7-4-10

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

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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

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.

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

Time Sure Flies

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

Is This Politically Incorrect?

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

Catching Up

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

Our Summer Schedule: (so far)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cinco de Mayo

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

Spring Time Lull

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

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

40 and Counting towards 50

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

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

He Lives

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

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

The Zephyr - Day Ten

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

The Zephyr - Day Nine

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

The Zephyr - Day Eight

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

The Zephyr - Day Seven

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

The Zephyr - Day Six

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

The Zephyr - Day Five

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

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

The Zephyr - Day Four

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

The Zephyr - Day Three

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

The Zephyr - Day Two

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

The Zephyr - Day One

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

To: Lady

Need 14 get 17

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

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

Reflections on a Train Ride

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

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

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

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

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

Heading for a Warmer Day

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

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?

Snow on the Horizon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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?

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).

The Week After

Can you believe that we have been home a week? Where does the time go. As usual we have been busy since returning ... mainly just catching up. We have booked the next adventure ... 01/09/2011 on the Norwegian Pearl. Now comes the hard part ... waiting till that day. Lady returned to work and is enjoying the start of the tax season for the Company. Everyone wants it yesterday. Wild Mom is settling in and finally got the Christmas stuff down in between appointments. But she did find time to go to the Gospel Sing on Saturday. Some things never change. Maybe we show call her "PowerShopper" instead! #1 has until the end of the month as that is when the contract expires. #2 is a shadow as he moves about with his friends. Peanut made the "President's List" at school. Amazing what happens when you believe in yourself. Now we will focus on the drama. AJ is growing like a weed and is all boy. Nothing is too tall to climb on or too high to jump off of. Lil Princess is talking and conversing now. I can't help laughing sometimes at her sentence structure and choice of words. But she gets her ideas across. Of course, I am drinking from a fire hose as I learn 3-year-old-ese. Lew is ever becoming the young man. Slow down and let us enjoy the child. Next Sunday, he will start his first bowling league. That should prove a very good source of a lot of laughs. Church is fine and growing, work is the same. We watched the movie "2012" last night with Green Giant, HDTech, and TL. It was entertaining but we are glad we didn't have to pay for the experience. The Cherry Pie and coffee helped a lot.

Congrats Colts and Saints ... my choices.

Maybe the Socialism Movement will stop now. Oh, well he will just move to another area and start anew. I guess middle class tax hikes and budget freezes are the next target in his agenda. He can't budge Banks, Big Oil, or Wall Street ... so take on the easy target ... the citizen.

Why not take all the unused FEMA trailers and ship them to Haiti? I bet you they won't turn them down! Hey Obama, while you are doling out all those 100 Millions to Haiti ... what about the homeless and jobless here? We haven't even finished New Orleans after Katrina!

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Fourteen

Well, today is our final travel day. The most excellent adventure comes to a close. The day and drive was beautiful. Leaving Greenville SC, the drive up US-29 was enjoyable and relaxed. Our thoughts were mixed as the idea we had to return to reality on Wednesday. We chatted about future cruises but there were more periods of silence than times of chatting. We stopped in Ruckersville, VA to eat some Mexican food at El Agave. It was good but we prefer our home restaurant in Warrenton. Like the trip so too must this blog end. Until next time ... Be Safe.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Thirteen

We left Lake City about 10 am and I was bushed from driving all night. I was amazed how our two GPS's couldn't decide on the right route. Toys! This was also a quiet driving day with us finally stopping in Greenville SC. That van doesn't get very good mileage and we only managed 50 mph with all our stops. What we need is a motor home ... hint ... hint. But, we had fun, laughed a lot and just chatted. That is ... when ever Lady and TL allowed us to get a word in edgewise. Despite being off the ship ... the shopping continues. Wild Mom is home, unpacking and planning her next adventure. She has also decided it was time to take down the Christmas decorations. Tomorrow is our last road day and I must sleep to be of any good.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Twelve

Were do I begin. Sunday morning started out as any other morning this past week. Breakfast at 8 and then an hour waiting to get off the boat. The difference today was we were heading home. Once we disembarked and got all our a luggage into the trailer we headed Northwest to take Wild Mom home. Dragging our bags to the opposite end of the docks is always an adventure. We headed out across Alligator Alley and boy did it live up to its name. There were a lot of them. Sometimes there were a dozen all basking on the shoreline. For some 60+ miles they lined the shore with only brief patches where they didn't lay next to another. They are very black in color and easy to spot. We did not get to see any moving ... guess it was nap time. We kept seeing one black bird that would sit on the branch with it wings out stretched and its mouth wide open. Was he trying to be lazy and let the bugs fly in? I will have to some research on that one. We finally managed to get a few pictures of the gators though we did not get very close. I made sure TL was always between them and me. I know I can out run her. We then turned north on I-75 and headed to our overnight spot in Lake City Fl. We even managed to see a wild pig and her piglets walking along the side of the interstate. Hope she doesn't cross the road or someone will be buying a new car. Green Giant, TL and HDTech remained there while Lady and I took Wild Mom home. That was a long side trip. I-10 is nothing but woods for some 280 miles. Add darkness, wind and rain and it is pretty boring at times. While at Wild Mom's, some 2 hours, we managed to chat, fix the antivirus program and her email working on her desktop and then get about 90 minutes of a power nap before heading back. We finally returned to Lake City 12 hours later after an all night drive. We dodged all the deer and wounded a possum. The trip to Milton Fl was named the Possum Run since I saw plenty of them ... had to be over 2 dozen over that stretch. The deer were also abundant but luckily none of them decided to race across in front of me.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Eleven, Sea Day 7

Well, we have departed Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas for Miami. Our most excellent adventure, at least the sea part ends at 8 am. Today was a great day as we went to the private island for a beach party. TL and I snorkeled and Lady sat in the sun working on her tan. This is the first time we have been here in about 7 years. It has really changed, mostly for the good. The only downer is they still don't have a dock and we must be tendered. Today's water made it impossible for HDTech, Green Giant and Wild Mom from going ashore. Dinner was in the Main Dining room, TSar's, and as usual the service and food were great. Most of the afternoon was spent napping and doing all those things needed to disembark tomorrow. Customs, liquor pickup, Cruise Rewards, last minute gifts, and napping are just a start of the to do list. I really got lucky in the last drawing in the Galleria. I won two prizes. The first was a bracelet made of Italian Glass and a necklace of a string of pink Pearls. Wild Mom claimed the bracelet and Lady took the Pearls. Two years running in winning the final night prizes. Maybe my luck will change this year. Entertainment consisted of the Crew Talent Show. Every act was great and interesting to see how those who have served us are so talented. Then Tim Kaminski and the Cats Pajama's brought the house down. We loved those shows. Well, time to get some sleep, the bags are packed and set outside the door.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Ten, Sea Day 6

Our last sea day is done. It finishes the trip from Costa Maya to Great Stirrup Cay. It was beautiful day of 76.4 degrees and overcast. But the sun broke through in the afternoon and the sunbathers were delighted. It didn't take long for us to find the shade and avoid getting burned. Everybody today went many different ways as we had things we wanted to do. We had breakfast in the Dining room but had lunch is the Garden Buffet as we sat in the sun. Dinner was at Teppanyaki, a Japanese Steakhouse. The Chef put a show on while he cooked our meal which turned out to be excellent. We then went to see "Cats Pajamas" and managed to get front row seats. Lady got sang too and we all acted like birds in the "Lion Sleeps Tonight." Madly rushing to the Stardust Theater, we made it in time for the Jean Ann Ryan's "Cirque Bijou." Great performance. We tried Karaoke but the people were bad ... no amount of alcohol could help them or us. Wild Mom rested today saving it up for one last blast at the beach at Great Stirrup Cay. She is planning on being Annette Funicello and hoping some of the crew will join her in a Beach Blanket Bingo. She really enjoyed the dinner at Teppanyaki. Lady and TL hit several give aways and exercised some ... believe it or not ... they are going to get serious about this when they get home. I guess the stairs finally got to them! Well, we lose an hour tonight ... so I am going to bed with no cookies or ice cream.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Nine, Sea Day 5

Costa Maya was a lot of fun. The Sun was out in full force and the temperature made it to 78.2 degrees. The port was smaller than I imagined but it was quaint and the land around it very flat for as far as we could see. We kept to our routine of Breakfast at 8:30. The ship docked so we were able to take HDTech onshore. It was amazing how much stuff was for sale in such a small area. The vendors were constantly trying to get you into their store and always wanted to deal to get you to buy from them. Green Giant got his tequila he wanted. But he has to wait until we get to Miami to get it. Wild Mom found a ring she wanted in every store but alas funds were the stopping point. Lady and TL were all over the place looking and dealing. I managed to find a bracelet for the girls in my life ... they are handmade. Wild Mom paid her dues for yesterday's escapades as she overslept in the morning and over napped in the afternoon. She did manage to collect all the charms for her bracelet. That thing must weigh 2 pounds now. The afternoon was free flow as everyone did what they wanted ... naps, sun bathing, or sitting on deck reading. The Sea Bass for dinner was excellent. We watched 2 shows by the Cats Pajamas. They are good and the show is very entertaining. Tonight ended with ice cream and cookies. We tried to get into the "Dancing With the Jewel Stars" but the place was full and sitting in the back would not have been fun.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Eight, Sea Day 4

Goodbye Belize ... it was a great day as the temperature reached 78.6 degrees and the sun came out in full force. We slept in till 8:30 and then had breakfast. Lady, Wild Mom and TL headed for town. We were tendered so they had fun on the long ride in. Speaking of fun ... Wild Mom fell for a Hispanic Tender Operator and he couldn't keep his hands off her. We need to teach him the art of "soft hands" so he won't bruise her any more. She is well and enjoying all the attention and night life on the ship. Lady managed to spend some money to in Belize City. What she bought should prove to be interesting when we get home. We, guys, sat on deck in the sun relishing its warmth. My nose took the worse ... but what the heck ... it is vacation time. I had my hot rock massage today and was very relaxed the rest of the day. Peanut needs to learn this stuff! The afternoon included more naps and ice cream ... a very important part of cruising. The evening show was called "Country Gold" and was done by the Jean Ann Ryan Dancers. "Miss Stretch Anyway but Loose" danced, once again showing the flexibility of the human body. I just can't convince Lady or TL to try it. We miss the grandkids especially on the pool deck when we see some of the other kids. Well, Lady just showed up with ice cream and cookies for a bedtime snack ... time to go!

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Seven, Sea Day 3

With Honduras in our dust, we head for Belize City and the Sun. That being said, it means our 3rd Sea day comes to a close. It started out a very lazy day with breakfast at 8:30. Any meal on ship takes about 1.25 hours to do. We didn't do any on shore excursions (we were tendered and that makes it hard for HDTech), so we just relaxed on deck in the 72.5 degree weather. SuDoku got a good workout, well, at least my mind did. Of course a few drinks were in order along with the soft serve ice cream. While the sun hid from us all day it was still beautiful. Wild Mom, Lady and TL hit the town of Roatan for some power shopping. $25 dollars later and a few miles walked, they returned to the ship ready for lunch and a nap. Dinner was at Cagney's, a superb Steak house that begs for you to eat at. We loved the meal and it was more than most of us could eat. Afterwards Green Giant decided to buy a watch. After about an hour of shopping, or better yet, questioning the pretty young lady from Saint Lucia about the watch he bought it. I didn't have the heart to tell him I bought the same watch for a fraction of the cost the "Everything $10 Store" 4 floors higher. Then we saw a young man, Chantz, do a music, tap, and jazz show. It was good but I am still waiting for the "Cats Pajamas".

Today's Weather: 72.5 Degrees and cloudy.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Six, Sea Day 2

It is getting warmer and the sun was out some this afternoon. We dock in Roatan Honduras at 8:00 am tomorrow. Another lazy day as we cruised farther south. We spent the day exploring and checking the ship out. Of course we took several short naps to keep our strength up. We eat at the big dining rooms for our meals. No since buffeting when we can get waited on hand and foot. That doesn't include the stops at the ice cream machine. For entertainment we saw the Jean Ann Ryan dancers do a show called "Band on the Run". It was 70's music. The one girl stretched and did splits that made you hurt just watching. Then we watched the "Newly Wed and Not So Newly Wed game." They had a couple married for 51 years, another for 19 and one couple married just 1 month. We laughed a lot at some of the answers and the couples reaction when the other said something equally embarrassing. Lady and TL walk about a half mile today to burn off some of the cookies and ice cream that had been consumed. Then they went to a shopping talk for the next port. My wallet got lighter even before they returned and we aren't at the port yet. Wild Mom must be sweet on one of the engineers. Her temperature control in her room would only work for about 3 hours at a time and she would call him back. ;) We called it a night at Midnight as the old eye lids got too heavy.

Current Weather: 71 Degrees and clear.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Five, Sea Day 1

Well, Day 5 has ended very well. We are on the ship and headed south to warmer weather. We started out being lazy as we were only 25 miles from the dock and couldn't check in before 12:00. The check in was hectic as usual as they tried to process 2000+ people as fast as they could. I hate all the old folks with electric wheelchairs as they are the world's worst drivers. I guess being handicap gives you the right to be a biatch. Almost every one of us were run over once by a bad wheelchair driver. We finally made it on board only to find the cabins weren't ready. So we improvised and had lunch and that was good especially topped of with soft serve ice cream, 2 cones to be exact. The afternoon was spent getting organized and unpacked divided by a evacuation drill with life preservers. Lady is so cute with hers on. Dinner was complete with good food and wine. Entertainment tonight was Tim Kaminski as very good comedian. My highlight was when they announced that Cats Pajamas would be doing 3 shows this week. They are one awesome Acappella group. After a nightcap in the 70's Disco bar we called it a night. I need my rest ... you know ... :) Wild Mom is doing good and scoping out all the single guys .. who knows what will happen by the end of the cruise. TL gave us a good laugh when she sent her stuff through the metal detector and every thing got spread between three other peoples stuff. Talk about a shoebox shuffle. Of course she has been bitten by the camera bug and sees the cruise through the lens of her camera. There is no doubt there will be plenty of pics. Right now looking out our glass sliding door we can see no lights from shore ... Bye Bye Miami! Right now we are almost past Key West headed for Roatan, Honduras. We will arrive there on Tuesday Morning. Tomorrow is a sea day so massages, Jacuzzis, eating and sunbathing are the order of the day.

Current Temperature: 50 Degrees and all the pools are 80+ degrees.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Four

Day 4 and we are in Fort Lauderdale Fl. The day started with rain and sleet. But the drive was uneventful and without incident. We didn't see much wildlife except for the numerous raccoons acting like road-kill. Wild Mom spent most of the time on the phone. And when not talking on the phone she practiced her lines ... Are we there yet? Lake Okeechobee was really big though it was hard to see sometimes because of the levees. Yesterday we saw a lot of horse farms, today we saw as many orange groves and sugar cane fields. We ended the night by eating dinner at Bubba Gumps Shrimp Company right on the Atlantic Ocean. The food was great and we had a blast looking at all the memorabilia from the movie. As we walked back to van after dinner, we saw two Princess Cruises heading out of port. Tomorrow, we have a short drive to Miami and the ship and the cruise really begins. While it is warmer here than at home, we are looking forward to the warm weather to the south.

Weather (01/09): 46 degrees and Drizzle.
Weather (01/10): 52 degrees and Partly Cloudy.
Weather in Belize: 77 degrees and Sunny.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Three

Well, we made it to Wildwood Fl. to end Day 3. It was a great drive in which most of the time we were the only car on the road. Tomorrow promises to be another great one as we go by the Everglades and Okeechobee. It was a short day so we could spend most of the time driving during daylight. We didn't see much wildlife but the views of the Gulf of Mexico were really nice. There sure are a lot of properties for sale down here. Lunch was at a hole-in-the-wall BBQ restaurant in Perry Fl. It was great BBQ and if we hadn't been travelling I think I would have ate a lot more. Dinner was at our old standby ... Denny's and it was also good. HDTech had a good day. Sometimes we wonder what goes through his mind as we ride along. Green Giant and TL were their usual selves. Playing with the GPS at times is a challenge and it is to simplify our lives? Lady was quiet today spending a lot of time cat-napping. I think she is ready for the driving to stop and spend more time walking. Wild Mom's eye is better now that she is medicating it. I just can't convince everyone to go swimming in the outdoor pool tonight. It is vacation time ... right?

Weather (01/08): 42 degrees and Cloudy.
Weather (01/09): 49 degrees and Chance of rail.
Weather in Belize: 73 and Sunny.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day Two

Day 2 was a long day but we made it to Panama City safely. We had light rain for most of the second half of the trip today. After leaving I-10 I had hoped to see some of the sights as we drove SR-77 to Lynn Haven Fl. We were running late so it was dark and not much to be seen. Biker Boy had a good day and that helps when there are a lot of miles to cover. We picked up Wild Mom so she will be able to go to the Caribbean now. We even managed to squeeze her bags into the trailer. She was so restless last night in anticipation that she scratched her eye and had to see a doctor. She is ok and except for some medicine she is fit as a fiddle for the trip. Dinner was at La Hacienda, while it was good it wasn't El Agave. Lady is well. She catnapped and chatted most of the day. Oh, we did stop at Denny's for breakfast. Hopefully we will find one tomorrow also. Tomorrow we will run down the US highways (19 & 27) to South Florida. Instead of pushing it in one day we are going to break it up into 2 easy days. Allows for more hot tub time! Bubba Gump's Shrimp on Saturday. We will get to see some of the Everglades and Okeechobee area. Who knows, maybe a gator will make an appearance. Green Giant never runs out of jokes. TL slept so much that she slept through the Eastern Time Zone and then remarked the clock was an hour off when she woke up. Of course, every one's cell phones ran down from the constant calls and texts. Good thing for car chargers!

Weather (01/07): 54 degrees and Cloudy.
Weather (01/08): 49 degrees and Chance of rail.
Weather in Belize: 82 and Sunny.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day One

Well, the day is finally here. After waiting almost a year, we have headed south to the warm weather. Wednesday was mainly a travel day ( about 450 miles) with us eventually spending the night in Greenville SC. We are about halfway to picking up Wild Mom. The scenic was great as we came straight down US-29 to I-85. Driving the Interstate makes you miss some of the great scenery the US highway provides. We splurged for lunch at MacD's and then enjoyed a good hot dinner at Cracker Barrel. Guarantee Denney's is on the menu for tomorrow. Even Lady managed not to buy out the store but we found a neat outfit for Lil Princess. Biker Boy traveled very good today. The van is a bit hill-challenged with the trailer on back but we managed to make it over them all. With luck we will pick up Wild Mom and then spend the night in Panama City. Of course this all hinges on how much did she pack ... the trailer will only hold so much. The camera's remained packed today so I have no first day photos. Green Giant kept us laughing with a steady stream of jokes and TL seemed to always be talking so we never had to turn the radio on.

Weather (01/06): 41 degrees, Sunny and Breezy.
Weather (01/07): 58 degrees, Sunny and light winds.

Rock Throwing Group

On the other side of the coin, it seems my "Rock Throwing Group" is still at it. You would think after a year of throwing rocks at the dead horse they would give up. But no, they still do and find pleasure in it. Please get a life and move on, those old bones will not come back to life so the continuing pummeling of the dead horse has no purpose except to make you feel good.

After listening to Pastor Jim on Sunday, I too agree that I am not who I should be when it comes to being a Christian. All I can do is keep trying and maybe one day get it right. I make no pretense that I have done everything right, made all the right decisions, or treated everyone correctly. I freely admit to my mistakes. But I only have to ask Jesus for forgiveness and with his blessing I am moving on. I have searched the Bible high and low and can only find one person who did it perfectly right ... and he is the one I am trying to live up too. So my little rock throwers, put your rocks away. As Christ wrote in the sand and said, "... you who are without sin cast the first stone ... " Well, you have thrown enough to kill the horse, maybe it is time you look at your life. Do you attend Church? Have you offered the olive branch of peace and forgiveness? Does your life speak to everyone as someone striving to be like Christ? I won't throw any rocks back. Stephen was stoned to death because he wouldn't lower his standards, and I won't either. What I believe to be wrong is just that ... wrong. I have my peace and forgiveness for that choice. Find another horse to stone! After more than a year ... get over it and do something else with your rocks. You have pressed for your freedom and emancipation since day one. You have it now ... so get a grip on your life and move on. Stoning this dead horse has accomplished nothing but waste a year of your freedom. Since we have been rejected because of our beliefs, we have moved on even to the point of changing our habits to avoid anywhere you frequent. If the sight of us bothers you so much why pelt us with rocks anymore and keep the memory alive? Move on and have your life with those you have so eloquently said are better than us and more of a family to you. Once again, why stone us again ... we have released you! Is it out of frustration that you have made the wrong choice and now regret it? It doesn't matter to us now ... as we live our life and move on, sadly without you in it. But that is what you wanted ... so it is a win-win situation. It is just irritating being stoned over this long dead horse. You want us to be better Christians ... well we are trying and changing our lives as Christ leads us. We suggest you might find a church to be part of and see how much Christ can change your life. It might be an eye opener! Judging Christians based on your feeling of us is the wrong way. Just because we have made mistake in our pursuit of being a Christian doesn't mean we worship the Devil ... that kind of counsel from friends, sadly shows their ignorance and reasons you should choose your friends better. Take your rocks and find something worthy to pummel.

This is my last post (I pray so) on this matter. Lady and I are moving on with our lives, we are tired of the pain and loss and sadly this new direction doesn't include you. If you insist on stoning the long dead bones of the horse ... you do so out of vindictiveness and hate ... I pray you find what Christ really means to you. Best wishes with your new family and friends. There is a time to put your rocks away and move on ... and the time is now.

The First

Well, the New Year has arrived and things are pretty much the same. The weekend was quite as was the welcoming of the New Year. We spent it with our best friends and toasted the New Year in. We would have tried it in the Hot tub but given we were just getting over our colds we chose not too. Plus, who wanted to jeopardize our vacation? The cruise is here and the trip down to the ship is now barely 48 hours away. The excitement level is building as we have waited for this time for almost a year. Wild Mom is also getting pumped as she finishes up her packing and preparations. We will pick her up Thursday and then head for Miami. The crud is making its rounds at the house. Me and Lady are past it while #1 has it good. Maybe he will learn NyQuil isn't the solution and all he got from drinking all those bottles is a lite buzz. Peanut is back to school today and starts the final stretch to graduate. AJ is all energy and such a blast to watch. He is trying to carry on a conversation but us adults haven't quite figured out kidspeech, especially from a 2 year old. Lil Princess is growing and becoming such a little lady. Lew had a sleep over this weekend so we didn't get to spend anytime with him. We wonder how much change will occur with them after we are gone for 2 weeks. Hopefully, #1 and #2 have included getting a job as their New Year resolution ... at least we can hope so! Starr is having a blast especially since she now has two new cats. Cats and Dogs ... the perfect storm on the horizon. It is good to see her happy and moving on with her life.

Good bye Jim Zorn. Sorry you were fired instead of the meddling and micro-managing owner with no football savvy. he is good at making money but no amount of money can buy you football smarts. Worse yet, you were fired because of the misfits the owner saddled you with. I have to say they were a pretty sorry lot. Old players trying to maintain their past glory, overpaid players soaking the team, and a few more who could care less and only worried about not getting hurt or doing what they were paid to do ... mainly play football at a professional level. Fire the team would be a good start and the best move would be to get the owner to quit being the coach.