Dumbest Cruise Questions

The are some of the dumb questions asked on the ship by a guest to a crew member:

1. Which elevator takes me to the front of the ship?
2. Does the ship make its own electricity?
3. Does this stairway go up or down?
4. When I go to the Photo gallery to pick up my photos ... how will I know which one is mine?
5. Will I get wet on the snorkeling excursion?
6. Which floor is Deck 7 on?
7. What do I push to get the elevator to go to the 16th deck? (Ship only had 14)
8. How often do you clean the poop deck?
   
9. Does the Crew and Staff spend the night on the ship?
10. As the ship sails past the outer buoy in Miami Bay heading South ... When will we get to board the ship?
11. What do you do with the Ice Sculptures after they melt?
    

Surprise ... these people weren't all blonde's!

Paradise - Ended

Our last night (Saturday) on the ship was great and very memorable. Dinner and the show were the highlights. Barry John, Joe Yanetty and the Cats Pajamas managed to created a super farewell show. We didn't stay up late because we had to pack and get the bags ready for pickup by Midnight. So there was no final night karaoke for Lady and Wild Mom to sing to after a few Pina Coladas. The packing, actually going through all the souvenirs and papers of the cruise, was hard to do ... we never want the fun things to end ... but alas! We did manage to do some last minute souvenir hunting. I spent a good part of the day taking pictures around the ship. I even managed to win the raffle and won a bag of goodies worth about $200. Hey, maybe I will get lucky some more. Sunday was a quiet day as we waited for our color to be called to disembark the ship. We all sat about the stateroom and reflected and dreamed of the next cruise and what we would do differently. By the way, the next on is official now ... January 10, 2010 and we will do the Western Caribbean out of Miami on the same ship (MS Jewel). We even got to see the rooms we will have and they are awesome. It is a balcony suite on the stern of the ship and it even has a tub in it. We are excited, only 11 months to go and we wish the time would go faster.

Lady is anxious to get home but at the same time wishing this would never end. Our cozy little dinner at Cagney's turned out to be the absolute highlight of the trip.

Wild Mom made it off the ship safe and sound and should be home Sunday Night. Let me tell you, a week long trip with your mom is something never to be forgotten and I am so glad we did.

Even the tug of work can be felt .... uggggh!

Paradise II

Well, we are as far south and east as we will go. The trip home has began ... no more 80+ days. We had dinner at Cagney's ... we were the only two people in the restaurant with the undivided attention of the waiter. The food was out of this world. We have mainly done tours of the islands on this cruise. Every one of these has been great and we have learned a lot. The eastern coastline of Barbados is unbelievable. The panoramic views would make any home out of sight. However, swimming is dangerous, strong rip currents, as there is nothing between you and the west coast of Africa. We can't count the close calls as the buses took us about the islands. Something about a bus making hair-pin turns on a road barely larger than a single lane. Add the drop-off to the ocean one one side and there are a lot of gasps and white knuckles. Our tour guides are very informed and answered almost every question. Wild Mom can never come to Virginia as she has managed to buy a new purse at every port. She is becoming the ultimate bag lady. Talk about cheap booze on shore ... how about $10 for a fifth of Jack Daniels Black label. #1 would be in trouble. The ships entertainment is awesome ... last night Joe Yanetty kept us in stitches as he rattle off the jokes in rapid fire. The juggler made us wonder how he could do whet he did. Today has been a very lazy sea day as all we have done is eat, sleep on the deck chairs and shopped. I think Lady is now a medium rare color. "Stick the fork in ... she's done." Looks like our tour next cruise may change as we sat through several different briefings. They have a new cruise with two ports we haven't been too (Costa Maya and San Tomas) and two ports we really like (Cozumel and Belize). It is that or do the same one we just did and instead of tours ... do our own thing. So it looks like January 10, 2010 is the date. We keep joking about what it would be like with AJ, Lew, and Lil Princess. It seems the big kids have to work too much.

To nights dinner is at Tango's ... we will have our first Mexican food in quite a while. Then it is off to the Cats Pajamas show.

Paradise I

Well, can you believe it ... our cruise is almost halfway completed. The departure was completed with no complications ... well ... except for the power chair people with their turbojet chairs. One lady almost ran over a baby in a stroller. Obviously she needed the extra time crossing the last 150 feet to get on the ship. Our room wasn't ready so we ate lunch first ... our first 90 minute meal of the cruise. It was good and just what we expected. Saturday and Sunday were sea days as we headed south into the 85+ degree weather. Lady and I did a couples massage and it was great. Those hot rocks have a way of completely relaxing you. Usually it takes five minutes to get back in the swing of life after one of those. We even got a flash show on deck by a couple of drunk ladies. They decided to drop their tops and dance and jiggle around. Luckily the sober one prevailed before they dropped their bottoms. Our first excursion was at Samana, Dominican Republic. This place is definitely one of the poorer stops on our trip ... much like Roatan was. Lots of pictures as we toured the island. Funny part was it rained on us for the first part of the tour. The bus driver had only one setting on the bus air conditioner. Max Cold or off. We actually turned it off so we could feel the heat. Even in paradise people manage to bitch and complain. Lady wanted to slap one old man who gripped the complete time about things that really didn't matter. Oh well! Sunday nights entertainment was great as we watch a show performed by Second City TV (SCTV). The were hilarious and will have several other shows later on the cruise. Monday was spent on Tortola BVI. We had been here before so we knew a lot but we did still manage to learn more. I went crazy and snapped 60+ pictures. It was 86 degrees and that made the open air bus great and the quick rain showers were nice. Monday nights show was done by a group called "Cats Pajamas." Let me tell you ... they were good. I bought a DVD and CD of their performances. A "must see" if they ever come your way. Today is St Johns, Antigua. Lady will try out the new Bikini and hopefully I will not go crazy. If not there is a lot of water around to cool off in.

Wild Mom is doing fine. Just having a bit of trouble getting her out of the late night karaoke bars. We are having a blast. There have been a few changes to the way they do things but for the most part we love being pampered and spoiled.

Day 3 of Bill and Ronda's Most Excellent Adventure

Well, we made it to Ft. Lauderdale where we suffered through a 66 degree day. For a good part of the afternoon we rode with the van windows down. The fresh air was great. I don't know what we will do when it is 85. The ride down was very nice and very uneventful. I love them "Hands-Free" Rest areas in Florida. I go into the bathroom and some munchkin is there to whip it out for me. Then when I am finished he wipes and washes it down. WooHoo! What a Country. Tonight's dinner was at "Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company." The food was good but you would never figure out the theme of the place. We did manage to take a drive down A1a and see the ocean. The restaurant was right across the street from the ocean, so we watched the boats in the bay as we ate. Tomorrow should be another lazy day as we have a 30 minute drive and have to be at the ship by 4 pm. Wild Mom will be in the neighborhood about noon time. We figured out that her suitcase weighs 44 pounds ... why that leaves her room for the kitchen sink. This time tomorrow night we will be headed south. We downloaded some 360 pictures from Lady's camera tonight in an effort to get it ready for the cruise. The pictures ranged from AJ's first few days to just before we left on this trip. Of course we laughed and commented about them. Like the pictures of Peanut showed her with three different colors of hair. We even managed to get one of #1 wearing a losing football team's stocking cap. That makes the time frame from May 08 till January 09.

Driving the van the last couple of days has brought about numerous memories of the time we had our 1983 Dodge conversion van. We drove that van across the United States several times while we were stationed in California. Of course at that time #1 was a brat and #2 still in diapers. Hmmm, what has changed?

Starr is fine settling into her new place. The animals (pup and cat) will soon join her. The cruise bug has bit her as her and Dave now want to try out their first cruise before long.

All is well in Virginia ... at least the Police hasn't tracked us down yet.

Our Itinerary

With luck this is where we will be and there will be more on what shore excursions we will be doing later after we decide.

Depart -- Miami, Fl. -- 1600 -- 01/23/09

Arrive -- Samana, Dominican Republic -- 1000 -- 01/25/09

Arrive -- Tortola, British Virgin Islands -- 1000 -- 01/26/09

Arrive -- St. John's, Antigua -- 0800 -- 01/27/09

Arrive -- Bridgetown, Barbados -- 0900 -- 01/28/09

Arrive -- St. Lucia, Saint Lucia -- 0800 -- 01/29/09

Arrive -- Miami, Fl. -- 0800 -- 02/01/09

Arrive -- Home -- 02/03/09

Day One and Two of Bill's Most Excellent Adventure!

Well, we are on the road and heading south to catch the slow boat (Norwegian Jewel) to the Caribbean. The best part of this time is that I don't have to work. That is the last time I mention work until after February 3rd. We spent the first night (Tuesday) in Fayetteville NC. The day was uneventful except for a lot of laughing and having fun. North Carolina had several inches of snow and but the roads were in good shape for us and we just passed through. We did see several trucks in the ditches and woods and one very large boat in the median of the interstate highway. We still haven't figured out that one. Having dual DVD players in the van is nice. Yes we are old ... we watched "The King and I." We are spending the second night (Wednesday) in St. Augustine Fla. Everywhere we look we see water and seem to be traveling on bridge after bridge. Right now we are adjusting to the warm air ... 51 and tomorrow it is projected to be 62. Time for the shorts and light shirts. We don't know what we will do when it gets to 85 in the Southern Caribbean. Not! This trip is a lot different than last year when the group was 10 people. This year we have 6 people going. Sometimes it is really nice not being a tour guide. But at the same time, I do miss certain people. I did catch myself a few times just zoning out the window with my mind miles away. Lady is enjoying herself as she spent a good part of the day watching DVDs, talking, and sleeping. The stress level of the last few days is melting away slowly and I think it will be gone by Friday Morning. I tried to relieve some of it with a Root Beer Float for dessert tonight.

We are thinking of stopping by the Space Center when we return and do a little sightseeing there.

If you feel the need to call me ... call by 5 pm on Friday because after that the cellphones will be turned off and stored in the room safe until February 1st.

Well, I shall get out of here and get some sleep.

T minus 1 and Counting

Well, I can feel the warm breezes and smell the ocean air in my mind as the day is fast approaching. Tuesday is departure day and we head for Miami and the ship. After a year of waiting, it is finally time. Wild Mom is doing fine and doing that last minute packing of things she forgot to pack weeks ago. She is also happy that some old time friends are moving back into the area. Her Christmas care package finally arrived and I believe everything warmed her heart. Lady is almost ready for the trip. The essential tax stuff has been done and tomorrow she will run the payroll for this period and she will be done. Tonight will be our main packing night though a few things have been already packed or at least stacked on the dresser in preparation. I think we are all looking forward to this time as the craziness and stress of life and work has taken its toll. Though you may not know it ... but I am very proud of Lady and everything she does. I can't help but be in love with her. If you could have only met the young Lady I met back in 1974, then you would know how much she has changed. I know my life would have not been the same and most likely I would have not succeeded as I have. I think it is so great to have such a super mom and great wife. Two ladies that make my life so much more special. At least for me that is true. It seems the engineering department at work has been on 12+ hour days since mid-November. Hopefully, things will smooth out before long and we can enjoy all the work we have put into this station.

The weekend was on par with every other weekend. Dinner on Friday night, Mexican Food on Saturday and then Church and Bowling on Sunday. I guess we are creatures of habit. But we enjoy these times and each other and our friends. Add the grand kids to the mix and we have many memories to fill our mind. Lew is growing like a weed and becoming so independent and sure of what "he wants." Lil Princess is a blast though her personality is starting to seep out. She will definitely give her brother a hand full. AJ will hold his own. Not long till he starts to walk as he is starting to stand and let go. Though he only stays up a few seconds ... his confidence grows and before you know it ... Peanut is working and wishing for more free time. We are proud of her hanging in there. Just think ... only 45 more years of working! #1 and #2 are still looking for that ever elusive job.

Starr is doing fine and looks like they will have a new place to live this week. The new puppy is a surprise ... I thought training and handling Dave would be enough ... now she takes on the "PUP."

I am nearing the completion of my New Years Resolution. Only a few more to contact or at least attempt to contact. My biggest regret is the time I let pass in some relationships. I can never reclaim it and only hope to make the remaining time exciting.

Guess I get to root for the Pittsburgh Steelers. At least I get to dust off my Terrible Towel and wave it some.

T minus 9 and Counting

Well, we are a week past the start of the project changeover and we are just getting started. The equipment was ready but all the other parts weren't. Now the big question is ... will it be done before I leave for the Islands. A week from Wednesday is the big day ... Cruise. That fact is now settling in and we are all getting excited. It is almost here. Bowling went well with the Sunday Night team winning 7-0 on last night's position round. That should move us up a bit. The Youth league resumed for it's last 11 weeks of the season. We finished third in the first half of the season. Hopefully, we will improve and move up. Wild Mom is going great and starting her packing ... well, she moved the suitcase to the spare bed so she could fill it up. I advised her to not use the shovel to load her clothes. The dog has a kennel to stay at now while Wild Mom is gone. I have heard that her friends, who moved to Alabama, are moving back. See! No one can stand to stay, much less live, in Alabama very long. The same birdie also said she is contemplating a trip to Germany. Remember, Germany is like Alabama ... it is somewhere you can't stay for long. Lady is busy ... getting the taxes done at work and trying to get ahead before she leaves. We haven't started packing yet but will do so soon. #1 celebrated his birthday Sunday. He bowled good in the morning but like most aging people ... he slowed down that evening and being the kind loving person I am ... I gave him another bowling lesson. Still no job (just like #2) but we can always hope. Speaking of #2, not much to say as we don't see him a lot between friends and computers. He has been so busy he missed the trash pickup this morning. Poor baby! AJ continues to train Peanut. He is so animated and does he ever scoot across the floor. His crawling speed has really increased. Nothing is sacred. I haven't figured out where he learned it ... but he will sit there on the floor, get red faced, and then break wind ... followed by a smile. #1? Peanut? Lew and Lil Princess are great. Lew presses the boundaries with us like any 5 year old would. Lil Princess is so cute in her new pink jacket and pigtails (2). She will chat with you though the words are from a faraway land. Starr is doing well and hoping for a break. She has run out of matches so her fire stuff is on hold. We survived Christmas this year without her and we hope that won't happen again. I have done a fair portion of my New Years resolution but I still have a ways to go.

I am amazed that after almost a year how much drama gets generated over such small things. I know some people are unhappy about not being mentioned here but I just can't write about them if there is no contact. Most everything I write about is experienced first hand and I am comfortable writing about. As for Wild Mom and Starr, I am in contact on a regular basis with them and love writing about them. Simple solution: talk to me.

Who wants to cruise next summer? We are contemplating a Lighthouse cruise up the East Coast of the United States leaving from Philly.

2009 #1

Well, it is the first weekend of the new year and I sit here at work. What a great omen for the new year. I did manage to get breakfast in before heading down here. Doing nicely on my new years resolution ... I am not finished but well on the way to being finished. Dinner with our friends Friday night was a blast though since they were Alabama fans the night ended on a down note as the Utes ended their dreams. No youth bowling today as we are in between seasons but it all starts up next weekend. Yesterday we celebrated #2's birthday at El Agave Restaurant. Today I think we are celebrating #1's birthday ... provided I get out of here soon. Having three grand kids on Saturday is quite a chore. AJ pinched his finger in one of his new toys ... earning that toy a timeout until AJ is bigger. Lil Princess wore herself out playing and fell asleep in my arms. Snacks, Popsicles, wrestling and playing around all conspired to where her and AJ out. Lew was his usual self ... enough said. Lady went to Home depot and picked up the lumber for a special project ... a subtle hint for me to get busy. We need to get it down before early March. I have this suspicion that Wild Mom will drop in for a spell on her way to Las Vegas. We took sometime the other night to look at shore excursions for the upcoming cruise. The excitement is starting to build now that it is only 17 days till we head south. Life is tough in Kennesaw for Star. Hopefully this week she will start her new job and that will help relieve a lot of stress and worry. If not I guess a major league virtual hug will help. <<>> lady was happy today, Lil Princess hair is just long enough for a pony tail. Add the berets and she was a living doll. I remember a time when .... oh well, back to reality. I heard from an old friend yesterday. He had sort of dropped off the face of the earth the last few months ... but he is back. Maybe now I will get my truck ride in the big rig. Anyone tired of football yet?

So Long ... 2008

Well, 2008 is almost over and this will be my last blog for the year. A lot has happened this year and a lot did not happen. No, I am not going to do a Top 100 list for every area of my life, so you can relax and take a deep breath. I will vent and stand on the soap box in other venues. What meant the most to me this year? My wife, Lady. My mother, Wild Mom and my patchwork Family (#1, #2, Peanut, Star, Lew, Lil Princess, and AJ). Without them, this would have been a very boring and dull year. My first resolution and probably the only one for the New Year will be to tell them how much I love them.

I hope work improves because the last day sucks and has tried my patience. I remember a time when I couldn't wait to get there ... and then delayed leaving to get just one more thing done. I have a great boss but the list dies off extremely fast. I remember a time in my past seeing people fired or removed from the position for much less.

Many of our friends have made this a great year. Especially Carl & Lynne and Tom & Wendy.

I look forward to 2009, and especially on Thursday, the crab dip, football games, friends and family. I want to hug them all (friends and family, not the dip) and express how much they mean to me.

So I will end the year with a prayer;

God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows. We praise You for Your unequaled greatness. Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead. Help us in Your New Year, Father, to fret less and laugh more. To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them. To teach others to love by loving them. Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us. So that Love could be with us, and we could know You. That we could share Love with others. Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise, in the chirping of sparrows in our backyards, in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children. Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs, so that we may know You better and better. We rejoice in the world You loved into being. Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day. We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others. Forgive us for falling short this past year. We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us. We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want ... I say it again, we rejoice! ... In Jesus name, Amen.

Aftermath

Well, did you get all you wished for? I hope you did, but if you did not ... then wish harder for next year. Things have been hectic for the last couple of weeks. Hours were spent locating, buying and wrapping the many gifts ... only to see them unwrapped in less than 45 seconds. Some of them generated tears and others laughter with the grandkids receiving the spotlight. I think that "oh my god" and "awesome" topped the list of their exclamations. I did ok and enjoyed the whole experience though the present I wished for the most must of got lost in shipping. So I will just wish harder for next year.

Wild Mom had a quiet Christmas compared to the one at our place. Jennifer was supposed to be there but decided at the last minute to move to Nashville. Peace or Pandemonium ... which is better. It has been decided that next year she will be with us and get to experience the Pandemonium. Thanks Harold and Betty for being there for Mom!

Lady was awesome as she directed all the activity. There was no lacking of food to snack on and the Christmas Day meal hit the spot as we had Ham and Au Gratin Potatoes and all the appropriate veggies. We managed to avoid most of the deserts but the fruit salad hit the spot.

#1 was himself and really enjoyed his Tennessee Titans Division Championship hat. Not! He liked the Jaguars stocking cap better. He received his bowling ball earlier and the secret to its operation is avoiding him. Maybe it will show up as a birthday present!

#2 managed to eat everything on site thus ensuring that we had no leftovers. He is still chuckling over the Chuck Norris book. Kindred Spirit?

• If you have five dollars and Chuck Norris has five dollars, Chuck Norris has more money than you.
• There is no 'ctrl' button on Chuck Norris's computer. Chuck Norris is always in control.
• Apple pays Chuck Norris 99 cents every time he listens to a song.
• Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
• Chuck Norris can eat just one Lay's potato chip.
• Chuck Norris is suing Myspace for taking the name of what he calls everything around you.
• Chuck Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
• Chuck Norris can kill two stones with one bird.
  

Peanut was inundated with gifts ... actually they were mostly AJ's but as mom she got to open them with his help. She even managed to get her picture taken in all the bustling activity. AJ was a laugh as he experienced his first Christmas. The toys never seemed to end. Already we are tired of the incessant ABC and 123 songs, and the only colors in the world (red-blue-green-yellow). Stuffed animals and clothes were the fillers. Especially the onesie that had Me, Mommy, and Asshole on the front. That shirt was worth it and received many roars of laughter as he wore it.

Lou and Lil Princess were great though our time with them was very limited. We made up for some of it later during the weekend but lost time can never be made up or compensated for.

Saturday was our 33rd Anniversary and we celebrated it with friends at the Blue Ridge Seafood Restaurant. The food was excellent and worth another trip another day. We started the whole evening with a movie matinee where we saw "Seven Pounds" with Will Smith. A`good movie though it took a bit to figure it out. In an attempt to maintain my PG rating ... details of what happened later will be skipped.

Work is the same and getting more hectic as we get closer to the deadline for the automation system changeover. I like orderly and planned and the mode of operation lately has been shoot from the hip when the mood strikes. I would have retired a second lieutenant if I had ran my maintenance squadron this way.

Other Christmas presents:

• The Redskins lost and their preseason anointed playoff team finished 8-8.
• Dallas Cowboys got what they deserve ... get rid of T.O. and give the team a chance. Hopefully the eagles spanking of them will get their attention.
• Jacksonville stumbled their way to a lousy and losing season. next year their uniform will proudly display a very large and contrasting color ... "L".
  

24 DAYS UNTIL THE CRUISE AND 84 DEGREE WEATHER!!!!

Why Christmas Trees are better than Women

10. A Christmas tree doesn't care how many other Christmas trees you have had in the past.

9. Christmas trees don't get mad if you use exotic electrical devices.

8. A Christmas tree doesn't care if you have an artificial one in the closet.

7. A Christmas tree doesn't get mad if you break one of its balls.

6. You can feel a Christmas tree before you take it home.

5. A Christmas tree doesn't get mad if you look up underneath it.

4. When you are done with a Christmas tree you can throw it on the curb and have it hauled away.

3. A Christmas tree doesn't get jealous around other Christmas trees.

2. A Christmas tree doesn't care if you watch football all day.


And the # ONE reason Christmas Trees are better than women


1. A Christmas tree doesn't get mad if you tie it up and throw it in the back of your pickup truck.

Christmas Trees Over men

Why is a Christmas tree better than a man?

1. A Christmas tree is always erect.

2. Even small ones give satisfaction.

3. A Christmas tree stays up for 12 days and nights.

4. It looks good - even with the lights on.

5. A Christmas tree is always happy with its size.

6. A Christmas tree has cute balls.

7. You can throw a Christmas tree out when it's past its sell-by date.

8. You don't have to put up with a Christmas tree all year.

Top 10 Comments Made By The Reindeer During Their Xmas Flight

10. "Sheesh! What's he been eating this year? ROCKS?"

9. "He shouts all our names all the time, sure, but do you really think he
knows which one is which?"

8. "I never knew Donner had a tattoo THERE."

7. "Sure ... HIS seat is a flotation device. What about us?"

6. "Tried those new lite oats? You really should."

5. "Man, I hope we pause on a rooftop soon. I'm beat."

4. "HEY! Watch the antlers there, buddy!"

3. "Did you hear you-know-who got a nose job?"

2. "You know, after a few hundred miles, these jingling bells really get
annoying!"

And Finally ...

1. "So, you want to go someplace afterward for some reindeer games?"

Party Time

Well, the weekend is over and the work week begins once again. For the most part the weekend was a quiet one. Saturday Night was Lady's work Christmas Party. It was fun. The location for the party was changed at the last minute on Friday. The only way to keep her from taking up all the karaoke slots was to ply her with wine. The music was quite loud but a fun time was had by everyone. Is everyone that deaf? Saturday lunch at El Agave was quiet as it was just the two of us and AJ that went. No words from the South so we assume Wild Mom is busily crafting away. #1, #2 and Peanut all worked so that was the biggest reason the house was so peaceful. Lady managed to get the Christmas Tree up with a little help from #2 with the electrical wires. AJ did his best to eat the tree. Just as soon as you shooed him away from the tree he headed for the TV and its controls. Back and forth. Sunday was the last weekend for Youth Bowling until the new year. Looks like they will finish 3rd. With the party on Saturday, Lew and Lil princess were not around this weekend. Probably a good idea since AJ got sick Saturday and it literally spilled over into Sunday. By Sunday night the stomach virus was gone and he was more like his old self once again. Does his battery ever run down? Starr has decided that it is not feasible to roller skate all the way up here. Our Church is in full swing for the season. Christmas programs, carolling, cards and gifts is the norm. This upcoming Saturday is the Youth group Christmas party so that will consume most of my Saturday.

What do I want for Christmas? Two things ... something from you to me. It could range from a note to something you made for me. The cost of it doesn't make it anymore special but the maximum value comes from the thought that it came from you. The other gift is a special unspoken one, so I won't say anything. If it happens, well, then I know my angel just received their wings.

##### ##### #####

Anyone tired of Football and Bowl games? Not me. It is just another excuse to eat more dip and chips. What makes me happy .... Cowboy wins, Redskins lose, Jets win and Green Bay loss. Hopes that Chicago wins despite the Viking attempt to cheat their way in by using the Court Injunction to cover up a wrong doing.

I am saddened that this year is the last Republican White House Christmas ornament for the next few years. Almost feels like the Dark Ages are upon us.

Twinkle - Twinkle

Well, it is hump day and all is well. The weather is definitely winter with us even getting some snow flurries. The Christmas season is upon us, so I guess I should get my scrooge outfit out and practice my "Bah Humbugs."

Still trying to figure out how to get Starr up here for the Holiday's. Maybe she could put on a pair of skates, strap a pillow to her hiney, get a rope with a hook and catch a ride from a car passing by? She shouldn't get too many bugs in her mouth this time of the year. Wild Mom is doing fine but the twinges for the family to be there do crop up once in a while. Lady is working and shopping. Not many days go past that a box doesn't show up and she whisks it away before the box gremlins get it open. Lady's work place is having their Christmas party this weekend so that usually provides a few laughs as the alcohol takes it toll later in the evening. Things are usually ok until they start swapping clothes and dancing. #1 is still working but he has found another cheating XBox 360 game. I honestly believe they distribute those games just to irritate certain customers. I can't speak from first hand knowledge since the games behave when I play them. Also #1 got a new bowling ball and that has been a blast watching. He can't bellyache about me throwing a gutter ball ... seems the new one knows just the right way to get there. #2 works but the hours are few and far apart. Perhaps it is time to find another one? Peanut is slaving away and doing her best to train AJ ... but I think he is winning. She is starting a new diet and before long AJ's baby food will taste pretty good to her as a substitute for the diet food. We won't get to see Lew and Lil Princess this weekend and we will sorely miss them.

I keep getting asked what I want since I am such a hard person to buy for. "Keep it simple and something from you to me" would be my best answer. Just spending some time together and doing something we both like would be the best. Spending a lot of money is not the way to go ... that is unless you are filthy rich and want to waste some of it.

##### #####

A Christmas Prayer

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Let kindness come with every gift, and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessings which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. Amen

Robert Louis Stevenson

To wiki or not?

Snow Flurries ... is it that time yet. One thing I don't like about Winter is the cold that comes through my office window. It is about a 12x12 foot single glass pane that conducts every degree ( or lack thereof) of the 39 degree weather. It sure makes thinking of the warm Southern Caribbean a nice thought. Can I click my heels and go there now?

Well, I broke down and goofed up. I went Christmas shopping and got most of it done. All that is left is the wrapping. I guess I can make one mistake in 56 years and be forgiven. I have a few things left and an anniversary present left. How long do you have to be married and then there will be no need buy the anniversary gift?

Wild Mom is fine and trying to decide about going to a wedding in England and Christmas in Tennessee. Decisions - decisions. Lady is getting into the Holiday spirit and thinking about the Christmas tree location in the house. Actually, the question is what toys will have to be move to make room. #1 is working and dreaming of a new bowling ball, as if that will help him do better against me. Well, I guess everyone is allowed a pipe dream once and a while. #2 is erratic in his work schedule ... almost like he is just a fill in for the sick ones. A phone call from Star was nice last night. She is well and in the pursuit of a new job. Hmmm, cotton picking and peach picking come to mind. AJ is spending several days a week at a friends while Peanut works. I miss him in the morning now. That playtime was fun. Oh well, all I can do is wait and make the best of the rest of the time. Lew and Lil Princess will show up tomorrow and liven up our weekend. Sunday, a day of rest ... since when?

During a discussion this week that involved a question concerning forgiveness, I found a very good and interesting article on "forgiveness." I will let you decide its merit.

Holiday Schedule:
13 December 2008: Kalothia Christmas Party
16 December 2008: WAVA Christmas Party
20 December 2008: Church Youth Group Christmas Party
21 December 2008: Children's Christmas Program at Church
01 January 2009: Bible Study Christmas Get Together

##### #####

Well, OJ got what he deserved for his Las Vegas antics. I may never understand why money and fame give you some right to do what you please even at the expense of someone else.

Don't you just love that the Detroit CEOs are double dipping. They want around $34 Billion in bailout money and at the same time are asking for some $20 Billion from the Dept of Energy money. Of course, don't tell the public so they aren't aware of just how broke the Automotive world is. Will they as promised only get $1 a year if the Bailout money is made available? However, how much will they get of the other money ... the end effect being they get everything they always did plus $1. I also loved the answer to the question of would they ask more more in a year or so and they answered, "a high probability." When do we stop paying for a broke business. They have been in a decline for the last 25 years and now want us to bail them out. In a capitalistic system you are guaranteed success only if you have a good product or service at the best price. Obviously, the Detroit CEOs don't. So why should we continue to let them suck us dry for they benefits. As for getting to D.C. , did they drive or a chauffeur? Did they drive the biggest and most lavish vehicle available ... or something economical and reasonable? Why not carpool since they all three were coming from the same place to the same place and back? At time I think they think we are too stupid to understand that they are taking advantage of us. I fail to respond when they stand there in their $100 starched and monogrammed shirt with sparkling cuff links and Rolex watch. And I am supposed to make a sacrifice for their opulence?

Big football weekend ... Alabama vs Florida for the SEC Championship. GO GATORS!

Will the God's prevail and the Raven's defeat the Redskins?

For Further Thought ... I am considering setting up a family wiki. A place where we can write our thoughts and have people write back their thoughts or you make comments on someone else's thoughts. Of course, it would be limited to the family and not the whole world. What do you think?

23 and counting

Believe it or not ... December is here and Christmas is only 23 days away. Surprised? It seems conversations have turn to shopping and then the quiet hush as "presents" are discussed. I always shop on Christmas Eve so that is not a problem but I do start thinking about things now. Maybe one day I will wear green leotards and curly toed shoes and do my shopping as an elf. That would blow some minds. Just managing all the events becomes a chore during this season. Maybe I should clone myself and make it easier. We never made it to ChincoTeague Island this year perhaps I lost some of my motivation too. But, Lady and I did manage to squeeze in Pigeon Forge visit. The fudge was great, the meal super and the brief respite from driving a soothing relief. Our schedule now looks like:

13 December 2008: Kalothia Christmas Party
20 December 2008: Church Youth Group Christmas Party
January 2009: Cruise to Southern Caribbean
March 2009: national Bowling Tournament - Las Vegas NV
May 2009: Lady and Wild Mom's vacation in Pigeon Forge

Star has managed to put all the fires out in Cherokee County and is scoping out Cobb County. Even the poor old man just trying to light his pipe ... she hosed him down good. We missed her for Thanksgiving but she gave us hope that she might visit during the Christmas Holidays. #1 is working and having a blast boxing up your Internet packages. His shift is overnight so it fits his life style though it does interfere with his gaming time. #2 is having fun in toy land ... what a job ... to play games all day. Peanut is working hard and long hours. Go girl, you make us proud. AJ is a little stuffy and fighting off a cold. Nothing I love more is a kid that crawls up to you and buries his head into your pants leg ... runny nose and all. He will be a hand full one day as he is very opinionated and doesn't hesitate to tell you so. Lady is continuing to fight her cold that just keeps on giving ... just like the energizer bunny. The treadmill was cleaned off this weekend as she gets the jump on the effects of all the Christmas goodies. Maybe I should climb up on that contraption so I can get closer to the keyboard. But then I think of that TV commercial where the person falls and is shot across the room. Wild Mom should have most her decorations up by now. Most of her house guests are gone and peace and quiet returns. I wonder what it would take to take her into coming to Virginia for the holidays?

Work continues to plod on ... the project has slipped but not for engineering reasons. Some decisions you really have to wonder about. I am amazed that we will pay someone a lot of money just to make a decision that makes no sense and costs us an arm and a leg to do.

##### ##### #####

They have finally called this economic mess a "recession." My wallet knew that 6 months ago. I love how they are bailing out the corporations but it is the consumer who is be squeezed. Bailout GM so they can run at a loss for another year because the consumer can't afford the vehicle or get credit to buy it. Bailout the consumer and we will spend the money on the products that really matter. We will buy the car that runs the best and gets the best mileage instead of what GM wants ... a gas guzzling monster built by overpaid union workers.

Don't you love Radio Talk Shows where everyone is crying and so emotional you can't understand half the words or grasp the thought they are trying to make?

I love the CEO comment, "I will work for a dollar a year if the company gets some bailout money." I would too if for the previous 5 years I had been paid millions to do nothing and then got an even bigger bonus for the effort.

Yum - Yum - Yum

Anyone not get enough to eat ... those people on Pine St. were stuffed. I hope everyone had a great day and enjoyed the food and family. Wild Mom worked on getting the Christmas Tree up and the house cleaned up for company that is coming down for the weekend. Lady succumbed to the the turkey and dressing and took a nap after the meal. Well, I guess we all did that at different times yesterday. AJ sampled all the food but mashed potatoes remains his favorite. #1 squeezed a short nap in before he headed off to work last night. He just loves packing the boxes for Amazon.Com. So everyone order more off the Internet. #2 and Peanut went in early Friday to support all the Black Friday shoppers. Lady had the day off and stayed home with AJ. Of course, I went to work as if there was anything to do. There was a little bit but for the most part I just made work to stay busy. I figure Star ate so much she was overstuffed and fell asleep and missed calling me. Lew and Lil Princess spent the day with their other Grandparents. We missed them but understand.

There is a lot to be thankful for and though I may never say it right ... I am thinking it. There is lady as we head for our 36th anniversary next month. What would I and even we do with out her. #1, #2, and Peanut have a special place in my heart. Yes, we don't see eye-to-eye all the time but I wouldn't trade a moment. If anything, those stressful times give us a good laugh down the road. AJ, what can you say, he is a charmer that melts even the hardest hearts. he has filled this year with something new almost every day. For those that have chosen to move outside the family circle, I hope their choice is the right one. I do miss them and feel unfulfilled.

Then there is my mom ... she makes you laugh, smile, think, and love. Though we are almost 1000 miles apart, I can feel her in my heart. Even as we ate our Thanksgiving Day meal here, I remembered a few meals I had with her as I grew up. I can never eat corn bread dressing without thinking of her, especially when there are oysters in it. Apple nut salad is another memory jogger. If I had grown up not knowing her, I know I would not be the same and yes, better for it. Mom's are special and to see a child push their mom away is a painful thought. I for one, never want to spend a day without her.

Gobble Gobble - The Turkey isn't in the Oven

Well, the holiday season is about to start. Yesterday, we had a remote at Central Union Mission in Washington, DC. I was impressed. I can't imagine being in that situation but I can understand the circumstances. I am not too much on the homeless I see walking the streets but these men were sharp. I shows me that if you want to improve yourself there is a way ... and it goes right through Jesus Christ.

Wild Mom is fine and getting ready for the holidays. Lady is already thinking of the end of the year tax stuff at work. But she smiles as her two vacation requests have been accepted. #1 starts work tonight. It took a while but he is back on track. I don't have all the particulars but it sounds like a good job with decent pay. Peanut has a few days off for the holiday and that should prove a lot of fun. AJ is pulling himself up a lot right now. Seems he has figured out that standing up allows him to see a lot more.

Work is the same. The hardware is almost ready but the operators are no where near ready. Corporate is still being a bonehead on other projects and I just have to laugh at their cluelessness. The people that make informed decisions that effect my life are lost and in many ways have no clue. It makes you want to crawl into the corner and cover your head in fear.

I hope everyone has a great day Thursday and enjoys their time together with family. Yes, I wish there was more but I am thankful for what I have. Sometimes it is fun to think of what would it be like if I made a different decision somewhere in my life. But I always come back to dwell on what I would have lost and realize I prefer it this way.

Have a happy Thanksgiving and love those around you.

##########

I find it interesting that the Wizards get their head coach fired because of their poor play (1-10). Then they win the next game impressively for the new coach ... all the while spouting off how they loved the old coach. Well, someone is lying. These Prima Donna's could care less for anyone unless they can get money from them. They got the coach fired because of their inconsiderate actions and slow play. It is like they were holding back ... and for what? More money? In my mind these men are sad examples of a professional athlete. Or perhaps, they are representative of the sad state pro sports have reached as the dollar controls everything. maybe they should change their name to ... Washington Leeches.

Bailout CitiGroup? That is right let the citizen who is struggling to make a living give foot the bill for the Citigroup to pay $400 Million for the naming rights to the NY Mets Baseball Team.

I thought the Citizens of America were to choose their own representative to Congress? Not have a senate seat saved until the prior senator's son returns home from Iraq. have we turned into a Monarchy where birth determines who rules or leads? If this is the case, then lets just let the highest bidder buy the seat and then the money can help offset the bailout of companies that are fundamentally broke. The American Economy has been based on the survival of the fittest up until now. Now we bailout the broken and bankrupt companies ... allowing them to squander more money on their business plan that hasn't changed in 50 years.

Chuckles

Last night I saw a great T-Shirt ...

I love cats, but I can't eat a whole one by myself.

The weekend was good. We celebrated Paul's 28th birthday Friday night and we all managed to eat too much. Saturday was quiet but Lew and Lil Princess came over an livened things up. Sunday was the same as usual. The kids went 7-0 and stayed in the race to win the league while the Sunday Night team went 5-2 to move into 6th place. I was satisfied with my scores in both leagues. The evening ended by working on a friends laptop that was loaded with trojans. This week is Thanksgiving and should be fun and a chance to really over eat but a bit sad because I doubt everyone will be here. Star is excused since she is in Georgia but our hearts will be there with her. Besides, she probably burned another house and the turkey just to get practice.With a little luck, this week all the kids will be gainfully employed. Has the planets aligned in some freakish alignment? AJ is all over the place as his crawling skills increase. Now he is developing speed and he does have a high gear though nose dives are an occupational hazard. Peanut was going to PA for the holiday but this changed and we will get to have her here instead ... I like that arrangement better. Not that I am biased but she will have a better time here.

Looks like the next cruise will be in the fall of 2010 and we will go north to see the leaves change.

Time to run ... or rather time to go to work.

Sweet Dreams

Oh boy, winter is coming and the weather is getting cooler. Most of our leaves were knocked down this weekend. The combination of heavy rain and strong winds was too much. It was a busy weekend as everyone seemed to have something to do. Work remains pretty much the same and no relief in sight. Friday night was a "boys" night out as the women in our lives were on a retreat. Pastor Jim joined us and we did our best to eat all the steaks and cheese fries at Logan's Roadhouse.

Wild Mom is doing well and anxiously waiting for the crusie to get here. Still no buyer on the motor home. Lady went on a retreat, had a great time and returned with a sore throat. #1 hung around the house and grieved the Jaguars loss to a better team on Sunday. #2 went to PA to help someone move stuff. Work is very erratic for him. Peanut worked, rested and paid bills. Now come the problem of where to spend the left over. AJ is all over the place. His crawling skill increases daily and now he is even pulling up on low items. He had some trouble Sunday with an animal cracker but nothing that wasn't easily cleaned up. Tubs work wonders. Bowling was a mixed bag as two kids weren't there and bowling with 2 blind scores is a sure path to a loss. We continue to roll good on Sunday night and continued our slow ascent tothe top. Star is working and learning what it means to be a "rookie". Who knows, maybe one day she will be a runway model for Victoria's Secret. With everything going on this weekend, we didn't get to spend any time with Lil Princess and Lew. Is it possible to miss them so much in so little time. Saturday was spent driving down to a healing service at NewTown UMC near Williamsburg. Carl, Paul and I went. The highlight was the stop at Pierce's BBQ. That is some good eating and quite filling. The drive down and back was uneventful except for a broken windsheild wiper blade and one burned out headlamp. We even managed to fine gas for $1.80. Sunday ended with the "Mighty Redskins" kneeling in defeat to the "Desperate Cowboys." Yeah right. The announcers will say anything including reversing their spin when the games momentum changes. Life is almost perfect.

Yum - Yum

Time to update this thing before someone comes after me. Star's burn went well and we enjoyed the time spent together. The drive down was great as the leaves were just starting to turn. AJ and #2 went with us, so we had a car full. The jury is out on who (AJ or #2) travelled the best. After spending Friday Night and Saturday with Star we headed for Florida and a few days with Wild Mom. A few items were knocked off the sonny-do list and we saw our friends that mattered the most. The trip home included dinner at the Old Mill in Pidgeon Forge, TN. That is always a great meal. Oh, don't forget the stop at the Candy Factory next door. We returned with 2 lbs of chocolate covered raisins and 2 lbs of maple fudge with nuts. Returning home we got back into the work cycle. Saturday (Nov 1) was the Church's Fall Festival and that was great. Lil Princess, AJ and Lew looked great in their costumes for Trunk-or-Treat and we had a blast. Sure wish the other kids had spent the day with us but it seems more and more that they have no time for us. So we will love the GrandKids to death and make do with what we have.

Work is the same. The new project is coming along rather well. Tuesday the mail server crashed and caused me quite a few lost hours of sleep. Ever wonder what happens when you email a 180 Mb attachment to someone in the same office? Then send it again when it fails?

Lady is catching up on her missed work and trying to set aside some time to take Wild Mom to Pidgeon Forge in the near future.

#1 is doing well and keeping AJ occupied while Peanut works. She loves the manual work. Now I have to show her how to park the truck safely at work. Someone backed into it and crunched it. Luckily, someone saw it and wrote down the tag number and description. Monday, I am supposed to take it over and get it fixed at their expense.

#2 started his job at GameStop. Do I hear a small cheer! or gasp of surprise?

I guess we will see what the lowest rated Congress (lower than Bush) will do now that Obama is elected. They tanked the economy under Bush ... so what will they do with a bigger majority under Obama. Sell us out?

Sizzle - Sizzle

Well, Fall is here and hopefully it will stay. I hate those hot-cold swings in temperature. Everything is a go for this weekend. We get to see Star get heated up and then see just how long Wild Mom's sonny-do list is. I was scheduled for jury duty but the person pleaded guilty to murder so they dismissed us. Shoot I already had my vote marked for "guilty with the death penalty." Work is long and every minute is filled with something to do. I am cloning hard drives right now ... so we get a little break. I have the dates for our Cruise and Nationals:

23 January 2009 - 02 February 2009 --- Cruise to the Southern Caribbean.
24 - 31 March 2009 --- National Tournament in Las Vegas. #19 for me. This year the ride out there will be a little tougher as this was the last trip George and I took before his accident. It seems this train ride has become a major part of my memory. This was also Dad's favorite trip also, especially on the Southwest Chief to Albuquerque New Mexico. Though he did love all the train trips. Funny how dad loved all the train rides and Wild Mom loves the cruises. Thinking back, as a young person we couldn't wait to get away from the parental units and be on our own. But now, each of these trips are worth more than gold and have become priceless in my memory. The sad part is we don't learn this until it is almost too late and the available times are fewer. Why couldn't we have learned this lesson 30 years ago? I would hope some people would learn from my mistake and not have to go through this like I did. But, alas, us parental units aren't in touch with reality ... so they say.

We still want to figure out a weekend for ChincoTeague Island but the weekends available with decent weather are slowly disappearing. November will be our focus month on getting the downstairs bedroom fixed up so we can have a room for when company shows up during the holidays.

All the grand kids are growing and making us laugh. Whether is is Lew battling the cheating gameboy, or Lil Princess climbing on everything or AJ chewing on everything, they make us smile and love them more. Such simple things that mean everything to us.

Considering All

Since work is such a pain ... maybe I need a job change ...

Check This Out

Not a sermon ... Just a Thought

www?

For a good chuckle ... Digital TV

Well, play time has passed and the work week has started. Friday Night was "Logans" for a good meal and Saturday night was a trip to see "Fireproof." That is a movie worth watching and any couple wishing to have a good relationship should see it. Of course, the ones that need to see it the worse, won't. "Facing the Giants" is another movie worth the effort to see. I put them in the category of "Movies to see more than once." Other than the movie, the weekend was just like the rest ... church, grandkids and bowling. Bowling was okay as the youth team went 7-0 and the adult team went 5-2.

Work is the same. We have spent most of the last few days prepping for the start of the new automation system changeover. Only good part is the Company's desire for us to use up all our vacation time by the end of March. That is easy to do ... who needs an excuse to get away from here?

Wild Mom is getting ready for our invasion in a couple of weeks. Maybe AJ will be crawling and add Lil Princess and Wild Mom will have a blast. Of course we will stop by and see Starr burn another car for graduation ... oops ... she does that naturally when she drives red trucks ... so why is this special? Lew placed 2nd in the training wheel division on Saturday. Another racer is born. Lil Princess was cute as ever but also clingy as ever. AJ is up on all fours but hasn't figured out the sequence. Most of the time he manages a face first landing. Good thing for carpeted floors.

#1 Nanny

Well, it is Friday and the start of a relaxing weekend. Huh? Believe it or not ... #2 and Peanut have jobs. Peanut will work at Rent-A-Center and #2 will work at Gamestop. So that means #1 is the nanny for AJ. Maybe we should get him a dress like a french maid ... oh ... too short of a dress for his hairy legs ... scratch that. AJ is growing and actually holding himself up on his arms and knees. Not long till he rockets away and crawls all over. Lil Princess will be with us on Saturday as lew has a bicycle race to participate in. Work is the same. Early morning phone calls from inconsiderate knuckleheads with stupid things ... like "font is the wrong color", "Recycle Bin says it is full and can't hold the new trash", "email won't download", and "my speakers have no sound." These are crisis times that require them to wake me up or call me 2.5 hours before I am supposed to come to work. Oh, for those of you who are curious, the answers to the problems were "change the font color", "empty the Recycle Bin", "reboot the computer", and "plug the speaker cord into the green connector ... not the red one." Also this week the decision to change automation systems was made. So in the next 40 days we will bring up a new computer system to run the Radio Station. As if Cheng and I had nothing to do. Now I feel like I am earning the $30 pay raise.
Hopefully this weekend I can go see the movie "Fireproof." That is if I can find someone to go with me.
Anyone tired of the Presidential Election process yet? They will start all over in March 2009 for the 2012 election. I hear Ohio is planning to use disappearing ink in their markers. By the time they will get counted they will be blank. ACORN has Tony Romo registered to vote in 19 states. I guess he won't be available to play football that week. Writers cramp. In late breaking news, Mexico just received their 24 Million absentee ballots that are already marked courtesy of ACORN. Don't tell me that Obama was a member of ACORN.

Snakes?

Well, it looks like Fall is about here. The lows are in the low 40's and the highs a comfortable 60s. We have been staying busy and never seem to have any real down time to just vegetate. Lew had another birthday party at Chucky Cheese. He was all rocket and he raced from game to game with his tokens and tickets. Lil Princess just wanted to be held. AJ was like her and wanted to be held. He is about to crawl ... probably by the end of the month. Maybe we should take him to Granny's house so he can check out all the neat things laying around. Wild Mom is doing fine ... crafting and getting ready for the cruise. Still in question is what to do with the dog but we are working on a solution. Lady is busy but is smiling after the Boss gave her a pay raise. Must be nice. #1 and #2 continue to dodge the employment world. Of course, they get ticked when we say No to the expensive and exotic pets they want. Peanut is fighting a chest cold that according to her was given to her by #1. What's his head cold doing on her chest cold? Hmmm. Bowling is going well. The adult team dropped to the bottom in the standings but over the last couple of weeks we have climbed back into the middle of the pack. The youth team is doing as well. It just doesn't seem to click. Lil Princess picked up some Fall weather clothes and she was prancing around in her new shoes and skirt. I am glad I am old and already married ... she will be a beauty and break a lot of hearts down the road.

Looks like we will journey to Georgia on the 25th to watch Star burn a house down ... errrr ... put out a house fire as part of her training. We are still trying to decide if we will slip down to Fla to check out Wild Mom. We are still looking for a good weekend to go to ChincoTeague and spend a quiet weekend.

No comments on work as all I do is get pissed and I can't fix stupid especially at this massive level.

Slowly getting time to vote ... have you decided? I enjoyed listening to James Dobson (Focus On The Family) giving the reasons for his endorsement. He made a lot of good points.

For those who went to the Renn-Faire ... Check this out.

Another Pissy Day

Well, the Renn Faire was great as usual and everyone had a great time ... even Peanut managed to smile a lot. She wants one of them dresses where you can strut your stuff. And yes, she loves watching the Squire on the Wire. Something about a man in a kilt walking on a tightrope over the audience got her attention. We listened to the O'Danny Girls sing ... just like we always do ... and they were great. I bought another of their CDs to play and use it to put myself to sleep at night.

Work continues to be a royal pain in the arse. People who are supposed to use computers as part of their job can't even add a signature block to their email. They don't have a clue about the programs but they take enough time to go through all the screens and change the settings ... then bellyache to me when it doesn't work right anymore. Keep your frickin fingers off then ... I say. I installed web mail several years ago ... and to this day ... they still can't use it or even remember how to get to it. Cheng puts out an email every week about not installing software ... well, everyone of them have ACT ... one day I will find that gremlin that sneaks in at midnight and installs this software that no one claims they installed but everyone uses. Or someone wants to print something, spends 45 minutes formatting it, then bitches to me about their wasted time and how I ought to fix the broken print system. I changed the print margins and in 15 seconds solve what they wasted 45 minutes on. Learn to use the tools provided with the brains God gave you. I won't even go into the workload changes for the whole engineering staff. We are a victim of our success. We do it better and faster and now as a reward they are dumping on more on us. I think I will take up the United Auto Workers attitude ... slow down until you are over paid for doing nothing.

AJ is growing and is developing a great personality ... a real charmer. His hair keeps sticking straight up ... his hair looks like one of the gremlins from the movie. Lew and Lil Princess continue to make us smile and laugh. Lew got "a million bucks" as he exclaimed. Really it was only $10. You can't help but love them all. Peanut is turning into quite a cook ... the meals and desserts are rather remarkable. One day she will have the opportunity to fatten up her own significant other but for the time being it is me and Lady. #1 and #2 have the same issue ... allergic to work. It is nice to be picky but sometimes pride should kick in and you should want to work and show us you can be productive in society. But alas, until that day they will wonder why their arse is getting bigger from all the sitting around.

Sometimes I have to wonder where I failed in raising these kids. I tend to be a workaholic but they tend to be lounge lizards. Has society changed so much that sponging off your parents is the preferred way of living? We want to help and give them the best chance to succeed but does that mean take advantage of us? Yes, I am miffed as I work 60+ hours a week. I wish I could just be normal. What is the appeal of sleeping or lounging in bed 21 hours a day? Surely the body has had enough sleep after 10 hours. Chores? I realize doing chores while you are sleeping all day or generally being a sofa lizard is impossible so I won't go into any detail here. Be honest with us, we know all the cock and bull excuses for not being there or spending time with us. Just tell us you have no real desire to spend time with us and would rather be elsewhere. We will get over the disappointment. Lord, heaven help that we would want to spend some time with you and have a relationship. And yes, a relationship is more than phone calls that average 3 minutes and text messages. Talk to us face to face, do things with us. I have been known to sit in beauty shops reading ladies magazines just to be with someone. Not to mention sitting through a movie that had no plot or action. Why do we have to drift apart because we have this huge desire to be independent. Yes growing up is the goal but independence is doing it yourself when you want to and how you want to. I sit here and think now of how I would love to have one more talk with my dad ... just 2 minutes to say I love you. But I can't for now and then I think of how it is now with my family ... such a waste of those precious moments. Perhaps my failure is wanting to love them and be a part of their lives when I should either blow it off or apply the boot of opportunity to their backside.

Well, I shall stop ... for what good will it do to continue.

Eyes Wide Open

Finally, an honest gun control ad! Check it out.

O'Danny Girls

Well, TGIF ... and not a moment too soon. The week has been full with not much time for anything extra. However, this week is the Renn Faire. For a while Saturday we will forget about this world and have some fun. Tuesday Peanut advanced the hands of time as she celebrated a Birthday. We wish her a lot of luck. The flower cake took a lot of self-control not to eat it. AJ is growing like a weed and is a blast to watch as he plays. Sometimes you actually ache when he twists or pulls his legs and feet to his mouth. You can almost hear your bones pop as he does. Lady is sore too as she participated with Lew at the House of Bounce. This was his birthday party place. Wild Mom is already dreaming of the cruise. The best part is there will be an economic boom in Pace Fl. as she gets new clothes to wear. Bowling is now back in full swing. I sure hope I do better than last year.

I believe I will vote republican this year. That ticket sure looks better than what the Democrats offer.

The Redskins are just like last year. Can we trade them for a good team?

What can you say about the Nationals. 26.5 games behind ... Put them in AAA ball and we might stand a chance of reaching .500. It is sad to see some good players never have an outside chance of reaching the post-season.

Bailing out the Banks? They don't care if I flounder. Paying me $0.69 on $1100 of savings ... didn't help me. Their fees are outlandish ... and now they want us to save their butts from the bad decisions they made. That is business ... make a bad choice and risk your business. I say let them sink and the good banks will survive ... better yet, if they are bailed out ... then the government should regulate them as a condition of saving their butts from their bad decisions. They are now bailing out the banks and housing finance industry ... when will I get some consideration?

I wonder what Exxon will post as their new profit ... will they beat the $11.7 Billion they posted last quarter? They could pay every household $383.36 with just the profit they will make this year. So after paying all their costs ... every home in America could get 1 month of free gas.

6 Days

Well, I am on the slippery down slope to the weekend. This week so far has been a wild ride. It seems 12-14 hours a day are the norm. At one point this weekend the old trigger finger sure twitched and I was extremely close to pulling the trigger and ejecting out of this mess. Bowling last week was ok but could have been better. The kids league was supposed to start but it was delayed until this weekend. #1 and #2 are still playing around with their job hunting exploits and they fail to realize the ride on the free ferry is about over with. As I see it, the swim to shore right now will be a hard one. AJ got a very good clean bill of health ... they may not even have to do any surgery now. We will have to see how the next one goes and hopefully the results will be the same. Did a prayer get answered? Peanut is happy and relieved with this news. That boy is growing like a weed, he rolls like a barrel going downhill, he even manages to make the walker move around a little bit, and given the time he will make noises back to you in response to those you make. Of course #2 tried to get AJ to break wind like him but AJ just ignored him. We only need one stinker and child in the house. Lady is doing well and nearly has her craft room cleaned out once again. Wow, that and even getting on the treadmill ... what a woman! Lew never ceases to amaze us as he grows. The things he says would be priceless on Art LinkLetter's , "Kids say the Darnedest Things." Lil Princess, what can you say, she is a doll and is a 1000 watt bulb in a dark cave. Just watching her play will make you laugh and the poor dog now has someone to chase him around till he runs out of steam and hides. Peanut is only 6 days away from going over the hill (21) and being forced to grow up. Gee, imagine ... she will be an adult ... no more kiddie movies and kids meals.

This weekend will once again be full as Sunday I am speaking at both services. I am still not completely sure about the subject but I do have ideas. Add both bowling leagues and I will be tired by Sunday night. Football? There is hardly anytime but I can console myself that the Redskins will lose. Some things are becoming a fact of life like the Redskins losing, the Nationals losing and the Patriots and Red Sox winning. Maybe I should move to Boston!

Well, work sucks and fixing stupid is really becoming a royal pain in the bum.

Oh ... Dark Thirty

Just for a change of pace ... it is 03:30 am on a Saturday morning and I figured it would be good to write ... not! Work called at 02:30 am and woke me up with a problem they were having. You guessed it ... the new stuff I inherited. Nothing like feeling inadequate and even worse ... lost. Gee, I knew I should have went to sleep earlier ... but I didn't get home from the training class until 11:00 pm and have to leave for the morning session at 06:45 am. These are the times that try my resolve to be a christian. #1 looked at me earlier tonight with a WTF? look ... why are you up now? With fingers crossed ... at 05:10 am the system seems to have settled back down ... for the moment. Now it is time to start my day and get ready for the class ... figuring out what I did right will come later.

As I reflect over the last 2+ hours, I really wonder about the fun-ness I am supposed to be having. I am reflecting on another time in my life when I felt just like this mentally ... I guess it boils down to your self-worth and what value you give to your life. Reminds me of the movie, "Saving Private Ryan," when the man asks ... have I been good enough to deserve the sacrifice made for me?

Oh, the first session of the class was good. It is titled ... Lay Leaders are Servant Leaders ... it makes you think though the author's book does challenge your thinking for a bit until you figure out what his words are driving at.

Yeah, I missed Friday Night dinner with Lady and our best friends and most likely I will miss Mexican food today at El Agave. The list of negatives for today is really growing so I best stop before I convince myself to retire today. I hope your day is a great one and be safe.

A Day Off

I figure I best update this site and get everyone updated. Life has been busy with the weekdays and weekends running into each other. We spent Friday night up on Skyline Drive and then drove along the Skyline drive to Charlottesville and then drove the normal roads back home. We had a blast seeing a lot of animal life including a black bear. He must have been about 4-5 years old and ran across the road in front of us. Dessert Friday night was Blackberry cobbler (me) and Blackberry ice cream pie (everyone else). The cabin was nice but Lady complained that when the lights went off it was a total blackout. Oh well, that is life but another trip to the mountains is a definite possibility. Sunday was the usual with church and the grandkids. Needless to say we were busy. Wild Mom is having fun getting wet from Gustav's rain. She was lucky and basically had no damage and the trailer did good at dodging twisters. Gee, looking at the Weather Channel today there are at least 5 more heading east from Africa. Work is slightly better ... it helps when 4 different people quit and two of them way overdue. Now the fun comes covering all the jobs with less people. Now the projects keep appearing faster than we can get them done. I guess that will keep us employed for quite a while. Next weekend is a lay Speakers Training Class, so my weekend will be full. This week the emphasis will be in clearing out the family room and getting it cleaned up. Gee, we will be disturbing a lot of dust. No change for #1 and #2. Peanut dyed her hair black once again. Even #2 tried his hand at dying his. Well, he looks the same and I am afraid it will take a lot bigger effort to look better.

The Redskins are praying for a quick start to the season and quit wasting their few available wins for the season during the preseason games.

McCain made a very good choice. I just hope she and especially her family survive the attacks by the Dems and Media.

Squirt

Well, things are relelatively quiet on the home front. A lot of what I write about is generated from activities at home and it has been quiet there for a while. Work is busy since a certain 2 people have left. I have inherited one of their jobs. That should prove interesting since they made it a full time effort and now it is considered an additional duty for me. Cheng is having fun and should be back next week. My home computer is down right now and hopefully I will get it back up soon. The bill collectors have this funny idea I must pay them every month or they get lonely and call me. This Sunday we start a new season on the Sunday Night Adult league. 36 weeks of fun as we try and stay close to the top of the pack. We will miss bowling with George but it is time to move on and make him proud. The Youth league starts September 7 and that one is still under consideration if I will participate. The biggest obstacle is finding two kids who want to have fun and learn something about the game. Wild Mom is enjoying the rain from the tropical storm and is getting a lot of free lawn watering ... now she will change her sonny-do list to cutting the lawn as the grass explodes in a growth spurt. It never ends. Lady continues her normal routine and is looking forward to the weekend trips we have planned. Buying some new clothes has also helped. No change for #1 or #2. We did hear from some old friends after about 15 years. They tracked us down through the internet so it will be interesting to see where this leads if it does anything at all. Peanut and AJ continue to fill a large spot in our life. AJ is rolling over now and talking to us in that magical baby language that every adult knows .... goo goo and gaa gaa. Peanut isn't half bad as a cook. She has been fixing dinner quite often and I know Lady likes that. Come on guys, what more could you want ... pretty, smart, has a great little boy, is a good cook and most of the time she is a lot of fun to be around. The line starts over there ----> Lew and Serenity continue to grow like weeds. Serenity is walking very good now with only occasional stumbles ... heck, even I stagger once in a while. Oops ... shouldn't admit that. The church has loaded up our calendar for the fall. So that will make our Sundays very busy. I love this window in my office as the sidewalk scene offers me a chuckle almost every day. I could easily see myself being retired and sitting at the mall all day just watching people walk by. Boy could I have an interesting and challenging blog doing that. Like right now, some lady heading to work came flying around the corner only to have her feet and shoes sprayed by the maintenance guy washing the sidewalk off with a water hose. Sorry, no fight but there were words. Let me see, he is pulling the hose along the sidewalk now ... will he trip someone or loop the hose around their foot and pull them down ... hum! Ok, no problem ... the cars backed up to get into the parking garage just parked on the hose ... stopping any more wet downs. Maybe he will check the hose nozzle for blockage when the car moves off the hose!!!

Let Me See ... 08 or 09?

TGIF ... another week is gone. We finalized some of our vacation plans last night. The Birthday get-a-way is planned for September 19 & 20. It looks like we will spend the night up around the inner-harbor in Baltimore and then spend Saturday at the Maryland Renn Faire. The ChincoTeague Trip looks to be set for October 17-19. We figured we needed to set some dates set or they would get lost as now we have only 2 weekends between now and November that are not obligated. We need a social secretary just to managed all our events. Lady is ready for these breaks and would even entertain the possibility of retiring for good. We wish we could move the cruise up and escape for the two weeks right now. Aidan rolled over one day this week so nothing is sacred now. And getting those toes to his mouth is getting easier and thus a whole lot noisier. Work is plodding along though two people who made it a pain have left this week. So hopefully things will improve and then Cheng returns. He is enjoying his vacation and was even able to listen to his favorite radio channel on the Eastern Shore. We added a new person to our Bible Study group bringing us to 8. We probably could add 2 more but sitting room would start becoming an issue. No changes for #1 or #2. Peanut spends all her time taking care of AJ and he is now interacting with us more and more. Now we will wait and see if he gets an attitude like him mom or will he remain an "angel." Lil Princess and Lew are growing and making the maximum use of the pool when they are here. It looks like some watermelon seeds that Lew spit out are growing underneath the deck out back. Star has a job interview next Tuesday so we wish her the best of luck. The weather here has been cool ... in the high 70's ... that is kind of a nice surprise for August. I have only seen small pieces of the Olympics and those Chinese gymnasts sure looked like they were 12-14 years old. Next thing you know they will offer diaper filling as a medal sport and toddlers under 1 year old will compete ... and the Chinese will find a 25 year old to pass them self off as less than 1 year old. Just like Korea, you can not trust them any further than you can see them.

#500

Well, the weekend is over and I am checking things to see if I am rested from the whole adventure. We did all the normal things like eat out and spend time with the kids. The Youth bowling league ended and the way it did was less than satisfying. I was the only person on my team to show up. So, the other team automatically got 30 pins forcing me to roll 210+ just to stay close. Well, the bright spot is the fall leagues start soon and that will be better time (translated new team). Lew and Lil Princess came over Saturday and life was not the same. Lil Princess really scoots around now as her walking is getting very good. Along with walking, came the climbing. Give her a toe hold and she is up lightening quick. Of course, the kiddie pool on the back deck got a workout too. Yard work was the password of the day on Saturday for me. There are days when you just have to cut the jungle back or live like Tarzan. Sometimes it makes you wish for a postage stamp yard so the work would be less. AJ is still growing like a weed. I must of held him too much since my arms are sore today. Wild Mom called and that was fun as usual. She is well and waiting for some company, it seems GungHo-Jenn is never there (work and party). Some of her good friends sold their house and are moving to Lake Martin Al. Work is the same. I received calls Friday and Saturday. I was lucky on Sunday since the Ops manager was there ... thus I received no calls. Cheng is having fun on vacation since he hasn't called to check on things. So I have my fingers crossed that all goes well this week. The September calendar continues to fill up with bowling, advanced speakers course, speaking on the 09/14 ... that is right I initially figured the wrong date so the 14th is right. Also in September will be a weekend away with the destination still up in the air. Oh, and Peanut gets older (16th), 21 to be exact. She will probably transistion to long dresses and combat boots.

Thoughts of a Swell Time

I am looking forward to a quiet weekend but you can never tell if it will be until it is too late. With Cheng on vacation until the 25th, I get to be on call for everything at the station. It is amazing how quickly things happen at times like these. This weekend is the last week of Youth bowling. We will most likely wind up 4th but everyone had a good time. If you are not busy on September 7th, you can come and hear me speak at Church. Besides, if I have to wake up early then you should have too. The week has been uneventful and went fairly quickly. We did take the youngest daughter out to eat for her 19th birthday on Wednesday night. peanut, AJ, and Lady were there to celebrate. I couldn't talk her into a movie afterwards. AJ is growing like a weed and starting to develop a personality. He still hasn't managed to roll over yet but oh does he come close. He drools all the time and a towel is standard equipment now if you hold him. So far no jobs for anyone on the home front. You know, it must be the water for surely it can't be the effort. Weekends mean yard work ... so that will be the order of the day tomorrow provided it doesn't rain. Lady's boss is on vacation too, so her workplace is really quiet. She even managed to go in late this morning. Let me see, what will it take to get her to retire? Wild mom is doing fine and already adding to the list. Hopefully, I will be able to get down there soon and get a few things done. We checked into riding the train across Canada and that is expensive ... about $2100 per person. Shoot, we could do two cruises for that much. We need to book another by December but we haven't figured out where too yet. It is time to get the brochure down and study it I paid my USBC Nationals entry fee this week ... so Vegas here I come. Gee, I wonder who is up to going there for a few days.

###### ##### #####

• Finally, Favre is moving on and maybe the news will include something else.
• Preseason football, oh boy.
• I have finally found a way to not hear any election news ... I turned the TV off. I watched Animal Planet for a while but now they keep showing Animal Cops all the time and I am tired if that series.
• I haven't followed or plan to follow the Olympics ... Chinese isn't my cup of tea.
• I haven't seen any Golf lately ... if they are going to make someone Player of The Year and they have been hurt half of the year ... then obviously, there is nothing exciting worth watching.
• The Tour has been over a few weeks and no doping scandal ... maybe we are over the hurdle.

A Real Yawner

Well, another weekend flew by and left very little evidence that it was there. Well, maybe except for the dirty house as the cyclones roared about. We stayed busy ... amazing how 2 toddlers and 1 kid will make time disappear. Some of the time was spent on the deck as Lady got a small pool for them to splash all the water out of. Just sitting on the deck meant you got wet. We ate at our favorite places and even managed to go see "Dark Knight." Let me see, now what do I want to go an see? Lady and Lew will go see Wall-E this afternoon. One more week of youth bowling and I will be glad for it. But the Fall leagues start in four weeks ... no rest for the weary I guess. I need to send in my money for Nationals in Vegas next March. That is only 7 months away. Gee, that means the cruise is less than 6 months now ... that I can not wait to get here ... sitting on the islands always generates dreams of retiring there. Lew, Lil Princess, and AJ were their usual selves and full of life. Sometimes they were all crying at the same time. Lil Princess is starting to imitate sounds ... I am glad I am older for she will break quite a few hearts one day. Work shows no change. More jobs and less time or people to do them. It will be interesting as the sales staff gets smaller. I hate selling so don't even think of that. Cheng will take a couple weeks off so that will keep me busy until he returns from his boon dongle. I put the caddy in the shop for all its inspections and work .. so I get to drive the pick-up for a few days. There was a rumors of a football game this weekend, but with the Redskins playing it was more like a coed flag football game ... a real laffer if you could stay awake. The Braves are having a bad year but even so, the Nationals are 10 games behind them ... how embarrassing. Demote them to Single A ball and someone go out and buy a better team ... the Florida Marlin's owner knows how.