Meaning of Flag Draped Coffin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John's Chicken Farm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sprint to a Wedding

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

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

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

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

Road Trip Prep

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

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

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

Summer Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Finally Makes it

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

Down to the Homestead!

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

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

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

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

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

Soap Box Sunday

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

Soap Box time --

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

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

Easter 2011

The greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master.

• Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher.
• Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer.
• He had no army, yet kings feared him.
• He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world.
• He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
• He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Praise Him and get on his winning side!

SpringTime 2011

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

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

Ponderings of a Different Sort

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USBC Nationals - Final Day

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

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

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

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

USBC Nationals - Day Nine

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

Guess I better get some sleep.

USBC Nationals - Day Eight

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

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

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

Other interesting things going on:

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

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

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

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

USBC Nationals - Day Seven

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

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

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

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

USBC Nationals - Day Six

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

USBC Nationals - Day Five

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

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

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

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

USBC Nationals - Day Four

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

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

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

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

USBC Nationals - Day Three

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

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

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

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

USBC Nationals - Day Two

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

USBC Nationals - Day One

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

Slow Friday

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

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

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

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

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

My Yen's Worth

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

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

Recap 01

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

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

Moment To Think

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

Dear Dad:

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

Love, Your Son John


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

Last of the February Soap Box

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

** End of Light Reading **

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

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

Oh Hum

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

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

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

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

Life Marches On!

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

Fun Times Again - II

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

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

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

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

Fun Times Again

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

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

Truckers Corner:

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

Gulp!

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

Blog #701

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

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

It is a Wonderful Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy 35th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary
© Kirk A. Finney

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

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

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

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

Jesus

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

Southern Ten Commandments

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

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

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

November Vacation - Final

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

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

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

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

November Vacation - II

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

November Vacation

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

Turkey Day 2010

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

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

Thank You Princess for a special memory.

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

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

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

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

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

Where Has the Time Gone?

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

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

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

Leaves are a Changing Time!

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

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

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

Happily, the Redskins continue their losing ways.

Only 9 more months till the Tour De France returns.

Take this Job and Shove it

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

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

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

New version of 23rd Psalm?

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

Color Change Days

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

58 ... Last Night? Brrrr

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

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

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

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