this was the most grits he had ever served. The South Rules Again! The train stations rolled by as we cruised across the heartland. I think everyone was very tired as the conversations were at a minimum and most people napped the miles away. The lay-over in Chicago was about 4 hours. I did learn that AMTRAK's Cardinal Train stops in Manassas. I will have to check that out for my next Reno trip in 2013 and 2014. Besides it leaves an hour before the Capitol Limited ... less waiting time in Chicago. I would definetely be riding than sitting in a waiting room with screaming brats that the parent can't control. We finally got out of the station 20 minutes late as we had to wait for another late train to arrive with people who had connections on our train. Dinner was great as I dined with a couple who loved to cruise especially on NCL. They had done the maiden voyage on the Epic, NCL's newest and biggest ship. They too agree that the Epic is TOO BIG. They did not like the fact the midship elevators were replaced with escalators, so the elevators were at the ends of the ship. They also said the Casino, which was a small area on most ships was now a whole floor on the Epic. The spiked hair kid who sat at our table said very little during dinner. Now it is dark and hard to see anything except when we are in some town. Plus it is the time that most alcohol impaired people take control of the Observation car. I can't comment on the world since I have avoided the news for this week. Gee, things seem so simple without the world's problems piled on.

Guess I better get some sleep.

USBC Nationals - Day Eight

2011-03-31T13:10:00.002-04:00

Travel day home. Not a lot going on but sitting on my keester and watching the scenery go by. I tried to get up based on eastern time as I tried to start getting my body back on the right time. After breakfast at 6:30, I spent the majority of my time scouring the landscape for animals. Here is what I found:

1 Beaver
Many Deer
Several Sheep
4 Turkey's
20+ Mule Deer
1 Eagle
2 Moose
2 Coyotes eating a dead cow
Lots of snow scenes on the mountains

Numerous fuzzy shots because the train was going so fast and the trees even faster the other way.

Other interesting things going on:

One young lady going around to the different guys whining how she was so unlucky in love. Sounds like a fishing trip to me.
The Conductor found a cigarette butt (hand-rolled) in the bathroom and was walking around looking. At the same time, some young knucklehead rolling 4 more cigarettes for the next smoke break.
4 young adults looking for fun when they said "let's go use 1/2 of the shit left over." Gee, are they a couple of poop players.

It never ceases to amaze me some of the stuff that goes on when you ride the train. Dad and I use to laugh a lot about some of these goings on. Conversation was kind of lacking today as there weren't many people on board from Reno to Denver. The problem I guess was the fact the train started in Reno and not in Sacramento. This was due to snow and mud slides in the Sierra Nevada's.

One young man on board got a phone call from a friend who said the one on the train had been served divorce papers. Then the real fun started. Now, I had been watching him hit on 2 young ladies ever since Reno. So he then told his seat mate that he couldn't understand why his wife did that. Then he decided he would try and call all her friends and see if he could get something on her. Did she have something on him? Then he told the seat mate he would make something up if need be. Then to cap this whole drama off ... he told his seat mate, "lets get some beer and see if we can get them (the girls) drunk. Now why would he do that if he was so faithful? A leopard just can't change his spots.

We left Denver on time so lets see if they can hold it. Guess I should try and go to sleep!

USBC Nationals - Day Seven

2011-03-31T13:09:00.001-04:00

Well, sad day ... time to go home and re-enter the rat race of life. No, going home isn't sad the sad part, it is just leaving a small group of very good friends knowing we won't see each other for a year. Bowling this tournament for 21 years you manage to get to know the bowling and personal life of many people. Perhaps the scary part is not knowing if you will ever see them again. This has happened several times with just my team members. George died 2 months after the 2008 tournament and Vince about 3 months after the 2009 tournament. This doesn't count the number of life issues that have kept some people from ever bowling again. Looking back, I get a small appreciation of just what my 21 consecutive years means.

I was lazy and didn't get up till 10:00 am once again. Packed my memories away and checked out of the Silver Legacy until I return to Reno in 2013. I checked my baggage at the train station and wandered back to Stadium for my last goodbyes.

On the train and headed home ... and I am lucky ... no man-lovers anywhere near me! I had an interesting dinner with a lawyer and a doctor. The lawyer was recovering from a recent snowboard accident. Remind me ... to stay away from snowboards. We even have musical entertainment. Two riders are playing music on a flute and guitar. Makes you feel like campfire time at a Boy Scout campout.

Well, the sun is down and complete darkness descends upon us.

USBC Nationals - Day Six

2011-03-31T13:08:00.002-04:00

Big bowling day. I slept in and ate breakfast about 10:00 am. Today I bowled in the Bowling This Month (BTM) tournament. It is a great tournament with a shot very similar to the one at the National Stadium. I bowled 4 games across 4 pairs of lanes. I averaged 180 on a tough sports shot, so it was respectable but not enough to win money. I did manage to squeeze some nacho's and cheese in before I bowled my National's singles and doubles match. After 10 games in a matter of 7 hours, I was running on empty. I actually started cramping during dinner. Nothing like a arm cramp and a leg cramp at the same time. I had dinner with the Visionary Bowling crew at The Rail City Casino Buffet. I have to say it was absolutely great. Where else could you get a buffet for $7.95 that included your drinks and had crab legs! I did not do crab legs but I did manage to put a severe dent in their fried shrimp supply. Also what made dinner great was listening to stories of Frankie May while he was touring as a PBA professional. I think running a booth at the National Tournament would be the best job ever. The pay isn't great but you sure can meet some interesting people every year. Finally, I managed to go to bed about 1:30 am .... cramps and all.

USBC Nationals - Day Five

2011-03-26T04:29:00.001-04:00

Today started with more snow flurries. Most of the day was spent getting my bowling equipment ready for Friday Night. I tried to sleep in but at 4:00 am PDT I was wide awake. I guess the old body is stuck in Eastern Time. I walked around town a bit to see the changes. I guess the biggest change is the Bus Station moved nearer the Train Station. Lunch was nice and I sat where I could watch the people walk by. Some sights are such you should never have to see them in public. You have to wonder what the person was thinking when they got dressed.

The bowling team was pretty much the same as last year. Just a little more gray and a tad bit slower in their movement. Nate was unable to come because of personal issues and without fail the USBC representative showed up to give him his 20 year pin. We called him from the bowling lanes to tell him what he missed. I listened to their tales of their drive up here since they had to deal with the snow storm in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Plus they saw gas range from $4.15 to $4.69 a gallon. Gee, and we think $3.50 is high.

The Visionary Bowling team is the same. They talked with me about being a official Visionary Bowling Products equipment tester for the next year. So I will have to think about it before I commit to the job. We are planning on going out to dinner Saturday night. We did that last year and it was a blast. One of the managers and VISE representative is from Panama City ... specifically from Southport. Small world!

Well, I bowled tonight and it was fun to participate. I could never get anything going. My stomach was on the fritz so it distracted me a lot and my energy was low. So I will get back to the room and get rested and hopefully feel better tomorrow. All I can figure it was the Killer Nacho's and beer I had for lunch.

USBC Nationals - Day Four

2011-03-24T20:48:00.001-04:00

I woke up as we pulled into Winnemuca on a side track while they decided what to do. The night went pretty good as there wasn't much civilization around to provide lights to watch as the train went by. My Buddy with the loud mouth and a penchant for men wound up getting moved by the Conductor after someone else complained about he language and language topics. Of course he blamed me for starting it all. Grow Up!

After about 90 minutes they decided the track was clear enough for us to proceed to Reno. Yeah! Of course that meant that we had to backup some seven miles so they could switch back onto the main line. After a lazy breakfast of French Toast, we headed for Reno and an uneventful 200 mile ride.

I got to my room about 11:30 and proceed to get rid of the train smell that had soaked in for 3 days. This is when I discovered I had no socks in my suitcase. Guess where they were? Yep, a 3 year old took them out after I placed them in the suitcase. Oh well, there were worse things I could have forgotten or left behind.

Tonight, I will hopefully have a practice session at the local lanes with the Visionary Bowling Team. That should be fun.

USBC Nationals - Day Three

2011-03-24T20:47:00.001-04:00

Day 3 started with our arrival in Denver. That place has changed. They now have a new AMTRAK building near the old Union Station. But after getting off for a leg stretch, I saw that this new setup is just an accident waiting to happen. The new building is on the other side of the street. To get from the building to the train, you have to walk 150 feet and cross a 4 lane road. Even today about 50 people got on and the end of the line while they were waiting stuck out into the road. The last guy almost got hit when the light changed and the car took off. Who ever thought of this design needs to get their smarts checked out. Of course we had snow flurries but I don't care because it is warm in the train. The climb through the mountains was beautiful but there is definitely more commercial building going on. Especially at WinterPark and Glenwood Springs. Saw a lot of wildlife including some "Wapiti" and there were also 3 moose in Frazer Canyon. Lunch was nice. I ate with 3 widowers heading for a retreat in Moab UT. It was fun because they all had hearing aids and trouble hearing. Everything I or they said was followed by ... "say it again, I missed what you were saying." Laughs a minute.

God must have something out for me this trip. Every stop someone of the same sex persuasion gets on and call all their friends. They only know one voice ... loud. At one point about 10:40 at night, I had enough and asked the young man to take his phone to the observation car. Of course, he asked me if "I was going to be rude all night." I replied, "I am sorry but your discussion of your and your life-mates adventures with a horse are over the top. Beside, it was quiet hour." He finally moved after some other Lady nearby called the Conductor. I tolerate a lot but sometimes I balk at TMI. I did laugh out loud when he told his friend on the phone that "he was volunteering in San Fransisco with the Health Department Exposition to provide STD counseling and information and then asked his friend if it was too much to dream he would meet the man of his dreams." Just where you want to meet someone ... at a STD meeting. Anyways, I hope things calm down a bit and everyone returns to normal.

Dinner was filled with talk of bowling and flying. Three guys from Michigan were also heading to Reno to bowl.

Great news ... the rail track across the Sierra Nevada's is snowed over and rock and mud are mixed into the mess. The plan now is to put me on a bus to Reno when we get to Winnemuca UT. The train will detour to another track to get to Sacramento. This really mucks the plans up. They don't know how Sunday will work when I try and return home. I guess flexibility is the game plan.

USBC Nationals - Day Two

2011-03-24T20:46:00.000-04:00

Day Two started in Chicago waiting for the train to leave for California. My beauty sleep was interrupted by a bunch of people who got on in Pittsburgh. They were fuming and fussing because the train was 30 minutes late and they couldn't find seats together. They managed to wake everyone up with their bickering and one Lady must of said "this is ridiculous" a hundred times. Finally the conductor shut them up and found them seats. My first stop was Cinnabon Shop for a roll and coffee. Lunch was Chicago style chili dogs. Hopefully, I won't pay a price for eating them later. The six hour lay-over was spent sitting and watching the people walk by. I did manage to have a few laughs on them. I most enjoyed a lady who wore cowboy clothes with bells on and looked like the mule had kicked her in the face numerous times. One person made me wonder just how much can you pack into a pair of leotards? The seams were stretched to the busting point but at least they held for the time she took to walk by me. Thank goodness! My seat partner for the ride to Denver is one of those that don't believe in the US Government and refuses to pay taxes. By Galesburg, I am tired of his political views and grousing. The only redeeming part is he loves the Observation car and might leave me alone for a good while. The scenery is nice and will only get better as the mountains get closer. With the overcast, the sunlight will be gone by time we get to the Mississippi River. Once the Engineer gets this train up to speed we cruise at 80 mph. Dinner was great but listening to the rain hit the glass and watching the lightening was a show unto itself. I wonder if there are any tornado's nearby? I am missing the news but then again I don't have to hear what idiotic things Congress or the President does. This would give me a good reason to setup the news app on my phone ... naw!

USBC Nationals - Day One

2011-03-24T20:44:00.001-04:00

Day One of the great Annual adventure to Reno Nevada is finally here. After waiting a whole year my vacation begins. I am traveling alone this year but not from the lack of inviting select people to go. The day started with a session of packing. hat should of been a routine start to the trip wasn't. It seems a curious three year old really made it interesting. As fast as I folded and packed, he would pull it out and ask "what is this?" I would tell him and he would grab something else and ask the same question. A few times he would grab something from the drawer and toss it into the suitcase. But despite his best effort I managed to get packed. After a few more errands, I managed to head for Union Station about 11:30. Cheng and I had lunch at Sbarros as usual. I must really be a creature of habit. But, Stromboli and pizza are great preparation for a train ride. They offered me a sleeper upgrade for $699. $699 for one night, can you believe that? Why I wouldn't even pay that for a luxury motel room much less a roomette sleeper. I boarded the train on time and headed west. The train car was full but I managed to get a window seat. No, I did not beat up an old lady and throw her off! Of course, Murphy's Law prevailed and the guy behind me was a flamin man lover. I was so tired of hearing his goodbyes to all his boyfriends. He made no effort to be quiet much less discrete. Finally, he exhausted his little black book and went to sleep. Dinner was great and I enjoyed it with a young couple who were Italian and worked in Holland. What a combination! Dinner was New York strip and Hagen Daz ice cream. The rest of the night was spent watching the stars go by in between spells of sleep.

Slow Friday

2011-03-18T13:52:00.001-04:00

Well, USBC Nationals is almost here. I leave on Monday @ 1605. I still have a few things to do to get ready but I can now enjoy the excitement of a great week of bowling and train rides. I will be staying at the Silver Legacy in Reno once again. I should own a room by now after all the times I have stayed there. I think this is my 11th stay at the Silver Legacy. The memories of my first trip in 1990 to Toledo seems so distant. As usual, I will try and blog everyday and hopefully give you a small taste of what is happening. Anyone who wants to donate money for my good time is more than welcome.

Wild Mom is doing fine though Muffin is having a rough time. Squirrel Man is back to driving. I will have to start planning another weekend trip down there soon so I can finish up what I did not get done last time. Anyone want to go and help drive? Lady is fine as ever and is working hard to finish cleaning out her craft room. It has turned out to be a tougher job than first envisioned but she is getting it done. Gee, it just dawned on me, there is only 3 weeks till Lady and I sneak off to Williamsburg for the weekend. Wow! She will be in a bikini so I best get my body into speedo shape!

#1 is working and teaching hhgreg what to do. #2 is a phantom who only passes by and the only prolonged sightings are at the dinner table. Peanut doesn't want me to talk about her size so I won't. But ... the baby is getting bigger! Most the Doctor news lately has been good and everything is set for a successful launch. Gung Ho Jenn works and is ticklish as ever. Of course, I do my best to refrain from tickling her.

The Grandkids will be here this weekend for the first time in 3 weeks, so life will be exciting and non-stop activity.

Almost time to start up my comments on the "Sidewalk Observations from My Window" series. The foot traffic on the street is picking up and already there have been some amusing scenes. Such as the woman who was chatting with a friend while standing in the Taxi parking lane. The Taxi pulled in behind her and stopped within inches. The woman then backed up, not knowing the Taxi was there, hit the car, lost her balance and managed to slide off the hood onto the ground. Bad part is her dress caught on the hood ornament and remained there. So for a few minutes the passing cars were treated to a funny scene until she got her footing and unhooked her dress. Of course, I was almost in tears as I laughed at the scene she made. I know there will be more episodes and can't wait, maybe I should keep my camera handy.

My Yen's Worth

2011-03-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

Today I heard a commentator ask why the Japanese are responding to this disaster as they are. They are doing things such as "no looting", "standing patiently in long lines," and "giving of what food they have even though it is obvious they don't have enough for themselves." I mulled it over a bit and the answer sort of sneaked in. Perhaps their values of family, respect for all, accepting responsibility and not expecting a handout are central parts of their astonishing behavior. Japanese have always been known as a polite people. We as Americans were that way until we kicked Christ out of everything, adopted a "me first" attitude and decided it was never our fault, and that there was always a reason or excuse as to why we were that way. When was the last time the looters didn't show up at some disaster? We have come from a society that never locked their doors and windows to one where we create a Ft. Knox type of home. We will shoot someone for just coming in unannounced.

Perhaps we should thank the Japanese people for the lesson and then get on our knees. Take America back to a "Christian" Nation.

Recap 01

2011-03-14T16:13:00.001-04:00

Well, time to post some more. Everything is progressing fairly well. Bowling is winding down. The Youth Team is still on top and the Adult team is slowly getting higher up the ladder. I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Alabama and Florida. We picked up the last of Cheng's tools and did some computer work for Wild Mom. Still more to do but that will have to wait for another day. I will leave for National's next week. I will once again be traveling alone, not that it is a bad thing but sharing is also nice. Kline's is open so I must arrange my schedule to get some ice cream. Lent season is upon us and my goal this yer is going well. Not perfect, but getting better. It is hard to believe but Easter is almost here. Someone slow this train down before I run out of days.

Lady is doing fine except for her spring cleaning stuff. #1 continues the pursuit of a million dollars though the numbers are climbing slowly. Peanut continues to grow and the sprout is of a male gender. Now we must wait to see if the sprout resembles mom or dad. Gung Ho Jen works and works and works ... hmmm, sounds like the energizer bunny. Miss the grand kids because I haven't seen them in several weeks. Am I daff for wanting them to show up and demolish the peace and quiet?

Moment To Think

2011-03-09T07:38:00.003-05:00

A father passing by his son's bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to 'Dad.' With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Dad:

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am. But it' s not only the passion ... Dad, she's pregnant. Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children. Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone. We'll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy. In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it. Don't worry Dad. I'm 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love, Your Son John

PS. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm over at Tommy's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than a Report card that’s in my center desk drawer. I love you. Call me when it's safe to come home.

Last of the February Soap Box

2011-02-28T12:59:00.002-05:00

March is almost here and just over 3 weeks till I am Reno bound. The adult team is showing a modicum of life as we have gone 11-3 the last two weeks. The Youth team is in first place and now we must hold on to that place. The last few fronts that have passed through here have brought 60+ mph winds and today is no exception as they are forecasting 70+ mph winds. I have narrowed down my next two trips to Florida to 1 of 2 weeks. Hopefully in the next day or so, I can lock the weekend in and start prepping for the mad dash down there. lady and I are about 5 weeks away from our next weekend get-a-way.

Wild mom is fine and getting over her cold. We still have about a week to see if Squirrel man get his license back. #1 is working and he decided to shave his hair off and now looks like Mr. Clean. No changes for #2 but the clock has just about run out. Peanut still get bigger and her food craves get wilder. Gung-Ho Jenn works all the time. Good thing because if she were at home, I would tickle her more. The GrandKids (Lou, Lil Princess and AJ) are doing great and maintaining their high activity levels. I was wondering if the TV stations play anything other than Sponge Bob?

Church still remains as a large area of concern. Supposedly, next Sunday, the whole game plan will be revealed to the congregation. Where do I stand? Well, I am keeping my mouth shut and trying to not get mixed up in any discussion on its merits. Time will tell and I will leave it laying there.

Capitals and Wizards, quit making excuses and using worn out platitudes, admit it ... the both of you are LOSING teams. No amount of whining will change that fact.

The more I hear about the UNIONS involvement with the world protests ... the more I dislike them. Perhaps it is time to rename the Unions to more closely reflect their ideals and actions ... The American Socialist Movement.

Gas ... the time for regulation is here. Obviously, the Oil Companies intend on gouging us for an essential commodity needed for life. Look at their published profits between 2.5 and 7.6 BILLION dollars. And now they want more because of Libya ... sad part is we get NO gas from them. In other words, the opportunity to gouge is there so jump into it with both feet will the pickin's are good.

Day Off Ponderings ... Or Reflections of a Bored Old Man

2011-02-21T09:37:00.003-05:00

Well, it is fun having a day off. No phone calls from work yet. For a while I was thinking of what would make the day perfect. Too many choices, I guess because I can't decide. Bowling went well last night as we won 6-1. Even better was that the team we bowled was just ahead of us. We might get lucky and move up 2 more places with 7 weeks to go. The Youth team went 7-0 as we had little trouble with our opponents.

Wild Mom is fine. She is planning another getaway to the motor home. That may be a good thing thing since now she is having fun breaking her computers. She will do anything to get me to Florida for a few days. j/k I must admit it has been way to long since the last visit. No word words yet on Squirrel Man getting his freedom back (drivers license).

#1 is on the road with his friend making their pilgrimage to South Carolina. #2 keeps looking and also learned a three year old can wear you out. Peanut is getting bigger. Starr and Chicken Man are in Georgia enjoying life and getting rich. Well, at least there is a lot of green grass to eat. The three kids ... Lou, Lil Princess, and AJ entertained us this weekend. The house can be clean but within 15 minutes the living room has a giant pile and is impassable.

** End of Light Reading **

As iron sharpens iron, Lady and I agree for one of the few times in 35 years. Usually we have different thoughts and after discussion find the best solution. But this time we agree and it feels different. The main thought is that after 20+ years, home doesn't feel like home anymore. Where this leads us I don't know. I knew yesterday that she was upset when I touched her and got a "no, that will just make me cry." She took down Brian's blanket and sent it to the safest place and where it belonged. Is there such a thought as being somewhere too long? Do we as humans thrive on change and the challenges of meeting and making new friends. For most of my life we were in the military and basically moved every three years. We became very adept at meeting and making new friends. But now we have lived here for 20+ years. Are we resisting change or the reason for the changes or perhaps we just feel it is not right. These will have to be answered at some point. But for now, we are disappointed and have been put in a position to question and re-evaluate everything.

Hmmm, maybe I need some Prozac, a bottle of Southern Comfort and a big Cuban Cigar. That surely would make life different and less worrisome.

Oh Hum

2011-02-15T16:23:00.001-05:00

Here I sit in Aberdeen once again. I can hear a certain Lawyer saying, "listen to me, no more, we will do no more." Yesterday was fun as Lady came with me. But she needed to go to work today ... someone must pay the bills. Yesterday was not a fun day as it seems three different thing took a gut shot at me. Funny thing was my stomach was messed up so I had a pain to associate with the events. It is amazing how you try to live your life to a respectable standard and in return you get lied too, mislead, left out and then made to feel your opinion is insignificant. These make it tough to keep a christian outlook. While I know I can maintain my integrity, what I can do is make sure this never happens again and thereby denying certain individuals making sure they get no satisfaction.

I guess Starr has made it to Georgia. That is how I interpret the Facebook entries. Wild Mom is fine and perhaps Squirrel man will be allowed to drive again after about a 6 month hiatus. They are both fed up with boredom and cabin fever. Besides, the new motor home is awaiting someone to drive it around. Not much has changed with the kids.

Valentines Day was great as my Valentine spent the day with me and then we capped it off with dinner at Bella Vita's. Evey year gets better and who knows what next year holds. Maybe it is time to just escape on a Southern Caribbean Cruise for 14 days.

Time to go practice saying "No." 10,000 times will do it and then I can make the 3 hour drive home. :)

Life Marches On!

2011-02-13T00:45:00.001-05:00

I was sitting here and thought I would catch up. Today was our weekly trek to El Agave and we had a crowd there ... 13 people. Next week starts off the same ... road trip to Aberdeen, but this time Lady will ride with me. That will make the day special, as if Valentines Day isn't special enough. The new Youth Bowling league has started and the team has some potential to win it this time. The Adult team still seems mired in the bottom 5 teams. We just can't seem to break out of that pack. Nationals are just over a month away and I can't wait. The train ride will be fabulous. Any takers on a train ride?

Starr and Chicken Man are heading for Georgia tomorrow since the grass is greener and there is a new hope for a different outcome. We wish them the best and maybe will get to see them on one of our excursions to Wild Mom's. Speaking of Wild Mom, she is doing fine just dealing with cabin fever and wishing for Spring. But who isn't.
Let me see, #1 works, #2 looks, and Peanut gets bigger. AJ continues to grow and develop an attitude, Lew grows into a young man, and Lil Princess steals our heart as she becomes a looker. Our Myrtle Beach trip was a smashing success and will be on our list to do it again. Missing the snow storm was just icing on the cake. We have planned another Williamsburg trip (April 8-9) and a New Bern NC trip (May 20-21). Those two trips should prove a lot of fun. Still in the planning phase is Smokies in October and Myrtle Beach in January. We may even manage a cruise sometime in between those other trips. Cheng is back from Alabama and his house has sold. He still needs a weekend to clean up things in Alabama but that will come later.

I wonder sometimes where life's road will take us. Based on the past course, it should be really interesting. I don't always understand where it takes me or even agree with it's turns but I doggedly follow it. I do get tired of the games and twists, I wish things would workout so Lady and I could retire and slow our life down. But for now, We keep on and wish others would follow. But true to course, they won't and sadly one day regret it and find it is too late. We are coming up on the 5th anniversary of Dad going home and I still find myself wishing for 1 more hour. Sadly, I too waited too long and found myself too busy or obligated.

2011-01-27T19:31:00.002-05:00

Well, here I am in the SUNNY and warm south. We are having fun exploring South Carolina. Standing on the 14th Floor, I just can't find any snow! Here I am looking southwest towards Charleston.

This next picture is where we are staying. Well, actually, this is the sister tower. I am taking the picture from where we stay. We can see up and down the beach as far as we can see on a clear day.

It seems this trip we are hitting all the All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) places. That in turn causes us to nap a lot as we sleep off the "stuffed belly" syndrome. I also love the lunches as they are loaded with greens ... and I love them. Today, Lady started the sewing machine project so we have stuff all over. Green Giant had another birthday and we celebrated as usual at the AYCE restaurant in Mullins South Carolina. They even sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Tomorrow, we are planning a beach excursion as the temperature is expected to be high 50's. I am still getting a lot of emails and texts that are work related but I can't turn the phone off as I would the MISS all the texts from the kids in my life. Danged if you do and darned if you don't. This week has allowed us to get our TV viewing sequence down. The Cape and American Idol are the mainstays. I did manage to not see Obama's waste of time the other night. I am so ready to see him out of office. There are some really nice beach houses for sell. But, do I really want to live here during the summer? Right now all we see is old people every where we go. Lunch yesterday was at the Sea Captain's in North Myrtle. The chefs special of Flounder was my choice and it was very good. As we ate at the Sea Captains yesterday, the old ladies behind us were discussing the many ways they had their loved ones cremated. And you couldn't believe how they bickered and complained about everything involved with the process. This was such a nice lunch topic.

Well, dinner is over with, the girls are shopping and so I guess it is hot tub time. Enjoy and have fun ... we are!

Fun Times Again - II

2011-01-25T00:18:00.004-05:00

Well, another day on the beach. We were lazy and started the day late and then headed for lunch at Prosser's. I managed to consume a pile of collards, sweet potato casserole and corn. Dessert was Banana Pudding, so with full bellies, we then headed south to the Market in Charleston. Not much had changed at the Market since our last visit but the day was much nicer. Sun and 50's! However, tomorrow they are saying rain will pass through in the morning. More seafood is planned with dinner at the "Captain's Table." This is always a dining choice to be made. The order of the day is pretty much unscheduled. Reading, napping and munching consume most of our time. Dinner was the usual stuffing we get when we eat at Logan's Roadhouse. We are going to sit down this week at some point and plan out a few weekend get-a-ways to somewhere this summer. I still have a small pile of points leftover.

I started a new book but more about it when I get further along in it. Yes, we watched the football game but were really disappointed. I was amazed that all of the good teams weren't there. They had two backup teams play and then that was one-sided. Maybe the TV networks will learn one day to use ... the top teams and it will be more competitive!

Lady hasn't broke out the sewing machine for a few projects she wanted to do. I guess that means a road trip to the arts and crafts store tomorrow.

Well, best I turn in and get some more sleep.

Fun Times Again

2011-01-22T21:21:00.002-05:00

Well, we made it. Well, not exactly. We are spending the night in Conway SC. We figured the Green Giant would like to take his wife with us, so we stopped and picked her up. She had spent the last week her with her mom and family. The trip down was uneventful except for the laughs and shenanigans. We did see one accident where a truck towing a large trailer lost control and flipped into the median. We hope no one was injured, at least not seriously. Tomorrow, we will make the 24 mile drive to North Myrtle Beach and check into the resort. Well, that is if we don't get so drunk we oversleep and not make it! Dinner tonight was in keeping with our theme of Mexican Saturday. We ate at El Cerro in Conway. It was good but our favorite still rules as the best.

I will as usual try and keep you abreast of our travels and adventures. Provided they remain PG rated.

Truckers Corner:

Blue is in Oklahoma heading for Vegas.
Alodar is in California heading for Indiana.
I am just plain lost!

Gulp!

2011-01-11T23:44:00.002-05:00

Too much Aberdeen MD., I have had my Saturn 3 months and already put 4000+ on it. Just turned 200,000 miles!

Blog #701

2011-01-07T15:33:00.001-05:00

I just noticed that this is Blog #701. Gee, have I been that long winded? Can you believe that 2% of the year is already gone? The best part of the week is our mini-vacation is 2 weeks away from today. We will be gone 01/22/11 through 01/30/11. We can't wait for the down time. It seems like I have gone to Aberdeen every other day and next week will be no exception. My caddy is gone and I think I will miss it but I won't miss the gas bills. My Nationals Date and times came this week so I can start planning that little train ride and adventure. I bowl March 25 and 26. Who knows ... maybe this will be my year.

Wild Mom is doing fine as she had a small bout with a cold. Camping trips have slower down as a result. But rest assured, she will make up for it. Lady is fine. She is busy doing end of tax year stuff. #1 continues to work and #2 even managed to get an interview this week. Could he be employed in the near future? Peanut continues to work and puke and not necessarily in that order. Gung Ho finally got her truck issues settled and will be back on the road very soon. I picked up a 96 Mazda B3000 and finished getting it road ready this week. AJ, Lew and Lil Princess are still having loads of fun with their Christmas gifts. Although we are getting tired of Scooby Doo movies.

It is a Wonderful Life

2011-01-02T00:08:00.003-05:00

Well, 2011 is here and time marches onward. I look back to 1952 and wonder where it has gone. One day I sat here playing the game in my mind, "What if I changed one decision." But no scenario would give me the joy that I have now.

Lady - what if that blind date had never occurred. What memories would be lost. It is imaginable what I would be feeling right now. They always have movies that the central plot is returning in time and changing one event. Please, don't ever do that! I would lose too much.

#1 and #2 - What if we never took those certification classes and never saw you. Believe it or not, you two are part of me and more precious than life.

Starr - You are just that. A twinkling of light that lit up our lives. Do we agree with everything, no, but that is the cost of being open and vulnerable. Please, never hide that light.

Princess - Oh, those 5 days before we went to court for you. Your phone call sent waves of emotions and feelings as we raced to make it happen. We want to be deeply involved with your life. That is why we stand at the door and knock so much.

Peanut - Your entrance into our life was no less dramatic. We could have never envisioned where that road would take us and it is a journey I would not have missed.

AJ, Lew, Lil Princess - If you ever thought kids were great ... try Grand kids.

I know some will feel I forgot them ... but remember ... I said it earlier ... I would not change a thing ... everyone has made my life a "Wonderful Life."

Happy 35th Anniversary

2010-12-27T06:29:00.001-05:00

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

2010-12-24T22:41:00.003-05:00

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

2010-12-23T12:36:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-04T20:29:00.001-05:00

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!

===========================================================================

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

2010-12-01T19:53:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-29T23:03:00.003-05:00

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

2010-11-26T11:46:00.002-05:00

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.

===============================================

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!

2010-11-09T11:35:00.002-05:00

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?

2010-11-05T11:30:00.005-04:00

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!

2010-09-28T17:08:00.002-04:00

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.

##########

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

2010-09-23T10:15:00.001-04:00

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?

2010-09-17T09:57:00.000-04:00

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

2010-09-13T11:58:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-10T08:45:00.002-04:00

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?

2010-08-23T10:43:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-18T08:30:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-13T12:23:00.001-04:00

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

2010-08-08T21:17:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-03T10:41:00.002-04:00

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

2010-07-31T19:59:00.002-04:00

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

2010-07-28T11:07:00.000-04:00

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

2010-07-14T17:53:00.005-04:00

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

2010-07-12T13:28:00.000-04:00

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

2010-07-08T10:57:00.000-04:00

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.

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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

2010-07-06T06:50:00.003-04:00

Ever wonder why it pours?

7-4-10

2010-07-05T06:39:00.000-04:00

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?

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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

2010-06-26T11:54:00.002-04:00

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

2010-06-10T12:06:00.002-04:00

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?

2010-06-10T12:00:00.001-04:00

"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

2010-06-04T09:32:00.002-04:00

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

2010-05-05T14:01:00.002-04:00

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

2010-04-29T08:39:00.000-04:00

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

2010-04-19T15:28:00.002-04:00

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

2010-04-05T13:32:00.004-04:00

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

2010-04-03T18:54:00.000-04:00

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

2010-04-02T14:27:00.001-04:00

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

2010-04-02T14:06:00.001-04:00

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

2010-04-02T13:47:00.001-04:00

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

2010-03-28T03:12:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-27T04:29:00.002-04:00

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

2010-03-25T23:08:00.002-04:00

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

2010-03-25T23:06:00.000-04:00

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

2010-03-24T19:01:00.001-04:00

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

2010-03-24T18:57:00.002-04:00

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

2010-03-18T15:45:00.002-04:00

Need 14 get 17

2010-03-15T12:07:00.002-04:00

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

2010-03-11T13:57:00.001-05:00

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!!

Heading for a Warmer Day

2010-03-05T12:41:00.002-05:00

Well, it is Friday already and it doesn't feel like it. They predict the weather will be extra nice (50's) so we can keep our fingers crossed. It seems like we had something to do every night this week. Meetings, Bible Study (x2), Computer work, and then the reading and study to support the Bible Study. What ever happened to the nights you could come home and watch TV and then be bored? We find so much stuff to cram into every minute of our day. No wonder we burn out. Looking forward to Saturday as we venture to El Agave for a great lunch. Starr is supposed to come along. We found a great little restaurant has very good pizza's ... I can't wait to go back and try them again. Everything is fresh and not cooked down into a crusty topping.

Next weekend is the "Weekend To Remember" in Reston, so we will be out of pocket Friday through Sunday. #1 and #2 still are looking. #1 even managed to help around the house this week ... Miracle? Lew and Lil Princess will be over Saturday Night and liven the place up. They are guaranteed to undo all the cleaning that Lady has done to this point. She is still limited by her knee which acts up quite often and painfully at times. Her doctor appointment is Tuesday so hopefully she will get some relief then. But it is funny to see Lil Princess do something she is not supposed too, then Lady goes to get her and Lil Princess runs down the stairs ... because Nana can't go down there with her knee. Don't you just love it! Now that most the snow is gone ... I can see the mess my yard is in ... lots of work to do! I did lose one section of fence so I will have to get out there and fix it ... that is once the mud goes away. Work is the same. It gets hard getting up to commute in ... shoot, I even preferred the Dentist one morning. Times change and sadly we change even slower. Only two more weeks until I head for Reno on the train. I so look forward to that trip every year. Lots of cat naps, reading, and just watching the countryside rolling by. I wish everyone could experience that once ... shoot I probably would even pay for it once. The computer work is picking back up. The downside is that it consumes what little free time I do have ... but the money is nice.

When asked if I regret anything? I answered "only that I didn't do a better job than I did."

Thought for the Day: Remember that being a Christian is a life-long journey toward benefiting others in Christ. Don't expect to be free from sin and error overnight and do not judge yourself or others harshly. Maintain good morals and good habits that glorify God in your body in everyday life --- not to brag or boast, but to glorify God.

Meteorological Spring

2010-03-01T11:32:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it ... it is March already and the first day of meteorological spring and a snow storm is heading here on Tuesday night. Wonders of it all! Life goes on for us though at times the past couple weeks it has been a test. That also means that our next cruise is only 10 months away. Bowling is going good with both the youth team and the adult team in the middle of the pack. On the youth side Lew and I bowled against each other and that was fun though the competitive spirit was very high. On the adult team we had a good night, the first in several weeks. We finally had everyone on the same page and thus we knocked off the #2 team. Maybe we can put a run together and get back into the fight. Two weeks left on our Bible Study using David Jeremiah's Book. Now comes the hard part ... figuring out the next study. Oh well. Work is the same pain in the kazoo, only redeeming part is a lot of people out out doing different things so the office is relatively quiet. Wild Mom is doing fine except wishing for more company. She has camp coming up soon so that will keep her busy. We will be there in April. Lady is nursing a sore knee. She has an appointment scheduled on the 9th if she can last that long. Also lady's favorite time is here ... Easter Egg time ... another project she has seemed to inherit over the years. She did not bowl last night so she could rest after having the grand kids all weekend. They quickly learned ... go down the stairs ... Nana can't catch you then. Lady also gets her new Laptop tomorrow so she can get on-line easier. Maybe even get to answer some emails that have stacked up. #1 and #2 have no change to report on their status. Will we have a party when it does? Lew was fun though he needs to learn to let his bowling ball do the talking ... gee he learns so quickly and early. Lil Princess was a chatterbox all weekend. It was fun but she was very high maintenance ... wonder who that reminds me of!!! She loves her dresses and hair bows. Now she is pressing to "go bowling." lady brought her up to the alley the weekend before last and now she wants it to be a constant affair. My friend Blue is in the hospital in PA. Hope he gets better soon. If the storm up north had not been on-going, I think we would have made a side trip up there. We might still do it this weekend ... time will tell.

Your First Senior Moment?

2010-02-24T14:14:00.001-05:00

Snow on the Horizon

2010-02-24T13:03:00.004-05:00

Well, it is Wednesday and the week is half over, it is 1/2 price Burger Day, I am alive, life is ragged, snow is predicted and work continues to bite me in the bum. So for all intents and purpose, it is good. So I won't get on my soap box ... this time.

Our near term schedule looks like this:
12-14 March - Weekend to Remember @ Reston VA.
22-29 March - National Bowling Tournament @ Reno NV. (Train)
15-18 April - 40th Reunion @ Pensacola FL. (Car)

So it should be fun for the new few months. Wild Mom is doing well and eagerly awaiting Lady and I coming down. I can imagine how long the sonny-do list is! Lady is hanging in there. The twists and turns of life weigh heavy but her knee hurts and at times gives her a lot of pain. Must have overdone it while following the exercise DVD. Monday she gets her new laptop to replaced the old one that finally died. #1 and #2 still are unemployed with no opportunities on the horizon. It would drive me crazy to sit there all day waiting for the employer to come to my door and offer me the job of Company President. Lew and Lil Princess are still a million laughs. Lew is doing well in his bowling league. I believe his average is 51 and he has been very consistent. Never being more than -5 or +15 off his average. My team bowls against his team this weekend and he has learned well from #1 and is already talking the smack of how good he is. Lil Princess is growing into such a little lady. Hair bows, dresses and stocking are the order of the day when it comes to dressing for Church. She will someday break a lot of hearts. Starr has finally gotten her mouth fixed ... sorry it wasn't closed (j/k) but she had her bad teeth removed that were very painful. It is nice to hear she is actually enjoying things now the pain is gone.

**********

If I live, work, call it my home ... then I will respect its flag and anthem by standing. You can choose not too as it is your right but go somewhere else that you respect, don't stay here. Don't disrespect my Flag and Country!

Dan Snyder ... look at the wizards! When you have a LOSING team, do what they did. Get rid of the overpaid and prima-donna and retired-on-the-field players and win like the Wizards have done.

LEST WE FORGET

2010-02-16T10:56:00.002-05:00

Ruth went to her mail box and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again. There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address. She read the letter:

Dear Ruth:

I`m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon
and I'd like to stop by for a visit.

Love Always,
Jesus

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table ... "Why would the Lord want to visit me? I'm nobody special. I don't have anything to offer." With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. "Oh my goodness, I really don't have anything to offer. I'll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner." She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents. "Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least." She threw on her coat and hurried out the door. A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk ... leaving Ruth with grand total twelve cents to last her until Monday ... Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm. "Hey lady, can you help us,lady?" Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn't even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags. "Look lady, I ain't got a job, you know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it's getting cold and we're getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us ... Lady, we'd really appreciate it ..." Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to. "Sir, I'd like to help you, but I'm a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I'm having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him." "Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway." The man put his arm around the woman's shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley. As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart. "Sir, wait!" The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them. "Look, why don't you take this food. I'll figure out something else to serve my guest ..." She handed the man her grocery bag. "Thank you lady. Thank you very much!" "Yes, thank you!" It was the man's wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering. "You know, I've got another coat at home. Here, why don't you take this one." Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman's shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street ... without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest ... "Thank you lady! Thank you very much!" Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit and she didn't have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox. "That's odd. The mailman doesn't usually come twice in one day."

Dear Ruth:

It was so good to see you again.
Thank you for the lovely meal.
And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.

Love Always,
Jesus

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.

***********

Perhaps a refresher of Matthew 25:31-46 is in order. Have a Blessed day!

Morning Thought

2010-02-15T07:34:00.001-05:00

WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Press 1 for English.

Press 2 to disconnect until you learn to speak English.

Remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, JESUS CHRIST and the AMERICAN SOLIDER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

My Valentine

2010-02-14T13:22:00.000-05:00

To The Love of My Life:

Thank You for being my Best Friend/Wife/Lover/Confidant. Who would have thought (certainly not most of our relatives) that our meeting so many years ago would have turned into such a great time. Though I don't say it enough, you are my reason for living and facing the giants each day. I can not face the thought of not being with you, so I pray "Come Now Lord Jesus" and spare us the separation should that time ever come. I Love You, Cherish You, Respect You more than anyone. 34+ Years and enjoying every minute!

In Memory of Billy J. Davis

2010-02-14T11:59:00.004-05:00

My father/Dad/Best Friend

You are missed but I know one day we will pickup where we left off.
The Train rides will never be the same.
Love You so much!

The Importance of Walking

2010-02-08T16:56:00.000-05:00

Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old To spend an additional 5 months in a nursing Home at $7000 per month.

My grandpa started walking Five miles a day when he was 60. Now he's 97 years old And we don't know where he is.

I like long walks, Especially when they are taken By people who annoy me.

The only reason I would take up walking Is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

I have to walk early in the morning, Before my brain figures out what I'm doing..

I joined a health club last year, Spent about 400 bucks. Haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise', I wash my mouth out with chocolate..

I do have flabby thighs, But fortunately my stomach covers them.

The advantage of exercising every day Is so when you die, they'll say, 'Well, she looks good doesn't she.'

If you are going to try cross-country skiing, Start with a small country.

I know I got a lot of exercise The last few years, ... Just getting over the hill.

We all get heavier as we get older, Because there's a lot more information in our heads That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

AND

Every time I start thinking too much About how I look, I just find a Happy Hour

26 Inches

2010-02-06T22:19:00.001-05:00

I am sitting here enjoying a hot cup of coffee. I have finally finished shoveling my driveway and the car is cleaned off and ready for church if they have it. I have shovelled in shifts since Friday night, just doing a little at the time. The schools have already cancelled Monday and Tuesday classes. What would they do if they had a REAL snow? I figured we got 26" here at home. Right now my hips and lower back are reminding me of the last three hours. I am ready for these storms to come on the weekday rather than messing up my weekends. That way I would get out of work instead of losing my play time. Lady and friends headed for the Eastern shore Friday for a Women's Retreat this weekend. They got there safely but now the big question is can they get home tomorrow?

Ok, now I am going to get on my soap box so you can exit the program if you so desire.

After busting my but today, I have moved #1 and #2 into the category of ungrateful and lazy moochers. Did they help with the snow shovelling? Hell, no! One person twice said they were going to help. But when they heard the next door neighbor might come over with his blower, they decided, "well, no since going out if the blower is going to help." The other just plopped his lazy butt in front of a video game only coming out to smoke or feed his face. We ran out of milk so instead of getting some he just let his friend walk several blocks in the snow to bring a gallon of milk. Could he walk up to 7-11? Hell no ... the game comes first. That tops the list for inconsiderate laziness. And what for ... to play his games that cheat every time he loses. I guess my fatal flaw is I give people too many chances and always hope for a change. Well, I am at the point that I feel that all I am doing is blowing in the wind and chasing pipe dreams. Well, I best get off this box before I really get pissed and throw them out into the snow.

February Already!

2010-02-02T12:13:00.002-05:00

Winter continues to hold on. The predict snow this evening and this weekend. It would be nice if the snow did not get a chance to changed to that dirty stuff piled up all over the place. Everyone is doing fine with the exception of AJ who is under the weather. Work continues to plod along with Cheng out sick. Last Sunday, Lew started his first bowling league. He did very well rolling a 52-51-51 = 154. Not bad for the first time. It was so much fun watching him. The fist pumps, stomping foot, and pouting lips were all part of the first time. He was unhappy that he did not get one strike, but in time he will. The adult team on Sunday night continue to hang on to that 5th place spot. Lil Princess is talking up a storm but at times it is hard to decipher the words. But it is so much fun listening to her ... especially her facial movements as she talks. She is being more like a lady as she wants to wear the hair bows and dresses. Getting her to wear pants to Church because of the snow was a task not easily done. AJ is just a little dynamo ... into everything. Open our bedroom door and a buzzer goes off calling all the kids to it. Starr is doing fine while managing to cook some. Hmmm, where is our invitation? Peanut is still plodding through the schoolwork as graduation day grows closer. Now is when the computer questions pop up. Wild Mom is fine as she slowly returns to the world of Dr's. appointments, church, and crafts. Church is going well as there are signs of growth and people commit to helping more. #1 and #2 put their heads and muscles together in an effort to unclog a backed up toilet. Talk about a Laurel and Hardy experience.

Looks like the next big adventure is the train ride to Reno NV in March. I will be bowling out there for the National Tournament the 25-27 of March. This will be my 21st consecutive year of bowling in the tournament. Just think, I was a young man when I started! Boy, does bowling wear you out.

What does it mean, then, to be a Christian?

2010-02-01T12:22:00.000-05:00

Christianity is Christ! A Christian is one in whom Jesus Christ lives by His Spirit, and one who allows the life and character of Jesus Christ to be lived out through his behavior, in order to function as intended to the glory of God (cf. Isa. 43:7).